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Monday Afternoon Open Thread

Good afternoon. Hope the day is coming along nicely. Here’s a few good reads from the internets today.

A great ProPublica investigation into the mortgage industry practices for home loan modifications. The investigation looks at a number of different players in the housing and mortgage crisis. If you haven’t ever checked out ProPublica you should.

The Washington Post looks at the effectiveness of drone attacks in Pakistan against al-Qaeda. The article evaluates the success of the program in the context of the monetary costs and the diplomatic problems created by civilian deaths.

The Seattle Times looks at how media spending by the Gates foundation affects the coverage given to certain news stories. The Foundation has become a big player in advocacy journalism and the report examines some of the implications of the organization’s ability to influence the coverage of development and world health issues.

Have a great afternoon.

Holiday Over Night Open Thread

Good evening Crasstalkers. Hope you are having a relaxing evening. If you have tomorrow off, I hope you are having a nice cocktail or about to put the move on somebody cute. If you don’t, I hope you are getting comfy in some nice warm jammies.

A  bill that would allow the government to interfere with internet service will be taken up by the Senate this week. The bill, which was given a makeover last week in light of events in Egypt, is still being criticized by civil rights groups as too far reaching in its power to restrict access to certain web sites.

Sorry to lead you to the same website twice, but it seems that auto-correct has actually killed someone.

Here’s a really cool piece about White Hat hackers who work for the government.

Have a great night.

Easy Like a Sunday Morning Open Thread

Ok, let’s take it slow and use our inside voices. Good morning. Hope you didn’t have to rough of a night. If you did, have a drink of water and a tylenol. Maybe you should go lay back down for a few minutes. If you were a good girl or boy last night then it is time for a nice cup of coffee while you decide what to do with your day since you don’t have to spend it recovering.

Here is some nice music to start you off.

There, doesn’t that feel a little better? Have a wonderful day.

Saturday Night’s All Right for Fighting Open Thread

Good evening Crasstalk. Hope you had a great day.

The battle over collective bargining rights heated up today in Wisconsin as Tea Party activists protested to support the budget bill that would limit union power. This should end well.

The Libyan government has cut off internet service in the country as demonstrations continued. Four protesters were killed yesterday.

Two West Virginia men were arrested after police discovered hundreds of containers of stolen beef jerky in their car during a traffic stop. The men were apparently going to sell the jerky to finance a trip.

Have a great night, and try not to act the fool.