If they put it in a movie it would seem terribly trite: the murder of the family of a judge presiding over a case involving white supremecists — who reportedly are now celebrating the murders on the Internet. But it's for real...here in 21st Century America. And, today, Joan Humphrey Lefkow, finds herself living her worst nightmare as officials scramble to find a … [Read more...] about Murder Of A Judge’s Family: Was It A White Supremecists’ Hit?

If you're in India you can stock (no pun intended) up on some interesting Hindu nationalist products: potions, lotions and medicines made out of 100 percent, real cow-dung and cow urine. A lot went into these products, in the end. A new goratna (cow products) stall at the Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) souvenir shop is rapidly outselling dry political tracts, badges, flags … [Read more...] about Products That REALLY Are B.S.

Egads, and here I thought The Moderate Voice was so distinctive: it turns out that there are 8 million people publishing blogs, according to the Wall Street Journal. Do all of you want to exchange links? Yes, blogging is becoming so commonplace it's almost in danger of becoming uncool — except, the Journal tells us, it's a big boon for business: The blog as business … [Read more...] about Blogs: We’re One In 8 Million

One of the judges working on the trial of Sadaam Hussein was assassinated yesterday in Baghdad — perhaps the opening salvo in an attempt to intimidate those who are daring to bring Hussein to justice. MSNBC reports: BAGHDAD, Iraq - A judge working on the special tribunal established to try Saddam Hussein and other senior officials in his toppled regime was assassinated … [Read more...] about Intimidating The Judges, Iraqi Style?

The Supreme Court has nixed the policy in 19 states that allows the execution of murderers who were under 18 when they committed their crimes — seemingly ending a chapter in a long debate...and perhaps opening a new one. In reality, this is unlikely to be a "feast or famine" style ruling: it's highly unlikely this is going to mean the streets will suddenly be filled with … [Read more...] about Supreme Court Bans Execution Of Juveniles

In yet another indication that Russian President Vladimir Putin has dictatorial inclinations, there's news that he's starting a Putin Youth group. This is chilling and here's why: according to the Telegraph (linked above), the group has been set up specifically to counter anti-government demonstrations at a time when Putin's popularity is plummeting — and it has already … [Read more...] about More Bad News From Russia: The Putin Youth

President George Bush and the conservative group USANext have gotten some bad news via a new poll that shows support for Social Security reform is dipping while 3/4 polled approve of the AARP. The A USA TODAY/CNN/Gallup Poll shows that far from making progress on selling the plan, support for the issue is shrinking. And if USANext hopes to soften up support for the AARP it … [Read more...] about Support For Bush On Social Security Plan Dips

Get ready for a big decision (if they rule on it): the 10 Commandments are before the Supreme Court -- and this time Moses isn't around to argue for them: One federal court upheld them as a symbol of the country's devotion to its legal heritage. Another federal court ordered them removed as an illicit message of religious endorsement. Fifteen months ago, Alabama's chief … [Read more...] about Ten Commandments Reach The Supreme Court

Can someone explain to me what has gotten into the skulls of politicos — the most recent offenders Republican politicos — who pass off official messages as news reports? Isn't it patently offensive to voters of ALL PARTIES to read about a government doing something as sleazy as this: SACRAMENTO — Using taxpayer money, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's … [Read more...] about Fake TV Ads…This Time From California

The New Editor has a fascinating story about an aspiring mini-revolution in Vermont that is taking place largely under the radar screen of the national media. It comes to a head today when one-fifth of Vermont towns will consider what role the Vermont National Guardshould play in the war, and whether American troops should be withdrawn. The New Editor notes: The next time you … [Read more...] about Vermont: A Town Meeting Revolt?

Now HERE's an actress who has a nice outlook on life. You read about her and you want to see her movies, to show your support. The actress is Halle Berry, who had the sublime honor of being named worst actress of 2004 by the Golden Raspberry Award Foundation for her performance in "Catwoman," by all accounts a truly putrid film. (George W. Bush won the "Razzie" worst actor of … [Read more...] about An Actress With C-L-A-S-S

Once upon a time there was a German artist named Gunther von Hagens. He made displays of preserved human corpses stripped of skin. It sort of looked like school food. He was controversial but some loved him for his unusual art. It's understandable: what better anniversary gift than old, withering tightly pulled skin? After all, you see that on faces all the time on faces of … [Read more...] about Art That’s Truly Dead

Pope John Paul II again this weekend showed his determination to give every ounce of his energy to the people on earth. Even after surgery, he insisted on waving at crowds below. It doesn't matter what religion you are. He's a religious leader whose life, thirst for freedom and grit will be the stuff of history and legend as long as human beings walk the face of the earth. … [Read more...] about He Has Our Prayers

If you think it's been quiet on the U.S. homeland since 911 you're not alone: terrorist chief Osama bin Laden also reportedly feels the same way — and has urged Abu Musab al-Zarqawi to focus on attacks within the U.S. Is this surprising? Not really. The question is whether in the wake of 911 it's going to be more difficult for bin Laden to achieve his attack goals - … [Read more...] about Bin Laden To Terrorist Protege: Hit The U.S.

Is the resignation of Lebanon's pro-Syrian government amid massive street demonstrations a sign of the growing potency of "people power" and warning shot fired across the bow of the Syrian government? It certainly seems that way. Today has been one of the most historical days ever for Lebanon — and a day in which American neocons may be reaching for the champagne. Of … [Read more...] about Lebanon’s Big D/R Day

Yet another bad news story involving Syria: A Chinese news agency reports that Israel has proof Syria was involved in a recent attack there and is briefing European leaders: JERUSALEM, Feb. 28 (Xinhuanet) — Israeli Military Intelligence insisted Monday that Israel has proof of Syrian's involvement in last Friday's suicide bombing in Tel Aviv, in which five Israelis were … [Read more...] about Israel Reportedly Offers Proof Of Syrian Involvement In Attacks

Yes, you learn something new every day. I did from this True Facts list. A few tidbits from this long list: Sports Illustrated magazine allows subscribers to opt out of receiving the famous swimsuit issue each year. Fewer than 1% choose this option. There is a company that will (for $14,000) take your ashes, compress them into a synthetic diamond to be set in jewelry for a … [Read more...] about Funny Facts

The struggle escalated in Iraq today as a suicide bomber killed 105 people -- one of the biggest outrages there so far -- and wounded 130. This was the single bloodiest attack since Sadaam Hussein fell in April 2003. Reuters: The bomber drove a car into a crowd of people queuing outside a government building in the town of Hilla, 100 km (62 miles) south of the capital. Many … [Read more...] about Suicide Bomber in Iraq Kills More than 100

Is it just me, or was Chris Rock just OK — nothing to rave about — as Oscar host? The advance billing was that Rock, as a "cutting edge" comedian, was going to open a new chapter in the Oscars by taking comedy yet another step into the 21st Century. There have been comedic shifts before: Johnny Carson replaced Bob Hope as emcee, signalling a generational change … [Read more...] about Notes On The Oscars And Chris Rock

...at a blog representing yet another sign of how the blog revolution is spreading far and wide. It's this blog by Jerry Brown, Oakland's high profile mayor and former governor of California. In a way you have to wonder what took him so long: his personality is perfectly suited to doing a lively blog. Our only complaint so far is that his posts have been so limited. But it is … [Read more...] about Take A Peek….