Link Banana

Marc Ambinder points out that the venerable Christian Science Monitor is going to stop being a daily newspaper in April — it’ll become a weekly in print — and spend more time focusing on it’s web presence.

Two people I respect a great deal, Marc Ambinder and David Brooks, both think the failure of the bailout yesterday makes obvious the full-scale meltdown of the GOP. Here’s Brooks:

House Republicans led the way and will get most of the blame. It has been interesting to watch them on their single-minded mission to destroy the Republican Party. Not long ago, they led an anti-immigration crusade that drove away Hispanic support. Then, too, they listened to the loudest and angriest voices in their party, oblivious to the complicated anxieties that lurk in most American minds.

Now they have once again confused talk radio with reality. If this economy slides, they will go down in history as the Smoot-Hawleys of the 21st century. With this vote, they’ve taken responsibility for this economy, and they will be held accountable. The short-term blows will fall on John McCain, the long-term stress on the existence of the G.O.P. as we know it.

This picture may be the most awkward to ever feature an American president.

The world food crisis hits home. At least at Sam’s Club.

Wal-Mart Stores Inc. said its Sam’s Club wholesale club chain is limiting the sale of some rice to four bags per member visit because of what it described as “supply and demand trends.”

Jasmine, basmati and long-grain white rices will be subject to those purchase restrictions, as long as they are allowed by law, in the 594 clubs across the U.S., said Sam’s Club spokeswoman Kristy Reed. New Mexico and Idaho are the only two states that forbid such practice, she said.

And just to scare you a bit more, a note from Marc Ambinder:

“Wal-Mart said at this point, it’s not limiting purchases of flour or oil.”

At this point.