am i the only person in the geekdom world...

who thinks the idea of a "space elevator" is just downright stupid???

fuckity fuck fuck fuck

Americans United: Americans United Blasts House For Passage Of Fee-Stripping Bill:

AU's Lynn Says Measure Is 'A Repugnant Affront To The Civil Rights of All Americans'

The U.S. House of Representatives in full political mode approved a seriously flawed bill aimed at stopping citizens from challenging in court government-sponsored religious activities, says Americans United for Separation of Church and State.

In a largely partisan vote, the House today passed the so-called “Public Expression of Religion Act,” which would make it much more difficult for those seeking to uphold the First Amendment principle of church-state separation. The bill, H.R. 2679, would deny legal fees and out-of-pocket expenses to plaintiffs who win lawsuits under the Fist Amendment’s Establishment Clause, which bans the government from promoting religion. It passed by a vote of 244-173.

Once again, "Christians" make me seriously regret my faith and my hope.

The NYT just doesn't get it...

A Retreat on Carry-On Liquids - New York Times:

A safer course of action would retain the near total ban on liquids and let the airlines supply passengers with ample beverages.

The ban on liquids has nothing to do with beverages, you twits.  It has to do with mouthwash, make-up, moisturizers, deoderant, shampoos and conditioners, and all of the other basic toiletry needs that people need on the other side to make themselves feel that little bit better after a 7 hour cramped flight from hell, things they would rather not be required to check into their guarenteed to be lost at least once luggage, especially business travelers who like to travel solely via carry-on.

just an isty-bisty, teenie-weenie, LIE

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20060927/ap_on_en_mu/itsy_bitsy_songwriter_4

long story short - the Paul Vance who died yesterday had lied to his wife about being the songwriter of Isty-Bitsy and wasn't the actual composer at all.  The composer Paul Vance is alive and well at age 76, and still collecting royalties on the song, having the statements from ASCAP to prove it - the imposter had claimed he'd sold the rights off as his excuse for not receiving payments.

poor chap...

catching up on galactica

and finally seeing Bastille Day, the first one featuring Richard Hatch...

...and DAMN he's good.

oh, and new icon goodness.  miss you, john c. ...