I've been a big fan of Merlin Mann, but his last episode of "The Merlin Show" left me feeling like I was having a conversation (or at least witnessing one) with a Southern bigot who passes off racism as humor (which probably happens more often than I would care to admit down here in the South). Quite skillfully, this moment of bigotry is masqueraded with a humorous undertone most likely intended to poke fun of others who are racist, but the offense is no less egregious. Granted Merlin wasn't the one speaking, but it was his voice laughing in the background and frankly, his decision to end the show on such a note. Ultimately, Merlin Mann is responsible for the content he releases.

The worst part of this is Robert Gates' disregard for technology. Glad to know that our elected officials our "competent" to work in today's world. Here's the quote:

When asked if his own e-mail account was affected, Gates said, "I don't do e-mail. I'm a very low-tech person," according to the Associated Press.

allheadlinenews.com

He's left the Republican party behind. Surely that's worth something. I like this quote:

"The politics of partisanship and the resulting inaction and excuses have paralysed decision-making, primarily at the federal level, and the big issues of the day are not being addressed, leaving our future in jeopardy."

-- Guardian Unlimited

Obama talks about the division of politics quite a bit in his book, The Audacity of Hope, but Bloomberg seems to be literally putting his money where his mouth is. Obama although at first exciting, is perhaps too new to his career to make such bold moves as losing party affiliation - he needs the Democratic party; Bloomberg doesn't.