This is perhaps one of the few anti-”jouissance” political broadcasts in history: John Cleese offered to help Obama; perhaps he can construct a similar ad campaign based on the idea that you can either have the perverse “enjoyment” of extremism, or actually attempt to solve the problems facing America.

It’s become clear that one of the biggest challenges facing Senator Obama is the weight of expectation placed upon him. Somehow, he is supposed to be the champion of the liberal cause, yet have an appeal to the centre. He is supposed to be an idealist, yet be a realist too. Indeed, he is supposed [...]

It’s sad but true, election campaigns often are a carnival of attractions akin to a procession of circus freaks, fire eaters and sword swallowers, with the media focusing on the monstrosity du jour. Yesterday’s “bearded lady” was Charles Black, an aide to Senator McCain; he dared to suggest that the Republicans’ chances would benefit from [...]

For American readers, “pants” refers to “underwear”: And its predecessor event….

Dear President Mandela: First of all, please accept my sincere congratulations on your impending 90th birthday. I am sure that most, if not all of the world echoes me in the sentiment that a happy, restful retirement is your just reward, as are the accolades you continue to receive. I am writing to you as [...]

One of the funniest comedians ever to trod up to a microphone, George Carlin, has passed away at the age of 71. Here is a sample of his best work: Thanks for the laughter. Rest in peace, George.

See larger image The Teapot Dome Scandal: How Big Oil Bought the Harding White House and Tried to Steal the Country (Hardcover) By (author) Laton McCartney List Price: £17.73 GBP New From: £16.87 In Stock Used from: £0.76 In Stock It’s very rare that a book about the 1920′s should make one think about the [...]

Much of the recent hullabaloo about the “credit crunch” and “sub prime crisis” is emotionally satisfying. The stockbrokers, hedge fund managers, and other grey pinstripe suit hucksters with six figure gas guzzlers who got us into this mess have a healthy air of panic about them and a salubrious paranoia born out of wondering when [...]

The collapse of Bear Stearns into the arms of the JP Morgan Chase was a seminal moment in economic history. It was not only indicative of how deeply the present “credit crunch” has affected long-time bastions of Wall Street, it was also an indicator of how far and wide the spectre of mistrust has affected [...]