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* I know why the Cuba embargo exists from an historical perspective, and over the years I've read and heard things about life in Cuba from various perspectives at various times, but I honestly lost track of the debate on whether or not the embargo makes sense back when Reagan was president. Watching all the hoopla lately, I get the ways US electoral effects our Cuba policy, but I lack anything like a contemporary understanding as to why we are still doing the embargo outside of Florida being a swing state. I don't know enough to take a side. As a result, I appreciated this debate over at the Melissa Harris-Perry show since it gives both main sides. It starts here and is several segments long:http://www.nbcnews.com/id/46979745/vp/46419672#51535193

* A long, complicated conversation about the damage austerity is and will do and tax policy starts here: http://www.nbcnews.com/id/49263362#51534224

* The damage chained CPI does to the elderly:

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* The real damage unequal pay for women in general and in particularly women of color:

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* Letter from a Birmingham Jail and the dangers white moderates pose to progress:

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* "What Actually Happened To That Same-Sex Couple In The Missouri Hospital:" http://thinkprogress.org/lgbt/2013/04/12/1857741/what-actually-happened-to-that-same-sex-couple-in-the-missouri-hospital/

* "How Libraries Respond to Disaster:" http://bookriot.com/2013/04/11/how-libraries-respond-to-disaster/

* "Has anyone ever been killed by a falling piano or anvil?" http://www.straightdope.com/columns/read/3101/has-anyone-ever-been-killed-by-a-falling-piano-or-anvil

* My instinct that the Butt needed hydration was correct. Squirrel says he's perked up since we hydrated him by force this morning. Certainly, when we let him go he went and took a big drink, then pissed in Squirrel's doorway. Not ideal, but proof his kidneys are still working. He came out for water during the night and his body language was less alarming. This is also a good sign.

Alas, I spoke too soon on Hector's deescalation as he decided I only needed a couple of hours of sleep. Sigh.

Yesterday, I opted to cook a serious meal instead of research and tanks. Today I finished the tanks and did light cleaning. Tomorrow I really need to go make copies for Thursday's game. Let's hope Hector let's me sleep as that's a lot of standing.

* These picture made me happy. "Up In Memphis, The Music’s Like A Heatwave:" http://dennisupkins.com/2013/03/25/up-in-memphis-the-musics-like-a-heatwave/

* The Clutch:

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* Someone bombed the Boston Marathon. It sounds like they don't know WTF yet. At least three are dead and 113 wounded. Obviously, it's too early for final damage figures. Apparently people came in droves to donate blood and offer lodging to stranded runners. There were two explosions, and two others devises may have been found.