QUICK HITS. Non-violent steps to “regime change” in Iraq. Plus much cogent, pointed criticism in the comments boxes. In case you somehow missed this on InstaPundit. The Old Oligarch on why Father Tucker’s church rocks. Excellent Stuart Buck column (also from InstaPundit…) on why we shouldn’t care who’s the smartest Supreme. (Personally, I favor Diana Ross–d’oh, wrong Supremes.) Read more

WHEN IDIOTS BAKE. When New Mexicans bake. Both links via The Rat. Read more

“An intelligent carrot–the mind boggles.” –Douglas Spencer, “The Thing” Read more

TWO VIEWS OF COPS VS. PROTESTERS: Julian Sanchez on this year’s crop of globonuts; the Old Oligarch on the 2000 protest season. Even though I didn’t come close to the actual rallies this weekend, the police presence was notably more imposing than I’ve ever seen it (and I’ve lived here all my life). I heard helicopters overhead literally all day Saturday–couldn’t look up without seeing one. I note that the O.O. is generally not fond of the D.C. police; I... Read more

“SUITED FOR CHANGE“–interesting. Read more

THE POLITICS OF DANCING, PART FOUR OR SO. Part something-or-other in an occasional series in which I relate pop lyrics to the workings of my own tangled cerebellum. Previous installments include: theological reflections on the Cramps’ “Eyeball in My Martini“; Cat Power and postmodernism; and Queen’s “Princes of the Universe” and beauty. This time: Elvis Costello’s “Brilliant Mistake,” as a preliminary to a more in-depth post on America (probably later this week). The song is too long to post the... Read more

THE BROTHERS JUDD ON “HIGH NOON.” Read more

POETRY MONDAY. Read more

I feel a blogwatch on my shoulder And the touch of a world that is older Turn the switch and check the number Leave it on when in bed I slumber … The Agitator: Scroll about for lots and lots and LOTS of mail about the Drug War. Colby Cosh: Did you know Christopher Hitchens testified to the Vatican about Mother Theresa’s cause for canonization? Neither did I. Plus more stuff about “Inappropriately Touched by an Angel.” Via Relapsed Catholic.... Read more

POISON IN A PRETTY PILL. Read more