• A bipartisan Congressional report rebuts Bush on warrantless spying. (Not related, but paranoia-inducing: for a price, anyone can access your cell phone records.)

• M.H. Abrams, founding and general editor of The Norton Anthology of English Literature, is retiring.

• From page to screen: adapting fiction. Also, upcoming 2006 films, including the screen versions of Heller’s What Was She Thinking? and Perrotta’s Little Children.

• The sophomore novel slump.

• MFA handbook: Iowa no longer the top writing school in the country.

• Slang of the year (2005): “jump the couch.” Runners-up: spokesweasel, girlfriend experience, and facebook, the verb.

• Hyperion press release issued with changes tracked.

• The Bible: the most stolen book. (Via Bookninja.)

• On the nightstand at (former Replacements drummer) Chris Mars’ place: The Best Democracy Money Can Buy by Greg Palast, Pastoralia by George Saunders, Tortilla Curtain by T.C. Boyle.