Sharon Osborne gets into a Jerry Springer conflict! China set to open a mall full of knock-off brands/stores. Rare $4 million car found in garage of an old man. Laura Bush inks a book deal for how much?? Ana & Cenk discuss their movie lists including Frost Nixon.
Has Israel resorted to dropping white phosphorus over Gaza? Israel has begun a ground invasion...will this work? Cenk believes Obama's stimulus plan is stupid. John Travolta's son tragically died, but how/why? Dr. Dre's son's death has been determined...Dre's fault? Verne Troyer: Sex Addict. Conservative talkers' preemptive strike on Fitzgerald. Comedian Ricky Gervais is not sorry for telling offensive jokes.
I must make a huge disclaimer here before we get started. I co-hosted The Young Turks with Ben Mankiewicz for five years, he still co-hosts the show with me from time to time and we have been very good friends for many years. Ben Mankiewicz now co-hosts At the Movies with Ben Lyons. Now that I've said all that, this isn't about Ben Mankiewicz, it's about Ben Lyons. Here is my simple message to all the haters - get off Ben Lyons' ass.
As I await my return to Malaysia tomorrow I've spent some time pondering the differences between Sumatra in particular and Indonesia in general versus the rest of South-East Asia. Indonesia is not of East Asia, not by a long shot. If anything it resembles an odd cross between India and Polynesia. Indeed, I believe Indonesia is often referred to as a part of Melanesia. It's certainly not of the West, either, having its own rhythms and its own unique way of doing things. But does it have much, if anything at all in common with the rest of South-East Asia? No.
I've been thinking about this all weekend and I can't really make up my mind. This is both a theoretical question and a very real and practical question at the same time.
What's worse if someone (Hamas) intends to kill civilians and kills four people or someone else (Israel) does not intend to kill civilians but kills 60.
Palestinians lately Hamas are working for the State of Israel.
If not, how can you explain the mindless attacks of Hamas to Israel? Unless, you are so stupid or religious zealot hoping that god will save you from those Israeli bombs. You are not only giving Israel perfect excuse to kill you, also, you are wiping out all support in the world public opinion. You are turning civilian victims into people who can be portrayed as monstrous aggressors. Around 100 AD Jewish people tried your methods against Romans in Masada. The only thing they have from that mistake is Hanukah Holiday and valuable lesson: When there is an impossible force imbalance, sacrifice is not going to work.
I want to make sure you are all aware that TYT will change the time of the show on Wednesday, December 31st. For Wednesday ONLY, we will do the show from 3-6pm ET. As always, we will have the show on a loop for those who miss it live.
Please also keep in mind that there will be no show on January 1st or January 2nd. However, we will have several new videos on our youtube channel for your viewing pleasure. Everyone at TYT wishes you and your family a happy new year!
If you're a conservative reading this, I know what you're thinking - typical liberal. Part of the blame America first crowd. How could this war between the Israelis and Palestinians be America's fault?
The first word you learn here in Danau Toba is "horas." It translates literally into "All is king." But it means so much more. The concept behind the greeting is very Christian: treat every one as king and you will in return be treated as such.
"Be good to your neighbors, help them when they need help and they will help you in return," said Antonio, the young man who is the co-manager of the guest house where I am staying.
There is no defense for either side in this one. Hamas has been wrong in firing mortars and missiles into Israel and this morning's retaliatory air-strikes by Israel seems an overreaction.
I've long held the belief that the only "solution" is to get all the leaders of all the various political factions from Israel and Palastine, lock them in a room and don't let them leave until an agreement is hammered out.
But I have a question...why, of all the days and times on either side that they could have chosen, why did Israel mount this attack on their Sabbath day? Are there any devout believers out there raising hue and cry about this affront to Yahweh?