Linkage

Dozens of big companies are backing the University of Michigan and its affirmative action policy before the Supreme Court, saying such programs help produce better workers of all races and ethnic backgrounds. Microsoft, Intel, American Airlines, Proctor & Gamble, Eastman Kodak and PepsiCo are among more than 40 Fortune 500 companies siding with the University of Michigan.

Great news! Coliseum Books will reopen across from the Public Library on Fifth Avenue in April.

More than one in five of the jobs lost nationwide over the past year were in New York City, according to the Center for an Urban Future, which says that the city accounts for only 2.8% of all jobs in the country.

Rep. Howard Coble, R-N.C., chairman of the Judiciary Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism and Homeland Security, said on a radio call-in program that he agreed with the internment of Japanese-Americans during World War II. There are some good posts on this over at David Neiwert, but I can’t link directly because blogspot’s archives are broken.

India and Iran unveil a new strategic partership, bringing hope for a new way towards stability in the region.

France is quietly preparing its military in case it decides to join the new Gulf war.

Dude, where’s my war?

Two artists in Nacogdoches create their own memorial to the astronauts.

The reproduction of Picasso’s “Guernica” at the United Nations has been covered up because it was an inappropriate background for the U.S. Ambassador to have while talking about war. See also: NY Times.

Much of the audience and presenters for the Goyas — Spain’s equivalent of the Oscars — wore anti-war pins.