January 06, 2009
Laws Have Meaning
I realize that Blago is either the dumbest or the most corrupt politician (or both!) in America these days. I follow that much.
What I don't get is why the US Senate is refusing to seat Burris. Follow me here:
1. Blago is the governor.
1A) He might not be for long, but he is now.
2. The laws in Illinois say that the Governor gets to pick someone to serve out a seat if a Senator leaves.
3. Obama (a sitting Senator) left.
4. Blago choose someone (Burris).
What am I missing here? I understand that everyone is worked up over Blago, and that Burris has said some odd things, but in what legal way is Burris not a Senator? I understand the politics here (Blago = BAD!), but this is stupid.
Between refusing Burris, Feinstein hosing Panetta, and wavering on Franken, the Democrats in the Senate seem to be trying to showcase why Americans like to vote Republican.
Peter Howard Defends the Panetta Pick
This makes a lot of sense to me.
He knows Washington. He knows the White House, and he knows how to serve the President, who is the CIA's main client. Lets not underestimate this kind of experience - most are looking for supply-side, Intel product production experience. Panetta has consumer, client-based experience. He knows what needs to come out of the agency, and can press the agency to produce a higher quality product that is at is useful to for the President. He also knows the budget and the Hill, so he can get the agency the money it needs and build a positive relationship with Congress.
If he stands up for his people, rewards good work, and puts together a good management team, he can do well. Recall that one former DCI, George Bush, had no intel experience when he took over, and he seems to have done quite well for himself, as they named the building after him.
The Beautiful and the Damned
There's going to be another film adaptation of a Scott Fitzgerald novel. This one will star Keira K.
The Spirit
That is one bad movie. It's funny here and there, and there are certainly worse things in the world than looking at Eva Mendes, but I think giving it a C- grade would be generous.
But hey, I got to see both Casablancas brothers in the previews, and at least that brought a smile to my face.
January 05, 2009
CNN's Sudden Concern About the Deficit
Yeah, suuuure the traditional media and CNN are friendly to Democrats. I think I've heard more reporters (not economists mind you) worrying about the deficit and federal spending over the course of this morning than I heard over the entirity of the Bush administration. This isn't to say they are tax-cut friendly (Krugman is very concerned about the size of those) - they appear to be cringing about both tax cuts and spending. Because the anchor just did the math and noted ... we're going to be spending more money than we are taking in!
One really wonders 1) where these people were while Bush exploded the deficit the last 8 years, and 2) if they understand even the slightest thing about the current economic situation.
January 04, 2009
Tom Craddick Is Out
Craddick has been an enormously influential figure in Texas politics. He's represented Midland in the Texas House since 1969. In 2003 he became Speaker of the House, the first Republican Speaker of the Texas House, and has ruled over that body with an iron hand. But that day has ended. He is no longer seeking reelection to the Speakership. It remains to be seen if he can block a coalition of his opponents from taking power - but regardless he will not reign in Austin as he has.
The 2008 Supporting Actresses Blogathon
Some of the most striking acting turns of 2008 are celebrated here - both those you'd expect and some you really wouldn't, but which are great nonetheless.
Oh Eli - For Fit, and For Fat
So I've got the Miami-Baltimore game on, and in one commercial break there's the Giants QB advocating a fitness initiative. And then in a following commercial break, there he is with his brother and the Williams sisters doing an ad for Oreos. It's a cute ad, but he might want to have a chat with his press agent about presenting a more consistent public face.
January 03, 2009
The Next Doctor Who
Him? Color me skeptical. But given how good the writing is - and that it should get even better with Moffat taking over the show - even if he's not one of the best Doctors, the show will likely remain worth tuning in for.
Can Joe Straus Unseat Tom Craddick?
The alway controversial Speaker of the Texas House has a new challenger - an unexpected one. Maybe Democrats shouldn't support him, but unseating Craddick has been top goal of many for years.
Well Clint Eastwood Does Want to Take Down the Bullies ...
One presumes he wouldn't favor taking things this far, but since he does seem to think thoughtless violence is the way to solve the problems of teenagers ...
Synechdoche, NY
It's very well made. I merits the accolades it's gotten. It's an impressive achievement. But, that said, it's difficult to like.
Though I will say that even though it may be hard to warm to, I thought the performances by Hoffman and Watson were superb and I find it very odd that two actors who are so widely admired haven't gotten more awards consideration for their top-notch work in a film of such high quality.
January 02, 2009
Colorado's Next Senator - Michael Bennet
An unexpected choice, and surely one that'll annoy the "but s/he's never won an election! and he's being appointed, not elected!" set that's howling over the possibility of Caroline Kennedy's appointment in New York.
UPDATE: Here's a profile of his work with the Denver schools.
January 01, 2009
The Rose Bowl at the Half, USC 31 - Penn State 7
It's so very predictable, USC is crushing the best of what the Big 10 has to offer. It appears to be 30 minutes away from its 24th overall Rose Bowl win, and it's third in a row. Notwithstanding Iowa's big win today over Spurrier's Gamecocks, the Big 10 is looking terrible this bowl season.
Roland Burris and Ronaldo Cruz
His own words, his supporters' words, his masoleum, pushing for the execution of an innocent man - it seems like every day there's some new story out there that will make it easier to marginalize and mock Roland Burris.
Happy New Year!
We're all back from the travels of the last couple of weeks, and waking up to a new year of ice and snow. I'm hitting the snooze on getting back to blogging and facing the world. Hope everyone is cozy with a nice cuppa something, and a dog or cat or two snuggling alongside.
December 31, 2008
Bobby Rush's Supposed Commitment to Having a Black Senator
So the Chicago congressman thinks blocking the appointment of Roland Burris is akin to a lynching. And yet when he had the opportunity to support a black candidate for an open US Senate seat in 2004 he opted to oppose Barack Obama and support (white) Blair Hull instead. If Rush had his way there wouldn't have been a black senator for the last four years.
December 30, 2008
"What you have just said is absolutely wrong"
Hamlet II
If I had one complaint about nursing it would be that you don't get to make-out with your patients.
The movie has a few funny lines and concepts (I loved the influence and wisdom of the Barthes-quoting tiny drama critic), but I can only give it a C. Steve Coogan is a funny guy, but this movie was just far too uneven.
Blago Will Name Roland Burris to Obama's Senate Seat
Will be interesting to see the reaction to this.
December 29, 2008
"Life Is Still Like a Box of Chocolates"
That's how a friend described The Curious Case of Benjamin Button. I should say that her comments about it were favorable, but that line succinctly describes why I haven't been in a rush to see it.
December 28, 2008
A Christmas Tale
So does this story of three generations meeting up for the first time in many years, one of the best reviewed films of the season, live up to the hype? It's engrossing, and it's well acted by an impressive cast. But I don't know that all of its strands are equally strong. It's good. Very good. But I'd need to see more of this award season's productions before I'm ready to say it merits top 10 status.
The All-Time Great Houses of the Los Angeles Area
While I might be expected to favor one of the Wright's (#3 and #10 on the list), which are indeed great, if I was to live in one of these I'd pick the Neutra.
