The Scotto Grotto (org)

Is it evil to want to spread fake rumors about how the last Lord of the Rings movie is going to end? So many people are asking me this and that about the story, because it’s cool, but can’t be bothered to read the book. Maybe I should just tell them the truth about how Sauron has a change of heart, goes to make up, Frodo give him the ring, and they all live in a happy little urban-industrial complex where orcs and elves can coexist in peace.

Nipple Scarves

Via raven

Something called “volunteer” executions have been on the rise, tripling over the last decade.

Between 1993 and 2002, 75 volunteered for death, compared to the 22 consensual executions between 1977 and 1992.

The data indicates that life on death row is so bad that some prisoners are demanding the state just “get it over with, already.” To fully appreciate the complexity of this finding, you need to pause a moment and reflect on the arguments of people who support the death penalty. They often maintain that a sentence of life in prison lets the bad guys off too easy. According to this article, they’re wrong.

On the other hand, you have people firmly opposed to the death penalty, usually on the grounds that it is inhumane to execute people. They would say that “life” is an appropriate sentence. But according to the article, they’re wrong. Thus, those who support the death penalty ought to favor life imprisonment, and vice versa.

One reason inmates might want to be put out of their misery is something called “the loaf.” In this ABC News story, some prisoners are arguing that being forced to eat this death-row delicacy amounts to “cruel and unusual punishment.” So what’s in this thing, anyway?

“The loaf” is bread with milk, carrots and potatoes added for nutrition, so it’s a full meal. At some prisons, inmates who keep misbehaving get the loaf with water and raw cabbage, instead of regular prison food.

There’s a lot of great stuff to read in the article. At the end, the reporter decides to give it a try: “I was surprised. It tastes fine—just like bread.” Maybe he got “special loaf,” or maybe he hasn’t had to eat it three times a day for 10 years.

Here’s a wrap-up of a few of the new laws we’re starting with in 2003:

In New Mexico, repeat drunk drivers have to install a “breathalyzer” ignition system in their cars. Won’t start unless you blow into it sober (or get a sober pal to help you out).

In Illinois, the state now has the authority to confiscate the DWI offender’s vehicle.

Illinois has also made trespassing at a nuclear facility a felony. Watch out, protesters. Make sure your permits are in order.

Minnesota and five other states now have “do-not-call” lists to reign in telemarketers. It’s a start.

California is now banning junk faxes, and “more anti-spam e-mail laws are also on the way,” but like New Mexico’s drivers I’m not holding my breath.

California’s pet shops “must provide instructions on how to care for any creature they sell.” I wonder how long it’ll take to spread to maternity wards?

In New Hampshire, threatening or faking a bioterror attack is “now a felony.” What was it before? A misdemeanor?

California’s new state poet laureate will be required by law to read poetry in public, six times a year. What defines public? How big a crowd? Just in a public place?

You’re a lot safer in Connecticut, where they’ve now banned mercury-filled thermometers.

I really dislike when I get a “boosh” on my instant messenger, and instead of it being someone I want to talk to, it’s a spambot wanting me to go to some website I’m not interested in. I suppose I should turn back on “accept messages from known users only”.

I’m wondering if vax-d treatment is legit or quackery. More research is due.