Friday Links!

It’s Friday, here’s a collection of news and other things that struck me as worthy of being shared:

South Africa’s Nelson Mandela dies in Johannesburg.

100 Years of Breed “Improvement”.

While I have often decried the culture of permanent snark which has taken root in many places, it is equally troubling when people enforce the never criticize anything culture, as explained by: Tom Scocca: On Smarm.

U.S. Growth Faster Than Estimated.

10 worst right-wing statements of the week — Marxist pope edition.

Google, AT&T, Comcast trade group penned viscerally anti-gay memo.

Republican candidates being tutored in how to speak to female constituents and opponents: Good Luck with That.

I’d never heard this story: The Siege of Sinatra.

A My Little Pony-themed parody of a Chick Tract. (Thanks to Chip Unicorn for the link!)

6 Grammar Points to Watch Out For in Christmas Songs.

Gov. Scott Walker Named A**hole of the Day for the Third Time!.

Will Republican National Committee Chairman End His Own War on Christmas?.

First posted a few years ago, but despite recent PR to the contrary, still true: Why You Shouldn’t Donate to the Salvation Army Bell Ringers. (More recent incidents are included in this AmericaBlog story.

Update on Sea Otter with Gunshot Wounds (video).

The Daily Show takes on a few anti-gay bigots:
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This whole album is awesome, but this take on one of the best Christmas carols ever is the awesomest:
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