You can get Chris Bowers' mid-term predictions here (PDF). He's a Democratic partisan, and admits he might be a touch optimistic, but it's got a lot of info. Upshot: He's predicting a net gain of 16-25 seats for the Democrats. … [Read more...] about MYDD’s Election Predictions

(TMV NOTE: We'll be keeping this post on top and a bit out of order for some of today. Please scroll down because some NEWER posts will be below it.) The first part of my exclusive interview with New York Times columnist Tom Friedman is now available at my blog. You can access part one here, focusing on the Israel/Lebanon conflict and its fall-out. … [Read more...] about Debate Link Exclusive Interview

Will President Musharraf invite the "wrath of the bees" after killing Sardar Akbar Bugti, a powerful rebel leader of Balochistan province of Pakistan on the highly sensitive border of Iran and Afghanistan? Some say that it is a matter of time before the "bees" settle down. But others fear that this killing could further destabilise Pakistan. "A general strike called by the … [Read more...] about Has President Musharraf Hit Deadly Baloch Beehive?

Yesterday two kidnapped Fox News reporters were released. And, in that context, the must read of the day IS HERE. "The War Tourists" by Boston Herald City Editor Jules Crittendon. This must read will give you a better idea of the press covering the Iraq war, Middle East and other conflicts. It must be read IN FULL but here's a small part of it:My buddy Sig is back in Iraq, in … [Read more...] about Journalists Covering War: “The War Tourists” (UPDATED)

Our linkfest presenting you with interesting links from VARYING viewpoints. Linked views do not necessary reflect the opinion of this site. A Former Top Aide To Ross Perot Has Some Advice For Senator Joe Lieberman in Lieberman's bid to be re-elected as an independent. And Orson Swindle's advice might not be what you think. Two highlights of a post that needs to be read in its … [Read more...] about Around The Sphere August 28, 2006

THIS JUST IN from investgative reporter Andy Borowitz:Pluto Demoted, But Not Rumsfeld Scientists Baffled By Defense Secretary's Staying Power Scientists who gathered in Prague last week to strip Pluto of its planet status said today that they were "baffled" that Pluto had been demoted but that Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld still clung to his position of power. Dr. … [Read more...] about This Just In!

Click on the You Tube screen below and here, courtesy of Hungry's version of American Idol, we're sending you a little L-O-V-E: … [Read more...] about We’re All Sending You Something UNUSUAL For A Weblog

Nasrallah admits he miscalculated and would not have launched his attack had he known the extent of the Israeli retaliation. Meanwhile, exciting news, TMVers. As I allude to in the post, I just conducted an interview with New York Times columnist Tom Friedman. I'll be posting the first segment of it on Monday. And when I do, you all will be the first to know. … [Read more...] about Hezbollah In Error

For details read James Joyner's post in which he notes two interesting details — one of which you won't see in news stories: The two men were forced to convert to Islam at gunpoint. Yes, we're SURE this conversion will one they will follow all of their lives. (This should be a relief because it's proof that terrorists aren't rocket scientists). He notes: … [Read more...] about Kidnapped Fox Journalists Are Freed

While many Democrats remain fixated on defeating Joe Lieberman's run for re-election as an independent with growing GOP support, a race that many Democrats had felt was almost in the bag now ain't: Rick Santorum is gaining ground in his re-election bid. UPDATE: But there is another way of looking at this... … [Read more...] about Rick Santorum Gains In Pennsylvania Race (UPDATED)

Here's yet another example of how governments — democracies, in particular — must constantly re-evaluate their internal security due to the terrorist threat:BERLIN – With the second suspect in a nearly successful train bombing now in custody, Germany is being forced to reevaluate how secure it really is, given that the attacks were stopped by a technical glitch, … [Read more...] about Terrorism Causes Germany To Consider Increased Surveillance

Could it be this? … [Read more...] about Will There Be An “October Surprise”?

Breaking News: Comair/Delta Plane Crashes In Lexington Cincinnati's WCPO TV-9Police are reporting a plane has crashed in Lexington, Kentucky. It happened around 6:00 Sunday morning. WTVQ in Lexington said they are getting reports that a Delta plane took off from the Blue Grass Airport and then crashed in a field nearby. Lexington Police also tell 9News the coroner is on the … [Read more...] about UPDATED: Local Airplane Disaster

Here's a GEM from the early Laurel and Hardy short "Men 'O War." It's their famous Soda Fountain Skit. Notice: --That this is one of the more verbal of their routines. --Their adept use of slapstick. --The guy at the soda fountain, supporting player Jimmy Finlayson, who often played their foil. He originated the "DOH!" expression now used by Homer Simpson. --Abbott and … [Read more...] about Comedy Greats: Laurel & Hardy’s Soda Fountain Skit

Which door should the U.S. choose? (And if it chooses the wrong door, is it stepping in Number Two?) … [Read more...] about Iraq, Iran And Door Number Three?

From moderate cartoonist Tom Briscoe: … [Read more...] about You Need More Credit Cards

A debate-provoking cartoon from Cox & Forkum: Profiling remains a high controversial and emotional issue. Those who are unjustly fall into the net cast by those using profiles are upset because they feel they're being stereotyped, singled out and persecuted beause they've done nothing wrong. On the other hand, if it turns out that the threat is coming from X number of … [Read more...] about Profiled

On a visit to Kenya, U.S. Senator Barack Obama took a public AIDS test, using his celebrity status there in the hopes that he might inspire others to get tested in the AIDS-ravaged region. Iowa Law Professor Adrien Wing applauds his efforts (as do I), and wonders if a similar gesture in America might also act to encourage African-Americans to get tested--as AIDS is devastating … [Read more...] about Obama’s AIDS Test

Several former Israeli diplomats are trying to sue Mahmoud Ahmadinejad in the ICC for just that crime. … [Read more...] about Incitement to Commit Genocide?

Do you notice how anger has replaced attempts to reason? … [Read more...] about The State Of American Political Debate