First of all, I have to admit both delight and surprise that the American public has voted the Democrats back into office. After 1.5 presidential terms to evidence a dismal track record in voting decisions, I wasn't really expecting much change. And same-sex marriage has been banned in some states. Disgusting. Also funny, and possibly effective, but very dismaying was the Arizona measure to award $1 million to a randomly selected voter in each general election. Do we really have to resort to paying the American people to think about what's good for them?!

We have a funny government. In the Senate, every state has equal representation, and CNN writer Justin Gest points out that "Wyoming -- a state with more cattle than voters -- receives as much of a say as California -- a state with an economy the size of France."

The less serious news is too amazing to summarize when I can quote verbatim:

Producer of dozens of educational films for students dies at 90
11/08/06 08:40 PM, EST
Sid Davis, who produced more than 180 educational films warning youngsters of the dangers of drugs, drinking and running with scissors, has died. He was 90.
FULL STORY

Do that many kids really run around with scissors? Maybe we should let natural selection take its course a little earlier on than 90.

How about this for all of us spice-addicts? Maybe the next time I'm in Belgium missing spicy food, I can just bring a tarantula along for a quick fix.

Tarantulas and chillis share pain target
11/08/06 03:34 PM, EST
Tarantulas and chilli peppers may not appear to have anything in common but an encounter with either the spider or the plant can be a painful experience.