Beggars Can Be Choosers: As Pentagon nominee Leon Panetta suggests Baghdad will request extended U.S. troop presence, more reminders that the Iraq war is back.

Booman Tribune: U.S. firms investing in new equipment, not people.

Motor City Liberal: Michigan Emergency Financial Manager outsources water treatment to firm indicted for violations of the Clean Water Act.

The Incidental Economist: After hyping its outlier study claiming 30% of employers will drop health insurance as a result of the Affordable Care Act, McKinsey refuses to provide details or methodology on its research.

Boing Boing: American right-wingers are furious that Sarah Palin was snubbed - and called “nuts” - by Margaret Thatcher’s aides.

Speaking of which, your quote of the day: “Poor dear, there's nothing between his ears.” (Margaret Thatcher on Ronald Reagan, quoted June 2, 1988)

Guest blogging Mike's Blog Round Up this week is Jon Perr from Perrspectives. Send your tips, recommendations, comments and angst to mbru AT crooksandliars DOT com.