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Dog Tails and Social Signaling: The Long and the Short of It

Emily Anthes PLOS One
Dogs may not have voices, but they have very active tails, and they rely heavily on these furry appendages to communicate. These tail movements provide important clues about how a dog is feeling–especially to other canines that may be sharing the same sidewalk or dog park.

Football, Body and Mind

Joel Anderson The American Prospect
A sportswriter looks back on his history with America's favorite pastime.

The Equation: Obama's Climate Legacy

Alden Meyer Union of Concerned Scientists
Fifty or a hundred years from now, the fiscal cliff, the current tensions with Russia, and many other issues that now seem pressing will be remembered dimly, if at all. What will be remembered is whether, as then-Senator Obama said in June of 2008, “this was the moment when the rise of the oceans began to slow and our planet began to heal.” It was an inspiring call to action then; in the wake of the droughts, the wildfires, and hurricane Sandy, it’s even more so now.

Friday Nite Videos -- Feb 1, 2013

Video Moderator Portside
The Yes Men Are Revolting * No Fracking Way * 'They Do Not Like You, Barack Obama' * Newtown ER Doctor Speaks Out

NRA Defends Right to Own Politicians

Andy Borowitz The New Yorker
“Politicians pose no danger to the public if used correctly,” says NRA spokesperson Wayne LaPierre, who claims to have over two hundred politicians in his personal collection.

Dror Moreh's 'The Gatekeepers' Sheds Light On Israel's Shin Bet

John Horn Los Angeles Times
"The importance for me is the message the film gives to the Israeli public. The message is that occupation is bad for the future of Israeli society from all aspects - humanistic, economic, moral, etc. I can assure you that all six former heads and some 95% of my colleagues and workers from the Shin Bet from over three decades all agree with the overall conclusions of the film." -- Carmi Gillon Shin Bet Director 1994 - 1996

Union Dues Collecting is examined by Missouri, Kansas lawmakers

John Hancock & Brad Cooper The Kansas City Star
Republicans say it’s a simple change, opting out to opting in. But by making it more difficult for public employee unions to collect dues, GOP lawmakers in Kansas and Missouri could weaken a chief political nemesis. If organized labor is dealt that blow this year, the stage could be set in subsequent years in Missouri to push for a right-to-work law — the most contentious of disputes between management and unions played out in state legislatures across the nation.