The Briefcase That Changed the World In the summer of 1940, Sir Henry Tizard carried a briefcase to the US. This was the Tizard Mission. Contained in the briefcase were plans for the Cavity Magnetron, a device that would change the world. Sir Henry Tizard's mission was to simply hand over the plans for the cavity magnetron and the rest of England's military technology to the US. more inside

Snickers' Super Homophobia For their contribution to SuperBowl advertising yesterday, Snickers ran an spot where two mechanics start eating a Snickers bar from opposite ends until they end up kissing, a la "Lady and the Tramp." Then, to prove how not gay they really are, they have to "do something manly" to compensate. The SuperBowl version has the men ripping out their chest hair as their proof of manliness, but other versions of the ad have the guys swilling motor oil or attacking each other violently in response. As if this wasn't explicitly disapproving enough for probably the most-viewed gay kiss ever on US TV, there is also an accompanying site which shows the ads and various football players being appalled by the kiss. I guess the only thing that satisfies more than Snickers is not being gay? via.

Court Martial Is 1st Lt. Ehren Watada standing up for what is right, or is he a Quisling? The court martial refuses to consider the first question, and hopes to convict him for treachery. more inside

Vincenzo Lunardi made the first balloon trips in England. more inside

So far, about 340,000 are homeless as Jakarta floods again. Not really much of news here in the US, but it's quite a mess! What can one do? Keep their hopes up as the worst is yet to come... more inside

The Cynosphere. An unusual tricycle built in France in 1875, the Cynosphere was driven by two caged dogs.