A special note in my Cool Book today for the protesters in Barnaul, Russia.  People in the Siberian city are protesting corruption in politics, both in the region and at the national level (I know, you say Whaaaat? Government corruption?  In Russia??).   Specifically, they’re protesting the impending switch Vladimir Putin is making from the parliament […]

President Obama attended the APEC summit yesterday, as part of the important international exchange of whatever the thing is that happens at this summit.  There’s probably something about trade agreements, though it seems to revolve largely around shirts.  Lots of matching shirts.  I’ve never understood the shirt thing (at conferences and whatnot.  I’m pretty clear […]

Excerpts from the filming session for Herman Cain’s latest political advertisement, which many media outlets are calling “the worst campaign ad of all time.”   “Okay, now, lots of candidates, they get celebrity endorsements.  Or political endorsements.  Or endorsements of regular, photogenic Americans.  But I’m seeing you, Mark Block.  Because Americans want to know how […]

Justice.  Is there any concept more noble?  Any pursuit that embodies the best parts of our humanity more?  Even as our biology asserts that might-makes-right, and when wronged we seethe for vengeance, we hold on to this notion of balance and fairness.   We have the courage to protect someone’s right to speak, even when we […]

Hi, Canada, come on in.  Yes, I know, I’m not dressed for the water park… we’re… we’re not going to the water park.  Have a seat.  No, no, don’t leave, no one’s judging anyone here.  You can’t really believe that we’re in a position to judge anyone’s behavior.  I just… I’m, that is we’re worried […]

Bill: How do you respond to allegations that you have exceeded – Terry: Grossly exceeded. Bill – yes, grossly, massively exceeded your authority? President Me: That depends what you’re referring to.  Can you be more specific? Bill: Suspending the Congress? PM: Oh that, sure.  Okay, but I didn’t suspend them, see?  You media people; the […]

President Me: … farm allocation thing.  Next question?  Bill. Bill: Doesn’t it seem risky to dump the entire defense budget into space exploration? PM: I don’t follow. B: Well, I mean, we’re… okay, let me ask you this: what is it that you’re hoping to accomplish that requires 50% of our federal budget? Samantha: And […]