Bob McDonnell Took a Bribe – E-I-E-I-O (Allegedly)

Thursday morning, Gretchen booked Governor Robert Francis “Bob” McDonnell for a telephone consultation.  Friday afternoon, he called: McDonnell: Hello?  Tom Collins? Tom: This is he, Governor. McDonnell: It’s a pleasure to speak with you, Mr. Collins. Tom: Call me Tom, please, Governor. McDonnell: Oh, okay, Tom. Tom: To what do I owe the honor of… Continue reading Bob McDonnell Took a Bribe – E-I-E-I-O (Allegedly)

Will the Man Rule Motown when Detroit Goes Bankrupt?

Late yesterday afternoon, I had an appointment with LaShawn Shakeel Tervarious Jefferson, of the Detroit, Michigan Finance Department.  He distinguished himself by arriving fifteen minutes late and then spending an additional ten hitting on Gretchen before her insistent IMs caused me to exit my office and pry him away from the reception desk. “Mighty fine young… Continue reading Will the Man Rule Motown when Detroit Goes Bankrupt?

Pakistan President Zardari Yodels for Immunity

Last night, I stopped by the Round Robin Bar for a drink or two after work.  There I found Shaughnessy, of the State Department Pakistan Desk, drinking – well, drinking like an Irishman trying to drown his sorrows, actually. “Things at Foggy Bottom getting to you?” I inquired as I took a seat on the… Continue reading Pakistan President Zardari Yodels for Immunity

Bo Xilai and Bo Guagua – Beaux Yeux or Bo Zeux?

He began calling early Thursday, trying to get a telephone consultation appointment, but I was booked solid.  Since we were working this weekend, Gretchen finally managed to fit him in on Saturday afternoon. Bo: Hello?  Tom Collins? Tom: Yes. Bo: This is Bo Guagua.  How are you? Tom: Fine, thanks.  And you? Bo: I’ve been… Continue reading Bo Xilai and Bo Guagua – Beaux Yeux or Bo Zeux?

Solution to Rampant Indian Corruption Imminent

My first consultation after lunch this afternoon was with Dr. Chutiachod Haramijhaatrandkimoot Gaandukuthri of the Indian Embassy.  I immediately concluded that, he, too, had recently finished lunch himself, which, if the odor of his breath was any indication, consisted of something made with stale lentils, sour mangos, over-ripe kudampuli, moldy ratin jot and putrid charoli… Continue reading Solution to Rampant Indian Corruption Imminent