January 2009

Bateman: Ann Coulter on presidential assassins
Harry Smith talks to the pundit and learns that everything wrong in America is the fault of the left. (01/07/2009)

What's your damage? By Heather Havrilesky
FX's scheming-lawyer drama "Damages" is back for a fast-paced, twisted sophomore season that might just be better than the first. (01/07/2009)

The Holocaust memoir so heartwarming it had to be fake By Lev Raphael
Herman Rosenblat's concentration-camp romance duped Oprah, among many others. Why are we so eager to put a happy ending on a tragedy? (01/07/2009)

The K Chronicles By Keith Knight
A series of unfortunate incidents. (01/07/2009)

Will the salmon be back in 2009? By Jacoba Charles
Climate change may help explain the historic collapse of the species. Yet ocean experts see signs that idle fishermen can fire up their boats again. (01/07/2009)

How the Madoff mess hits women Nancy Goldstein
With two progressive organizations forced to shutter, it isn't just wealthy individuals being affected by the investment scandal. (01/07/2009)

"Dangerous High School Girls in Trouble!" Amy Benfer
Yeah, the title totally hooked us, too. (01/07/2009)

His money allowed him to deny he's an alcoholic By Cary Tennis
Having lost his job, my best friend needs to hear the truth. (01/07/2009)

I was fleeced by Madoff By Geneen Roth
The financial guru's Ponzi scheme cost me 30 years of retirement savings. How could he do this to me -- and why did I let him? (01/07/2009)

The DOJ pursues the "real criminal" in the NSA spying scandal Glenn Greenwald
While the high-level lawbreakers are protected from consequences by our political class, only the courageous whistle-blower is subject to criminal prosecution. (01/07/2009)

Reasons to think twice about seating Roland Burris Joan Walsh
Democrats should be the party of integrity in the wake of crippling corruption scandals for Republicans -- and racial politics can backfire. (01/07/2009)

The cheerful idiot By Garrison Keillor
As the Current Occupant imagines his legacy emerging golden and shining in a hundred years after all of us are deceased, you and I go on. (01/07/2009)

Reid: Burris won't be seated -- yet Alex Koppelman
The Senate majority leader says they're waiting on a decision from an Illinois court, but seems ready to accept Roland Burris as a senator soon. (01/07/2009)

Joe the Plumber's now Joe the Reporter Alex Koppelman
His 15 minutes of fame aren't quite finished -- a conservative blog network is sending him to report from Israel. (01/07/2009)

Can Harry Reid do anything right? Alex Koppelman
The new Congress is only two days old, but the majority leader's having a tough time already. (01/07/2009)

George W. Bush, environmentalist Alex Koppelman
In the final days of his presidency, Bush moves to protect a wide swath of the Pacific Ocean. (01/07/2009)

Report: Burris will be seated Alex Koppelman
The Associated Press says Senate Democrats will now let Roland Burris take his spot in Barack Obama's old seat. (01/07/2009)

What ban? Coulter appears on "Today" Alex Koppelman
Despite a report that NBC had decided to stop booking the conservative columnist, she was back on the show Wednesday. (01/07/2009)

Could Sarah Palin win a Senate race? Vincent Rossmeier
Two recent polls showed very different results; was one prompted by the incumbent senator's fear of Palin? (01/07/2009)

No wonder Don Larsen was perfect King Kaufman
Not really, but the rebroadcast of his 1956 gem showed that hitters back then were a different, lesser breed than today's sluggers. (01/07/2009)

Don't rile the Gators, Nancy Pelosi! Andrew Leonard
A Florida Republican asks the speaker to postpone some congressional votes so he can go to the college football championship game. (01/07/2009)

How humans cooled the earth -- 500 years ago Andrew Leonard
After pandemics caused a mass die-off in the New World, farmland turned to forest and temperatures dropped (01/08/2009)

Labor report: "Shockingly awful" Andrew Leonard
A rash of bad economic news dominates the headlines, but one giant multinational -- Monsanto -- is thriving. Even the unemployed need to eat (01/07/2009)

Still flailing in Katrina's wake By Heather Havrilesky
PBS's Frontline documentary "The Old Man and the Storm" tells a tale of adversity triumphing over one ordinary man. (01/06/2009)

This Modern World By Tom Tomorrow
Haven't you heard? It's the new era of post-partisan politics! (01/06/2009)

I suffer from hair-pulling disorder By Cary Tennis
I compulsively pluck my eyebrows and have to draw them on -- I'm terrified I will be found out. (01/06/2009)

Is Caroline Kennedy "opting in"? By Rebecca Traister
Despite what the New York Times Magazine argues, the wannabe senator's crass play for political power doesn't teach us much about moms reentering the workforce. (01/06/2009)

Women should never say "I love you" first? Sarah Hepola
I asked my male friends about this asinine advice, and dammit, they agreed. (01/06/2009)

Hooters likes boobs, not bruises Tracy Clark-Flory
A waitress alleges she was fired for being a victim of domestic violence. (01/06/2009)

The Israel rules By Gary Kamiya
America's support of the Gaza attack proves once again that our mythical image of Israel has blinded us to its faults -- a myopia with devastating consequences for both countries. (01/06/2009)

How far should Obama go for GOP support? Joan Walsh
Obama shouldn't sacrifice his stimulus plan's power trying for lots of GOP votes. Plus: Why Panetta is a great CIA choice. (01/06/2009)

Discussing Israel/Gaza on right-wing talk radio Glenn Greenwald
I had an unexpectedly substantive discussion of the Middle East and the "Islamic threat" on "The Hugh Hewitt Show" last night. (01/06/2009)

Dems won't try to seat Franken Alex Koppelman
Republicans have promised to block any attempt to swear Al Franken into the Senate, at least for now. (01/06/2009)

"My name is Roland Burris, the junior senator from Illinois" Alex Koppelman
In a press conference, Burris tells reporters he was turned away from the Senate. (01/06/2009)

Biden criticizes handling of Panetta pick Alex Koppelman
The vice president-elect said the transition team made a mistake in not consulting Dianne Feinstein before choosing Leon Panetta to head the CIA. (01/06/2009)

Paterson asks Kennedy, five others for disclosure Alex Koppelman
Caroline Kennedy isn't the only contender for Hillary Clinton's Senate seat -- bad news for her, as her poll numbers are dropping fast. (01/06/2009)

Burris: "We don't need this distraction" Alex Koppelman
Roland Burris tells Rachel Maddow that he is legally a senator, and says, "I just hope and pray that we don't keep stringing this out." (01/06/2009)

Obama: Civilian deaths in Gaza, Israel "source of deep concern" Alex Koppelman
The president-elect speaks for the first time about the ongoing violence. (01/06/2009)

Report: CNN's Gupta Obama's choice for surgeon general Alex Koppelman
Dr. Sanjay Gupta has reportedly been offered the job already, and is likely to accept. (01/06/2009)

Jeb Bush won't run for Senate Alex Koppelman
"Now is not the right time to return to elected office," the former governor of Florida said in a statement. (01/06/2009)

Dianne Feinstein, maverick Alex Koppelman
The California senator is suddenly bucking her party's leadership at every turn. (01/06/2009)

The real national champion -- and it isn't Utah King Kaufman
The undefeated Utes, ineligible for the title, are this year's poster team for a playoff system. But one school has an even better claim. (01/06/2009)

How green is that highway in the stimulus? Andrew Leonard
Don't repeat the mistakes that made America dependent on the car, says one critic of Obama's recovery plan. (01/06/2009)

News from Macworld: Recording industry declares surrender Andrew Leonard
Apple promises iTunes will remove copy protection from "vast majority" of catalog. Who could have seen that coming? (01/06/2009)

Polynesian chickens in Peru and other mysteries Andrew Leonard
Let's hear it for the top ten archaeological discoveries of 2007 -- more clues in the most complicated mystery ever written (01/06/2009)

Big Think: "It's the creative process that's so tremendous"
Dr. Pardis Sabeti on enjoying the creative process behind science and learning to love the failures and the successes. (01/05/2009)

Don't call it an SUV
Mark Benjamin ponders the meaning of "crossover vehicle." (01/05/2009)

How to live what Michael Pollan preaches By Laura Miller
Mark Bittman's revolutionary "Food Matters" is both a cookbook and a manifesto that shows us how to eat better -- and save the planet. (01/05/2009)

Dominican women play (abortion) doctor Tracy Clark-Flory
Women from antiabortion cultures experiment at home with abortifacients, a study says. (01/05/2009)

Dear medical community, WTF? Kate Harding
Obese cancer patients given too little chemo don't survive as long as those given an appropriate dose. You don't say. (01/05/2009)

My husband supported me in my art -- should I now support him? By Cary Tennis
I'm not the only creative one in the marriage; I feel bad that he works a day job. (01/05/2009)

Did I just buy an SUV? By Mark Benjamin
I didn't mean to. I am an environmentalist. Really. But before I knew it, there it was, in front of my house. (01/05/2009)

Why Israelis support the Gaza offensive By Aluf Benn
Israel's post-traumatic war is not just about stopping Hamas rockets, but about repairing reputations -- and erasing the stain of failure. (01/05/2009)

Obama's impressive new OLC chief Glenn Greenwald
A law professor with a history of strident condemnation of Bush radicalism is named to one of the most important positions in the executive branch. (01/05/2009)

Franken wins, for now Alex Koppelman
The Democrat is declared the winner of Minnesota's Senate election, but Republican Norm Coleman has only begun to fight. (01/05/2009)

Obama taps Leon Panetta to head CIA Alex Koppelman
The former White House chief of staff doesn't have intelligence experience, but after the Bush administration, the president-elect couldn't really tap an Agency insider. (01/05/2009)

Did politics delay bust of Bristol Palin's future mother-in-law? Alex Koppelman
The union for Alaska State Troopers say the case was stalled so it wouldn't affect Sarah Palin's run for the vice-presidency. (01/05/2009)

Laura Bush gets book deal estimated in millions Alex Koppelman
Publishers were reportedly underwhelmed in meetings with the first lady, who is unlikely to tell all. (01/05/2009)

Why Ken Blackwell is bad for the GOP Alex Koppelman
Conservatives are lining up behind the former Ohio secretary of state's bid to head the RNC, but his victory could spell more electoral losses. (01/05/2009)

The week in Roland Burris Gabriel Winant
Salon does its best to figure out the state of the fight between Senate Democrats and Rod Blagojevich's pick to join them. (01/05/2009)

Richardson speaks Alex Koppelman
The New Mexico governor explains his decision to drop out of the running to be commerce secretary, and says his political career isn't over. (01/05/2009)

Why Rudy Giuliani should be senator, by Rudy Giuliani Alex Koppelman
The former New York City mayor offers a list of job requirements for the person who'll replace Hillary Clinton, and it seems he has one candidate in mind. (01/05/2009)

Panetta under fire already Alex Koppelman
Both the incoming and outgoing chair of the Senate Intelligence Committee are criticizing Barack Obama's choice to head the CIA. (01/06/2009)

Yet another doomsayer gets his day in the sun Andrew Leonard
In 2005, economist Raghuram Rajan cast a jaundiced eye on credit derivatives. Larry Summers said Rajan was "misguided." Who looks silly now? (01/05/2009)

An economic recovery plan designed for Republicans? Andrew Leonard
40 percent of the stimulus plan could come in the form of tax cuts. What could Obama be thinking? (01/05/2009)

The year of the financial journalist Andrew Leonard
For the name-brand business reporter, the economic crisis is a lifetime employment guarantee. (01/05/2009)

Sex and the superdelegates By Rebecca Traister
It was a flaccid, unhot year in sex, but how about that election! Spitzer and Edwards may have gotten laid, but Barack and Hillary scored. (01/04/2009)

Orwell, blinding tribalism, selective Terrorism, and Israel/Gaza Glenn Greenwald
Extreme emotional and cultural identification with one side leads people to believe that X is good when done by them and evil when done to them. (01/04/2009)

New help for laid-off workers? Katharine Mieszkowski
Obama stimulus plan may provide new benefits. (01/04/2009)

Richardson withdraws as commerce secretary nominee Katharine Mieszkowski
New Mexico Gov. cites pending investigation, denies wrongdoing. (01/04/2009)

Tim Kaine to head DNC Katharine Mieszkowski
Obama taps the Virginia governor to succeed Howard Dean. (01/05/2009)

Live! Nude! Puppies! The year in viral video By Caitlin Shamberg
Except for those snuggly Shiba Inus, Sarah Palin and Tina Fey dominated as Web video went pro. (01/03/2009)

Israeli ground troops move into Gaza
Israel Defense Forces official says troops now on the ground in Hamas-ruled territory. (01/03/2009)

Obama pitches stimulus plan
Back from vacation in Hawaii, the president-elect sells spending package. (01/03/2009)

WayLay By Carol Lay
A fiery Feifferesque dance of farewell. (01/02/2009)

Did you hear FDR prolonged the Great Depression? By David Sirota
Conservatives' newest talking point -- designed to stop Congress from passing an economic stimulus package -- is breathtaking. (01/02/2009)

More oddities in the U.S. "debate" over Israel/Gaza Glenn Greenwald
Even for those insisting that Israel's attack on Gaza is both wise and just, what possible interest does the U.S. have in involving itself so directly in this dispute? (01/02/2009)

N.Y. governor leaning toward Kennedy? Alex Koppelman
David Paterson says he hasn't made up his mind, but some insiders indicate he's likely to appoint Caroline Kennedy to the Senate. (01/02/2009)

Cornyn: Senate GOP won't let Dems seat Franken Alex Koppelman
The Republican caucus appears ready to filibuster in order to ensure that the Minnesota Democrat won't be sworn in until court challenges are resolved. (01/02/2009)

Outdoor hockey, MLB Network, NFL predictions King Kaufman
A great day for sports on TV -- even without college football -- gives way to a couple more as the playoffs get under way. (01/02/2009)

The economy crumbled By Andrew Leonard
It was the worst of times for ordinary Americans. And even worse times for deregulators and supply-siders. The bright side? Their party is over. (01/02/2009)

Red State Update: The year in review
Jackie and Dunlap weigh in on an epic year, from Russia in Georgia to shoes in Iraq. (01/01/2009)

Tom the Dancing Bug By Ruben Bolling
How to save the tiger and the rhino. (01/01/2009)

Another brutal year for liberty By Glenn Greenwald
The good news is that it's clear what the Obama administration must do to end the decade-long war on the Constitution. (01/01/2009)

Former Sen. Pell dies Alex Koppelman
The Rhode Island Democrat, best known for the college grant program that bears his name, was 90. (01/01/2009)

Atheists file suit to stop Warren invocation Alex Koppelman
Led by the man who challenged the words "under God" in the Pledge of Allegiance, the plaintiffs say prayer shouldn't be allowed at Barack Obama's inauguration. (01/01/2009)