More Odds and Ends

The world moves fast. I try to help you keep up. Here's some news...

Here's something interesting: "President-elect Barack Obama said Wednesday that reforming massive government entitlement programs — such as Social Security and Medicare — would be 'a central part' of his effort to control federal spending." He named Nancy Killefer as chief performance officer, "a new White House position aimed at eliminating government waste and improving efficiency."

Congress also makes efforts (?) on earmark reform/transparency.

CNN's Sanjay Gupta... Surgeon General??! Michael Moore = pissed.

Also, optimism still seems warranted on Obama reforming military policy on accepting gays.

And brace yourself, folks... I'm actually reporting something good that President Bush did... here goes: "The home of a giant land crab, a sunken island ringed by pink-colored coral, and equatorial waters teeming with sharks and other predators are being designated national marine monuments by President George W. Bush in the largest marine conservation effort in history.... All will be protected as national monuments — the same status afforded to statues and cultural sites — under the 1906 Antiquities Act." Wow, that felt weird.

This news about new U.S. Medal of Freedom recipients? Notsomuch.

Are Senate leaders caving on their silly Roland Burris fight? Seems likely.

Finally, despite rumors of a ceasefire, it (sadly) appears like business like usual in Gaza.