Link Roundup

[bruorton]

I've been periodically gathering the interesting-er stuff that's recently gotten my attention for a little while now, and I thought -- what the heck? Why not post it somewhere?  I don't post much anywhere these days, and this is one window into what's on my mind, anyway.  And maybe, if I get back in the habit, I'll think of posting more personal stuff, which I think is the more valuable in any case.

As a warning, these will tend toward the political, but there's always some variety.  Ignore or comment at will.

• President Obama finally took a confrontational stance to obstructionist Republicans -- and appointed Richard Cordray head of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (Cordray is a former OH attorney general).  As a recess appt, it only last through this year, but Republicans had pledged not to confirm anyone to this position until the Bureau was gutted of authority and independence (prompting Elizabeth Warren, who created the CFPB, to run for Senate).
• Obama's also made a few other much-needed recess appointments (there are dozens of vacancies, from the EPA to judicial seats, which really pisses Sen. Leahy off).  Maybe it's just because it's an election year, or maybe the President's finally learning there is no "bipartisan" to be had with these cretins.  Either way, it gives me hope he'll follow through in blocking Keystone XL... there are more than enough warnings to nix it, esp. now that Congress has jettisoned a full environmental review.
• The Roman Catholic church reaffirms its status as a regressive haven.  I wonder, though, if the existence of married priests could have unintended effects?
• NPR's blog notes the passing of an Olympic fencer and Hollywood choreographer (from Princess Bride to Lord of the Rings), who also -- at the age of 60 -- played Darth Vader in a number of classic combats (such as the duel w/ Luke in the carbon freezing chamber).
• An intriguing National Geographic article taking in its scope twins, genetics, and autism. Also, naturally, some cool photo portraits.
• In case you managed to miss it (in which case, congratulations!) -- the main story out of the Iowa caucus was that Santorum (the latest in a long string of Not-Romneys) tied Romney, with only 8 votes separating them.  (Closer than Bush-Gore!  And so much less meaningful.)  Bachmann, coming in dead last, has dropped out; Gingrich (4th place, behind Ron Paul!) basically promised a scorched earth campaign against Romney from here on.  With that pseudo-event out of the way, the craziness is now headed this way.... 

Comments

[kaph.livejournal.com]

In much of Africa RC priests are allowed to marry, because otherwise they would have no cultural clout. We can hope, though.

[bruorton.livejournal.com]

I didn't realize that. That rationale makes sense, in and of itself. How does that reconcile w/ the arguments for mandatory celibacy elsewhere, though?