Che Guevara: The Image
The image of Che–staring off into the distance, looking determined and serene–is everywhere in Ecuador. It’s on tee shirts (mostly worn by gringos) and frequently seen as grafitti. This interesting article examines the popularity of the visual icon. After all, Che and Fidel Castro were buddies, but we don’t see Fidel’s image everyhere–the Cuban dictator, among other things, hasn’t had the good grace to die young.
The Onion: Richer but Less Funny?
I’m glad the Onion is now profitable. But the publication’s much less funny than it used to be. Seems to have been getting progressively more boring over the last six months. But maybe it’s just me.
The Democratic Presidential Candidates
He’s a Vietnam vet and a retired four-star general. He’s from the bible belt, and he’s highly critical of the Bush administration’s foreign policy. Oh, and he’s also very smart.
I really hope Wesley Clark runs (supposedly he wants to); among other qualities, he’d bring some testosterone and a no-nonsense attitude to the pack of Democratic contenders.
Because Howard Dean, who’s currently leading the polls and raising the most cash, smacks of urbane liberal elitism, and he won’t be able to woo moderates. He’s the former governor of Vermont, let’s not forget–the land of gay marriage.
Clark’s background, via Idlethreats:
Clark is a 1966 graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point where he ranked first in his class. He holds a Master’s Degree in Philosophy, Politics and Economics from Oxford University where he was a Rhodes Scholar. Clark is a recipient of numerous U.S. and foreign military awards, including the Silver Star, two Bronze Stars, and a Purple Heart, dating back to his experience fighting in Vietnam. He has received honorary Knighthoods from the British and Dutch governments and was made a commander of the French Legion of Honor. In 2000, Clark was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian honor.
Pirates Persued by Patrols; Poachers of Patagonians will Pay!
BBC: “A trawler suspected of fishing illegally for the endangered Patagonian Toothfish in the Australian fishing zone off Antarctica is being escorted back to Australia after a three-week chase.”
Great White Sharks Breaching
Amazing photos of the legendary killer beasts shooting up out of the water (via TMN).
MIT’s OpenCourseWare Project
Wired reports that MIT now puts all of their course materials–”every lecture, every handout, every quiz”–online for free. And students around the world are taking advantage of the project.
On Tattoos and Sex Change Operations
Jack Handey writes: “Something clicked in my head, and in my gut or maybe my uterus.”