High School All Over Again

No word yet on when the next show will be; Mikey Mel can be an elusive fellow. As soon as we hear from him, we'll be sure to let you know.

We Got News

- Genarlow Wilson has been released from a Georgia Prison (CNN)
- Putin compares standoff on US missile shield to Cuban missile crisis (CNN)
- Fifa has recommended Brazil to be the host of the 2014 World Cup (ESPN)
- The Gainesville, FL police officers who tasered a student at a John Kerry event last month have been cleared of charges (WFTV)
- Former Prime Minister of Pakistan, Bhutto, suspects Musharraf regime involvement in assassination attempt (CNN)

Update: The Situation in Turkey

Tensions continue to simmer between Iraq and Turkey, as diplomatic discussions have been unable to achieve a long term solution. So far, Turkey has not launched a full fledged invasion of Northern Iraq in pursuit of rebel Kurdish fighters. However, Reuters is reporting that the Turkish military has commenced with an aerial assault on bases across the border. It appears that the situation could go either way, but I would assume that fighting will increase before things settle down.

In related news, the proposed bill in the US Congress to condemn the Ottoman genocide against the Armenians has stalled. CNN reports that the White House has succeeded in convincing supporters of the bill to withdraw it and consider it at a more opportune time.

Update: CNN has an updated report on today's events in Turkey here.

Update: Check here for our previous post on the Turkey-Iraq situation.

Update: The Situation in Burma

CNN is reporting that the military junta in Burma has freed the pro-democracy leader, Suu Kyi, and at least 50 of her key supporters.

In the mean time, the regime has redeployed armed troops into the country's largest city. From the article:

"The show of force after several weeks of relative quiet appeared aimed at forestalling any activities to mark the one-month anniversary of a key day in the anti-regime uprising by Buddhist monks, activists and ordinary citizens angry at the entrenched military government."

Things seem to be moving in the right direction, lets hope for more releases of political prisoners and fewer armed troops on the streets in the future.

Colbert 4 President Gaining Momentum

Well, at least on Facebook it is. The group, 1,000,000 Strong For Stephen T Colbert, is the fastest growing ever on the site. Check here for the numbers.

The Hold Steady at the 40 Watt

So, I had planned on catching the Art Brut show at the 40 Watt last night, but my timing was off and I walked into the room just as they were leaving the stage. Instead, I picked up a few videos of the headlining band, the Hold Steady. First up is Stuck Between Stations off their album, "Girls and Boys in America."



Follow the jump for more: --->

Arnold v. Bush = Cross-Country Throwdown on the Mend

Though I'm glad to see Bush and Arnold getting along in the present time of crisis, I'd love to see Schwartzenegger bust out some "Commando"-esque moves if things go sour.

I know it’s been several years, but I still find it intriguing that Arnold is governor of California. I guess being so far removed from it, that’s difficult to conceptualize. Either way, the article's a relatively riveting read from the NY Times on his and Bush’s relationship.

I'm always a sucker for "how the hell did that happen" stories

Here's another one!

I don't know if the guy resisted the arrest, or was a jackass to the cop and the store manager or what, but it seems to me like he could have just paid the $2 for the jellybeans and moved on his way.

Hail to Jesus, we're down 2-0

According to this article, the Colorado Rockies believe God was behind some of their "good luck" on the way to the World Series.

In that mode, I learned the other day that the Rockies are in fact a faith-based organization, as far as I know the only one in professional sports. Now, I guess I can't speak too soon about their 2 losses in Boston, because with God on their side, He could just be toying with those faithless Northeastern Blue-Staters (to Hell with Ted Kennedy!!). However, I'm inclined to think God is conerned about other things, like, something else in the vast scope of infinity.

This raises another question: Why does it seems that Colorado is the place where Christianity is taking off by leaps and bounds these days? With Colorado Springs headquartering several major evangelical institutions, and the Rockies with their mission as stated above, it makes me think maybe that's what John Denver meant by "Rocky Mountain High?" Hmmm, probably not though, and that's my point: Colorado is traditionally well known for another type of living.

No Religion = More Money?

Except in the U.S., apparently. So, here are some really loaded statistics showing the relationships between abundancy of religion and amount of wealth per capita in various countries around the world (note: pretty graphs involved!!).

Thankfully, the article does not make a strong attmept to analyze these stats too deeply, because drawing a direct correlary between the two overlooks waaaay too many other factors. Effectively, then, the stats do their job and raise provocative thoughts regarding the connections between religion, economics, and politics. Enjoy!

Rumsfeld on trial in France

You're sitting there in Paris, recently retired and giving a speech, and then you're informed you're being put on trial as an alleged torturer by the French government.

If I'm Donald Rumsfeld, maybe I'm not terribly surprised by this. However, as me, I find this intriguing. Granted, I dislike both Rummy and torture as much as the next guy, but I'm curious as to how this entire process works, and what evidence they have on him, and what the U.S. Embassy thinks about the whole shindig.

With very limited knowledge regarding international law, I'd love some feedback on how others perceive this situation. I'm sure it will do wonders for Franco-American relations.

It Has Been a Bad Week For Internet Copyright Infringers

First, TV-Links went down. Then the private Bittorrent tracker, OiNK, went down. Now there is word that other sites are due to be raided as well. Needless to say, there are a lot of unhappy nerds out there right now.

I think all of this is fascinating. I was a frequent user of TV-Links and bittorrent sites over the past few years; often I used them to watch reruns of old shows or give a new show a try. However, as iTunes began offering a wider selection and ABC and NBC rolled out their own free video platforms, I found myself gravitating towards these options. They are simply faster and more reliable than TV-Links or the file-sharing sites.

Even now, CBS and Fox offer no method for enjoying their products freely and legally on the net. Why not? It is 2007, right?

My message to the entertainment industry: Stop prosecuting people, adjust your business model to meet the needs of the 21st century consumer, and provide a good product. Otherwise, these pirating sites will keep popping up, and there is no way that the legal system can keep up with them.

Philosophy and Science meet for a cup of tea

So, a bunch of scholars across various fields of science and philosophy weighed in on their thoughts about the purpose of existence. I know this isn't so exciting to everyone as it is to me; however, if you have some time, flipping through a couple of these is wildly intriguing.

Home Shopping Network Bloopers

Click here! Admit it, you love watching people hurt themselves.

All that you could ever want from Contemporary Christian Music

Only $149.95.

Linux Rules; Windows Drools

In the interest of full disclosure, let me say this first: I unabashedly love Linux. It is the best operating system in the whole wide world. And the penguin is much, much cooler than a stupid window.

Now that I've got out of the way, this may be the coolest piece of Tech News this week. Bill Gates has dreams, and in his dreams, the characters hypothesize about fitting an operating system onto a 1GB hard drive. Open Source software works because computer users all want the same things: speed, ease of connection to the internet, and pretty colors. Vista hideously fails in two of these categories (speed and internet connection); it is awfully pretty though. In contrast, these are (lo and behold) the very features that Linux emphasizes. Luckily I have been looking for a use for the flash drive that came free with the last computer I bought.

As an aside, this video from 1999 is a bit eerie; replace "Windows 98" with "Vista" and "Saddam Hussein" with "Osama bin Laden" and it feels just like 2007. Weird.

Will Exercise Really Make You Thinner?

New York Magazine asks that question and delves into the muddled world of exercise science. From the article:

"The dietary guidelines of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, for instance, now recommend that we engage in up to 60 minutes daily of “moderate to vigorous intensity” physical activity just to maintain weight—that is, keep us from fattening further. Considering the ubiquity of the message, the hold it has on our lives, and the elegant simplicity of the notion—burn calories, lose weight—wouldn’t it be nice to believe it were true? The catch is that science suggests it’s not, and so the answer to all of the above quiz questions is “no.”"

I am always amazed at how little we actually know about the human body and how it works. As the article discusses, we have been taught for our entire lives that people get fat because they are lazy and eat too much, but the science behind these claims is apparently murky.

Forget the people in South Africa and Iraq, teach cartography to the NFL!

In a move that would make Miss Teen South Carolina proud, Channing Crowder of the NFL's Miami Dolphins (pictured here in college about to destroy Casey Clausen) just figured out where London is, and that Londoners speak English. With the Dolphins playing the Giants in London this weekend, Crowder questioned whether or not he needed a translator there. I mean, he might; those crazy Brits can't speak our language for shit.

It's my opinion that this seems like a joke, but you never, ever know. For the record, this guy went to middle school with myself and Hebb, and also played at Florida. What does that say?

Update: So. Cal. wildfire situation

To spread some good news, the Southern California wildfires are under some measure of control. I know the authorities are trying to be optimistic, but I hope saying that "the worst is behind us" is not jumping ahead of themselves, especially since this is the first relief that's been shown.

However, if asshole arsonists continue to contribute to the situation, then this may go on much longer than expected.

In the end, though, if God is punishing the Californians for their sinful ways, then who knows what will happen. But, since that's not the case, The Pasty Quail sends its best wishes in hopes that this disaster will be mitigated and alleviated quickly.

POSTSCRIPT: While we're in a HowStuffWorks mood (in an effort to break my dependence on Wikipedia), here's their article on wildfires.

HEBBARD POST-POSTSCRIPT: Fox News is reporting that Al Qaeda is behind the wildfires. No, seriously. Raw Story has a confusing article about.

Naked Sleepwalkers: The Silent Killer

Yes, that's right. Travelodge alone has recorded (why do they record these things?) at least 400 cases of naked sleepwalking in the past year (in 310 hotels!), and now are training employees on how to handle the situations.


It seems that, at least from the examples the article gives, the sleepwalkers are mostly harmless. But the trend is still pretty intriguing. I mean, I know it's 310 different places, but more than one a day is a lot. I didn't know so many people had sleepwalking issues. Learn something every day.

HowStuffWorks weighs in here on sleepwalking and other sleep disorders if you're interested.

Slate Extravaganza!!

I know Hebbard posted something from Slate yesterday, but here are two intriguing articles I've seen in the last few days that are worth a read:

1.) First, we have a discussion of Al Gore's misrepresented environmental ideology. In other words, the guy's trying to do well, sure, but there's a lot more going on with climate change. Again, not new news.

2.) We've got Ole Hitch and his "fighting words" column taking on whether or not "Islamofascism" is a valid term.

Enjoy! (now that it's almost the afternoon)

Note: The Pasty Quail officially sponsors this event

Since I don't advertise in any other important way, here's my outlet. Strokin' It, The Strokes cover band, consisting of exactly the same members as my original band, That's What She Said, is playing in downtown Athens tonight at the Georgia Theatre.

Show costs $5, and we'll be playing from 10-11:30, followed by Wrong Way, the Sublime cover band. Come out and join us! I'll be celebrating heartily the completion of my Masters' degree comprehensive exams.

CHEAP AIRFARE!

Now that I have your attention, this post is a reference guide to finding the cheapest airfare. After that misleading "now that I have your attention," it's not what you thought this post was going to be about, was it?



As Hebbard mentioned recently, commercial airline flight is ridiculously safe, which is comforting for people like me with mild control freak symptoms and medium anxiety issues. However, that doesn't mean that it's cheap, nor does it mean the airlines will charge you appropriately either way. Hopefully these can be useful.

No whores while we're on duty? Now that's just unfair.

Belgian cops get barely a slap on the wrist for carousing in the red-light district of Brussels while on duty. What if this happens in the U.S.?

Oh yeah, it wouldn't.

Sunbelt Cities Continue Their Ridiculous Campaign Against Baggy Pants

Previously, we have mentioned Atlanta and Shreveport's plans to implement city ordinances against the baggy pants menace that is sweeping the nation. These plans are discriminatory, overly paternalistic, and most of all an absurd waste of government resources.

Now Dallas has entered the fray by erecting billboards aimed at shaming its citizens into pulling their pants up. From Hip-Hop site XXLMag.com:

"The campaign will consist of three different “Pullem’ Up” billboards that bear the slogans “Don’t Be Lame, Elevate Your Game,” “Represent Yourself Like You Present Yourself,” and “That’s Not Hip-Hop That’s Flip Flop.”"

UGH.

Check the full article here.

Slate Does It Again

Jill McDonough's poem, "Breasts Like Martinis", is one of the best original works of literature I've read in ages. It does a great job of combining two things I love.

Also, if anybody knows the joke about a shoelace walking into the bar, or the whore, the midget and the Chinaman, let me know.

Latest Campaign Newcomer Faces Legal Challenge

Stephen Colbert, the latest TV Actor to jump into the race for President, may face significant legal problems. Slate has picked this up as well.

The problems appear to be two-fold. First, the Federal Election Commission has declared it unlawful to have a corporation sponsor a political campaign. Colbert's sponsorship by Dorito's would seem to run afoul of this rule. Colbert has countered by saying that Dorito's only sponsors his show's coverage of his campaign. Colbert also elaborated, saying:

"As a candidate, I am under no obligation to promote the zesty, robust taste of Doritos brand tortilla chips, regardless of how great a snack they may be for lunchtime, munch time, anytime."

The second problem Colbert may face is potentially more difficult. While media outlets are permitted to show candidates as part of their election coverage, they may not promote any candidate. The FEC definition of "promotion" includes donations, as well the use of free services or goods (in-kind donations). It would seem that allowing Colbert to promote his campaign on his show would violate that rule.

There is no word yet on how the FEC will treat Mr. Colbert's campaign; we can only hope that our nation's greatest TV talk show candidate will get a fair shake.

Colbert/Craig '08!

A Pictoral Explanation of the "Beijing 2008" Logo

It has been about a fornight since we have reiterated our opinion that the 2008 Olympics might have some problems.

I'd like to go on record as saying I truly believe they will be an unmitigated disaster.

Click on the image to enlarge.

Higher Education wasting my time again

My post on Alzheimer’s from last week explained that scientists were working on a way to diagnose the disease before it happens.

Now, it appears that a different study shows that amount of formal education is directly proportional to the speed at which Alzheimer's deteriorates the brain.

Great. Does this include years of teaching as well?

Mmmm. . . Tasty!

DISCLAIMER: If you don’t like the idea of McDonalds baked on top of a home-made pizza, don’t look. Yeah, that’s pretty much it.

Fun With Online Translation

I'm sure we've all had a few good laughs using Alta Vista's Babelfish; many of us never would have completed the language requirements in High School or undergrad without it. Google has just announced that they are switching over to their own translation service for its in-house translation needs. Prior to this announcement, Google had been using Systran, who provide the translation services behind Babelfish, for almost all of their translation needs.

The article attempts to compare translations of a passage from Guy de Maupassant's "Pierre et Jean". It is a difficult piece, and both Systran and Google have some difficulty. At first glance, it seems that Google sacrifices some complexity (both grammatical and vocabular) in order to make the piece a bit more readable.

The Google tool has one distinct advantage, however. Try entering the following phrases in the "French to English" translator (include the quotes):

"sarkozy sarkozy sarkozy"
"sarkozy is chirac"
"sarkozy chirac Kate cheney fesses amour"

We Got News!

In my first "We Got News" ever, I've discovered a few gems that don't require much explanation; but, surely they involve riveting information you MUST have (like the rest of the Quail's news):

- Today must be “discuss controversial books” day! Croatian reviewers suggest their opinions on the most destructive books of all time.

- Scientology helps Jerry Seinfeld with his comedy?

- Part II in crazy recent Japanese inventions. (see here for part 1 in that series)

- Jesus dolls sold out at Wal-Mart!! Others lag behind.

Albus Dumbledore's sexual orientation still a big deal

Apparently, at least, because I've found a plethora of opinion articles all over the religion blogs.

This is a classic case of something becoming a story because it’s a story. I mean, c’mon. I didn’t really comment on it the other day because it took some time to set in.

First, professed Christian David Kuo (who has written on Slate and elsewhere), poses a unique challenge to those who are boycotting based on the sexuality of a fictional character.

He explains: "For all those who are using Dumbledore's sexual orientation as reason for boycotting Mr. Rowling's books, a challenge may be in order. Instead of speaking out against her books and Dumbledore, create Christian characters on screen and in print that are as interesting, complex, and challenging as many of the gay characters we've come to know over the years."

A second article, which is much lengthier than the previous, conveys a similar message, i.e. that Dumbledore is a fictional character, and that Rowling has the right to say any and everything about HER books and her characters, because she created them. I say this in response to a comment from an associate professor of philosophy at Liberty University, who says:

“It doesn’t change my perception of the series, but it does say something about her choice to include this detail at that time. . . Does she have the right to keep giving us details? I wonder what’s the point, other than her staking out her agenda.”

From the same piece, here's a quote from author Neil Gaiman, who wrote a pretty decent book called American Gods, among others, in reference to his own creative license:

“And, truth to tell, sexuality tends to be such a minor thing, if you have several hundred characters running around in your head. You know more than you’ve written. One of the characters in Wall in Stardust, for example, is not what he is pretending to be in a way that has nothing at all to do with sex, . . .

As for withholding information. . . before the Internet, I’d tell anyone anything they wanted to know. . . Not any longer, because one day I may tell those stories. (If I knew for sure I wouldn’t tell them, then I’d happily answer people now.)”

So, in reference to people who think Rowling is doing this for more money, at least here’s another perspective on why that might not be true. Personally, I did feel like it was more an offhand comment than an intricate revelation at a key time for monetary gain. But who am I to say for sure? The most interesting aspect of this is still the fact that the story is EVERYWHERE on the religion blogs several days later.

Now Even Pastier!

Take a look around TPQ's new layout, and let us know what you think.

Let us know if you like the new logo, too. We're planning to make up some stickers in the near future, so if it's offensive to you, speak now. Otherwise, you're doomed to be staring at a logo you don't like on a signpost, bathroom wall, or bus stop near you.

The Latest in Tattoo Technology

Tattoos for the blind: Courtesy of a German art student, you can now get surgical steel, titanium, or medical plastic inserted underneath your skin, making a touchy, feely tattoo.

Tattoos for the permanently indecisive: Dr. Bruce Klitzman of Duke U's Plastic Surgery Research Labs has developed a form of "erasable" (soluble and capable of dissolution in the body over time) tattoo ink which can be contained in tiny plastic beads, now giving dumb kids that much more reason to get ill-advised ink.

Mandatory Chuck Norris Reference

Chuck Norris picks his favorite presidential candidate, courtesy of CNN.

Because I'm Too Lazy To Write Four Real Posts

- Countrywide Financial, the US's largest mortgage lender, will provide cheaper refinancing options to sub-prime borrowers whose rates are set to rise this year (MSNBC)
- 300,000 people have been forced to evacuate their homes ahead of advancing wild fires in Southern California (Washington Post)
- A far-right nationalist party has won a dramatic landslide victory in Swiss parliamentary elections (CNN)
- Stephen Colbert now leads Mike Gravel, Dennis Kucininch, and Bill Richardson in national polling on likely Democratic candidates (Editor and Publisher)

MySpace 2.0 Unveiled

The new MySpace layout launched today, and to the surprise of no-one, it looks eerily similar to Facebook. It looks like the new platform has really tightened things up; the page loads faster and the columns look more fixed than previously. Alas, since we were only kicked off by Facebook a few days ago, we will have to wait to see the new widgets like everyone else.

After Death of Deputy Mayor, Delhi Plans to Fight Monkeys with Monkeys

The monkey problem in Delhi, the Indian Capital, has finally reached up and claimed the life of a major political figure in the city. SS Bajwa, the city's Deputy Mayor, died Sunday after a fall from his first-floor terrace; he fell while trying to fight off a horde of Rhesus macaques (pictured at right).

Apparently, monkey catchers have not been very effective, and a "culling" of the monkeys would offend the Hindu resident's belief that the monkeys are a meenifestation of the god Hanuman. The most promising strategy put forth so far: train gangs of larger, more ferocious langur monkeys to act as enforcers and subdue the gangs of macaques.

UGA Proves: "We Can Be as Nerdy as Anyone Else"

Myers Hall students recreate Quidditch. Live. Complete with girls dressing in yellow jumpsuits and hiding around campus.

It is Likely That Pot is the Biggest Crop in California

The Economist has an article positing that marijuana has surpassed wine as California's biggest crop. From the article:

"Since April the state's annual “Campaign against Marijuana Planting” has pulled 2.9m plants worth some $10 billion from back gardens, timber forests and state lands. Marijuana is now by far California's most valuable agricultural crop. Assuming, very optimistically, that the cops are finding every other plant, it is worth even more than the state's famous wine industry."

I am wondering what will happen in California after 2008 if a president who is less intent on enforcing federal drug laws is elected.

Grocery Shelf Lives

Business week has a handy guide to whether you should eat that bologna you bought in 2004.

Another Opportunity for the NYT

Maybe they have something obnoxious to say about the rash of wildfires that look hell bent on destroying San Diego.

The New York Times to the Rescue!

Denizens of backwater towns, trailer parks, and dirt farms all across the Redneck Nation can relax. The New York Times has taken up this drought story.

Having lived my entire life on the South right side of the Mason/Dixon line, I cannot overstate how nice it is to know that our neighbors to the North are sympathetic to our problems. I truly believe that we are a few more condescending articles from major northern news sources away from licking this nearly 2-year-old drought. If we could only get them to make fun of us for our poverty issues, lack of educational infrastructure, and that wierd habit of parking rusted Fords in our front yards we could become as civilized as the ass-clowns they employ at the New York Times.

(sighing reluctantly) Congrats to the Red Sox

I know I'm a couple days late on this, but I really don't wish the Red Sox congratulations. They have overcome some ridiculous deficits in the past couple years, and I was happy to see their fans stop bitching that they were cursed when they won the World Series three years ago; now, though, the fans are just bitchy because the team is good.

Regardless, the team pulled off another miracle series comeback to win the AL Pennant, and Slate weighs in on one of the key catalysts, Manny Ramirez on and off the field. If you like sports, then this is a great article. If you don’t like the Red Sox, then you won’t like it. If you don’t like sports, here’s the gist:

Basically, with the Red Sox down 3 games to 1, the Indians needed only one more win, at home, to go to the World Series. After losing game 4, Ramirez is quoted, "If we don’t win the series, it’s not the end of the world." A media frenzy ensued. Here's kind of a lengthy paragraph, but conveys the point perfectly.

"[The comment] came at the end of a lengthy chat with the media, a rare enough occurrence over the past two seasons in which Ramirez has frozen them out. Already he had said that he would trade all his records for a chance at another World Series, which is exactly the right kind of thing to say to people who judge your dedication by the kind of dumbshow you perform in front of the camera. Then, he said that, if Boston were to lose the ALCS, it wouldn't be the end of the world. Which is exactly the wrong thing to say to those same people. He stood accused, on the front pages of America's finer tabloid newspapers, and all across the sporting airwaves, in between commercials for auto glass and male-enhancement nostrums, of insufficient grit, of Non-Moxie in the third degree, of Conspiracy To Convince America's Fans To Lighten the Hell Up. Guilty on all counts.”

The point is that ESPN and many others were calling for his head because he "didn't care." Well, the Red Sox won three straight games (the last two by 9 and 10 runs, respectively), and Ramirez was a key part of that. I just don't understand why we don't respect more professional athletes that treat their job as what it is: a fucking GAME.

So, in fact, I do congratulate the Red Sox, or at least Manny Ramirez, in this context, because they seem to be having a good time.

God, I hate Duke

Amidst the current drought, the fine people at Duke University apparently are allowing their field hockey teams to water the shit out of their astro-turf.


There actually are a couple sides to this story, since the fields can cause severe injury if they aren't moistened. However, on the other side, I did enjoy this comment from a local resident who drove by the grounds: "Sprinklers aren't even the right term, they're like fire hoses," Schnurr said. "I was like, 'What is that? What is that?' I couldn't believe it." I think his argument is pretty justifiable as well.

Luckily, though, coach Beth Bozman of the women's field hockey team, is on top of things. She explains, "I drive a hybrid, and I recycle," Bozman said. "I'm as green as anybody. I understand."

Whew! I'm glad she understands why watering astro-turf during a severe drought is correlated directly to driving a hybrid. Now all the Durham residents can sleep easily.

Tuesday!!!

In short but sweet words, The Onion pays tribute to everyone's favorite day of the week.

Lindsey mentioned this one to me, and then Matt randomly sent the link a day later, so many thanks to them. Enjoy!

The Whigs at the Variety Playhouse - 10/20/07

If you haven't noticed, the Whigs are becoming a favorite band around here. Nearly the entire Quail staff made it down to the show on Saturday night and we were rewarded with some quality music and a really short tour back stage. Here is a video of the band performing "Don't Talk Anymore":



Follow the jump for a clip of "Nothing is Easy": --->

Inside the Mind of a 9-Year Old Filesharer

Torrent-freak.com has a very interesting interview with a 9-year old about her thoughts on file-sharing. From the interview:

"Q - When you started using LimeWire, did anyone ever mention that if you did certain things you might be breaking some laws?

A - Why would they put it [music] on the internet and invent mp3 players if it was against the law?"

Artificially altering nature will help our environmental issues

From the department that brought you rockets to disperse rain clouds, modern science now is taking it upon itself to weaken hurricanes and steer their course.

Ok, this may meet with some criticism, and that's fine. Hurricane Katrina (and many others) have been horribly detrimental to human life, and I understand the effort to curb these catastrophes from causing such damage.

However, does anyone else notice the lack of hurricane activity on the east coast this year "coinciding" with a severe drought inland? These natural storms are pretty instrumental to our climate control.

Why don't we just make the U.S. a huge BioDome? Then we wouldn't have to worry about any of this.

What a Way to Go

Death by car accident? Tragic.
Death by heart disease or cancer? Sadly common.
Death by meteorite? Unlikely.
Death by pack of raving, crazy monkeys? Terrifying.

James Watson Doesn't Like Brown People and Other Ethical Dilemmas

By now, I'm sure you've heard about the recent comments of Dr. James Watson, of "Watson, Wilkins, & Crick" fame.

We all know that he's (a) wrong and (b) a bit nutty. But what if a scientist were to make a geniune discovery of intellectual differences based on race, nationality, or gender? Does s/he have a responsibility, as a scientist, to make the discovery public? Does s/he have an ethical responsibility, as a human being, to suppress the results of the experiment, knowing that such a disclosure would likely be used as a justification for the oppression of a class of persons? Leave your thoughts on the comment board.

Watch TV in Your Browser, Pt. II

One of the best sites for watching tv shows for free on the internet, TV-Links, was shut down over the weekend. Have no fear though, here is a list of sites that might be able to fill the gap.

Well, Someone Clearly Doesn't Have a Girlfriend

Dude, I don't care how beautiful your car is. It's still just covered in dirt.

Drought issues abound across the nation

As I woke up this morning to a fresh rainfall (apparently Atlanta is getting a more steady dose than Athens as well), we need to recognize that there are people a lot worse off than we are when it comes to drought conditions. Wildfires continue to rage in Southern California, which now seems to be a yearly occurrence.


At this point, it seems like a luxury only to have poor urban planning and simply having to conserve water, as opposed to fighting monstrously destructive fires on an annual basis. Good luck to the folks and firefighters out in So. Cal. Let's hope our issues here in Georgia don't ascend to this level.

Shouldn't There Be a Security Alert On?

Allegedly, there was a bomb threat at the SLC, which is now closed pending further notice. Students have been turned away from the building, which is currently locked down.

Is a Major Internet Security Breach in the Works?

Yesterday, the Guardian had an article describing a growing concern amongst internet security people that a widely distributed, but so far harmless, email worm will one day create havoc on the web. Known as 'the Storm', it has been estimated that the program has infected between one million and fifty million PCs around the world.

Since the virus has caused no damage so far and operates completely unnoticed on infected computers, it has been difficult for experts to stem the spread. The fear is that the virus is building a network of infected computers that can one day be used by the creator to launch attacks that will shutdown the web as we know it.

Harry Potter delves further into the depths of Hell

Apparently, Dumbledore, the revered head of Hogwart's, is a homosexual. In a recent interview, J.K. Rowling dropped this bomb, meeting applause, and of course, the inevitable criticism.

Laura Mallory, famous around these parts for avidly trying to keep the Potter books out of Gwinnett County (metro Atlanta) schools, explains:

“My prayer is that parents would wake up, that the subtle way this is presented as harmless fantasy would be exposed for what it really is — a subtle indoctrination into anti-Christian values,” said Mallory. “The kids are being introduced to a cult and witchcraft practices.

“A homosexual lifestyle is a harmful one,” she added. “That’s proven, medically.”

I mean, come on, lady. However, the subtlety of Dumbledore's sexual orientation is a little bit sneaky. How dare an author take license to create personalities for her characters!

A Pasty Quail poll: Does this revelation sully your view of the Potter series? Do you feel cheated or offended? Anyone know about this or see it coming? Weigh in for us. . .

Japanese Pedestrians Use Unusual Camouflage to Deter Crime

Honestly, sometimes I think that the Japanese live on a completely different planet.