The election of Barry Larkin to the Hall of Fame on Monday reminds us of the clean sense of simple celebration that has surrounded such moments through most of baseball history. It illustrates an ideal of purity — the fair test of talent, the level playing field, the triumph of ability and will — that we hope to find in sports, at least sometimes. It’s exactly the way we want it. Read full article > >

See the article here:
Hall of Fame and steroids: Questions no one wants to answer

“Let’s pass trade deals to level the playing field for our businesses. . . . These are common-sense ideas — ideas that have been supported by both Democrats and Republicans. The only thing holding them back is politics. The only thing preventing us from passing these bills is the refusal by some in Congress to put country ahead of party. That’s the problem right now. That’s what’s holding this country back. That’s what we have to change.” — President Obama, Aug. 20, 2011 Read full article > >

Link:
The Fact Checker: Getting trade bills passed

Thursday marks the opening of the 2011 Sundance Film Festival, which means a whole new crop of indie films will enter the marketplace hoping to eventually buzz their way to the big screen and then maybe (if they’re good enough) land a spot amongst next year’s Oscar nominees. Last year’s Sundance Film Festival produced 2010 awards favorites like Blue Valentine, Winter’s Bone, Exit Through the Gift Shop and The Kids Are All Right, so at the very least we expect a solid crop of new recruits to enter the playing field later this week. For those at home who aren’t familiar with the big, buzz-worthy films screening this year, here are ten that folks are talking about the most.

Republicans want to expand the Senate playing field by putting two new states, Connecticut and West Virginia, into play.

Original post:
Republicans’ Plan B for Senate Takeover