Barack Obama 'has enough super-delegates to win Democratic nomination' - Telegraph

Not sure why this reporting is coming from the UK, but there you have it, from the Telegraph in the UK, at the same time that 4 out of the 5 major Sunday news shows are still positioning the fight as continuing. I'm betting the nomination fight is over, but Hillary's activities in tearing apart the Democratic Party may only now be hitting high gear.

No, Not a "We Should be Like Europe" Rant

We are not Europe. In Europe, the middle and upper class seek to live in the urban centers, while the poor/lower class tend to live outside the city. With the notable exceptions of say, New York and Chicago, the opposite is the case (blanket indictment I know, but let me make my point). The left is often get accused of secretly aspiring to model America to be like Europe. And the attached chart makes that point that as it pertains to other forms of transportation, Europeans have the capacity certainly to walk or bicycle to other locations, given how they live. But Krugman makes the point that in terms geography, and for the most part with respect to our our living patterns, we are not significantly different than Canada, but in terms of the effectiveness of our public transportion, they are way ahead of us.

Case Example 4,562 of BushCo's Disregard for the Military

Yet another example of the Bush Administration's blatant disregard and disrespect for our nation's military. In this example, the remains of fallen military are taken to a animal crematorium for processing, contrary to standard - and appropriate - military procedure.

This Ain't No Ringin' Endorsement

I hope Dann is packing his boxes, and clearing out his office, because when the Governor makes these sort of comments, he does NOT have your back. It can't happen soon enough. I'm guessing by next Friday (May 16th) Dann will be gone.

Dean on Fox News Sunday - Smart Commentary

I have to say that I waver at times as to the role that Howard Dean has played leading the DNC. One point in in his favor, a very strong point at that, is his 50 state strategy, which he was criticized for by beltway dems, and ridiculed by the right; however I believe it paid some dividends in 2006, and will do so again in 2008.

He talks in soundbytes, sometimes too abbreviated. But as Chris Wallace tried to make some hay around the you-were-boycotting-us-before-but-now-you're-not meme, Dean came back with a couple zingers that were spot on. His explanation that the Dems avoided Fox for the debates, completely negates Wallace's argument, and points out that the Dems strategy worked to a "T": When it mattered most to Fox, during the debates, when Fox could control the questions and the agenda, the Dems would not and did not participate. But on the Sunday news cycle, as things are winding down (hopefully), and the Democratic candidates and party leadership are seeking opportunities to reach out to the fringe Dems who still watch Fox, its completely on Fox's dime. Free Pub for Dems. Gotta love it.

How to leave a comment

Ok, so I know there are folks who are reading this blog, because I will get the occasional commentary. A very simple means to begin the online conversation is to post a comment. It's really very simple:



Just click on the comments field below. At this point, I've not blocked anyone from posting, so you are free to post away.

Greenhills Democrats: Next Meeting May 15th

It's once again time to convene the Democrats in the community. We are shooting for our next meeting May 15th at the Greenhills Community Building Library. Meeting begins at 7:00pm, but hey, were Democrats, so I wouldn't be surprised if thing don't kick off til 7:15 or so...

Last time I was able to make the meeting, there was some artwork from Winton Woods students, I think in the primary grades as a I recall, which was just outstanding. Hats off to the arts program, for creating an outlet for students to really spread their wings creatively.

SubPrime Poster Child: CountryWide

From the multi-million dollar compensation packages of its leadership as his ship slid downward, into what is now a a negative equity situation, Countrywide stands out, as hard as that is to do -- as one of the more notable, and infamous participants in the subprime mess. It was announced today that Bank of America might in fact walk away from Countrywide.

Reverend Wright! Reverend Wright!

America needs to be distracted by more Obama-bashing. Otherwise, the dying breed of truth tellers (McClatchy being one of the last) will continue to tell stories that actually depict what's happening in the reality based world.

Hillary Reaching DINO Status

It's still early -- April for crying out loud -- but Hillary is already displaying her DINO (Democrat In Name Only) credentials. I suspected this when my Hannity- and Falafel-Bill loving cousin indicated that he could support EITHER Clinton or McCain for president.

Troubling, But Certainly Not Surprising

In the article "Behind TV Analysts, Pentagon’s Hidden Hand in tomorrow's New York Times, we learn the not-so-surprising manipulation by the administration of the military talking heads as a "rapid reaction force" to counter critical news coverage that shed an unfavorable light on the War in Iraq.

Though many analysts are paid network consultants, making $500 to $1,000 per appearance, in Pentagon meetings they sometimes spoke as if they were operating behind enemy lines, interviews and transcripts show. Some offered the Pentagon tips on how to outmaneuver the networks, or as one analyst put it to Donald H. Rumsfeld, then the defense secretary, “the Chris Matthewses and the Wolf Blitzers of the world.” Some warned of planned stories or sent the Pentagon copies of their correspondence with network news executives. Many — although certainly not all — faithfully echoed talking points intended to counter critics

Paraphrasing Al Gore, I have to download my outrage to external hard drive to make room for more outrage.

Update: PBS has produced a report on the story, and had in fact invited the other broadcast and cable news outlets to weight in. Their response: crickets.

Greenhills Dems Convene Again: April 17th

Just a reminder that we are supposed to get back together again Thursday, April 17th, at 7pm. Hope you all can make it! We need to get energized for the fall elections. I'm out of town on business, so both of my readers should try to make it up to the Greenhills Community Building Library in my place.

File Under Schadenfreude

Feeling down, so I blog.

Saw this today and had that, as yet undefined (at least in the English language) sense of feigned disappointment, or as Wikipedia defines it, "pleasure from misfortune":

Alberto R. Gonzales, like many others recently unemployed, has discovered how difficult it can be to find a new job. Mr. Gonzales, the former attorney general, who was forced to resign last year, has been unable to interest law firms in adding his name to their roster, Washington lawyers and his associates said in recent interviews.

Surprised his former boss' reference doesn't seem to carry much weight, I guess.

Jeebus H.!

On "Press the Meat," Carville and Shrum! You've got to be kidding me!?

Balance?

Guests this week on Stephanophalagus:

George Will - Conservative, with flavors of "Neo-" thrown in for good measure
Donna Brazile - Centrist Democrat and Clinton Supporter
Mark Halperin - Right Wing Hack Neoconservative
Torie Clarke - Former DOD Spokesperson under Rumsfeld and NeoCon

Keep on looking...

National Health Care Costs / Percentage of GDP

I was at a family dinner last weekend, and one of my relatives who works in the medical field mentioned that those who are begging for "universal health care better be careful for what they ask for." While I think the comment is fundamentally flawed, because I'm not sold yet that the decision is between what we currently have and universal health care, I firmly believe what we have right now is not working.

The graph, from this report referenced in a blog posting from Krugman speaks to the underlying dilemma. I think the argument should be that simply put, doing nothing, as we have not done pretty much for the time frame of this chart, is not working, and we need to now do something. I think for it's faults, (including the lack of a full mandate), Obama's plan is a good start, and is better than anything that has been proposed from the other side.

Steve Driehaus Looking for Contributions

As mentioned previously, 01 is considered a key target in the 2008 election cycle for the Dems. Contribute early and often to Steve's campaign.

Next Meeting of the Greenhills Dems: April 17

Just a reminder that we are supposed to get back together again Thursday, April 17th, at 7pm. Hope you all can make it! We need to get energized for the fall elections. We'll be up at the Greenhills Community Building Library again.

Fries Cafe - New Home for Drinking Liberally Cincinnati

This represents a certain harmonic convergence for me...

Hi all,

As you know, the District One chapter of Drinking Liberally Cincinnati hasn't had a permanent home in quite a while. Well, starting this Tuesday, April 1st, we're going to move into our new digs. To have a central location, we've chosen Fries Cafe in Clifton as our bar of choice. Fries is located at 3247 Jefferson Ave., just down from Ludlow. Fries typically has a wide selection of draft beers (they're especially fond of the Bell's brand), and has a very laid-back atmosphere to enjoy a drink or two in.

Now here's the interesting catch. Fries does not serve food (obviously that's why it's called a cafe), but they will allow you to bring food in from outside - so long as we clean up after ourselves. We're going to use this opportunity to patronize local restaurants as well. Each week we'll pick a neighborhood restaurant that one of the group will take orders for and bring in the food, or you can feel free to bring in your own if you'd like.

For the first meeting, we'll be bringing in pizza from one of Cincinnati's oldest and best pizzerias, Adriatico's Pizza (they're so old they don't even have a website). If you're interested in ordering with the group, be at Fries around 7:30 - we'll put in an order around 7:45-8:00 depending on group size (sorry, I can't do e-mail orders, we need you to be there so we can collect cash and such).

Any questions, feel free to reply to this e-mail. Hope to see you all Tuesday for the grand opening of the new location!

Cheers,
Adam

Hillary Did Take Sniper Fire in Bosnia

Who Knew?



Apologies to the Greenhills natives who are Hillary fans.

Hagel: 900 Dead Soldiers Someone Else's Definition of Success

Hagel nails it in this quick exchange with the Stephanopolagus. In essence, what is lost in the meme around the "surge is working" is that most everyone, including the talking heads in the mainstream media seem to forget that decrease in violence was not the end, in and of itself, but rather, a means to an end, whereby the Iraqi's would be able to build some semblance of a political structure opened up by the draw down in violence. The former has not happened, despite the latter.

Jon Stewart on Thursday described the Surge as a "Human DMZ (Demilitarized Zone)" that we continue to sustain, evidently indefinitely.

From My Email

This Jewel of a Community-Growing up in Greenhills Ohio in the 1940's
A Lecture by Charles Gene Mefford
Monday, March 24, 2008
Greenhills Municipal Building11000 Winton Road
2nd floor - Handicapped Accessible
7:30 p.m.
All welcome
FREE REFRESHMENTS

Hillary's Plan

A very republican co-worker suggested that Hillary, if she won the nomination would pick Bill as her running mate, and if that happens Obama would go independent, and run with Bloomberg. I replied that (1) I am fairly confident that Bill can not be Vice President (something about people who've been president can't be in line to be president again, or some such constitutional legalese), and (2) Bloomberg is a Republican at heart, and would not run with Obama, nor did I believe that Obama would pursue a cross-over corporatist as his running mate.

The point of this though is that I am now hearing rumors that Hillary might consider an independent run against Obama if she does not be the nomination. Given the the tenor of the commentary after the recent turn of events (Richardson's endorsement of Obama to name one), my sense is that this could be something she pulls off.

I could think of no better way to guarantee a McCain victory in the fall!

News Item from Friday Night

Noted without comment:

White House: Computer hard drives tossed

The New Hybrid Scion

I guess somebody thinks this is cool, but I'm sorry. This is just plain ugly

A Test for McCain - Support for the New GI Bill

Who am I kidding. The "Maverick" actually putting his neck out and alienating his new-found base. Jim Webb will be waiting a long time for McCain's support for this, the new GI Bill for post 9/11 veterans. My prediction: won't happen this election cycle.

Holy Crap! JPMorgan Chase To Acquire Bear Stearns

This is not a small thing. This is big cr*p-in-your-pants sort of stuff.

On Obama's Pastor

The "God Damn America" comment by Obama's pastor as a standalone seems incendiary especially as the MSM is positioning it, no doubt, but the quote in larger context seems to drive to the heart of the social commentary for which he is known (from ABC News):

No, no, no, God damn America, that's in the Bible for killing innocent people," (Wright) said in a 2003 sermon. "God damn America for treating our citizens as less than human. God damn America for as long as she acts like she is God and she is supreme."

I disagree with Reverend Wright on one point: I do not believe it is America that is at fault for killing innocent people. I do believe it is the misguided policies of our leaders who should be damned, that resulted in the tragedy to which Pastor Wright is foreshadowing. I would add that the phrase itself, when compared with the commentary of some other supporters for other candidates (including those who suggest that we should bomb Iran as part of a larger war against Muslims, and/or that Catholicism is a cult), seems to pale.

And I think the biblical quote he is referencing seems to provide some clarity as to the underlying rationale of the spirit of his commentary: This from DailyKos. In many ways, the words he uses to provide his interpretation is shocking, and in a certain sense, is meant to shock his community -- shock it into action.

Additionally, I can't bring myself to object to his right to say these words. We live in America, and one of the greatest things about living in America is that commentary such as this has been part of what burnishes our views on all sides of all issues.

A Meeting of Greenhills Democrats, 3/20

Just a reminder that we are supposed to get back together again this Thursday, at 7pm. Hope you all can make it!

Blogs Afire with Anti-Hillary Meme

And rightfully so. Her putting McCain on a pedestal (I think the technical term in the political circles - a term borrowed from the adult movie industry - is "fluffing") at the same time throwing Obama under the bus is getting out of hand. Although I haven't pinpointed her rationale, Randi Rhodes' theory is justthisside of far-fectched. Of her two theories, that (a) Hillary wants to be his running mate, or (b) she'll implode the party in order to give McCain the election this year, allowing her to come out in 2012, the latter seems more plausible.

Chabot Aide Gets Caught Doing Campaign Work from House Office

Having worked in a congressional office, this is one of those things that you have to be careful about. We would get calls in the roll-up to campaign season in the office, and would have to refer them elsewhere, pretty quickly. Some of the mistakes are inevitable, and I put this in that category.

Managing China: Cincinnati Skyline Featured?

Interesting Screen Capture from CNBC World this morning. This is a show called "Managing China" which, because it is completely in Chinese has captions. Today's topic was on the challenges in China dealing with firms who are illegally or inappropriately profiting off their association with the Beijing Olympics. Of note is the backdrop for the show: the Cincinnati skyline.

This Is What Real Accountability Looks Like

I wish I had representation like this in Congress. Rep. Ackerman (D-NY) holds Satterfield accountable as Satterfield dissembles and tap dances his way through the responses.

Update (3/22): I can not seem to find an update. It means nothing if there's no follow-up. I hope that Ackerman's efforts weren't for show.

Open Thread

Come on People. Let us know what your are thinking. I know you are out there!

I Voted on Saturday

Open Voting was (and is) available on Saturday mornings from 8am-12pm. I headed down, and got to the Board of Elections by about 10am. I rode the elevator up with 5 other citizens, and stepped out to find a line of another 6-8 ahead of me, waiting to cast their ballot. As I got a view of the room, their were another 10 folks already standing at the voting booths casting their ballots. The BOE staff was working through the line with a great degree of efficiency, making sure all those in line had a clear understanding of the administrivia that accompanied a walk-up absentee ballot submission. The energy and excitement of being involved in the political process was palpable.

Now the even better news. I heard all 5 folks immediately ahead of me in line ask for Democratic ballots.

Bill Cunningham Makes Us All Proud

...to be from Cincinnati. I know it's schtik, but its racist, malicious schtik. And shockingly, John McCain was not aware, nor did he anticipate Cunningham's commentary. Sad.

General Motors Leader: Global Warming is a "Crock"

I guess I look at Bob Lutz's commentary (Lutz is the Vice Chair, responsible for New Product Development at GM) about global warming being a "crock of sh*t" and seem resigned to the fact that the U.S. Auto Industry will continue to trail the rest of the world in product development in line with customer expectations.

From a business standpoint, he has a responsibility to know his market, stay ahead of it, and where necessary, evangelize about his products to align with his most compelling market segments. Perhaps Bob wants to continue to appear to the "global warming is a crock o' sh*t" segment of the market -- and that's fine, if Bob is truly interested in pursuing a (by nearly all accounts) shrinking segment of the market. I know, given what he believes, I'm going to think twice about purchasing an alternative fuel vehicle from GM, quite simply because I'm not sure it's leadership is committed to supporting it long term.

Trade-Off: Lawmakers want Quiet Hybrids to Make More Noise

Not to make light of this, because I think it makes some sense to the visually impaired, but it seems like we're worrying about this issue a bit early in the hybrid "adoption curve".

You Go to War with the Army You Have...

Don Rumsfeld's moved on but his spirit of shorting the troops of the necessary supplies lives on in the stories from our brave men and women serving in Afghanistan and Iraq. Obama took some heat from the right for some commentary regarding an undermanned, under-equipped platoon during the debate last night, but his story checks out, according to CNN.

Chabot Shows Flashes of Bipartisanship

In what can likely be termed a timely, and admittedly astute move for Ohio's First Congressional District Representative, Steve Chabot has shown some bipartisanship around the sub-prime mortgage crisis. He continues to maintain a fairly low profile within the district and for that matter in Washington. Will Steve Driehaus put together a message that can unseat Chabot?

All 7 Democrats Get Together in Greenhills

Well, actually, the 8th, former Mayor Ron Otting, couldn't make it. But we've decided to get back together on March 20th, at 7:00pm. Tell your uncommitted friends to be there.

(Kidding about there being only 8 Dems in Greenhills. I think snow kept the other 4 away).

If We Could Only Travel Back in Time

Although I see Kinsley's point, I really don't think the hypothetical he suggests would change anyone's view - at least not anyone who voted for Bush back then.

McCain Response to the Obama Video

Very Funny Stuff - A McCain response to the Obama video

The Good Ol' Days

Atrios pulls a news items out the archives, this one dating to 2003, on the cusp of the invasion. It speaks to Rep. Darrell Issa's(R-CA) efforts to position QualComm as the wireless provider of choice soonafter things settle down in Iraq. For each of these, there are hundreds more stories where BushCo companies profited off the war, that will likely never be told.

Spring Sports Registration in Greenhills

Greenhills Baseball Registration forms are available for Greenhills Knothole T-ball and baseball through local schools and at Riley's, Wright-Patterson Credit Union, Ameristop and the Greenhills post office.

Greenhills Soccer registration is available online, at the Greenhills SAY Soccer website.

Good Speechifying Taken to the Next Level

Worth a look-see from Obama supporters: Updated with working link

Reframing the Discussion

Jamison Foser over at Media Matters does a nice job reviewing the commentary on the Democratic candidate's health plans. Key observation, coming out of the debate when Blitzer keys in on how the Dems will pay for their health care plans:

Indeed, one wonders why debate moderators don't ask the Republican candidates how they will respond to Democratic charges that they have run up massive deficits through grotesque fiscal mismanagement

This is indeed the fundamental question to ask.

I Haven't Heard Obama Much

Hillary is dominating the California debate. Obama looks passive at times, almost conciliatory. I think if he was banking on Edwards' endorsement, contingent upon his ability to fight, this performance is not necessarily helping that effort.

And now, Let's take a look at the Monster Employment Index

Sounds like a line from a scene in a Pixar flick featuring ghoulish newscasters. I had no idea it actually existed, and to be honest, it's not as funny as I hoped it would be.

2008 Tough Year for Fox News?

Eric Boehlert over at Media Matters does a nice job with a run down on the tough campaign season for Fox News. He echoes my earlier post regarding how potential viewers might see Fox Business channel:

"Why would investors and day traders in search of reliable business information turn from CNBC over to the Fox brand, which is so well-known for passing along one-sided information? News Corp. always assumed Fox News would help launch the business channel. But Fox News is taken seriously by so few people, it may be hurting the business launch."

Fox News anchors' angst is something to behold.

Wrong, But Funny

This is wrong, but still very funny. Almost as funny as this (also wrong and office inappropriate).

Youth Vote in SC Triples

Via Atrios, the Youth Vote, which is skewing Dem for this generation continues to trend upward. Good news.

CityBeat: Dems Deal with Repubs Drives Candidacy

I'm glad to see this is getting some traction. I didn't like it when it was first announced, and I thought Tim Burke did a less than effective job suggesting that the arrangement was financially motivated.

Open Thread: On the Road for the Last Week

Good to be home.

Transparency: Thy Name is Oversight

From a Republican standpoint, anything to eliminate a view into their machinations represents the worst kind of governmental intervention. Should it surprise then that the White House is maneuvering to eliminate the office that handles FOIA requests? I didn't think so.

Zoo poo won't go to waste: Enquirer

The cynic in my would think that there are more plentiful supplies in the area, e.g. the editorial board of the Enquirer.

Bill Moyers provides First Hand Historical Perspective

on the underlying commentary from Hillary/Obama flap. Great Commentary from a Great American.

Keith Olbermann Runs MSNBC - Fox Comedy

If I didn't know better, I'd swear this was a bad SNL skit. Best line:

Shill 1 (former weatherman): "Keith Olbermann is now doing a blog for the DailyKos (short o sound) which is a...[motions with his hands sweeping - - in a decidely sinister fashion -- to the left]

Shill 2 (former sportscaster - interrupting, exasperated): "For the DAILY KOS?!!? (short o sound)

You can't make this stuff up!

Single Passenger Hybrids To Drive in HOV Lanes

Yet another good reason to buy a hybrid. Damn, I wished they'd do that here!

Romney Wins Michigan`

Don't know how much of this happened, but it looks as if the best Republican candidate many Democrats would prefer to face has won resoundingly in Michigan.

UNC Coach, Player Settle Harassment Suit

In the soccer community, you can't pick up a book, magazine or article without seeing some reference to Anson Dorrance, the Pat Summit of Women's soccer (only he's a guy, and well, Summit is a lady, but you get my point - - anyway). So it's somewhat disappointing to see this. I've not heard alot about what kind of coach he was personally; just know that he walks on water in the soccer community.

Bengals New Defensive Coordinator

From Atlanta. They finished 29th in team defense. Maybe it's a sympathy hire.

Edwards: DLC's persona non grata

I'm not surprised by the disregard of the MSM for John Edwards, but the open disdain directed his way by the DLC remains somewhat of a surprise to me.

Tappity Tap Tap, Da Tap Tap Tap

Former White House Shill T. Snow on Bill Maher, tap dances his way through this last segment when former Judge Catherine Crier commences listing the impeachable offenses of the Bush Administration.

Has the Same Positive Effect as the 2001 Riots

Bill Cunningham, wingnut called up from the minors on occasion to appear on Hannity, does his Cincinnati roots proud with his recent commentary on Obama.

Wha...? Cincinnati had two newspapers?

This is a wrap-up from City Beat of the last days of the Cincinnati Post. It's tragic that there wasn't some exploration around some alternative media models that would allow the Post to continue in some fashion with a more aggressive, branded online presence than the muddled and buried mix of content within cincinnati.com.

I think timing may as well had something to do with the lack of focus on the survivability of the Post. At the same time that any rescue effort was underway for the Post, Scripps was working on its own corporate split. Judging from the way these things typically progress, my guess is that there was insufficient time available to review alternative business models that would sustain any new venture.

Chris Matthews' Hillary Fixation

Jamie Foser over at Media Matters does a nice review of the blind spot that Chris Matthews has for Hillary. Not that I am a Hillary fan, but when one reviews the body of work against Hillary, you can't help but think there's some psychopathy.

Rudy's Health Care System of Choice

This, from the best columnist at the New York Times. When do we move up to #10 -- at least?

And when are they going to hire the foil to Bill Kristol (i.e. someone with intellect, and a conscience)? Natch, I settle for double Krugman, hold the foam.

For Entertainment Purposes Only

By no means am I putting them on a pedestal, because there are so many other segments of our population who deserve more, but I was struck by the details contained in this article on the the plight of retired football players in the NFL. I hope that between the league and the Players Association, there can be some recognition that this is one subsegment of our population that has the wherewithal to reasonably sustain the health and welfare of its own.

Democrats for Mitt!

Wow

With a history of meddling in our primaries, why don't we try and return the favor. Next Tuesday, January 15th, Michigan will hold its primary. Michigan Democrats should vote for Mitt Romney, because if Mitt wins, Democrats win.

Markos goes on to explain the rationale for the effort. Could Democrats actually pull this off, and if so, would they do it? I, as one who loves a good political fight, would love to see how this plays out.

Update: Edited to fix HTML

Believe it Or Not!

Ford had a diesel Escort in 1985. It got an amazing 52 MPG! This must have been an accident.

Stewart, Colbert Struggle to Stay Fresh

Judging from the two nights thus far, it's barely working. They can't last too long without the writers before their shows will be coming a rambling stream of mumbled consciousness. I think Jon Stewart may run into more challenges than will Colbert just by virtue of how the show is structured. There's such an intense need for research, perspective, and good writing that is rounded out by Stewart's delivery. Colbert has it easier, because his is more pure blowhard schtik. And seeing how effortlessly he is able to imitate O'Lielly, it can't be that hard.

Title Edited for clarity

New Hampshire: Record Setting Turnout

There was a 14% increase increase in turnout over the next highest total. Notably 55% of the vote went Democratic. Top 5 vote-getters below:

Candidate Party Votes % of Total

Clinton Dem 110,550 21%

Obama Dem 102,883 20%

McCain GOP 86,802 17%

Romney GOP 73,806 14%

Edwards Dem 47,803 9%

Fox Business Channel

A lot has been written about the fact that the new Fox business channel is averaged approximately 6,300 viewers per day, which represents approximately 1/30th of the audience that its chief rival, CNBC garners.

I wonder how much this can be attributed to the thought that some portion of the respective audiences for Fox offerings (likely a key target segment for Fox Business Channel) is comfortable with the FoxNewsification of their News but not the FoxNewsification of their business information. I mean when you get down to it, the markets work well with good information -- truthful information, delivered in a timely and concise fashion. But that is not Fox News's stock in trade. So when you package fiction, opinion and supposition wrapped with a right-wing agenda, it runs at cross purposes with the fundamental information needs of your typical business executive.

Nice Job by the Greenhills Journal

Natalie Corzine, Managing Editor, and what I understand are a dedicated troupe of volunteers, have continued to provide an excellent public service with the Greenhills Journal. I wish it had an online presence, but nonetheless it remains informative and reflective of our community. The closing of Johnny's Toys, news that I had not heard, made the front page this month, within days of the posting of the sign. That's lightning fast, stop-the-presses stuff.

Update: More information on the Greenhills Journal is available from editor@greenhillsjournal.org, or 513-825-2525.  You can also post on the Journal Facebook page.

First time since the 19th Century

Money quote:

"The UK has been catching up steadily with living standards in the US since 2001..."

I'm trying to recall, who took office in 2001? Thinking...Thinking...

Ha! CheneyCare! Ha!

(My best Chris Matthews Impression)

http://thinkprogress.org/2008/01/07/cheney-care-for-all/

By 2050 solar power could end U.S. dependence on foreign oil

Lengthy read, but a positive and thorough review from Scientific American . This rises above the concerns regarding Global Warming, presenting a hopeful roadmap that solar energy presents.

Fox's F.A.B. (Fair and Balanced) short for FABricated News

Word at DailyKos is that Frank Luntz, Shill-Extraordinaire, has the same "undecided voter" in the two separate state focus groups 4 months apart. See diary and video here. . Update: Not sure this was a truthful post over at Kos. There's so much honest material to slam Faux with, why promote dishonest content?

NPR Highlights

Huckabee wasn't at the Republican debate, and the Dems didn't debate at all, or so it seemed.

More on the O'Lielly Meltdown

Laugh Out Loud funniness from Crooks and Liars. The loofah or a falafel comment is classic enough, but Sekoff goes for Double Jeopardy with the iced tea reference. How did it get by the FauxNews censors?

Bronson Feigns Compassion, and

ends up making his commentary about immigration. For the unitiated, this is the story of 4 Mexicans, violently murdered in their apartment in Sharonville. They remained undiscovered for nine days. It's a tragic crime, without a lot of leads.

Bronson says, in his 2nd to last paragraph:

We all feel pangs of sympathy. But maybe we should evaluate the moral consequences of open borders that allow illegal immigrants to live and die in the shadows, vulnerable to extortion, intimidation and exploitation, without the common privileges and protections of citizenship.

But truly, was their murder really a result of "open borders"? I think Peter almost (but not quite) hit on it when he suggested that many in the community dismissed their deaths because they were illegal. It's not whether or not they were "illegal" that drives the disinterest, Peter. It's broader than that. But by suggesting that the underlying problem relates to immigration puts a nice bow around it, for easy compartmentalization in his and the broader communal conscience.

Prediction: $4 Gas by Spring

There are a number of reasons why economists worry about an impending recession. This might be a real contributor to that concern. How will the nation react? Will consumer behavior change as a result?

Edwards On Fighting The Status Quo (from Crooks and Liars)

I think Stephanophlagus was positioning for a "gotcha" moment this morning with John Edwards on today's MSM manipulation specific to the topic as to whether Edwards would have one of his trial lawyer sponsors in his administration. Notably, Edwards was one of only two Dems on the Sunday shows, while, there were NINE (count'em - NINE) Republicans.

This is O'Reilly Funny

I can't help but think that maybe, perhaps, the cast of characters at Fox News are in the act of jumping the shark with this election cycle. This reaction certainly reinforces that impression. Probably too much to hope, but something to watch for.

Voter Choice Denied

A deal was cut between the Hamilton County Dems and Repubs to assure that there would be no endorsement of the Republican candidate against Democratic Commissioner Todd Portune, and no Dem candidate against Hartman for Dewine's vacated seat. I agree with Marilyn:

Marilyn Evans, a Democrat from Millvale, learned about the deal Friday afternoon when she came to the board of elections to file her petition to run as a Democratic precinct executive.

“That makes no sense to me,’’ Evans said. “Why would we not have a candidate running for county commissioner? People should have a choice. We’re not supposed to hand elections to the other party.”

In addition to the loss of choice, I'm not convinced that this deal is really all that balanced (our candidate still has opposition, there's doesn't). Also, it has a scent of capitulation to the way Republicans like to do business -- rig the system to maintain power. That's not an example Democrats are supposed to set.

Remember to Ask for a Paper Ballot

Our new Secretary of State is on the case. The analysis, and the subsequent directives coming out of her work are impressive.

Trend Watch: Green Collar Jobs

This is the first list of green collar jobs, along with a definition. The concept, floated on occasion during the presidential campaign, is positioned as a mechanism to create new opportunities for under-employed in industries focused on improving the environment.

Good Speechifying

After seeing Obama's speech, I looked up another favorite; this one from the Democratic National Convention in 1984.

By Comparsion, No Comparison

I had the opportunity to see John Edwards speech. Edwards pretty much gave his stump speech, and I think in the final analysis, it was bit flat. By comparison, Obama's speech was outstanding. It harkens back to the Democratic National Convention speech in 2004.

The New Math

Looking at Iowa, this could be a big year big year for Dems.

Krugman On Theme

I have not had an opportunity to read his book, but I believe the fundamental argument is http://www.slate.com/id/2180178/pagenum/all/#page_start spot on

Progressives need to go for the jugular, and cannot hope to win the middle:

What progressives should be focused on now is taking on the political movement that brought Bush to power. In short, what we need right now isn't Bush bashing—what we need is partisanship.

Amen, Brother.

More of the Same

Mukasey stays inside Justice to investigate the CIA interrogation tape destruction saga. Why establish some degree of independence and be held accountable when it's so much easier to keep it in the family?

We've Got Trends

Gotta love this.

When Republicans Attack

It's bad enough when they go after Dems, but they don't hold back when they go after each other it seems. This anonymous Christmas card was sent to homes in South Carolina.

Peter Bronson Rings In Ad Hominen Attack New Year

Keeping with the tradition that has become his rite of passage, the rant of an angry white man, Peter Bronson continues his tradition, specifically attacking Al Gore (a favorite target), citing a recent "report" from Senator Inmhofe,R-Global Warming Denier, found its way into Sunday's local monopoly. Peter's subtle reference to the 400 "scientists" is deliberately evasive, failing to mention that in fact some of these scientists were in fact economists (one was a weather man at midwest TV station). Now, Peter, be honest: there was no intentional effort to give the impression that this group of "400" some how offset the weight of the legitimate, and Nobel winning IPCC.

Here's more on Inhofe's 400.

Download Uproar: Record Industry Goes After Personal Use - washingtonpost.com

I guess we are all criminals now. The storm that is overwhelming the recording industry seems to have further clouded their judgement on which battles to fight.

Update: Steve Benen at Washington Monthly provides some additional commentary.

OH-01, 02 Possible Dem Pickups in 2008 Cycle

The Cook Political Report is listing both Steve Chabot and Mean Jean as "Leaning Republican" in the 2008 cycle. Each show potential promise. Overall, Democrats currently have 14 seats listed as Lean or Toss Up, while Republicans currently have 22 seats listed as Lean or Toss Up.

New GOP Branding

From the American Prospect (sub required)

THE QUESTION:
The Republicans have embarked on a "GOP rebranding" project. Any suggestions?

"Rich people and angry people coming together" -- David Halperin, former speechwriter for Bill Clinton and Howard Dean

"GOP: Gay. Out. Proud." -- Rick Perlstein, senior fellow at the Campaign for America's Future; blogger, The Big Con

"20 percent less corrupt than last year" -- Michael Gehrke, Research Director, the Democratic National Committee

Dave Moore's Efforts Acknowledged

Nice to this little note about our Village Manager in the Enquirer.