And the Winner is...

Al Franken.

Thank You God for Barack Obama

Once again, the best analysis of a major news story comes from the Daily Show. Jon interviewed Iranian-American journalist, Reza Aslan, about the situation in Iran. The major takeaways:

1. It is an entirely Iranian affair--nothing any other country did or said impacted it.
2. We're limited in what we can do because both the hardliners and reformers distrust America.
3. Barack has handled it just about perfectly. We could have only made matters worse. That's why Aslan says in the interview, "Thank you, God, for Barack Obama."
   

A Little Happy

those suits are going to piss Dave off.
but this song could grow on me.

Sanford Went to Argentina for Tryst

Wow. This story is just bizarre. First, we heard that Governor Mark Sanford just disappeared, taking a state vehicle, presumably just to get away from South Carolina after a legislative drubbing. But, then it came out that no one knew where he was, but that he had placed a phone call in or near Atlanta. Then, his staff claimed he was hiking the Appalachian Trail. After a few days AWOL, word came that he would be back this week. Then, today came.

This morning, he told reporters that he had been in Argentina. He wanted to do something exotic and went to Buenos Aires, visiting the "coast." Then, this afternoon, he admitted that he met a woman there. Just wow.

UPDATE: Here's a direct quote from Wonkette's liveblog of his presser: "2:31 — Ha ha ha, when he finally said what happened, a lady in the background gave a rather brutal 'WTF?' head turn." Love it!

Bennett Overdosed

Billboard Magazine reports that former Wilco member Jay Bennett overdosed on pain killers. The drug in question is used to treat chronic pain, which Bennett must have been in while he waited for hip surgery. Sad.

The New Face of Iran

this is so inspiring.

does anyone know if there is something we can do for the protesters--send money somewhere?

Afternoon (Semiannual?) Round-Up

Obviously, the big story is the continuing unrest in Iran. Protestors and police continue to spar. Meanwhile, the Iranian government did acknowledge some voting irregularity, but stated that it wouldn't have made a difference (like Florida in 2000?). And, Iran is blaming the West, especially Britain, and an exiled Iranian militant group, the MEK. As of the latest estimates, it seems that as many as 30 protestors have been killed and over 450 arrested.

Interestingly, Washington Monthly has a post that tells the story of at least one policeman who seems to be cracking under the pressure of assaulting his fellow citizens. If that policeman's unique, then it probably doesn't mean much, but if he's typical, then this could reach the point where the police refuse orders to attack the protestors. That could topple the government.

NON-IRAN:
Remember how I really want the Bushies investigated for all of their lawlessness and how I've been disappointed by Barack's unwillingness to do so? Well, a judge just added some extra pressure by allowing Jose Padilla's case against John Yoo to proceed.

Finally, John Hodgman is hilarious.

UPDATE: Wonkette links to this article explaining that since having all of his vetoes overturned by the South Carolina legislature, Governor Mark Sanford has been missing. Seriously. He's been in touch via telephone, but not even his wife knows where he is.

Steelers Fans Join Iran Protests

Is that Uncle Joe?

Very Away Game? Steelers Penetrate Iran Protests

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Iranian Student's View

Interesting Op-Ed by an anonymous Iranian student from the NYT today on the situation in there.

Iran Slideshow from NY Times

The NY Times has a pretty fascinating slideshow in their Iran coverage today. I find it incredible that so many thousands of people are taking the streets to protest the election. I heartily hope there isn't a bloody crackdown.

Bridget: Running Rock Star

Congratulations to Bridget, who ran the 13.1 Half Marathon this weekend in 1:47.42. Her average mile was 8:13! She finished 19th of the 335 women in her age cohort, in the top 6 percent of all women, and top 15 percent overall. And, she qualified for a preferred start in the Chicago Marathon. Rock star!

Taken to Their Logical Conclusions

The Washington Monthly has a biting post this morning about the murderer who shot abortion doctor George Tiller and the slippery slope of the Bush legal practices. Everyone seems to agree that the guy who shot Dr. Tiller is a terrorist by any definition. So, Hilzoy and other bloggers ask: Can we detain him indefinitely? Can we torture him? Can the government freeze the assets of and make it illegal to contribute to pro-life organizations?

Obviously, the many of the most ardent supporters of Bush's legal legacies would be apopleptic about extending those horrid practices to domestic groups. But, the logical follow-up is if those tactics against extremist right-wingers, why is it okay to use them against Islamic groups? I suspect that Repugs have an easy answer, but not one they want to openly state in public.