To walk and chew gum at the same time

I hope it’s lazy language, not lazy reporting, that this Wall Street Journal article puts forth on Barack Obama’s second press conference this week.  Obama introduced his choices for director and deputy director of his Office of Management and Budget, saying, “When we are facing both rising deficits and a sinking economy, budget reform is not an [...]

NFL round-up, Week 12

Jets 34, Titans 13:  No surprise here.  The Titans were due for a stinker.  In truth, these teams are fairly similar, but the Jets imposed their will (more than 40 minutes possession) today.  A few more weeks like this and I’ll reassess my opinion about their Super Bowl possibilities.
Vikings 30, Jaguars 12:  The Jags seem to have [...]

“Mad Men”

Good show.  I’m almost through with the first episode.

NFL round-up, Week 11

Jets 34, Patriots 31:  The difference isn’t Brett Favre.  But these Jets are different.  No reason to think they’re a Super Bowl contender, but they will make the playoffs and then who knows?
Titans 24, Jaguars 14: Two touchdowns from Kerry Collins to Justin Gage (I don’t make it home tonight).  OK, I’ll stop with the [...]

Real quick

You might have known that Charles Stone III, creator of the Whassup commercials as well as the tremendous spoof above, directed Black Sheep’s “The Choice is Yours.”  I didn’t.

Lavar Arrington’s career wasn’t that bad (three Pro Bowls) but it seems like he could have done so much more.  Off the [...]

Trade-offs

The question is whether increased economic viability in, say, Mali, is worth the increased pollution it would bring.  The thinking is that the development would bring up health care far faster than the pollution would drag down people’s health. 
All kinds of other practical matters — such as to whom the real [...]

Pragmatist in Chief

 

Everything I’ve learned about Barack Obama tells me he’s politically pragmatic.  I had to look up the definition.  Did you know it?  I’m less convinced that my label sticks after reading the definition.  I’m not too concerned about defending it.
Which makes me wonder how effective the other speculative labels about his governing philosophy and style are useful, if [...]

OK. I’m convinced. (Larry Summers edition)

Brad DeLong on why Summers is right for “high federal office,” perhaps even the Treasury Department, which he previously helmed at the tail end of the Clinton Administration.
Summers and other intellectually robust people like him filling the ranks of government?  And then given rein to do their jobs?  That would be “change.” Barack Obama knows better than to [...]

NFL round-up, Week 10

Giants 36, Eagles 31: The team with 219 yards rushing and almost 40 minutes possessing the ball generally wins.  True here too.
Vikings 28, Bears 27:  Imagine if Adrian Peterson wasn’t prone to injury.  If he stays healthy he seems sure to go for 2,000 yards in a season. 
Titans 21, Bears 14:  My hat’s off to the Titans, [...]

The stories are the same

 
This week a Midwestern black man in his mid 40s pulled off a big move.  I’m talking about Joe Dumars, of course, trading Chauncey Billups for Allen Iverson.  It might not be a good move for this year but almost certainly it helps the Pistons over time.  And Dumars has a lengthy track record by [...]