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I'm still enjoying my time in the real world, but here are two stories I just had to post: The assassination of former Pakistani Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto : In the wake of Musharraf's decision to "take off his uniform" (finally), this is the last thing anyone hoping for peace in the Middle East wanted. While few would be surprised that it happened, (you got the sense in Bhutto's interviews that she expected it to happen sooner or later), she will most likely go down as a martyr in the truest sense. I'm not certain if there is anyone like her around to fill the void, but this can't be good for the stability of the country. As far of the US is concerned, it's just another example of the Bush Administration being associated with allies who are as best pale examples of a stable modern democracy, and at worst very shady and borderline dictatorial. But Pakistan's story hasn't been written yet. And this guy: a married man who slept with 13 women i...

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays. For the guys who haven't bought gifts yet, don't sweat it: this thing just happens .

Interesting : The Iranian government has decided "at the most senior levels" to rein in the violent Shiite militias it supports in Iraq, a move reflected in a sharp decrease in sophisticated roadside bomb attacks over the past several months, according to the State Department's top official on Iraq. Tehran's decision does not necessarily mean the flow of those weapons from Iran has stopped, but the decline in their use and in overall attacks "has to be attributed to an Iranian policy decision," David M. Satterfield, Iraq coordinator and senior adviser to Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, said in an interview. U.S. Ambassador to Iraq Ryan C. Crocker said that the decision, "should [Tehran] choose to corroborate it in a direct fashion," would be "a good beginning" for a fourth round of talks between Crocker and his Iranian counterpart in Baghdad. Although the mid-December date scheduled for the talks was postponed, Crocker said he expect...

Jessica Simpson wasn't at the Cowboy's game, but she made her presence known . John McCain and Barack Obama move up in the polls . Once a strong point for President Bush, No Child Left Behind has turned in a political weapon for the Democrats . Injuries and lack of playmakers may have finally caught up with the Washington Wizards.

The presidential wannabes give their take on executive power . Vacuuming can kill fleas. Really . The Wizards missed it by that much last night. Before the CIA was destroying tapes, they were withholding them from the 9/11 Panel. Narcissurfing and preforming Friendquests may seem like a way to acquire Blogola, but it's really a Meatball Sundae that could result in your Disintermediation. And yes, I was clueless on this myself.

Eugene Robinson pretty much explains it with this story : When the Clintons made a campaign stop at an Iowa grocery store Tuesday, Hillary's face said it all. She realized that Bill had departed from the script and wandered off to another part of the store, and cameras caught her scanning the aisles with a look of sheer terror. Bill was supposed to be at Hillary's side; instead, he was way over yonder, giving an interview to "Entertainment Tonight." What was supposed to be a controlled photo op had suddenly turned into a happening. Spontaneity gives ulcers to campaign staffers, but the supermarket stop got much more coverage than it would have if Bill had followed the script. He ended up drawing more attention to himself than the candidate -- which is in keeping with his formal campaign speeches. On the stump, he draws big crowds and comes off as charming, eloquent and persuasive. But reporters who have tallied his words say that he talks more about himself than about...

By the numbers , the Wizards are exceeding expectations for defense, rebounding and (of course) individual achievement. Right now, the only Eastern Conference fans I envy are in Boston and Orlando.

I'm split on the decision to bring back The Daily Show and The Colbert Report without the writers . On one hand, the two shows are funny, informative and entertaining. On the other hand, it's essentially a betrayal of the writers. Not to long ago, United Hollywood and MoveOn.org had these guy's backs . But after this? Well : The WGA reacted angrily to the announcement, saying: "Comedy Central forcing Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert back on the air will not give the viewers the quality shows they've come to expect." Also of note : David Letterman (who owns his own show) is planing on making a separate deal with his writers to bring his show back. Jay Leno and Conan OBrien are coming back too, sans their writers; like Ellen Degeneres (who caught some major heat for this) their show with just be interviews and improv, no skits, sketches or monologues. Want to keep up with the strike from the writer's POV? Try this site .

Gary Payton wants in on all the Boston Goodness (specifically with the Celtics). On paper it looks OK, but there's has to be a chemistry factor to consider, right? Another day, another suicide bomber in Iraq. Movies for the Scrooge in your family. Holiday shoppers are going wild for Wii . You'd be amazed what you'd find in a new pair of sneakers. Bill Richardson argues that his experience as an ambassador gives him an edge. Rats ! If you're pregnant or no someone who is, you need to know the myths .

Why did the chicken cross the road? Let's ask the presidential candidates ! Mitt Romney actually said that his Dad marched with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr . I can't believe this guy. You know how the conservatives and neoconservatives painted John Kerry as a lying flip-flopper, even though is wasn't true? Well, if that's the case, Romney is obviously the Bizarro Kerry because he is a lying flip-flopper. Think Progress cover Rep. Wexler's quest for Executive Branch accountability. From TPMuckracker: Sen. Majority Leader Reid ain't gonna let President Bush sneak any appointments during the break. Michael Wilbon on Wiz Coach Eddie Jordan and his determination to get the team back on track.