The new king of Tonga has been sworn in today, 24 hours after the death of 88-year-old King Taufa-ahau Tupou IV in a New Zealand hospital after a long but unspecified illness. His successor is noted for his fondness for wearing a monocle and military uniform, and driving around in a London taxi. New king… Continue reading New king of Tonga sworn in
China Presses Hush Money on Grieving Parents
The official came for Yu Tingyun in his village one evening last week. He asked Mr. Yu to get into his car. He was clutching the contract and a pen. … The contract had been thrust in Mr. Yu’s face during a long police interrogation the day before. In exchange for his silence and for… Continue reading China Presses Hush Money on Grieving Parents
A Modest Proposal for Ending Socialized Capitalism
Socialized capitalism of the sort the Fed and the Treasury are now practicing, consisting of private gains and public losses, is untenable. On the other hand, it’s also true that giant Wall Street investments banks as well as Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are too big to fail. From Robert Reich’s Blog: A Modest Proposal… Continue reading A Modest Proposal for Ending Socialized Capitalism
Oprah
In many marriages, Oprah is the other woman.
Believe Me, It’s Torture
You may have read by now the official lie about this treatment, which is that it “simulates” the feeling of drowning. This is not the case. You feel that you are drowning because you are drowning—or, rather, being drowned, albeit slowly and under controlled conditions and at the mercy (or otherwise) of those who are… Continue reading Believe Me, It’s Torture
RIP, George Carlin
“So my name is a footnote in American legal history, which I’m perversely kind of proud of,” Carlin told The Associated Press. Comedian George Carlin Dies at 71 | The Underwire from Wired.com It is very rare that a person can be funny for two decades. Extremely rare for someone it be funny for three.… Continue reading RIP, George Carlin
Tasteless
More on the story here. Talking Points Memo | Republican Outreach I didn’t think the Texas GOP could sink lower than those phony purple heart band-aids they handed out in 2004. Boy was I wrong. And there are still five months left.
pastor john hagee
Pastor John Hagee thinks God sent Katrina to punish the gays. He thinks God sent Hitler to force the Jews to move to Israel. I think God sent Pastor John Hagee to make sure McCain doesn’t become president.
Obama/Kennedy vs. McCain/Goldwater
If John McCain is running for George W. Bush’s third presidential term, as Democrats have suggested, Barack Obama is campaigning for John F. Kennedy’s second term. Obama/Kennedy vs. McCain/Goldwater | Salon Normally this is the type of political article I despise. Debate by analogy mixed with historic revisionism and a touch of baseless speculation. But… Continue reading Obama/Kennedy vs. McCain/Goldwater
China wants hotels to filter Internet
The Chinese government is demanding that US-owned hotels there filter Internet service during the upcoming Olympic Games in Beijing, US Senator Sam Brownback has alleged. From Computerworld – US senator: China wants hotels to filter Internet Once again reality beats the Onion to the absurdist headline. Keep in mind that US companies like Yahoo, Google,… Continue reading China wants hotels to filter Internet