Bankruptcy, not bailout, is the right answer

CNN commentary by Jeffrey A. Miron, a senior lecturer in economics at Harvard University. A Libertarian, he was one of 166 academic economists who signed a letter to congressional leaders last week opposing the government bailout plan.

Welcome Back Veterans

Major League Baseball and the McCormick Foundation have launched Welcome Back Veterans, an initiative designed to raise public awareness about issues facing today's veterans, and to raise funds to support programs and services that these returning soldiers need to repair and restore their lives. To encourage giving, the McCormick Foundation will match the first $4 million raised, at 50 percent. In addition, Major League Baseball and McCormick are paying all expenses associated with this initiative, so that 100 percent of the funds raised, plus the matching dollars, will go to programs and services for veterans.

Lee Atwater's quote from February 1991 article in Life Magazine

"My illness helped me to see that what was missing in society is what was missing in me: a little heart, a lot of brotherhood. The '80s were about acquiring — acquiring wealth, power, prestige. I know. I acquired more wealth, power, and prestige than most. But you can acquire all you want and still feel empty. What power wouldn't I trade for a little more time with my family? What price wouldn't I pay for an evening with friends? It took a deadly illness to put me eye to eye with that truth, but it is a truth that the country, caught up in its ruthless ambitions and moral decay, can learn on my dime. I don't know who will lead us through the '90s, but they must be made to speak to this spiritual vacuum at the heart of American society, this tumor of the soul."

A Strategist's Final Campaign

The Washington Post book review by Jonathan Yardley of "Bad Boy: The Life and Politics of Lee Atwater" by John Brady: "If you like the way the game of American politics is played these days, you might want to go to Columbia, the capital of South Carolina, and lay a wreath at the grave of Harvey LeRoy Atwater. That native of the Palmetto State, who died in Washington six years ago at the age of 40, probably had more influence on the reshaping of American politics than any other individual. His career, like his life, was brief but, also like his life, it was tumultuous and eventful..."

'Boogie Man' Lee Atwater: Truly Scary

The Washington Post article by Neely Tucker: In the can't-look-away documentary "Boogie Man: The Lee Atwater Story," the career of the wildly successful, and wildly controversial, late Republican political operative comes back to us in ways that are funny, sad and mean. There is more than one moment in this film that will likely pop your jaw open...

A Class Divided

PBS FRONTLINE: The day after Martin Luther King Jr.'s assassination, in April 1968, Jane Elliott a young Iowa schoolteacher devised an ingenious way for her all-white third-grade class to understand how a person could be murdered for the color of his skin. A Class Divided is the story of that experiment, and the deep and enduring impact it had on all who participated. First shown in 1985, the film was re-broadcast and made available online in 2003; since then, it has become the most requested FRONTLINE ever.

Decency, Toughness ... and No Shortcuts

The Atlantic Monthly article by Bing West offers an in-depth consideration of what led to the turnaround in Iraq.

Rearming Japan

The New York Times Shorts film by Calvin Sims and Matthew Orr: "Will Japan eventually shed its pacifist constitution and develop a full-fledged military once again?"

Swift Boat Politics

Comedy sketch from MADtv Season 13:

What Is Mother Jones?

Mother Jones is a nonprofit news organization that specializes in investigative, political, and social justice reporting. We currently have two main "channels": an award-winning bimonthly national magazine (circulation 240,000), and a website featuring new, original reporting 24-7. Why should you read or support us? Because "smart, fearless journalism" keeps people informed–"informed" being pretty much indispensable to a democracy that actually works. Because we've been ahead of the curve time and again. Because this is journalism not funded by or beholden to corporations. Because we bust bullshit and get results. Because we're expanding our investigative coverage while the rest of the media are contracting. Because you can count on us to take no prisoners, cleave to no dogma, and tell it like it is. Plus we're pretty damn fun.

Alive Day Memories: Home From Iraq

HBO Documentary Films: In a war that has left more than 25,000 wounded, ALIVE DAY MEMORIES: HOME FROM IRAQ looks at a new generation of veterans. Executive Producer James Gandolfini interviews ten Soldiers and Marines who reveal their feelings on their future, their severe disabilities and their devotion to America. The documentary surveys the physical and emotional cost of war through memories of their "alive day," the day they narrowly escaped death in Iraq.

Serfas Lycra Full Suspension Hybrid Saddle

Serfas Reactive Gel HYBRID: Cyclists who seek out a tough ride shouldn't have to put up with a rough ride; this saddle is designed to soften even the biggest bumps. Suspension system soaks up the bumps; two beefy springs support the rails while a platform of smaller springs cradle the bottom of the seat. Deep groove design maximizes soft tissue protection and alleviates pelvic discomfort. A top layer of Reactive Gel adds additional comfort. Men's saddle is slightly narrower than the women's, with a slightly longer nose. Protective side guards offer added impact resistance. Available at REI.

SKS Beavertail Fenders

SKS Germany: Beavertail is a mud-guard set developed especially for use on trekking and mountain bikes. They are lightweight and have a very stable mounting sheet. Fit 26" to 28" tires. Available at REI.

Dumar International Inc.

Dumar International, established in 1991, is a leading wheelgoods supplier throughout North America, Europe, South America and Australia. Dumar International’s primary factory is located in Jurong, China. With over 2000 employees, this facility maintains two divisions producing all sized bicycle and electric 6 and 12 volt plastic ride-ons. These products are distributed directly to the North American major retail accounts on a direct basis in conjunction with major licensing alliances with Disney, ESPN, Suzuki, and Pontiac. Dumar international has a second factory located in Sri Lanker. This factory can provide a very competitive bicycles for our European customer. There are three benefits: Zero import tax, shorter transportation time, and cheaper freight rate.

Dumar International Hyper Flite Bicycle

Dumar International Hyper Flite Bicycle has a 7005 Series Aluminum Hi-Polished Suspension Frame. Hyper Pro-Team Graphics. Front and Rear Disc Brakes. 21 Speed Twist Grip Shifting. Manufacturer #: TRA-72603.

Eating veggies shrinks the brain

The Times of India: "Scientists have discovered that going veggie could be bad for your brain, with those on a meat-free diet six times more likely to suffer brain shrinkage. Vegans and vegetarians are the most likely to be deficient because the best sources of the vitamin are meat, particularly liver, milk and fish. Vitamin B12 deficiency can also cause anaemia and inflammation of the nervous system."

Topeak Deluxe Kit

Topeak Cycling Accessories: This starter kit features the basic tools needed to fix a flat or make minor adjustments on your bike. Kit contains a Topeak Peakini mini-pump for powerful tire pumping, two plastic tire levers, and a patch kit with six patches. Also includes a seven-function folding tool kit featuring size 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 Allen keys, a flat head screw driver and a Phillips screwdriver. Available at REI.

Novara Expanding Wedge Seat Bag

Novara Expanding Wedge seat bag is sized to fit the extra gear required for lengthy rides— zippered expansion panel adds another 49 cu. in. of storage space. 2 side zippers: 1 zipper fully opens the main compartment, which has a quick-stash mesh sleeve and handy key clip; expansion section also has zip access. Tapered shape moves weight close to the seatpost where it's the most stable; seatpost wrap provides the extra security needed for this size seat bag. TWIST attachment allows easy on/off. Reflective detailing and LED loop with built-in reflectivity increases visibility in low light.

Novara Lifeline Full-Finger Bike Gloves

Enjoy cool-weather protection with our Novara Lifeline windproof, padded cycling gloves. Schoeller Dynamic stretchy fabric backs are windproof and water resistant for protection in cool weather. Reflective print design on backs enhance visibility in low-light conditions. Padded synthetic leather palms absorb shock for all-day comfort on the bike. Terrycloth thumbs mop up moisture on the brow. Rip-and-stick closures at wrist adjust and secure the fit. Available at REI.

Minoura Bottle Cage Holder BH-60

Add a water bottle cage to the middle of your handlebar with the Minoura BH-60 bottle cage holder attachment. Includes all hardwear necessary to attach holder. Use to attach the Novara Slider Cage. Available at REI.

Novara Slider Cage

Carry your water bottle in style with this smooth, shiny carrier--Novara "N"-logo decorates the sides. Base plate is precision welded for smoothness. Available at REI.

UN says eat less meat to curb global warming

The Observer article by Juliette Jowit: "People should have one meat-free day a week if they want to make a personal and effective sacrifice that would help tackle climate change, the world's leading authority on global warming has told The Observer. Dr Rajendra Pachauri, chair of the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, which last year earned a joint share of the Nobel Peace Prize, said that people should then go on to reduce their meat consumption even further."

9/11 Conspiracy Theories 'Ridiculous,' Al Qaeda Says

From The Onion News Network (ONN) Special Report:

East Timor's First Female Dictator Hailed As Step Forward For Women

From The Onion News Network (ONN) Global Focus:

Diebold Accidentally Leaks Results Of 2008 Election Early

From The Onion News Network (ONN) Special Report:

White House Announces 'Everything Is Great In Iraf'

From The Onion News Network (ONN) In The Know with Clifford Banes:

China Celebrates Its Status As World’s Number One Air Polluter

From The Onion News Network (ONN) Global Focus:

Messages From Our Troops To The Families They Can Barely Remember

From The Onion News Network (ONN) Messages From Our Troops: