Paul Krugman on Lieberman three years ago:

August 11, 2006 -- yup, three years ago
Nonsense and Sensibility
By PAUL KRUGMAN, Op-Ed Columnist, The New York Times

After Ned Lamont’s victory in Connecticut, I saw a number of commentaries describing Joe Lieberman not just as a “centrist” — a word that has come to mean “someone who makes excuses for the Bush administration” — but as “sensible.” But on what planet would Mr. Lieberman be considered sensible?
Click here to read more.

Poll Reveals Trauma of Joblessness in U.S.

December 15, 2009
By MICHAEL LUO and MEGAN THEE-BRENAN, The New York Times

More than half of the nation’s unemployed workers have borrowed money from friends or relatives since losing their jobs. An equal number have cut back on doctor visits or medical treatments because they are out of work.

Almost half have suffered from depression or anxiety. About 4 in 10 parents have noticed behavioral changes in their children that they attribute to their difficulties in finding work.
Click here to read more of this front-page story.

What Does $400 Million To The Peace Corps Really Mean?

Rajeev Goyal Tells Us What
Posted by John Coyne on Monday, December 14th 2009

I think we have to view it as a victory, folks. It’s the highest single year dollar-increase in 49 years. In an actual and a symbolic sense, it can transform the Peace Corps. Read more about the effort!

Blogger's Note: The volunteer effort was fun. As part of this national push, I made four calls last week to the White House "comment line" and each time spoke to a volunteer operator who took my brief message asking President Obama to increase funding for the Peace Corps. (Yes, of course it was okay to call more than once.) cwj

Recession Elsewhere, but It’s Booming in China

The exhibition floor of the Guangzhou International Auto Show in China. After decades of gorging on consumption, Americans are saving. And the Chinese, whom economists thought were addicted to saving, are spending more.

December 10, 2009
By KEITH BRADSHER, Business Day, The New York Times
GUANGZHOU, China — For the first time, Chinese will buy more cars this year than Americans. Demand is so high that drivers put their names on long waiting lists for the most popular models.

“I’m disappointed, but what can I do?” asked Zhang Ge Lu, a 28-year-old interior designer. He came recently with two friends to a row of dealerships here in southeastern China to buy a black Toyota RAV4, only to be told that he would have to wait two months for delivery.
Click here to read more.

Blogger's Note: Given the demographics of China as a result of its one-child policy, will the Chinese be savers in the future as the society ages?

With Vegas-style slots, Seminole casinos are on a roll

June 21, 2008: Seminole Tribe leaders play the first hands of Blackjack in Florida at the Seminole Hard Rock Casino as Vice-Chairman Richard Bowers, left, celebrates his first win.
Posted on Thu, Dec. 10, 2009
BY MICHAEL VASQUEZ, THE MIAMI HERALD
When Las Vegas-style slots and blackjack arrived at the Seminole Tribe's Florida casinos in 2008, the tribe's successful gambling empire was poised to become an even bigger powerhouse.

That expectation was right on the money.

Fueled by the tribe's entrance into big-time gaming, total Indian casino revenues in Florida are estimated to have jumped by 19 percent in 2008 -- making the Sunshine State the fifth-fastest growth area for tribal gaming nationwide.
Read more!

Maureen Dowd: " Who’s Sari Now?"

December 2, 2009
By MAUREEN DOWD, Op-Ed Columnist, The New York Times
WASHINGTON

Michaele and Tareq Salahi finally actually got invited to an exclusive Washington gathering.
Read more Dowd!!

Charlie's Family: daughter Caroline with 20-month-old Kahlil as tiger

Charlie's Family: Pic of my daughter Caroline with 20-month-old Kahlil as tiger. I just love the pic!!