By now, you have all heard that the bailout was defeated (despite my congressman's voting for it - he lost my vote in November). Here is an interesting article on why bankruptcy is better than bailout written by one of the 200 166 economists who opposed the bailout in the first place.

Excerpt:

The obvious alternative to a bailout is letting troubled financial institutions declare bankruptcy. Bankruptcy means that shareholders typically get wiped out and the creditors own the company.

Bankruptcy does not mean the company disappears; it is just owned by someone new (as has occurred with several airlines). Bankruptcy punishes those who took excessive risks while preserving those aspects of a businesses that remain profitable.

Read the article.

Much like the Germany of National Lampoon's European Vacation, here are some pics of Germany that I have never seen. Sierra, can we go to Oktoberfest next year?

Sierra, you better get your butt back in the kitchen if you know what's good for you. Well...if what's good for you is me making more money. Studies show that "traditional" sexist men make $8500 more than non-sexist pigs.

It turns out that giving money to beggars increases the number of beggars. Also, if you force them to perform community service on the spot, beggars all but disappear. Who'd have thunk it?

Previously: The $50/hour beggar

Find yourself getting hassled every time you fly because some terrorist has the same name as you? Do what this clever Canadian did: change your name, legally. Enrique Sanchez has NO problems getting through security, now.

During his arrest, he was quoted as saying, "Well, isn't that just a FIIIINE kettle of fish?"

In Las Vegas if you're caught putting up graffiti, there are two consequences. If you're under 18, your parents will pay the fine. If you're over 18, you lose your driver's license for two years. Nice.