I was saddened to learn of Charlton Heston's death right after seeing a rerun of Stardust: The Bette Davis Story, a Turner Classic Movies documentary on the life of the extraordinary if troubled actress. While any comparison between the gorgeously handsome Heston and the gorgeously strange Davis may seem inapt, one leaped out at me: As actors, Heston did pretty well with … [Read more...] about Charlton Heston Was No Bette Davis
McCain Letterman Barb Exchanges Shows McCain’s Ease On TV
Democrats need to factor into their calculations the fact that presumptive GOP President nominee Senator John McCain is totally relaxed and comes across as quite likable in front of the TV cameras. Just watch this exchange from a few days on David Letterman's Show. First, Letterman delivers his zingers and then McCain. The jokes are obviously prepared but note (a) the … [Read more...] about McCain Letterman Barb Exchanges Shows McCain’s Ease On TV
Around The Campaign 2008 Sphere April 6, 2008
The conventional wisdom still has Senator Barack Obama ahead of Senator Hillary Clinton. Why do so many people hate Clinton? And is there a little-advertised way Democratic candidates can make it more likely that they win elections? Here's our latest linkfest taking you to blogs of varying viewpoints, with a few comments of our own. Links do not necessarily reflect the opinion … [Read more...] about Around The Campaign 2008 Sphere April 6, 2008
Clinton: “This is not a coronation.” New Yorkers suppress gag reflex.
Only you, dear reader, can judge whether or not I make an effort to see both sides of the story when covering political events. But when I read this ABC account of a Q&A session Senator Hillary Clinton held in Oregon last night, my irony, credulity and nausea meters all pegged out into the red zone. But [Clinton's] calm tone and relaxed demeanor soon became sharp and fiery. … [Read more...] about Clinton: “This is not a coronation.” New Yorkers suppress gag reflex.
Israel 60-Year-Old In May 2008
A birthday celebration of a nation should also be an occasion for sober introspection. Israel and Palestine have become such emotive issues that few are ready to discuss the plight of these two (and their people) without taking sides. I have great love, admiration and sympathy for both Israelis (Jews and others) and Palestinians who have been caught up in a vicious circle … [Read more...] about Israel 60-Year-Old In May 2008
The World Reacts to the Death of Charlton Heston …
Say what one will about his political positions, especially his staunch defense of the right to bear arms, Charlton Heston meant alot to alot of Americans. In homage to his death, WORLDMEETS.US will be posting foreign press reaction to his death throughout the next few days. We have begun by posting articles from the British, beginning with the The Times obituary, and from … [Read more...] about The World Reacts to the Death of Charlton Heston …
Are the Tarheels Set to Tar and Feather Hillary?
Even given the caveat that the only things certain about polls this year are that 1.) they're usually wrong and 2.) they'll change next week, it's hard to ignore the portents from the latest Rasmussen numbers out of North Carolina. In a state where Obama was already predicted to clean up better than a Dyson vacuum cleaner, the poll results show him with a staggering 23 point … [Read more...] about Are the Tarheels Set to Tar and Feather Hillary?
The Ingenuity of Engineering Students
Indianapolis Star: The Purdue Society of Professional Engineers knows how to make a hamburger. Before a crowd of more than 1,500 people Saturday in the Purdue University Armory, the team came away with first prize in the 2008 national Rube Goldberg Machine Contest. Advertisement The Purdue engineers beat six other teams from colleges across the country, including … [Read more...] about The Ingenuity of Engineering Students
When boys cry wolf
I wrote last week about the Houston Chronicle's incomplete description of an at-large suspect. I'm still troubled by the implications there, but there have been further developments in the story itself. It turns out the boy made the story up. (I wrote more here.) Which of the following presents a bigger hazard to society, do you think? 1. PC-driven, incomplete … [Read more...] about When boys cry wolf
In Iraq, Patriotism is a ‘Relic from a Prior Age’
Iraqi forces head to Basra on an American C-130, April 3. But will they battle their feuding Shiite brethren after they arrive? In light of the recent Shiite-on-Shiite battles raging in Iraq's most important port city, Basra, what do the words 'patriotism,' 'freedom,' and 'sovereignty' mean to Iraqis? After being occupied by the United States and others for the past five … [Read more...] about In Iraq, Patriotism is a ‘Relic from a Prior Age’
Does the Iraq War have an Expiration Date?
This weekend finds a dueling pair of highly interesting opinion pieces on the legality of the Iraq war after the ball drops in Time Square this New Years eve. They are found with Bruce Ackerman’s and Oona Hathaway’s column in the Washington post which is then challenged by Adam White at Slate Magazine. The theory put forth in the Post entry seems simple enough at first glance. … [Read more...] about Does the Iraq War have an Expiration Date?
Charlton Heston (1923-2008)
Obituary... More here... … [Read more...] about Charlton Heston (1923-2008)
Blog Till You Drop: A Deadly Addiction…
I have been a co-blogger at The Moderate Voice for nearly three years now. After alcohol and cigarettes, I found blogging to be highly addictive. I gave up smoking two years ago (one addicition at a time please!!!) and have heavily reduced my intake of alcohol. My wife/mother ensure that I have meals at the right time, and begin to howl in protest when I am at the computer for … [Read more...] about Blog Till You Drop: A Deadly Addiction…
Couldn’t Happen to Nicer Folks
The Phelps Family Ghouls (the 'God Hates Gays' Baptists who picket funerals) may lose their property to the courts as a consequence of their hateful actions. Topeka KS Capital-Journal: A federal judge in Maryland on Thursday ordered liens on the Westboro Baptist Church building and the Phelps-Chartered Law office. If the case presided over by U.S. District Court Judge … [Read more...] about Couldn’t Happen to Nicer Folks
It’s Been 40 Years Since the Death of Martin Luther King!
The impact that Martin Luther King had in the United States is well-known to us. The effect he had on the rest of the world less-so. Referring to the 1958 Montgomery Bus Boycott boycott, Enrique Dussel writes for Mexico's La Jornada, "It was a routine 'event' that would launch Martin Luther [King] into history. Such 'events' are always of humble origin, but resonate strongly … [Read more...] about It’s Been 40 Years Since the Death of Martin Luther King!
News From the Israeli and Palestinian Front: April 5th
A biweekly feature of news and opinion pieces from the Israeli and Palestinian press. 1.) Israeli analyst Daniel Levy notes that Condoleezza Rice's recent visit to Israel did not lead to any progress on settlement issues. On the contrary: "The tarmac had barely cooled off from Secretary Rice’s departure earlier in the week and the Israeli government was already announcing … [Read more...] about News From the Israeli and Palestinian Front: April 5th
Low Bush Polls And Historical Ranking Negative For McCain Presidential Campaign
Republican presumptive Presidential nominee Senator John McCain is now riding high in the polls and in his cross-country image building trip: he can watch the two Democratic Presidential wannabes bloody themselves (and their party) up. But he faces a ticking time bomb in November: he's running a campaign deferential to President George Bush when polls and historian rankings … [Read more...] about Low Bush Polls And Historical Ranking Negative For McCain Presidential Campaign
Health Tourism In India: Remarkable Strides
India has not only pipped China to become Asia's most popular destination for conducting clinical trials, but also emerged as a favourite country attracting a large number of medical tourists from the world, according to a high-level 10-month long study by India's Planning Commission. "The report said while a heart bypass surgery would cost a patient $6,000 in India, the … [Read more...] about Health Tourism In India: Remarkable Strides
Of Nancy Pelosi and Who Controls the Iraq War
I must admit that I was of two minds after reading about Nancy Pelosi issuing stern warnings to Gen. David Petraeus regarding his (and Ambassador Ryan Crocker’s) upcoming testimony before Congress assessing the situation in Iraq. On the one hand, there was an element of common sense to it which held some appeal. It would be in none of our best interests to have military leaders … [Read more...] about Of Nancy Pelosi and Who Controls the Iraq War
Obama Can’t Win
Bob Englehart, The Hartford Courant … [Read more...] about Obama Can’t Win