Curious George: Alas, my close friend and musical partner of 27 years has been diagnosed with terminal cancer. He's 59 and one of the best jazz drummers in the country if not the world and at the height of his creative abilities. He has about three months left. I'm wondering if any of you know of any useful web or print resources that will help me assist him with his transition. TIA

Gorillas have been seen for the first time using simple tools to perform tasks in the wild Scientists were particularly amazed that they were able to post extensively on a certain metafilter clone site.

Armed dolphins, trained by the US military to shoot terrorists and pinpoint spies underwater, may be missing. What could go wrong? via HuffPo

The Debate on the Smacking Ban which is a law on the books in several countries. Sweden, which has had the law since 1979, has been held as a model by advocates who wish to employ the ban elsewhere- recently in the UK and New Zealand- however, critics feel that Sweden goes too far. more inside

Global warming 'past the point of no return' A record loss of sea ice in the Arctic this summer has convinced scientists that the northern hemisphere may have crossed a critical threshold beyond which the climate may never recover. more inside

Curious Google Bombing George Can one effect google bombing on a personal level? more inside

Curious Roving George What's the deal with free movement within the EU? And does anyone have recommendations (besides possibly the UK) as to a good European country to move to to raise our kids? more inside

Curious Fearful George Advice, opinion and calming words of comfort sought in advance of (shudder) my first root canal. more inside

Classical Midi Archives is a repository of 34,000+ free classical MIDI files. It rocks, so to speak. more inside

Wow! As in Wow Cards From the fertile mind of Ian Rowland comes these amazing topographic/artistic curiosities. more inside

Free Sex with coupon!!! A German magazine has sold out all its copies after advertising a free sex session at a brothel in Austria. A little one-off newsfiltery thing, but irrestible nonethless. via Huffpo

Peter Maxwell Davies is one of our most prolific contemporary composers and he has a pretty good website to boot. more inside

Jaxckson Being sued by family of woman who died after being displaced by Jackson's admission to hospital for flu symptoms more inside

Conservatives claim Spongebob promotes a homesexual agenda Sheesh, haven't we been through this already with Tinky Winky and Bert and Ernie?

Controlling devices by thought alone is now within reach Researchers have made significant progress in the quest to have people control electronic devices by thought power. more inside

Mandatory Health Screening for all kids This one flys in under the cover of the Omnibus Spending Bill. Bill Frist and Arlen Specter have removed language that would require parental consent for mental health screening of all kids. more inside

Why I'm going to be posting here again

Speaking of angry guys... "Screw you, America Sometimes the fish in the barrel deserve to die " A post election rant from Clif Garboden that crystallizes sentiments that many of us blue staters feel right about now.

Pentagon report says US losing the war for hearts and minds Well DUH, but it is gratifying seeing something sensible coming out of the Pentagon

Red Meat Rocks Quicktime movie showing the importance of nutrition to Heavy Metal musicians more inside