Dem leaders, donors to hold Rangel birthday bash at The Plaza  —  Democratic leaders and major party donors plan to hold a lavish 80th birthday gala for Charles Rangel at The Plaza Hotel in Manhattan next month, despite 13 ethics charges pending against the veteran lawmaker.

Will Washington's Failures Lead To Second American Revolution?  —  See Also

The NYT now predicts the news on the front page?  —  I prefer it when the Times simply reports the news on A1, and leaves the prognostications to the opinion pages.  —  But today the Times can't help itself.  Wildly impressed that the Anti-Defamation League issued a statement in opposition …

Anne Rice Quits Christianity  —  Anne Rice, whose book Called Out of Darkness was a beautifully-written spiritual confession, has decided that she loves Christ but not Christians.  —  She's neither the first nor the last to feel that way.  —  Sometimes I do, too.

A Sin and a Shame  —  The treatment of workers by American corporations has been worse — far more treacherous — than most of the population realizes.  There was no need for so many men and women to be forced out of their jobs in the downturn known as the great recession.

Madam Speaker: Is War In Afghanistan Worth It?  —  In an Exclusive ‘This Week’ Interview, Speaker Pelosi Discussing the War Funding Bill  —  In an exclusive interview on “This Week” with Christiane Amanpour, to air this Sunday, Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi dodged a question …

Rick Sanchez Asks Arizona Legislator ‘What is Your Beef with Illegal Immigration?’  —  CNN's Rick Sanchez on Thursday actually asked an Arizona state Congressman, “What is your beef with illegal immigration?”  —  Imagine that, a so-called journalist asking an elected official what his beef is with people breaking the law.

Snooki Arrested in Jersey — Disorderly Conduct  —  Snooki from “Jersey Shore” was just arrested in Seaside Heights, NJ ... TMZ has confirmed.  —  Law enforcement sources tell us the Seaside Heights PD busted Snooki moments ago for disorderly conduct.  The details of that conduct are unclear.

The new tea party bible  —  “Rules for Radicals,” the iconic liberal organizing manifesto by Saul Alinsky, was an unlikely bible  —  for tea party activists as they tried to mobilize their movement last year.  Now, as they struggle to demonstrate their impact and staying power …

My duty is to save the world: Prince Charles believes he was born for a purpose  —  The Prince of Wales says he believes he has been placed on Earth as future King ‘for a purpose’ - to save the world.  —  Giving a fascinating insight into his view of his inherited wealth and influence …