Prehistoric ecosystem found intact in cave

In a quarry in Israel, workers drilled into a cavern that had been undisturbed for millions of years. Inside the cave, biologists have found eight new species of crustaceans so far.

Desmond Dekker, dead at 64

An originator of the Jamaiican ska sound, which led to the worldwide popularity of reggae and the rise of Bob Marley, Desmond Dekker died in Britain of a sudden of a heart attack at the age of 64.

A few random links for the last day before a holiday weekend

Here is a colorful world map of language distribution. 10,000 sheep as drawn by online workers, each receiving about $.02 each for the commissioned drawings. Bizarrely, Play Doh is introducing a perfume in honor of its fiftieth anniversary. And finally a long list of free MP3 recordings of historical and theatrical dialogue. Enjoy!

Kenneth Lay, Jeffrey Skilling found guilty in Enron scandal

Lay was found guilty on all charges against him, and Skilling was found guilty on 19 of the 28 charges against him. The jury reached their decision after six days of deliberation.

Approval map of the US

Bushlandia is getting ever smaller and Reality is growing.

Leno on Bush

Ordinarily I'm not really a fan of Jay Leno, but recently he's had some great Bush jokes. Some of my favorites:

Jay Leno: “And since when is 29% considered an approval rating? Isn't that more of a disapproval rating?”

Jay Leno: “Maybe he should at some point just stop doing the job all together and see if it goes up.”

Jay Leno: “On Thursday, the President will follow up his speech by going to the Arizona border, which will be historic. It will be the first time he's ever actually showed up with a National Guard unit.”

Bush campaign official goes to prison

It seems that highjacking voting machines via Diebold and a Supreme Court stacked in their favor is not enough of an election advantage for the GOP. It seems they need to utilize voter supression too, and now a judge and jury agree. James Tobin, a prominent figure in Bush's re-election campaign has been found guilty and sentenced to 10 months in prison for his role in disrupting the 2002 election in New Hampshire. In a continuing investigation, the trail now leads to dozens of phone calls that Tobin made to the White House on the day of the election. Tobin should make sure there's room in his cell for company.

New MacBook

Apple announced yesterday several new models of its new MacBook, replacing the aging yet venerable iBook line. Even the least expensive MacBook is chock full of features, including a remote control (for controlling iTunes and other programs from across the room), a built in webcam, an ingenious magnetically connected power cable, a scrolling touch pad, built-in wireless and Bluetooth connectivity, the great iLife suite of programs, thinner cases and larger screens. Another thing they have in common is that they are all powered by the Intel Core Duo processor.

I'll have to admit that I was underwhelmed when Apple announced that it would be using Intel processors in its machines. As a lifelong Mac user, I couldn't see any advantage in sourcing parts from the same company that powers virtually every uninspired, dull and otherwise mediocre PC on the planet. However, I have thawed some since first hearing about the Intel powered Macs, and I suppose that as long as they run a Mac OS, they might not be so bad after all. It has been my understanding that part of the problems experienced with the G4 and G5 processors was not performance, but availability. IBM simply couldn't get enough of them to Apple to meet demand. Intel seems to have much better production capacity. The possibility that Apple will have the processors it needs in order to get computers to customers who want them could only help make Apple more widespread.

In the past few years, millions of PC users were introduced to Apple products through the revolutionary and peerless iPod. Since then, many iPod users have become Apple devotees, choosing to replace their clumsy and virus prone PCs with elegant and efficient Macs. More Mac users means more Mac software and more Mac acceptance in the digital consciousness. Whatever gets more people using Macs is good by me. So, welcome new arrivals. Glad you're with us.

Study finds that Wal-Mart makes people poorer

It's no surprise that one of the greediest companies in history is enriching itself at the expense of taxpayers and its patrons and employees.

A study focused on the effects of Wal-Mart stores on poverty rates found that an estimated 20,000 families nationwide have fallen below the official poverty line as a result of the chain's expansion.

A few random links via MakeZine

Among some recent finds while wandering through the MakeZine blog: a site for optical illusions, directions for making your own sandals from old tires, plans for a $100 sailboat, or a LED lighted rug.

High gas prices got you down?

Are you casting a longing gaze at an efficient but expensive new hybrid? Can't stand the thought of paying for another $75 fill-up to a greedy and unscrupulous oil company? Don't despair, there are plenty of things you can do about it. At the very least, you can make sure that your tires are properly inflated for less rolling resistance, and enjoy the air from your windows instead of turning on the air conditioning. Find more tips on how you can conserve fuel here.

Or better yet, have you considered dusting off your bike? Even if your commute is outside of bike range, your errands might not be. You can conserve fuel and just may discover new places to shop around where you live. Excersize and weight loss are great by-products of riding a bike, as is sheer fun and a reconnection to your community. Adding baskets or panniers or even a trailer to your bike can make carrying loads easier.

If you have a second car but only use it for commuting by yourself, consider swapping it for a scooter. A scooter has all the fun of a convertible for a fraction of the price. Scooters achieve 70 to 90 to 100+ mpg. Millions of people around the world ride scooters to work, which have great fuel economy, are well suited for one or two riders. Scooters with a 50cc or smaller engine don't require a motorcycle license in most states. Find alternative routes to work to avoid fast or heavy traffic and don't forget to pack your lunch. Genuine Scooter Company and Craig's List are good places to look for scooters.

If you're stuck with a gas-guzzling monstrosity and really do need a car, consider replacing your beast with something that is used but in good condition and of course more fuel efficient. It's hard to go wrong with the quality, reliability and efficiency of cars built where gas has been expensive for decades. Look for brands with high mpg models such as Honda (Fit and Civic), Toyota (Echo, Yaris, Tercel, Corolla), Subaru (Impreza), Kia (Rio), Scion (xA and xB) and Hyundai (Accent). Want to go domestic? Choices are slim because US automakers are fixated on high-profit, gas-guzzling SUVs and don't take efficient cars seriously. However, the Chevrolet Aveo is more efficient than most American cars. Although it is Korean made, it doesn't quite meet the higher standards of many foreign brands. If you want to really make a dent in Big Oil's profit margin, consider a car with a diesel engine. Mercedes and Volkswagen (Golf, Beetle, Jetta) make diesel models which can be easily modified to burn biodiesel or even pure vegetable oil. More than 60% of new cars sold in Europe use diesel for fuel. However, since VW is the only distributor of small diesel cars in the US, there are very limited numbers of diesel cars available, and even fewer of those are used.

In any case, higher gas prices are here to stay. The market may fluctuate some, but ultimately the oil companies and their powerful friends have no reason to decrease their profits and India and China's petroleum appetites are growing. The more you can do as an individual to reduce the amount of oil that you consume, the more you do for our country and the world. You never know, you may even enjoy the change.

Wooden bikes, and. . .

An enterprising fellow builds bikes out of scrap wood and found parts for fun. In a completely unrelated but entertaining link, check out what Jack sent me recently.

Update: I did a little digging, and it turns out that Tom Kabat, the guy who built the wooden bike in the link above, is a junk bike genius.

Alternate reality address from President Gore

It's too bad that we got stuck on the unfortunate side of a dichotomous timeline with the Bush/Cheney/Halliburton/Rumsfeld/Rove regime. This communiqué from an alternate reality with a President Gore shows how much we've been cheated.

Bush approval at 29%

In a recent Harris/Wall Street Journal poll, Bush's approval rating has plummeted to 29%, his lowest mark in any major poll. With the illegal wiretapping scandal gaining momentum and the increasing amount of Republicans jumping ship, it doesn't seem likely that it will be rising any time soon.

GM cancels the Hummer H1

It seems that the Hummer H1, the gluttonous 10 mpg predecessor to the equally thirsty Hummer H2, is becoming extinct. Good riddance. Now only several dozen wasteful beasts to go. Commuters are looking for better ways of getting around, such as scooters that get more than 80 mpg. On a related note check out this report of an 8,000 mpg car created by a British inventor.

Bush approval hits 31%

This time it's the USA TODAY/Gallup poll, recording an approval rating of just 31%, the lowest number of any poll so far. Disapproval of his performance has reached 65%. His unpopularity among those who consider themselves conservatives is growing, and is largely responsible for his dismal numbers. It won't be long before all but the most radical Republican base will be scurrying to distance themselves from ever having supported Bush. Here's an informative post about what all these numbers mean.

Colbert's video is back online

Via Google video, Stephen Colbert's presentation at the White House Correspondents Dinner on April 29 is back. If you haven't seen it yet, here's your chance.

Special extra edition of new Stella photos

Check out the special extra photos, as well as the just slightly older photos too. Enjoy!

A few random links. . .

Intricate illustrations of digital cities, unadulterated original Star Wars movies to be released, and how to make custom audio notices for your Mac OSX Mail application.

A big fish is the best moment for Bush

I guess when all he's got to choose from for accomplishments is unnecessary war, unchecked corruption, crippling debt and the destruction of the ideals that made this country great, catching a big fish would stand out as something positive.

Yet another record low 33% rating for Bush

This time, it's the latest AP/Ipsos poll, like similar recent polls that has Bush at a new record low. Even more amazing is that according to the poll 45% of "self-described conservatives" have come to their senses and now dislike Bush. If that's good news to you, you'll probably enjoy this too.

A new Fiat 500?

For anyone familiar with the original Fiat 500, the prospect of a modern equivalent being produced is exciting. The original Fiat 500 was the perfect postwar microcar, small but adequate for 4 occupants, with great fuel economy and Italian style. The new version looks to be a modernized, safer and greener version of the original, and has great potential with a clean diesel engine in a world where fuel prices and environmental consciousness are both on the rise. Don't get your hopes up, though. It's doubtful we'll ever see the new Fiat 500, or the terrific Fiat Panda or anything else made by Fiat in the US market, even though Ford has a working relationship with Fiat in Europe. We can look forward instead to even more wasteful SUVs with a token ethanol-burning capability.

New Stella photos

Stella is on the move. When she's awake, one way or another she's a flurry of self-propelled kinetic motion.

Macintosh ads

The new Macintosh ads are very well done, and like the Mac itself are simple and elegant with a sense of humor. The actors who portray the PC and the Mac are perfectly cast. My favorite is "Network". Well worth a look.

More from the New York Times about Colbert

It seems that the mainstream media is trying to minimalize what Colbert had to say, but the blogosphere hasn't missed the significance. For just one man to have the opportunity and courage to call to account so many highly powerful and even more highly insulated people and the passive media who enable them is unprecedented. Colbert personally expressed the outrage felt by the majority of the country who will likely never have the opportunity themselves.

Video of Colbert's WH press dinner appearance

See Stephen Colbert committing to his responsibilities as a citizen at the White House press correspondents dinner. A former Bush aide remarked of Bush's reaction to Colbert's performance, "He's got that look that he's ready to blow."

Update: Apparently the Colbert videos previously linked to from this site have been removed from YouTube, but the speech is still available on the Democracy Now! website in numerous formats. Don't miss the best keynote address that the administration and mainstream media don't want you to see.

Bush hits new lows, once again

Whether it's the new USA TODAY/Gallup poll which has Bush's approval at 34%, a record low for this poll, or the new CBS News poll that has his approval at a mere 33%, also a record low for this poll, one thing is clear: the US electorate doesn't like the failed policies of George W. Bush.

Something to think about...

"Since the days of Greece and Rome when the word 'Citizen' was a title of honor, we have often seen more emphasis put on rights of citizenship than on its responsibilities. And today, as never before in the free world, responsibility is the greatest right of citizenship and service is the greatest of freedom's privileges."

– Robert Kennedy 1962

Net Neutrality and why it is important

From AmericaBlog via the NYT:

One of the Internet's great strengths is that a single blogger or a small political group can inexpensively create a Web page that is just as accessible to the world as Microsoft's home page. But this democratic Internet would be in danger if the companies that deliver Internet service changed the rules so that Web sites that pay them money would be easily accessible, while little-guy sites would be harder to access, and slower to navigate. Providers could also block access to sites they do not like.

10 states sue Bush administration over poor SUV fuel economy regulations

Through a loophole, SUVs are categorized as light trucks and therefore don't have to meet the same requirements for fuel consumption as passenger cars. Auto makers, oil companies and the Bush EPA exploit this loophole as much as possible. Now a group of states and cities are calling them on it. The states are insisting on new, more strict regulations that would remove SUVs from their currently deceptive status of being light trucks and require manufacturers to increase fuel economy of SUV models. As fuel prices hover around $3.00 per gallon, it will be interesting to see how it all plays out.

David Blaine is spending a week under water

Blaine, who has pulled off similar enclosure and deprivation type stunts, is in the midst of spending 8 days in a water filled sphere.

A couple of photo essays

The first is from a guy who scanned and posted some of his old slides taken in gritty early 80s New York City. The subjects and the scenes evoke a city that has changed a lot visually in the past couple of decades. The second series is of female Israeli consripts, serving out their two years of mandatory service. It is perhaps a glimpse into the future in the U.S. military, considering how things are going. Something to think about.

The yellow first down line

I'm not a huge fan of football, but I have wondered at the technology that allows for the digital placement of the yellow first down line that appears on most televised games.

Colbert blasts Bush

At the annual White House correspondents' dinner, Stephen Colbert who hosts a satirical news show on Comedy Central put Bush on the hot seat with biting comments that were too close to the truth for comfort of most in the room. Bush was apparently unamused and left immediately. Colbert not only roasted Bush, but pounded reporters for being complacent and unquestioning of the administration's policies and others in attendance such as Cheney and Scalia for their various crimes and misdemeanors. Watch the video here.

Particularly great are the lines:

"This Administration is not sinking. This Administration is soaring. If anything they are rearranging the deck chairs on the Hindenburg."

"I believe the government that governs best is the government that governs least. And by these standards we have set up a fabulous government in Iraq."

"Guys like us - we don’t pay attention to the polls. We know that polls are just a collection of statistics that people are thinking in ‘reality’. And ‘reality’ has a well known liberal bias.

With his bravery, Stephen Colbert has stood up for the rest of us who could never hope to have such an occasion to publicly and personally call to account the people in power. Hopefully Colbert's tax returns are in order and all his phone conversations and personal affairs are suitable for additional ears, because I foresee a Bush administration IRS, CIA, FBI and NSA assault on his every move from now on.