I've *very* recently become involved with someone who I was friends with for months prior to anything happening. I've made a horrible mistake. I really like this person, but since we've become involved, I have learned that we're not compatible in a way that would lead to anything long term. I want to retain this person's friendship, but end the romantic portion. Is there any hope? Suggestions? more inside

Fifth strongest earthquake since 1900, a magnitude 8.9, occurred off of Sumatra last night. Close to 5,000 are dead from tsunamis and collapsed buildings. It is the strongest earthquake on record since the 1964 Alaskan disaster.

AsiaSource interviews Anatol Lieven. The most illuminating fifteen minutes I've ever spent reading about the Middle East, China, wars of choice, oil, radical AmericoFascism, and much more. If you didn't know, Anatol Lieven recently wrote America Right or Wrong: An Anatomy of American Nationalism, which I'll head out to buy this morning if I can find an open book-store. more inside

Sigur Ros Here's more, including downloads. more inside

The Speechalist - Four minute sketch featuring the language genius who masterminds Chimpy McAwol's verbal gaffes. The genius is played by Andy Dick. Chimpy McAwol played by a moron. 22.1 MB Windows Media version From Comedy Central. 13.3 MB Divx Avi version hosted by tian.cc. Humour. SFW. Requires humour gland, windows media stuff, & tolerance for Dick. more inside

The King William's College quiz is devised for the intellectual torture of the school's pupils, and this is your chance to suffer with them.

From this high midtown hall... First published in The New Yorker in 1952, E.B. White's famous Christmas message is one of many he wrote while on the staff of the magazine between 1925 and 1976. Enjoy, and to all a good morrow. more inside