With the blogwatch resting on your shoulders,

You’re gonna need someone on your side…

Hit & Run has a highly interesting and useful post on a new Egyptian liberal party.

TAPPED (The American Prospect) has two good posts on Abu Ghraib-related matters: dogs and CACI, the private corrections firm that trained interrogators and just got its contract renewed.

Radley “The Agitator“ Balko profiles Modest Needs, which helps people over the rough spots in life. Excerpt: “Modest Needs was conceived, built and still operates on simple concept–a small investment to help an individual or a family with a utility bill, rent check or health-care invoice reaps huge rewards if it keeps its recipient employed or prevents an eviction.

“So Modest Needs cuts small checks to people in short-term straits. The goal is to keep the recipient self-sufficient and off public assistance.

“The average Modest Needs grant is $180, and the organization won’t give any single applicant more than $1,000. But Taylor estimates that the $234,000 Modest Needs has given out since its inception has saved its recipient families about $7.7 million in possible lost income.

“Modest Needs only accepts donations from private individuals. It won’t take money from corporations, foundations or state or federal government.”

whole thing