Earlier this month, Pennsylvania Gov. Rendell "ordered the partial government shutdown because without an approved budget, the state no longer had authority to spend money on nonessential services." What did that mean? Even with a $650 million surplus, nonessential service employees got some time off work unpaid. That meant state DMVs, roadwork, park rangers, etc. Not an ideal situation, but Rendell pulled the dramatic card gaining national headlines. Now what if Gov. Schwarzenegger did that......

Celebrate Ben Franklin's 300th birthday with the Bikini Bandits and Phillyist! (NSFW). Speaking of Mr. Franklin, send in a picture of Ben (or Ed Rendell) with a red tongue and win a free t-shirt. And they might have the next YearlyKos in Philly. You know who's going to be upset about those Bikini Bandits? The Houston school system. Houstonist also reports on some redevelopment shenanigans over a landmark theater. LAist's sex advice column on......