Volume 1 Issue 7

November 20, 2002

Would Jesus Read This Email?

Calling Captain Stuben, wobbling around...and everyone's finding religion!

Today's phase of the day is "infinitesimal wobbling" -
http://www.nytimes.com/2002/11/20/science/20ASTR.html

First, welcome to some folks who are joining us for the first time today...hope you enjoy. Secondly, we are still taking name suggestions, once I get a bunch we'll put it up for a vote. Third, I am briefly going to rant about the fact that it its FUCKING IMPOSSIBLE to find a VHS tape in the District of Columbia. After trolling 5 stores in the city, I finally had to go to Target in FUCKING ALEXANDRIA to get one! I really didn't need it that badly, but eventually it became a mission, you know how that goes. Ah, that feels better. So, OK! Let's see what's going on...

The Homeland Security bill passed yesterday, so if Congress ever decides to pass a budget it might actually happen! Of course, good ol' Robert Byrd (D-WV) was against it, and the Times has a good look at the man who will succeed Strom Thurmond as the Senate's favorite curmudgeon -
http://www.nytimes.com/2002/11/20/politics/20BYRD.html

By the way the Robert C. Byrd quote of the day is "Oh, to be 70 again."

Speaking of Strom Thrumond, December 6, the day after his 100th birthday, is the day the Air Force will name a C-17 (the 100th to be built). The cargo aircraft will be named "The Spirit of Strom Thurmond." Readers may remember previous comments on this name, so they won't be repeated for now, but we will keep close tabs on the upcoming centennial and plane naming. Submissions are welcome for the special Strom Thrumond turns 100 e-mail... -
http://www.thestate.com/mld/thestate/news/local/4561144.htm

So while American youngsters will be sent soon to invade Iraq, 87% of them can't find Iraq on a map. Ok, so it's foreign, but 70% can't find New Jersey on a map! I really hope they have GPS in those tanks... -
http://www.cnn.com/2002/EDUCATION/11/20/geography.quiz/index .html

As you may know, New York City has run out of shelter space for its homeless, and is struggling to find an answer...and they may have one! [imagine in song...] "The Love Boat, exciting and used, come aboard, we're sheltering you!" -
http://cbsnewyork.com/topstories/topstoriesny_story_32407061 4.html

Obligatory "Michael Jackson is a nutcase" link -
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/2494249.stm

A new movement is asking "Would Jesus drive an SUV?" Environmentalists find religion -
http://money.cnn.com/2002/11/20/news/companies/cars/index.ht m

Speaking of religion and science, Gregg Easterbrook, my current favorite writer (as he is not only an editor at The Atlantic Monthly and a fellow at Brookings, but also writes an excellent weekly football column for ESPN!) has a cover story in Wired about scientists finding religion too -
http://www.wired.com/wired/archive/10.12/convergence.html

This evening at midnight is one of the biggest wine events of the year, as the 2002 version of Beaujolais Nouveau will be opened. This is an excellent (and cheap!) French wine that is only available for a few weeks each year, and by French law can't be opened until Midnight on the 3rd Thursday of November. In other wine news, recent court rulings may be ending many state's wine "monopolies", and clearing away the last vestiges of Prohibition. Better late then never I guess -
http://www.nytimes.com/2002/11/20/dining/20WINE.html?8hpib

And for those of you who dislike the French, here's an anti-French rant -
http://www.hissyfit.com/hissyfits/2002_11_12.shtml

Someone decided to steal a 12-foot tall, 19 foot long inflatable reindeer from the top of a shopping mall sign on one of the busiest highway's in Virginia this weekend. And no one saw it. Now, this may be just me, but when you have to cut like 20 cables, deflate the thing, and run away with it (btw, they also tried to steal a 2nd reindeer on another sign...) shouldn't someone notice!?! I guess all the laid-off private airline screeners have become mall security guards. Plus, what the hell would you do with it? BUT! This isn't the first Christmas heist of this kind in the DC area...is there a serial swiper going around? -
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A12186-2002Nov19.html

Finally, as the holiday season descends upon us, its time to start shopping for friends and loved ones. In that vein, we'll provide some gift suggestions from time to time. Today, a must have for that neurotic who can't afford a shrink: a wind-up Freud pillow! You wind it up, and it play's "Memories" as you recline on a picture of the good doctor. Get them before they're gone! -
http://www.wonderfullywacky.com/unusual-pillows.htm

By the way, if that shows up under my tree, people will die.

Have a great afternoon!

Gregory S. Gadren