Today is a special day. Two centuries ago, today, a pair of babies were born. One, screaming to life in a one-room log cabin in Kentucky, became the Great Emancipator. The other, born under a doctor's care, in red brick house in Shropshire became the greatest biologist who ever lived. Happy Darwin/Lincoln Day everybody!

Sir Terry: Terry Pratchett, the compassionate satirist, gets his K. more inside

Fourth century greek humour. A strange flash edition of an even stranger fourth century Greek joke book called Philogelos: The Laugh Addict. more inside

The IEoUIAtW: What rank is this Bulgarian policeman? What about this cocky young pilot from Singapore or these friendly looking sailors from China and Australia? Why not find out by using the awkwardly named International Encyclopedia of Uniform Insignia Around The World? more inside

One Bag packing: A great collection of tips and tricks for getting the most out of your limited baggage allowance. Check out, in particular, the neat bundle wrapping technique. more inside

Rotten Meat Curious George: How can I detect rotten meat? more inside

Ab Fab Cantab Confab Cambridge Meetup... details within more inside

Favourite Things... What are a few of your favourite things? more inside

CIA Electronic Reading Room Thousands for formerly secret documents for researchers, enthusiasts, or the simply curious. more inside

Toronto Meetup? jb and I are in Toronto for the holidays, and thought it might be nice to meet some monkeys while we are there. Possible days are between Dec. 27 and Dec. 30 or early January (2-7).

JFK Simulation: Education or Entertainment? The assassination of John F. Kennedy is probably the most intensively studied thirty seconds in human history. Now, a computer game company is offering a $100,000 (US) prize for the person who most accurately matches the assassin's shots on their simulation. The Kennedys are not pleased. Historical experiment or crass entertainment? more inside

The Amazing Adrenalini Brothers Some wonderful flash cartoons, apparently commissioned by the BBC.