C2 Morning Brew - OPEN

Something to kick around over coffee from the Who Didn't See This Coming? File:

Ex-Letterman writer claims hostile environment

A former writer for David Letterman said she quit his NBC talk show in part because of alleged sexual favoritism and a hostile work environment.

Nell Scovell, writing for Vanity Fair online Tuesday, said she had no intention of filing a lawsuit and wasn't seeking revenge.

"I wanted to shine a light on gender inequality in that particular workplace," Scovell, who went on to a successful Hollywood career, said in a telephone interview.

Read the rest.

Afternoon News Dump

Obama to brave lawmakers' ire on Afghanistan

US President Barack Obama will confront a building political storm over Afghanistan on Tuesday, as he talks through his dilemma over future war strategy with leading figures in Congress.

Obama is under intense pressure to offer lawmakers of both parties more detail on his evolving internal review of Afghanistan policy, as debate heats up on the unpopular war following a spike in US troop deaths.

Jokes, apologies from David Letterman on his show

Letterman arrived on stage Monday to applause and cheers from his studio audience. After drinking it in, he grinned sheepishly and inquired, with a mock stammer, "Did your, did your weekend just fly by?"

After pausing for the audience's sympathetic laughter, he went on: "I mean, I'll be honest with you folks—right now, I would give anything to be hiking on the Appalachian Trail."

Michelle Malkin: Protests against military recruiters at schools nationwide

The anti-military zealots have never relented. Tomorrow, a recruiter-bashing organization called “We Are Not Your Soldiers” is holding a national protest on the anniversary of the invasion of Afghanistan. Schoolchildren are being encouraged to distribute letters “to all high school teachers you know.” When protesting, they are also being instructed “to assure the media are present.” They’ve set up a Facebook page. And, unsurprisingly, the driving force behind “We Are Not Your Soldiers” is the anti-American Communist-founded World Can’t Wait.

The Hill: Pelosi says new tax is 'on the table'

A new value-added tax (VAT) is "on the table" to help the U.S. address its fiscal liabilities, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) said Monday night.

Pelosi, appearing on PBS's "The Charlie Rose Show" asserted that "it's fair to look at" the VAT as part of an overhaul of the nation's tax code.

Daily Broadside - TGIF Edition

Well, good morning everyone. It's Friday, the sun is shining, the birds are sin... oh who am I kidding. It's gray, overcast, and raining here in the Pacific Northwet. Things are finally back to normal. Which is good because frankly I've had it up to here with that whole "sunny" thing.

So, I'm sure Sarah Palin is chuckling to herself this morning, if she were the kind of person who enjoyed the misfortunes of others, but I don't think she is so nevermind. But, I'm sure she is, however, feeling vindicated for the decision to keep her daughters away from David Letterman. Remember when his show used to be funny? No? Me neither.

However, in honor of Mr. Letterman's latest confessional, I present to you the C2 Top Ten List, The Top Ten List Letterman should have done:

10: "It wasn't my fault, they all had that slutty flight attendant look!"
9: "You'd screw around, too, if your wife looked like Bill Paxton!"
8: "If you work for me, you go up and down more times than a whores nightgown."
7: "Hey, I'm not Bill O'Reilly - I never used a Falafal on them!"
6: "I just wanted to make sure that Viagra Prescription was working, and it wasn't a placebo."
5: "I've committed adultery in my heart many times."
4: "The fundamentals of my love life are strong."
3: "Give a woman an inch, and she wants the other two."
2: "This was a huge sacrifice for me! As much of a sacrifice as a trip to Europe on the taxpayer's dime!"
1. "I was thinking about Obama the whole time!"

But no, instead he wimps out: Letterman addresses extortion attempt - although, the "check for two million dollars" that the guy from 48 Hours agreed to accept thing was kind of funny.

Anyway, here is some other news with which to start your day:

Reid: Final health bill will have a 'public option'

Democrats Quietly Craft 'Public Option' Compromise Behind Closed Doors

Obama appointee lauded NAMBLA figure

And with that, dear friends, let the Friday Morning Festivities commence!

UPDATE: After sacrificing so greatly, Michelle Obama will return home today, deeply saddened as Chicago was eliminated from contention in the first round of voting. Obama, meanwhile, was spotted wandering around aimlessly, seeking just a smidgen of success in his presidency.

UPDATE MKII: For the first time, the Olympic Games will be held in South America. Rio wins. Brazilians for everyone! On the house!

Letterman admits sex with staffers - after ridiculing Republicans like Mark Sanford in monologue.

And after making a joke about Todd Palin "sitting on his ass". And making a joke about Cheney. And of course, joking about how Obama is an unusual politician, because he goes on business trips "with his wife". That Obama...the only thing funny about him is that he's just so darn good, you see.

Big Fur Hat at I Own The World already has a cartoon up about it.

And just because I did that to you, here's a palate cleanser from the very funny Craig Ferguson, who follows Letterman - well worth watching. China, communism jokes - great stuff here: