I'm quickly losing interest in political discussion. Maybe it will snap back soon.

Friday, which will be a big day in deciding who plays for the BCS championship, I will post a rant about the BCS and the need for a college football playoff system.

Other than that, I got nuthin.

Open Thread.

I'll be in court the rest of the day. Here's an open thread, all topics welcome.

The American Music Awards are on tonight. Some red carpet photos are here and here. Are there any performances you want to see or thought were good? Kid Rock is on now and Bon Jovi will be on in about 40 minutes.

There's also the finale of the Next Iron Chef and a new Boardwalk Empire.

Here's an open thread, all topics welcome.

National Opt-Out day: If you're flying Wednesday, will you refuse the scan? Here's the latest: A bladder cancer survivor is left soaking in his own urine after a humiliating pat-down.

Anyone online tonight? If so, here's an open thread, all topics welcome.

This week's picks:

Penn St (-10) over Ind., Wisconsin (-3) over Michigan, South Florida (+4) over Pitt, Okla St(-24) over Kansas, Louisville (+4) over W. Va., K. State (-2) over Colorado, Utah St. (-2) over Idaho, Iowa (+4) over Ohio State, Illini (+9) over Northwestern, Stanford (-7) over Cal., Miami (+3) over Va Tech, Ole Miss (+17) over LSU, Arkansas (-2) over Miss State (5 units), Maryland (+5) over FSU, Ore. State (+4) over USC, Notre Dame (-8) over Army (3 units.).

Open Thread.

Joe Scarborough gets a 2 day suspension from MSNBC for political contributions. Scarborough says one was to his brother and the other to family friends, so he thought the rule didn't apply.

A judge in Florida has revoked Wesley Snipes bail and ordered him to start serving his 3 year prison sentence for tax evasion immediately. "Snipes' appeal for a new trial and motion to interview the jurors who sealed his fate were denied."

Tom DeLay's defense has rested in his Texas trial. He did not take the stand. Deliberations begin Monday.

Georgia Federal Judge Jack Camp pleaded guilty today to aiding and abetting a felon's possession of cocaine and two misdemeanor counts of possession of cocaine and giving a court computer to his stripper friend. His guidelines: 4 to 10 months. Not charged: possession of a weapon. He resigned from the bench this morning.

Cholera has struck Haiti's main prison in Port-au-Prince. Thirteen inmates are dead and dozens more infected.

This is an open thread, all topics welcome.

Thought for the day:

Liberty -- the freedom from unwarranted intrusion by government -- is as easily lost through insistent nibbles by government officials who seek to do their jobs too well as by those whose purpose it is to oppress; the piranha can be as deadly as the shark.

--United States v. $124,570,
873 F.2d 1240, 1246 (9th Cir. 1989).

This is an open thread, all topics welcome.

One of those days. More Thread.

Open Thread.

The House Ethics Committee has found that "[Charlie Rangel] used official Congressional resources to raise funds for an educational center in his name; he failed to report taxable income on a rental villa in the Dominican Republic; he filed inaccurate financial disclosure forms; and he used a rent-controlled apartment in Harlem as a campaign office." Cue the whiny Dems asking for Rangel to resign despite these facts, which do not in any way indicate corruption. having been known for more than a year and that Rangel won re-election with over 80% of the vote. But who cares what the voters think?

I'm with Charlie. Speaking for me only.

Open Thread.

I've missed the news today and will catch up soon. But for now, it's the season finale of Weeds which promises to have an astounding final five minutes. And yes, it will be back for Season 7.

No spoilers, please, until after it's aired on all coasts.

This is an open thread, all topics welcome.

Your Monday Krugman:

Mr. Obama still has immense power, if he chooses to use it. At home, he has the veto pen, control of the Senate and the bully pulpit. He still has substantial executive authority to act on things like mortgage relief — there are billions of dollars not yet spent, not to mention the enormous leverage the government has via its ownership of Fannie and Freddie. Abroad, he still leads the world’s greatest economic power — and one area where he surely would get bipartisan support would be taking a tougher stand on China and other international bad actors. But none of this will matter unless the president can find it within himself to use his power, to actually take a stand.

Open thread.