Neal Stephenson sees the new Star Wars movies as a reflection of our society’s obsession with and simultaneous disdain for geeks – He makes an interesting (and non-original point in an interesting, subtle, and original way.

Proposition 13 in California was one of the major catalysts of the modern conservative movement

The newest economic doubletalk coming out of the West is the “savings glut” from the East – Nothing like retroactively justifying our own economic stupidity.

Focusing on obesity is wrong because obesity is only one symptom of what is often — but not always — a problematic lifestyle – What is important is to be fit and healthy, to eat nutritious foods and get regular exercise. Focusing solely on weight as a factor is silly because it does not solve the underlying problems. Not that a lot of people shouldn’t be losing weight, but it is more important for them to eat nutritiously and attempt physical activity, and any net weight change is just a bonus.

Secret US government studies concluded that a mercury-based preservative used in childhood vaccines could be linked to a fifteen-fold increase in cases of autism – Holy crap.

Obese people experience faster cellular aging, according to a new study – Which could help to explain why obese children are getting diseases that normally only affect adults.

A quick rundown, for those who aren’t aware, of what sort of things get poked into people in the ICU to keep them “alive” – His suggestion for improvement is sort of stupid, but the sentiment is sound — a disproportionate amount of medical care and money is given to those who benefit from it the least — those near death from incurable diseases. Society as a whole suffers.

Downing Street Memo, The Prequel – “One of the reasons the previous Downing Street Memo hasn’t gotten much traction with the press — and the reason these new memos will probably get limited attention as well — is that I don’t think anyone really finds any of this a surprise.” He’s got a point.

Clarke’s three laws – Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic.

Aaron gets a “real” blog – Good luck buddy. A bit of advice: don’t get too worried about trying to be “deep” and “meaningful” all the time — just write what you feel, or what you think is interesting, and some of it will be meaningful, and some of it won’t, but it’ll all be *you*.

John Bolton helped get a weapons inspector fired because the inspector’s diplomatic approach to inspections in Baghdad undermined the case for war – On the second page of this article about the Downing Street memo.

Greg Packer is a “man on the street” – He has given reaction quotes and background footage to over a hundred reporters…it’s his own little hobby. (via Kevin)

When Marine recruiters go way beyond the call – Holy crap! (via Kevin)

Anti-poverty wristbands produced in sweatshops – Come on. I mean, how else are you gonna get plastic bracelets for $1 each?

Dalek stolen, kidnappers demand instructions from the Doctor

Mossberg: cell carriers are holding back innovation by not allowing people to buy cell phones directly– Absolutely true, and he didn’t make the obvious comparison — to Europe, where they’ve let you get whatever phone you want for years.

Zoo to feature creationism display – “I see this as a big victory,” said Dan Hicks, the Tulsa resident who approached the zoo with the idea. “It’s a matter of fairness. To not include the creationist view would be discrimination.” Oh, how we have fallen.

Which Camera Does This Pro Use? It Depends on the Shot – “Ultimately, the technology is just a tool,” he said. “It’s a tool that lets your eye become the picture. It’s easy to get caught up with all of the gadgets and all of the technology, but the most important thing is just to get comfortable with the tools you have.”

Dating an Apple Developer – The world needs more Emilys. 🙂

How to Choose a Pair of Running Shorts – My question was #1, so I’m glad they got that one out of the way quickly… 😉