If you missed the Oscars last night (as I did) here is some GREAT LIVE BLOGGING that will fill you in. … [Read more...] about Oscars: “Hooray For Hollywood”
Cheney Chest Thumping
The Empire Strikes Back
Kos responds to the TNR buyout. TNR's apology for its support of the Iraq war continues to yield Needa-esque results. … [Read more...] about The Empire Strikes Back
Sacrificing Freedom for Safety
Many people rightfully criticize the Bush administration for sacrificing freedoms for (a feeling of) safety but European governments do the exact same thing. In Germany, a proposal from the Ministry of Justice would essentially prohibit using false information to create an e-mail account, making the standard Internet practice of creating accounts with pseudonyms illegal. A … [Read more...] about Sacrificing Freedom for Safety
Obama on Iraq in 2002
H/t Andrew Sullivan who comments: "He was right. I was wrong. This clip is impressive." … [Read more...] about Obama on Iraq in 2002
GM Chrysler
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!