thinkprogress.org — Initially, organizers of the National Tea Party Convention, set to take place in Nashville, TN next month, garnered significant press attention for featuring headliners like Rep. Michele Bachmann (R-MN), WorldNetDaily founder Joseph Farah, and former Alaska governor Sarah Palin. However, Tea Party loyalists began to balk at the expensive price of tickets and the fact that the venture is for-profit, saying that it smelled “scammy.” Now, both Rep. Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) and Bachmann have decided to drop out. A statement from Bachmann’s communications director: Due to conflicting advice on whether Congresswoman Bachmann’s participation in the upcoming Tea Party Nation Convention would be in line with the Committee on Standards, Congresswoman Bachmann has decided not to participate in the event. There is uncertainty about how any proceeds from the event may be used, and we must err on the side of caution. Some will want to portray her withdrawal as a repudiation of the Tea Party Movement, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. Congresswoman Bachmann remains encouraged by all Americans, regardless of political party, who are concerned about this nation’s future and dwindling prosperity, and continues to be inspired their passion. As of this posting, the Tea Party Convention website still has both lawmakers listed on its “speakers” page.

news.blogs.cnn.com — The U.S. government has targeted American-born Muslim cleric Anwar al-Awlaki to be killed or captured, a U.S. official told CNN Wednesday. "We would be remiss if we didn't find ways to pursue someone who is a serious threat to this country and has plotted against Americans," the official said. Al-Awlaki, who is believed to be hiding in Yemen, called last month for jihad against America. He said in an audio message that "America is evil."

huffingtonpost.com — AUSTIN, Texas — A push by conservatives to revise Texas public schools' social studies curriculum to amend or water down teaching of the civil rights movement, slavery and America's relationship with the U.N. was scheduled for a vote Friday amid a storm of criticism. The vote will set the standards for history and social studies in Texas for some 4.8 million public school students over the next 10 years and will be used by textbook publishers who develop materials for Texas and the rest of the nation. Democrats and a moderate Republican accused conservatives on the board of trying to stir up a needless controversy Thursday by referring to the president's full name, Barack Hussein Obama, saying his middle name was loaded with negative connotation.

thinkprogress.org — Last Friday, Rush Limbaugh asked why a coal miner union didn't protect the 29 miners who were killed when Massey Energy's Upper Big Branch Mine in Montcoal, WV, exploded under unsafe conditions: “Was there no union responsibility for improving mine safety? Where was the union here? Where was the union? The union is generally holding these companies up demanding all kinds of safety. Why were these miners continuing to work in what apparently was an unsafe atmosphere?” There's a simple reason the union didn't protect the miners: the Upper Big Branch Mine, like nearly all of the mines under Massey CEO Don Blankenship's control, is non-union. In fact, the United Mine Workers of America (UMW) "tried three times to organize the Upper Big Branch mine, but even with getting nearly 70 percent of workers to sign cards saying they wanted to vote for a union, Blankenship personally met with workers to threaten them with closing down the mine and losing their jobs if they voted for a union."

thinkprogress.org — Tea Party activists have gathered on Capitol Hill today for a “Code Red” rally against health care reform. Speakers at the event included Republican Reps. Steve King (IA), Michele Bachmann (MN), and Mike Pence (IN). The gathering was organized by Tea Party Profiteer organizations like FreedomWorks and Americans for Prosperity.

videocafe.crooksandliars.com — Last Friday night, my father asked me to kill him...

palingates.blogspot.com — Friedman: I guess former Governor Palin does not have a sense of humor. I thought the line "I am the daughter of the former governor of Alaska" was very funny. I think the word is "sarcasm". Of special significance, Friedman herself has Down syndrome.

huffingtonpost.com — A heated exchange took place during NBC's "Meet the Press" on Sunday when MSNBC host Rachel Maddow accused Rep. Aaron Schock (R-Ill.) of hypocrisy for railing against a spending bill in public while touting its benefits in his home district.

thenation.com — In his feisty opening statement, Franken said: "I worked for NBC for many years. And what I know from my previous career has given me reason to be concerned--let me rephrase that, very concerned--about the potential merger of Comcast and NBC Universal. The media are our source of entertainment, but they're also the way we get our information about the world. So when the same company that produces the programs runs the pipes that bring us those programs, we have a reason to be nervous.... You'll have to excuse me if I don't just trust their promises and that is from experience in this business."

huffingtonpost.com — In a surprise appearance before the White House press corps on Tuesday, President Barack Obama announced he would consider using recess appointments to get his nominees to their posts if Senate Republicans deny them an up-or-down vote. Speaking to reporters shortly after he met with a bipartisan group of congressional leaders, Obama said that he informed Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) that he would "consider" such a course of action if the GOP obstructionism continued.