Bill Clinton hospitalized, heart needs rest to recover

Former President Bill Clinton was hospitalized Thursday after complaining of a discomfort in his chest and difficulty breathing. According to The Huffington Post, President Clinton was transported to New York Presbyterian Hospital, the same facility where Clinton had bypass surgery in 2004.

President Clinton has been on a healthier diet since his 2004 operation, but maintains a busy schedule that has seen him go from the Davos World Economic Forum last week, to New York, and eventually to Haiti and back in one day. For a man who has heart disease and high blood pressure, Clinton has not appeared to maintain a schedule that allows him significant "down time".

With that kind of pressure comes stress, a good friend of high blood pressure. A good enemy is athletic activity, like running or at least a brisk walk. To what extent Clinton is maintaining his once-common running schedule is not clear from available reports as of this writing.

GOP bid for earmark backfires, Shelby embarasses Congressional Republicans

It was amazing to many to learn recently that it was one Senator, Alabama's Richard Shelby, on a quest for a massive earmark for his home state, that was able to suspend all progress in filling key leadership roles in many government agencies.

No wonder some in the GOP lament government effectiveness as unattainable: their own party is preventing many key agencies from having leaders. Americans were stunned to learn that the objections weren't based on qualifications, or even philosophical differences, but were simply a partisan ploy that amounted to demanding a kick-back for Alabama.

There's nothing inherently wrong about earmarks.  They allow for quick resolutions to funding decisions that don't require much, if any, debate. They can be used to replace a fallen bridge, or abused to fund a pork-barrel project that benefits a key constituent or city... but Shelby's audacity has backfired, and he's walking back from his stand after embarrassing his party -- later claiming it was just to get attention.

Well done, Senator; you've drawn attention. The President threatened to take a page out of the former administration's strategy book. Your bluff has been called, and people around the country are starting to call your petulant, obstructionist Grand Old Party the Republi-can'ts.

President Obama's statement following action by the Senate to confirm twenty-seven nominees reveals he's getting tougher dealing with Republicans playing political games at the expense of the citizens of the USA:

"Today, the United States Senate confirmed 27 of my high-level nominees, many of whom had been awaiting a vote for months.At the beginning of the week, a staggering 63 nominees had been stalled in the Senate because one or more senators placed a hold on their nomination. In most cases, these holds have had nothing to do with the nominee’s qualifications or even political views, and these nominees have already received broad, bipartisan support in the committee process.

Instead, many holds were motivated by a desire to leverage projects for a Senator’s state or simply to frustrate progress. It is precisely these kinds of tactics that enrage the American people.

And so on Tuesday, I told Senator McConnell that if Republican senators did not release these holds, I would exercise my authority to fill critically-needed positions in the federal government temporarily through the use of recess appointments. This is a rare but not unprecedented step that many other presidents have taken. Since that meeting, I am gratified that Republican senators have responded by releasing many of these holds and allowing 29 nominees to receive a vote in the Senate.

While this is a good first step, there are still dozens of nominees on hold who deserve a similar vote, and I will be looking for action from the Senate when it returns from recess. If they do not act, I reserve the right to use my recess appointment authority in the future."

Thomas Hayes is an entrepreneur, journalist, and political analyst who contributes regularly to a host of web sites on topics ranging from economics and politics to culture and community.

Save the Oakland A's - send an email to MLB Commissioner Selig

On the matter of retaining the Oakland A's in Oakland, an email was just released as part of an effort to have Oakland A's supporters contact MLB Commissioner Bud Selig. Here's what it reads:

We're at a critical point in our fight to keep the A's in Oakland.

Very soon, Major League Baseball Commissioner Bud Selig will review the City of Oakland's proposal to partner with the Oakland A's to build a world class baseball-only ballpark near Jack London Square. In the coming days or weeks, the Commissioner will decide whether to keep the A's in Oakland.

At this crucial time, we need to make sure that Commissioner Selig sees and understands the incredible level of support of tens of thousands of fans like you who have signed our online petition or joined us on Facebook

Can you take just a few seconds, right now, to help?

Click here to forward Commissioner Selig an email today: Tell him you want him to keep the A's in Oakland and that you would support the team at their new waterfront stadium!

We all know that a new waterfront ballpark in Oakland would be a boon for the city, for the team, and for the fans -- further revitalizing the neighborhoods around Jack London Square by drawing fans and business support from all over the region.

This is our chance to stand up and show the Commissioner our commitment to getting this done. Please speak out now.

Click here to send your message to Commissioner Selig now!

This week, we are sending the Commissioner a copy of the Let's Go Oakland! online petition, signed by more than 9,300 A's fans. But we hope you'll take a moment, right now, to send your own personal message directly to Commissioner Selig, too.

By sharing your thoughts, you can help us demonstrate the depth of support for the A's here in Oakland.

The time for action is now. We appreciate and need your support.

Best,

Doug Boxer & Marty Glick
Lets Go Oakland!

The next step? Click here - Save the Oakland A's - and get started.

My one question is why isn't Oakland Mayor Ron Dellums' name on this? What about any of the other Oakland City Councilmembers? Where's the Oakland leadership?  What about the Oakland Chamber of Commerce?

Hello?

It looks like the Super Bowl: Oakland effort all over again but worse: at least we had some elected officials willing to put their name on something. This ...it is terrible. But sign the petition, anyway. Please.

Go Oakland!  Do something.

Brooklyn Decker photos move over for Megan Avalon photos

Brooklyn Decker is the 2010 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition Cover Girl, and Brooklyn Decker photos are the Internet's hot item as of this writing. It's an amazing step for someone not known to the general public as anyone but the girlfriend and now wife of Tennis Star Andy Roddick.

Now, Brooklyn Decker has come into her own. As S.I.'s cover model, Decker has been on The David Letterman show and Dan Patrick can't get enough of her.

But Brooklyn Decker represents the classic Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition look: tall, blonde, skinny, and white. (And since all of the 2010 ports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition models look like Brooklyn Decker, it's time to ask why not have black, white, Asian, and Hispanic Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition models?)

After decades of the same look, with a break to fit in the lovely Tyra Banks, in the 21st Century it's time for a change: presenting Megan Avalon and Megan Avalon photos for consideration in the 2011 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition.

Unlike the rail thin Brooklyn Decker, Megan Avalon presents a new look: fit, athletic, and buffed. In an era where the strong woman is prized and it's considered sexy for women to have toned or muscular arms, Megan Avalon has all of that in a package right for Sports Illustrated. Here's a video interview with Megan Avalon:



Sports Illustrated has to come into the 21st Century. It's a time where top modeling agencies like Wilhelmina are hiring women who look more like Megan Avalon than Brooklyn Decker. It's also time to stop sending young women the message that they have to be so thin that they take on unhealthy eating practices can be fatal. It's time for a change, and Megan Avalon represents the future.

Alexander McQueen dead at 40 - celebration of genius

Alexander McQueen, the famous British fashion designer who's creations were worn by Rihanna, Lady Gaga, Cameron Diaz, Sandra Bullock, and others, apparently committed suicide in London, on the same day that Fashion Week started in New York.

Alexander McQueen's website has this statement:

ON BEHALF OF LEE MCQUEEN'S FAMILY, ALEXANDER MCQUEEN TODAY ANNOUNCES THE TRAGIC NEWS THAT LEE MCQUEEN, THE FOUNDER AND DESIGNER OF THE ALEXANDER MCQUEEN BRAND HAS BEEN FOUND DEAD AT HIS HOME. AT THIS STAGE IT IS INAPPROPRIATE TO COMMENT ON THIS TRAGIC NEWS BEYOND SAYING THAT WE ARE DEVASTATED AND ARE SHARING A SENSE OF SHOCK AND GRIEF WITH LEE'S FAMILY.

LEE'S FAMILY HAS ASKED FOR PRIVACY IN ORDER TO COME TO TERMS WITH THIS TERRIBLE NEWS AND WE HOPE THE MEDIA WILL RESPECT THIS.

On February 2nd, just 9 days ago, Alexander McQueen's mother passed way.

Alexander McQueen, at just 40 years old, was described as a fashion design "genius". McQueen won the award of British Fashion Designer of the year four times between 1996 and 2003. In 2000 Alexander became 51 percent owner of Gucci Group. The Gucci Group's role was to "provide the managerial talent and infrastructure necessary to develop the brand" of Alexander McQueen.

By 2005, Alexander McQueen, the brand, extended to stores in the World Cities of New York, London, Los Angeles, Milan, and Las Vegas. McQueen had perfume lines and even worked with Puma to design and develop an athletic training shoe.

Rather than dwell on McQueen's unfortunate losses, it's best to celebrate his terrific achievements in video:

Alexander McQueen Spring 2010, Lady Gaga - Bad Romance Atlantis Show Part 1:



Alexander McQueen: Fall 2009 RTW




Alexander McQueen Retrospective - 2009

Draeger Construction FBI Haiti Program

Draeger Construction with Zennie62 launch an initiative called Draeger Construction FBI Haiti Program for education on the need for quake-safe construction worldwide.

This video from Marc Zboch (not affiliated with Draeger) shows how Haiti buildings were built and why so much quake damage happened:

Private companies look to Haiti for opportunities

In the wake of the Haiti Earthquake, there are opportunities for private construction companies. As this YouTube video explains...

Private companies are looking to Haiti for upcoming job opportunities. These organizations are offering a range of services, from rapid housing construction to emergency relief shelters and even transportation. After the 7.0 earthquake struck Haiti, several companies posted websites for future clients. Private organizations in Afghanistan and Iraq are also seeing dollar signs in the catastrophe. RTs Lauren Lyster talked with investigation journalist, Wayne Madsen about this issue facing Haiti.

Taylor Lautner turns 18, jail-bait no more, Happy Birthday

Taylor Lautner, who hit mega-stardom fast with his role in Twilight: New Moon, and has a giant entourage of young women following his every move (should have seen them at the Super Bowl Celebrity Beach Volleyball game)  turns 18 today.

The Twitterverse (that's Twitter account holders) celebrated Taylor Lautner's coming-of-age by stating..

SuzyVolturi LMAOOO, happy birthday Taylor Lautner, how old is he again? xDD
less than 10 seconds ago from web

jennykate77 Jacob is no longer jail-bait! WOOT! Happy 18th Birthday to Taylor Lautner!!
less than 20 seconds ago from web

AdoringRPattz LMAO RT @UntrueTweets: Taylor Lautner's birthday wish is for Catherine Hardwicke to stop calling him and go back to Rob.
less than 20 seconds ago from UberTwitter

Esmeralda16 HAPPY BIRTHDAY TAYLOR LAUTNER = P
less than 20 seconds ago from Sidekick

analuisabilega #HappyBDayTaylor Taylor Lautner!!
half a minute ago from web

leeannie12 @msgedang but it's Taylor Lautner's birthday! That should be motivation! ;)
half a minute ago from TweetDeck

When Taylor Lautner was dating or hanging-out with Taylor Swift, much was made of their age difference: Taylor Swift at 20 and Taylor Lautner at 17. Now that Lautner's 18, he can be assured that such issues will be a thing of the past because he's "legal"...

ItsStephannie YAY! TAYLOR LAUTNER IS LEGAL TODAY!!!! HAPPY 18TH BIRTHDAY BABY!
half a minute ago from web

Yes, Happy Birthday to Taylor Lautner, who reminds us all of the joy of turning 18.. And all the crap that comes after it.

Stay tuned.

Snowing in Dallas, Delaware state of emergency

The snowy winter weather is terrible. According to Twitter, it's snowing in Dallas; meanwhile Delaware is in a state of emergency. The National Weather Service reports this for Dallas, Texas:

Issued by The National Weather Service
Dallas/Fort Worth, TX
7:41 am CST, Thu., Feb. 11, 2010

... WINTER STORM WARNING IN EFFECT UNTIL MIDNIGHT CST TONIGHT... ... WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY NO LONGER IN EFFECT...

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN FORT WORTH HAS ISSUED A WINTER STORM WARNING FOR HEAVY SNOW... WHICH IS IN EFFECT UNTIL MIDNIGHT CST TONIGHT. THE WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY FOR SNOW IS NO LONGER IN EFFECT.

AREAS OF SNOW ARE EXPECTED TO CONTINUE ACROSS NORTH TEXAS TODAY AS A SLOW MOVING UPPER LEVEL STORM SYSTEM APPROACHES FROM THE WEST. SNOWFALL ACCUMULATIONS OF 4 TO 6 INCHES ARE POSSIBLE BY THIS EVENING... WITH LOCALLY HIGHER AMOUNTS. THE PRECIPITATION WILL END FROM WEST TO EAST OVERNIGHT.

ROAD CONDITIONS WILL REMAIN SLICK AND HAZARDOUS THROUGH THE DAY AS TEMPERATURES REMAIN NEAR OR JUST BELOW FREEZING AND SNOW CONTINUES TO FALL. SIGNIFICANT TRAVEL IMPACTS ARE EXPECTED TO CONTINUE AFTER THE PRECIPITATION ENDS AND INTO EARLY FRIDAY MORNING AS TEMPERATURES FALL INTO THE UPPER 20S TO AROUND 30.

Dallas is known for many things, including hosting the 2011 Super Bowl, but snow? Moreover, this report calls into question Dallas Super Bowl preparations in case it snows next year. The balmy Florida weather is ideal for getting around Super Bowl parties. But if snow plows are needed for the 2011 Super Bowl, NFL owners will not be happy.

Meanwhile, Delaware is in a state of emergency and has been since Wednesday. Roofs and trees are covered with snow and some roads are almost impassible. It's reported to be the worst snowfall since 1976, with over 21 inches of snow.

Stay tuned.

John Mayer Twitter account silent after Playboy N-word controversy

Singer John Mayer, who's racist, racially and sexually-charged Playboy Interview was posted yesterday and caused a Twitter explosion, has not issued any more tweets as of this writing, beyond those which formed his apology yesterday:

Re: using the 'N word' in an interview: I am sorry that I used the word. And it's such a shame that I did because the point I was trying to make was in the exact opposite spirit of the word itself. It was arrogant of me to think I could intellectualize using it,because I realize that there's no intellectualizing a word that is so emotionally charged.
And while I'm using today for looking at myself under harsh light, I think it's time to stop trying to be so raw in interviews...It started as an attempt to not let the waves of criticism get to me, but it's gotten out of hand and I've created somewhat of a monster.

I wanted to be a blues guitar player. And a singer. And a songwriter. Not a shock jock. I don't have the stomach for it. Again, because I don't want anyone to think I'm equivocating: I should have never said the word and I will never say it again. about 2 hours ago from web

It may be a good thing. John Mayer's fans, haters, and observers are calling for him to, as this blogger put it, "keep his mouth shut":

I support relationships and dating and whether you use the terms 'slut' or 'manwhore' I don't care. If someone wishes to use labels, fine. But I am not placing that on John Mayer. I am simply saying keep your mouth shut. I think he is a good guy in his core, but please, leave the gossiping about women for between you and your guy friends in the krav maga locker room, not national publications.

How long will that last with John Mayer? Time will tell; stay tuned.

Iran protests news - Google to be blocked, Twitter next?

In Iran protests news, Iran is hot with the activity of protests against the government. The Tehran rally is led by Opposition leader Mehdi Karroubi. Karroubi was to attend a rally near Saddeqiya Square but his bodyguards were attacked by the Iranian Government's Basij militia.

Meanwhile Iran has stated its intention to block Google mail permanently. How Iran can do this and block every kind of proxy system is a question. Moreover, it's not working perfectly. While an email usage drop has been experienced, Google's network is reported to be working perfectly.

There's no word on Iran's actions against Twitter, if any.

And finally for this Iran news post, the video below shows a poster of Ayatollah Khamenei and Ayatollah Khomeini, (or Grand Ayatollah Sayyed Ruhollah Mousavi Khomeini, whom you know as Ayatollah Khomeini) being ripped up during Iran protests:



Stay tuned.

2006 Twitter (Twttr) promotion video by Biz Stone a hoot

In 2006, a then unknown Biz Stone, the founder of Twitter, put on big thick glasses and a kind of professorial get-up to promote what is now called Twitter, only then he called it Twttr.

Now, thanks to Say OMG, that video has been unearthed and presented for view on YouTube. The video is here:



At the time Twitter was pitched by Biz Stone not as a microblogging service but a "social texting" system. But it's interesting that a short, funny video about a new system spawned something that's directly impacted the Iran protests. Wild.

It's always the simple and elegant inventions that are the most effective at cultural change.