Out of the closet

** A Borders bookstore has just set up a free-standing display on what they're calling "atheism." I've read all but the Joshi book. They have been instrumental in guiding me away from a life-long delusion.

via Pharyngula

SiCKO - Just See It

** I say I want a revolution - get everyone you know to see it. And then start clamoring for fundamental change in this country. Really.

CLICK HEREfor info.

Freakonomics in Nigeria

** Can peace and the free machete be far behind?

From Al Jazeera

Machete prices chopped in Nigeria

The price of machetes has halved in Nigeria since the end of general elections after a fall in demand for thugs sponsored by politicians, state-owned News Agency of Nigeria said.

The NAN survey found that a good quality machete in the northeastern state of Gombe was now selling for 400 naira ($3) as against 800 naira before the elections.

"A price survey on machetes, which served as a popular weapon among political thugs in the state, indicated ... a drop in the price of the implement," NAN reported.

Machetes are primarily used as a tool for farming in Nigeria but they are also popular among political gangsters.

Usman Masi, a trader quoted by NAN, said: "Before the conduct of the general elections, I was selling a minimum of seven machetes daily but can hardly sell one a day now."

Africa's most populous country returned to civilian rule in 1999 after three decades of almost continuous army rule. Violence remains a feature of politics, especially during the build-up to elections.

Olbermann to Bush/Cheney: RESIGN DAMMIT!

** I used to think that we could accomplish more by being meek and patient. But that just encourages the scoundrels. There needs to be more intelligent screamers like Keith Olbermann to keep the nation's attention on the truth and not on the shifting shell game that has become the new form of governance in this country. THE PRESIDENT HAS NO CLOTHES!!

clipped from www.alternet.org

Olbermann: "Mr. Bush, You've ceased to be the President" [VIDEO]
Posted by Adam Howard at 8:00 PM on July 3, 2007.
In an edition of his "Special Comment", Keith Olbermann pleads with Bush and Cheney to do the noble thing and resign, since they're incapable of putting partisan politics aside.

Besides characteristically obliterating the Bush Administration verbally, Olbermann makes a key distinction. We the people of the United States are always forced to accept and live with and even in some cases support presidents who don't represent our own political beliefs or party. Our presidents should be able to do the same for us, but instead Bush has allowed partisan politics to invade literally every aspect of what he does. Even Richard Nixon had the decency to resign for the good of the country but Bush has never, ever, put the country ahead of his cronies, pet projects and ego. Check out the video to your right to hear more of Olbermann's special comment of the Libby commutation, the possibility of impeachment and the parallels to Richard Nixon.

VIEW VIDEO