Jonathan Miller's Blog, page 446
April 8, 2011
RPTV Friday Flashback: The RP on "CNN's Crossfire" (1988)
Four days before the 1988 presidential general election, featuring a matchup between then-Vice President George H.W. Bush and Massachusetts Governor Mike Dukakis, I was asked to appear on the cable television program that helped usher in the age of political broadcast incivility: CNN's Crossfire. At the ripe age of 21, I was serving as Executive Director of College Democrats of America, and I was poised to debate my counterpart at College Republicans, as well as the ultra-formidable Pat...
The RP's Weekly Web Gems: The Politics of Wellness
The Politics of Wellness
Sometimes laughter really can be the best medicine. Zach Anner, a 26-year-old filmmaker from Austin, Tex. who has cerebral palsy, won his own comedy show on Oprah's new OWN network: [New York Times]
Take a deep breath. A new study reveals that people with anxiety might actually be causing some of those nervous feelings themselves. [Newsweek]
Look for a new doc, sneak in a quick workout, and keep first-aid tips on hand, all from your iPhone. Self Magazine lists the top...
The RP's Weekly Web Gems: The Politics of Love
The Politics of Love
Ever thought about how love actually works? And, yes, if politics is the "art of compromise," then it's definitely involved. Or is that marriage. Take a look at the basic, underlying foundations for human love. Interesting, huh? [HowStuffWorks]
Did you know? For the first time in American history, rural Americans are just as likely to be divorced as city dwellers. What's next, broadband? [New York Times]
And speaking of marriage and divorce, in case you were planning on...
Lisa Borders: Hello, My Name is Lisa, and I'm a Recovering Politician
My name is Lisa Borders, and I'm a Recovering Politician. I prefer the term public servant, because for me, it's really all about serving the public, not politics, but I'll leave that discussion to another post.
I've been out of office (clean?) since January, 2010, and as of this April 8, 2011, post that's 15 months, 3 days and 10 hours and 15 minutes of sobriety. While serving as City Council President, or vice mayor, I lost a 2009 bid for Atlanta Mayor. The loss was painful, but by the...
April 7, 2011
Tomorrow at The Recovering Politician
Tomorrow at 8:30 AM, we debut our third recovering politician. Since you are probably tired of guys by now, we will introduce our first woman: a vibrant, dynamic former leader of one of the country's largest and fastest growing urban centers.
And since we've given you a Democrat and Republican already, our newest RP is a Founding Leader of No Labels — a new movement that is dedicated to the proposition that we all must put aside our labels on occasion to work for the common good. Check out t...
The RP's Weekly Web Gems: The Politics of Speed
The Politics of Speed
If you are the 5-time defending Sprint Cup Champion in NASCAR do you get to openly criticize your bosses? Apparently not. Jimmie Johnson had to apologize today for a few choice words he had for NASCAR. [ESPN]
More from ESPN as Ryan McGee gave us the NASCAR power rankings for Week 7. This week has Kevin Harvick in the top spot. [ESPN]
Dustin Long writes about Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s quest to win his first race since 2008 and his frustration with continually falling short. Plus ...
Ronald J. Granieri: The (Un)kindness of Strangers
One of the paradoxes of modern life is that although we are trained to link success to our ability to reach people directly and personally, often success actually depends on the reactions of strangers whom we will never meet. Politicians live this paradox daily, as they combine the rituals of pressing the flesh with the realization of its limits. There are simply too many voters and, in our fragmented media landscape, too many potential bloggers and commentators to make a personal connection ...
The RP's Weekly Web Gems: The Politics of Immigration
The Politics of Immigration
What happens if you meet a beautiful Madagascan or a suave Uruguayan, on a student visa or H1B in the United States, fall in love and can't live without them? You want to stay together—you get married, right? What happens if you and your immigrant partner happen to be gay? Life could become easier for you with the end of DOMA. [The Guardian]
Regardless of her guilt or innocence, Azra Basic's story reminds us of the brutal insanity of war and the sometimes...
The RP's Weekly Web Gems: The Politics of Fame
The Politics of Fame
Former Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty compares Obama's Presidency to a Lady Gaga song: [TalkingPointsMemo]
Winning!! Charlie Sheen offered higher speaking fees than former President Bill Clinton. Editor's note: it must be the tiger-blood. [HuffingtonPost]
Even senior citizens should enjoy the right to get "Punk'd": Betty White to host new prank show. [SouthBendTribune]
Like father like son? Prince William will not wear a wedding ring. [AsiaOneNews]
Katie Couric leaving CBS...
The RP: My Top Five Breakup Songs – What Say You?
As Charlie Sheen might have said, "music is the gin and tonic of the soul."
Of course, there's no denying the redemptive impact of song. Whether to soothe, pacify, or even offer catharsis, we've all turned to music during times of recovery — from an illness, a professional setback, or, quite often, a breakup.
Last week, I ended an 11 1/2 year relationship…with state government. Neil Sedaka was accurate when he crooned that "Breaking Up is Hard to Do," but the dissolution of any relationship i...
