President: Barack Obama Vice President: Hillary Clinton Secretary Of State: Jennifer Granholm Secretary Of Defense: Wesley Clark Secretary Of Treasury: Carly Fiorina Secretary Of Education: Mark Warner Secretary Of Justice: Eliot Spitzer Secretary Of Housing And Urban Development: John Edwards Secretary Of Agriculture: Tom Vilsack Secretary Of Transportation: Bill Richardson Secretary Of Health And Human Services: Bobby Jindal Secretary Of Commerce: James Cayne Secretary Of Homeland Security: Rudy Giuliani Secretary Of The Interior: Deval Patrick Secretary Of Labor: Kathleen Sebelius Secretary Of Energy: _________ Secretary Of Veteran Affairs: _________
Abraham Lincoln - Wikipedia, the free encyclopediaLincoln was known for appointing his political rivals to high positions in his Cabinet to keep in line all factions of his party — and to let them battle each other and not combine against Lincoln. Historians agree that except for Cameron, it was a highly effective group.
Former Nepal rebels begin giving up arms San Jose Mercury News Nepal Maoists end parallel governments for peaceReuters US Backs Nepal's Maoist Inclusion In Interim Legislature All Headline News Indian papers say racism thrives in India Marlborough Express that while racism appeared to be "alive and well" in Britain, it also thrived in India. ..... "What else explains the quest for the holy grail of fair brides across the country?" ..... Many of India's one billion people still live within a hierarchy imposed by the Hindu caste system that, for example, stops low castes entering some important temples decades after such discrimination was outlawed. .... Muslims face widespread prejudice and have often been seen as the enemy within since Islamic Pakistan was carved out of British-ruled India at independence. ...... If racism is a fact in many interactions in British society, prejudice is a quotidian reality of Indian social life ....... While in Britian there were institutions in place to deal with discrimination and Western nations were alert to racist attitudes, the Express concluded, in India the victims of such abuse often have nowhere to turn. ..... One contestant referred to Shetty as "the Indian" and asked her if she lived in a shack, while another said: "You don't know where those hands have been." Two have mimicked her accent. Report Says US Military Equipment Gets to Iran, China HULIQ China May Close Starbucks in Forbidden City NewsMax.com EU Urges China on Trade Reforms Forbes Hawking warns world to wake up to impending ArmageddonDailyIndia.com Atomic Scientists Warn World Moving Closer to Nuclear DoomVoice of America Since 1947, the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists has maintained the so-called Doomsday Clock. The symbolic timepiece measures how close mankind is to midnight, which represents total destruction of the Earth. ...... the minute hand on the Doomsday Clock is being moved forward two minutes, to five minutes before midnight. ....... "Not since the first atomic bombs were dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, has the world faced such perilous choices," she said. "North Korea's recent test of a nuclear weapon, Iran's nuclear ambitions, a renewed emphasis on the military utility of nuclear weapons, the failure to adequately secure nuclear materials, and the continued presence of some 26,000 nuclear weapons in the United States and Russia, are symptomatic of a failure to solve the problems posed by some the most destructive technology on Earth." ........ "The dangers posed by climate change are nearly as dire as those posed by nuclear weapons," she added. "The effects may be less dramatic in the short term, than the destruction that could be wrought by nuclear explosions, but over the next three to four decades, climate change could cause irremediable harm to the habitats upon which human societies depend for survival." ......... emphasized by British scientist Stephen Hawking, who is paralyzed and speaks through a computer. ...... "As scientists, we understand the dangers of nuclear weapons and their devastating effects, and we are learning how human activities and technologies are affecting climate systems in ways that may forever change life on earth," he said. "As citizens of the world, we have a duty to share that knowledge and alert the public to the unnecessary risk that we live with every day." Could Wikipedia be the real threat to Google? Blogging Stocks Wikiseek, "a vastly improved search engine for the popular reference site, Wikipedia. ..... utilizes the suggestions of tens of thousands of vertical search engines to deliver more highly relevant searches. The result is a faster, richer Wikipedia search experience." ...... there have been occasions when Wikipedia was faster than regular news. ...... Google depends on Wikipedia to supply it with quality results. Meanwhile, Wikipedia is growing in both traffic -- as it is now the 20th most visited domain in the U.S. -- and in influence, as it is cited extensively by the media. Wikipedia Gets Plug-In Search EngineDr. Dobb's Journal Wikipedia gets a search engine of its ownMilwaukee Business Journal How to Get Google to Notice Your Site DABCC.com (press release) These days, if a company website can't be found on Google, it basically doesn't exist. .. thousands of small-business owners every day as they seek new customers online WiMAX technology launched in Bangalore Hindustan Times I say, To hell with the niceties: Amitabh bachchan SantaBanta.com I am after all Bengal's Jamai Babu. I need to look at Bengal a little more compassionately, else there can be serious domestic repercussions!! ...... My father wrote in his biography 'When a father looses to his son, it is his greatest victory!' Subhash, I've lost to my son ! .... intended for use in outdoor environments. This could include construction sites, the military, emergency services and other workers operating in hazardous situations. .... designed to withstand high levels of vibration, moisture and humidity. ..... a brighter display than the standard Latitude, making it more visible in sunlight. The hard drive is shock-mounted and the keyboard is spill-resistant ...... embedded a cellular radio in the device alongside the conventional Wi-Fi option, to ensure multiple forms of connectivity. SRK to follow Amitabh at Tussauds Times of India Signing Beckham expands America’s soccer galaxy Gateway.ualberta.ca Dell's decline is amazingBlogging Stocks HP had 17% of the market to Dell's 14%. .... Shares of Dell have plunged 16% over the past year while HP has soared 33%. Dell launches its first rugged laptopCrave Jowell criticises Big Brother Guardian Unlimited A hard sell Economist he is making little or no headway in selling his latest policy, sending more troops to Iraq ..... joined by a growing army of Republicans. George Voinovich, a senator from Ohio, says that he can no longer buy into Mr Bush's dream of democratising Iraq; Sam Brownback, a senator from Kansas and a potential champion for social conservatives in the 2008 Republican presidential primaries, says he does not think that “sending more troops to Iraq is the answer”. ........ the banner of Americans Against Escalation in Iraq ...... the dream of the party's vocal left wing—they can cut off funding for the war completely. ...... Joe Lieberman, an “independent Democrat”, has come out strongly in favour of the president's plan. ....... The House is much more radical than the Senate: only 190 House members remain who originally voted for the war. ..... the Democrats are nervous about precipitating a constitutional crisis about who has the power to make war—a question which has never been fully resolved. ..... The Democrats are also advancing on the president on another front: Iran. ..... Mr Biden, the chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, declared himself willing to spark a “constitutional confrontation” if the president tried to widen the war. Mr Bush's Republican allies in Congress looked even more nervous than usual. Blogosphere
I got an email from Jim Dean who I have had the good fortune to meet (Mixer For Ferrer) - "I googled your name and ended up on the homepage of the actor James Dean" - and the subject line says President Bhagat, and I am like, wait a minute Jim, I am not a citizen.
I am so glad DFA is getting ready to get involved. I would have been flabbergasted if the organization had stayed out. The organization was founded to take over the White House. Actually I am surprised that a Deaniac has emerged so soon to take up the challenge. Barack Obama is that Deaniac. I was thinking Barry Goldwater was there in 1964, and it was another 16 years before Reagan showed up. But then Dean is no Goldwater. He is much bigger. He presides over the entire party, for chrissake. (I think I misspelt that word, I am not a Christian).
I guess if DFA is getting ready to get behind Obama, I am going to have to take a second look at DFNYC. I visited that organization's page yesterday, and it looks like the mid-term elections are not over! There are a cramful of activities. That organization has always been so hyper.
My relationship with DFNYC has been anything but smooth although that is the first organization I really got to know when I landed in NYC in the summer of 2005.
First there was this utter lack of interest in the democracy movement in Nepal. And that's okay. But then it was like pride in that lack of interest. And all that boiled over. Then the April Revolution happened. And I got vibes of more credit than I deserve. Nepalis all over the world worked towards it. (The Virus Of The April Revolution)And there were interpersonal complications.
Those who got so impressed by the April Revolution have not yet seen the second act. But the second act will not have the glamor of street action.
In the mean time I have gone to meetings of many other progressive organizations. And that is a good thing.
I see many events, but not any that interest me. I would like to just focus on the presidential stuff. DFNYC is really into local stuff, which is cool, that is what it was designed for.
First I got myself off the DFNYC mailing list, then when I signed back, someone else knocked me off, I wonder which of the four DFNYC Directors did that, maybe Cohen. But then once in a while there would be a DFA mail from Heather Woodfield, "your local host." I think that is how I got tricked to go to the voting machines hearing on the Upper West Side. (Voting Machines On The Upper West)
But if DFA were to formally get behind Barack Obama, I am going to renew my link to DFNYC, although I think my primary involvement is going to be through this blog, and through The Matrix. I guess I will show up primarily to express appreciation for stuff like phonebanking that DFNYC might do than to get my hands dirty. I am better at strategy and vision. I am not too much into the retail details. I admire those who are.
The thing about the Manhattan political circles is they are charged with race and class tensions. Just because people are packed up in the small physical space of the city does not mean rough edges have evened out. Like earlier today I went to this MYD event, their New Year celebration, and Liz, the about to be Vice President who I have always been decent to had to do her casual racist white woman thing. "I just wanted to make sure my purse was there." When I was standing behind a chair where her purse was. Like Barack Obama said on Charlie Rose, "Only a few years back, I would have people throw their keys at me in the parking lot."
Granted I have given a year and a half of my life to the democracy movement in Nepal, so I have not had the time to get rich yet, but me and my partners lost more money in the late 1990s than your family has not made in a thousand generations. (Money And Manhattan)
If you are a progressive, you are probably for universal health care, and how genuinely are you for that if you like to make classist comments?
I met the DFNYC Charles at the event. The guy was not doing surveys.
Maybe I should forgive all of DFNYC and start all over again with them for my minimal involvement in their numerous offline activities. Ha!
It is despicable that China and Russia have let the Burmese people down. The family of democratic countries will have to find other ways to be of help. That country has suffered long enough.
Through this act China and Russia have exposed themselves - if that was even necessary - that they are not democracies. Putin is but a Cold War spy gone fancy. China is a one party dictatorship.
Maybe the UN Security Council should try to pass a similar resolution on Burma, China and Russia all put together, if only to make a statement.
But we should not be surprised. Autocrats think alike. They bond. I mean, were we expecting anything different? This act on the part of the regimes ensconed in China and Russia should not be seen as a setback. This was the expected. We should bounce from it.
The cause of democracy will be served, with or without China, with or without Russia. One day democracy shall spread its wings in those countries also. That is only a matter of time.
The Burmese people will rise up. Ultimately that is what will do the trick. But external moral support helps. We should offer moral and logistical support to the fullest extent.
Democracy in Burma is one of the stepping stones to democracy in China. Maybe that is why China is fearful.
The military junta in Burma is but a drug cartel. They specialize in exporting poison.
Aang Sang Su Kyi's political party is going to have to grow more robust. There should be a whole hieararchy of prominent leaders. There needs to be a robust global organization. Alliances have to be formed with other democracy movements.
Bhutan nearby also needs democracy. Zimbabwe far away also does.
Get rid of the glasses. Get contacts. Time to go to battle with O'Reilly. The hairstyle is good. Need to work hard on delivery. The voice has to be smooth, rolling. Practice. Add more graphics, and boxes to the presentation. You have to be seen conversing with people often in real time.
O'Reilly is not a political leader. He is a talk show host. You need a talk show host to go after a talk show host.
O'Reilly is losing his number one spot by the time Obama is in the White House in 2009. Who is it going to be? You? You are the only one going head to head with him for now. So why not go all the way to claim the crown?
Feisty wins. You can not be neutral and be feisty. O'Reilly already got the right of center plank. You occupy the left of center plank.
Left of center is still officially center. Don't worry.
Have a few pet issues. For example, are you disgusted by hate speech? Let everyone know. Does Bush' low IQ drive you nuts? Let that be a running theme.
Once in a while endorse a candidate. Rarely, but do so. Got to flex muscle. Let right wing politicians fear you. Bring some on the show to tear them apart. Have about a half dozen top progressives to show up on a fairly regular basis.
Never refer to O'Reilly by name. He is not worth the mention. Refer to "some other newscaster," or things similar.
Primarily focus on the job. It is newscasting. The masala that is feistiness is an addon.
All the best. See you at the top.
Keith Olbermann Countdown with Keith Olbermann - A Unique Newscast that Counts ... Keith Olbermann - Wikipedia, the free encyclopediaIn September 2004, Olbermann was voted sexiest male newscaster in an online poll conducted by Playgirl magazine. He had included a link to the poll on his Web site and encouraged viewers to vote for him, which they did, giving him 24% of the 50,000 total votes. ...... Olbermann and Chris Matthews’ Hardball, also on MSNBC, tied for first place on MSNBC (and 21st place in all of cable news) in February 2006 with 400,000 viewers each for the month, according to Nielsen Media Research. CNN and FOX News Channel’s top programs for the month were Larry King Live with 901,000 viewers and The O'Reilly Factor with over 2.2 million viewers.[9] Olbermann's ratings are often fourth for cable news in his time slot, behind O'Reilly at Fox News, Paula Zahn at CNN, and Nancy Grace at CNN Headline News, and his is the 12th-most watched nightly cable news program overall. However, the show's ratings have increased by 41% from early 2005 to early 2006. ..... In April 2006, Olbermann's ratings continued to climb, showing a 35% increase in overall viewers from the previous month's ratings, while O'Reilly's had dropped to "his worst month in nearly five years among viewers age 25 to 54." ...... since late August 2006, Olbermann's nightly audience has increased 69%, according to Nielsen Media Research; his show on October 2 had 834,000 viewers, virtually double his season average and more than CNN competitors Zahn and Grace. ...... Olbermann's show on MSNBC occupies the same time slot as Bill O'Reilly's The O'Reilly Factor on Fox News Channel. Olbermann has repeatedly named O'Reilly his “Worst Person in the World", while O'Reilly has petitioned for the ousting of Olbermann from MSNBC and the return of Phil Donahue to Olbermann's time slot, stating that Donahue's ratings far exceeded Olbermann's. ...... The feud blossomed with Olbermann's public celebration of O'Reilly's sexual harassment suit by former Fox News Channel producer Andrea Mackris ..... he jokingly kept track of money his viewers pledged to buy the tapes from Mackris and ran a “Save the Tapes” campaign. Olbermann had continued to feature the suit and its details in his comments on O'Reilly, specifically references to falafels and loofahs, which O'Reilly got confused while allegedly harassing Mackris. ....... a group of individuals from the Web site “Calling All Wingnuts” who had decided to call into the O'Reilly show to voice their disagreement. ..... from criticizing O'Reilly to confronting the Bush administration directly. In a recent “Worst Person in the World” segment, Olbermann said, “I'm sorry, Bill. I can't play with you right now. I have bigger fish to fry.” ..... “Bill O‘Reilly has defended the Nazis from World War II on three separate occasions.” Olbermann.org: An Unofficial Keith Olbermann Fan Site
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