Disqus - Latest Comments for Marlowecan

Re: Amazon E-Deletes Purchased Orwell Titles From Kindle

Marlowecan — Sat, 18 Jul 2009 11:46:58 -0000

Kudos to Joe W. As Dr. E observed...excellent coverage on this story's complex angles.

Joe Windish said: " The technology that allows that pull back is new and should be understood -- or disclosed -- prior to purchase."

I think you went to the heart of the real story here. It is the tethering technology of the Kindle that is the main issue here.

Who knew that Amazon had the power...or felt it had the right...to modify any aspect of the Kindle or its legally purchased contents?

This is why I refuse to let my Blu-ray player or other tech directly connect to the Net for Blu-ray Live or such User Experience Enhancement rubbish.

That said...I foresee a run on tinfoil hats this weekend!

Re: Leno Versus Letterman

Marlowecan — Fri, 29 May 2009 12:30:56 -0000

Heh-heh...Leno vs. Letterman inspires the same vehemence as Windows vs. Mac...or Bush vs. Obama.

I would disagree with murder (re: OJ) as a comic touchstone.
Some of the most interesting comedy pushes envelopes...dealing with murder, genocide.

I thought Leno's "Dancing Itos" on the Tonight Show captured the whole surreality of the OJ trial media spectacle brilliantly.

What would you make of Mel Brooks' "Springtime for Hitler" from "The Producers"?

If OJ is off limits for comedy...what of genocidical Nazi dictators?

Personally, I think Letterman is the more watchable of the two...but Leno is the harder working comedian.

Letterman is undeniably more liberal...but in his most recent encounter with Bill O'Reilly it was interesting to see Letterman conceding, almost to his surprise, when O'Reilly scored a valid point in comeback.

Like the Mac/Windows flamewars...the debate is certainly interesting...but both are talented craftsmen, I would argue.

Re: Leno Versus Letterman

Marlowecan — Fri, 29 May 2009 10:33:02 -0000

I think Patrick makes an interesting point re: stand-up comedy being the crucial difference.

Leno is, first and foremost, a stand-up comic. (I would disagree with Patrick in that Letterman is more truly Carson's heir...and certainly Letterman felt he was).

Leno works an incredibly punishing schedule. He also more obviously exhibits the odd character quirks and anxieties of those who were dependent on audiences for survivial in their careers.

In the Seinfeld movie "The Comedian" (great film) we see a backstage encounter between Seinfeld and Leno, when Seinfeld learns that Leno has never spent a cent of the money he makes from the "Tonight Show" (he banks it all...and lives off his stand-up work).

Seinfeld cracks up, and says to Leno: "You still think it is all going to be taken away...and you'll end up a janitor."
Leno gives a sheepish look.

Comedians are all nutters!

QED:

"A talent agent is sitting in his office. A family walks in...."

Re: What Is Happiness?

Marlowecan — Thu, 28 May 2009 08:33:08 -0000

Kathy's post is eye-catching...an informative pause amid the faux outrages of politics.

It is easy being happy in a lovely setting, floating beneath clear skies...but what about in the real workaday world?

Daniel Gilbert, in "Stumbling on Happiness" (Knopf 2007) has a fascinating take on this.

To illustrate the complexity of the topic, Gilbert contrasts the lives of the late 19th century U.S. labour organizer Adolph Fischer – who was unjustly tried, convicted, and executed for his efforts to advance the cause of workers in his era – and his contemporary George Eastman who developed the revolutionary Kodak camera, became incredibly rich and famous, developed a humanistic management style that gave unprecedented benefits and advantages to his workers, and ultimately distributed among them one-third of the stock in his company.

Fischer, moments before his unjust execution in 1887, surprised everyone by his last words: “This is the happiest moment of my life.” In contrast, the wealthy, respected humanitarian Eastman was so unhappy with his own life that he killed himself.

Gilbert asks: " So why did a poor man who had accomplished so little stand happily at the threshold of his own lynching while a rich man who had accomplished so much felt driven to take his own life?"

I don't accept Gilbert's ultimate argument entirely -- his approach is more cognitive psychology than philosophy -- but his book illustrates how incredibly complex such a seemingly simple thing as happiness is. Neither the “pleasant life” (having material goods and leisure) nor the “good life” (using “signature strengths every day to produce authentic happiness and abundant gratification”) seems to be ultimately sufficient to ensure happiness.

As Kathy's post suggests, happiness remains elusive...

Re: Star Trek Has Been Reborn & It’s SPECTACULAR

Marlowecan — Sat, 09 May 2009 11:04:14 -0000

Jim Satterfield said: "Our 30th wedding anniversary is this month.... We are science fiction fans though, not only Star Trek fans."

Congratulations, Jim. You are fortunate in finding someone simpatico.

I imagine President Obama has to indulge his sci-fi interests on the side.
I have heard Obama also reads comics regularly...but he probably has to hide his stash from Michelle.

Re: Star Trek Has Been Reborn & It’s SPECTACULAR

Marlowecan — Sat, 09 May 2009 10:56:21 -0000

Thanks for the update Joe. It is reassuring to know a real person's thoughts...as opposed to generic movie reviewers.

Joe Windish said: "I felt as I did as I watched the original Star Wars on opening night at Mann’s Chinese Theater in Hollywood."

Really?!! You were there? At some point you must write about that. JoeWindish...I am green with envy (tho not in an Orion Slave Girl-way :)

Da Goat says: "That would be DI-lithium crystals, not lithium crystals. Obama's a pretender!"

Hahahahaha...what could be more Trekkie than sci-fi oneupsmanship!

**In "The Simpsons" Comic Book Guy voice**: "...and, if you were a REAL fan, you would have noted that at 4:53 in "The Squire of Gothos" episode, Captain Kirk..."

Re: Star Trek Has Been Reborn & It’s SPECTACULAR

Marlowecan — Sat, 09 May 2009 09:33:29 -0000

An excellent post, Joe. Wonderfully diverse aggregation of linked stories.

BTW: Have you seen it? What are your thoughts?

Personally, I am waiting a couple of days...having learned my lesson on going on opening day to Star Trek: The Undiscovered Country...and sitting next to Klingons who talked loudly and shouted at the screen in Klingonese for the duration of the movie.

What would be the point in trying to Shssh a bunch of drunken Klingons?

I do like the fact that President Obama is a Star Trek fan...knows how to do the Vulcan salute etc. This exchange of Obama with Michelle was particularly delightful:

"That’s an interesting belt buckle," he said to Michelle, mischievously. She feigned offense and said, "I am interesting, next to you. Surprise, surprise, a blue suit, a white shirt and a tie." Obama grinned and bent down until he was almost at eye level with her waist. He jabbed a playful finger toward her belt buckle, and let loose his inner nerd. "The lithium crystals! Beam me up, Scotty!" Obama squeaked, laughing at his own lame joke as Michelle rolled her eyes.
http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0509/22270...

Hahahahaha...every Trekkie (excuse me, "Trekker") KNOWS that rolling of the eyes...from loved ones who tolerate our lunacy.

Barack Obama . . . the first Trekkie President . . . how cool is that?!

Re: The Trivialization Of American All Attack All The Time Politics

Marlowecan — Fri, 08 May 2009 00:03:21 -0000

Well, I think this is one of the stupidest damn criticisms of a political leader I have ever read.

I saw the recent excellent series on "Air Force One" with President-elect Obama ordering his burger with "fancy" mustard (but with fries...he made a point of that).

Of course...they were probably "French Fries".

"President Poupon" was the graphic in Joe's link. Seriously.

Poupon...Dijon...French Fries...one can connect the dots.

Even the most deranged GOP partisan now realizes Obama is a French sleeper agent placed years ago to undermine American hyperpower by encouraging mass consumption of French mustard.

A nod's as good as a wink to a blind bat.

Re: Some Mistakes Obama Can Avoid on SCOTUS

Marlowecan — Sun, 03 May 2009 09:55:45 -0000

I am sure Obama can find a well-qualifed liberal jurist . . . perhaps one who is also a woman or a person of colour . . . to fill Souter's seat.
Democrats complained about Chief Justice Roberts . . . but his obvious qualifications allowed him to sail through his hearings.

Jazz's warning about a Democratic "Harriet Miers" is well-taken, though. That would surely be a self-defeating decision by Obama.

With luck, we will all be spared GOP whining and complaining about Obama's lack of bipartisanship in appointing a well-qualified liberal.

Elections have consequences . . . the GOP should get over it!

Re: The Great Performers: Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy Of Company B

Marlowecan — Sun, 03 May 2009 09:45:16 -0000

Fantastic post! Even inspiring...

I am pleasantly shocked at Joe's assertion that high schoolers come up to him about this great tune. HIGH SCHOOLERS?!!
After all, the MSM continually informs us of the ever-increasing cultural ignorance of teenagers.

Perhaps the media has been recycling the same story about teenagers. . . maybe since the time of the Greatest Generation?

The Andrews Sisters cover of this...and their wonderful "Rum and Coca-Cola" (one of the classic anti-Yankee imperialist songs :) ...have occupied space on my mp3 players since I have had an mp3 player.

Thank you to Joe for this.
A surprising treat over coffee on a sleepy Sunday!

Re: Why So Many Churchgoers May Accept Torture

Marlowecan — Sat, 02 May 2009 02:54:41 -0000

Mike P.: The Gospel account of Jesus interrogation by Pilate make clear that Pilate did not consider Jesus to be a threat to Rome whatsoever. Pilate agreed to his death, urged by the Jewish leadership, to avoid a riot. Certainly the Roman state was always overstretched at the time...and Pilate just wanted to "wash his hands" of the whole business, and enjoy a less stressful administration.

In re: Mark Daniel's argument...did not Christ - in his own words - declare a Christian version of separation of Church and State:

“Render unto Caesar the things which are Caesar’s, and unto God the things that are God’s” (Matthew 22:21)

Jesus was, of course, referencing an imperial Roman state which practised torture as a matter of course.

Of course, it may be objected that Jesus was ambiguous in not clearly defining -- beyond the immediate question of taxation -- what are "Caesar's" due, and what are "God's" due.

However, I would argue -- contra Mark Daniels -- that Christ's own words here on the divided roles of Spiritual and Temporal power suggest that the "Christian" view of torture may be more complex than Mark suggests
(i.e. that torture in a good cause -- saving the lives of innocents -- in the service of "Caesar" is not a contradiction of Christianity).

Re: BREAKING NEWS: David Souter To Retire

Marlowecan — Fri, 01 May 2009 01:20:02 -0000

Well, Souter's timing at least suggests that he was one of those Justices talked about during the election campaign...who were holding on until a Democrat could win the White House, and appoint their replacement.

It is certainly unusual that a President gets a Supreme Court pick within a few months of assuming office. Clinton and Bush only got 2 picks each in 8 years.

If Ginsberg or Stevens leave soon as well...as has widely been speculated...Obama has the potential to reshape the liberal wing of the Court.

Also, the Democrats getting 60 votes in the Senate becomes a more important question than ever.

Re: Moderates? Who Needs ‘Em? (Guest Voice)

Marlowecan — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 17:18:04 -0000

Far be it from me to disagree with Rick Moran...but it could just be that the GOP lost because conservatism has been dominant in the U.S. for a generation...since Reagan's win in 1980.

Politics, like the economy, is cyclical. Even great political movements gather moss...and entropy slows them down.
Look at how FDR's New Deal was withering until revitalized by LBJ's Great Society in the 1960s.

For anyone despairing of the GOP...or crowing about the current preeminence of the Democrats...why not look to Great Britain?

In 1997 Tony Blair's New Labour was elected in a landslide. He was like a rock star...and he ushered in "Cool Britannia" and all that.
The media loved him. A news presenter on the BBC. . . which is just as "objective" as the U.S. media . . . crowed that champagne corks were popping all through the Broadcast Center on election night 1997.

Move ahead 13 years. . .Great Britain is bankrupt. . .welfare benefits are at record levels . . . the government seems unable to check Muslim radicals immigrating from Pakistan and denouncing British values (and occasionally blowing things up) while collecting welfare checks [the London bus and subway suicide bombers were also, oddly enough, multiple welfare fraudsters]...taxes have been increased on everything to pay for the rising benefits culture. . .crime is rising, and the nihilistic Chav culture is bringing "A Clockwork Orange" into everyday reality . . . .

The result: Even the left-wing "Guardian" now concedes an overwhelming Conservative victory is inevitable next year...despite the fact the Conservative Party is filled with largely vacuous nonentities determined not to voice any opinion whatsoever. They are not Labour, and that is all that matters.

Governments defeat themselves. . .and all political careers end in failure (unless one is lucky to die in office). Dig out a TIME magazine to see how the media laughed as the sainted Ronald Reagan left Washington in 1989.

So I would say to Rick Moran. . .the Democrats will likely be out of power within a decade.
Perhaps the American media will succeed in sheltering Obama from damage for two full terms...they have done an excellent job so far...but who will succeed him?

The Wheel of Fortuna will turn. . .that much is eventual . . .and those like Karl Rove who believe they could engineer permanent majorities will always fall under the wheel.

Re: Deconstructing Swine Flu Mania

Marlowecan — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 15:30:13 -0000

I notice Vice President Joe Biden on national television saying he recommended to his family that they not fly on airplanes or take subways for the duration.

As he has been meeting with senior health officials...perhaps there is more reason to panic than Kathy Gill supposes in this fine post.

On the other hand, Biden could just be an idiot...fostering panic, damaging the near-bankrupt airline industry...and encouraging everyone to drive cars to work.

If this were a GOP administration, Biden would be savaged by the media for this. I thought Crazy Joe was amusing with his bizarre comments in the campaign...but this is just stupid.

Luckily, as in the campaign, he is in Obama's shadow and is getting yet another Pass.

Let us all wish President Obama continued good health.

Re: Susan Boyle Famous Moment On Britain’s Got Talent (Reposted)

Marlowecan — Sun, 26 Apr 2009 23:52:22 -0000

Well, I would expect Cowell knew what was coming. He runs a tight ship...and knows how to act his piece.
He plays a splendid benevolent villain.

Ant and Dec, for example, really weren't surprised at all. If they knew...doubtless from auditions/tapes...then Cowell knew.
I suspect Amanda and Piers are not given a heads up, to preserve some drama.

That said, this is a great clip.
Look for the full video...with the images of derision and mockery on the faces of women in the audience before Boyle began to sing.

The British media have run through several cycles of Boyle now: ...from popular sensation...to what does the audience reaction say about us...to criticism of her performance...to outrage at Boyle's recent makeover etc.
Oprah was late on the similar Paul Potts story, but has jumped on this one.

Perhaps Boylemania will flame out. "South Park" tore into Boylemania...although the degree to which "South Park" is a bell-weather of cultural opinion is a matter of debate.

But a great clip and a great moment.

What it says about the audience -- us -- is something else....

Re: Torture Debate: A Quote for the Day

Marlowecan — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 12:20:01 -0000

Casualobserver...I think you are right.

The WH seems to want DOJ control on the executive side. Reid does not want an independent commission...but instead, keeping control of the investigation on the Senate side.
That neither wants this investigation to get "out of control" is revealing.

Pelosi, of course, wants a full scale Nuremberg-like commission...but her political instincts have always taken second place to her desire to savage Republicans.

Silhouette said: "Like I and then the elephant cartoon said..."

Just to say, Sil...that line brought a smile to my face. :)

Re: Torture Debate: A Quote for the Day

Marlowecan — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 11:52:20 -0000

Chris, it is not a matter of believing Dick Cheney.

After all, Greenwald notes in his column that senior Democrats are averse to this investigation, and Greenwald suggests this is probably due to their complicit knowledge.

There are 2 frames for this story:

The political one. Cheney's trump card is, in effect, Mutual Assured Destruction.

The ethical one. Clearly a strong argument. But will politics trump ethics?

Robert Stein's recent post was excellent as he highlighted the moral murk with such decisions -- for example, Truman's A-bomb decision -- and the implication that the ethical judgements here are never simple.

Chris, I believe politics will trump ethics on this question.
Personally...at this point I believe everything should come out...but I think it won't.

There will be selective outings of documents...but no one has a desire for a full scale bloodletting

That is: there will be stabs for tactical political advantage...but vested interests in Washington will strategically step away from the button.

Re: Torture Debate: A Quote for the Day

Marlowecan — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 11:15:22 -0000

But Chris...this is a "trump card". Cheney implies he has it in his hand, and no one seems to doubt it.

As Greenwald makes clear, a lot of senior Democrats DO NOT want further investigations.

If you sow the wind, you will reap the whirlwind.

I believe that many Democratic partisans in the blogosphere...as well as folks like Olberman...think this is their opporunity to finally savage the hated Bush Co.

But if Cheney's trump is played...the damage will explode under the desks of the senior Democrats who are now in power...while the Republicans damaged are yesterday's news.

Cheney would be more than happy to go down...if he can take down the leaders of the Democratic majority today.

If that reality becomes apparent...expect a flurry of editorials in the New York Times, and Special Comments on MSNBC...about the need to end "witchhunts" and to put the past behind us.

Re: Torturing Ourselves

Marlowecan — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 10:58:40 -0000

Heh-heh.

True, Steve.

**And for his next feat of supernatural prestidigation, this weekend Robert Stein will not only make the Sahara bloom...but he will bring peace between Yankee and Red Sox fans!**

...all here at The Moderate Voice...

Re: Torture Debate: A Quote for the Day

Marlowecan — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 10:50:15 -0000

Jchem said: "...I just don't think that nothing is an option anymore."

You are probably right. The Ford option is likely not viable at this point (sadly, as I think it may have been the best option).

I am very sure Cheney knows the full scope of the confidential documents...and that he also knows what senior Democrats on the Hill have been briefed on.

Will Pelosi testify under oath as to her knowledge (formal and "informal" - as per her "informal briefing" knowledge of the Harman wiretaps)?

Does Cheney have access to a paper trail regarding briefings of Congressional leaders?

As you say, JChem...Cheney is "going all in" on this.

Either he is bluffing big time...or he has a Full House ready to hit the Democrats.

Re: Torture Debate: A Quote for the Day

Marlowecan — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 10:27:33 -0000

JChem said: "Why are the Dems so split over this?"

I agree, that is an interesting question.

Cheney...leading a partisan attack for the GOP...clearly wants a fight on this issue. Pelosi...her partisan instincts overriding her political ones, as per usual...has charged at Cheney's red cape with maddened fury.

Obama is clearly reluctant to have a big fight. I believe his political instincts have usually been better than Pelosi's.

My personal view is: all or nothing.
Either bring everything out, releasing all documents -- including the Congressional leadership under oath testifying as to their knowledge -- or draw a line under the past.

Re: Torture Debate: A Quote for the Day

Marlowecan — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 10:19:27 -0000

D.E. Rodriguez makes a strong case for determing the "truth".

Which made me think of how Pete Abel...in a post the other day...referenced Biblical scripture on the torture debate.

Thus, I would ask, as Pilate famously asked Jesus at his trial: "What is truth?"

What is to be gained from this?

The fact that Cheney clearly wants a fight on this topic should give many Democrats and others pause, I should think.

Will this just add another layer to the partisan viciousness in Washington?
Will torture be added to abortion as a litmus test for Supreme Court picks?

Can anything useful come of this quarrel...or is it best put into the past, a la Ford?

Re: Torture Debate: A Quote for the Day

Marlowecan — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 10:02:10 -0000

I believe Pete raises an excellent point in his historical analogy:

"Second, I couldn’t help but wonder if, in rejecting a truth commission, Obama is experiencing some of what Gerald Ford experienced, when he decided to pardon Nixon. The rationale for both, it seems, is quite similar, anchored in an overarching concern that poking at national wounds will delay rather than advance the healing process."

I had not thought of this analogy...but after reading Pete's post, it seems an excellent one.

Will Obama pay a political price for this...especially among his own party...as Ford did?
I suspect today most people consider that Ford did the right thing, although at the time he was attacked for it.

DaGoat makes a good point about how Obama's policy seems to be selective.

It is also interesting how many Republicans want a fight on this issue. I wonder what goods they have on Pelosi's and the Democratic leadership's knowledge?

But Pete's analogy stands:
From his statements it seems President Obama wants to go the way of Ford and put this in the past.

Might this not be the correct course for the United States -- as per Ford -- despite the rancor of the moment?

Re: Torturing Ourselves

Marlowecan — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 23:56:26 -0000

This is a very well written piece by Mr. Stein.

Although it is brief, I believe it to be one of the best commentaries on this issue that I have read.

Re: That Bow…

Marlowecan — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 15:25:57 -0000

You're welcome, Chris :)

I have no problem with Obama shaking hands with Chavez.

Did not Roosevelt shake hands with Stalin? Or Nixon/Eisenhower/Kennedy with Krushchev? Or Nixon with Mao?
The body counts of those Communist leaders were fearful.

Diplomacy requires shaking hands and smiling at all sorts of characters.

I recall reading an account of Roosevelt's charm offensive against Stalin at Yalta. He pulled Churchill aside and apologized in advance.
Then he began mocking Churchill and making jokes at his expense at the meeting table.
Stalin's frown gave way to a smile...then a grin...then laughter.

In diplomacy you have to deal with all sorts of folks.

However...the symbolism of an American head of state bowing to a Saudi king is something else entirely.