The Weekly Poll
Results
The 'Will Lizzie Warren take an axe...?' Edition
President Obama has appointed Harvard Law Professor Elizabeth Warren to help organize the new Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. The question now is whether Warren, a consumer champion, will wield the full power afforded that agency to crack down on Wall Street swindlers and speculators... Right now, the jury is still out...
There Will Be "Hell to Pay" If Elizabeth Warren Does Not Have Real Power | CommonDreams.org
Do you think Ms Warren and the CFPB will effectively protect consumers?
1.) Heck, yeah... She'll kick ass and take names...
2.) Not a chance... She's merely 'window dressing'... The Bankers rule...
3.) I haven't a frickin' clue what will happen...
1.) Heck, yeah... She'll kick ass and take names...
Richard McD. said...
So many big names are against her I'll go with # 1
(Richard, it took me a while to figure out what ya meant, but I think I get it)
Adam in NoHo is tentative, yet confident... and enamored, too, haha...
1- if Obama and Congress takes what she does to heart and doesn't
immediately undermine her work. She knows why we're in this mess and
knows what to do to fix it. She should have Geithner and/or Summer's job.
I think she's smarter than Obama and I want to elect her Queen of
America. Then I want her to adopt me.
(LOL! Adam, I'm glad I didn't have a mouthful of coffee when I read yer response else my laptop probably woulda ended up in the shop...)
maw pointedly replied...
Kick ass & take names. Repugs hate her so she has to be a good choice as they hate intelligent women.=
(Indeed... even the ones in their own party. Yes, there are a few, I believe...
Olympia Snowe and Susan Collins are both pretty smart, IMHO, but will never get beyond their current status cuz of the GOP's 'Glass Ceiling'...)
2.) Not a chance... She's merely 'window dressing'... The Bankers rule...
timisbaldwin asserted...
Window Dressing. She'll have no real power.
(Could be, but I hope yer wrong...)
3.) I haven't a frickin' clue what will happen...
And then there's DanD not mincing a word...
While -- at one time -- it possibly coulda' been No. 1., and otherwise it's most likely to turn out as No. 2., my most immediate answer is No. 3., because America's politics has become so contentiously perverted, ain't none of us knows which clue even applies to ANYTHING our fricken' corporate masters want to immediately accomplish (except that whatever "it" is, it ain't gonna' be too healthy in the long run for anybody not owning a corporate "free-ride" ticket).
You see, when Obama (or whomever his marionette is) decided to actually NOT put Lizzie in the driver's seat but instead to only give her an "advisory" observer's ticket on the sidelines, I pretty-much knew that, in the long run, it's all just going to most likely be yet another "dog-n-pony" show.
While he actively continues to out-Bush BOTH Bushes on the murder-by-war crimes front, Obama's getting to the point that he's treating us all like "Negroes" now. Oh, as with the best of the White (trash) politicians (for which he qualifies at least by half), he can sure talk soothe, but he's still just a lyin' sack of shit, because he's failed to deliver on the most important, "End-the-War" campaign promises that he ever deceived us all with ... you know, those promises that functionally got him elected.
While -- two years ago -- I was truly hoping that Mr Obama-cide wouldn't become Dubya's default third term, as has so often happened in my perpetual past, I was again proved wrong.
(Note to SallyP, thanks for the confidence vote.)
~~~~~~~~~~~
Well then, Poll-fans... Cuz as I always, "Hope fer the best, expect the worst",
I'm hopin' Ol' Lizzie does truly 'Kick Ass'. But I have this naggin' feeling that somehow she's gonna run into more than one brick wall and we're gonna have to settle fer a few bones thrown our way and the substantial stuff will remain as before. I'm also hopin' that feelin' is nuthin' more than paranoia, but as ya all know that does strike deep... For what it's worth... (Thanks, Stephen)
And thanks to all responders, too... Yer the Best!
BadToTheBoneBob
~~~~~~~~~~~
New Question
The 'Send in the Clowns... Don't bother, they're here' Edition...
The House's No. 2 Democratic leader said today that comedian Stephen Colbert's testimony last week on immigration was "inappropriate" and "an embarrassment." Democratic Rep. Zoe Lofgren of California invited Colbert to appear before the House Judiciary Committee. But other Democrats weren't happy about her decision... House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer of Maryland told "Faux News Sunday" he thought the episode was more of an embarrassment to Colbert than to the House. But, he added, "I think it was inappropriate" that he testified...
House leader: Colbert was an 'embarrassment' - Politics - msnbc.com
Do you agree with Majority Leader Hoyer's assessment of Colbert's appearance?
1.) Yes... He made a mockery of the legislative process. What was Rep. Lofgren thinking?
2.) No... Congress, themselves, make a mockery of the legislative process, dagnabbit!
3.) More! More! Bring on Jon Stewart!
Send your response to
Recommended Reading
from Bruce
Paul Krugman: Structure of Excuses (nytimes.com)
"Structural" unemployment is a fake problem, which mainly serves as an excuse for not pursuing real solutions.
Connie Schultz: Real Men Always Cooked -- and Sewed, Too (creators.com)
My mother insisted it was an accident that she sewed shut the pockets on my father's pants, but for the rest of her life, she took credit for helping Dad discover his inner seamstress. She always smiled when she said it, too, which made it hard not to see a premeditation in her crime.
MAUREEN DOWD: Slouching Toward Washington(creators.com)
The chimeras of politics are spellbinding hybrids who could change the direction of the country.
Bill Press: Getting to Know Christine O'Donnell
True to my promise, I will not mention the fact that O'Donnell was sued by her college for not paying her tuition, had a lien placed against her by the IRS for not paying her taxes, was sued by her mortgage company for not paying her rent, has been accused by her campaign manager of using campaign funds for personal expenses, and has a complaint filed against her with the FEC by the Delaware Republican Party for accepting illegal contributions from the tea party.
TIM NOVIKOFF, WILLIE X. LIN, AMAN SINGH GILL, CHRISTINE SMALLWOOD, EVAN LALONDE and REBECCA ELLIOTT: Ditch Your Laptop, Dump Your Boyfriend (nytimes.com)
Advice for freshmen from the people who actually grade their papers and lead their class discussions.
KIM SEVERSON: Told to Eat Its Vegetables, America Orders Fries (nytimes.com)
Despite two decades of public health initiatives, stricter government dietary guidelines, record growth of farmers' markets and the ease of products like salad in a bag, Americans still aren't eating enough vegetables.
Marina Hyde: "Bono: the celebrity who just keeps giving" (guardian.co.uk)
U2 singer Bono and the rise of the celebrity humanitarians.
George Varga: Rock 'n' Roll Mayor Loves Iron Butterfly (creators.com)
As the head of San Diego, Mayor Jerry Sanders is often caught between a rock and a hard place as his ambitious visions for the future meet daunting political and budgetary realities. But on Sept. 12, Sanders was in a uniquely hard-rock place - by choice - when he presented the legendary band Iron Butterfly with a Lifetime Achievement Award at the 20th annual San Diego Music Awards.
BRUCE EDER: "'CHARADE': THE SPY IN GIVENCHY (criterion.com)
Stanley Donen's Charade occupies a special place among sixties thrillers. In an era of spy films resplendent with macho-driven eroticism (the James Bond series), cynicism (Michael Caine's Harry Palmer series), or farcical irreverence (Casino Royale; the Flint movies, with Charade costar James Coburn), it was the only successful take on the genre to place a woman at its center.
roger ebert's journal: Casey Affleck levels about "I'm Still Here"
The bottom line: Casey Affleck thinks of it as a performance and not as an act, and he thinks of "I'm Still Here" as a film, and not a hoax.
wrote:
said:
From The Creator of 'Avery Ant'
Reader Suggestions
Michelle in AZ
Selected Readings
from that Mad Cat, JD
In The Chaos Household
Last Night
A relatively balmy 111° here in Long Beach - nothing like the record-setting 113° in downtown LA.
Got home and the kitchen sink looked like it had turned black. Then realized the black was really brown, and it was moving - ants!
Hundreds, if not thousands, of freaking Argentine ants.
We've had problems with ants in the past, but this was as if all the previous incursions were added together and multiplied by 100.
Found Windex to be wonderfully effective.
Expanded Festival
Jack Kerouac
A Massachusetts city is set to hold an expanded version of its annual festival celebrating its most famous writer - Jack Kerouac.
The Beat Generation icon was born in Lowell, a city of about 100,000 residents a 40-minute drive northwest of Boston.
The four-day event honouring Kerouac is sponsored by the University of Massachusetts Lowell and Lowell Celebrates Kerouac! Inc., a non-profit organization founded in 1985 to promote a better understanding and appreciation of his life and literature.
The event begins Thursday and will feature tours of places Kerouac frequented and wrote about. It also will highlight readings by bestselling writers including Anita Shreve and Russell Banks.
Jack Kerouac
Splits As Conan's Bandleader
Max Weinberg
Conan O'Brien's longtime bandleader Max Weinberg isn't following him to TBS.
O'Brien confirmed Monday that Weinberg won't be joining him on "Conan," his new late-night program set to debut in November. Weinberg had been O'Brien's musical sidekick for 17 years, on both "Late Night" and the "Tonight Show."
In a statement, O'Brien said Weinberg has been "a huge part of my life for the past 17 years." He says he hopes Weinberg still finds time to visit the new show "and pretend to find my monologue funny."
Weinberg said his time with O'Brien and crew has been "a deeply rewarding experience" and that he does "look forward to dropping by."
Max Weinberg
Stars Celebrate Milestone
Peta
Stars including Alec Baldwin and Pamela Anderson have helped celebrate Peta's 30th Anniversary in Hollywood.
Alec hosted the special awards evening where celebrity supporters included Iggy Pop, Eva Mendes, Anjelica Houston and Kelly Osbourne.
The 30 Rock actor is a vegetarian and strong supporter of Peta, having even voiced a video for them entitled Meet Your Meat.
"You can't outlaw beef consumption or fur or hunting, but if you can show people that those things aren't necessary the way they were hundreds of years ago.
Peta
Performs In 8 Countries In 24 Hours
Vicente Patiz
A German musician who wanted to break a world record and promote his new CD gave concerts in eight countries this weekend -- all in 24 hours.
Vicente Patiz, 34, first performed in the northwestern German city of Oberhausen on Saturday and then drove more than 1,000 km (600 miles) to give more concerts in Belgium, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, France, Switzerland and Liechtenstein, performing his final concert in Austria on Sunday.
The concerts, at which Patiz played Mediterranean guitar music he had composed himself, lasted up to 1-1/2 hours and were attended by between 20 and 100 people.
"The concerts weren't all held at sociable times," he said. "It was a bit difficult to get the Swiss to come to a concert first thing on Sunday morning."
The current world record is held by Jeff Aug, who gave six concerts in six countries within 24 hours in March 2009.
Vicente Patiz
Hospital News
Wyclef Jean
A representative for hip-hop singer Wyclef Jean says he has been hospitalized at an undisclosed location.
The 37-year-old Grammy Award winner checked into a hospital over the weekend. His representative Marian Salzman says he's "suffering from stress and fatigue based on the grueling eight weeks he's had."
Jean announced a bid for Haiti's presidency in August but ended it last week. No official reasons were given for Jean's exclusion although he's presumed not to have met constitutional requirements, including living in Haiti.
His rep says he "plans to take it easy" and will be released from the hospital this week.
Wyclef Jean
Most Stolen Sign
Joey Ramone
Officials say a metal homage to the late punk legend Joey Ramone may be New York City's most-stolen street sign.
The Department of Transportation recently had the "Joey Ramone Place" sign reinstalled in lower Manhattan for the fourth time since 2003.
This time, it was raised 8 eight feet to curb temptation. The New York Post says that puts it about 20 feet above street level.
The group's longtime drummer, Marky Ramone, thinks Joey would appreciate the most-stolen distinction. But he adds: "Now you have to be an NBA player to see it."
Joey Ramone
Gets New Court Date
Vince Neil
A Las Vegas judge set a new court date for Motley Crue singer Vince Neil on misdemeanor drunken driving and speeding charges.
Lawyers for the 49-year-old rocker appeared on his behalf Monday in Las Vegas Justice Court. No plea was entered.
A clerk says Judge Joe M. Bonaventure set an Oct. 11 status check for the case.
A court document alleges Neil had a blood-alcohol content of 0.08 percent, the state's legal limit for drivers, and was driving his Lamborghini sports car 60 mph in a 45 mph zone when he was stopped June 27 near the Las Vegas Strip.
Vince Neil
Russian Artists Threaten Boycott
Louvre
Russian painters threatened Monday to boycott an exhibition of contemporary Russian art at the Louvre over the removal of works deemed offensive to Prime Minister Vladimir Putin, a gallery owner said.
"Seven artists have declared that they won't participate in the exhibition in solidarity with Avdei Ter-Oganyan whose works were censured by the culture ministry," prominent Moscow gallery owner Marat Guelman told AFP.
One work, a black rectangle on a red background, bears the inscription: "This work urges you to commit an attack on statesman V.V. Putin in order to end his statist and political activities."
The boycott of the exhibition at the Louvre opening next month "will draw attention to this absurd conflict between art and the authorities. My works were created for this purpose and demonstrate the idiocy of idiots," Ter-Oganyan wrote on his website.
Louvre
Pat Boone Leads Tea Baggers
Beverly Hills
Under an unrelenting scorching sun, conservative blogger Andrew Breitbart extolled what he said was the individual, grass-roots nature of the "tea party" movement.
Breitbart was among about a dozen speakers Sunday at a tea party rally organized by actor and singer Pat Boone and some of his neighbors in Beverly Hills. They were Hollywood producers and actors, pastors, politicians looking for votes and a comedienne, speaking on an array of topics ranging from race to religion to immigration. Speaker after speaker criticized the current administration, decried socialism and attacked the mainstream media.
The event started at midafternoon with a Patrick Henry impersonator declaring, "Give me liberty or give me death." Boone then took the stage, singing "I am an American," a song he said he had written for the occasion.
Victoria Jackson, a former "Saturday Night Live" cast member, strummed a ukulele and sang "there's a communist living in the White House!" She said her generation had been "brainwashed by atheism and Marxism."
Also in the audience was actress Alana Stewart, who said there were many "closeted conservatives" in Hollywood who were afraid to speak out for fear of repercussions in the industry. She said she was assured by the rally that the tea party was made up of "normal, everyday people."
Beverly Hills
Ending Marriage
George Lopez
Comedian and talk show host George Lopez and his wife, Ann, will end their 17-year marriage, the pair said in a joint statement on Monday.
"The decision is amicable and by mutual agreement. They remain dedicated parents and committed partners in business and their philanthropic organization, The Lopez Foundation," said the statement.
No further details were available about their divorce. The pair have a 15-year-old daughter.
Lopez, who suffers from kidney disease, needed an organ transplant in 2005 and his wife donated hers in a successful operation. Their foundation is dedicated to helping kids and adults who face health and education challenges, as well as to creating awareness about kidney disease and organ donation.
George Lopez
Visits Israel
Ozzy Osbourne
Ozzy Osbourne said that alcohol, not politics, has stopped him from playing in Israel until now.
Osbourne is in Israel this week as part of this year's international Ozzfest tour, along with Soulfly and Korn. Tuesday's performance will be his first ever in the Holy Land.
Asked why he hadn't played in Israel before, the heavy metal rocker, known for decades of decadence and substance abuse, told reporters in Tel Aviv on Sunday: "I guess I was drunk for so many years."
He said politics had nothing to do with it. "I try to stay away from politics. They don't understand me and I don't understand them," he said, sitting next to his wife Sharon.
Ozzy Osbourne
Says Museums Losing Cachet To Web
Laurie Anderson
Laurie Anderson sees a new online trend in the art world that has galleries and museums in a tailspin: the power of the Web to distribute art.
The performance artist and voice of America's cultural fringe says websites such as YouTube are now recognized as a means to put art in front of mass audiences, challenging traditional routes such as physical museums, art galleries and theaters.
"If you want to make a movie or work of art, you don't need to get past that curator...you just make it, put it up and there it is, in the world, just as if it were hanging on the wall at MoMA," she told Reuters, referencing New York City's Museum of Modern Art.
Cultural institutions are "now kind of panicking," she said. "They are going to be in the situation of record companies."
Laurie Anderson
In Memory
Gloria Stuart
Gloria Stuart, the 1930s Hollywood beauty who gave up acting for 30 years and later became the oldest Academy Award acting nominee as the spunky survivor in "Titanic," has died. She was 100.
In her youth, Stuart was a blond beauty who starred in B pictures as well as some higher-profile ones such as "The Invisible Man," Busby Berkeley's "Gold Diggers of 1935" and two Shirley Temple movies, "Poor Little Rich Girl" and "Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm." But by the mid-1940s she had retired.
She resumed acting in the 1970s, doing occasional television and film work. But Stuart's later career would have remained largely a footnote if James Cameron had not chosen her for his 1997 epic about the doomed luxury liner that struck an iceberg and sank on its maiden voyage in 1912.
Stuart co-starred as Rose Calvert, the 101-year-old survivor played by Kate Winslet as a young woman. Both earned Oscar nominations, Winslet as best actress and Stuart as supporting actress.
It was the first time in Oscar history that two performers were nominated for playing the same character in the same film, and it made the 87-year-old Stuart the oldest acting nominee in history.
Stuart was thought by many to be the sentimental favorite for the supporting-actress prize, but the award went to Kim Basinger for "L.A. Confidential."
The best known of her early film work came in two of the celebrated series of horror films by director James Whale.
In 1932's "The Old Dark House," Stuart plays one of the travelers who take refuge in a spooky home peopled with strange characters, one played by Boris Karloff, fresh off his star-making turn in Whale's "Frankenstein."
In 1933's "The Invisible Man," Stuart is the love interest for the scientist (Claude Rains) who makes himself invisible.
Among her other films were the Eddie Cantor comedy "Roman Scandals," John Ford's "The Prisoner of Shark Island" and a string of dramas. She said she quit the business because she was tired of playing "girl detective, girl reporter and Shirley Temple's friend." But she brought spirit and intelligence to many routine plots.
In her later years, she took an occasional role in television, but before doing "Titanic," she had not worked in several years.
Stuart was born in 1910 in Santa Monica, Calif., and began acting while in college. She soon signed with Universal Studios, which was responsible for "The Old Dark House" and many other horror classics of the 1930s.
Stuart is survived by a daughter, Sylvia Vaughn Thompson, four grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.
Gloria Stuart
In Memory
Jimi Heselden
A wealthy British businessman who owns the company that makes the two-wheeled Segway has been found dead in a river in northern England after apparently falling off a cliff on one of the vehicles, police said Monday.
The body of 62-year-old Jimi Heselden and a Segway personal transporter were found in the River Wharfe and he was pronounced dead at the scene, West Yorkshire Police said.
A witness had reported seeing a man fall Sunday over a 30-foot (9-meter) drop into the river near the village of Boston Spa, 140 miles (225 kilometers) north of London.
"The incident is not believed to be suspicious," police said, indicating that they do not believe anyone else was involved.
Heselden, who bought control of the Bedford, New Hampshire-based Segway company in December, made his fortune through his firm Hesco Bastion Ltd., which developed a successful blast wall system that replaced the sand bags once used to protect troops in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Jimi Heselden
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