Atrocities continue in Afghanistan, here's an awful report of child brides forced to marry older men. Two run away, are caught, returned to the home village where they are publicly flogged with 40 lashes. It was videotaped, and the videos were released today by human rights groups.

A video going viral on You Tube tells the story of a two year old in Indonesia who smokes 40 cigarettes a day. His parents say he's addicted and won't stop. Story here.

Here's an interesting report on why the Vietnamese resist drug treatment.

The Gulf oil spill is likely to continue until August.

The damage to the shorelines of Gulf states such as Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and Florida is literally only the surface of the problem: The damage to the sea floor could be extensive, and oil could also devastate marine life between the Gulf floor and its surface, as well as in coastal areas far from the leaking wellhead.

There's a new "Breaking Bad" tonight on AMC.

This is an open thread, all topics welcome.

Travel day for me.

Open Thread.

Update (TL): Who's barbecuing today? What are you cooking? I'm making something called Margharita Flank Steak with Enchiladas and tomatillo guacamole. The marinade is equal parts fresh lime juice, orange juice, tequila and brown sugar with a half teaspoon of salt. The "enchiladas" are flour tortillas filled with black beans, goat cheese, chicken broth, chopped red onion and garlic, topped with shredded monterey jack and baked. (I would think that makes them more like a quesedilla but whatever.) How its served: the guacamole goes on the plate first, topped by the enchilada, then topped by slices of the flank steak, and finally topped with sour cream. Hope this isn't a big failure. What are you cooking?

Another threat to our right to privacy is looming, courtesy of Sen. Charles Schumer who has teamed up with Republican John Cornyn.

What's it this time? He thinks people who buy pre-paid phones are either terrorists or drug dealers and has introduced a bill to prevent you from buying one without providing ID. And, the seller would have to keep your info for 18 months.

There are a lot of reasons to buy pre-paid phones. Reporters talking to sources, spouses who want some privacy, people with bad credit who can't get a contract.

Does anonymity have a legitimate social value? “There has to be a little bit of a safety valve for whistle-blowers and battered spouses who want to get off the grid,” said Jim Dempsey of the Center for Democracy and Technology, a civil liberties organization.

What's next? We can't pay for things in cash without providing our names? I won't even answer a question about my zip code, let alone give my name, if I'm buying something with cash. Stores just want to get you in their database anyway they can.

And if you think law enforcement isn't looking at you, think again. [More...]

Open Thread.

More thread.

I'm still in a busy period but next week will be better.

However, my free time will be devoted to a relaunch of SportsLeft to coincide with the World Cup, the NBA Finals and Wimbledon. I also will be doing some previewing of the Tour de France

The next big political event for me will be the Kagan hearings, scheduled to begin June 28. For me at least (not sure how J is doing schedule wise), political blogging will be light until then.

Open Thread.

More thread.

I'm off to the jail this afternoon. Our server was down for a few hours this morning, but all is fixed now.

Here's an open thread, all topics welcome.

The oil spill looks worse and worse. They're talking about "top kill" now.

Jamaica is a mess too, lots of violence. The U.S. is trying to extradite a drug "kingpin" and his neighbors don't want him to go.

Christopher "Dudus" Coke, who was charged last year in U.S. federal court with conspiracy to distribute marijuana and cocaine and with conspiracy to traffic in firearms illegally....Coke maintains a heroic reputation in the Kingston slums, with some people comparing him to Robin Hood, Jesus and one-time Colombian kingpin Pablo Escobar. He has helped the community by handing out food, sending children to school and building medical centers.

His lawyer says he should face any charges in Jamaica, not the U.S.

This is an open thread, all topics welcome.

Open thread. Posted from my phone. Never done that before.

Final episode of Lost tonight.

Also, Go Suns!

Update (TL): And the finale of Celebrity Apprentice is tonight. Go Bret Michaels! He's out of the hospital and on a plane to New York, subarachnoid hemorrhage, warning stroke, hole in the heart and all. (The plane had to stop in Nashville when he didn't feel well, but he got back on and is expected to make the finale.) Added: He made it to New York and left the hotel for the studio a little while ago. There will be a doctor in the house. (No spoilers as to who wins in comments, please.)

Open Thread.

What's going on in your world this weekend?

Update: If you are planning a trip to Jamaica soon, you might want to reschedule.

This is an open thread, all topics welcome.