President Obama has hired at least 21 federal lobbyists. Did Holder and Senate Republicans make a backroom deal? Putin pans U.S. stimulus packages: "There is a temptation to expand direct interference of state in economy. In the Soviet Union that became an absolute. We paid a very dear price for that." In memory of John Updike, you might want to read his terrific essay on Ted Williams's last game. Via Hot Air, why did these celebrities need Obama's election to pledge to be better people?