The XX Factor

We’re Talking About: July 7, 2010

- Levi Johnston publicly apologized to the Palins , asking his son’s grandparents to “forgive my youthful indiscretion.” [ People ]

- Ginni Thomas , wife of Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas , is becoming a key player in the Tea Party movement. [ Politico ]

- Lady Gaga ‘s over-the-top outfits show off her talent for performance, but they don’t make her a cultural icon . [ Washington Post ]

-How do you raise a child who’s nothing like you ? [ New York Times ]

- Dr. Robert N. Butler , psychiatrist and author of Love and Sex after 60 , has died at age 83 . [ Washington Post ]

Photograph of Levi Johnston by Michael Buckner/Getty Images.