Test riding my SUB
Who needs a car? Mark Benjamin hauls groceries, his two kids and even a barbecue grill on his new sport utility bicycle. (07/24/2008)

Scully have I loved By Rebecca Traister
Fox Mulder was brilliant and sexy in "The X-Files" -- but it's Dana Scully who has my heart. (07/24/2008)

On loving Scully
Rebecca Traister on why Dana Scully is her favorite on "The X-Files." (07/24/2008)

When a bad seed grows up Andrew O'Hehir
Both a compelling British social drama and a haunting meditation on guilt and forgiveness, John Crowley's "Boy A" is a potent summer surprise. (07/24/2008)

Stark, raving mad By Heather Havrilesky
In its second season, the smooth-talking cads and resilient ladies of "Mad Men" are emboldened and chastened by the tumultuous '60s. (07/24/2008)

Bateman: Speidi will save the world!
Actual audio from "The Hills" stars Heidi Montag and Spencer Pratt. (07/24/2008)

The history boy By Laura Miller
The 9-year-old narrator of the heartbreaking "When We Were Romans" flees family chaos through literature. (07/24/2008)

Tom the Dancing Bug By Ruben Bolling
The free market works! People are driving less! (07/24/2008)

My family car is an SUB and I love it By Mark Benjamin
On my new "sport utility bicycle" I can cart groceries, take my kids shopping, haul a barbecue grill and make a margarita. (07/24/2008)

I'm an absent-minded engineer; my mind wanders and so does my wallet By Cary Tennis
I fear I lack common sense in life, and this affects my performance. (07/24/2008)

The disappearing movie critic Stephanie Zacharek
A study finds fewer women writing about film for top newspapers. But the big news isn't the gender of critics -- it's the poor health of the profession. (07/24/2008)

"The View" from here? Bleak Jessica Wakeman
Please don't let morning show co-host Sherri Shepherd become the public face of abortion. (07/24/2008)

It takes a piglet Catherine Price
Using an unusual incentive program, the Nepalese Youth Opportunity Foundation has kept thousands of girls out of slavery. (07/24/2008)

"WTF" of the day: Botox bridal parties Catherine Price
Something old, something new, something Botoxed and ... I'm sorry, but something's wrong with your face. Can we get that fixed? (07/24/2008)

Sex advice for Barack Judy Berman
Why Obama should kick abstinence-only programs to the curb. (07/24/2008)

CNN's "Black in America" Sarah Hepola
What did you miss in the first installment of the cable program's high-profile series on race? (07/24/2008)

Breaking: Boobs need support Tracy Clark-Flory
Women are damaging their breasts by exercising without support, researchers say -- again. (07/24/2008)

The Obama show lands in Israel By Aluf Benn
He got a rock-star reception here, but an intriguing question lingers: Which U.S. presidential candidate is better for this country? (07/24/2008)

"This city knows the dream of freedom"
In Berlin, Barack Obama recounts the epic struggle of the Cold War and calls for Europe and America to join in tearing down the "new walls" dividing the world. (07/24/2008)

Obama's political brilliance in Berlin Joan Walsh
There are still risks to his big trip, but Obama has plenty of reason to be riding high on the adoring crowds greeting him abroad. (07/24/2008)

Who is doing real journalism? Glenn Greenwald
Because the institutions that are designed to check the government have been failing so profoundly, the ACLU and similar groups have been forced to step into that role. (07/24/2008)

Obama had cheering Germans; McCain had German sausage Justin Jouvenal
With their choice of counterprogramming for Obama's Berlin speech, Republicans try to portray McCain as more focused on the U.S. than Obama is. (07/24/2008)

Report: More than 200,000 watched Obama Alex Koppelman
The crowd for Barack Obama's speech in Berlin was reportedly his largest ever. (07/24/2008)

From a glass house, the straight talker throws stones Alex Koppelman
McCain's campaign is now criticizing Obama for having the temerity to make speeches outside the country -- of course, McCain did the same thing just a month ago. (07/24/2008)

McCain digs himself in deeper Alex Koppelman
John McCain tried to spin his way out of the mistake he made when discussing the timeline of the surge, but he didn't succeed. (07/24/2008)

Quote of the day Alex Koppelman
Chuck Hagel wants everyone to step back, take a deep breath and stop talking about the surge. (07/24/2008)

Obama's Olympic-size ad buy Alex Koppelman
Barack Obama's campaign is spending millions to advertise during broadcasts of the Olympics. (07/24/2008)

In battleground states, bad news for Obama Alex Koppelman
A recent poll from four potentially key states shows that Barack Obama can't take victory for granted just yet. (07/24/2008)

McAuliffe's choice for veep not Clinton? Alex Koppelman
The former chairman of Hillary Clinton's presidential campaign seems to say he wants someone else to be Barack Obama's running mate. (07/24/2008)

Now oil spills have a liberal bias Alex Koppelman
John McCain's plan to counterprogram Barack Obama's Berlin speech by talking about offshore drilling was poorly timed, to say the least. (07/24/2008)

"People of the world -- look at Berlin!" Alex Koppelman
Barack Obama's much-anticipated speech in Berlin wasn't a partisan affair, but a chance for him to speak of the city as an emblem for what needs to be done. (07/24/2008)

Not just a box score King Kaufman
Dirk Hayhurst, Padres farmhand and aspiring writer, talks about pitching -- and being a human being -- in the minor leagues. (07/24/2008)

Knol lacks knowledge Joe Hutsko
Google's would-be Wikipedia competitor doesn't have the goods to challenge the Free Encyclopedia. Yet. (07/24/2008)

The DVD isn't dead Joe Hutsko
More movie and TV downloading devices have entered the ring, but the DVD hasn't gone down (yet). (07/24/2008)

Phoning it in Joe Hutsko
Blogging from your mobile: Tools for the writer on the go. (07/24/2008)

The saga of George W. Batman Andrew O'Hehir
"Dark Knight" backlash, counterbacklash and so on. Plus: Sleazy Latin lovers, Ben Kingsley as a Russian cop and other reasons never to leave home. (07/23/2008)

Bateman: Bush welcomes U.S. Olympians
The fired-up president is ready to watch American athletes demonstrate our national character. (07/23/2008)

The support of a major oil player
Alex Koppelman discusses T. Boone Pickens and how his energy plans may align with Barack Obama's. (07/23/2008)

The K Chronicles By Keith Knight
Baby, you look simply scrumptious. (07/23/2008)

My friend has gone bad By Cary Tennis
I hate to lose my best college buddy, but her behavior is beyond the pale. (07/23/2008)

George W. Bush: "Awesome!" By Andrea Higbie
The president has used "awesome" to describe everything from dead soldiers to the pope. How did a slang word trickle up to the highest office in the land? (07/23/2008)

Reader letter of the day Tracy Clark-Flory
Alarajrogers: "The veil is a terrible metaphor for women's submission." (07/23/2008)

The veil vs. French values Tracy Clark-Flory
A Muslim woman is denied citizenship -- some say because she wears the niqab. (07/23/2008)

"Fat Princess" Lynn Harris
No, it's not fat-positive just 'cause the point of the game is to rescue her. (07/23/2008)

"Honeypots" need not apply Lynn Harris
British spy agency is on the hunt for female, minority applicants. (07/23/2008)

Quote of the day Katharine Mieszkowski
New York Times reporter David Carr on being a welfare dad. (07/23/2008)

Not another teen video game Judy Berman
Paramount releases titles based on "Pretty in Pink," "Clueless" and "Mean Girls." (07/23/2008)

Bachelor party Amy Benfer
Should great men of genius stay single? (07/23/2008)

"WTF" of the day Tracy Clark-Flory
China Shrink cream is an ancient cure for a "loose vagina due to multiple childbirth and frigidity." (07/23/2008)

McCain: Enough about you, let's talk about me By Mike Madden
John McCain tries to pull the media spotlight away from Barack Obama, who he thinks doesn't deserve it. (07/23/2008)

Exposing Bush's historic abuse of power By Tim Shorrock
Salon has uncovered new evidence of post-9/11 spying on Americans. Obtained documents point to a potential investigation of the White House that could rival Watergate. (07/23/2008)

Obama is saying the wrong things about Afghanistan By Juan Cole
He hit the right notes during his swing through Iraq, but his plans for that other war could mean trouble. (07/23/2008)

Little-town blues, melting away By Garrison Keillor
Small gestures of civility in America's busiest city speak of the promise of better times. (07/23/2008)

VoteVets targets McCain with new ad Alex Koppelman
In the spot, a veteran of the Iraq war says, "'freedom' means when the Iraqi people and their Prime Minister ask us to make a plan to leave, we do." (07/23/2008)

Klein questions McCain's temperament Alex Koppelman
Time's Joe Klein says John McCain's remarks about his opponent's Iraq policy weren't presidential. (07/23/2008)

McCain dodging questions on surge timeline? Alex Koppelman
John McCain's campaign canceled a press availability scheduled for Wednesday -- is it trying to avoid some tough questions? (07/23/2008)

Obama camp debuts Spanish-language radio ad Alex Koppelman
Highlighting Obama's personal history, the spot concludes, "It's time we had a president who understands we all deserve a chance to make our own way." (07/23/2008)

Republicans lose a major financial backer Alex Koppelman
T. Boone Pickens, who gave millions to support the Swift Boat Veterans, among other GOP causes, is now focusing on energy independence instead. (07/23/2008)

More bad news for McCain on Iraq Alex Koppelman
A new poll shows Americans favor a timeline for withdrawal, which McCain's campaign has argued against. (07/23/2008)

Who'll be the Republicans' Obama now? Alex Koppelman
Bobby Jindal, who'd been discussed as a potential running mate for John McCain, says he doesn't want to be nominated for the vice presidency. (07/23/2008)

Baseball's gone statue crazy King Kaufman
It's adulation inflation as Harold Baines gets one and Orlando Cepeda's is on the way. (07/23/2008)

N.Y. Post burns down Yanks' security theater King Kaufman
It takes one day for the paper to embarrass the team into lifting its absurd sunblock ban. (07/23/2008)

A stickies situation Joe Hutsko
Simplify your workspace by squishing your stickies and separating your screens. (07/23/2008)

User friendly Joe Hutsko
XBox Live for Windows gets cheaper and adds gamer-generated content. (07/23/2008)

A note on the blog Andrew Leonard
Strange, mysterious absence of posting explained (07/23/2008)

Bateman: John McCain on "Good Morning America"
Afghanistan: A precarious and urgent situation? Or desperate but not serious? (07/22/2008)

Red State Update: Overseas Obama-mania
Jackie and Dunlap on Obama, Al Gore, Miley Cyrus and "How Freedom Sounds." (07/22/2008)

The thinking man's action hero By Farhad Manjoo
Using paper clips, chewing gum, chocolate and down-home ingenuity, MacGyver always saved the day. Let's bring him back -- and give him a girl! (07/22/2008)

How to read the James Wood way By Louis Bayard
The fiercely talented critic takes us on an illuminating tour of fiction -- but there's a hole in his plot. (07/22/2008)

This Modern World By Tom Tomorrow
McCain mania explained. (07/22/2008)

Equal opportunity unemployment Catherine Price
For the first time since the women's movement began, an economic recovery has not led to a higher percentage of women in the workforce. (07/22/2008)

O'Really? Catherine Price
The latest comments from Bill O'Reilly that make us want to vomit on ourselves. (07/22/2008)

I was masturbating in my office to kinky Internet porn when another mom walked in By Cary Tennis
I live in a small, conservative town. I'm petrified about what she may have seen! (07/22/2008)

Theatrical battle of the sexes? Sarah Hepola
Liz Smith says only men are trashing "Mamma Mia!" Meanwhile, an L.A. Times blogger explains why women can't handle "The Dark Knight." Oh, please! (07/22/2008)

Estelle Getty, thank you for being a friend Sarah Hepola
The Golden Girl died this morning at the age of 84. (07/22/2008)

Quote of the day
Katie Couric says sexism is more common than racism in America. (07/22/2008)

Carp diem! Logan Scherer
Fish pedicures come to America, leaving flesh-hungry carp full and your feet clean. (07/22/2008)

A big November ahead for Senate Democrats By Thomas F. Schaller
Three experts tell Salon that the party may expand its Senate majority by half a dozen seats, but they also think at least one Democratic incumbent is vulnerable. (07/22/2008)

Roman holiday By Gary Kamiya
The Eternal City is too vast and ancient to grasp, and the harder you try, the more it slips away. So you have to dream your way into it. (07/22/2008)

Obama's grand tour Joan Walsh
The high-risk trip has been mistake-free to date. McCain's answer: Blame the media. (07/22/2008)

The honorable centrist Joe Lieberman Glenn Greenwald
Even after John McCain was forced to repudiate pastor John Hagee's views as "deeply offensive and indefensible," the Connecticut senator will share a stage with Hagee and speak to his group. (07/22/2008)

New McCain video: "Obama Love" Alex Koppelman
In the video, McCain's campaign paints the media as biased in Obama's favor -- and provides a window into its thoughts about its opponent. (07/22/2008)

Brown talks about withdrawal from Iraq Alex Koppelman
The British prime minister promises a "fundamental change" in the mission of his country's troops in Iraq. (07/22/2008)

Quote of the day Alex Koppelman
An exploration of the similarities between John McCain and Britney Spears. (07/22/2008)

How much did Clinton donors give Obama? Alex Koppelman
Contrary to an early report, it looks as if Hillary Clinton's supporters ponied up for Barack Obama's campaign in June. (07/22/2008)

National Review writer compares Obama to Hitler Alex Koppelman
Lisa Schiffren sees dark clouds over Barack Obama's plans for his speech at the Democratic convention. (07/22/2008)

Time mag: McCain campaign may already be done Justin Jouvenal
A reporter for the magazine suggests that there's just too much standing in John McCain's way for him to overcome. (07/22/2008)

Bush's economic analysis: "Wall Street got drunk," now hungover Alex Koppelman
President Bush had thought the cameras were off at a fundraiser in Houston, so he gave his candid -- and alcohol-related -- view of the economy. Oops. (07/22/2008)

No mistranslation in Maliki interview Alex Koppelman
Contrary to claims made by people trying to downplay the impact of the Iraqi prime minister's statement in support of Barack Obama's Iraq plan, it's now clear the translation was correct. (07/22/2008)

Bush to Olympians: Win (nicely) King Kaufman
The president talks about cherished American values -- curiously, without mentioning advertising or kicking butt. (07/22/2008)

Four hits? Why, that's nothing King Kaufman
Miguel Cabrera's 5-hit night one-ups a rookie slugger. (07/22/2008)

One-minute review: A balancing act for small spaces Joe Hutsko
Staying cool in an upright and mostly locked-in position to get things done. (07/22/2008)

Remember typewriters? Joe Hutsko
Adios distractions, hello single-task focus, thanks to word-processing programs that re-create the simplicity of blank paper and ink. (07/22/2008)

Big Think: Kay Warren on using her "own voice"
The author, wife of Christian evangelist Rick Warren, discusses disease prevention, surrendering to God and the church's proper place in society. (07/21/2008)

Bateman: Why do you refuse to testify, Karl Rove?
Actual (nonpartisan) audio from Bill O'Reilly and Karl Rove. (07/21/2008)

The good humor man By James Hannaham
Who invented jokes, and why do we laugh at them? Jim Holt discusses the history of funny. (07/21/2008)

Religion is poetry By Steve Paulson
The beauties of religion need to be saved from both the true believers and the trendy atheists, argues compelling religious scholar James Carse. (07/21/2008)

Mad women Kate Harding
The female characters on "Mad Men" are complex and fascinating -- so why no Emmy love? (07/21/2008)

Why I hate summer By Rachel Shukert
Sweaty thighs sticking to plastic chairs? Miserable barbecues and forced merriment? Thanks, but I'll pass. (07/21/2008)

I bailed on taking the bar exam at the last minute -- twice By Cary Tennis
I finally got through law school but I'm having a problem with procrastination. (07/21/2008)

Janet Jackson's nipple not "actionably indecent" Kate Harding
A federal court finally throws out the FCC's attempt to fine CBS for 2004's "Nipplegate." (07/21/2008)

"WTF" of the day: Wii sex game Sarah Hepola
Nintendo's popular party console simulates the ultimate party activity. (07/21/2008)

What a load of crockpots! Sarah Hepola
Who doesn't want a Manwich? Sarah Haskins' new video spoofs the advertising world's rosy vision of motherhood. (07/21/2008)

Ma vie en noir Judy Berman
Should a 12-year-old British boy be allowed to get sex reassignment surgery? (07/21/2008)

Iraqi prime minister: Obama has "right time frame" for withdrawal By Mathias Muller von Blumencron and Bernard Zand
Read the interview with Der Spiegel in which Nouri al-Maliki backs Barack Obama's timetable for leaving Iraq. (07/21/2008)

How big will Democratic gains be this fall? By Thomas F. Schaller
A panel of experts projects the number of seats Democrats will add in the House in November -- and which Democrats are most likely to lose their jobs. (07/21/2008)

McCain campaign adopts Bush's respect for free expression Glenn Greenwald
The Rove operative at the center of Bush's dissent-suppressive advance team is now doing the same for McCain. (07/21/2008)

Leaders of the free world Glenn Greenwald
A formal report from the House of Commons concludes that it "can no longer rely on assurances from a U.S. administration that purports to uphold the civil and political standards of behavior." (07/21/2008)

The Clinton strategy -- for McCain? Justin Jouvenal
Two writers for the conservative National Review exhort the presumptive Republican nominee to adopt Hillary Clinton's strategy in campaigning against Barack Obama. (07/21/2008)

New McCain ad misleads on drilling Alex Koppelman
In its latest spot, John McCain's campaign blames Barack Obama for high gas prices, but the ad is less than honest. (07/21/2008)

Obama campaign taking revenge? Justin Jouvenal
There was no space for a New Yorker reporter on the press plane for Obama's overseas trip; some observers believe that may be related to the magazine's controversial cover image. (07/21/2008)

A reprieve for Yellowstone's wolves Katharine Mieszkowski
Put down that shotgun! Judge restores protections, scolds feds. (07/21/2008)

Right calls foul on rejection of McCain's Op-Ed Vincent Rossmeier
Conservative bloggers are outraged by the New York Times' rejection of John McCain's piece and, unsurprisingly, decry the media's liberal bias. (07/21/2008)

McCain meets with first President Bush, slams Obama Alex Koppelman
During an appearance with the current president's father, John McCain says his opponent has been "completely wrong" on Iraq. (07/21/2008)

McCain, Obama agree to first joint appearance Alex Koppelman
The two candidates will participate in a forum at the church of the Rev. Rick Warren, author of "The Purpose-Driven Life." (07/21/2008)

Janet Jackson's boob freed King Kaufman
A federal appeals court throws out CBS's $550,000 fine for the Super Bowl "wardrobe malfunction." (07/21/2008)

The Unwritten Rule War rages on King Kaufman
If the Blue Jays threw at the Rays for bunting with a five-run lead in the sixth, things are getting worse. (07/21/2008)

Digital disasters friends and family should have prevented Joe Hutsko
Oops, I was going to back up my computer, but... (07/21/2008)

Recycling the old bicycle Andrew Leonard
Another entry in the $4-a-gallon consumer behavior modification logbook. (07/21/2008)

Why the iPhone is the best and worst e-book reader ever Joe Hutsko
Reading a long novel on a tiny screen is claustrophobic, but if the book is good your brain will get the message. (07/21/2008)

A thousand and one knights By Douglas Wolk
There have been countless versions of Batman, from brooding crusader to gadget-loving detective. How does "The Dark Knight" measure up? (07/19/2008)

Critics' Picks
What you need to see, read, do this week: Heidi Klum and Tim Gunn return; Beck's back, too, and in great form. (07/19/2008)

Does Gotham need Batman anymore?
Stephanie Zacharek and Andrew O'Hehir discuss the box office hit. (07/19/2008)

Political harmony v. the rule of law: an easy choice for the political establishment Glenn Greenwald
The belief that high government officials should be exempt from the rule of law is pervasive across the political class (07/19/2008)

"Mamma Mia!" By Stephanie Zacharek
Pierce Brosnan sings! Meryl Streep dances! Can't you hear ABBA's "SOS"? (07/18/2008)

Knowing me, knowing ABBA By Mary Elizabeth Williams
How did a cheesy Scandinavian pop group in jumpsuits and blue eye shadow become as seriously beloved as the Beatles? (07/18/2008)

"Before I Forget" By Stephanie Zacharek
This movie about a former hustler is a devastating portrait of the aging body. (07/18/2008)

Batman vs. the lavender genius of crime! Andrew O'Hehir
I watched the great 10-hour Japanese antiwar film! Now it's your turn. Plus: Topiary genius, life after the tsunami, and a gay British crime lord. (07/18/2008)

WayLay By Carol Lay
Let's hope Steve's will to live is as strong as his skull. (07/18/2008)

Broadsheet, out Sarah Hepola
We're taking a holiday, so now it's your turn to speak. (07/18/2008)

The right-wing understanding of Government Glenn Greenwald
A former White House aide and current CEO of Freedom's Watch thinks that the President is the "client" of the Attorney General (07/18/2008)

Bob Barr endorses Accountability Now/Strange Bedfellows coalition Glenn Greenwald
The widespread agreement between important factions of citizens on the Left and Right illustrates important facts about how our political establishment operates (07/18/2008)

One more good reason to lift the embargo on Cuba By Joe Conason
Let's seize the potential of the nation's sugar-based ethanol -- before China beats us to it. (07/18/2008)

Report: Obama won't speak in front of Brandenburg Gate Alex Koppelman
The presumptive Democratic nominee's desire to speak in front of the Berlin landmark had sparked some controversy; he'll reportedly appear elsewhere in the city instead. (07/18/2008)

McCain advisor woos Clinton supporters Vincent Rossmeier
On Tuesday, Carly Fiorina met with a group of Clinton backers who are "intensely uncomfortable with the notion of a President Obama." (07/18/2008)

McCain suggests longer gas tax holiday Alex Koppelman
A temporary suspension of the federal gas tax won't actually benefit consumers, but now John McCain says it might need to last even longer than the three months he'd originally supported. (07/18/2008)

New McCain ad hits Obama hard on foreign policy Alex Koppelman
The latest spot from John McCain's campaign goes after Barack Obama's record on the issue, but contains at least one seriously misleading claim. (07/18/2008)

Obama's schedule Alex Koppelman
Barack Obama's camp has released information on the foreign leaders the presumptive Democratic nominee will be meeting with; meanwhile, John McCain may have created a security risk for Obama. (07/18/2008)

Bush-league bloggers King Kaufman
Pro athletes are typing away like never before. Most of it's bad, but minor league baseball is a veritable writer's colony. (07/18/2008)

Bateman: George W. Bush on crazy gas prices
As the cost of gasoline nears $5 a gallon, what advice does the president have for us? (07/17/2008)

"The Dark Knight" By Stephanie Zacharek
The most anticipated movie of the summer has arrived -- and Heath Ledger's Joker is nothing to laugh at. (07/17/2008)

On temptation and forgiveness
Tracy Clark-Flory reflects on a new study of gender differences related to flirtation. (07/17/2008)

Tom the Dancing Bug By Ruben Bolling
The Great Photoshop War of 2008. (07/17/2008)

The bikini theory Catherine Price
Helen Mirren proves that winning an Oscar for playing a British monarch 20 years your senior doesn't mean you can't rock a two-piece suit. (07/17/2008)

Amanda Peet: "Sorry about that 'parasites' thing" Kate Harding
The actress regrets calling parents who don't vaccinate their children "parasites," but she still thinks they're making the wrong choice. (07/17/2008)

Toilet talk Catherine Price
Can using the ladies room help your career? (07/17/2008)

I'm afraid I'm doing the wrong art By Cary Tennis
Should I paint, or sculpt, or write? I can't decide. (07/17/2008)

The rise and fall of an American beer By Edward McClelland
Before it was bought by Belgium's InBev, Budweiser trampled local breweries across this land. Who's crying in their (piss) beer now? (07/17/2008)

Are breast self-exams worth it? Kate Harding
Regular checks can help identify malignant tumors early, but they can also lead to unnecessary procedures and jacked-up anxiety. (07/17/2008)

Is a black princess that hard to imagine? Judy Berman
Disney rethinks its first African-American heroine amid accusations of racism. (07/17/2008)

All hail Kay Ryan Laura Miller
The newly appointed poet laureate aims to "prevent all bad poetry from being published during [her] reign." (07/17/2008)

"Ugh" of the day Tracy Clark-Flory
A new sex column analyzes "little girls jumping out of their panties" for Barack Obama. (07/17/2008)

Flip-flopping to the White House By Mike Madden
How Barack Obama and John McCain are changing positions on everything from wiretapping to taxes. (07/17/2008)

Cracking Code Pink By Cintra Wilson
Why does the peace movement have to dress and act like an irritating children's birthday party? (07/17/2008)

Bill Clinton on Obama: "We had a good talk" Alex Koppelman
While announcing a deal his foundation struck to reduce the price of malaria drugs in Africa, the former president takes questions on the presumptive Democratic nominee. (07/17/2008)

Quote of the day Alex Koppelman
John McCain's not sounding terribly optimistic about his prospects for victory. (07/17/2008)

Conservatives claim bias in coverage of Obama trip Alex Koppelman
The right is complaining about plans for the three big network anchors to accompany Barack Obama abroad, saying this shows a pro-Obama bias; as usual, there's a simpler explanation. (07/17/2008)

Obama raised $52 million in June Alex Koppelman
The campaign's announcement of its second-largest haul yet puts the lie to reports that Obama had been having trouble raising money recently. (07/17/2008)

McCain plans to keep up attacks while Obama's away Mike Madden
Republicans say they'll continue a full-court press against Barack Obama while he's in the Middle East and Europe. (07/17/2008)

Obama "would rather lose a war ... [than] an election" Alex Koppelman
Continuing a frequent theme, John McCain's national security advisor accuses Barack Obama of having set his Iraq policy for political gain, without knowledge of the current situation there. (07/17/2008)

Ashcroft suggests CIA sought legal approval after torture began Mark Benjamin
The former attorney general raises the possibility that the CIA looked for legal cover only after at least one suspected member of al-Qaida was tortured. (07/17/2008)

Obama camp strikes back Alex Koppelman
Responding to attacks from John McCain's campaign about Iraq, Barack Obama's campaign says all "John McCain has ever looked for in Iraq are reasons to stay there indefinitely." (07/17/2008)

First-half predictions: Predictably bad King Kaufman
It's not pretty for this column, though not as ugly as for those who picked the Mariners. (07/17/2008)

Texas' deregulation sticker shock Andrew Leonard
Texans pay more for their electricity than the rest of the U.S. And that's exactly how it should be, say Republicans. (07/17/2008)

Growing pains for Kiva Andrew Leonard
Call it Web 2.0: The African version. The online microfinance lending site stumbles, but doesn't get knocked down (07/17/2008)

The deep structure of kung fu panda-monium Andrew Leonard
An expert in modern Chinese literature takes on the cultural significance of Dreamworks' martial arts cartoon (07/17/2008)

Red State Update: Tips for McCain on surfing the Web
Jackie and Dunlap notice one important site missing from McCain's list of daily online reading. (07/16/2008)

Hey, Emmy voters! Don't forget ... By Salon staff
On the eve of the announcement of this year's Emmy nominees, we offer last-minute suggestions for best actors, shows, writing and more. (07/16/2008)

Bateman: Ben Bernanke in plain English
Particularly concerned means totally panicked. Translating the Fed chairman's remarks on Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and more. (07/16/2008)

Is oil shale a quick fix for energy needs?
Alex Koppelman discusses Bush's proposed plan for oil shale, which may not be viable until 2020, and maybe not even then. (07/16/2008)

Is Slovenia the film world's new Romania? Andrew O'Hehir
From slacker comedies to horror films and rom-coms, the least well known of all former Yugoslav republics gets its moment. (07/16/2008)

The K Chronicles By Keith Knight
Flashback to 2000: What will the new century bring? (07/16/2008)

I'm sleeping with my best friend's fiancé By Cary Tennis
I didn't like him at first because he was treating her bad, but now I've got him under my skin. (07/16/2008)

Teen pregnancy: "Rational long-term economic choice"? Lynn Harris
L.A. Times editorial about young parenthood slams stigma, upends assumptions. (07/16/2008)

"You don't feel like it, but you do it for him" Lynn Harris
Australian study: Attitude toward marital rape has yet to catch up with law against it. (07/16/2008)

Workin' 9 to 5 -- on Broadway! Judy Berman
Dolly Parton brings the feminist cult classic to the stage. (07/16/2008)

Used women are like used cars? Tracy Clark-Flory
BMW compares nonvirgins to preowned luxury vehicles. (07/16/2008)

"WTF" of the day Sarah Hepola
"Liquid virgin tightening lubricant" -- get your designer vagina from a handy and colorful squeeze bottle. (07/16/2008)

When the bottom line overrides the Hippocratic oath By Rahul K. Parikh, M.D.
As a naive pediatric resident, I couldn't believe it when the surgeon called back and said we don't treat those kinds of patients. (07/16/2008)

Turning their backs on jihad By Britta Sandberg
Disenchanted with Osama bin Laden, former holy warriors are renouncing violence. (07/16/2008)

Barack Obama's super marketing machine By Mike Madden
He knows your neighborhood, your favorite products and even when you open your e-mail. How Obama is betting on vast, corporate-style voter outreach to win the White House. (07/16/2008)

The livin' is easy By Garrison Keillor
In the sweetness of July, nothing seems to matter -- not high gas prices, the dumb New Yorker cover, nor the Fannie and Freddie bailout. (07/16/2008)

Tom Friedman doesn't understand why America is unpopular in the world Glenn Greenwald
The same foreign policy expert who justified the attack on Iraq with "Suck. On. This" scornfully dismisses worldwide discontent with the U.S. (07/16/2008)

Al-Marri and the power to imprison U.S. citizens without charges Glenn Greenwald
Tuesday's ruling by a right-wing appellate court further institutionalizes definitively un-American powers. (07/16/2008)

Planned Parenthood ad slams McCain Alex Koppelman
The spot reruns what was an embarrassing moment for John McCain, when he seemed stumped by a question about Viagra and birth control. (07/16/2008)

McCain wants surge in Afghanistan, but with what troops? Alex Koppelman
John McCain can't seem to find a consistent position on adding troops, and with good reason -- given his plan for Iraq, sufficient U.S. forces would not be available. (07/16/2008)

New MoveOn ad: "Timeline" Alex Koppelman
The latest spot from the group slams John McCain for not supporting a timetable for withdrawal from Iraq. (07/16/2008)

Mass. Senate votes to let gays from out of state marry Alex Koppelman
The body repeals a 1913 law, originally directed at interracial marriages, that had been used to prevent nonresident same-sex couples from marrying in Massachusetts. (07/16/2008)

McCain advisor's new message on Iraq: Obama's just like Bush Alex Koppelman
John McCain's national security advisor draws a parallel between the president and the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee. (07/16/2008)

Catholic group asks McCain camp to drop controversial figure Alex Koppelman
Catholics United wants John McCain to remove Deal Hudson from a committee of prominent Catholic supporters; in 2004, amid scandal, Hudson resigned as an advisor to President Bush's re-election campaign. (07/16/2008)

Obama camp makes play to reframe national security debate Alex Koppelman
With its new message about a "changing world," the campaign looks to turn the current narrative about the issue on its head. (07/16/2008)

A.L. wins All-Star marathon King Kaufman
After 15 innings and almost five hours, Yankee Stadium's last Midsummer Classic ends the way they all do these days. (07/16/2008)

All-Star dumb stat watch King Kaufman
The Mets have their longest winning streak on a particular date in 17 years! Wow! Plus: Yankee Stadium was el cheapo in '23. (07/16/2008)

Reasons to whine about the U.S. economy Andrew Leonard
Inflation shoots up. Wages don't keep pace. Phil Gramm is strangely silent (07/16/2008)

Triumph of the global middle class Andrew Leonard
No more doom and gloom -- Goldman Sachs' chief economist says we should all be happy that the world is getting richer (07/16/2008)

Border security, then and now Andrew Leonard
A century ago, the U.S. Army attempted to police the U.S.-Mexico border, with mixed success. Force isn't always the right answer (07/16/2008)

Genetically modified organic farming Andrew Leonard
What would Rachel Carson say about the prospect of sustainable GMOs? (07/16/2008)

Scott Bateman: "I'm drawing a blank ... I hate it when I do that"
Appearing on CNN, South Carolina Gov. Sanford comes up dry on the differences between Bush's and McCain's economic policies. (07/15/2008)

Awesome Kids' Video Project: The sequel! Andrew O'Hehir
As requested, the also-rans in our reader poll of family summer flicks. Also: Is this list racist? Is Hannibal Lecter right for your family? And more! (07/15/2008)

The saddest story
Tracy Clark-Flory comments on an Associated Press story following the sentencing of 20 men involved in sexual acts with an 11-year-old girl in 2006. (07/15/2008)

Answering terror with terror By Louis Bayard
In "The Dark Side," Jane Mayer chronicles the terrible, destructive decisions the Bush administration made in the name of fighting terrorism. (07/15/2008)

This Modern World By Tom Tomorrow
Obama phenomena. (07/15/2008)

My wife left me because the dolphins at Sea World gave me an erection By Cary Tennis
I thought I could reunify the family with a trip to the aquarium -- but after my mishap, she kicked me out. (07/15/2008)

Not-so-bulging brides Catherine Price
Has pre-wedding dieting gotten out of control? (07/15/2008)

Amanda Peet gets her shot on Katharine Mieszkowski
The actress and mom defends childhood vaccinations from Jenny McCarthy. (07/15/2008)

So much for my happy ending Sarah Hepola
Men aren't the only ones having icky, anonymous sex with their deep-tissue massages. (07/15/2008)

Prada: The new puberty Tracy Clark-Flory
In today's young adult novels, girls become women via consumption. (07/15/2008)

Charles Atlas will make a man of you! By Todd Levin
Forget Wii Fit and Perfect Pushup suction cups. To get in shape, I went back to the original fitness guru -- "the world's most perfectly developed man." (07/15/2008)

On the ballot this November: Obama, McCain and a definition of when life begins Catherine Price
In a nationwide first, Colorado voters will be asked to decide whether a fertilized human egg should be defined as a person. (07/15/2008)

Bush: Birth control = abortion Tracy Clark-Flory
An administration proposal protects antiabortion medical providers and redefines birth control as abortion. (07/15/2008)

Obama to NAACP: "Our work is not over"
In a speech to the civil rights group, Barack Obama said he'd work to end discrimination and invoked the words of Martin Luther King Jr. to describe the fight ahead. (07/15/2008)

Sabotage in Guantánamo By Stacy Sullivan
How the 9/11 suspects are trying to exploit the major flaws in the military commissions implemented by the Bush administration. (07/15/2008)

Rush Limbaugh was right By Gary Kamiya
The blogosphere's reaction to the New Yorker cover proves that the Bush era has killed a lot of liberals' sense of humor. And that's not funny. (07/15/2008)

Life in the catbird seat for Obama By Walter Shapiro
Democrats have watched leads disappear before, especially when they sub "more of the same" for "change." (07/15/2008)

The motivation for blocking investigations into Bush lawbreaking Glenn Greenwald
Key congressional Democrats were aware and tacitly supportive of Bush's illegal interrogation and surveillance programs, a key motive in why they helped prevent accountability. (07/15/2008)

Suicide bombs kill 35 Iraqi recruits Alex Koppelman
Two bombers, posing as fellow recruits, blew themselves up at an Iraqi army base on Tuesday. (07/15/2008)

The McCain cartoon satire Alex Koppelman
A political cartoonist imagines what a satire of John McCain would look like if it were done by the conservative National Review. (07/15/2008)

Quote of the day Alex Koppelman
A critical look at the seemingly endless stream of outrage that has dominated coverage of this campaign. (07/15/2008)

Obama camp releases new ad Alex Koppelman
The latest spot from Barack Obama's campaign focuses on the senator's efforts to secure loose nuclear weapons. (07/15/2008)

Oops, he did it again Alex Koppelman
A day after he got caught referring to a country that hasn't existed in 15 years, John McCain repeated his mistake. (07/15/2008)

"Straight talk" of the day Alex Koppelman
At a town hall on Tuesday, John McCain promised that he wouldn't bluster, and then he went ahead and did just that. (07/15/2008)

Lies, damn lies, correlation and causation Alex Koppelman
Despite the evidence to the contrary, conservative pundit Larry Kudlow credits a press availability by President Bush with a drop in the price of oil. (07/15/2008)

Forget what he said -- McCain's not against gay adoption Vincent Rossmeier
A spokeswoman says the senator "could have been clearer" in discussing his stance on gay adoption, and that he really isn't against it after all. (07/15/2008)

McCain, Obama find common ground in Afghanistan Mark Benjamin
They may have attacked each other during respective public appearances on Tuesday, but the two still agreed on a surprising number of things. (07/15/2008)

So long, Billy Packer King Kaufman
After three decades calling the Final Four, he's out at CBS. Has anyone in sports TV lasted so long while being loved so little? (07/15/2008)

The amazing Josh Hamilton King Kaufman
Joe Morgan's right: Beating drugs is great and a nice story, but hitting like he has after three years off is really incredible. (07/15/2008)

A plague of economic locusts Andrew Leonard
The Federal Reserve chairman cites "numerous difficulties" facing the economy. And Ben Bernanke is not known for his hyperbole. (07/15/2008)

OPEC changes the oil equation Andrew Leonard
Energy traders scramble to unload their holdings after the organization suggests the world isn't as hungry for crude as it used to be. (07/15/2008)

Goldman Sachs' solar play Andrew Leonard
The never-misses-a-beat investment bank is prowling in the Mojave desert (07/15/2008)

Big Think: "Privacy is in pretty great danger"
Author Jonathan Zittrain discusses whether we can govern ourselves online. (07/14/2008)

Soundtrack for the great American road trip By Michaelangelo Matos
The Hold Steady are a New York indie rock band for people who hate New York indie rock bands, and their new album chronicles the country's dark underbelly. (07/14/2008)

Bateman: Is there a way to deter hijackers?
Yes, fit all passengers with incapacitating electronic bracelets. (07/14/2008)

The end of men By Douglas Wolk
The cartoon epic "Y: The Last Man," the most entertaining satire about gender in recent memory, comes to its triumphant conclusion. (07/14/2008)

The kitchen: Not just for men anymore Judy Berman
More women are assuming positions of power in high-end restaurants. (07/14/2008)

The offensiveness of Bernie Mac Sarah Hepola
The comedian's jokes about hos and black first ladies fall flat at an Obama fundraiser. Should we be outraged? (07/14/2008)

Equality holds women back? Huh? Kate Harding
Generous maternity benefits are making British women less attractive to employers -- and the solution is more generous paternity benefits. (07/14/2008)

Awesome or awful? Self-cleaning underwear Sarah Hepola
The future is coming, and it won't require Woolite. (07/14/2008)

Ask Pablo By Pablo Päster
Follow these simple tips and you can drive your sky-high gasoline bill back down to earth. (07/14/2008)

This just in: Adolescence sucks Kate Harding
A new study shows that adolescent girls are stressed, insecure and anxious. What else is new? (07/14/2008)

Why wouldn't a 16-year-old boy want to live on a houseboat? By Cary Tennis
See, there's this maverick single dad with three adopted kids, and he buys this old houseboat and starts restoring it ... (07/14/2008)

What journalists should be asking about the no-bid Iraqi oil deals By Nick Turse
What was the Bush administration's involvement in the recent deals? (07/14/2008)

Can you hear me now? Obama's missing 2 percent By Paul Maslin and Jonathan Brown
By failing to survey cellphone-only voters, pollsters could be undercounting Barack Obama's support by millions of voters. (07/14/2008)

Accountability Now and Strange Bedfellows: The strategy and rationale Glenn Greenwald
A new campaign devoted to civil liberties, core Constitution protections and the rule of law is designed to change the incentive scheme of the Beltway establishment. (07/14/2008)

What Obama really said to the NAACP Joan Walsh
Headlines about how he again preached responsibility and "tough love" to the black community are distorting a powerful speech. (07/14/2008)

The Obama cover kerfuffle Alex Koppelman
The cover of the latest issue of the New Yorker, supposedly a satire of the misconceptions about Barack and Michelle Obama, has set off a firestorm on the Internet. (07/14/2008)

A Democratic surge in Florida, Nevada Justin Jouvenal
In two potentially pivotal states, tens of thousands of Democrats are being added to voter rolls, while new Republican registrations lag badly. (07/14/2008)

Obama: "My plan for Iraq" Alex Koppelman
In an Op-Ed in the New York Times, Barack Obama lays out his strategy for withdrawal. (07/14/2008)

Lizza defends New Yorker cover Alex Koppelman
In an appearance on MSNBC's Hardball, the author of the magazine's most recent piece on Barack Obama said, "sometimes you need to hold a mirror up to these absurdities." (07/14/2008)

How do you solve a problem like Joe Lieberman? Alex Koppelman
The erstwhile Democrat may not be welcome in the Senate's Democratic caucus next year, especially if he speaks at the Republican convention. (07/14/2008)

Another McCain gaffe Alex Koppelman
John McCain is running on his foreign policy, but on Monday he made one more in a string of mistakes that seem to throw into question just how much he really knows. (07/14/2008)

Clinton die-hards want floor vote at convention Alex Koppelman
Some supporters of Hillary Clinton are clamoring for her name to be included in the roll call vote at the Democratic convention, even though she's already endorsed Barack Obama. (07/15/2008)

Returns, returns, returns King Kaufman
This column's back, Favre still won't go, and did you see Nadal vs. Federer? (07/14/2008)

Canseco KO'd King Kaufman
Ex-NFL kick returner deals former baseball star his latest humiliation in a "celebrity" "boxing" "match." (07/14/2008)

How to measure bovine gas Andrew Leonard
Cows fart, and the world gets warmer. And science marches on (07/14/2008)

Best. Bailout. Ever. Andrew Leonard
The U.S government guarantees that the U.S. home mortgage market will not fail. But free market fundamentalism? Bankrupt beyond belief. (07/14/2008)

Critics' Picks
What you need to see, read, do this week: A fantastic site for film fans, the funny "Slackonomics," and Costanza's spellbinding funkscapes. (07/12/2008)

McCain's bad week
Joan Walsh weighs in on John McCain. (07/12/2008)

The ultimate family DVD list Andrew O'Hehir
We asked; you answered. Here's the most-awesome-ever summertime list of offbeat, kid-friendly movies available on DVD -- as chosen (mostly) by Salon readers. (07/12/2008)

Sex and money: A week in review Tracy Clark-Flory
Apparently, we're spending our stimulus checks on porn and "hard times" are forcing women to strip. (07/12/2008)

Another bad week for John McCain Joan Walsh
He's sputtering about birth control and the economy and shape-shifting on immigration. Can this candidacy be saved? Share your best ideas. (07/12/2008)

Torture and the rule of law Glenn Greenwald
Those who have sanctioned or been indifferent to Bush lawbreaking have no grounds to feign outrage over the latest torture revelations (07/12/2008)

"Hellboy II: The Golden Army" By Stephanie Zacharek
The fanciful, witty follow-up to "Hellboy" is so beautiful, you may forget it's a "special-effects" movie. (07/11/2008)

Bateman: George W. Bush on the FISA bill
Breaking: Founding Fathers spinning furiously in graves, throwing off the Earth's rotation. (07/11/2008)

"Journey to the Center of the Earth" By Stephanie Zacharek
Put on those gimmicky glasses. This old-fashioned adventure will wow you with the possibilities of modern 3-D. (07/11/2008)

"Meet Dave" By Stephanie Zacharek
Eddie Murphy offers an olive branch to his fans with this good-natured comedy. (07/11/2008)

Remembering Thomas M. Disch By Elizabeth Hand
In his many dark, satirical, heretical books, the pioneering science fiction author contemplated death with elegant despair. (07/11/2008)

WayLay By Carol Lay
Who's got the nerve to keep up with Steve? (07/11/2008)

My company wants me to move to California By Cary Tennis
I don't like California; I like it where I am! (07/11/2008)

A wonderful, magical animal By Sarah Hepola
Tom Colicchio, David Chang and others on the virtues of the hog, the importance of ethical farming and why true pork lovers are not ignorant pigs about their meat. (07/11/2008)

Men (and women!) at work Nathalie Gorman
Little linguistic changes mean so much. (07/11/2008)

Putting boobies on a pedestal Kate Harding
Touching disembodied breasts will "improve your manly strength!" (07/11/2008)

Buying abortion drugs online Kate Harding
In countries where abortion is illegal, the Internet can be the safest place to go for help. (07/11/2008)

From clearing crap to modeling fashion Tracy Clark-Flory
Former Indian sanitation workers hit a New York runway. (07/11/2008)

Slipped through the cracks Logan Scherer
The stories we didn't get to cover: An all-female football league, 365 days of Cosmo, women in the church and a kerfuffle over potty parity. (07/11/2008)

Let us now praise Jesse Helms By James Hannaham
Yes, he was hellspawn, but the left owes a great debt to the late, unlamented (racist, homophobic) senator. (07/11/2008)

Jesse Helms is not dead By Michael Lind
His politics and his methods live on -- among liberals as well as conservatives. (07/11/2008)

The dangerous hostility game with Iran By Joe Conason
With negotiation starting to work, Bush administration hawks promote an atmosphere of crisis -- and the risk of actual conflict grows. (07/11/2008)

Why progressives should keep organizing on MyBarackObama.com By Mike Stark
Some Obama supporters say we should disband our FISA group now that the vote is past. I disagree. If progressives are silent, the campaign will take us for granted. (07/11/2008)

Sorting out the dueling education coalitions Ed Kilgore
Richard Kahlenberg sorts out the two big new education coalitions recently formed, and explains why Barack Obama should listen to both. (07/11/2008)

McKinney to join Barr on ballot? Ed Kilgore
Six years after they lost congressional seats in primaries, Bob Barr and Cynthia McKinney are national standard-bearers for marginal parties. (07/11/2008)

New McCain ad praises immigrants Mike Madden
John McCain reaches back to last year's immigration debate in a new commercial that could bolster his standing with Latinos and moderates. (07/11/2008)

Learning to live with the "new" Obama Ed Kilgore
Amid the net-roots anger over Obama's vote for the FISA bill, some key activists are saying he has never been that progressive. (07/11/2008)

More about McCain's 300 economists Ed Kilgore
Two HuffPo reporters dig deeper among the 300 economists touted as supporting McCain's economic "plan," and hear a lot of denials. (07/11/2008)

Wall Street joins the "whiners" Ed Kilgore
Worries over mortgages and oil plunge Wall Street deeper into a bear market today, as the Dow drops below 11,000 for the first time in two years. (07/11/2008)

Legal expert says McCain may not be eligible for White House Ed Kilgore
A major new constitutional study suggests that John McCain may not be a "natural born citizen" eligible for the presidency. (07/11/2008)

My own worst enemy
Ever get in the way of yourself? Members of Salon's community, Table Talk, share their tales this week. (07/11/2008)

Ask the pilot By Patrick Smith
Propped up by a culture of fear, TSA has become a bureaucracy with too much power and little accountability. Where will the lunacy stop? (07/11/2008)

Goodbye to Machinist Farhad Manjoo
Yo, I'm out. (07/11/2008)

True grittiness of Iraq By Anna Badkhen
From battlefield chaos to soldier-strength profanity, HBO's "Generation Kill" faithfully captures Marine Corps life during the invasion. (07/10/2008)

Bateman: Sex ed with the Jezebel girls
There's no rape in Williamsburg and other insights from Lizz Winstead's interview with two Jezebel.com bloggers. (07/10/2008)

Legendary German rock groupie tells all! Andrew O'Hehir
A Swedish actor as Mick Jagger, a perpetually naked heroine and the glorious Euro-cheapness of "Eight Miles High." (07/10/2008)

All-night party in a lost city Andrew O'Hehir
Kent Mackenzie's gorgeous black-and-white film "The Exiles" captures a garage-rock world of urban American Indians in a vanished L.A. Plus: German groupie tells all! (07/10/2008)

Here come the muhajababes! By Laura Miller
How sex, booze and heavy metal fit into the world of hip young Arabs today. (07/10/2008)

Tom the Dancing Bug By Ruben Bolling
Super-Fun-Pak Comix: The Elm Street Over-Scheduled Gang, Bruno the Philosopher Fish, and more! (07/10/2008)

Bacon is dead! Long live bacon! By Peter Meehan
It's trendy now, but will hype and gimmickry (bacon cocktails, anyone?) spoil the great salty meat? (07/10/2008)

I've been passing out drunk and it's getting worse By Cary Tennis
I can stay sober for a few weeks, but then have another attack. I'm starting to be truly afraid. (07/10/2008)

Make less! Save more! Katharine Mieszkowski
Planning to retire at 65, ladies? Think again. (07/10/2008)

There's no rape in Williamsburg Sarah Hepola
And other lessons learned from Lizz Winstead's controversial interview of two Jezebel bloggers. (07/10/2008)

From lovebirds to jailbirds Judy Berman
Lesbian couple may face jail time for California marriage. (07/10/2008)

Hotties! Blogging! Jessica Wakeman
Two roundups of sexy female bloggers on the same day? Groan. (07/10/2008)

Pregnant pause Sarah Hepola
John McCain's response to the question: Is it fair that insurance companies cover Viagra but not birth control? (07/10/2008)

Beware Bush's preemptive strike on torture By James Ross
The president might issue a blanket pardon to block prosecution of top U.S. officials behind brutal interrogations -- including himself. (07/10/2008)

The FBI's plan to "profile" Muslims By Juan Cole
It's unconstitutional, un-American -- and it might hurt, rather than help, the FBI's effort to stop real acts of terror. (07/10/2008)

Betrayed by Obama Joan Walsh
The Democrat's FISA sellout is unforgivable, but he's counting on supporters having no place else to go. And McCain's nutty neocon Iran talk helps him make his case. (07/10/2008)

Interview with ACLU re: constitutional challenge to new FISA law Glenn Greenwald
Jameel Jaffer, the Director of the ACLU National Security Project, explains why the new FISA law violates the 4th Amendment and is even broader than the President's illegal NSA program (07/10/2008)

Democrats' strategy: Strength through bowing Glenn Greenwald
Yet again, Democrats, in their never-ending quest to avoid looking "weak," engage in the precise behavior that guarantees that perception (07/10/2008)

A GOP plan for reclaiming the burbs Ed Kilgore
Two young conservatives famous for arguing that Republicans must consolidate their appeal to "Sam's Club" voters now offer a prescription for winning the Starbucks crowd. (07/10/2008)

McCain surrogate says Americans are "whiners" Ed Kilgore
Phil Gramm exposes the conservative id by denouncing economic concerns as "a mental recession" embraced by "a nation of whiners." (07/10/2008)

Republicans fear black voter surge in the South Ed Kilgore
Rep. Adam Putnam worries that black turnout could "swamp" Republicans in down-ballot races in the South. Is he right? (07/10/2008)

Conservatives worry about McCain backslide on immigration Ed Kilgore
Obama's not the only presidential candidate with "base issues" this week. Conservatives are getty antsy about McCain's renewed talk of comprehensive immigration reform. (07/10/2008)

Obama's easy "Sister Souljah moment" Ed Kilgore
Poor Jesse Jackson once again serves up an opportunity for a Democratic presidential candidate to run against type. (07/10/2008)

McCain's unfortunate schedule today Ed Kilgore
John McCain was unlucky enough to be campainging in Michigan today when he had to deal with Phil Gramm's "mental recession" remarks. (07/10/2008)

More timetable talk from Iraq Ed Kilgore
The evidence is growing that the talk in Iraqi leadership circles about a timetable for U.S. withdrawal is real, not "just politics." (07/10/2008)

Was Obama's FISA vote "calculated"? Ed Kilgore
If Barack Obama's vote for FISA amendments was truly a political "calculation," he needs to check his math. (07/10/2008)

Seeking the right geek Andrew Leonard
Salon is hiring a technology reporter (07/10/2008)

A compromise -- or a cave in -- on offshore drilling? Andrew Leonard
Some Democratic politicians are talking about a deal on new drilling. But they're not asking for enough in return for their surrender (07/10/2008)

From soybeans to subprime Andrew Leonard
From the Japanese occupation to the KMT-Communist lovefest, Taiwanese capitalism at its best (07/10/2008)

"True Enough" at Google, and in San Francisco Farhad Manjoo
A YouTubey presentation of my book. (07/10/2008)

Chinese dreams of Monsanto glory Andrew Leonard
The government authorizes a new transgenics development program, aiming for food security and biotech competitiveness (07/10/2008)

So you think you can dance, Bollywood? Andrew Leonard
Reality TV meets "Om Shanti Om" meets a fun time for the whole family (07/10/2008)

Here comes the iPhone (again)
Farhad Manjoo on the latest release. (07/09/2008)

Bateman: "The McLaughlin Group" on Bush's legacy
Here's what Republicans have to do in November -- pray. (07/09/2008)

Not the other white meat Caitlin Shamberg and Rebecca Traister
We visit Veritas Farms, 120 acres in New Paltz, N.Y. The animals are happy, healthy and tasty. (07/09/2008)

Inside the Army's fake Iraq Andrew O'Hehir
Welcome to the military's Iraq Simulation, where the townspeople are Arab actors, the insurgents come from Arkansas -- and things tend to go horribly wrong. (07/09/2008)

The K Chronicles By Keith Knight
Everything is illuminated... (07/09/2008)

Parade shames Gloucester Girls Tracy Clark-Flory
This family-friendly event features teenagers with fake bellies and signs reading, "Sluts missed sex ed." (07/09/2008)

My hip-to-waist ratio is nobody's business but mine By Cary Tennis
Please, women, don't speculate on my hips' suitability for childbearing! (07/09/2008)

Grandma gets off By Judy Berman
Seniors are having more sex, and better sex. (07/09/2008)

Sex ed expert of the day Lynn Harris
Columnist: Actually, Gloucester girls should be mocked (07/09/2008)

Is Carly Fiorina secretly working for Obama? Lynn Harris
Top McCain advisor says "women would like a choice." (07/09/2008)

Facebook's gender trouble Logan Scherer
A recent change may please grammarians, but not transgender users. (07/09/2008)

Quote of the day Tracy Clark-Flory
Should men embrace feminism for their own sake? (07/09/2008)

John McCain's radical tax plan By Justin Jouvenal
He voted against Bush's tax cuts, but now, despite a ballooning deficit, he wants to slash taxes even further -- with most of the benefits going to the rich. (07/09/2008)

My interview with murderer Hans Reiser By Stephen Elliott
Five days before the computer genius who killed his wife led police to her body, he was remorseless and angry in defense of his innocence. (07/09/2008)

German chancellor, Berlin mayor bicker over Obama visit By Carsten Volkery
Berlin's mayor wants to grant Obama's wish to deliver a major speech in front of the Brandenburg Gate, but Angela Merkel has misgivings. (07/09/2008)

Obama hopes to go where JFK went before By Gregor Peter Schmitz
Barack Obama wants to hold a keynote speech on transatlantic relations in front of Berlin's Brandenburg Gate. But don't call him a "European." (07/09/2008)

Suing George W. Bush: A bizarre and troubling tale By Jon B. Eisenberg
U.S. officials went to extremes to stifle our legal challenge to Bush's warrantless surveillance -- but a federal judge says the program is criminal, anyway. (07/09/2008)

Who are you calling a "coot"? By Camille Paglia
Incoming! Readers demand answers about WASPs, Tim Russert and Obama's teleprompter skills. (07/09/2008)

Congress votes to immunize lawbreaking telecoms, legalize warrantless eavesdropping Glenn Greenwald
Yet again, George Bush and Dick Cheney get everything they want from the Democratic-led Congress, this time to put a permanent, and harmless, end to their illegal spying scandal. (07/09/2008)

At 96, he says he's ready to go By Garrison Keillor
But I sense he wants to hang around until November, to see for himself whether Obama wins the White House. (07/09/2008)

Today's coverup of surveillance crimes and Barack Obama Glenn Greenwald
The Democratic nominee's support for this bill speaks volumes about what he is and isn't. (07/09/2008)

What did those 300 economists really endorse? Ed Kilgore
On Monday John McCain's campaign released a list of 300 economists who were endorsing his new economic "plan." Turns out they hadn't read it. (07/09/2008)

Obama bites the bullet on FISA Ed Kilgore
As the Senate approves amendments to FISA, Barack Obama gets hammered from two different directions. (07/09/2008)

"Vote for the Udall nearest you" Ed Kilgore
When the smoke clears on Nov. 4, odds are good that two new Democratic senators from the West will share a last name and a political legacy. (07/09/2008)

Progressives push healthcare Ed Kilgore
Remembering how they were outgunned in 1994, advocates for universal healthcare plan a lavishly financed post-election effort (07/09/2008)

The unwelcome guest at the GOP convention Ed Kilgore
With John McCain trying desperately to separate himself from an unpopular incumbent, Republicans wonder what to do with George W. Bush at their convention. (07/09/2008)

Jesse Jackson's Obama gaffe: Does it matter? Ed Kilgore
Fox News hypes off-mike negative comments by Jackson about Obama's attitude toward the responsibilities of black men. It's hard to imagine this hurts Obama. (07/09/2008)

Relieving taxpayers of political consulting fees Ed Kilgore
Henry Waxman's proposal to ban overtly political White House staffers probably isn't going anywhere. But he makes a good point. (07/10/2008)

A toddler takes on edu-toys By Katharine Mieszkowski
Will these LeapFrog gizmos teach your kid something, or just irritate you? (07/09/2008)

Europe, the vampire mode slayer Andrew Leonard
The EU takes steps to regulate standby power consumption by appliances. So what's the U.S. doing? (07/09/2008)

The iPhone 3G reviews are in: It's pretty good Farhad Manjoo
But battery life suffers, and the GPS isn't as great as you hoped. (07/09/2008)

Hurricane Iran Andrew Leonard
More storms, more Mideast turmoil, more fun with the price of oil. (07/09/2008)

Dumb luck, China, and the Industrial Revolution Andrew Leonard, Andrew Leonard
Another take on the "Needham question" (07/09/2008)

Globalization: Not such an endangered species after all Andrew Leonard
Rising shipping costs might not kill off global trade. Wily humans will find a way (07/09/2008)

Where do all the old cellphones go? Andrew Leonard
Not to the landfill, nor to the recycling center. They just malinger (07/09/2008)

A-Rod vs. the dueling Sherlock clones! Andrew O'Hehir
A new frontier in Other Woman liberation, except not. Whose next-gen Sherlock Holmes will be lamer? Plus: "Wackness" and "Tell No One" wow holiday throngs. (07/08/2008)

Red State Update: Headed to the Olympics
Red State Update on President Bush attending the Olympics, tiny bikinis and acting like we're getting along. (07/08/2008)

On loving pork
Rebecca Traister on the delights of curing her own meat. (07/08/2008)

Ricky goes to Hollywood By Mark Follman
Ricky Gervais, the comic whiz behind "The Office," aims his nervy, discomfiting humor at the stand-up stage and movie stardom. (07/08/2008)

Jesus loves you -- and your orgasm By Louis Bayard
The religious right is celebrating sex to stroke its conservative message. Liberals better rise to a secular defense soon. (07/08/2008)

This Modern World By Tom Tomorrow
The ongoing adventures of Sparkman and the Blinkster. (07/08/2008)

PSAs in your panties? Tracy Clark-Flory
Ads against female genital mutilation are showing up in the crotch of bikini bottoms. (07/08/2008)

Jezebels without a cause Sarah Hepola
Giggling about rape, knocking back drinks, two controversial writers at the popular women's site embarrass themselves -- and their employer. (07/08/2008)

Belly of the beast By Rebecca Traister
So why do I cure my own bacon? Because it's fun, it's easy, and loving food is different than loving the food that you make. (07/08/2008)

How can I convince my girlfriend that this is as good as it gets? By Cary Tennis
She's younger, and she's restless, and she wants that spark of the new. (07/08/2008)

Pink-collar ghetto, here we come! Judy Berman
Study finds graduating women expect to earn less than men. (07/08/2008)

Where have you gone, Marcus Welby? By Robert Burton
Family doctors are a dying breed that is not being revived by medical students. This is the healthcare crisis the candidates should be talking about. (07/08/2008)

Obama and late-term abortion Frances Kissling
An addendum to "Are Democrats Backpedaling on Abortion Rights?" (07/08/2008)

Pakistan's deal with the devil By Walter Mayr
Beheadings, martial law, kidnappings: The Taliban is making its presence felt at the gates of one of Pakistan's biggest cities. (07/08/2008)

Aug. 8, 1974 vs. July 9, 2008 Glenn Greenwald
Almost 35 years ago, a U.S. president was forced to resign due to lawbreaking and surveillance abuses. This week, the U.S. Congress will act to cover up and protect far worse lawbreaking. (07/08/2008)

Edwards opens door wider to veep bid Ed Kilgore
John Edwards said today he'd accept an offer to run with Barack Obama this November. (07/08/2008)

A field guide for McCain campaign infighting Ed Kilgore
If John McCain's presidential campaign isn't already paralyzed by competing factions, Adam Nagourney's analysis of them could help spread the poison. (07/08/2008)

Obama proposes bankruptcy relief Ed Kilgore
On Day Two of the presidential campaign trail's latest Economy Week, Barack Obama proposes changes in a controversial 2005 bankruptcy law. (07/08/2008)

Obama hires HRC women's outreach director Ed Kilgore
In another sign of Obama-Clinton reconciliation, the Obama campaign today announced it had hired Dana Singiser, Clinton's Director of Women's Outreach. (07/08/2008)

Wielding the conservative veto pen Ed Kilgore
National Review's John J. Miller strikes four possibilities from McCain's potential veep list as ideologically unsound. (07/09/2008)

Quote of the day from Dan Balz Ed Kilgore
Dan Balz looks at John McCain's self-contradictory economic plan and concludes he's the "pure reflection of the Republican Party he seeks to lead." (07/08/2008)

Maliki's timetable and McCain's double bind Ed Kilgore
Iraqi Prime Minister's call for a U.S. troop withdrawal timetable exposes Bush and McCain to the flip side of surge-o-mania. (07/08/2008)

McCain dismisses Maliki timetable talk Ed Kilgore
Asked about Iraqi Prime Minister Maliki's call for a withdrawal timetable for U.S. troops, John McCain says it's just politics. (07/08/2008)

One nation, not just speaking English Andrew Leonard
Barack Obama wonders what's up with all those "English-only" whiners. Learn Spanish, already (07/08/2008)

Speculation and the price of oil Andrew Leonard
Two Hofstra economists take issue with Paul Krugman, citing evidence of "hoarding in the crude oil market" (07/08/2008)

World Bank downplays biofuel bombshell report Andrew Leonard
But did Bank president Robert Zoellick just say that the Bush administration's figures on food prices were not to be believed? (07/08/2008)

Good men, bad war By Heather Havrilesky
"The Wire" co-creator Ed Burns expresses his admiration for the 1st Recon Marines depicted in his and David Simon's upcoming HBO miniseries, "Generation Kill." (07/07/2008)

Big Think: "I'm a change agent"
Founder of Journey With an Afghan School Julia Bolz discusses the joys and challenges of helping all children go to school. (07/07/2008)

Barack by the books By Laura Miller
The works that have influenced Obama illustrate that he would be the most literary president in recent memory -- and one likely to govern from the center. (07/07/2008)

Bacon mania By Sarah Hepola
Why are Americans so batty for bacon? It's delicious, it's decadent -- and it's also a fashion statement. (07/07/2008)

Turks gone wild! Tracy Clark-Flory
Women protest an exhibitionism conviction by showing some skin. (07/07/2008)

Money, money, money Kate Harding
"Sex and the City" proved that four women over 40 can open a movie -- but what about three women over 50? (07/07/2008)

The male biological clock Kate Harding
Nicholson and Beatty notwithstanding, men's fertility declines as they age, too. (07/07/2008)

Harvard for toddlers Amy Benfer
Google provides the world's greatest day care -- for millionaires. (07/07/2008)

At 56 I want an art history degree By Cary Tennis
I hit the wall in my dead-end job, I'm sleeping on a friend's floor, but I have a dream! (07/07/2008)

Reader, she married him Sarah Hepola
As wedding season churns on (and celebrities' marriages rip open), the New York Times offers a mini-instruction manual on connubial bliss. (07/07/2008)

Obama veepstakes: The other woman By Walter Shapiro
She's no Hillary Clinton, but Kathleen Sebelius, the popular governor of Kansas, may have a shot at being Barack's running mate. (07/07/2008)

Apocalypse now By Mike Davis
In a devastating global climate of our own making, how will humans survive? (07/07/2008)

Are Democrats backpedaling on abortion rights? By Kate Michelman, Frances Kissling
As feminist Obama supporters, we believe Clinton voters will come around -- but not if the party adopts an abortion reduction strategy. (07/07/2008)

Beltway myth: "The left-wing base" vs. "the American people" on Iraq Glenn Greenwald
Mara Liasson falsely claims that "the American people" only want to leave Iraq when "conditions on the ground" permit it. (07/07/2008)

The bitter legacy of Jesse Helms Ed Kilgore
There's a reason why so many Americans can't feel charitable about the passing of the virulent warrior of the Right. (07/07/2008)

Jim Webb pulls out of veepstakes Ed Kilgore
The Virginia senator asks not to be considered for the vice presidential nomination. (07/07/2008)

The other "other woman" for veep Ed Kilgore
If Barack Obama wants to choose a woman other than Hillary Clinton as his running-mate, Arizona Gov. Janet Napolitano commands some real attention. (07/08/2008)

Big speech, big venue Ed Kilgore
Barack Obama's campaign has officially announced that the presumptive Democratic nominee will accept the nomination not at the convention site but at a 76,000-seat stadium nearby. (07/07/2008)

McCain's slow motion riot Ed Kilgore
Bill Kristol's latest column may presage further changes inside John McCain's presidential campaign. (07/07/2008)

McCain's economic plan looks DOA Ed Kilgore
John McCain's latest economic policy package appears to be a dressed up re-hash of proposals that are unlikely to pass Congress anyway. (07/07/2008)

Blurring the lines on Iraq Ed Kilgore
Republicans are attacking Barack Obama on the war, claiming he's flip-flopped, but that allegation doesn't hold water. (07/07/2008)

Free trade, but not for the flag Andrew Leonard
It is OK to burn Old Glory, if she's made in China? (07/07/2008)

Rich country, poor country, hot planet Andrew Leonard
Europe's head start on fighting climate change might offer some useful hints for the masters of the global economy currently meeting in Japan. (07/07/2008)

American epitaph: "More is more" Andrew Leonard
The cultural relevance of 64-ounce sodas and Ford Expeditions. (07/07/2008)

Critics' Picks
What you need to see, read, do this week: Sigur Ros' irresistible refrains, Elvis Mitchell's great interviews -- and a superbly neurotic story collection. (07/05/2008)

The unbearable whiteness of being By Katharine Mieszkowski
The author of "Stuff White People Like" skewers the sacred cows of lefty Caucasian culture, from the Prius to David Sedaris. (07/05/2008)

The political establishment and telecom immunity -- why it matters Glenn Greenwald
Congress this week will take another major step toward creating a two-tiered system of justice whereby the elite have license to break laws -- exactly what the Founders warned against. (07/05/2008)

Bateman: Head of the Joint Chiefs of Staff on Afghanistan
Adm. Mike Mullen has to wait for a "reduced requirement in Iraq" before more troops can be sent to Afghanistan. (07/04/2008)

YouTube is not private
Farhad Manjoo on the recent order that Google and YouTube must turn over viewing data to Viacom. (07/04/2008)

Bedtime for "Gonzo" Andrew O'Hehir
Alex Gibney talks about his Oscar-winning "Taxi to the Dark Side" and his new look at Hunter S. Thompson, American hero. (Plus: Audio podcast.) (07/04/2008)

WayLay By Carol Lay
Mom's approach to gambling with death is a little different. (07/04/2008)

Jesse Helms dies on July 4th Associated Press
Former Republican N.C. Sen. Jesse Helms dies at 86. (07/04/2008)

What John McCain didn't learn in Vietnam By Joe Conason
In spite of overwhelming evidence to the contrary, the former POW insists we could have won. No wonder he talks of occupying Iraq for a century. (07/04/2008)

Them walls, them walls, them dry walls
Are you in home improvement Hades? This week, members of Salon's community, Table Talk, remind you you're not alone. (07/04/2008)

A biofuel food-price bombshell Andrew Leonard
The U.K. Guardian reports some astonishing numbers from a "confidential" World Bank study on energy crops and grain prices. (07/04/2008)

On the dopeness of "The Wackness" Andrew O'Hehir
In this interview and podcast, director Jonathan Levine talks about how Holden Caulfield met Rudy Giuliani and Biggie in the heartbroken, heat-stricken New York summer of 1994. (07/03/2008)

Bateman: "Responsibilites of American Citizenship"
Actual audio from a 1955 film about your responsibilities as a free and commie-fearing citizen. (07/03/2008)

What would a feminist campaign look like?
Rebecca Traister discusses how the presidential candidates can effectively address women this election year. (07/03/2008)

In search of the holy grand By Kevin Berger
Glenn Gould's obsessive pursuit of the perfect piano led to the enduring heart of his extraordinary music. (07/03/2008)

Tom the Dancing Bug By Ruben Bolling
Got a solution for the energy crisis? Get in on John's McCain's big cash giveaway! (07/03/2008)

Lady superstars are totally marriageable after all Rebecca Traister
News flash: Beautiful, rich, famous women are not wholly unappealing! (07/03/2008)

Sugar, spice and science Kate Harding
Mars, Venus, woolly mammoths -- no really, they did a study! (07/03/2008)

My migraines make me feel like driving a pickax through my face! By Cary Tennis
I need help dealing with these migraines or I don't know if I'll make it! (07/03/2008)

Aussies: Sex lives of soap stars? Tracy Clark-Flory
Cheating, bad sex and pornography, oh my! A new book reports on women Down Under. (07/03/2008)

What the Pregnant Man didn't deliver By Thomas Rogers
Thomas Beatie brought us a media circus and late-night punch lines. But there's something missing, say some transgender advocates -- more respect. (07/03/2008)

From hot chick to nerd girl in four easy steps Judy Berman
A Web site advises guys on converting their girlfriends to geekdom. (07/03/2008)

What would a feminist campaign look like? Rebecca Traister
Hint: No bra burning would be involved. (07/03/2008)

Throwing out the bonus with the bath water Catherine Price
When people take parental leave, should they still be eligible for incentive pay? (07/03/2008)

The economics of abortion Catherine Price
In Minnesota, more women are citing the costs of children in their decisions to terminate a pregnancy. Should we be surprised? (07/03/2008)

Exploitative Fourth of July peg of the day! Kate Harding
Women should celebrate the holiday by not being so abusable? (07/03/2008)

Losing the mullet, angling for veep By Mike Madden
Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty has a shot at being John McCain's No. 2 -- and it's not just because of the snazzy new haircut. (07/03/2008)

A deluge waiting to happen By Katharine Mieszkowski
Nature will do as nature does, but humans are to blame for the deadly Midwestern floods. (07/03/2008)

The Al-Haramain ruling and the current Congress Glenn Greenwald
Another federal court's ruling reveals how false and extreme is the case for warrantless eavesdropping and telecom immunity. (07/03/2008)

The drilling myth that just won't die Steve Benen
Republicans keep arguing, falsely, that China is drilling for oil in Cuban waters. (07/03/2008)

Obama will "continue to refine" Iraq policy Steve Benen
In North Dakota, Obama reiterates his support for a flexible withdrawal timetable in Iraq. (07/03/2008)

Happy 4th of July Weekend Steve Benen
Happy 4th of July Weekend (07/03/2008)

McCain reboots, gives rise to the Rovians Steve Benen
After major staff shake-up, McCain leaves his campaign in the hands of Karl Rove acolytes. (07/03/2008)

Another discouraging month on the jobs front Steve Benen
After the sixth consecutive month of job losses, McCain and Obama offer competing visions. (07/03/2008)

Bush vows more troops for Afghanistan, but Mullen doesn't have them Steve Benen
The president says troop levels need to rise, but the Joint Chiefs chairman says the forces will have to come from Iraq. (07/03/2008)

Thursday's campaign roundup Steve Benen
Today's installment of campaign-related news items. (07/03/2008)

Fox News stoops to digital graffiti Steve Benen
While complaining about a hit piece, the controversial network manipulates the images of New York Times journalists. (07/03/2008)

The religious right warms up to McCain Steve Benen
Evangelical leaders swallow hard and embrace the Republican they vowed to oppose. (07/03/2008)

Triumph of the low-carbon city dweller Andrew Leonard
Back to the land? Pfft. If you want to conserve energy, the cosmopolitan lifestyle is the way to go. You can look it up (07/03/2008)

Scary! YouTube ordered to hand your viewing history to Viacom Farhad Manjoo
But there's a silver lining to one of the most bone-headed legal decisions in recent times. (07/03/2008)

Oil up, jobs down Andrew Leonard
Same old song and dance: A new record for the price of oil, and more bad employment numbers for the U.S. economy (07/03/2008)

A dream of Russian dandelions Andrew Leonard
The rising price of natural rubber is puncturing tire manufacturer profitability. But a weed grows in Uzbekistan... (07/03/2008)

Can immigrants save an aging Europe? Andrew Leonard
What happens to a society with a declining birth rate which refuses to open the door to outsiders? (07/03/2008)

Behind the wheel of the Smart car
Farhad Manjoo gave you a ride in the Smart car and even found parking. (07/02/2008)

Bateman: McCain on "our neighbors to the south"
Actual audio from a Web ad in which the GOP candidate talks about jobs and free trade. (07/02/2008)

Japanese film's