Friday, April 17

Bush-Era Interrogation Memo: No Torture Without Pain Intent

“Attorney General Eric Holder promised in a separate statement that officials who used the controversial interrogation tactics were in the clear if their actions were consistent with the legal advice from the Justice Department under which they were operating at the time.” Meet the new boss....

The Nineties Called. They Want Their Poser-lution Back.

Darian Worden on the Tea Parties.

A 'Copper Standard' for the World's Currency System?

“Hard money enthusiasts have long watched for signs that China is switching its foreign reserves from US Treasury bonds into gold bullion. They may have been eyeing the wrong metal.”

There Are No “Sheeple”

“There’s an alarming tendency among radical intellectuals to dismiss those who don’t 'get it' as mere lambs being led to slaughter—meek 'sheeple,' but how does this reflect on us, our values, and our mentality vis a vis those sustaining the State?” A column by Root Striker Marcel Votlucka.

In Mexico, Obama Stops Short of Promising Assault Weapons Ban

“After meeting with President Calderon, Obama says he would push for a regional treaty to curb small-arms trafficking. But he acknowledges the difficulty of trying to revive the assault weapons ban.”

Solution to Japan's Jobless Problem: Send City Workers Back to the Land

“Kenji Oshima lost his job in February at a seat-belt factory. So he applied for a highly competitive job-training program in an area he felt had more potential: farming.”

There’s No Place Like Home, Unless You’re Chris Dodd

“Congressional fundraising numbers are in and the Political Wire has teased out some interesting performances. Sen. Chris Dodd of Connecticut managed to raise just 0.7 percent of his funds from contributors in his own state—all five of them.”

Spend to Save Trap

“If you ever want to learn about consumer behavior, walk through a grocery store. Look at all the labels, how things are positioned, how sales are organized, and you’ll get tremendous insight into how we consume. Ever wonder why grocery stores have sales where they limit the number of products you can buy?”

Photos of Trotsky Robbery Released

Trotsky cookies? No thank you.

West Africa Faces 'Megadroughts'

“Severe droughts lasting centuries have happened often in West Africa 's recent history, and another one is almost inevitable, researchers say.”

Vitamin Deficiency Asthma 'Link'

“A low intake of vitamins A and C could raise the risk of asthma, a team which reviewed 40 studies carried out over the past 30 years has said.”

First State-Owned Casino Will Open as Scheduled in November

You read that right.

'Right-Wing Extremist' Kit

Admit it.  You've always wanted to have some "extreme right wing paraphernalia."  Here's your chance to get some so you'll fit DHS's profile of a terrorist.  (Editor's pick) 

The Wire

This is one of the best TV series I've ever seen.  The characters and realism are superb.  If you can get past the first five episodes, you should be hooked through Season 5.  Don't miss the "Hamsterdam" experiment, where the police tolerated drug sales in designated areas.  Available via Netflix.  (Editor's pick)

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