Homework: "Capitalist Fools"

There is a lot to sift through regarding the current financial crisis we find ourselves in--but sift we must, for continued ignorance is the poison that dares to destroy countless generations of American progress and values.

The below article is precise in language and informative in substance. Also, the Ayn Rand zealot tie-in is well placed...

Source: Vanity Fair
Article: "The Economic Crisis: Capitalistic Fools" by Joseph Stiglitz

"Behind the debate over remaking U.S. financial policy will be a debate over who’s to blame. It’s crucial to get the history right, writes a Nobel-laureate economist, identifying five key mistakes—under Reagan, Clinton, and Bush II—and one national delusion." (full article)

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A frothy Guinness to you for stopping by and another for coming back,
Stagekid

Video Vault: Reviving The Auto Industry

The New York Times' Thomas Friedman spoke to Bob Schieffer about where the Big 3 in the auto industry went wrong and the repercussions of the India attacks.

My favorite part? Friedman's analogy to the music industry:

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A frothy Guinness to you for stopping by and another for coming back,
Stagekid

Video Vault: The Miniature Earth

Perspective--get it.




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A frothy Guinness to you for stopping by and another for coming back,
Stagekid

20-Week Baby Tweet Appointment!!

Today we had our 20-week Tweet appointment! We've been anxiously awaiting this day for about seven weeks now and we're happy to report all is perfect on the Tweet front: she's growing beautifully; her heart couldn't be healthier (!!!); her little arms, legs, and baby body parts are all in place :)

The picture below takes a little while to figure out. She's the most perfect creature I've ever seen: precious nose, smiley lips, flailing right arm. More importantly, if you focus closely she looks like she's wearing George Washington's wig :)


(click on picture for higher resolution)

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A frothy Guinness to you for stopping by and another for coming back,
Stagekid

Article: "Why Most Transportation Should Be Public and How That Could Help Private Enterprise"

We need a complete paradigm shift when it comes to infrastructure and transportation. While I know that I need to continue educating myself on the current auto bailout crisis, my initial reaction is to support the bailout only if strict conditions--based on green technologies and a total re-education of the workforce--are met. We have a real opportunity, here, to completely transform the American landscape. The opportunity is now for green job creation, infrastructure reestablishment, and (most importantly) education.

"Why Most Transportation Should Be Public and How That Could Help Private Enterprise"

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Blake N. Cooper (Blog; RSS Feed; Twitter; Facebook)

Video Vault: Charlie Rose and the Emanuel Brothers

I'm adding Charlie Rose to my daily fix--this is a fantastic interview (but I would definitely recommend the full November 7th show here)



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Blake N. Cooper (Blog; RSS Feed; Twitter; Facebook)

Full Steam Ahead for California's High-Speed Rail

Finally!! Great job California!!


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A frothy Guinness to you for stopping by and another for coming back,
Stagekid

Essay: Obama & America Look Forward

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A frothy Guinness to you for stopping by and another for coming back,
Stagekid

President Barack Obama

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A frothy Guinness to you for stopping by and another for coming back,
Stagekid

"Barack Obama for President" by Andrew Sullivan of The Daily Dish

A new chapter in the American story begins tomorrow. Sullivan's post, below, is a fantastic summation of the last 7+ years and a great narrative of why he thinks Obama is the right person for this moment in history. The post ends with--what I thought to be at the time and still think today is--the single greatest artistic contribution in the history of American politics.

Source: The Daily Dish
Post: "Barack Obama for President"

"On a spectacular September morning more than seven years ago, our world changed. I remain one of those who believe that that day remains indelible, and its lesson unforgettable. The civilized democratic world came under attack from a small but lethal band of religious fanatics bent on destroying free societies, and, more terrifyingly, eager to get their hands on weapons of mass destruction that could make 9/11 look like a dry run..." (full post)

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A frothy Guinness to you for stopping by and another for coming back,
Stagekid