March Madness

Selection Sunday is March 16 - and the first game (buy in that it is) is on the 18th. Which means a St. Patrick's Day with no basketball distractions. That's a refreshing change.

Many More Years To Watch

This is one guy I wouldn't mind watching 24/7. Well, maybe "watching" isn't the right word...

So What's the News Here?

Kucinich Drops Out. Lord, I thought that had happened months ago. Oh wait. It did happen months ago - just took Dennis a while to catch on.

A Woman From NY Worth Listening To

Not sure which was bigger - Obama's trouncing of Mrs. Clinton in South Carolina or the fact that Edwards was breathing down her neck for second.

And I love reading something that perfectly captures how I feel. Caroline Kennedy's endorsement of Obama does just that. And I'm more and more of the opinion I'd rather see Bush in the WH for another four years than see the Clinton's return there. Just a gut feeling about it.

Chronic Laryngitis

It's an outrage that Hillary "found her voice" - after crying in a diner. Hmmm. What has she been doing without one for the past 35 years (which is how long she says she's been in public service)? Who's voice was she using? And while some people think woman will relate - I find it horrific that she'd admit to having just found her voice. It's about fucking time - and hopefully too little, too late. Do people really think anything she does is genuine? And the Clinton tactics this past week are signs of a desperate campaign. May it continue to be so.

It Just Does Matter

Little known fact (though I've probably mentioned it here several times): I think I should have been a homicide detective but not so keen about the whole dead body thing. Went into journalism instead. So I devoured David Simon's book "Homicide," about the year he spent as a reporter with the Baltimore City Homicide Squad. Excellent read and great insight into the relationship between police and the press.

He wrote a great piece that ran in the Washington Post about the value of news. Well said.

Something my mom's always said: Matter matters before it means. Not sure I've ever understand it fully but it's what I kept thinking as I read Simon's piece. (Thanks for the link JB)

Just Pay the Two Dollars

As I'm contemplating buying a townhouse in Greenwich, this article caught my attention. Though honestly, after you've crossed a million dollars for your home, what's a hundred thousand? Seriously.

Better Late Than Never

Had a full manicure today - first time ever. The manicurist was a bit perplexed but said to me three times: 'You can tell.' Which sounded funnier when she said it earlier today. So after the second forearm massage - which felt great btw - she asks: 'Do you play golf?' So I said yes and she nods knowingly. So now I'm not sure what this means: is this a sign that I have good forearms? another way of asking if I play softball? Or just a lucky guess given that I'm getting said manicure in Riverside, CT?

But my favorite moment - she puts this green pastey mask stuff on my arms, puts a light pink polish on my nails (another first) and then moves me over to the "dryer" - a big circular marble fixture. Where I proceed to place my left palm over my right hand -- right on top of four fingers with just-applied nail polish. Classic.

Tip for the manicurist: $10. Fancy Riverside "full" manicure: $55. Having to have half my nails redone because I thought the dryer was for my arms and not my fingernails: Priceless.

My Favorite Question

The Atlantic asks: Where's the Outrage? Believe me, I ask myself that question all the time.

VIva...Oh Never Mind

Got into Vegas today for work. Staying at the Rio where the tag line is "Exotic. Uninhibited. Fun." Not feeling it.

Kindred Spirits Everywhere

I think I'm in love. With another Kevin oddly enough. He gets the whole outrage thing. And he's probably...12. But I think I could make it work...

And the Hits Just Keep On Comin'

More on the "success" of the surge - the latest from Baghdad.

Now Even Tilly's Outraged

What is wrong with people?

Update Jan. 9, 2008: This story has apparently sparked "howling banshees of outrage" across Canada. I just love that phrase: howling banshees of outrage. There are so many ways I could use this. Send your suggestions in...

Getting to look a lot like Obama

Decided Obama's the man on my way into work the morning of the Iowa caucus last week. And if anyone's been paying attention - I said Hillary was out back in June - or maybe July but I digress. Thursday morning I was listening to Springsteen's "Last to Die" and realized the only person who gets my vote in November is the person who voted no on Iraq. Not too deep. But if the Iowa results are any indication, I'm not alone in thinking that way.

And btw, Frank Rich's column yesterday is a must read.

Say it ain't so Hil

Note to Hillary: there's no crying in baseball... or politics. Unless you are retiring. Then it's okay to cry. Not before. Seriously.

And there's no such thing as "near tears" when your eyes are wet. It's sort of like being a little pregnant.

For every man that thinks a woman can't handle the presidency - or any other elected office for that matter - this certainly didn't help

Adding It All Up

Interesting discussion at dinner the other night. Several people felt that the "Iraq surge" was a success. I proposed - rather loudly I'm told - that success can't be claimed given the high death rate among Iraqi civilians - they've killed everyone they want to kill - or enough people have fled the country to moot the point. And of course I'm arguing with only the barest notion of what I'm talking about. So I did a little research and found Icasualties.org - and while it doesn't address the surge question - it's a fascinating, tragic and sober reminder of what's happening EVERY day in Iraq. That apparently no longer qualifies as important news.