Center of Attention
Some extra attention for a few centrist, moderate, and independent bloggers ... Orlando Machete wonders if U.S. Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee, a Texas Democrat, has jumped off the deep end with her apparent, newfound love for the Land of Hugo Chavez. At The Reaction, Libby Spencer examines questions about the utility of killing al-Qaeda leaders, including the Grand Poobah (bin … [Read more...] about Center of Attention
Should News Entertain Or Inform — Or Both?
INDIO, California -- It is the buzz up here at the Riverside County Fair, where I have been performing three shows a day in my other incarnation since Feb. 16. It's the subject of conversation among entertainers, some of the people who have booths in the main vendors' buildling and others. What's going to happen to Anna Nicole Smith's baby? Who was the real father? And why … [Read more...] about Should News Entertain Or Inform — Or Both?
Who’s The “Real” Secretary Of State?
U.S. Generals Threatening to Resign and … Israel Preparing to Attack Iran?
The Times of London reports that several U.S. generals and admirals are threatening to resign if George Bush gives the order to attack Iran. “There are four or five generals and admirals we know of who would resign if Bush ordered an attack on Iran,â€? a source with close ties to British intelligence said. “There is simply no stomach for it in the Pentagon, and a lot of … [Read more...] about U.S. Generals Threatening to Resign and … Israel Preparing to Attack Iran?
The Lessons of ‘Lawrence of Arabia’
Arab tribal leaders Sherif Ali (Omar Sharif) and Auda abu Tayi (Anthony Quinn) When the word tribal comes up in connection with Iraq and the Middle East, most Americans turn off. The concept of tribes is a dialogue killer. Because no matter how Americans may view George Bush's war, most see the Iraqi people as shiftless, intellectually vapid, morally suspect and content … [Read more...] about The Lessons of ‘Lawrence of Arabia’
Economic Surge Needed
An interesting column by Fareed Zakaria over at Newsweek. Fareed argues that the military surge in Iraq "tackles the conflict that defined Iraq from 2003 to 2005—the insurgency—rather than the civil war now raging across the country." Even "worse, in trying to solve yesterday's problem we are exacerbating today's." He goes on to write that: In Baghdad, Shiite militias … [Read more...] about Economic Surge Needed
Mary Martin As Peter Pan: “I’m flying!”
Baby boomers growing up in the 1950s faced a choice. Which Peter Pan was the REAL Peter Pan? Was it stage star legend Mary Martin's Broadway-based musical Peter Pan? Or Walt Disney's cartoon Peter Pan? And which would stand the test of time? The answer to that is that Disney's Peter Pan eventually triumphed, although Kathy Rigby did a wonderful revival of the stage musical … [Read more...] about Mary Martin As Peter Pan: “I’m flying!”
The Oscars Are Tonight
Here are some Oscar picks (and a thought and debate provoking analysis) from Booker Rising. … [Read more...] about The Oscars Are Tonight
“Myth of Muslim Support for Terror”
On top is the heading of the article Kenneth Ballen wrote in The Christian Science Monitor. "The common enemy is violence and terrorism, not Muslims any more than Christians or Jews. "Those who think that Muslim countries and pro-terrorist attitudes go hand-in-hand might be shocked by new polling research: Americans are more approving of terrorist attacks against civilians … [Read more...] about “Myth of Muslim Support for Terror”
Cable News Clowns
DVD Reviews
At TMV we try to do some DVD reviews ourselves, but due lack of time we don't do it as often as we would like. Luckily there are other people who do write and publish reviews. Take a look at the following reviews by Dan Schneider: Everyday People: In 2004 HBO Films decided to try their hand at the polemical subject of race in New York. Usually, this results in ill wrought … [Read more...] about DVD Reviews
Literary Quote of the Day: Francis Bacon
Today's literary quote of the day is from sir Francis Bacon's Of Great Place. For good thoughts (though God accept them) yet, towards men, are little better than good dreams, except they be put in act; and that cannot be, without power and place, as the vantage, and commanding ground. Share your thoughts on today's literary quote in the comment section of this post. … [Read more...] about Literary Quote of the Day: Francis Bacon
McCain Flip Flops
Gore to Carter: Dude… Stop Calling Me!
Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter would endorse former V.P. Al Gore if Gore would decide to run for President. Carter, however, also notes that he'll most likely won't run. The former Democratic President asserted Gore could accomplish much more in the White House than he ever could as a private citizen, saying to Stephanopoulos, "His burning issue now is global warming and … [Read more...] about Gore to Carter: Dude… Stop Calling Me!
Chris Dodd
Giuliani Leads in Poll
(I wrote this post for TMV but when I wanted to publish it I saw that Joe posted about it already as well so... I decided to publish it at my own blog) A Rasmussen poll shows that his lead on Hillary Clinton has increased from six to nine points. In a match-up between the early 2008 frontrunners, former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani (R) leads New York Senator Hillary … [Read more...] about Giuliani Leads in Poll
More On The Walter Reed Army Medical Center Scandal
Read this MUST READ POST by a miliblogger who is an Army major wounded in Iraq who has had some surgeries there. Our reader writes: "The articles in the Washington Post over this past weekend helped to shine some more light on the many problems at Walter Reed. But despite the good that will come from it, this really was agenda-driven journalism. What Chuck writes, on the … [Read more...] about More On The Walter Reed Army Medical Center Scandal
The Dance of the Dragonflies
We're in the late February doldrums where I live in the U.S. There are banks of dirty snow on shaded slopes. Enough black ice on sidewalks and streets in the morning that bike riding is hazardous. Not much sun. That and the depressing world scene leads me to share a hot-weather essay on a favorite topic. Enjoy. Dragonflies are among the world’s most ancient creatures and … [Read more...] about The Dance of the Dragonflies
Poll Shows Giuliani’s Potential And Hillary Clinton’s Vulnerabilities
A Rasmussen poll shows two things: (1) Republican former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani is undergoing his own "surge" ...upwards, at the expense of Arizona Senator John McCain...and he could beat Hillary Clinton in a hypothetical matchup. (2) Senator Hillary Clinton does not seem to be winning over many new voters. Are their minds totally made up on her? If so, some … [Read more...] about Poll Shows Giuliani’s Potential And Hillary Clinton’s Vulnerabilities