Happy Birthday!

Happy birthday, vggn, kaytecat, and dr_whuh.

Patricia Neal, an Oscar Winner Who Endured Tragedy, Dies at 84

Patricia Neal, the molasses-voiced actress who won an Academy Award and a Tony but whose life alternated surreally between triumph and tragedy, died at her home in Edgartown, Mass., on Sunday. She was 84 and lived in Manhattan and Martha’s Vineyard. More

America Goes Dark

By PAUL KRUGMAN
Published: August 8, 2010

The lights are going out all over America — literally. Colorado Springs has made headlines with its desperate attempt to save money by turning off a third of its streetlights, but similar things are either happening or being contemplated across the nation, from Philadelphia to Fresno. More

Echoing a Glenn Greenwald piece at Salon: What collapsing empire looks like

The Temporary Vegetarian: Corn Chowder

Recipe: Corn Chowder

Which MN Candidate for you?

MPR Governor Quiz Thingie

Caterpillars and other stinging things...

How to Treat a Caterpillar Sting -- Yup, Sting.