Joshua
Watch the IL House hearing on the proposed rules for the impeachment proceedings
If you’d like to watch the live hearing, which just started, click here.
Thanks to Rich Miller at Capitol Fax for providing the link.
The end of an era – Andrew Mason says goodbye
Today the Daily Illini Opinions Editor, Andrew Mason, wrote a farewell column. I’ve had the privilege to get to know Andrew and to discuss many issues concerning the student body, the University, and the state with him. Andrew has a first class temperament, excellent judgment, complete journalistic integrity, and mighty pen. He has championed important student issues, and insisted on accountability from administrators. He takes bold positions, but always does so thoughtfully, with deliberate grace.
I will miss reading his work. In the seven years I spent reading the DI almost every day as a student, and the other three years I’ve continued to read the paper (one before law school, and two after), I believe that Andy Mason is probably the best writer to serve as Opinions Editor. I’ll miss having the opportunity to read his work on a daily basis.
Best of luck Andrew, and Bravo!
Passing the Torch
Check out this picture from 1980 of a young Rod Blagojevich posing with Richard Nixon, who is giving Blagojevich his autograph. And a bit of history from the TOC Blog:
If Blagojevich did set about modeling himself after Nixon, he’s most of the way there. Like his jowly political hero, Blago’s not going down without a fight. Tricky Dick didn’t resign until after the House Judiciary Committee had approved the articles of impeachment and Nixon was certain he would lose the House vote and the subsequent Senate trial.
(Thanks to Kiyoshi for sending this to me)
Hot Rod using the “Act Like Nothing Happened” Defense from Father Ted
Following arguably the most embarrassing political scandal in the history of Illinois, and that takes some doing, Governor Rod Blagojevich has chosen a curious path. It seems that almost anyone would resign, or at a minimum apologize to the people or offer some sort of statement of regret. Hot Rod Blagojevich, it seems, is using the “Act Like Nothing Happened Defense.” Absurd!
Senator Kennedy from New York
How do you all feel about Caroline Kennedy being appointed to the Senate from NY? Surely America’s Princess is worthy of filling Hillary Clinton’s seat. Her accomplishments meet and arguably exceed those Hillary brought with her to the office. But then I remember it’s also Daniel Patrick Moynihan’s seat, and I pause. Now some say another Kennedy, Chris, son of RFK, may be a candidate for Illinois senate. We could have three Kennedy’s in the Senate. How do you feel about Senate seats like Teddy’s and Biden’s staying “in the family”? How do you feel about this curious exercise in American aristocracy?
Recruits on display
Fighting Illini Basketball fans should check out this feature at Illinois Loyalty, it shows photos and videos of some of our incoming recruits and a few other players we’re targeting.
Some of these guys are coming in 09, but the two most impressive seem to be Crandall Head (Luther Head’s little brother, and yes his name really is Crandall) and Jereme Richmond, both should arrive on campus in two years.
Check out the video of Jereme Richmond. One of his dunks is spectacular. It’s like something from an arcade game. It reminded me of me dunking on Billy Joe Mills on a kiddie hoop. (Click here to see a sequence of photos depicting the Joshua-over-Billy-Joe-esque dunk). And with Crandall Head coming to Illinois, we can once again have fantastic headlines like “Illinois fans really love Head.” Oskee Wow Wow Illinois!
Case No. 107713 – Bambenek v. Milorad R. Blagojevich
Attorney General Lisa Madigan wasn’t the only one to file suit today to remove Rod Blagojevich. Urbanagora contributor John Bambenek also filed suit today.
Some ways to fill Obama’s seat
Out of the chaos of the Blagojevich controversy, somehow we need a new U.S. Senator. Here I’ll explain some of the problems with Durbin’s special election proposal, and offer a few alternatives.
Quick look at the Illinois Constitution
Article V of the Illinois Constitution deals with the Executive Branch.
Today Pat Quinn discussed a provision that allows a Governor to “step aside” rather than resign.
Article V, Section 6. (c). Whenever the Governor determines that he may be seriously impeded in the exercise of his powers, he shall so notify the Secretary of State and the officer next in line of succession. The latter shall thereafter become Acting Governor with the duties and powers of Governor. When the Governor is prepared to resume office, he shall do so by notifying the Secretary of State and the Acting Governor.
If the office of Lieutenant Governor is vacated, it remains empty until the end of the term. So if Pat Quinn becomes Governor through Blagojevich’s impeachment or resignation, he will not have a Lieutenant Governor.
Article V, Section 7. If the Attorney General, Secretary of State, Comptroller or Treasurer fails to qualify or if his office becomes vacant, the Governor shall fill the office by appointment. The appointee shall hold office until the elected officer qualifies or until a successor is elected and qualified as may be provided by law and shall not be subject to removal by the Governor. If the Lieutenant Governor fails to qualify or if his office becomes vacant, it shall remain vacant until the end of the term.
Question for the Agora: How does Shazam work?
You have probably seen the iPhone commercial demonstrating the application called “Shazam.” If not, when you’re listening to a song you like, but you don’t know the name of, you open the application, play more of the song, the program identifies the song, and links you to the iTunes store to buy the song.
With most iPhone applications, it’s pretty easy to understand conceptually how the program works, but this one amazes me. Shazam is the perfect name. It’s like magic.
One buddy of mine is convinced it’s rigged to some international bar trivia league where members identify songs at all hours. How do you think they do it?