Category Archives: In the news

John Hope Franklin, Black Scholar and Activist, Is Dead at 94

Posted on March 28, 2009 by Jack Stephens

Cross-posted from The Mustard Seed. I can’t believe I didn’t catch this sooner, it wasn’t until I read it today on As’ad AbuKhalil’s blog. John Hope Franklin, a prolific scholar of African-American history who profoundly influenced thinking about slavery and … Continue reading →

Posted in In the news, Race, racism and related issues | 1 Comment

Jon Stewart interviews Jim Cramer

Posted on March 13, 2009 by Ampersand

Not the best reporting I’ve encountered about the financial crisis — that would be an episode of This American Life — but an incredibly substantive discussion for TV. It’s pathetic that TV this good can seemingly only happen on a … Continue reading →

Posted in Economics and the like, In the news, Media criticism | 2 Comments

Pro-lifers tried to force 9-year-old rape victim to give birth to twins

Posted on March 8, 2009 by Ampersand

(Richard mentioned this as an intro to a post earlier this week, but I thought the event needed a post of its own). From Time, and via Scott, who describes this as “the moral low ground.” Archibishop Jose Cardoso Sobrinho … Continue reading →

Posted in Abortion & reproductive rights, In the news | 27 Comments

Nuggnuts (In Which I Disagree With Pam Spaulding)

Posted on March 4, 2009 by Jeff Fecke

The redoubtable Pam Spaulding today highlights a woman whose conduct is, she says, mind-boggling. A woman in Ft. Pierce, Florida called 911 because McDonald’s was out of McNuggets. Well that is mind-boggling, isn’t it? I mean, calling 911 because McDonald’s … Continue reading →

Posted in In the news | 42 Comments

McDonald's Won't Pay Worker's Comp For Hero Shot On Job

Posted on March 3, 2009 by Ampersand

From Raw Story: Fast food giant McDonald’s has denied workers compensation benefits to a minimum wage employee who was shot when he ejected a customer who had been beating a woman inside the restaurant. A representative of the administrator for … Continue reading →

Posted in Free speech, censorship, copyright law, etc., In the news | 22 Comments

Some parents complain that disabled TV host "scares children"

Posted on February 24, 2009 by Ampersand

From The Independent: Disparaging comments by adults about a children’s presenter have led to an angry backlash in support of Cerrie Burnell, the 29-year-old CBeebies host who was born missing the lower section of her right arm. One man said … Continue reading →

Posted in Disabled Rights & Issues, In the news | 55 Comments

Well, What Else are You Gonna Do After Splashing On a Little Bay Rum?

Posted on February 17, 2009 by Jeff Fecke

I’m a big fan of the Vermont Country Store catalog. While I don’t actually buy anything from there (though I intend to get some Lifebuoy for next Christmas), it’s extremely entertaining, a little piece of Americana that stubbornly clings to … Continue reading →

Posted in In the news | 2 Comments

Daschle Withdraws

Posted on February 3, 2009 by Ampersand

Just an open thread for discussion. I agree with Ezra — this is a victory for ethics, but it lowers the odds of a big health care reform passing. Although keep in mind that Daschle may still have an office … Continue reading →

Posted in In the news | 45 Comments

juxtaposition

Posted on January 30, 2009 by Ampersand

UPDATE: By request, here it is without the captions: Original version after the cut.

Posted in Elections and politics, Feminism, sexism, etc, In the news | 14 Comments

Lily Ledbetter Act Passes Senate

Posted on January 23, 2009 by Ampersand

Since this has already passed the House, it’s now passed; it only needs to get signed by Obama. The legislation overrides a May 2007 Supreme Court ruling that Ledbetter, a Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company employee in Gadsden, Ala., couldn’t … Continue reading →

Posted in Gender and the Economy, In the news | 4 Comments