Sci-Fi Channel to Change Name

I guess I'm getting cranky in my old age, but this name-changing stuff has got to stop. The Sci-Fi Channel announced today that they're changing their name in July to... Syfy. WTF?!

I guess the idea is to expand their audience. The only problem is, if they continue down this road with the wrestling and the name change, they're going to wind up alienating (no pun intended) their core audience that watches their crappy shows.

The cable universe already has USA, TNT and TBS and others for general audience programming. The whole idea of having all these channels on my cable system is to allow for niche programming.

If it ain't broke, don't fix it. Except for the wrestling, that can go.

Sears Tower Renamed? Heresy!

News from Chicago says that the Sears Tower is going to be renamed for some insurance broker no one has ever heard of.

Memo to Willis Group: It's not going to work. Chicagoans are not going to call the building that defines Chicago's skyline by a new name just because you decide to rent some space in it. You might want to ask Macy's how renaming Marshall Field's is working out for them.

Upside to Daschle Withdrawal?

Tom Daschle withdrew his nomination today for Secretary of Health and Human Services. He had run into some criticism for his tax troubles, but had been widely expected to be confirmed. However, when the New York Times called for him to withdraw, Daschle decided the heat was too much and stepped down.

What's the upside you ask? There's now the perfect job opening for Howard Dean! There's already a Facebook group and an online petition. Look at his credentials: he's an M.D., as governor of Vermont he led healthcare reform, and last but not least, as DNC chair his 50 state strategy was instrumental in getting President Obama elected.

Come on, Mr. President. Do the right thing.

UPDATE: There's now a website too.

Carnahan for Senate 2010

Missouri Secretary of State Robin Carnahan announced today that she's running for Kit Bond's Senate seat in 2010. She has a good chance to be elected as 2010 looks to be another bad year for the GOP. I don't know if there are any other Democrats eying the seat, so I'll say she's my candidate, for now. Watch the announcement:

Bye, Bye Blago

Rod Blagojevich was removed from office today by the Illinois Senate by a 59-0 vote. He was also prohibited from holding any other public office in Illinois, also by a 59-0 vote. I got to listen to some of the statements of the Senators. (Thanks to WUIS in Springfield, IL for providing the bandwidth so I could listen on my iPhone this afternoon) I was transfixed while listening to the roll call vote as name after name was called, each one voting 'Yes'.

Blagojevich made a fool of himself in all this. If he had half a brain, he would have resigned immediately after he was arrested. Instead over the past six weeks with the Roland Burris mess and his media blitz over the past few days, he made himself look like an idiot and brought shame on the Governor's office.

The great State of Illinois is well rid of him, but we probably haven't heard the last of him with his Federal trial coming up.

White Sox Pitch Obama Cap

The Chicago Sun-Times is reporting that the White Sox are seeking approval from the White House for an Obama themed cap with the proceeds going to charity.

I expect it would look something like the image at right. I found it sometime last year, I don't remember where. Thanks to the creator, whoever he is.

I hope this happens because I really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really, want one. Really.

Stimulus Bill Passes House

Just watched the House vote on final passage of the stimulus bill on C-Span. The final count was 244-188. 12 Democrats voted against it, while no Republicans voted for it.

I understand what the President is trying to do by bringing the GOP along on this, but it seems like he wasted a lot of time on them for little benefit. Maybe he could try to shame them into cooperation by saying "Hey, I tried to work with the GOP but they didn't want to work with me." It probably wouldn't work, though. I think the President is just going to have to realize that Congressional Republicans are just insane and that he should ignore them.

Weekend Jumble

According to Think Progress: President Obama got an awful lot done in his first 100 hours.

Check out this 1474(!) megapixel picture from Inauguration Day. Zoom in to really appreciate the detail.

Chris Matthews thinks Sarah Palin can't read or write. I'm inclined to agree with him.

I'm late to the party on this one, but I blew through the last four episodes of Dr. Who last night, and they were absolutely incredible. I don't know how the new guy is going to top it.

Digg Request

If there's anybody out there I'd appreciate it if you'd take a minute to Digg this story I just submitted. It's about how a Google bomb that once targeted Bush is now affecting Obama.

I haven't made the front page in along time, thanks.

Original Story

White House Tech Is Lame

There's a great story in today's Washington Post about how the new White House staffers have been hamstrung in getting started with their new jobs because of the outdated technology in use at the White House.

Check for yourself, even the blog on the spiffy new whitehouse.gov hasn't been updated since Inauguration Day.

I understand the need for security and to adhere to the law, but something has got to change here. It's the 21st century and it's difficult enough to run something as large as the federal government without making the task even more difficult by using outmoded technology. If the rules or laws need to be changed then let's get them changed. The new Administration needs all the tools it can get to get the government and the country back on track.

At least the President will get to keep his Blackberry.