http://timothyblee.com/2011/03/30/online-news-as-a-disruptive-technology/
People look at today’s Huffington Post and conclude that the web can only do cheap, sensationalistic content. But in 1980, people looked at the minimills (and the microcomputer) and dismissed them as curiosities that could only serve the lowest rungs of their respective markets. But that was a misunderstanding of the economics of disruptive technologies. They always start at the low end of the market, but they rarely stay there.
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Why the Christian right is backing a brutal despot - Justin Elliott
http://www.salon.com/news/politics/war_room/2011/03/30/ivory_coast_christian_right_gbagbo
Chief among Gbagbo's American supporters is Inhofe, who is the most influential Republican in the Senate when it comes to African affairs. Inhofe has been traveling to Africa regularly since the late 1990s and, while the trips are paid for by the taxpayer and typically involve some official business, the senator also engages in missionary work. He has been to Ivory Coast nine times and knows Gbagbo personally. That's why, early on in the post-election crisis, when the State Department was frantically looking for intermediaries to reach out to Gbagbo to try to convince him to leave the country peacefully, the Obama administration asked Inhofe to talk to Gbagbo. But, according to a source familiar with the situation, Inhofe declined to do so.
But it's not just Inhofe. Another Christian right politician, former congressman Bob McEwen of Ohio -- who has also been a longtime participant in the National Prayer Breakfast -- recently worked as a lobbyist for Gbagbo. In December, McEwen was hired at a rate of $25,000 per month to assist the Ivorian ambassador to the U.S. "in exerting his influence in the most strategic way possible," according to lobbying records.
Chief among Gbagbo's American supporters is Inhofe, who is the most influential Republican in the Senate when it comes to African affairs. Inhofe has been traveling to Africa regularly since the late 1990s and, while the trips are paid for by the taxpayer and typically involve some official business, the senator also engages in missionary work. He has been to Ivory Coast nine times and knows Gbagbo personally. That's why, early on in the post-election crisis, when the State Department was frantically looking for intermediaries to reach out to Gbagbo to try to convince him to leave the country peacefully, the Obama administration asked Inhofe to talk to Gbagbo. But, according to a source familiar with the situation, Inhofe declined to do so.
But it's not just Inhofe. Another Christian right politician, former congressman Bob McEwen of Ohio -- who has also been a longtime participant in the National Prayer Breakfast -- recently worked as a lobbyist for Gbagbo. In December, McEwen was hired at a rate of $25,000 per month to assist the Ivorian ambassador to the U.S. "in exerting his influence in the most strategic way possible," according to lobbying records.
Supreme Court rejects damages for innocent man who spent 14 years on death row - By David G. Savage
http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-court-prosecutors-20110330,0,1730487.story
In 1999, when all his appeals had failed on his conviction for the murder of a hotel executive, Thompson was scheduled to be put to death. But a private investigator hired by his lawyer found a blood test in the police lab that showed the man wanted for a related carjacking had type B blood, while Thompson's was type O.
Thompson had been charged with and convicted of an attempted carjacking near the Superdome as a prelude to charging him with the unsolved murder of a hotel executive.
In a 5-4 ruling, justices overturn a jury verdict awarding $14 million to John Thompson, who had sued then-New Orleans Dist. Atty. Harry Connick Sr. because prosecutors hid a blood test that would have proved his innocence in a murder case.
In the past, the high court has absolved trial prosecutors from any and all liability for the cases they bring to court. The key issue in the case of Connick vs. John Thompson was whether the district attorney could be held liable for a pattern of wrongdoing in his office and for his failure to see to it that his prosecutors followed the law.In 1999, when all his appeals had failed on his conviction for the murder of a hotel executive, Thompson was scheduled to be put to death. But a private investigator hired by his lawyer found a blood test in the police lab that showed the man wanted for a related carjacking had type B blood, while Thompson's was type O.
Thompson had been charged with and convicted of an attempted carjacking near the Superdome as a prelude to charging him with the unsolved murder of a hotel executive.
Exclusive: Obama authorizes secret help for Libya rebels - Mark Hosenball
http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/03/30/us-libya-usa-order-idUSTRE72T6H220110330
President Barack Obama has signed a secret order authorizing covert U.S. government support for rebel forces seeking to oust Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi, government officials told Reuters on Wednesday.
In Washington, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton insisted to reporters that no decision had yet been taken.
U.S. officials monitoring events in Libya say neither Gaddafi's forces nor the rebels, who have asked the West for heavy weapons, now appear able to make decisive gains.
While U.S. and allied airstrikes have seriously damaged Gaddafi's military forces and disrupted his chain of command, officials say, rebel forces remain disorganized and unable to take full advantage of western military support.
President Barack Obama has signed a secret order authorizing covert U.S. government support for rebel forces seeking to oust Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi, government officials told Reuters on Wednesday.
In Washington, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton insisted to reporters that no decision had yet been taken.
U.S. officials monitoring events in Libya say neither Gaddafi's forces nor the rebels, who have asked the West for heavy weapons, now appear able to make decisive gains.
While U.S. and allied airstrikes have seriously damaged Gaddafi's military forces and disrupted his chain of command, officials say, rebel forces remain disorganized and unable to take full advantage of western military support.
C.I.A. Agents in Libya Aid Airstrikes and Meet Rebels - MARK MAZZETTI and ERIC SCHMITT
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/31/world/africa/31intel.html?_r=1&partner=rss&emc=rss
While President Obama has insisted that no American military ground troops participate in the Libyan campaign, small groups of C.I.A. operatives have been working in Libya for several weeks as part of a shadow force of Westerners that the Obama administration hopes can help bleed Colonel Qaddafi’s military, the officials said.
A former British government official who is briefed on current operations confirmed media reports that dozens of British Special Forces soldiers, from the elite Special Air Service and Special Boat Service units, are on the ground across Libya. The British soldiers have been particularly focused on finding the locations of Colonel Qaddafi’s Russian-made surface-to-air missiles.
While President Obama has insisted that no American military ground troops participate in the Libyan campaign, small groups of C.I.A. operatives have been working in Libya for several weeks as part of a shadow force of Westerners that the Obama administration hopes can help bleed Colonel Qaddafi’s military, the officials said.
A former British government official who is briefed on current operations confirmed media reports that dozens of British Special Forces soldiers, from the elite Special Air Service and Special Boat Service units, are on the ground across Libya. The British soldiers have been particularly focused on finding the locations of Colonel Qaddafi’s Russian-made surface-to-air missiles.
CIA operatives in Libya to gather intelligence on rebel fighters - Karen DeYoung, Greg Miller and Tara Bahrampou
http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/rebels-continue-retreat-in-eastern-libya/2011/03/30/AFaO1K3B_story.html?tid=wp_ipad
The Obama administration has sent teams of CIA operatives into Libya in a rush to gather intelligence on the identity, goals and progress of rebel forces opposed to Libyan leader Moammar Gaddafi, according to U.S. officials.
Gaddafi suffered a political defeat with the defection to Britain of his foreign minister, Musa Kusa, the most senior official thus far to break ranks.
Kusa, one of the most senior figures in Gaddafi’s government, quit to protest attacks on civilians by government forces, news agencies reported, citing an account from an associate. Kusa served as chief of Gaddafi’s intelligence apparatus from 1994 until 2009, when he was appointed foreign minister. Kusa previously had been considered likely to stick with Gaddafi to the end.
The Obama administration has sent teams of CIA operatives into Libya in a rush to gather intelligence on the identity, goals and progress of rebel forces opposed to Libyan leader Moammar Gaddafi, according to U.S. officials.
Gaddafi suffered a political defeat with the defection to Britain of his foreign minister, Musa Kusa, the most senior official thus far to break ranks.
Kusa, one of the most senior figures in Gaddafi’s government, quit to protest attacks on civilians by government forces, news agencies reported, citing an account from an associate. Kusa served as chief of Gaddafi’s intelligence apparatus from 1994 until 2009, when he was appointed foreign minister. Kusa previously had been considered likely to stick with Gaddafi to the end.
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Obama Gets Lowest Approval, Reelect Score Ever, Quinnipiac University National Poll Finds
http://www.quinnipiac.edu/x1295.xml?ReleaseID=1575
American voters disapprove 48 - 42 percent of the job President Barack Obama is doing and say 50 - 41 percent he does not deserve to be re-elected in 2012, both all-time lows, according to a Quinnipiac University poll released today.
American voters disapprove 48 - 42 percent of the job President Barack Obama is doing and say 50 - 41 percent he does not deserve to be re-elected in 2012, both all-time lows, according to a Quinnipiac University poll released today.
Belgium's World Record - Brian Palmer
http://www.slate.com/id/2289797/
Belgium tied Iraq on Tuesday for a very special world record: Number of days without a new government. (It's been 289 days since the inconclusive June 13, 2010, election.) Has living without a government made any difference to the Belgian people?
Belgium tied Iraq on Tuesday for a very special world record: Number of days without a new government. (It's been 289 days since the inconclusive June 13, 2010, election.) Has living without a government made any difference to the Belgian people?
American Embarrassment - Joe Klein
http://swampland.blogs.time.com/2011/03/29/american-embarrassment/#ixzz1I2IR1Pz5
Lest you think this is a biased liberal op-ed, I refer you to the steam that the "candidacy" of one Trump, Donald is gaining. This is a clown car departing the station with all hands on the wheel, headed for a gasoline tanker.
Lest you think this is a biased liberal op-ed, I refer you to the steam that the "candidacy" of one Trump, Donald is gaining. This is a clown car departing the station with all hands on the wheel, headed for a gasoline tanker.
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Amazon Cloud Player goes live, streams music on your computer and Android - Richard Lai
http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/29/amazon-cloud-player-goes-live-streams-music-on-your-computer-an/
Oh snap! Look who just ate Apple and Google's lunch here? Minutes ago, Amazon rolled out its very own music streaming service which is conveniently dubbed the Amazon Cloud Player. Existing Amazon customers in the US can now upload their MP3 purchases to their 5GB cloud space -- upgradable to a one-year 20GB plan for free upon purchasing an MP3 album, with additional plans starting at $20 a year -- and then start streaming on their computers or Android devices. Oh, and did we mention that this service is free of charge as well? Meanwhile, someone will have some catching up to do, but we have a feeling it won't take them too long.
Oh snap! Look who just ate Apple and Google's lunch here? Minutes ago, Amazon rolled out its very own music streaming service which is conveniently dubbed the Amazon Cloud Player. Existing Amazon customers in the US can now upload their MP3 purchases to their 5GB cloud space -- upgradable to a one-year 20GB plan for free upon purchasing an MP3 album, with additional plans starting at $20 a year -- and then start streaming on their computers or Android devices. Oh, and did we mention that this service is free of charge as well? Meanwhile, someone will have some catching up to do, but we have a feeling it won't take them too long.
Libya rebels fight for Sirte road - birthplace of Gaddafi - Orla Guerin
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-12885753
This offensive will go well until the opposition encounters actual civilians who are supporters of the regime. While they aren't many, they represent a far greater challenge then rolling through the desert in the wake of the regime's retreat. The civilian population is crowded into a tight space and is backed by at least a few of Qaddafi's soldiers. This would represent an almost impossible task to an army that is lightly armed and for the most part has no training. Hence the reason that, historically, armies would slaughter the population rather than engage it or pass through the city. I have no small fear that this may be what comes to pass in Libya. At this point there is little to no cohesion in the opposition forces. Composed of a myriad of differing groups and agendas who simply show up on the road to war, there is little composure and every unit is a rogue unit in a way. It would not take much for one group to unhinge the entire effort or start a widespread slaughter.
This offensive will go well until the opposition encounters actual civilians who are supporters of the regime. While they aren't many, they represent a far greater challenge then rolling through the desert in the wake of the regime's retreat. The civilian population is crowded into a tight space and is backed by at least a few of Qaddafi's soldiers. This would represent an almost impossible task to an army that is lightly armed and for the most part has no training. Hence the reason that, historically, armies would slaughter the population rather than engage it or pass through the city. I have no small fear that this may be what comes to pass in Libya. At this point there is little to no cohesion in the opposition forces. Composed of a myriad of differing groups and agendas who simply show up on the road to war, there is little composure and every unit is a rogue unit in a way. It would not take much for one group to unhinge the entire effort or start a widespread slaughter.
Monday, March 28, 2011
Newt Gingrich: I’m not a hypocrite - James Hohmann
http://www.politico.com/blogs/politicolive/0311/Newt_Gingrich_Im_not_a_hypocrite_for_impeaching_Clinton_while_cheating_on_my_wife.html
He has some very good points about reconciling the disparity in his personal actions and his actions against Clinton. That is, they would be good points if someone else were making them. Had he solemnly acted as he defended the institution, that would have been one thing. However, he rose to the occasion with bombast and narcissism at heights rarely seen in a city built on the two attributes. He attacked Clinton on a personal level and sought power for himself, none of which is addressed here.
Wallace played the clip of Gingrich suggesting in an interview with the Christian Broadcasting Network earlier this month that his affair was “partially driven by how passionately I felt about this country.”
“Speaker, you’ve had more than a decade to come up with an answer and, in all honesty, there are a lot of people who thought that answer was kind of lame,” Wallace told Gingrich. “That wouldn’t work with my wife!”
If he had a smidgen of honesty and integrity he would have dropped this charade long ago.
He has some very good points about reconciling the disparity in his personal actions and his actions against Clinton. That is, they would be good points if someone else were making them. Had he solemnly acted as he defended the institution, that would have been one thing. However, he rose to the occasion with bombast and narcissism at heights rarely seen in a city built on the two attributes. He attacked Clinton on a personal level and sought power for himself, none of which is addressed here.
Wallace played the clip of Gingrich suggesting in an interview with the Christian Broadcasting Network earlier this month that his affair was “partially driven by how passionately I felt about this country.”
“Speaker, you’ve had more than a decade to come up with an answer and, in all honesty, there are a lot of people who thought that answer was kind of lame,” Wallace told Gingrich. “That wouldn’t work with my wife!”
If he had a smidgen of honesty and integrity he would have dropped this charade long ago.
Angela Merkel faces a painful setback in the Baden-Württemberg elections - Helen Pidd
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/mar/27/angela-merkel-baden-wurttemberg-elections
The parallel storyline here being what this means to Portugal. Portugal is by many accounts about to enter bailout territory. The German people, weary of bankrolling Greek retirements, has rejected the idea in whole and rejected the government that went along with it. The EU rollback has started. It will not fully dissolve but will no doubt devolve from the pseudo-commonwealth that exists today and more into a NATO-style economic union.
The parallel storyline here being what this means to Portugal. Portugal is by many accounts about to enter bailout territory. The German people, weary of bankrolling Greek retirements, has rejected the idea in whole and rejected the government that went along with it. The EU rollback has started. It will not fully dissolve but will no doubt devolve from the pseudo-commonwealth that exists today and more into a NATO-style economic union.
Sunday, March 27, 2011
Traditional News Outlets — Living Among the Guerrillas - Bill Keller
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/27/magazine/mag-27lede-t.html?_r=1&partner=rss&emc=rss
I personally don't think that newspapers or what is termed derisively "traditional media" is going to go extinct. The paradigm will change, the way we interact with our media will continue to evolve, but there is always going to be a demand for actual news, not just opinion. Much of the letdown with conservative media is that it is simply a passing of opinion on news reported by others. Fox news has made piles of millions based on this, as have their imitators. To further this, consumers have begun to view news as they do other products - they want the news, the reporting of actual events, to conform to what they "ordered". They don't want information that conflicts with their worldview, with their deeply held beliefs. They want it to confirm what they already believed.
This is what O'Keefe seeks to deliver: actual news in the form of what you already believed. The problem is that it is only useful in "cultural" narrative. What would O'Keefe do in Libya? How would his type of guerrilla reporting help you learn anything about Japan or how the earthquake victims are enduring? Julian Assange can belatedly distribute what officials thought, but only months later. This is where the traditional media will survive. Sure a blogger in Benghazi might be able to tell a story no reporter could get. A video posted from a cell phone can augment the story about the earthquake, but it can't tell us what we want or need to know.
The model we have right now is going to change, that is for sure. The Times and institutions like it had better change with the preferences of consumers if they want to survive, or at least attract consumers with superior product. I only hope, for all of our sakes, that the hunger for actual news, for the first hand description of world shaking events, never leaves us. Otherwise those that O'Keefe purports to despise and Assange fear will find it easier and easier to hide in plain sight.
I personally don't think that newspapers or what is termed derisively "traditional media" is going to go extinct. The paradigm will change, the way we interact with our media will continue to evolve, but there is always going to be a demand for actual news, not just opinion. Much of the letdown with conservative media is that it is simply a passing of opinion on news reported by others. Fox news has made piles of millions based on this, as have their imitators. To further this, consumers have begun to view news as they do other products - they want the news, the reporting of actual events, to conform to what they "ordered". They don't want information that conflicts with their worldview, with their deeply held beliefs. They want it to confirm what they already believed.
This is what O'Keefe seeks to deliver: actual news in the form of what you already believed. The problem is that it is only useful in "cultural" narrative. What would O'Keefe do in Libya? How would his type of guerrilla reporting help you learn anything about Japan or how the earthquake victims are enduring? Julian Assange can belatedly distribute what officials thought, but only months later. This is where the traditional media will survive. Sure a blogger in Benghazi might be able to tell a story no reporter could get. A video posted from a cell phone can augment the story about the earthquake, but it can't tell us what we want or need to know.
The model we have right now is going to change, that is for sure. The Times and institutions like it had better change with the preferences of consumers if they want to survive, or at least attract consumers with superior product. I only hope, for all of our sakes, that the hunger for actual news, for the first hand description of world shaking events, never leaves us. Otherwise those that O'Keefe purports to despise and Assange fear will find it easier and easier to hide in plain sight.
DeMint Says Other Republicans Should Enter 2012 Race - Jeff Zeleny
http://thecaucus.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/03/26/demint-says-other-republicans-should-enter-2012-race/
Ironically, Senator DeMint helped run any "inspiring" candidates off by insisting on fringe social positions and wedding that to the Tea Party. To hear him whine now is, well, funny.
Ironically, Senator DeMint helped run any "inspiring" candidates off by insisting on fringe social positions and wedding that to the Tea Party. To hear him whine now is, well, funny.
Saturday, March 26, 2011
Syrian Troops Open Fire on Protesters in Several Cities - Michael Slackman
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/26/world/middleeast/26syria.html?partner=rss&emc=rss
It was the most serious challenge to 40 years of repressive rule by the Assad family since 1982, when the president at the time, Hafez al-Assad, massacred at least 10,000 protesters in Hama, a city in northern Syria.
Human rights groups said that since protests began seven days ago in the south, 38 people had been killed by government forces — and it appeared that many more were killed on Friday. Precise details were hard to obtain because the government sealed off the area to reporters and would not let foreign news media into the country.
It was the most serious challenge to 40 years of repressive rule by the Assad family since 1982, when the president at the time, Hafez al-Assad, massacred at least 10,000 protesters in Hama, a city in northern Syria.
Human rights groups said that since protests began seven days ago in the south, 38 people had been killed by government forces — and it appeared that many more were killed on Friday. Precise details were hard to obtain because the government sealed off the area to reporters and would not let foreign news media into the country.
Haley Barbour On Global Warming: ‘We Should Proceed’ As If It ‘Is Actually Happening’ - Michael Falcone
http://blogs.abcnews.com/thenote/2011/03/haley-barbour-global-warming-we-should-proceed-as-if-it-is-actually-happening.html
Barbour, who has consistently opposed regulation of the energy industry, made the comments in response to a question from an Iowa voter who asked the Mississippi governor whether he thought global warming was real.
“I think the prudent thing for us, when you consider the potential risk, the prudent thing is to proceed as if global warming is an issue,” Barbour said at a luncheon organized by a local Republican group, the Linn Eagles, “but we don’t have to destroy the American economy for no positive results to do that.”
Barbour, who has consistently opposed regulation of the energy industry, made the comments in response to a question from an Iowa voter who asked the Mississippi governor whether he thought global warming was real.
“I think the prudent thing for us, when you consider the potential risk, the prudent thing is to proceed as if global warming is an issue,” Barbour said at a luncheon organized by a local Republican group, the Linn Eagles, “but we don’t have to destroy the American economy for no positive results to do that.”
Budget Impasse Increasing Risk of U.S. Shutdown - Carl Hulse
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/26/us/politics/26fiscal.html?_r=1&partner=rss&emc=rss
Some senior Republicans, after relying on House Democrats to help pass the most recent short-term measure, are also uneasy about having to team up with Democrats again to pass any compromise that dips too far below the $61 billion in spending reductions endorsed by the House for the current fiscal year. Senate Democrats want to wring some of the savings out of mandatory spending programs like Medicare, an approach Republicans are resisting.
Some senior Republicans, after relying on House Democrats to help pass the most recent short-term measure, are also uneasy about having to team up with Democrats again to pass any compromise that dips too far below the $61 billion in spending reductions endorsed by the House for the current fiscal year. Senate Democrats want to wring some of the savings out of mandatory spending programs like Medicare, an approach Republicans are resisting.
Libyan rebel commander admits his fighters have al-Qaeda links - By Praveen Swami, Nick Squires and Duncan Gardham
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/africaandindianocean/libya/8407047/Libyan-rebel-commander-admits-his-fighters-have-al-Qaeda-links.html
Mr al-Hasidi insisted his fighters "are patriots and good Muslims, not terrorists," but added that the "members of al-Qaeda are also good Muslims and are fighting against the invader".
His revelations came even as Idriss Deby Itno, Chad's president, said al-Qaeda had managed to pillage military arsenals in the Libyan rebel zone and acquired arms, "including surface-to-air missiles, which were then smuggled into their sanctuaries".
Mr al-Hasidi admitted he had earlier fought against "the foreign invasion" in Afghanistan, before being "captured in 2002 in Peshwar, in Pakistan". He was later handed over to the US, and then held in Libya before being released in 2008.
US and British government sources said Mr al-Hasidi was a member of the Libyan Islamic Fighting Group, or LIFG, which killed dozens of Libyan troops in guerrilla attacks around Derna and Benghazi in 1995 and 1996
Limbaugh: ‘Its Entirely Possible A Loser (GOP) Candidate Will Get The Nomination - by Jon Bershad
http://www.mediaite.com/online/limbaugh-its-entirely-possible-a-loser-gop-candidate-will-get-the-nomination/
Also, it is entirely possible to lay it in Limbaugh's lapif when it happens. His mindless and relentless pressing off the Republican party into the fringe, for the sake off ratings, has gutted the independent and moderate wing of the party.
Also, it is entirely possible to lay it in Limbaugh's lap
Collective bargaining law published despite restraining order - Patrick Marley and Jason Stein of the Journal Sentinel
http://www.jsonline.com/news/statepolitics/118677754.html
Again, it might be perfectly legal. It also might not be. Who knows? Certain groups are cheering wildly. Business will make more money. But Scott Walker's reputation as a mean guy, as silly as that sounds, will haunt Republicans in 2012. Every time this bubbles back into the attention stream of the public, another million or so public employees vow to vote in the next election. Contrast that with a Republican voter base that will, whoever is nominated, have a candidate that a large part of them loathes.
Again, it might be perfectly legal. It also might not be. Who knows? Certain groups are cheering wildly. Business will make more money. But Scott Walker's reputation as a mean guy, as silly as that sounds, will haunt Republicans in 2012. Every time this bubbles back into the attention stream of the public, another million or so public employees vow to vote in the next election. Contrast that with a Republican voter base that will, whoever is nominated, have a candidate that a large part of them loathes.
Friday, March 25, 2011
The Groupon Paradox - Esther Dyson`
http://www.slate.com/id/2289087/
Thanks to Groupon, merchants may face a similar, but perhaps even more damaging, fate. Prices are likely to erode as consumers come to expect deals. They will wait for sales to buy, and merchants will find themselves competing ever more fiercely. Meanwhile, merchants' brand power will be eroded as consumers look to Groupon (as they do to Orbitz), rather than to the merchants themselves, for the best deals.
The logic is simple: Merchants are encouraged to use the deals to attract new customers, who in theory will return at full price. But, in what seems to be an increasing number of cases, customers come for the deals and then leave for deals offered by other merchants through Groupon. So the number of "new" customers attracted by cheap prices increases, and the number of loyal customers decreases as shoppers prefer to become "new" again for whomever offers the best deal.
Thanks to Groupon, merchants may face a similar, but perhaps even more damaging, fate. Prices are likely to erode as consumers come to expect deals. They will wait for sales to buy, and merchants will find themselves competing ever more fiercely. Meanwhile, merchants' brand power will be eroded as consumers look to Groupon (as they do to Orbitz), rather than to the merchants themselves, for the best deals.
The logic is simple: Merchants are encouraged to use the deals to attract new customers, who in theory will return at full price. But, in what seems to be an increasing number of cases, customers come for the deals and then leave for deals offered by other merchants through Groupon. So the number of "new" customers attracted by cheap prices increases, and the number of loyal customers decreases as shoppers prefer to become "new" again for whomever offers the best deal.
Is Color’s Team Worth $41M, Even if Its Idea Isn’t? - Mathew Ingram
http://gigaom.com/2011/03/24/is-colors-team-really-worth-41m-idea-be-damned/
No.
There is a literal chorus of voices calling social media techs a bubble ripe for popping. This should be a warning.
No.
There is a literal chorus of voices calling social media techs a bubble ripe for popping. This should be a warning.
Donald Trump Wants to See Barack Obama's Long-Form Birth Certificate - Dave Weigel
http://www.slate.com/blogs/blogs/weigel/archive/2011/03/24/donald-trump-wants-to-see-barack-obama-s-long-form-birth-certificate.aspx
Trump is a fraud. Not that this is a revelation, but let's recall his 2000 presidential "campaign". It was a third party bid under the auspices of the Reform party and featured such gems as his solidly pro-choice stance and his support of widespread healthcare reform. The fact that this is a transparent fraud, an effort by The Donald to pimp the Trump brand and insert himself in a conversation, should be a klaxon to Republicans everywhere, but it's not. They're cheering him on. He's running at 10% in some polls in fact.
When a guy who is quite clearly grifting, is pro-choice, gay friendly, a veteran of numerous divorces, and has voiced support of health care reform in the past is leading the only two electable Republicans, there is going to be trouble.
On top of that the fraudster is guiding the conversation into the nether regions of where the conservative movement lurks, luring the uglier voices of the movement into the light. While entertainment is his mission, and he will deliver, he will drag the party down with him.
Trump is a fraud. Not that this is a revelation, but let's recall his 2000 presidential "campaign". It was a third party bid under the auspices of the Reform party and featured such gems as his solidly pro-choice stance and his support of widespread healthcare reform. The fact that this is a transparent fraud, an effort by The Donald to pimp the Trump brand and insert himself in a conversation, should be a klaxon to Republicans everywhere, but it's not. They're cheering him on. He's running at 10% in some polls in fact.
When a guy who is quite clearly grifting, is pro-choice, gay friendly, a veteran of numerous divorces, and has voiced support of health care reform in the past is leading the only two electable Republicans, there is going to be trouble.
On top of that the fraudster is guiding the conversation into the nether regions of where the conservative movement lurks, luring the uglier voices of the movement into the light. While entertainment is his mission, and he will deliver, he will drag the party down with him.
Thursday, March 24, 2011
TRENDING: Trump again questions Obama's birthplace - Gabriella Schwarz
http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2011/03/23/trump-again-questions-obamas-birthplace/
Again, the problem with the Republican message going into 2012: there is none. Hence the disarray and confusing cacophony of messaging that emerges. In the absence of any real solutions, things like this begin to get play. Even worse, I think this has hit a traction point with the right wing of the Republican party, not yet to the point where it is a litmus test, but its getting there. The fact that it is toxic to independent and moderate voters is irrelevant to the primary contenders. The base has been pushed so far to the right that there is really no point in in trying to bridge pleasing the base and trying to win a general election.
Again, the problem with the Republican message going into 2012: there is none. Hence the disarray and confusing cacophony of messaging that emerges. In the absence of any real solutions, things like this begin to get play. Even worse, I think this has hit a traction point with the right wing of the Republican party, not yet to the point where it is a litmus test, but its getting there. The fact that it is toxic to independent and moderate voters is irrelevant to the primary contenders. The base has been pushed so far to the right that there is really no point in in trying to bridge pleasing the base and trying to win a general election.
Egypt Air removes Israel from map - Yoav Zitun
http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4046460,00.html
It useful to remember that while these governments may have changed for the better, the cultures still have a way to go.
It useful to remember that while these governments may have changed for the better, the cultures still have a way to go.
Gingrich Criticized Obama For Not Intervening In Libya, But Now Criticizes Him For Intervening In Libya - George Zornick
http://thinkprogress.org/2011/03/23/gingrich-libya-flip-flop/
This might finally be the one gaffe that sinks Newt. Until now he traded as the "intellectual" of the conservative movement, when it was clear to everyone else that a) the intellectuals are persona non grata in the GOP so you have to become a pseudo-human like Gingrich, and b) all he was doing was saying the opposite of what Obama does is what should have been done.
Further, I think this has the potential to wound the Republicans slightly, in a way that "party of no" didn't. This man and this moment have provided a neat mental box for voters to fit a sterotype into - that of the recalitrant opposition, having no answers except "I would have done it differently". Romney already suffers from this, though he is not as stained as Newt is, and Palin, well, maybe she's not vulnerable to this since she is not expected to have any ideas. In any case Newty has once again asked his party to fall on the sword for him. I think he will be groaning all the way to the bank.
This might finally be the one gaffe that sinks Newt. Until now he traded as the "intellectual" of the conservative movement, when it was clear to everyone else that a) the intellectuals are persona non grata in the GOP so you have to become a pseudo-human like Gingrich, and b) all he was doing was saying the opposite of what Obama does is what should have been done.
Further, I think this has the potential to wound the Republicans slightly, in a way that "party of no" didn't. This man and this moment have provided a neat mental box for voters to fit a sterotype into - that of the recalitrant opposition, having no answers except "I would have done it differently". Romney already suffers from this, though he is not as stained as Newt is, and Palin, well, maybe she's not vulnerable to this since she is not expected to have any ideas. In any case Newty has once again asked his party to fall on the sword for him. I think he will be groaning all the way to the bank.
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Is Palin Alienating Israel’s GOP Friends? - David Frum
http://www.frumforum.com/is-palin-alienating-israels-gop-friends
Everything she does says she is not running for President. Then again, she has to be the birthday girl at every party she goes to, so whether her expectations of winning are realistic or not is outside of this equation. This may be some hamfisted and clumsy way to give herself some talking points on foreign experience and expertise. It won't work, but that's beside the point. She's convinced it will work, and there the questions end. Unfortunately she's been wrongly predicted to fail so many times that the normal fear of failure has worn off of her. That and her bottomless ambition.
The one thing that I think could keep her out of the race is that, if she were to be rejected by the voters, there is no one to really blame - she would have to blame the amorphous "The People". Even she knows that no one would buy that, the failure would project onto her and stick (and stink) forever. Safer to become a pundit without actually having to comment in an unsafe environment.
Everything she does says she is not running for President. Then again, she has to be the birthday girl at every party she goes to, so whether her expectations of winning are realistic or not is outside of this equation. This may be some hamfisted and clumsy way to give herself some talking points on foreign experience and expertise. It won't work, but that's beside the point. She's convinced it will work, and there the questions end. Unfortunately she's been wrongly predicted to fail so many times that the normal fear of failure has worn off of her. That and her bottomless ambition.
The one thing that I think could keep her out of the race is that, if she were to be rejected by the voters, there is no one to really blame - she would have to blame the amorphous "The People". Even she knows that no one would buy that, the failure would project onto her and stick (and stink) forever. Safer to become a pundit without actually having to comment in an unsafe environment.
Nokia releasing yet another cheap Symbian smartphone - Matthew Lynley
http://venturebeat.com/2011/03/21/ctia-symbian-astound-nokia/
There is the widespread misperception that the low end of any market is undesireable. Quite the opposite. By playing your cards right the profit potential is often 2-3x what the high end market offers. It is just important to remember that the low end moves too, just like the high end. What is palatable today is not so tomorrow. Let's hope Nokia remembers that this time.
There is the widespread misperception that the low end of any market is undesireable. Quite the opposite. By playing your cards right the profit potential is often 2-3x what the high end market offers. It is just important to remember that the low end moves too, just like the high end. What is palatable today is not so tomorrow. Let's hope Nokia remembers that this time.
For the sins of his father: Gaddafi's son 'killed in kamikaze pilot attack on barracks' - Richard Hartley-parkinson
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1368410/Libya-crisis-Gaddafi-uses-civilians-human-shields-prevent-military-targets.html
This is a pretty long and detailed article. One thing that I would take away from this - note the photos of the rebel soldiers. One photo shows a man pointing an assault rifle at another man who is approaching him. Beyond the fact that the man with the rifle is quite obviously holding the rifle incorrectly, it is also quite obvious that his compatriots are doing their best to alert him that the approaching man is harmless, or at least not to be shot. Its unsettling. Beyond this single encounter in a widespread conflict, it is becoming clear that the opposition, our allies at this point, are a band of adventurers with little or no idea what they are doing. Forget whether they can aim a rifle randomly at a guy while their friends frantically wave their arms not to shoot him, these guys are dangerous. While they have a touching naivete about them, their recklessness and inexperience will soon become a liability. Assuming they are able to storm Qaddafi's strongholds, the unfortunate truth is that there will be slaughter by our putative allies. This won't be the first time that our allies go from majestic freedom fighters to ugly butchers in short order, and it won't be the last for that matter. But it does matter that our long-term success in this matter is in the hands of these people. And before too long their amateurishness at combat will reveal an amateurishness at governing and then an amateurishness at not shooting political enemies. I hesitate to call this stupid, but it will end up messy.
This is a pretty long and detailed article. One thing that I would take away from this - note the photos of the rebel soldiers. One photo shows a man pointing an assault rifle at another man who is approaching him. Beyond the fact that the man with the rifle is quite obviously holding the rifle incorrectly, it is also quite obvious that his compatriots are doing their best to alert him that the approaching man is harmless, or at least not to be shot. Its unsettling. Beyond this single encounter in a widespread conflict, it is becoming clear that the opposition, our allies at this point, are a band of adventurers with little or no idea what they are doing. Forget whether they can aim a rifle randomly at a guy while their friends frantically wave their arms not to shoot him, these guys are dangerous. While they have a touching naivete about them, their recklessness and inexperience will soon become a liability. Assuming they are able to storm Qaddafi's strongholds, the unfortunate truth is that there will be slaughter by our putative allies. This won't be the first time that our allies go from majestic freedom fighters to ugly butchers in short order, and it won't be the last for that matter. But it does matter that our long-term success in this matter is in the hands of these people. And before too long their amateurishness at combat will reveal an amateurishness at governing and then an amateurishness at not shooting political enemies. I hesitate to call this stupid, but it will end up messy.
An Irony About Libya - Steven L. Taylor
http://www.outsidethebeltway.com/an-irony-about-libya/
The message is clear to Iran: get your nuclear weapon...fast.
The message is clear to Iran: get your nuclear weapon...fast.
Monday, March 21, 2011
5 questions few are asking about Libya - Issandr El Amrani
http://www.arabist.net/blog/2011/3/20/5-questions-few-are-asking-about-libya.html
What is the most desirable outcome?
Obviously, to see Qadhafi toppled. But that's only step one. We don't know what the insurgents want aside from a Qadhafi-free Libya. We don't know what Western powers (if they are united on this) want to see. We don't know what the Arabs want to see. Libya will get increasingly porous and subject to external interference as well as possible splits on the inside. Ideally, a new government emerge that is generally seen as legitimate by Libyans and works to prevent further splits, paving the way for the creation of a new political system (a constitution, parliament, etc.) I really hope this happens, but we can't realistically expect it to be easy. We just don't know what the political forces are on the ground.
At this point, the unknowns are far too pervasive and the situation is moving too quickly for us to maintain any sense of control over the situation, which is bad because the situation clearly keeps trying to suck the United States in. Domestic politics in the Arab world are playing a larger part in this than humanitarianism, which is doubly dangerous as we can't divine them or where it will lead us. The Egyptians are full court pressing this and will probably emerge as the dominant power in North Africa, seeking an equal footing with Israel, maintaining some semblance of control and military access in Eastern Libya.
What is the most desirable outcome?
Obviously, to see Qadhafi toppled. But that's only step one. We don't know what the insurgents want aside from a Qadhafi-free Libya. We don't know what Western powers (if they are united on this) want to see. We don't know what the Arabs want to see. Libya will get increasingly porous and subject to external interference as well as possible splits on the inside. Ideally, a new government emerge that is generally seen as legitimate by Libyans and works to prevent further splits, paving the way for the creation of a new political system (a constitution, parliament, etc.) I really hope this happens, but we can't realistically expect it to be easy. We just don't know what the political forces are on the ground.
At this point, the unknowns are far too pervasive and the situation is moving too quickly for us to maintain any sense of control over the situation, which is bad because the situation clearly keeps trying to suck the United States in. Domestic politics in the Arab world are playing a larger part in this than humanitarianism, which is doubly dangerous as we can't divine them or where it will lead us. The Egyptians are full court pressing this and will probably emerge as the dominant power in North Africa, seeking an equal footing with Israel, maintaining some semblance of control and military access in Eastern Libya.
The Evolving Mission of Google - David Carr
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/21/business/media/21carr.html?partner=rss&emc=rss
Today’s quiz: What company derives 96 percent of its revenue from advertising, has a video platform that is currently negotiating with the National Basketball Association, a movie studio and various celebrities, and is developing a subscription service that would be plug-and-play for publishers and consumers the world over.
Today’s quiz: What company derives 96 percent of its revenue from advertising, has a video platform that is currently negotiating with the National Basketball Association, a movie studio and various celebrities, and is developing a subscription service that would be plug-and-play for publishers and consumers the world over.
AT&T’s purchase of T-Mobile will test antitrust law - Dean Takahashi
http://venturebeat.com/2011/03/20/atts-purchase-of-t-mobile-will-test-antitrust-law/
Two years ago, VentureBeat wrote about the growing clout of AT&T and Verizon, and the threat this posed to the market place — namely to the two smaller players, Sprint and T-Mobile. With T-Mobile gobbled up, it will put even more pressure on Sprint.
Two years ago, VentureBeat wrote about the growing clout of AT&T and Verizon, and the threat this posed to the market place — namely to the two smaller players, Sprint and T-Mobile. With T-Mobile gobbled up, it will put even more pressure on Sprint.
Allies Target Qaddafi’s Ground Forces as Libyan Rebels Regroup - DAVID D. KIRKPATRICK and ELISABETH BUMILLER
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/21/world/africa/21libya.html?_r=2&partner=MYWAY&ei=5065
As natural and moral as it is to defend the people of Libya, we may as well be realistic about what our limitations are and what scenario will likely emerge.
This could collapse the regime, in which case we have no one that is prepared to lead the country. That will require NATO occupation and several years, at least, of occupation and administration.
It could entrench the regime by stalling their advance on the opposition, balanced by the fact that the opposition is not strong enough or organized enough to collapse the regime on its own. That would lead to years of low grade civil war, during which at some point the NATO allies would lose interest. That is Qaddafi's key to survivial - drawing this out. In a number of months his ability to pay his soldiers, one of his few means of retaining order and loyalty, will be severely restrained. He needs to be in control at that point and have NATO lose interest, primarily the United States.
As natural and moral as it is to defend the people of Libya, we may as well be realistic about what our limitations are and what scenario will likely emerge.
This could collapse the regime, in which case we have no one that is prepared to lead the country. That will require NATO occupation and several years, at least, of occupation and administration.
It could entrench the regime by stalling their advance on the opposition, balanced by the fact that the opposition is not strong enough or organized enough to collapse the regime on its own. That would lead to years of low grade civil war, during which at some point the NATO allies would lose interest. That is Qaddafi's key to survivial - drawing this out. In a number of months his ability to pay his soldiers, one of his few means of retaining order and loyalty, will be severely restrained. He needs to be in control at that point and have NATO lose interest, primarily the United States.
Palin Flops in India - Kapil Komireddi
http://www.frumforum.com/palin-flops-in-india
The triumph of marketing over operations, packaging over product, appearance over performance. Whether she runs for president or not, she drives the GOP message effortlessly, unaware that she is pulling it under water the entire time. She has to be the birthday girl at every party she goes to, thank you very much.
While Komireddi admire her pluck in her stance on China, her shortcomings elsewhere are evident. She did take questions, though of course we are not allowed to see them, and apparently managed to lurch along with no awkward silences or cringing quotes. Maybe she is a more dangerous candidate than we give her credit for.
The triumph of marketing over operations, packaging over product, appearance over performance. Whether she runs for president or not, she drives the GOP message effortlessly, unaware that she is pulling it under water the entire time. She has to be the birthday girl at every party she goes to, thank you very much.
While Komireddi admire her pluck in her stance on China, her shortcomings elsewhere are evident. She did take questions, though of course we are not allowed to see them, and apparently managed to lurch along with no awkward silences or cringing quotes. Maybe she is a more dangerous candidate than we give her credit for.
Friday, March 18, 2011
Support for Gay Marriage Reaches a Milestone - Analysis by GARY LANGER
http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/support-gay-marriage-reaches-milestone/story?id=13159608
Another wedge issue bites the dust....unless it starts becoming a banner for Democrats, though they would be too cowardly in my opinion.
Another wedge issue bites the dust....unless it starts becoming a banner for Democrats, though they would be too cowardly in my opinion.
Following U.N. Vote, France Vows Libya Action ‘Soon’ - ALAN COWELL, DAN BILEFSKY and MARK LANDLER
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/19/world/africa/19libya.html?hp
Hours after the United Nations Security Council voted to authorize military action and the imposition of a no-flight zone on Libya to try to avert a rout of rebels by forces loyal to Col. Muammar el-Qaddafi, French and British officials said on Friday that military action would start soon. News reports said warplanes from the two countries would spearhead the attack.
François Baroin, a French government spokesman, told RTL radio that airstrikes would come “rapidly,” perhaps within hours, following the United Nations resolution late Thursday authorizing “all necessary measures” to impose a no-flight zone.
Hours after the United Nations Security Council voted to authorize military action and the imposition of a no-flight zone on Libya to try to avert a rout of rebels by forces loyal to Col. Muammar el-Qaddafi, French and British officials said on Friday that military action would start soon. News reports said warplanes from the two countries would spearhead the attack.
François Baroin, a French government spokesman, told RTL radio that airstrikes would come “rapidly,” perhaps within hours, following the United Nations resolution late Thursday authorizing “all necessary measures” to impose a no-flight zone.
Many Culprits in Fall of a Family Film - Brookes Barnes
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/15/business/media/15mars.html?ex=1315886400&en=d6188fae4f5918c2&ei=5087&WT.mc_id=BU-D-I-NYT-MOD-MOD-M193-ROS-0311-HDR&WT.mc_ev=click
The oversaturation of the market with digitally animated 3D films no one wants to see. Correction: expensive digitally animated 3D movies no one wants to see. I could be wrong but I get the feeling that the wave has crested on the thirst for 3D.
The oversaturation of the market with digitally animated 3D films no one wants to see. Correction: expensive digitally animated 3D movies no one wants to see. I could be wrong but I get the feeling that the wave has crested on the thirst for 3D.
As U.N. Backs Military Action in Libya, U.S. Role Is Unclear - DAN BILEFSKY and MARK LANDLER
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/18/world/africa/18nations.html?_r=1&partner=rss&emc=rss
The questions to ask:
1. What is everyone's role? Do the US and France and Britain supply the planes, while the others supply the fuel?
2. What do we do if this succeeds? Is there a plan in place if the regime collapses? Humanitarian aid will be needed, infrastructure will need to be replaced, there is no group of people prepared to govern a country.
3. Everyone realizes this is open-ended, right? The no-fly zones and the subsequent efforts in Kosovo, Bosnia and Iraq all lasted 10-15 years. That is roughly what we are looking at.
4. The rules of engagement are going to evolve as this thing goes on, I can assure you of that. It appears that the regime forces have enough armored power to abandon air attacks and just focus on blasting the opposition from the ground. As the rebels melt away the UN is going to find itself with a route on its hands. At that point the pressure will be to stop the advance of the regime forces and that means taking out tanks and artillery, or offering the very credible threat that you will.
By all appearances Qaddafi may have gotten the picture, as his son promised that the assault on Benghazi has been called off. Of course, he is a liar and an international pariah. It may be that their forces have outrun their supply lines, who knows? The point is that either the mopping up operations have progressed to the point that the regime can take a breather as victory is at hand, or they really do feel threatened. There is no end game for Qaddafi and his son. Only by negotiating to stay in power can they even live, and they will have to offer a lot. This may be the first bargaining chip they offer.
The questions to ask:
1. What is everyone's role? Do the US and France and Britain supply the planes, while the others supply the fuel?
2. What do we do if this succeeds? Is there a plan in place if the regime collapses? Humanitarian aid will be needed, infrastructure will need to be replaced, there is no group of people prepared to govern a country.
3. Everyone realizes this is open-ended, right? The no-fly zones and the subsequent efforts in Kosovo, Bosnia and Iraq all lasted 10-15 years. That is roughly what we are looking at.
4. The rules of engagement are going to evolve as this thing goes on, I can assure you of that. It appears that the regime forces have enough armored power to abandon air attacks and just focus on blasting the opposition from the ground. As the rebels melt away the UN is going to find itself with a route on its hands. At that point the pressure will be to stop the advance of the regime forces and that means taking out tanks and artillery, or offering the very credible threat that you will.
By all appearances Qaddafi may have gotten the picture, as his son promised that the assault on Benghazi has been called off. Of course, he is a liar and an international pariah. It may be that their forces have outrun their supply lines, who knows? The point is that either the mopping up operations have progressed to the point that the regime can take a breather as victory is at hand, or they really do feel threatened. There is no end game for Qaddafi and his son. Only by negotiating to stay in power can they even live, and they will have to offer a lot. This may be the first bargaining chip they offer.
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Why Gaddafi Has Survived Libya's Rebellion - Vivienne Walt
http://www.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,2059233,00.html
Though the war is not yet over, Libyans are already debating how Gaddafi's foes had managed to so overestimate the power of the revolt. Rebel leaders and Western governments, say some, badly misjudged Gaddafi's ability to survive — an exercise, perhaps, in wishful thinking. Sandwiched between Tunisia and Egypt, where peaceful uprisings had dispatched dictators, Gaddafi, who had ruled far longer than his neighbors, seemed to be the obvious next target. Saif and other key figures have admitted that the regime was badly caught off guard, and took a while to set their military strategy. Once they did, however, their battlefield prowess easily outmatched the rebels. "The West's interpretation was very, very stupid," says Mustafa Fetouri, director of the M.B.A. program at the Academy of Graduate Studies in Tripoli, who spent decades living in Europe. "They just gambled on the wrong thing, and made a huge, stupid mistake."
Though the war is not yet over, Libyans are already debating how Gaddafi's foes had managed to so overestimate the power of the revolt. Rebel leaders and Western governments, say some, badly misjudged Gaddafi's ability to survive — an exercise, perhaps, in wishful thinking. Sandwiched between Tunisia and Egypt, where peaceful uprisings had dispatched dictators, Gaddafi, who had ruled far longer than his neighbors, seemed to be the obvious next target. Saif and other key figures have admitted that the regime was badly caught off guard, and took a while to set their military strategy. Once they did, however, their battlefield prowess easily outmatched the rebels. "The West's interpretation was very, very stupid," says Mustafa Fetouri, director of the M.B.A. program at the Academy of Graduate Studies in Tripoli, who spent decades living in Europe. "They just gambled on the wrong thing, and made a huge, stupid mistake."
Why I switched back to an AT&T iPhone - Jonathan S. Geller
http://www.bgr.com/2011/03/16/why-i-switched-back-to-an-att-iphone/
I mentioned this several days ago, that the flood to Verizon due to the availability of the iPhone would eventually produce a class of consumers that realized they had left ATT to make a point but encountered the fact that the difference between most wireless providers is not all that noticeable. Further, you begin to encounter problems with Verizon that you did not have with ATT. Eventually this evens out and ATT begins to win customers back.
As wireless providers have to install heavy and expensive equipment to bring you wireless service, none are perfect. They deliver exactly what the industry demands and to become perfect is to become Lucent, having installed billions in equipment that was uneeded and obsolete within two years.
I mentioned this several days ago, that the flood to Verizon due to the availability of the iPhone would eventually produce a class of consumers that realized they had left ATT to make a point but encountered the fact that the difference between most wireless providers is not all that noticeable. Further, you begin to encounter problems with Verizon that you did not have with ATT. Eventually this evens out and ATT begins to win customers back.
As wireless providers have to install heavy and expensive equipment to bring you wireless service, none are perfect. They deliver exactly what the industry demands and to become perfect is to become Lucent, having installed billions in equipment that was uneeded and obsolete within two years.
Internet Explorer 9 downloaded 2.3 million times in first day; Firefox 3 managed 8 million! - Sebastian Anthony
http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/16/internet-explorer-9-downloaded-2-3-million-times-in-first-day-f/
Internet explorer lost my "business" years ago. Firefox lets me disable video, thereby reducing the drag that ads put on loading a page. Firefox lets me customize my browser much more. And finally, Firefox is free. So I can get all this for the price of breathing air, as opposed to using a frustrating browser that freezes and gums up while loading complicated and distrating ads.
Internet explorer lost my "business" years ago. Firefox lets me disable video, thereby reducing the drag that ads put on loading a page. Firefox lets me customize my browser much more. And finally, Firefox is free. So I can get all this for the price of breathing air, as opposed to using a frustrating browser that freezes and gums up while loading complicated and distrating ads.
House Ag Committee: Cut Food Stamps, not Farm Aid - Michael Crowley
http://swampland.blogs.time.com/2011/03/16/house-ag-committee-cut-food-stamps-not-farm-aid/
I've never known why ag producers, as opposed to farmers, are the beneficiaries of such largess. It agree with Crowley that this issue should be low hanging fruit for Republicans, as it benefits very few and perversely incents prices.
I suppose that farmers maintain an especially nostalgic part of our hearts, and politicians are pretty sure that they will be punished come election time for coming down on the wrong side of farmers, even though the vast majority of the subsidies go to corporate ag producers, not local farmers.
Then again I see the political calculus. Its just not an issue that anyone can win on. Campaign commercials would be overflowing with down home farmers appearing with your opponent and shaking their head at the mention of you. A farmer, mesh cap and overalls, shaking his head at the mention of you is not a winning image.
I've never known why ag producers, as opposed to farmers, are the beneficiaries of such largess. It agree with Crowley that this issue should be low hanging fruit for Republicans, as it benefits very few and perversely incents prices.
I suppose that farmers maintain an especially nostalgic part of our hearts, and politicians are pretty sure that they will be punished come election time for coming down on the wrong side of farmers, even though the vast majority of the subsidies go to corporate ag producers, not local farmers.
Then again I see the political calculus. Its just not an issue that anyone can win on. Campaign commercials would be overflowing with down home farmers appearing with your opponent and shaking their head at the mention of you. A farmer, mesh cap and overalls, shaking his head at the mention of you is not a winning image.
Nevada's Sharron Angle Launches Run for U.S. House - Politics Daily
http://www.politicsdaily.com/2011/03/16/nevadas-sharron-angle-launches-run-for-u-s-house/
Angle's return to the campaign trail "was greeted among Republican operatives from Las Vegas to Washington with more eye-rolling and regret than surprise," reported Politico.
Angle's return to the campaign trail "was greeted among Republican operatives from Las Vegas to Washington with more eye-rolling and regret than surprise," reported Politico.
Bahrain Pulls a Qaddafi - Nicholas Kristoff
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/17/opinion/17kristof.html?_r=1&src=ISMR_HP_LO_MST_FB
The Qaddafi Model is established, but requires your troops to fire on the citizens with mercilessness. Bahrain, having no troops that would do this, calls in the Saudis.
Bahrain, Libya, Iran, and the Saudis will survive in the short term. But the communicative power that has been established is unstoppable. Five years from now I dare say that the political map in the Middle East will look very different.
The Qaddafi Model is established, but requires your troops to fire on the citizens with mercilessness. Bahrain, having no troops that would do this, calls in the Saudis.
Bahrain, Libya, Iran, and the Saudis will survive in the short term. But the communicative power that has been established is unstoppable. Five years from now I dare say that the political map in the Middle East will look very different.
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Verizon grabs 12% of U.S. iPhone market in just one month - Andrew Munchbach
http://www.bgr.com/2011/03/15/chitika-1-of-every-8-iphones-now-running-on-verizon-wireless/
They will have a decent honeymoon period where they will still get enough disgruntled ATT iPhone customers switching over who are willing to ignore Verizon's own quirks for the time being. Eventually this will slow down, as Verizon's shortcomings begin to stem the defections from ATT and ATT will probably do a couple of things (improved service or stellar deals) that will maybe even draw some old customers back. ATT is still a better bet longterm, as they have complimentary services (they are a cable and internet provider), but there is also the danger that they will be loss focused than Verizon on finicky iPhone customers and will not be able to provide whatever Verizon rolls out to please them. This will be interesting going forth.
They will have a decent honeymoon period where they will still get enough disgruntled ATT iPhone customers switching over who are willing to ignore Verizon's own quirks for the time being. Eventually this will slow down, as Verizon's shortcomings begin to stem the defections from ATT and ATT will probably do a couple of things (improved service or stellar deals) that will maybe even draw some old customers back. ATT is still a better bet longterm, as they have complimentary services (they are a cable and internet provider), but there is also the danger that they will be loss focused than Verizon on finicky iPhone customers and will not be able to provide whatever Verizon rolls out to please them. This will be interesting going forth.
Netflix To Enter Original Programming With Mega Deal For David Fincher-Kevin Spacey Series 'House Of Cards' -Nellie Andreeva
http://www.deadline.com/2011/03/netflix-to-enter-original-programming-with-mega-deal-for-david-fincher-kevin-spacey-drama-series-house-of-cards/
I always stress that in the emerging entertainment environment, those that create the content will make the rules, not the "tubes" that we consume that entertainement through. Netflix branching into producing a new series is a start, I suppose. They had better do something as they do not have a sustainable competitive advantage at this point and the entertainment industry is heavily dependent on fracturing the availability of content as much as possible, to prevent one platform from being able to dictate or control the industry.
I always stress that in the emerging entertainment environment, those that create the content will make the rules, not the "tubes" that we consume that entertainement through. Netflix branching into producing a new series is a start, I suppose. They had better do something as they do not have a sustainable competitive advantage at this point and the entertainment industry is heavily dependent on fracturing the availability of content as much as possible, to prevent one platform from being able to dictate or control the industry.
If the Tea Party Went Downtown - Edward Glaeser
http://economix.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/03/15/if-the-tea-party-went-downtown/
Edward L. Glaeser is an economics professor at Harvard and the author of “Triumph of the City.”
Edward L. Glaeser is an economics professor at Harvard and the author of “Triumph of the City.”
CNN Poll: Most say govt. shutdown bad; Tea Party disagrees - Paul Steinhauser
http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2011/03/15/cnn-poll-most-say-govt-shutdown-bad-tea-party-disagrees/
Nine percent of Democrats, 26 percent of independents, 39 percent of Republicans, and 52 percent of Tea Party supporters say a shutdown for a few weeks would be good for the country.
Nine percent of Democrats, 26 percent of independents, 39 percent of Republicans, and 52 percent of Tea Party supporters say a shutdown for a few weeks would be good for the country.
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Microsoft Is Said to Stop Releasing New Models of the Zune - Dina Bass
http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-03-14/microsoft-said-to-stop-releasing-new-zune-models-as-demand-ebbs.html
I think the bigger revelation is that they were still selling Zunes.
I think the bigger revelation is that they were still selling Zunes.
Michele Bachmann’s First Action As Pres. Candidate? Offer Her Birth Certificate - Matt Schneider
http://www.mediaite.com/online/bachmann-if-i-ran-for-president-first-thing-i-would-do-is-offer-my-birth-certificate/
Bachmann’s repeated hesitation to affirmatively state that Obama is an American citizen might be why some observers dismiss Bachmann as not a serious contender for President. Yet since Bachmann’s willingness to go after Obama continues to generate headlines, might such a strategy make her a serious threat to the other potential candidates for the Republican nomination if she does decide to run for President?
Bachmann’s repeated hesitation to affirmatively state that Obama is an American citizen might be why some observers dismiss Bachmann as not a serious contender for President. Yet since Bachmann’s willingness to go after Obama continues to generate headlines, might such a strategy make her a serious threat to the other potential candidates for the Republican nomination if she does decide to run for President?
Land of Disaster - BRITT PETERSON
http://www.foreignpolicy.com/articles/2011/03/14/land_of_disaster
"Then there was the great earthquake of 1185, of an intensity not known before. Mountains crumbled and rivers were buried, the sea tilted over and immersed the land. The earth split and water gushed up; boulders were sundered and rolled into the valleys. Boats that rowed along the shores were swept out to sea. Horses walking along the roads lost their footing. It is needless to speak of the damage throughout the capital -- not a single mansion, pagoda, or shrine was left whole. As some collapsed and others tumbled over, dust and ashes rose like voluminous smoke. The rumble of the earth shaking and the houses crashing was exactly like that of thunder. Those who were in their houses, fearing that they would presently be crushed to death, ran outside, only to meet with a new cracking of the earth. They could not soar into the sky, not having wings. They could not climb into the clouds, not being dragons. Of all the frightening things of the world, none is so frightful as an earthquake." — Chomei, Account of My Hut
"Then there was the great earthquake of 1185, of an intensity not known before. Mountains crumbled and rivers were buried, the sea tilted over and immersed the land. The earth split and water gushed up; boulders were sundered and rolled into the valleys. Boats that rowed along the shores were swept out to sea. Horses walking along the roads lost their footing. It is needless to speak of the damage throughout the capital -- not a single mansion, pagoda, or shrine was left whole. As some collapsed and others tumbled over, dust and ashes rose like voluminous smoke. The rumble of the earth shaking and the houses crashing was exactly like that of thunder. Those who were in their houses, fearing that they would presently be crushed to death, ran outside, only to meet with a new cracking of the earth. They could not soar into the sky, not having wings. They could not climb into the clouds, not being dragons. Of all the frightening things of the world, none is so frightful as an earthquake." — Chomei, Account of My Hut
Friday, March 11, 2011
Along for the Ride - Ron Brownstein
http://nationaljournal.com/columns/political-connections/white-house-hopefuls-not-setting-the-gop-agenda-20110310
This is the best synopsis I've read yet of the Republican quandry. The candidates, whoever they are as technically there are none yet, have literally no control over the debate or even their own agenda. That agenda is being driven by the GOP House members who are particularly dialed in on Tea Party issues. Further, since there is a vacuum of an attention-drawing figure in the race for the presidency, the magnitude of the House members opinions is magnified. The result is that the issues are being driven farther and farther towards the right, an area that polls and national elections have shown independents will simply not tread. Obama, wisely, is sitting back and allowing the referendum to go from him back to them and their cacophany.
Unfortunately for the candidates, some of the anti-union and anti-illegal immigration rhetoric became muddled with some messages that will haunt the GOP. As Mr. Brownstein points out, the left can now point to a GOP president and predict a nationwide assault on organized labor. They can also present numerous unfortunate conflations and outright repugnant statements right from the mouths of the right wing talking corps that will be held up to paint the GOP as hostile to the newly emerging Hispanic population. Whatever the fair intent of these laws, it is irrelavent in the face of a couple of slurs and nasty jokes by those that support it.
This is the best synopsis I've read yet of the Republican quandry. The candidates, whoever they are as technically there are none yet, have literally no control over the debate or even their own agenda. That agenda is being driven by the GOP House members who are particularly dialed in on Tea Party issues. Further, since there is a vacuum of an attention-drawing figure in the race for the presidency, the magnitude of the House members opinions is magnified. The result is that the issues are being driven farther and farther towards the right, an area that polls and national elections have shown independents will simply not tread. Obama, wisely, is sitting back and allowing the referendum to go from him back to them and their cacophany.
Unfortunately for the candidates, some of the anti-union and anti-illegal immigration rhetoric became muddled with some messages that will haunt the GOP. As Mr. Brownstein points out, the left can now point to a GOP president and predict a nationwide assault on organized labor. They can also present numerous unfortunate conflations and outright repugnant statements right from the mouths of the right wing talking corps that will be held up to paint the GOP as hostile to the newly emerging Hispanic population. Whatever the fair intent of these laws, it is irrelavent in the face of a couple of slurs and nasty jokes by those that support it.
So unfav: Palin's poll plunge - ANDY BARR
http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0311/51028.html
Her next plan: become a roving Hannity. She's not smart or interesting enough to maintain a commentary, so she'll continue to guest star here and there. But let's be clear: the minute she stops "running" for president, she ceases to be interesting by half.
Her next plan: become a roving Hannity. She's not smart or interesting enough to maintain a commentary, so she'll continue to guest star here and there. But let's be clear: the minute she stops "running" for president, she ceases to be interesting by half.
Gaddafi takes key towns as Nato squabbles over Libya action - Peter Beaumont in Tripoli, Ian Traynor in Brussels and Nicholas Watt
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/mar/10/gaddafi-libya-nato
I'm becoming a bit anxious, as I'm sure a lot of people are. What now? Qadafi has shown that he is willing to use terrorism and whatever else he has at his disposal to do whatever it is he has set out to do. Exactly what that is has never been clear. Even if he defeats the opposition, what would be his plans at that point? How does he retain power in the face of oil embargoes and freezes on his own personal assets? He is more or less locked in geographically, so his options are even more limited than most of the other warlords we usually think about.
Lashing out at Italy? Terror for sale? The French and the British seem intent on landing a blow. The fact that they are publicly discussing it makes it seem somewhat inevitable. If not for Iraq, this would be a war the world could rally behind.
I'm becoming a bit anxious, as I'm sure a lot of people are. What now? Qadafi has shown that he is willing to use terrorism and whatever else he has at his disposal to do whatever it is he has set out to do. Exactly what that is has never been clear. Even if he defeats the opposition, what would be his plans at that point? How does he retain power in the face of oil embargoes and freezes on his own personal assets? He is more or less locked in geographically, so his options are even more limited than most of the other warlords we usually think about.
Lashing out at Italy? Terror for sale? The French and the British seem intent on landing a blow. The fact that they are publicly discussing it makes it seem somewhat inevitable. If not for Iraq, this would be a war the world could rally behind.
Re: the earthquake in Japan
There is nothing I am really going to be able to add to the story in Japan so I will not be posting any links on it. Perhaps later as the story develops we might look into the slowdown of Japanese growth or the aging of the Japanese population or the detrimental effect of zero immigration, but I think those can wait.
Thursday, March 10, 2011
Obama a 'Radical'? Get Real - Micheal Medved
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704758904576188442276811076.html
Too late, Mike. The base has been sold on this and it's really all they will accept. I'd love it (love it) if yours was the dominant narrative of the Republican party, but its not. As long as Palin (among others) is embraced at arms length, simply because it "drives liberals nuts", even though they despise her ideas and, er, her, this narrative is dead in the water.
The minute Obama is humanized, you're lost. The alternatives that have been submitted are so wacky, that to go back now would almost be a bridge too far. The Tea Party movement, whether or not you agreed with it, was based on voter outrage. Outrage at a number of things, some of them a bit unsavory but perhaps that's another post. The point is that the Republicans crept aboard a tiger, and now they are committed to where it wants to go, not them. To get off now is to be devoured.
Too late, Mike. The base has been sold on this and it's really all they will accept. I'd love it (love it) if yours was the dominant narrative of the Republican party, but its not. As long as Palin (among others) is embraced at arms length, simply because it "drives liberals nuts", even though they despise her ideas and, er, her, this narrative is dead in the water.
The minute Obama is humanized, you're lost. The alternatives that have been submitted are so wacky, that to go back now would almost be a bridge too far. The Tea Party movement, whether or not you agreed with it, was based on voter outrage. Outrage at a number of things, some of them a bit unsavory but perhaps that's another post. The point is that the Republicans crept aboard a tiger, and now they are committed to where it wants to go, not them. To get off now is to be devoured.
In depth: How Rovio made Angry Birds a winner (and what's next) - Tom Cheshire
http://www.wired.co.uk/magazine/archive/2011/04/features/how-rovio-made-angry-birds-a-winner?page=all
He had pitched hundreds in the two months before. This one showed a cartoon flock of round birds, trudging along the ground, moving towards a pile of colourful blocks. They looked cross. "People saw this picture and it was just magical," says Niklas. Eight months and thousands of changes later, after nearly abandoning the project, Niklas watched his mother burn a Christmas turkey, distracted by playing the finished game. "She doesn't play any games. I realised: this is it."
He had pitched hundreds in the two months before. This one showed a cartoon flock of round birds, trudging along the ground, moving towards a pile of colourful blocks. They looked cross. "People saw this picture and it was just magical," says Niklas. Eight months and thousands of changes later, after nearly abandoning the project, Niklas watched his mother burn a Christmas turkey, distracted by playing the finished game. "She doesn't play any games. I realised: this is it."
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Paul Ryan's slideshow
http://budget.house.gov/UploadedFiles/marchlisteningsessions.pdf
I am not an alarmist, and I don't think out current debt is unsustainable (the bond markets agree with me on this), but there is going to have to be a point at which the American people realize that there will be sacrifice on their part, and it will have to be soon. At the current rate of borrowing debt service will be larger than the entire federal budget in 2080. Of course, who knows what intervening events will occur in the next seventy years, but I wouldn't make a plan that assumed a miracle in 2050.
I am not an alarmist, and I don't think out current debt is unsustainable (the bond markets agree with me on this), but there is going to have to be a point at which the American people realize that there will be sacrifice on their part, and it will have to be soon. At the current rate of borrowing debt service will be larger than the entire federal budget in 2080. Of course, who knows what intervening events will occur in the next seventy years, but I wouldn't make a plan that assumed a miracle in 2050.
TRENDING: 'Birther' debate alive and well in New Hampshire - Gabriella Schwarz
http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2011/03/09/birther-debate-alive-and-well-in-new-hampshire/
However, according to a CNN/Opinion Research Corporation poll conducted last year, 27 percent of those surveyed said Obama was definitely or probably not born in the United States, compared with 71 percent who said he was definitely or probably born in the country. More Republicans with 41 percent said Obama was not a natural-born citizen, compared with 15 percent of Democrats and 29 percent of independents surveyed.
However, according to a CNN/Opinion Research Corporation poll conducted last year, 27 percent of those surveyed said Obama was definitely or probably not born in the United States, compared with 71 percent who said he was definitely or probably born in the country. More Republicans with 41 percent said Obama was not a natural-born citizen, compared with 15 percent of Democrats and 29 percent of independents surveyed.
Government Shutdown Opposed by Americans in Poll Faulting Republican Cuts -Julie Hirschfeld Davis and Heidi Przybyla
http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-03-09/government-shutdown-opposed-by-americans-in-poll-faulting-republican-cuts.html
Notice that these polls were somewhat different before Scott Walker became part of the equation. A generation of business that was working to bust unions should forever remember who it was that shattered their dream and created a motivated Democratic base for 2012.
Notice that these polls were somewhat different before Scott Walker became part of the equation. A generation of business that was working to bust unions should forever remember who it was that shattered their dream and created a motivated Democratic base for 2012.
Newt’s Family Values Problem - David Frum
http://www.frumforum.com/newts-family-values-problem
David says:
It’s not the infidelity. It’s the arrogance, hypocrisy, and – most horrifying to women voters – the cruelty.
Anyone can dump one sick wife. Gingrich dumped two.
Newt Gingrich is a grifter. He has no hope of winning the presidency, and a large part of me believes that he knows this. But another large part of me also knows has a very good hope of becoming The Voice of Intelligence in an increasingly extreme GOP. And with that comes Millionz (with a z!) and TV time and books, etc. Frum is right, and Newt will nod all the way to the bank.
David says:
It’s not the infidelity. It’s the arrogance, hypocrisy, and – most horrifying to women voters – the cruelty.
Anyone can dump one sick wife. Gingrich dumped two.
Newt Gingrich is a grifter. He has no hope of winning the presidency, and a large part of me believes that he knows this. But another large part of me also knows has a very good hope of becoming The Voice of Intelligence in an increasingly extreme GOP. And with that comes Millionz (with a z!) and TV time and books, etc. Frum is right, and Newt will nod all the way to the bank.
Off the Rails - Why Do Conservatives Hate Trains So Much - Dave Weigel
http://www.slate.com/id/2287539/pagenum/all/#p2
Cox's point is the conservatives' second play in their anti-rail argument: the cultural case against rail. Rail can't work because people don't want to ride it. Liberals want to fund rail because they want to change behavior.
Cox's point is the conservatives' second play in their anti-rail argument: the cultural case against rail. Rail can't work because people don't want to ride it. Liberals want to fund rail because they want to change behavior.
Have we already survived the rise of the robots? by Ezra Klein
http://voices.washingtonpost.com/ezra-klein/2011/03/have_we_already_survived_the_r.html
Ezra says:
The Internet is an example of very few people being able to change very many lives. There might be 500 million Facebook profiles out there, but Facebook itself only recently passed 2,000 employees. The same goes for some of the other fields we’re looking toward for salvation, such as the pharmaceutical industry.
Has the capital evaporated, or is it now flowing into reiki lessons and fines meals, as Ezra points out. The money that used to go to bookstores and to publishers now goes to Amazon...and then where?
Ezra says:
The Internet is an example of very few people being able to change very many lives. There might be 500 million Facebook profiles out there, but Facebook itself only recently passed 2,000 employees. The same goes for some of the other fields we’re looking toward for salvation, such as the pharmaceutical industry.
Has the capital evaporated, or is it now flowing into reiki lessons and fines meals, as Ezra points out. The money that used to go to bookstores and to publishers now goes to Amazon...and then where?
Opposition in Libya Struggles to Form a United Front By ANTHONY SHADID and KAREEM FAHIM
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/09/world/africa/09rebels.html?_r=1&partner=rss&emc=rss
There is a contest going on right now that is not entirely military, and the side that survives its weakness will win out. Qadafi must find a way to divide his dwindling funds between keeping alive and at the same time paying the hundreds of people that he depends on. After all, their loyalty is not to him. The opposition on the other hand must survive internal strife and food shortages. If they cannot deliver basic everyday commodities their support will evaporate.
Perhaps then the way to bring Qadafi down is to set up a food and medicine distribution system in East Libya, while at the same time dangling cash to defectors in West Libya.
There is a contest going on right now that is not entirely military, and the side that survives its weakness will win out. Qadafi must find a way to divide his dwindling funds between keeping alive and at the same time paying the hundreds of people that he depends on. After all, their loyalty is not to him. The opposition on the other hand must survive internal strife and food shortages. If they cannot deliver basic everyday commodities their support will evaporate.
Perhaps then the way to bring Qadafi down is to set up a food and medicine distribution system in East Libya, while at the same time dangling cash to defectors in West Libya.
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Can Any One Of These People Beat President Obama?
http://www.businessinsider.com/2012-gop-candidates-2011-3?op=1
John Ellis' take on the Republican field
John Ellis' take on the Republican field
Warner Bros. to Rent Movies Digitally on Facebook, Starting With 'Dark Knight'
http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/warner-bros-rent-movies-digitally-165218
I really don't see Facebook becoming a digital content provider, but it is a content destination for millions. I don't see the slightest downside toWarner sticking their toes in the water on this one.
I really don't see Facebook becoming a digital content provider, but it is a content destination for millions. I don't see the slightest downside toWarner sticking their toes in the water on this one.
Wisconsin Voters Oppose Weakening Collective Bargaining Rights in General But Strongly Support Specific Changes
http://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/general_state_surveys/wisconsin/wisconsin_voters_oppose_weakening_collective_bargaining_rights_in_general_but_strongly_support_specific_changes
We also would have accepted the answer "Scott Walker comes across as mean, cold and vindictive and we just don't like to see people like that succeed".
We also would have accepted the answer "Scott Walker comes across as mean, cold and vindictive and we just don't like to see people like that succeed".
Mitt Romney, the most transparent candidate - By MICHAEL KINSLEY
http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0311/50786.html
Until I see someone that can realistically challenge him, Romney is my bet for the nominee in 2012. Kinsley makes a rash of good points here, not least among them is the fact that Romney's phoniness is simply accepted, even by his supporters, but also that the business wing of the Republican party has found itself without a home. Too moderate for the Angle/Beck/Palin wing of the party, but adamantly opposed to the socialism-lite they find in Obama's Democrats, they revolve around in a sort of limbo, still part of the party but a bit freaked out by those getting admitted to the club these days.
Romney's voluminous flip flops would be enough to kill an ordinary politician. But this is not any normal politician and this is no ordinary election. Unlike when Bob Dole was hoisted up as the party elder to serve as the sacrifice on his own political funeral pyre in an attempt to unseat Bill Clinton, this crop of Republican voters wants a WINNER. Bad. Romney's phoniness and his flip flops are issues for another time. Here is a man who will say anything to win and can run against the ObamaSatan and conceivably win. Those voters that are only clapping out of politeness at Sarah Palin long for someone who can beat Obama...whether he means what he says or not is totally secondary.
When John Kerry was chosen to run against George Bush, primary voters were asked why they voted for John Kerry. The most common answer was "he can win".
I introduce you to the Republican John Kerry.
Until I see someone that can realistically challenge him, Romney is my bet for the nominee in 2012. Kinsley makes a rash of good points here, not least among them is the fact that Romney's phoniness is simply accepted, even by his supporters, but also that the business wing of the Republican party has found itself without a home. Too moderate for the Angle/Beck/Palin wing of the party, but adamantly opposed to the socialism-lite they find in Obama's Democrats, they revolve around in a sort of limbo, still part of the party but a bit freaked out by those getting admitted to the club these days.
Romney's voluminous flip flops would be enough to kill an ordinary politician. But this is not any normal politician and this is no ordinary election. Unlike when Bob Dole was hoisted up as the party elder to serve as the sacrifice on his own political funeral pyre in an attempt to unseat Bill Clinton, this crop of Republican voters wants a WINNER. Bad. Romney's phoniness and his flip flops are issues for another time. Here is a man who will say anything to win and can run against the ObamaSatan and conceivably win. Those voters that are only clapping out of politeness at Sarah Palin long for someone who can beat Obama...whether he means what he says or not is totally secondary.
When John Kerry was chosen to run against George Bush, primary voters were asked why they voted for John Kerry. The most common answer was "he can win".
I introduce you to the Republican John Kerry.
Libya the Tattooed Lady
There are accusations that the Administration is too timid to involve itself because of Iraq. You know what I say? Good for us! One gets the sense that if the US became involved in a shooting war with Libyan government forces - which is what happens in armed intervention - NATO support would evaporate very quickly. The Itallians, the traditional go-to-guy in Europe when it comes to Libya, hasn't been in a position to intervene in anything since my grandparents were still in high school. There is little indication that the French or the British or the Germans have any interest in taking part in another rescue, a bad sign. Each of these countries has an axe to grind that stems from terrorist attacks on their soil by Libyan intelligence. If we can't get them involved there is no sense in taking part.
Deliver food to East Libya, provide doctors and logistics to deliver medical and food aid to rural areas. This requires military support and almost certainly a fleet docked off of Benghazi to provide a platform, but this is very different then collapsing and rebuilding a government.
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/08/world/middleeast/08policy.html?_r=1&partner=rss&emc=rss
Deliver food to East Libya, provide doctors and logistics to deliver medical and food aid to rural areas. This requires military support and almost certainly a fleet docked off of Benghazi to provide a platform, but this is very different then collapsing and rebuilding a government.
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/08/world/middleeast/08policy.html?_r=1&partner=rss&emc=rss
Monday, March 7, 2011
Recall drives could make history
http://www.jsonline.com/news/statepolitics/117501513.html
I am not a big fan of recall votes. They should be rare and difficult to bring about, as they generally are. However, there does need to be room for a sudden change of mind by the voting public. Whether or not I agree with what the unions are asking for, its clear that Scott Walker has overstepped by a mile and is pursuing partisan goals as much as he is fiscal goals. If they disagree with him, the people of Wisconsin should have the right to turn his cart over, if not by vacating his office, than by dumping members of his party from office.
I just don't think they anticipated any reaction of this sort when Walker launched his war, and it is a war. I also think the forces that pressed for this war could not have picked a worse face for this war than Scott Walker.
I am not a big fan of recall votes. They should be rare and difficult to bring about, as they generally are. However, there does need to be room for a sudden change of mind by the voting public. Whether or not I agree with what the unions are asking for, its clear that Scott Walker has overstepped by a mile and is pursuing partisan goals as much as he is fiscal goals. If they disagree with him, the people of Wisconsin should have the right to turn his cart over, if not by vacating his office, than by dumping members of his party from office.
I just don't think they anticipated any reaction of this sort when Walker launched his war, and it is a war. I also think the forces that pressed for this war could not have picked a worse face for this war than Scott Walker.
Bonds Show Why Boehner’s ‘We’re Broke’ is Figure of Speech
http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-03-07/bonds-show-why-boehner-saying-we-re-broke-is-figure-of-speech.html
“You are never broke as long as there are those who will buy your debt and lend money to you,” said Edward Altman, a finance professor at New York University’s Stern School of Business who created the Z-score formula that calculates a company’s likelihood of bankruptcy.
“You are never broke as long as there are those who will buy your debt and lend money to you,” said Edward Altman, a finance professor at New York University’s Stern School of Business who created the Z-score formula that calculates a company’s likelihood of bankruptcy.
Is America moving to arm the Libyan opposition?
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/americas-secret-plan-to-arm-libyas-rebels-2234227.html
According to this story, not quite. Asking the Saudis is they can spare some weapons to funnel to the Libyans, in the midst of the Saudis own troubles, is not exactly a sweeping gesture. The opposition presents a complex problem: while Qadafi is quite mad and unpopular, he has also lasted four decades. Throwing our lot in with an unorganized resistance is risky and may not be what they need, especially if by choosing one faction we fracture the fragile balance of power that opposes Qadafi right now.
At this point there are probably several power centers swirling around in the resistance. Picking one for the sake of expediency could lend it gravity and credibility, which could turn out great or it could turn out in disaster. Perhaps the Saudis, who have learned a thing or two about lasting themselves, could divine which group or individual is best suited to deliver the future in Libya. Probably not, but this underlines the American quandary: how to take advantage of an opportunity we have been waiting for for four decades without becoming enmeshed in yet another war in the Middle East.
According to this story, not quite. Asking the Saudis is they can spare some weapons to funnel to the Libyans, in the midst of the Saudis own troubles, is not exactly a sweeping gesture. The opposition presents a complex problem: while Qadafi is quite mad and unpopular, he has also lasted four decades. Throwing our lot in with an unorganized resistance is risky and may not be what they need, especially if by choosing one faction we fracture the fragile balance of power that opposes Qadafi right now.
At this point there are probably several power centers swirling around in the resistance. Picking one for the sake of expediency could lend it gravity and credibility, which could turn out great or it could turn out in disaster. Perhaps the Saudis, who have learned a thing or two about lasting themselves, could divine which group or individual is best suited to deliver the future in Libya. Probably not, but this underlines the American quandary: how to take advantage of an opportunity we have been waiting for for four decades without becoming enmeshed in yet another war in the Middle East.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)