Open Thread: Morning Ex

Via the ex files:

Interesting look at the revenue implications—seriously fudged as they are—of the decline of the minibottle in South Carolina. The switch to free pour 1.5 ounce shots rather than the 1.7 ounce bottle may—may—be leading to a drop in revenue. It's also making bar owners happy and causing patrons to speculate about the strength of their drinks. Dude, if you can taste the difference between 1.5 ounces of Jack in your Jack and Coke and 1.7 ounces, then you are some pro barfly.
I once wrote an essay about the implications of the 10-ounce beer, which was test marketed in New Orleans when I was living there in the mid-80s. The can was slightly smaller—kinda like playing a 3/4 scale guitar. It really did feel unnatural when you went to pick it up. The main point of my irritation, though, was that the reduction in beer turned a six-pack into a five-pack, which I declared un-American. We won that battle, by golly.
(clears throat)

In other news:
• Capital Beat takes a look ahead
• Black watch: Greg Flynn has a take on the speaker race and the capital rumor mill on the fate of Jim Black
• New lobby laws kick in. Can't wait to start publishing those reports.
• NC's Minimum Wage rises to $6.15 an hour.
• Don't know 'bout y'all, but I heard the phrase McCain Doctrine on Saturday in Chapel Hill
• Speaking of the rally, I have to say the Edwards folks didn't do the fastest job of cleaning up after themselves. The new neighbors sure bring a lot of excitement, but they need to sweep up the confetti.

Also, the N&O has done its first podcast—Dave Menconi on his top records of 2006. It's a interesting first attempt, mostly Dave explaining his choices and short clips. I would have like to have seen the album covers and links to full versions of the songs or longer clips so I could click around while he's narrating.

(Note: I'm probably not going to cross post every Morning Post I do at Exile on Jones Street, but if there's a good bit of state news I will. If you have any thoughts on this as I settle in here let me know.)