Links for December 18th through December 23rd

This entry was published at least two years ago (originally posted on December 23, 2008). Since that time the information may have become outdated or my beliefs may have changed (in general, assume a more open and liberal current viewpoint). A fuller disclaimer is available.

Sometime between December 18th and December 23rd, I thought this stuff was interesting. You might think so too!

  • Tagalus: Ever find yourself looking at Twitter and wondering what all this talk about #motrinmoms means? Searching Flickr and not understanding why someone would tag their photo #ip4?
    Tagalus lets users define tags so that others can understand what they're talking about. Other users can vote on definitions and decide which best describes the given tag.
  • More snow, ice, wind on the way this weekend: Don't look forward to the weekend. It's not over. Not even close. Saturday night, forecasters say, the sequel will arrive. The region — expected to stay below freezing in the meantime — will again be hit not only by snow and ice pellets Saturday night into Sunday morning, but by winds that could reach 50 to 70 mph, with peak gusts of 90, in the foothills. "This next system could actually be worse than what we just had," said Jeff Michalski, meteorologist for the National Weather Service.
  • In a First, Gay Rights Are Pressed at the U.N. (But not by the United States): "An unprecedented declaration seeking to decriminalize homosexuality won the support of 66 countries in the United Nations General Assembly on Thursday, but opponents criticized it as an attempt to legitimize pedophilia and other 'deplorable acts.' The United States refused to support the nonbinding measure, as did Russia, China, the Roman Catholic Church and members of the Organization of the Islamic Conference." More info from ECCO: "Alone among major Western nations, the U.S. has refused to sign a declaration at the United Nations calling for worldwide decriminalization of homosexuality. Co-sponsored by France and the Netherlands, the declaration was signed by all 27 European Union members, as well as Japan, Australia, Mexico and three dozen other countries. There was broad opposition from Muslim nations, and the United States refused to sign…."
  • Majel Barrett-Roddenberry Passes Away: Today is another sad day for Trek fans, TrekMovie was just informed by the Roddenberry family that Majel Barrett Roddenberry passed away this morning at the age of 76. The first lady of Star Trek’ died of leukemia at her home in Bel Air. At her side were her son Eugene ‘Rod’ Roddenberry along with family and friends.
  • 2008 Mug Shots Of The Year: What makes a good photograph? A compelling subject, proper lighting, and exquisite composition would certainly be components. But what makes a good mug shot? A compelling subject, of course. And a cow costume never hurts.