Spanish Physicist Brings Radical Politics to Brussels

Michele Catanzaro Nature
Podemos ('We can') is a left-wing party that surprised Spain by winning more than 1 million votes and five seats in the European Parliament elections last month, a mere four months after being founded. Physicist Pablo Echenique is one of those elected.

Hatriot Politics Created the Las Vegas Killers

John Avlon Daily Beast
Jerad and Amanda Miller, the Wingnuts whose killing spree left two policemen, a civilian, and themselves dead, were inspired by fright-wing radio hosts and militia movement groups.

How Seattle Fought for $15 and Won

Alyssa Figueroa Alternet
The organizing director of 15 Now explains the tactics, obstacles and lessons learned from Seattle's fight for $15.

Why Is the Solar System Flat?

Why did the whirling spherical ball of gas that formed our solar system turn into the flat disc that the sun and planets occupy today?

Movie: Belle

This film is inspired by the true story of Dido Elizabeth Belle, the illegitimate mixed race daughter of Admiral Sir John Lindsay. Raised by her aristocratic great-uncle Lord Mansfield and his wife, Belle's lineage affords her certain privileges, yet her status prevents her from the traditions of noble social standing. While her cousin Elizabeth chases suitors for marriage, Belle is left on the sidelines wondering if she will ever find love. After meeting an idealistic young vicar's son bent on changing society, he and Belle help shape Lord Mansfield's role as Lord Chief Justice to end slavery in England.

Bing Crosby: Buddy Can You Spare a Dime?

Lyrics by the incomparable Yip Harburg, music by Jay Gorney (1931).
 
They used to tell me I was building a dream
And so I followed the mob
When there was earth to plow or guns to bear
I was always there, right on the job
 
They used to tell me I was building a dream
With peace and glory ahead
Why should I be standing in line
Just waiting for bread?
 
Once I built a railroad, I made it run
Made it race against time
Once I built a railroad, now it's done
Brother, can you spare a dime?
 
Once I built a tower up to the sun
Brick and rivet and lime
Once I built a tower, now it's done
Brother, can you spare a dime?
 
Once in khaki suits, gee, we looked swell
Full of that Yankee Doodly Dum
Half a million boots went slogging through Hell
And I was the kid with the drum
 
Say, don't you remember? They called me 'Al'
It was 'Al' all the time
Why don't you remember? I'm your pal
Say buddy, can you spare a dime?
 
Once in khaki suits, ah, gee, we looked swell
Full of that Yankee Doodly Dum
Half a million boots went slogging through Hell
And I was the kid with the drum
 
Oh, say, don't you remember? They called me 'Al'
It was 'Al' all the time
Say, don't you remember? I'm your pal
Buddy, can you spare a dime?
 

Teacher Tenure Decision: Diane Ravitch Weighs In

Diane Ravitch, Michael J. Petrilli, Brian Jones, Eric Hanus The New York Times
A court ruling that California's teacher tenure law is unconstitutional has stirred a heated debate. Four commentators, including Diane Ravitch, discuss the pros and cons in the New York Times' "Room for Debate" column.