Conversation: Naomi Klein on Building an Independent Progressive Movement Conversation: Naomi Klein on Building an Independent Progressive Movement

"We have to build that independent left," Klein says. "It has to be so strong and so radical and so militant and so powerful that it becomes irresistible."

Sep 15, 2010 / Video / The Nation on Grit TV

World Cup Hangover Hits South Africa World Cup Hangover Hits South Africa

In post–World Cup South Africa, the party's over: massive strikes and rapid erosion of the World Cup spirit speak to a serious political crisis facing scandal-plagued Preside...

Sep 14, 2010 / Dave Zirin and Daniel Bloom

Slide Show: Rally Against Islamic Center Sullies Day of Remembrance Slide Show: Rally Against Islamic Center Sullies Day of Remembrance

Sep 14, 2010 / Photo Essay / The Nation

Rally Against Islamic Center Sullies Day of Remembrance Rally Against Islamic Center Sullies Day of Remembrance

A rally in opposition to the proposed Islamic center in lower Manhattan marred what should have been a day of remembrance and reflection with disturbing outbursts of racism and mis...

Sep 14, 2010 / Braden Goyette and Michael Tracey

Briefing: Melissa Harris-Lacewell on Covering Progressive Causes Briefing: Melissa Harris-Lacewell on Covering Progressive Causes

Lack of coverage of progressive movements and protests in the face of an angry and well-funded right wing can be disheartening. But they're out there, fighting hard to keep a ...

Sep 13, 2010 / Video / The Nation on Grit TV

Major Student Loan Mistakes, and Ways to Avoid Making Them Major Student Loan Mistakes, and Ways to Avoid Making Them

The economy's long nosedive has done more than raise unemployment rates and housing foreclosures—it's also contributed to a devastating increase in the amount of student debt. Following a recent Education Department report on debt repayment figures, Gawker compiled a list of the top ten universities for student debt, which is topped by NYU's staggering $659 million total. This year also marked the first time in history that outstanding student loan debt exceeded outstanding total credit card debt, with student loan debt nationwide increasing at a rate of about $2853.88 per second. It's a grim landscape for students who've borrowed money, and one that is rife with ways to exacerbate the amount owed. In light of this, Sarah Deveau has provided a helpful list of tips and practices to avoid via the San Francisco Chronicle. Highlights from the pieces, "The 6 Worst Student Loan Mistakes You Can Make" include smart warnings against tempting practices like falsifying information on a student loan application, spending loan money on non-essential purchases and missing payments. "Some experts suggest that your monthly student loan payment should be no more than 10% of your expected salary," Deveau writes. "Calculate your monthly loan payments based on a 10-year repayment schedule, including interest, the find out the average starting salary for your career choice. If your loan payments will be higher than 10%, look at reducing the amount you borrow, either through producing more income or switching to a less expensive program." The bottom line, she says, is this:  A student loan is often the first large sum of money a young adult must manage themselves. Avoiding common money mistakes when it comes to financing your college education is crucial to graduating with only good debt, and as little of it as possible. Some of it seems fairly no-brainer, but Deveau lays it out in concrete, practical terms that should make a lot of sense—especially to students taking on loans for the first time.

Sep 10, 2010 / StudentNation / Carrie Battan

Slacker Friday Slacker Friday

Obama's power-grab, Khalid Sheikh Mohammed and the mail.

Sep 10, 2010 / Blog / Eric Alterman

NFL Opener Becomes Site of Solidarity NFL Opener Becomes Site of Solidarity

The opening of the NFL season witnessed perhaps the most public display of solidarity in US history. Seriously.

Sep 10, 2010 / The Notion / Dave Zirin

New York’s Real Culture War New York’s Real Culture War

Shadowy individuals aim to control our way of life, and women's lives and liberties, especially, are at risk.

Sep 10, 2010 / The Notion / Laura Flanders

Sometimes I Feel Like a Motherless Child… Sometimes I Feel Like a Motherless Child…

Newest pieces, women complaining about the attention given to Jonathan Franzen, some book and DVD recommendations and the latest mail.

Sep 9, 2010 / Blog / Eric Alterman