South Carolinans head to the polls. Bob Bennett signs on to defend Megaupload. Here's an open thread, all topics welcome.

So many things to talk about, so little time. Here'a a place for you. all topics welcome.

More DEA raids on California dispensaries.

The U.S. attorney's office press release issued today states that the raids were part of an ongoing effort to crack down on storefront dispensaries in California, and that letters "went out today to the owners and operators of currently operating or recently closed marijuana stores--nearly three dozen in Costa Mesa, and one now-shuttered store in Newport Beach. All known stores in these two South Orange County cities are now the subject of federal enforcement actions."

The Supreme Court gives a death row inmate another chance after a mailroom mix-up at his lawyer's firm caused a missed filing deadline. The opinion is here.

An alleged $62 million insider trading bust in New York. The 7 charged are accused of reaping profits on shares of Dell, Inc.

A new season of American Idol begins tonight.

This is an open thread, all topics welcome.

What's on your mind today? Here's an open thread, all topics welcome.

Another Republican debate? Is anyone here watching?

We've got snow tonight. This is an open thread, all topics welcome.

One of my favorite of Dr. King's quotes:

That old law about "an eye for an eye" leaves everybody blind. The time is always right to do the right thing. (He was quoting Mahatma Gandhi who said, "An eye for eye only ends up making the whole world blind."

and

Peace is not merely a distant goal that we seek, but a means by which we arrive at that goal.

Among my favorite long pieces: Declaration of Independence from the War in Vietnam and Letters From Birmingham City Jail.

Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. We are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied in a single garment of destiny. Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly."

[More...]

Some SOPA changes, but still not enough. It's still a censorship bill.

A judge has refused to add Newt, Perry and Huntsman to the Virginia ballot.

What else happened today? This is an open thread, all topics welcome.

For those of you not interested in Joran van der Sloot's sentencing, and with BTD out for a few more days, here's an open thread. All topics welcome.

I'm busy at work and BTD will be away for a few days.

Here's an open thread, all topics welcome.

A world without Twinkies? Or Hostess Cup Cakes ? The day may be coming as Hostess filed for bankruptcy. Maybe someone can buy it.

Hostess has about 19,000 employees and operates in 49 states. Annual sales are about $2 billion.

This is an open thread, all topics welcome.

One of these days I'll start writing about stuff again. Today is not that day.

In the meantime, read David Brooks. Seriously. An interesting, although not novel, premise. There is some truth in what he writes.

Open thread.

You've all been waiting with bated breath for my pick in tonight's BCS championship game (wait, what?) featuring Alabama and LSU. I like Alabama (7 units). The line is pick.

I got some props as well - Trent Richardson to score the first TD (3/1 1 unit), Alabama QB McCarron under 15 1/2 completions (1 unit) and he throws a pick before he throws a TD (1 unit.)

Open Thread.