Random thoughts on politics, current events, popular culture, and whatever else interests me.
Monday, October 31, 2011
Recap: 'The Walking Dead,' Season 2, Episode 3, 'Save the Last One'
"The Walking Dead," Season 2, Episode 3, "Save the Last One" starts with most of our intrepid heroes in deadly peril, of being eaten, of succumbing to wounds, or just giving into madness and despair.
Recap: 'Homeland,' Season 1, Episode 5, 'Blind Spot'
"Homeland," Season 1, Episode 5, "Blind Spot" begins with the capture in Pakistan of the sole survivor of the group of Al Qaida terrorists who held Brody in captivity for so many years. This may be the break Carrie is looking for.
'Dexter,' Season 6, Episode 5, 'The Angel of Death'
"Dexter," Season 6, Episode 5, "The Angel of Death" brings both Dexter and Miami Homicide closer to Geller and Travis, the two Doomsday Killers. Debra, thanks to an unrelated murder/suicide, is able to make a life changing decision.
Recap: 'Once Upon a Time,' Season 1, Episode 2, 'The Thing You Love Most'
"Once Upon a Time," Season 1, Episode 2, "The Thing You Love Most" runs two parallel stories. In one, set in the magical land, the Evil Queen learns the price of revenge. In the other, set in the real world, Mayor Regina learns the price of messing with Emma.
Sunday, October 30, 2011
More Global Warming Fraud from the Berkley Earth Surface Temperature Group
When a report on global warming by the Berkley Earth Surface Temperature Group was released to the media about a week ago, it was hailed as definitive proof that man caused climate change is real, case closed.
Saturday, October 29, 2011
'Puss in Boots' Comes Highly Recommended for All Ages
"Puss in Boots," featuring the classic fairy tale character who was featured in some of the "Shrek" movies could have been a knock off flick designed to sell action figures and fast food. Fortunately it was much more than that.
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'Beavis and Butt-Head' Return with Riffs on 'Twilight' and Manly Tears
"Beavis and Butt-head," the wastoid, dim witted teenagers who graced or blighted the television airwaves of the 1990s (depending on one's viewpoint), are back in a reboot for the 21st Century. In a way, it is as if those two had never left us.
Friday, October 28, 2011
Fire Hazard Threatens Occupy Wall Street and Surrounding Environs
Addendum: It looks like that the authorities have seized the generators, one of which was actually ecologically correct as it ran on bio-diesel.
Bumped
Addendum: It looks like that the authorities have seized the generators, one of which was actually ecologically correct as it ran on bio-diesel.
Bumped
Thursday, October 27, 2011
South Park: Broadway Bro Down' Explores the Relationship Between Musicals and a Certain Lewd Act
"South Park," Episode 11, Season 15, "Broadway Bro Down" explores the hitherto undisclosed relationship between Broadway Musicals and a certain lewd act. There is also a subplot about a rebellious child in a Vegan family.
'The Three Musketeers' Features Lots of Sword Fights and 17th Century Airships
The new remake of "The Three Musketeers" has a lot going for it. It has lots of cool swordplay, beautiful women, gorgeous scenery and architecture, fiendish plots, hairbreadth escapes, acrobatics, ninjas, and airships.
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
'Beverly Hills Cop' the TV Series?
Eddie Murphy, who returns to the role of bad boy criminal in the upcoming "Tower Heist," recently ruminated about the "Beverly Hills Cop" franchise that made him famous. Apparently there will be no fourth film. A TV series is a possibility.
Joss Whedon Filmed 'Much Ado About Nothing' in a Secret 12 Day Shoot
Joss Whedon, most famous for his TV shows "Buffy the Vampire Slayer," "Angel," "Firefly," and "Dollhouse" has filmed what is described as a modern-day version of Shakespeare's "Much Ado about Nothing."
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Recap: 'Homeland,' Season 1, Episode 4, 'Semper I'
In "Homeland," Season 1, Episode 4, "Semper I," Carrie is being redirected from Brody to trying to locate the money trail between the Saudi prince's aide and Abu Zamir. But Carrie knows (or at least thinks he does) that Brody is the key. Nevertheless the wiretapping and video surveillance equipment at Brody's house is taken down.
Recap: 'The Walking Dead,' Season 2, “Episode 2, 'Bloodlettting'
"The Walking Dead," Season 2, "Episode 2, "Bloodlettting" starts with Rick running as fast as he can through wood and over dale with a bleeding Carl in his arms. Shane is dragging along Otis, the man who accidently shot him.
Monday, October 24, 2011
Recap: 'Dexter,' Season 6, Episode 4, 'A Horse of a Different Color'
"Dexter," Season 6, Episode 4, "A Horse of a Different Color," begins with the arrival of the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse. This is an alarming event, even in Miami. Dexter, of course, is intrigued.
'Once Upon a Time' Brings Fairy Tale Characters to the Real World
The premise of "Once Upon a Time" is that fairy tale characters have been brought to the real world, have their memories erased, and been given new identities in a town in Maine called, naturally, Story Brooke.
Sunday, October 23, 2011
Gary Hart for President in 2012?
The left's disappointment with President Barack Obama has been touched upon many times before. However the sticking point has always been finding someone with a high enough profile to challenge him in the Democratic primaries.
Saturday, October 22, 2011
Joe Biden for President in 2016?
Vice President Joe Biden is leaving open the possibility of running for president in 2016. As someone who comments on politics, I cannot only hope he is serious and wish there was a way that he could be persuaded to run sooner.
Friday, October 21, 2011
What is Wrong with NASA's Commercial Crew Program?
Also
How to Fix NASA's Commercial Crew Program?
The release of the Commercial Crew Integrated Design Contract by NASA, which reserves to the space agency a great deal of power over the design and testing of commercial spacecraft, suggests that the commercial crew program is commercial in name only.
Also
How to Fix NASA's Commercial Crew Program?
In a previous article, I showed how the Obama administration's commercial crew program, designed to create a commercial launch industry capable of servicing the International Space Station, is commercial in name only.
Moammar Gadhafi is Dead; What Comes Next?
Moammar Gadhafi is dead. He was apparently taken alive outside the town of Sirte. However, while en route to another location, Gadhafi appears to have acquired extra gunshot wounds to the head and shoulder.
Thursday, October 20, 2011
Rand Simberg provides some notes of NASA Deputy Administrator Lori Garver's keynote speech at the ISPCS. It is a hoot:
Theme of talk is how difficult it is to usher in change, and status quo doesn’t give up power easily.
“This is our Cheers bar.” Great to be here with people working every day to advance space activities and help create a robust industry. Developing industry that had recently been science fiction, but poised to open new frontier.
Witnessed end of magnificent space accomplishment in July with end of Shuttle, but it was just end of the beginning. NASA’s vision to reach for new heights and reveal the unknown so we can benefit mankind.
Plan includes deep-space rocket and crew vehicle that will allow us to take people further than ever before, while creating good-paying US jobs. ISS remains centerpiece, and beyond 2020, beyond earth orbit. Established non-profit to get maximum potential from laboratory. Back to the moon, to an asteroid, and on to Mars.
Continuing world-class space science into the solar system, studying sun, and other stars.
More reliable and efficient air travel.
Committed to having American companies deliver crew and cargo to ISS instead of outsourcing to foreign sources. Have to reduce transportation costs to maximize value.
Their “political agenda” is to expand the nation’s capabilities and industrial base, while creating new industries. Partnership of space and industry not new — citing a 1961 article in which it was recommended that this be done — that Soviet model woudn’t work, and that we should use competition to maximize effectiveness. Warned of the dangers of too much government control. Could end up with nationalized space program. [Note: author was prescient]. Certain percentage, at best five percent, should be done by government. Warned that industry could become dependent on political winds if too concentrated in government. At its best competitive economy has vigor, creativity and efficiency that government can’t offer. So NASA’s “new” plan is not new at all.
ISS positioned to help make things happen by acting as a customer for new industry.
Have two-phase project, COTS and CRS, for cargo delivery to ISS. $3.5B committed for competitive efforts.
CCDev has completed first round, and CCDev currently being executed with $338M. In the 1990s, Alternate Access never got as much as $15M.
Using Commercial Crew Program to develop at least one provider by mid decade.
New approach threatens status quo, and many have been resisting and fighting. We are the furry mammals, and the dinosaurs probably fought bitterly against the imminent demise. Uses computer industry as example, in transition from mainframe to PCs. “Moneyball” is another example she gives, by using new statistical strategy to win games with lower-paid baseball players. Not well received by supporters of the status quo. “A trail-blazer, a first man through the gap, always gets blamed, whether in business or politics, and people will fight for their lives.” Every team uses this now to some degree, but early adopters had competitives advantage for long time.
Top ten ways we’ll know we’re successful.
Instead of occupying Wall Street, we’ll be occupying space stations (and won back 80% of launch market).
US astronauts are leading an international expedition to an asteroid.
Discovery of a blue planet around a distant stary.
One-day travel to ISPCS from anywhere.
ISPCS has outgrown ranch, and we stay at the Whitesides Hotel with a meeting in the hangar.
98% of earth-crossing asteroids are being tracked and cataloged by crowdsourcing.
Private enterprise is establishing outposts on the moon and utilizing resources, and tourists planning visits to historical landing sites.
New industries worth trillion have spun off from space.
President of the United States will give keynote at ISPCS, and she will also be wearing fabulous boots.
Theme of talk is how difficult it is to usher in change, and status quo doesn’t give up power easily.
“This is our Cheers bar.” Great to be here with people working every day to advance space activities and help create a robust industry. Developing industry that had recently been science fiction, but poised to open new frontier.
Witnessed end of magnificent space accomplishment in July with end of Shuttle, but it was just end of the beginning. NASA’s vision to reach for new heights and reveal the unknown so we can benefit mankind.
Plan includes deep-space rocket and crew vehicle that will allow us to take people further than ever before, while creating good-paying US jobs. ISS remains centerpiece, and beyond 2020, beyond earth orbit. Established non-profit to get maximum potential from laboratory. Back to the moon, to an asteroid, and on to Mars.
But didn't President Obama specifically exclude the moon from future exploration plans? We've already been there. Buzz has been there.
Continuing world-class space science into the solar system, studying sun, and other stars.
More reliable and efficient air travel.
Committed to having American companies deliver crew and cargo to ISS instead of outsourcing to foreign sources. Have to reduce transportation costs to maximize value.
Their “political agenda” is to expand the nation’s capabilities and industrial base, while creating new industries. Partnership of space and industry not new — citing a 1961 article in which it was recommended that this be done — that Soviet model woudn’t work, and that we should use competition to maximize effectiveness. Warned of the dangers of too much government control. Could end up with nationalized space program. [Note: author was prescient]. Certain percentage, at best five percent, should be done by government. Warned that industry could become dependent on political winds if too concentrated in government. At its best competitive economy has vigor, creativity and efficiency that government can’t offer. So NASA’s “new” plan is not new at all.
One wonders how Garver can say this with a straight face. The proposed commercial contract by NASA retains pretty much total control over the design and operation of "commercial" space craft by NASA. The only difference is the method by which the control is exerted,
ISS positioned to help make things happen by acting as a customer for new industry.
Have two-phase project, COTS and CRS, for cargo delivery to ISS. $3.5B committed for competitive efforts.
CCDev has completed first round, and CCDev currently being executed with $338M. In the 1990s, Alternate Access never got as much as $15M.
One should not forget who was president then. Not to mention a certain Associate Administrator for Policy and Plans
Using Commercial Crew Program to develop at least one provider by mid decade.
How does competition enter into having just one provider?
New approach threatens status quo, and many have been resisting and fighting. We are the furry mammals, and the dinosaurs probably fought bitterly against the imminent demise. Uses computer industry as example, in transition from mainframe to PCs. “Moneyball” is another example she gives, by using new statistical strategy to win games with lower-paid baseball players. Not well received by supporters of the status quo. “A trail-blazer, a first man through the gap, always gets blamed, whether in business or politics, and people will fight for their lives.” Every team uses this now to some degree, but early adopters had competitives advantage for long time.
Besides Garver's imperfect knowledge of paleontology, I have a hard time imagining her as Brad Pitt
Top ten ways we’ll know we’re successful.
Instead of occupying Wall Street, we’ll be occupying space stations (and won back 80% of launch market).
Considering that law breaking and mayhem going on at Occupy Wall Street, perhaps not the best analogy to have made.
US astronauts are leading an international expedition to an asteroid.
What happened to the moon?
Discovery of a blue planet around a distant stary.
One-day travel to ISPCS from anywhere.
ISPCS has outgrown ranch, and we stay at the Whitesides Hotel with a meeting in the hangar.
Branson Hotel more likely.
98% of earth-crossing asteroids are being tracked and cataloged by crowdsourcing.
Private enterprise is establishing outposts on the moon and utilizing resources, and tourists planning visits to historical landing sites.
Ah, here we go. But how are these private enterprises going to operate without some sort of government infrastructure to provide law and order? Oh, I think I see. That will be outsourced to the Chinese.
New industries worth trillion have spun off from space.
President of the United States will give keynote at ISPCS, and she will also be wearing fabulous boots.
Garver better be careful what she wishes for. I hear Sarah Palin has some pretty cool boots.
At 'Occupy Baltimore' Rapists Will Be Counseled Rather Than Arrested
The Baltimore Sun has reported on a pamphlet being distributed by the Occupy Baltimore protestors that discourages women from reporting a sexual assault to the police. They are encouraged instead to report it to the local Security Committee.
'South Park,' Season 15, Episode 10, 'Bass to Mouth'
"South Park," Season 15, Episode 10, "Bass to Mouth" covers Internet gossip websites, school suicides, school mass poisonings, and the exotic sexual practices of imaginary beings who manifest in the shape of animals.
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
Ewing Oil is Going Green: What Would J.R. Think?
Big Hollywood is reporting that a subplot in the revival of the iconic 1980s show "Dallas" will be a struggle between the scions of the new generation of Ewings over creating a division of Ewing Oil devoted to green energy.
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
'House M.D.,' Season 8, Episode 3, 'Charity Case'
"House M.D.," Season 8, Episode 3, "Charity Case" begins with one Benjamin Byrd, who collapses in the street for unknown reasons. He is also a software mogul who had become very generous with his money.
Recap: 'Terra Nova,' Season 1, Episode 4, 'The Runaway'
"Terra Nova," Season 1, Episode 4, "The Runaway" starts with the sudden arrival of Leah, a young girl who has been living among the "Sixers" and who has decided to run away to Terra Nova, having lost both parents.
Monday, October 17, 2011
I'm going to be on the Allman in the Morning show at KFTK 97.1 St. Louis talking about Commies, Nazis, and Occupiers.
Addendum: They bumped me twice, but I did manage to get on after the news at 8AM to chat with the host about how silly the occupiers are.
Addendum: They bumped me twice, but I did manage to get on after the news at 8AM to chat with the host about how silly the occupiers are.
Obama to Try to Revive Collapsed CLASS Program
One would think that with the CLASS act found to be fiscally unworkable and thus suspended by the Obama administration that repealing it would be a pro forma act. But one would be wrong. President Obama has promised to veto any attempt to repeal CLASS.
Recap: 'Homeland,' Season 1, Episode 2, 'Clean Skin'
In "Homeland," Season 1, Episode 2, "Clean Skin," the Brody family prepares for its television interview with Lawrence O'Donnell. In the meantime, Carrie and company close in on an Al Qaida plot involving a Saudi prince.
Recap: 'The Walking Dead,' Season 2, Episode 1, 'What Lies Ahead'
"The Walking Dead," Season 2, Episode 1, "What Lies Ahead" begins with a journey as our intrepid survivors leave the ruins of the CDC and Atlanta behind for Fort Benning. It will end in death and horror.
Recap: 'Dexter,' Season 6, Episode 3, 'Smokey and the Bandit'
In "Dexter," Season 6, Episode 3, "Smokey and the Bandit," Dexter comes upon a murder that resembles a series of killings that took place 25 years before. The killer is called "The Tooth Fairy" because he extracts a tooth from his victims.
Sunday, October 16, 2011
Clint Eastwood as Vice President? Not Likely
One of the strangest stories to come out of the history of politics in the last thirty or so years is the fact that the 1988 George H. W. Bush campaign briefly considered asking Clint Eastwood to be Bush's running mate, according to ABC News.
Saturday, October 15, 2011
'Horse Soldiers' Equestrian Monument to Be Erected Near Ground Zero
During the upcoming Veteran's Day Parade in New York on Nov. 11, the first equestrian monument of America's servicemen in a while will be borne down Fifth Avenue to its final place of honor near Ground Zero, according to the Daily Caller.
'Taken 2,' Starring Liam Neeson, to Have More Mayhem, Torture, and Death
More plot details have been revealed, thanks to The Hollywood Reporter, of "Taken 2," the sequel of the 2008 hit movie starring Liam Neeson as a retired CIA operative Bryan Mills, whose daughter is kidnapped by sex traffickers in Paris.
Friday, October 14, 2011
Did Columbus Cause the Little Ice Age?
Christopher Columbus has been blamed for many things, including genocide, environmental devastation, and the destruction of Native American cultures. Now the Genovese explorer is being blamed for the Little Ice Age.
Thursday, October 13, 2011
Why Raiding NASA's Space Launch System's Funding to Pay for the James Webb Space Telescope is a Bad Idea
Addendum: Rand Simberg really should get out more often and read more than just the latest press release from "Tea Party in Space." Mind, SLS could still be tripped up, by funding short falls or unexpected technical issues, but as of right now, it is on track.
Bumped
Addendum 2: I sometimes feel really bad about getting under Rand's skin. His appeal to his own authority, which roughly means "SLS sucks because I say it does," is laughable on his face. And the idea that he is an adviser to the Tea Party in Space explains quite a lot, IMHO.
And, just to refresh memory, the Augustine Committee, which had battalions of aerospace engineers who had not yet recovered on call, concluded that fuel depots, while an interesting idea, should not be put in the critical path before being studied further. The SLS approach is simply a version of what that body advised. I'm really puzzled why this seems hard for some people to understand. People I talk to and whom I read in public literature suggest that breaking down--say--three missions to NEAs into 27 launches is crazy.
Space News has a remarkable idea to save the James Webb Space Telescope. The aerospace industry periodical suggests that NASA stretch out the development of the Space Launch System by a year to accommodate the JW telescope.
Addendum: Rand Simberg really should get out more often and read more than just the latest press release from "Tea Party in Space." Mind, SLS could still be tripped up, by funding short falls or unexpected technical issues, but as of right now, it is on track.
Bumped
Addendum 2: I sometimes feel really bad about getting under Rand's skin. His appeal to his own authority, which roughly means "SLS sucks because I say it does," is laughable on his face. And the idea that he is an adviser to the Tea Party in Space explains quite a lot, IMHO.
And, just to refresh memory, the Augustine Committee, which had battalions of aerospace engineers who had not yet recovered on call, concluded that fuel depots, while an interesting idea, should not be put in the critical path before being studied further. The SLS approach is simply a version of what that body advised. I'm really puzzled why this seems hard for some people to understand. People I talk to and whom I read in public literature suggest that breaking down--say--three missions to NEAs into 27 launches is crazy.
Why Did Nancy Pelosi Say Republicans Want Women to 'Die on the Floor'?
House Republicans are attempting to pass a bill called the Protect Life Act, which states that no money appropriated under Obamacare would be used to pay for abortions or abortion coverage. Rep. Nancy Pelosi, the House Minority Leader, is not pleased.
There has been a lot of hyperventilation about this study that is suppose to "prove" that using commercially available rockets (or some that may be available at some point) and propellant depots is cheaper and faster than building a heavy lift vehicle.
Color me a little skeptical. A careful reading of the document shows a lot of vaguely worded assumptions that do not seem to be backed up by any real data. There is a lot of new technology that has to be developed and problems that need to be overcome. Inherent within that is the potential of all sorts of technical problems that could stretch out the schedule and explode the cost of such an undertaking.
The number of launches required for each mission should also give one pause. This is especially true for near earth asteroids, the launch windows to which are few and far between.
All in all, while propellant depots could be a force multiplier down the road, putting them in the critical path strikes me to be asking for trouble.
Color me a little skeptical. A careful reading of the document shows a lot of vaguely worded assumptions that do not seem to be backed up by any real data. There is a lot of new technology that has to be developed and problems that need to be overcome. Inherent within that is the potential of all sorts of technical problems that could stretch out the schedule and explode the cost of such an undertaking.
The number of launches required for each mission should also give one pause. This is especially true for near earth asteroids, the launch windows to which are few and far between.
All in all, while propellant depots could be a force multiplier down the road, putting them in the critical path strikes me to be asking for trouble.
Does Opposing the Obama Jobs Bill Mean Supporting Murder and Rape?
ice President Joe Biden was in Flint, Michigan, recently, touting the Obama jobs bill. Biden, always creative in the way he deploys rhetoric, suggested that not passing the bill would create more violent crime, something Flint has in abundance.
'South Park: The Last of the Meheecans' Solves the Illegal Immigration Issue
In "South Park," Season 15, Episode 9, "The Last of the Meheecans," the boys get involved in one of America's great, burning issue, that being illegal immigration. However, the South Park twist is applied.
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
Evolving Strategies Study Show Voters Unimpressed with Obama Economic Policies
Which of the three top-tier Republican candidates for president -- Mitt Romney, Rick Perry, or Herman Cain -- would beat President Obama? According to an Evolving Strategies poll, any one of them will defeat the president in the general election.
Obama Shows Disdain for His Country, Ignorance of History in Planned Apology to Japan
Addendum: John Hayward suggests that there is less than meets the eye. And, of course, the White House is denying.
The Japan Times has reported, thanks to a Wikileaks-leaked diplomatic cable, that President Barack Obama wanted to apologize to Japan for the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki that ended World War II.
Addendum: John Hayward suggests that there is less than meets the eye. And, of course, the White House is denying.
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
Obama Should Treat Attempted Iranian Bombing as Act of War
FBI and DEA agents have foiled a plot, conducted by what is described as a "faction of the Iranian government," to blow up the Saudi ambassador to the United States and the Saudi and Israeli embassies in Washington D.C.
The irrepressible James O'Keefe comes to Occupy Wall Street in the guise of a banker and finds people interested in--making money
Recap: 'Terra Nova,'Season 1, 'Episode 4, 'What Remains'
"Terra Nova," Season 1, Episode 4, "What Remains" depicted a nice twist on a well used science fiction plot device. An isolated science station suddenly goes radio silent and Taylor and Elisabeth go to investigate.
'House M.D.,' Season 8, Episode 2, 'Transplant'
House," Season 8, Episode 2, "Transplant" finds House still in solitary two months after the events of the first episode. But liberation comes in the unlikely form of Foreman. They need House and are prepared to spring him for it.
Monday, October 10, 2011
Al Qaida Agrees with Ron Paul Killing of Anwar Al-Awlaki Contrary to American Law
According to the Washington Post, Ron Paul, liberal civil libertarians, and opponents of the war on terror have a new ally in decrying the killing of Anwar Al-Awlaki and Samir Khan, two American citizens and terrorist operatives.
Will Anti Romneycare Ad Help Perry or Just Hurt Romney?
The Rick Perry for president campaign has released a commercial that hits Mitt Romney, one of the Texas governor's rivals for the Republican nomination for president, for his own version of health care reform, called Romneycare.
Recap: 'Dexter,' Season 6, Episode 2, 'Once Upon a Time'
In "Dexter," Season 6, Episode 2, "Once Upon a Time," Dexter believes that he has found his next victim in the person of Brother Sam, a recently released murderer who was freed from death row when a judge hearing his case died, resulting in a mistrial.
Recap: 'Homeland,' Season 1, Episode 2, 'Grace'
The mystery deepens in "Homeland," Episode 2, Season 2, "Grace." We and Carrie, through electronic surveillance, witness Brody dealing with the trauma of his eight years in an Al Qaida prison. And there may be more.
Sunday, October 09, 2011
Saturday, October 08, 2011
Is a Cure for Diabetes at Hand?
If the results of experiments on rats by Japanese researchers can be replicated in humans, a cure for both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes may be at hand. The trick seems to be using the diabetic's own stem cells to produce insulin.
Reports of Palin's Political Demise Exaggerated
Reports of Sarah Palin's political demise have been greatly exaggerated, contradicted by the reaction to her 50 minute address to a crowd of 5000 people in St. Charles, Mo. The speech was vintage Palin.
'The Ides of March': A Movie About Liberals Behaving Badly
"The Ides of March" is a riveting, well directed and acted film about a series of bad decisions, betrayals, and revelations that occur in the days before the Ohio Primary in the campaign of a fictional Democratic governor played by George Clooney.
Friday, October 07, 2011
'Touch,' Starring Keifer Southerland, About a Mute, Gifted Child to Premiere Next Spring
Starting in the spring of 2012, Kiefer Sutherland, lately the star of the thriller series "24," will star in another, very different series on Fox called "Touch." The series comes from Tim Kring, who produced "Heroes."
Are We Ready for Another 10 Years of Fighting in Afghanistan?
Ten years ago Oct. 7, the United States answered the attacks on 9/11 with airstrikes against Taliban positions around the small corner of Afghanistan still held by the pro-Western Northern Alliance. Ten years later, the war grinds on.
MSNBC's Lawrence O'Donnell Tells Herman Cain How to Be Black
MSNBC's Lawrence O'Donnell interviewed former Godfather's Pizza CEO Herman Cain, a candidate for president, recently. It was a spectacle of a white liberal telling a black man how, in essence, he should be black.
Romney Citadel Speech Shows He Would Lead from the Front
Former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney, a candidate for president, delivered a foreign policy address at the Citadel in South Carolina. The speech provided a look at current foreign policy challenges and how a President Romney would deal with them.
Thursday, October 06, 2011
Steve Jobs Changed the World -- Twice
Steve Jobs, the co-founder of Apple, has died. He will be remembered for two things. The first is revolutionizing the way we live and work with products ranging from the original Apple computer to the iPad.
Sarah Palin's 'Hotness' Not What Her Enemies Think It Is
In a lengthy interview in which Fox News chief Roger Ailes muses about the 15-year history of the network that now dominates cable news, an offhand remark about contributor Sarah Palin has caused quite a bit of comment.
Allen West Schools Samuel L. Jackson on Nature of the Tea Party
Actor Samuel L Jackson is the second prominent African American from Hollywood to claim the tea party movement is racist. Rep. Allen West, R-Fla., himself African American and a tea party favorite, was not amused.
'South Park: Ass Burgers' Examines Perception, Fast Food Through Eyes of Grossness
Season 15 of "South Park" returned with an episode called "Ass Burgers." It concerned the way one perceives the world, life-changing experiences, the perils of vaccination, and a new way to create fast foods.
Wednesday, October 05, 2011
Would a 'Mister Ed' Movie Be Worthwhile?
The latest ancient TV sitcom to be made into a feature motion picture will be "Mister Ed," which originally aired between 1961 and 1966. The show featured the misadventures of Wilbur Post, played by Alan Young, and his talking horse.
Tuesday, October 04, 2011
Is Palin Finally Preparing to Jump Into the Presidential Race?
Is former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin finally preparing to jump into the presidential race? A story in Politico reports that a law firm which employs Sarah Pac lawyer Mark Braden has started to make inquires about state filing deadlines.
Will Obama Appoint Special Counsel to Investigate Holder?
The chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, Rep. Lamar Smith, R-Texas, has requested that President Barack Obama appoint a special counsel to determine whether Attorney General Eric Holder perjured himself in testimony concerning "Fast and Furious."
Recap: 'House M.D.: Twenty Vicodin'
"House M.D.," Season Eight, Episode One, "Twenty Vicodin" finds House in prison for driving a car into Cuddy's house and then fleeing the country. It is uncertain why he came back, but it is implied in the episode that he had a need to be punished.
'Terra Nova' Makes Living Among Dinosaurs Seem Boring
"Terra Nova," Season 1, Episode 3, "Instinct" brings in elements of Hitchcock's "The Birds" with a couple of shopworn soap opera elements. The show is starting to make living among dinosaurs seem boring.
Obama Makes Admission That May Sink His Presidency
According to ABC News, President Obama has admitted America is not better off than it was four years ago. He made this startling admission in an interview conducted by George Stephanopoulos of that network.
Monday, October 03, 2011
George Clooney for President?
George Clooney, who plays a presidential candidate in the upcoming film "Ides of March," could actually run for president and win, according to a story on the "Today" show. It is a question worth examining.
Recap: 'Dexter,' Season 6, Episode 1, 'Those Kinds of Things'
"Dexter," Season 6, Episode 1, "Those Kinds of Things" finds America's favorite serial killer at his work, in this case bushwhacking a pair of EMTs who have developed a side business of selling body parts of some of their patients.
In 'Homeland,' Is Sgt. Brody a Hero or a Traitor?
At the beginning of the pilot episode of "Homeland," a special forces team, having shot up an Al Qaida base, discovers one Sgt. Nicholas Brody, missing in action, in one of the dungeons. An American hero has been rescued.
Or has he?
Sunday, October 02, 2011
Recap: 'Archer: Heart of Archness'
"Archer," the FX series about a super spy with a load of issues, returned recently for a three part story arch that involved pirates, as well as the perils of drunken embezzlement. Unfortunately the rest of the new season doesn't air until January.
Can Gov. Perry Create an Adult Stem Cell Therapy Industry in Texas?
An adult stem cell therapy that Texas Gov. Rick Perry, a candidate for president, has undergone has highlighted a debate concerning the role of the FDA in the regulation of therapies that use a patient's own stem cells.
Obama Administration Impeding Oil and Gas Revolution
While President Barack Obama's "green jobs" initiative continues to be wracked with controversy and scandal in the wake of the collapse of Solyndra, a revolution is taking place in the oil and gas industry that could make North American energy independent.
Bigelow Almost Halves Workforce, Illustrates Neglected Problem for Commercial Space
Bigelow Aerospace, which is developing a private space station built from inflatable modules, has laid off 40 of its 90-person workforce. The move illustrates a couple of problems facing the nascent commercial space sector.
Saturday, October 01, 2011
I know that this is supposed to be a taunt, albeit too subtle for some folks, but really, "America the Beautiful?" To really rub it in, the Chinese should have played "The Blue Danube."
Addendum: A mistake by Chinese television?
Addendum: A mistake by Chinese television?
Bill Maher Thinks the Republicans 'Stole the Jews'
Bill Maher, the HBO ranter, is apparently put out that a considerable amount of the Jewish vote crossed over in the special election to fill the seat Anthony Weiner vacated in the New York 9th Congressional District.
Supreme Court Ruling on Obamacare Lose/Lose for the President
Charles Krauthammer, one of the most brilliant pundits in the business, has suggested the Supreme Court ruling on health care reform, also known as Obamacare, will be a win/win for the president. Krauthammer is mistaken.
Garofalo, Maher Confused About Herman Cain
Herman Cain's sudden rise to popularity has got many of the left very confused indeed. Since Republicans are, in their minds, a bunch of tea partying racists, how is it that so many of them have rallied to a black man?
'Machine Gun Preacher': How a Bad Man Finds Redemption in Southern Sudan
"Machine Gun Preacher" is the real life story of Sam Childers, a thoroughly bad man who found redemption through faith in God and a desire to help the orphans of Southern Sudan and to smite the wicked men who are kidnapping and murdering them.
Van Jones Wants an 'American Autumn' Revolution
Van Jones, President Barack Obama's former "green jobs" czar and 9/11 truther, has a new project in mind. He proposes there should be an "American Autumn" that would greatly resemble the "Arab Spring."
Texas Drought May Last Five to 10 Years; What Can Be Done About It?
As cooler weather finally arrives in Texas, the Texas state climatologist, John Nielson-Gammon, has some bad news. The current drought, which has devastated Texas's agriculture, may last another five to 10 years.
NASA's Next Lunar Voyage May Occur 'Before This Decade is Out'
With the design of the Space Launch System finally approved and the development of the Orion Multi Purpose Crew Vehicle proceeding, NASA officials, in consultation with aerospace contractors, have begun to map pit a test schedule.
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