Michael Steel becomes RNC Head

After a long fight amongst would-be Republican leaders, former Maryland Lt. Gov Michael Steele has been elected as the first black head of the Republican National Committee. The selection has obviously come as a response to the election of Barack Obama, but it is also a sign that the GOP is ready to try and shake the image of being a party of "white guys."

The question of the size of the GOP's tent were brought into focus back in December, when former Tennessee GOP leader Chip Saltsman, who had hoped to become RNC chair, distributed a CD to Republican National Committee members featuring a song called "Barack the Magic Negro." Saltsman dropped out of the race last night.

"Steele's election won't help the party attract black voters immediately, but if Steele sets the right tone, he could help the party compete for them in the (way) future," said CBS News chief political consultant Marc Ambinder. "As GOP strategists have always known, and noted, somewhat dyspeptically, it's white suburban voters, particularly women, who are responsive to a diversity message. The RNC isn't diverse yet; only five black delegates were chosen to attend the national convention. Steele was disgusted by that. It prompted him to run."

Senate passes ANOTHER DTV Delay

In a comedy of congressional dialogue, this week the Senate passed a bill to delay the digital TV cutoff to June which the House then voted down. Now, the Senate has unanimously passed another bill to delay the DTV cutoff which it is sending to the House again. This time, the switchover's delay will be voluntary. No broadcaster will be required to switch over on February 17, but will have until June 2009 to do so.

My guess is this one will pass the House. The question is whether it will really make any difference in the end. The only advantage after all to the broadcasters is power savings.

As True Today, As When it was Drawn

True for politicians everywhere. (from Speed Bump)

Biking Update - January 31, 2009

This will be another short update, because there is not a whole lot to talk about. I did not bike at all this week - either outside or inside - because I caught a nasty cold and have pretty much been sleeping and working while I recover. Luckily, doctors in the 19th century showed that weight loss can still occur while sleeping - sometimes you actually lose MORE weight while sleeping than while exercising - so the news was good this week. I still lost weight, though modestly, by staying on my diet.

This next week will probably see a small spike as Sunday is a "free day" (i.e. I can have what I want, within reason) for the Superbowl Party that CRChair is hosting. But if I recover, it will also mean a return to exercise, which can only be good for my overall health. I can't wait to get back onto 2 wheels!

"Coke Classic" is now just "Coke"

Twenty-one years after introducing "New Coke" - and then reintroducing the original formula as "Coke Classic" - Coca Cola is finally ready to remove the "Classic" label. It is the end of an era... an era of strange business decisions and proof that marketing does not truly rule everything.

Congratulations Commissioner Stern

Congratulations to David Stern who celebrates his 25th year as the Commissioner of the NBA this weekend. He has been the best and most forward thinking commissioner in sport over my lifetime. He has helped the NBA to become and remain popular and relevant through the normal ups and downs of the stars in his sport.

CAUGHT: Feds think they have the source of the Peanut Butter plague

Since September, parents have been afraid to send their children to school with PB&J or to let them have a peanut-butter cup, due to persistent reports of salmonella poisoning from peanut-butter-based products. It took quite a while, but the FDA appears to have found the source and the violations there are so egregious that the peanut industry is calling the plant in question "a rogue operator".

The FDA inspection report is preliminary, and the agency said the findings do not represent a final judgment on the company’s compliance with food safety laws and regulations.

But the report detailed problems which food safety experts say would be of concern.

The roaches were found in a wash room next to a packaging area. And a sink used for cleaning utensils also was used to wash out mops.

Of even greater concern, inspectors found open gaps as large as a half-inch by two-and-a-half feet at air conditioner intakes on the roof of the plant. Water stains were seen on the ceiling around the intakes and near skylights. The openings were above an area in which finished products were handled. Water leaks would be a problem because salmonella thrives in moist conditions.