Bush Was Warned

Ken AshfordBush & Co., Economy & Jobs & DeficitLeave a Comment

Remember when Bush was presented with an intelligence warning that "Bin Laden Determined to Strike U.S." and he pooh-poohed the whole thing, humoring the intelligence official by telling him, "You've covered your ass, now"? And then how, less than two months later, bin Laden struck? And remember when Bush proclaimed that he had no warning that the levies in New Orleans … Read More

“Fame” Lives Forever

Ken AshfordTheatreLeave a Comment

A remake of the 1980 movie musical "Fame" is coming out September 2009.  This is a remake of the film, and not a film version of the stage musical adaption based on the original film.  Nor is it a sequel to the original film, nor a sequel to the stage musical which is based on the original film.  Nor is … Read More

One Man Acappella Thriller

Ken AshfordYoutube1 Comment

He doesn't sing too well, and he had to transpose some tracks electronically in order to get the Michael Jackson timbre.  And many of the tracks are looped. Oh, and he's French. But pay no attention to that, and just enjoy the capabilities and presentation, as this guy sings "Thriller" — all the parts, all the percussion, vocals, instruments, etc.

Surfing For Seniors

Ken AshfordYoutubeLeave a Comment

I guess they have to be this condescending… or do they? Although frankly, I think all the senior citizens who intend to become computer-saavy have already done so.

BTW, It’s Unconstitutional For Hillary To Become Secretary Of State

Ken AshfordConstitution, Obama & Administration2 Comments

Not that anyone cares. But, technically, she really can't become SoS.   Not legally.  It's because of a rather obscure clause in the United States Constitution (Article I, Section 6) called the Emoluments Clause, which reads: No Senator or Representative shall, during the Time for which he was elected, be appointed to any civil Office under the Authority of the United States, … Read More

The Current Recession Began in December 2007

Ken AshfordEconomy & Jobs & DeficitLeave a Comment

So sayeth the NBER. The dating of the recession's beginning means we can say a few things now as "fact".  This is the eleventh recession in the post-World War II era, but it is already one of the longest. The NBER announcement shows that our current downturn has lasted a year (and counting), and only two of the modern recessions (November … Read More

Forever Young

Ken AshfordHealth Care1 Comment

Exciting medical news: Researchers believe they have identified a fundamental cause of aging, according to a study published this week in the journal Cell. I thought "a fundamental cause of aging" was the passage of time.  But what do I know, right? The mechanism was previously found in fungus and has now been discovered in mice. Again, with the mice. It's … Read More

Preventative Peace

Ken AshfordObama & Administration, War on Terrorism/TortureLeave a Comment

Supposedly, there is a lot of wailing and gnashing of teeth from the "angry left" with regard to Obama's choices for his "international team" — i.e., Hillary as Secretary of State, Robert Gates staying on as Secretary of Defense, and Gen. James L. Jones, the former NATO commander, as national security adviser. I think it's premature to complain.  None of … Read More

The Truth Is Out There (but it’s classified)

Ken AshfordScience & TechnologyLeave a Comment

Seems llike every time a new president gets elected, UFO buffs come out of their parents' basements and demand that the new president release classified documents showing the proof of UFOs, the goverment cover-up, etc. This year is no exception. I'm not particularly confident such "X-files" exist, but it would be cool to know.

“The Doves Were Right”

Ken AshfordHistoryLeave a Comment

Interesting new book out by Gordon M. Goldstein called Lessons in Disaster: McGeorge Bundy and the Path to War in Vietnam.  The author originally wrote the book in conjunction with McGeorge Bundy.  Bundy was JFK's national security advisor — one of the "best and the brightest", albeit with strong Republican roots.  It was Bundy who was urged Kennedy to send … Read More