New blogs joining the LexBlog Network for the week of 1/2-1/6

I know I start out approximately a third of these posts with a “it isn’t every week that we…” but, seriously, it isn’t every week that we add a former presidential candidate as an author on the LexBlog Network (check out the contributors on the Politics, Law & Policy Blog). Also, if you haven’t caught the most recent episodes of LXBN TV, be sure to see Andrew Trask on the top class action lawsuits of 2011 and Chris Willis on Richard Cordray’s recess appointment to the role of CFPB Director.

• The Federal Regulations Advisor is authored by Washington, DC attorney Leland Beck. Beck brings quite the wealth of experience to this publication as he previously worked in Office of the General Counsel for the Department of Homeland Security for 7 years and then, before that, 16 years as Senior Counsel in the United States Department of Justice. This’ll be one to watch.
• The Politics, Law & Policy Blog is the fourth blog on the LexBlog Network from AmLaw 200 firm McKenna Long & Aldridge. The publication, which “will serve as a non-partisan, informational forum focused on policy topics, debates, and developments across a wide spectrum of areas” features Howard Dean as a contributor. 
• Legal Tastings, a wine law blog, is the—wait for it—32nd publication on the LexBlog Network from AmLaw 200 firm Fox Rothschild. Authored by attorneys Charlotte Ito and Keith I. Chrestionson, the blog offer up commentary on legal developments in the California wine industry.
• The Northwest Green Law Blog, as described in the tagline, intends to offer “professional insight on renewable energy law, emerging green technology and sustainable practices.” Authored by attorneys David Campbell and James Robenalt of Williams Kastner, it is the fourth publication on the LexBlog Network from the Pacific Northwest firm.
• While the rest of this week’s announcement’s come from firms adding to their array of publications, the Structured Finance Litigation Blog is the first on the LexBlog Network from Lowenstein Sandler. The publication covers the latest developments in the world of structured finance/capital markets litigation, including RMBS cases, CDO cases, government investigations, and related regulatory developments.
• Covering the latest legal topics in the shipping industry, the Ship Law Log is the 17th blog on the LexBlog Network from AmLaw 200 firm Reed Smith. Authored my members of the firm’s Shipping Group, the publication examines topics that include cargo issues, sanctions, voyage charters, piracy and relevant case law.