Since last June, I've become a devotee of Fast Company's giddy boosterism for creativity in the world of commerce; their all-star line up of quirky columnists and irreverent cover stories make for a thoroughly fun monthly read.
It is, in other words, an unlikely home for hard-hitting investigative reporting. Certainly not the place for that rare sucker punch of a story, the kind that leaves you unmoored, reeling, and horrified. And yet, Richard Behar's June special report on China in Africa is exactly that.
Read it. Seriously. Read all of it, all six parts exhaustively documenting "the scene of one of the most bare-knuckled resource grabs the world has ever seen," and one of the most sobering realities of environmental and human degradation you didn't know you didn't know.
Friday, May 23, 2008
A primer on the mortgage crisis
Tuttle suggests that "readers of your blog (there are others besides me, right?) [ed. note: yes. sometimes my mother logs on] who didn't quite understand everything going on with the credit crisis might be interested in these:
http://www.thislife.org/Radio_Episode.aspx?sched=1242 An episode of This American Life that follows mortages from the lender to the borrower to the brokerage firm that packages them to the investors who buy and sell them. "
He's right... interesting background, both.
And frustrating that the bond rating services are passing the buck to "the mortgage holders who turned out to be deadbeats." Since the fault, of course, lies with the folks who were offered something too good to be true and (oh! terrible unethical act!) took it. Where are the economists preaching the gospel of The Rational Actor when you need them?
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/04/27/magazine/27Credit-t.html A NY Times magazine article by Roger Lowenstein about the credit rating agencies, and why all those CDOs blew up.
He's right... interesting background, both.
And frustrating that the bond rating services are passing the buck to "the mortgage holders who turned out to be deadbeats." Since the fault, of course, lies with the folks who were offered something too good to be true and (oh! terrible unethical act!) took it. Where are the economists preaching the gospel of The Rational Actor when you need them?
Monday, May 19, 2008
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
"Colleges of last resort"
Hot off the internets!
The Atlantic's most incisive piece so far this year, in my opinion, is now live.
The Atlantic's most incisive piece so far this year, in my opinion, is now live.
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
EMILY's Gift
I rarely meet an Andrew Sullivan campaign-related post with anything other than a vigorous head nod. But I do take exception to his recent characterization of EMILY's List founder Ellen Malcom as building a career upon "identity politics and the big money politics."
I don't particularly agree with Malcolm's op-ed about Clinton being a "champion" who has "shown us that winners never quit and quitters never win," but Andrew's dismissive tone makes me worry that we're throwing the baby out with the bathwater - and not for the first time in this campaign.
The influence that EMILY's List has had on politics is undeniable - and even if I hadn't done an intern stint there, I would still argue that influence has been undeniably for the good.
The organization started the year I was born, when no woman had ever been elected to the Senate in her own right, and there were only twenty three women in the House. Hardly rooted in "big money politics," EMILY's List began as a handful of women in Malcom's basement writing checks to help get other women elected. Today, with sixteen women senators, and 87 congresswomen, including the Speaker, (to say nothing of state legislatures and governor's mansions) it is all but impossible to find a history or account of this sea change that doesn't reference the work of EL in achieving it.
And to the question of why we should even be so essentialist as to view the sheer number of women office-holders as a victory, I'm reminded of Karen O'Connor's exceptional paper on the topic of "Do Women Matter?" The answer is a resounding yes- in substance, in style, on the issues that matter to women voters, and in constituent work, women have made an outsized impact for the better.
An impact that Democratic women could not have had without EMILY's List. An impact that they will continue to make in partnering with a (markedly pro-choice, pro-equal pay, and pro-child care) President Obama. Which is exactly the point that Andrew doesn't see about Ellen Malcom - it is in part because of her work that I can vote my preference rather than my gender. Women are represented at nearly every level of government, and, because of the remarkable pipeline that EL has built, will almost assuredly find their way to the White House in the next few election cycles.
And because Hillary is not a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, the gift that Ellen Malcolm has given me, and all female Obama supporters, is the freedom from identity politics. Whether or not Ellen herself would agree with how we choose to exercise it.
I don't particularly agree with Malcolm's op-ed about Clinton being a "champion" who has "shown us that winners never quit and quitters never win," but Andrew's dismissive tone makes me worry that we're throwing the baby out with the bathwater - and not for the first time in this campaign.
The influence that EMILY's List has had on politics is undeniable - and even if I hadn't done an intern stint there, I would still argue that influence has been undeniably for the good.
The organization started the year I was born, when no woman had ever been elected to the Senate in her own right, and there were only twenty three women in the House. Hardly rooted in "big money politics," EMILY's List began as a handful of women in Malcom's basement writing checks to help get other women elected. Today, with sixteen women senators, and 87 congresswomen, including the Speaker, (to say nothing of state legislatures and governor's mansions) it is all but impossible to find a history or account of this sea change that doesn't reference the work of EL in achieving it.
And to the question of why we should even be so essentialist as to view the sheer number of women office-holders as a victory, I'm reminded of Karen O'Connor's exceptional paper on the topic of "Do Women Matter?" The answer is a resounding yes- in substance, in style, on the issues that matter to women voters, and in constituent work, women have made an outsized impact for the better.
An impact that Democratic women could not have had without EMILY's List. An impact that they will continue to make in partnering with a (markedly pro-choice, pro-equal pay, and pro-child care) President Obama. Which is exactly the point that Andrew doesn't see about Ellen Malcom - it is in part because of her work that I can vote my preference rather than my gender. Women are represented at nearly every level of government, and, because of the remarkable pipeline that EL has built, will almost assuredly find their way to the White House in the next few election cycles.
And because Hillary is not a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, the gift that Ellen Malcolm has given me, and all female Obama supporters, is the freedom from identity politics. Whether or not Ellen herself would agree with how we choose to exercise it.
Rockin' the Naval Observatory
Courtesy Melissa, an excellent tidbit from TheHill, which asked every member of the U.S. Senate whether they'd accept the VP nomination. I think the answers reveal an awful lot about the respondents (namely, that Claire McCaskill has the self-esteem of a middle schooler with new braces). A few gems...
The hilarious:
Barbara Mikulski's "Absolutely. Absolutely. I think I would be great. First of all, I know how to behave at weddings and funerals. And I know how to be commander in chief. I’d bring a lot of fun to the job. We would rock the Naval Observatory."
The awkward:
Chuck Hagel's "“I’m not here to talk about that."
And the bizarre:
Patty "Dr. Seuss" Murray: "“Any American citizen, large or small, would be honored to be asked"
The hilarious:
Barbara Mikulski's "Absolutely. Absolutely. I think I would be great. First of all, I know how to behave at weddings and funerals. And I know how to be commander in chief. I’d bring a lot of fun to the job. We would rock the Naval Observatory."
The awkward:
Chuck Hagel's "“I’m not here to talk about that."
And the bizarre:
Patty "Dr. Seuss" Murray: "“Any American citizen, large or small, would be honored to be asked"
Monday, May 12, 2008
You stay classy, Jenna
I'm not too proud to admit that my browser found its way to whitehouse.gov this morning to check out the Jenna wedding pictures (the verdict: lovely. and I want hair that looks like that in 90 degree humid heat).
At risk of sounding like a GOP-daughter fetishist, I've been increasingly thinking lately that the newly minted Mrs. Hager might be one of her father's few decent contributions to this country. She's been promoting her newest children's book - a joint project with her mom - recently, which means news outlets have been repeating her resume, and truly, the girl has chosen an admirable path teaching in Columbia Heights, with "leaves of absence" to work at UNICEF shelters in Panama. Especially in light of the opportunity costs - using her privilege to say, make six figures at a hedge fund (not to make too gratuitous a dig at Chelsea; if I'd spent my preteen years being called a dog on national television, I wouldn't be half the poised young woman she appears to be) - I can't help but feel a real respect for her.
Respect compounded by her utterly low-key nuptials this weekend. Sister could have totally pulled a Luci Baines, and opted instead for Shiner Bock and a single bridesmaid (her sister). You always hear about how W. ended up in the White House twice because he's the kind of candidate "folks want to have a beer with." I think I'd prefer his daughter.
At risk of sounding like a GOP-daughter fetishist, I've been increasingly thinking lately that the newly minted Mrs. Hager might be one of her father's few decent contributions to this country. She's been promoting her newest children's book - a joint project with her mom - recently, which means news outlets have been repeating her resume, and truly, the girl has chosen an admirable path teaching in Columbia Heights, with "leaves of absence" to work at UNICEF shelters in Panama. Especially in light of the opportunity costs - using her privilege to say, make six figures at a hedge fund (not to make too gratuitous a dig at Chelsea; if I'd spent my preteen years being called a dog on national television, I wouldn't be half the poised young woman she appears to be) - I can't help but feel a real respect for her.
Respect compounded by her utterly low-key nuptials this weekend. Sister could have totally pulled a Luci Baines, and opted instead for Shiner Bock and a single bridesmaid (her sister). You always hear about how W. ended up in the White House twice because he's the kind of candidate "folks want to have a beer with." I think I'd prefer his daughter.
Mixed news from Myanmar
According to the Times, Myanmar's junta has allowed a US military plane - carrying not only relief supplies but also the US military's Pacific commander - to land in the stricken nation, which sounds encouraging, but only without the qualifier from the UN authorities "that the distribution of most deliveries of international relief supplies were still being blocked to the most badly affected parts of the country. They say help is reaching fewer than one-third of those in need."
Meaning that the question still hangs in the air; as TIME/CNN asks it, "Is It Time to Invade Burma?" Romesh Ratnesar seems to think a qualified yes, evoking the specter of Somalia and reminding of the diplomatic options via China, Thailand, and Indonesia that remain to be exhausted first.
The latter two points representing, I suppose, why we don't make foreign policy decisions based on emotion. Because truly, I find it next to impossible to read about this man-made anguish without wanting to carpet-bomb the junta's compounds - and not with energy-dense biscuits, either. The Times quotes a military academic in Singapore who assesses that "the four pillars of [Myanmar's ruling] military’s world view are nationalism, paranoia, self-reliance and ethnocentrism. " It is obscene to me that so many thousands will starve, drown, and suffer to preserve this perverted episteme.
Meaning that the question still hangs in the air; as TIME/CNN asks it, "Is It Time to Invade Burma?" Romesh Ratnesar seems to think a qualified yes, evoking the specter of Somalia and reminding of the diplomatic options via China, Thailand, and Indonesia that remain to be exhausted first.
The latter two points representing, I suppose, why we don't make foreign policy decisions based on emotion. Because truly, I find it next to impossible to read about this man-made anguish without wanting to carpet-bomb the junta's compounds - and not with energy-dense biscuits, either. The Times quotes a military academic in Singapore who assesses that "the four pillars of [Myanmar's ruling] military’s world view are nationalism, paranoia, self-reliance and ethnocentrism. " It is obscene to me that so many thousands will starve, drown, and suffer to preserve this perverted episteme.
Friday, May 9, 2008
PS bacon is life
Webfind of the day. Because you're not the only one with strained interpersonal relationships, there's passiveaggressivenotes.com.
Thursday, May 8, 2008
"The Five Mistakes Clinton Made"
Karen Tumulty has a clear-eyed post mortem on Time.com this morning.
Digitally remastered
The upcoming New Yorker has a feature on a fellow named Pascal Dangin, apparently "the premier retoucher of fashion photographs." The piece is long on the details of his technical gifts and digital toolbox - admittedly compelling stuff - and short on the politics of manipulating bodies for media consumption.
Not unfairly so, of course (it's still good writing) but the lack of explicit mention of retouching's consequences doesn't make the industry sound any less depressing. By far the worst revelation:
Not unfairly so, of course (it's still good writing) but the lack of explicit mention of retouching's consequences doesn't make the industry sound any less depressing. By far the worst revelation:
"I mentioned the Dove ad campaign that proudly featured lumpier-than-usual “real women” in their undergarments. It turned out that it was a Dangin job. “Do you know how much retouching was on that?” he asked."
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
Ad campaign catch of the day
"It's OUR party, Paul."
I finally tracked down video of Donna Brazile's dressing down of Paula Begala last night on CNN - plus blogger Jason Linkins' editorializing wisecracks - on Huffington Post.
I tend to wear my reactions to television (and books, and magazines, and blogs. I'm an engaged media consumer, what?) on my sleeve, but I can't remember the last time I cheered this loudly for someone who couldn't hear me. I'm left, as always, wondering why Brazile herself doesn't run for office.
Encouraging to have someone call out Begala on doing the GOP's work when he cleaves the "eggheads" from "the little guys." Such an important reminder, too, that an awful lot of black people also wear blue collars. Oh, and that Donna has "drank more beers with Joe Sixpack and Jane Sixpack than most white Democrats."
Snap.
I tend to wear my reactions to television (and books, and magazines, and blogs. I'm an engaged media consumer, what?) on my sleeve, but I can't remember the last time I cheered this loudly for someone who couldn't hear me. I'm left, as always, wondering why Brazile herself doesn't run for office.
Encouraging to have someone call out Begala on doing the GOP's work when he cleaves the "eggheads" from "the little guys." Such an important reminder, too, that an awful lot of black people also wear blue collars. Oh, and that Donna has "drank more beers with Joe Sixpack and Jane Sixpack than most white Democrats."
Snap.
Sensible wine-ing for the district
An unlikely pairing of clauses:
Good call, Marion Berry.
Per DCist, the City Council, led by Berry and Kwame Brown, just voted to allow restaurant patrons to cork and carry unfinished bottles of wine home. Good policy - as the district's perennial voice of moderation himself puts it, forcing patrons to finish, rather than waste, an expensive bottle, has got to cause more alcohol-related problems than it fixes - and, of course, stellar news for my fellow area lightweight cheapskates.
Good call, Marion Berry.
Per DCist, the City Council, led by Berry and Kwame Brown, just voted to allow restaurant patrons to cork and carry unfinished bottles of wine home. Good policy - as the district's perennial voice of moderation himself puts it, forcing patrons to finish, rather than waste, an expensive bottle, has got to cause more alcohol-related problems than it fixes - and, of course, stellar news for my fellow area lightweight cheapskates.
Run, Kay, run
Fabulous not-quite-national news out of North Carolina last night: state senator Kay Hagan trounced four opponents in a once-competitive primary to take on Senator Elizabeth Dole in November.
Coming out of my field research on Liddy Dole's campaign a couple summers ago, I found myself begrudgingly admiring her biography and campaign style, but her politics and record of representing North Carolina have been disastrous. (although, to be fair, her also-disastrous leadership of the NRSC in 2006 was a huge boon to Dems).
It's excellent to see Hagan emerge as her challenger. She'll be a strong competitor- a Daily Kos poll has her within striking distance of Dole after a bruising primary and with seven months still to go ; her exceptional website indicates that she "gets" the technological element, no doubt the critical piece of the 2008 puzzle ; and my anecdotal evidence of conversations in her home base of Greensboro this past weekend suggests that she'll have a powerful grassroots operation.
And, personally, I'm delighted by the thought that Dole can be shown the door out of the Senate without diminishing the numbers of my favorite caucus in that body: the Southern women.
Coming out of my field research on Liddy Dole's campaign a couple summers ago, I found myself begrudgingly admiring her biography and campaign style, but her politics and record of representing North Carolina have been disastrous. (although, to be fair, her also-disastrous leadership of the NRSC in 2006 was a huge boon to Dems).
It's excellent to see Hagan emerge as her challenger. She'll be a strong competitor- a Daily Kos poll has her within striking distance of Dole after a bruising primary and with seven months still to go ; her exceptional website indicates that she "gets" the technological element, no doubt the critical piece of the 2008 puzzle ; and my anecdotal evidence of conversations in her home base of Greensboro this past weekend suggests that she'll have a powerful grassroots operation.
And, personally, I'm delighted by the thought that Dole can be shown the door out of the Senate without diminishing the numbers of my favorite caucus in that body: the Southern women.
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
Christianity in the "spiritual marketplace"
Hanna Rosin has a great quick read on Slate this week, discussing Christian pop culture in context of Rapture Ready!, a new book on the subject.
The highlights are certainly the descriptions of pop-lite evangelical alternatives -
("There are Christian raves and Christian rappers and Christian techno, which is somehow more Christian even though there are no words. There are Christian comedians who put on a Christian version of Punk'd, called Prank 3:16."). There's no doubt, though, that Rosin takes this subject matter seriously, and what's more interesting, to my mind, is her argument about how the lack of authenticity in Christian pop (in all its multimedia forms) actually does more harm than good to the Christian "brand."
The highlights are certainly the descriptions of pop-lite evangelical alternatives -
("There are Christian raves and Christian rappers and Christian techno, which is somehow more Christian even though there are no words. There are Christian comedians who put on a Christian version of Punk'd, called Prank 3:16."). There's no doubt, though, that Rosin takes this subject matter seriously, and what's more interesting, to my mind, is her argument about how the lack of authenticity in Christian pop (in all its multimedia forms) actually does more harm than good to the Christian "brand."
Friday, May 2, 2008
Sanctimonious gas(tax)-bag
HRC line of the week:
"Do [other members of Congress] stand with hard pressed Americans who are trying to pay their gas bills at the gas station or do they once again stand with the big oil companies? That’s a vote I’m going to try to get, because I want to know where they stand and I want them to tell us - are they with us or against us?” (NYT)
Seriously? Big Oil is licking its chops at the thought of this McCain-Clinton pandermonium. Even this kid, who barely squeaked through Econ201, understands that removing the tax increases demand which leads to higher prices and bigger profits for gas companies.
So if "us" stands for "gas at $4 a gallon (still) with no money going to highway funds and extra profits to the oil industry," then "against us" seems like a good place to be.
And really? "With us or against us?" I cringe for her.
"Do [other members of Congress] stand with hard pressed Americans who are trying to pay their gas bills at the gas station or do they once again stand with the big oil companies? That’s a vote I’m going to try to get, because I want to know where they stand and I want them to tell us - are they with us or against us?” (NYT)
Seriously? Big Oil is licking its chops at the thought of this McCain-Clinton pandermonium. Even this kid, who barely squeaked through Econ201, understands that removing the tax increases demand which leads to higher prices and bigger profits for gas companies.
So if "us" stands for "gas at $4 a gallon (still) with no money going to highway funds and extra profits to the oil industry," then "against us" seems like a good place to be.
And really? "With us or against us?" I cringe for her.
Injustice
Out of town Wednesday evening and yesterday, so I missed the breaking story of Deborah "DC Madam" Jeanne Palfrey's suicide until I walked past the newsboxes this morning.
So this woman dead, a dozen+ young women's lives ruined, and David Vitter sits pretty in the Hart building of the United States Senate.
Regardless of one's viewpoint on the legalization of prostitution, it is beyond my comprehension that our society could be so obscenely unjust in meting out of punishment to the parties of a crime. My distaste for Victimization Feminism is pretty well established, but this elicits such a visceral anger.
So this woman dead, a dozen+ young women's lives ruined, and David Vitter sits pretty in the Hart building of the United States Senate.
Regardless of one's viewpoint on the legalization of prostitution, it is beyond my comprehension that our society could be so obscenely unjust in meting out of punishment to the parties of a crime. My distaste for Victimization Feminism is pretty well established, but this elicits such a visceral anger.
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