Bankruptcy
Amid all the talk these days of bankruptcy overhaul proposals, let's not forget the real good that can potentially come from personal bankruptcy. A diarist at DKos tell his compelling story here. And Kevin Drum reminds us of just how little shame the credit card industry behind the tightening laws has, here.

Finger Length
...in men is an indicator of prenatal testosterone and, in turn, of physical aggressiveness. All this time I thought it was just some kind of psychological "Napoleon complex."

Kenny B Throws Down the Gauntlet
He emailed me an 8th Grade Math Quiz and challenges the Article 19 crowd to match his 10 for 10 score. I got 9. Let us know how you did.

White House Day Passes
Not so easy to get. FishBowlDC has started trying to get into the White House with a day pass, the same thing "Jeff Gannon" did every day for 2 years. Not surprisingly, it's not working. That furthers the question of what (or whose) special access did Gannon have that got him in. Via Atrios.

Persuading Religious Voters with the Environment
In both of the last 2 Presidential elections, the environment has gotten short shrift in the message department. The shocking thing about that is how strong both Kerry and Gore are on environmental issues. But there is evidence that even conservative religious citizens are concerned about the environment and are turning to traditionally Democratic environmental positions.

"We affirm that God-given dominion is a sacred responsibility to steward the earth and not a license to abuse the creation of which we are a part," said the statement, which has been distributed to 50,000 member churches. "Because clean air, pure water, and adequate resources are crucial to public health and civic order, government has an obligation to protect its citizens from the effects of environmental degradation."

Signatories included highly visible, opinion-swaying evangelical leaders such as Haggard, James Dobson of Focus on the Family and Chuck Colson of Prison Fellowship Ministries. Some of the signatories are to meet in March in Washington to develop a position on global warming, which could place them at odds with the policies of the Bush administration, according to Richard Cizik, the association's vice president for governmental affairs.

Also last fall, Christianity Today, an influential evangelical magazine, weighed in for the first time on global warming. It said that "Christians should make it clear to governments and businesses that we are willing to adapt our lifestyles and support steps towards changes that protect our environment."

If nothing else, this development should be explored to put the hammer down finally on the foolish thinking that would deny the reality of global warming. And where many Democrats, apart from Greens, see environmental issues as a secondary focus, it may in fact be a gateway to appealing to reasonable conservatives on a number of issues, including poverty, war and international cooperation.

Much of arid sub-Saharan Africa, notably in the Sahel (the region just south of the Sahara desert), has experienced a pronounced drop in rainfall over the past quarter-century. This decline coincided with a rise in the surface temperature of the neighboring Indian Ocean, a hint that the decline in rainfall is in fact part of the longer-term process of man-made global warming.

Failures of rainfall contribute not only to famines and chronic hunger, but also to the onset of violence when hungry people clash over scarce food and water. When violence erupts in water-starved regions such as Darfur, Sudan, political leaders tend to view the problems in narrow political terms. If they act at all, they mobilize peacekeepers, international sanctions and humanitarian aid. But Darfur, like Tigre, needs a development strategy to fight hunger and drought even more than it needs peacekeepers. Soldiers cannot keep peace among desperately hungry people.

Even if we can't turn Christian voters into Democrats, because of their 1 or 2-issue obsession, we can force the issue smartly enough to drag Republicans into the light on the environment and affect positive change on a variety of issues.

Hate Speech on Campus
Instapundit comes to the defense of persecution on campus, in the name of "freedom". Even at a public University like Alabama, officials have every right to set policies insuring that groups and individuals are not subject to public persecution for the fact of their existence. The horrors of persecution start well before stones are thrown.

UA faculty passed an extensive resolution in condemnation of a University-sponsored social event in which a "comedian" harassed a gay student on stage and ridiculed gays generally. I think comedians should be cut some slack in most cases. They are, after all, telling jokes and those can make fun of lots of kinds of people. The faculty statement notes that the University is already committed to "programming that is free of bigotry and malicious aggression." And in its strongest recommendation, says:

Be it further resolved, that University officials in charge of student programming develop clear policies restricting any behavior which demeans or reduces an individual based on group affiliation or personal characteristics, or which promotes hate or discrimination, in any approved University program or activity, and that these policies be incorporated into any contract entered into by the University regarding participation in formal University programs;

This is hardly an unconstitutional, or even unfortunate, prior restraint. There are all kinds of things you can't say and do whenever you'd like on campus, even a public one. Gay students withstand enough persecution socially and at unofficial events. An administration would not be anti-freedom for determining to make official events a haven from that kind of "bigotry" and "malicious aggression." Any more than they are anti-freedom for making official events smoke-free.

One of the most ridiculous arguments libertarians throw at us (conservatives do it too, when it lets them support gay/minority bashing) is the one that says freedom of speech requires the tolerance, in every public setting, of the most hateful and egregious intolerance. Accepting the right of gay people to exist is the act of tolerance.

There are no doubt plenty of University-related events and places that would allow for anti-gay views to be expressed. Freedom of speech is intact. But it does not mean, and never has meant, that anyone can say anything, anytime, anywhere without consequence. If it is engaged in programming at all, a public school does and should have every right to shape that programming in a way that protects its students from persecution.

Sad State
We're hardly the first, but it's looking more and more like Tennessee will have a gay marriage amendment to the constitution on the ballot soon. State law already describes marriage as "between a man and a woman," but that's not enough for Republicans here. The Senate just passed a bill 29-3. (Opponents included embattled State Senator Ford, Harold's uncle.) Last year, the House killed this in committee, and Democrats still control the House. But, it seems to be emerging from a different committee this time around. Republicans are likely to try and time this so that it is on the ballot in 2006, in time to effect the Senate and Governor's race we have then.

I don't know any way to argue this issue that has a chance to appeal to the voters of a state like ours. What's a candidate or representative to do? It will probably pass 65-35 here on a popular ballot. We can argue that this is no way to honor love and commitment, but it will not work.

Supreme Court Sanity
We may never join the rest of the civilized world in abolishing the death penalty, but chipping away at the more revolting edges of it, isn't too much to ask. Justice Kennedy agrees. The Court ruled 5-4 that it is unconstitutional for the state to murder criminals for crimes committed while they were minors. Never again will a juvenile's mistake, no matter how violent or egregious, cost that child his life at the hands of the people.

The fact that more teenagers today are doing adult things is not a sign that they should receive adult punishment. Certainly not ultimate punishment.

AARP Haters stole the pictures
Remember the anti-AARP ad that USA Next developed for the web (it's since been taken down)? Remember the 2 kissing guys? They are real people, and didn't much appreciate being used to attach retired persons. Lawsuit may be on the way.

MEDIA MONDAY
What have you been watching, reading or listening to?

Marc Broussard?
My students are recommending this guy heavily. I have heard only one track that someone brought to class, and it was very cool sounding, but it's not enough info to know if it's worth recommending. Anyone have his album, Carenco, or know anything about him?

Luaka Bop
Stevie T recommends David Byrne's label. Their list of artists is here. I own some Tom Ze, Os Mutantes (old school Brazilian rock from 60s...Kurt Cobain claimed they were a big influence on him), Zap Mama (they'll be in America touring during April btw), Bloque and King Chango, but not a big fan of King Chango. Also, the compilations are amazing from this label. I've only bought one I haven't really loved, and that's "The Only Blip-Hop Album You Will Ever Need, Vol. 1". The hilarious liner notes for that were almost worth it themselves. Asia Classics are fascinating and Cuba Classics are feverishly good. But Brazil Classics are the best--astonishing music, really.

If you want to listen to some Luaka Bop - try their online jukebox ("toybox"). I haven't gotten all the links to work, but if you have a Flash Player (of course you do) you can hear at least some playlists from their catalog. Check the African Mix for Zap Mama.

Who's a Good Sport?
Halle Berry. Other than Tom Green, no other actor ever showed up in person to receive their "Razzie" award for worst acting of the year. Berry got the award for "Catwoman." Her acceptance speech included "I want to thank Warner Brothers for casting me in this piece of shit." Good for her.

Oscarwatch?
This is pointless of course, but want to know the favorites for 2006 Oscars? Kris at Oscarwatch has predictions for the major nominations, plus lists of other contenders, even though none of these movies have been released yet. Interesting that Woody Allen made the top 5 list for screenplay for "Melinda and Melinda". Not sure if there is actual buzz/anticipation for his next film (I wouldn't believe it anyway) of if this is just for lack of any other contenders at this point.


Help Stevie T
In the Oscar thread comments below, Stevie T asks for our best 5 films of last year, in order. Scroll down and tell him your favorites. I think mine were:
1. Eternal Sunshine
2. The Aviator
3. Sideways (it's grown on me, the way Million Dollar Baby has grown against me)
4. Fahrenheit 9/11
5. Finding Neverland
But there are many that I haven't seen but would like to, those that got great recommendations from people I respect: Before Sunset, House of Flying Daggers, Ray, Metallica: Some Kind of Monster, The Sea Inside, Tarnation, Hotel Rwanda, Bad Eduacation.

Oscar Thread
In case you care. Here's a ballot with all the nominees. Link to the winners here.

Article 19 is was rooting for:
Best Pic: The Aviator, or Sideways [UPDATE: D'oh!]
Best Dir: Marty [UPDATE: Craptacular]
Original Screenplay: Eternal Sunshine [UPDATE: Woohoo!]
Actress: Kate Winslet (even though she has no chance) [UPDATE: D'oh!]
Supporting Actress: Cate Blanchett [UPDATE: Woohoo!]
Supporting Actor: Thomas Haden Church [UPDATE: D'oh!]
Chris Rock to get off a few jokes about Bush....[UPDATE: Hilarious]
Jamie Foxx not to over do it. [UPDATE: Well Done]

M$B
I feel better knowing I'm not the only one more and more disappointed about Eastwood's movie the more I think about it. His specific complaints are a bit different, but Kevin Drum has a similar feeling (warning! spoils the ending!) to my recent Media Monday tirade. Hopefully Clint won't get an Oscar sweep tomorrow. Even if, at least there's Chris Rock and Jamie Foxx.

The Dumbest Laws
What are the stupidest laws of the land? Find them at dumblaws.com. Where else. And how best to combat their stupidity? Spend a summer breaking as many of them as possible. Via boing boing.

How many stupid laws have you broken this month?

THE "F" Word: Guest Post by B. Lewberry.

No. Not that one. The F word is fitness (let's call it Fitness Friday - even though that might sound a litte weird). Today's topic - obesity and exercise.

New government recommendations for exercise include 90 minutes a day of physical activity. Are we really getting that fat? The surgeon general says America is experiencing an obesity epidemic.

Despite the fact that we all know exercise is good for us, according to the CDC, the majority of adults do not get enough physical activity to enjoy any health benefits.

So I guess my general question is - If we know an inactive lifestyle and unhealthy eating habits are so bad for us, why are we still suffering an obesity epidemic? I'd like to lay the blame on Mayor McCheese and Nick At Night, but I think the reason is that we are a nation of drive-thru couch potatoes. Are we just plain lazy and gluttonous?

In the interest of full disclosure I should tell you that I'm one of the biggest offenders here - I have the phone number for Papa John's memorized but I couldn't tell you my wife's office phone number or the phone number for my children's daycare provider.

So what gives? And are you getting your 90 minutes & eating your vegetables?

In addition to your thoughts and comments, please feel free to let me know what sports/recreational activities you enjoy - I'll try to keep my postings at least remotely relevant. Many thanks to the grand blogmeister Don for inviting me to post.

Guest Posting Starts Tomorrow
I've decided to use Fridays for some guest posting, so some of our crew can be heard on their own topics, and in chunks larger than 1000 characters if so desired. I invited B. Lewberry to be up tomorrow and I've told him to post on any topic he would like, so everyone come by and see what he has to say. I may be contacting you soon to see if you're interested in future posting. If you are interested, let me know.

Chris Rock's Politics?
The last few weeks, conservative freakshow Matt Drudge has gone out of his way to try and get comedian Chris Rock fired from his Oscar-hosting duties on Sunday, because of remarks on a variety of hot-button topics. He seems to have forgotten that Rock is a comedian... but I digress. Slate's John Swansburg maintains that Rock's act is decidedly "red-state," making Drudge's mission especially foolish.

Though Drudge claims the academy "went to the gutter" by picking Rock, where it actually went was to the right. Rock may speak the irreverent language of blue comedy, but more often than not, his ideas are red-state red.

Take, for instance, the opening numbers in Bigger & Blacker, the HBO special Rock did in 1999. He begins with a discussion of the Columbine shootings, then recent, dismissing attempts to examine the shooters' psychology. "What ever happened to crazy?" he demands. He next turns to gun control, which he's against, and single mothers, whom he also doesn't like. "If a kid calls his grandma 'mama' and his mama 'Pam,' he's going to jail," Rock explains. To all the women who leave their kids at home so they can pop some bubbly at the club, Rock has this advice: "Go take care of those kids before they rob me in 10 years."

Sub a few $10 words for some F bombs, and this material could almost have come out of the hallowed jowls of William F. Buckley Jr.

Having seen Rock's show, and watched his comedy specials, I think this view is off by quite a bit. To be sure he is no partisan Democrat, but I never hear him as especially conservative, even when I occasionaly disagree with the implication of his joke (which, after all, is a joke anyway). Why is it anti-liberal to make fun of parents for regularly leaving their kids at home to pursue their own late-night social life? And to suggest--in a joke--that more parental attention can keep a kid from becoming troubled and anti-social?

Swansburg offers no evidence that Rock is "against" gun control (he may be, I don't know), and even less that he "doesn't like" single mothers. Most single mothers don't withdraw from their children to let grandma raise them, even if grandmothers play a heightened role. If Rock is critical of anything in that joke, it's of that unfortunate withdrawal from being a parent at all. Most all of us recognize that as a problem and a warning indicator for the well-being of the child's future. That is a long way from being generally critical of "single mothers."

So what is he talking about? Has anyone else gotten a more offensively conservative vibe from Chris Rock than I have? My radar for such things is usually pretty finely tuned. If he was on the college lecture circuit promoting childhood development theories, I may be a bit concerned of his direction. But he's, you know, a comedian. Sterotype and hyperbole are standard tools of the trade, no?

4 Steps to Stupid
Step #1: Have a secret tawdry life and a job you're not qualified for.
Step #2: Keep a daily journal of your interactions with the White House and the press.
Step #3: Resign in disgrace after embarassing the White House communications staff, who want to admit to no interactions with you whatseover.
Step #4: Admit to Step #2, on your own initiative.

W Stands for Peace
Bush puts the world at ease yesterday:

"This notion that the United States is getting ready to attack Iran is simply ridiculous. Having said that, all options are on the table..."

I feel better; how about you?

Durbin's onto the White House Hooker
The Illinois Senator has asked the President to launch a full inquiry into the White House/Press scandal.

Bush-Wead Tape
There doesn't appear to be a full trancript of the tape anywhere, but you would think the NYT scoop that broke the story carries all the most interesting parts. If you care.