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[1trackmind]

1) I thought that perhaps the fiscal cliff deal, while leaving much to be desired, was not that bad. Clearly, I was an idiot. What's most disappointing is how responsible the Obama administration is for getting the awful corporate gifts included. Here is a list of some of the most egregious. As a bonus, Here is an article on why the farm bill extension was so terrible. I think the worst part, even worse than the White House being responsible for the inclusion of much of the corporate welfare, is that apparently a lot of people were finally willing to give up some of the more egregious subsidies but they were put back in anyway. But God forbid we continue the payroll tax deduction. That's just for moochers. (Full disclosure, I never liked the idea of screwing with the payroll tax, but now that they've done it I think failing to extend it while the economy is still so fragile is bad idea, especially since they're rationale doesn't make any sense in light of the egregious "tax extenders").

2) Republicans blocking disaster aid is not exactly new. Because again, why allocate money for things like disasters, that's a waste of money on undeserving people who couldn't plan for things. Or something.

3) For the love of God, someone explain to Senator John Cornyn the difference between a government shutdown and defaulting on the debt.

4) Demographic changes in Congress over the last 50 years.

5) Toy UAV. As ever, we're here for the excellent comments

6) 100 ideas that changed photography.

7) The year in pictures.

8) Fireworks = awesome. Fireworks in reverse = more awesome.