Involuntary Troop Call Up To Effect 6,500 Next Week

The Individual Ready Reserve, consisting of soldiers who have completed their voluntary service (but remain eligible to be called up for duty) will be tapped to serve again in Afghanistan and Iraq next Wednesday. Almost half of this reserve will be notified to mobilize with the other half being told to expect similar orders in the near future. Re-activated soldiers can expect to be on active duty for at least two years according to officials who expect a long term need for "boots on the ground" to fulfill pending missions.

BIRDS & BEES: Halle Berry advocates for broad use of sex toys.

HOLLYWOOD: Coalition of families calls for Bush to view Fahrenheit 9/11 and come out answering questions. What size popcorn does he get with that deal?

TECH: What do Popeye and your laptop have in common? Hint: It comes in a can...

TUNES: Nothing says Happy Birthday America like a free concert, free speech, Merle Haggard, and Area 51?

WEB SURF: Think war is tough? Try making peace.

This ain't your daddy's election. For the first time in generations, 18-25 yo voters could outnumber baby boomers at the polls in the 2004 election. Have you pledged to participate yet?

Commission Considering Election Scenarios

DeForest B. Soaries, the chairman of the new bipartisan Election Assistance Commission, has announced that his group is establishing guidelines about what to do if terrorists strike the US on or before the November 2 General Election. "Look at the possibilities, says Soaries. "If the federal government were to cancel an election or suspend an election, it has tremendous political implications. If the federal government chose not to suspend an election it has political implications " A Republican and former Secretary of State in New Jersey, Soaries was appointed to his post last year by President Bush.

BIRDS & BEES: Republican Party is not an oxymoron: Sex workers begin flocking to New York City for GOP Convention.

HOLLYWOOD: We love the melody of fist pounding bare flesh: Is "Fight Club" set to become a musical?

JOCKS: The house that Halliburton didn't build: Dick Cheney booed at Yankee Stadium during singing of "God Bless America."

TECHNOLOGY: How to silence spammers: Can a bounty system help eliminate annoying e-mail?

TUNES: We still won't forgive him for wearing all that spandex in the 80s: David Lee Roth training as an emergency medical technician.

WEB SURF: Fight for your right to cross the road: Help the Beastie Boys escape the minions of the Bush Administration.

Registering to vote online is the hottest trend of the summer. Don't miss out on the action. Let VoterVirgin guide you through the process.

Sovereign? Yes. Solvent? Maybe?

As Iraq was granted sovereignty by the US, two days earlier than expected, allegations that billions in Iraqi oil revenue are unaccounted for by the coalition have been lodged. Last minute contracts signed by Bremer on behalf of Iraq have locked the country into spending billions more in foreign services over the next 10 years. Some have likened the last few weeks of deals to "robbing Iraq's piggy bank". And while 90% of Iraqi rebuilding is paid for by American taxpayers, should we be asking the question, "show me the money?".


BIRDS & BEES: What will your count be when the future calls?

CITY CRITTERS: Wharf rats take a bite out of car pollution.

INK: 40 hour tattoo record set. Ouch.

NATURE: Heart shaped Swiss mutant fruits?

WEB SURF: Songs written by people who shouldn't write songs

Feeling nervous about casting your first ballot? Make sure the first time is special, enroll in the VoterVirgin Class of '04 where we will commemorate your vote and prepare you for that special moment..

Internet Key to Kerry Financial Turnaround

Presumed Democratic presidential nominee John Kerry is following the lead of Howard Dean by using the Internet as a prime source of campaign funding. According to a story in the New York Times, Kerry has raised more than $100 million since February and roughly three-quarters of these funds have come from mail and Internet solicitations. Much of this money is being devoted to television advertising as the Kerry campaign has spent more than $40 million on TV commercials in the last two months. Yet, his finances still pail in comparison to those of George W. Bush: the incumbent president enjoys a war-chest of approximately $213 million, about twice that of his opponent.

BIRDS & BEES: No thanks, I'm just looking for now: Not much sold at naked shopping event in London.

HOLLYWOOD: Not exactly what Michael Moore had in mind: Las Vegas man assaulted after "Fahrenheit 911" screening.

JOCKS: Don't give me head right now, I'm watching the game: Soccer fan invents beer-pouring device that minimizes foam.

TECHNOLOGY: Sign of the times: Freewayblogger.com documents ongoing anti-war messages in Southern California.

TUNES: Is this the real life, is this just fantasy?: Europeans vote "Bohemian Rhapsody" as best song ever.

WEB SURF: Bend it like Beckham: Score a goal and maybe you can take home a Spice Girl, too.

Nothing is as exciting as sneaking behind the curtain to choose your dream man. But you can't be part of the fun unless you register to vote..

Is Hitler Running For US President?

New ads launched by the Bush/Cheney camapign call Democrats the 'coalition of the wildeyed" and uses images of Hitler recently protested by the GOP. The continuing references to Hitler and the Nazis are inflaming both sides of the political spectrum, and we still have four months of campaigning to go. Let's just hope brown shirts aren't scheduled to be the hot fall fashion and leave it at that.

BIRDS & BEES: Fertility treatment finds a friend in heroin addiction treatment.

HOLLYWOOD: Hollywood fundraiser for Kerry complete with Streisand, Crystal, Diamond, and other stars breaks records, raising $5mil in one night.

TECHNOLOGY: Need a lift? Wonka-esque elevator aims for space rides within 15 years.

TUNES: Clapton's guitar breaks record bringing in $1mil at auction for treatment facility. Guess they won't be asking him to play Cocaine on it anytime soon.

WEB SURF: Think you know your toys? See how you score after this quiz.

Already registered to vote, but feel the need to Spread the Love? Encourage your friends to vote via your blog and our button or reach out electronically with our VoterVirgin e-campaign (further down the page). Doesn't it feel good to multiply?

New Books Expose Dicking of American Taxpayers

While the obscenity-laden tirade of Dick Cheney against Vermont Senator Patrick Leahy has gained a good deal of media attention, such focus distracts the public from the real story at hand. Ultimately, who really cares if the Vice President is prone to launch an f-bomb when agitated? The bigger issue here and the one that never gets enough attention from the mainstream press is Cheney's ongoing ties with Halliburton, the Texas-based oil services conglomerate that has been given billion-dollar contracts to rebuild Iraq. To really understand how this relationship works and how it negatively impacts American taxpayers, we recommend two new books: "The Halliburton Agenda: The Politics of Oil and Money" by Dan Briody and "Cronies: Oil, the Bushes, and the Rise of Texas, America's Superstate" by Robert Bryce.

BIRDS & BEES: Not just for water balloons anymore: Bush tells church group that condom use helps control AIDS.

HOLLYWOOD: Fahrenheit 9/11 is hot, hot, hot: New Michael Moore documentary breaks box office records at two NYC theaters.

JOCKS: But can we still lock up Justin Timberlake and Janet Jackson? Super Bowl streaker avoids jail time.

TECHNOLOGY: Giving new meaning to the whole hard drive concept: Internet controlled sex devices are coming to the market soon.

TUNES: How to make your cell phone sound really annoying: Downloadable presidential ring tones now available.

WEB SURF: Drink beer, fall down, snore loudly, repeat ad nasuem: German Flash games with loud burping sounds rule.

November 2 is closer than you think. Register today so you can lend your voice and your vote to the next presidential election.

Government Wants To Know If You Are Mentally Fit

The White House is scheduled to unveil a plan next month designed to screen American "consumers of all ages" for mental illness. Called the New Freedom Initiative, screening would include preschool aged children through adults and promote treatment and support with the latest available medicines. Critics say the pharmaceutical companies are "fishing for customers" and worry this could lead to mandatory treatment. One has to wonder if elected officials will participate in this intiative.

BIRDS & BEES: Losing weight can help you get it up, keep it up.

HOLLYWOOD: Collin Farrell's penis too distracting, gets cut by director.

TECHNOLOGY: Microsoft brings the Matrix one step closer to reality, patents the human body as a battery. I'll take the red pill, please, Bill.

TUNES: Salt Lake City births punk rock karoake claiming "we did it our way".

WEB SURF: Finally, a community for the pink haired crowd.

This ain't your daddy's election. For the first time in generations, 18-25 yo voters could outnumber baby boomers at the polls in the 2004 election. Have you pledged to participate yet?

Online Voting Drives Are Where Its At in 2004

While nothing beats face to face interaction with potential new voters, more and more of this activity is being done via the Internet. Indeed, a Washington D.C.-based company called Votenet Solutions has found a sizeable market niche by creating customized websites for voter registration groups. Michael Tuteur, the 26-year-old president and CEO, says that the growth of his company can be attributed to the realization that new technology maximizes potential voter turnout: "The last election was so close that everybody understands that a couple more registered voters on either side can make a difference."

BIRDS & BEES: Every platinum blonde needs a pair: German doctor invents sag-proof, titanium-filled breast implants.

HOLLYWOOD: Get a life already: Dave Chappelle tells Sacramento audience to quit worshiping entertainers and athletes.

JOCKS: Are you man enough for this game? Anatomically accurate machine puts the ball back into the pinball craze.

TECHNOLOGY: The emperor's new clothes: Wearable cell phones could be the next fashion buzz in America.

TUNES: Can Bruce beat Bush? New York promoter hopes to stage Springsteen show during Republican Convention.

WEB SURF: I walk with the zombies: Remember, it only hurts because you are still alive.

Everyone is registering to vote online these days. Don't be left out of the fun. Let VoterVirgin show you how to sign-up pain free.

First Commercial Flight Into Space A "Mindblower"

Proof that you can still obtain the ingredients necessary to launch a rocket, Space Ship One took off today in the first manned commercial adventure beyond Earth's atmosphere and back again. More exciting than sky diving with armed Marines, fueled by nitros oxide (laughing gas), and not a single N'Sync boy on board, could this be the beginning of a new thrill seekers 62 mile high club?

BIRDS & BEES: NASA experimenting with space baby relations: Astronaut becomes daddy while in orbit. Talk about a long distance relationship.

STAGE MISHAP: Original space oddity, David Bowie, blinded by lollipop. Or was it the spiders from Mars?

TECHNOLOGY: Wrap your head around these new games? What's next? Mind controlled cel phones? Hello, dear, I was just thinking of you........

TUNES: Lost in LA ? Pick up Ozomatli's new Street Signs at Ameoba Music this Tuesday and regain your sense of direction.

WEB SURF: Strap on your spacesuit and launch yourself, baby. Have you got the right stuff?

Already registered to vote, but feel the need to Spread the Love? Encourage your friends to vote via your blog and our button or reach out electronically with our VoterVirgin e-campaign (further down the page). Doesn't it feel good to multiply?

Party Officials Cautious about Blogger Coverage

More and more people have entered the online journal craze, enough so that mentioning the phrase "I am a blogger" no longer provokes smirks of embarrassment. But how is the weblog revolution being viewed by organizers of the summer's upcoming political conventions? According to a story in Wired, Democrats say they will issue credentials to a handful of the 50 bloggers who have applied to cover their gathering, which occurs July 26-29 in Boston. Meanwhile, GOP officials have taken an even more conservative approach to this new medium, claiming they are working out details for their official weblog policy. The Republican convention occurs August 30-September 2 in Manhattan.

BIRDS & BEES: Lengthy promotion: Czech condom company distributes penis-measuring cards in clubs and bars.

HOLLYWOOD: Walking Taller: Vin Diesel rumored to get Lex Luther role in next Superman movie.

JOCKS: Hit me with your best shot: If you aren't sick of "Dodgeball" yet, this online game should put you over the edge.

TECHNOLOGY: Life after death: Uber-geek developer site Webmonkey has returned to the Internet.

TUNES: Existential torment never sounded so good: Tom Waits, Death Cab, Beck and others contribute to new Daniel Johnston tribute CD.

WEB SURF: Tough-guy TV reporters rule: Who says that live on-air journalism is not a full contact sport?

Only 134 days until the November 2 general election. Have you registered to vote yet? Have all of your friends?

All This Spin Has US Dizzy

According to Condoleeza Rice, the 9/11 commission meant to say that Saddam Hussein did not control Al Queda, but commissioners say that is not true. Panel members stick by their conclusion that there was no evidence of a collaborative relationship between Saddam Hussein and AlQueda. So far, White House officials have wrangled with defining what they meant to say as " a relationship, but not a working relationship" (Cheney), "they were connected" (Bush), and "a relationship and contact" (McClellan) between Iraq and Al Queda. All this has prompted the New York Times to say "Show Us The Proof" Anyone else feel like we are being asked to define "is" again?

BIRDS & BEES: Does the economy dictate our perception of sexy?

HOLLYWOOD: Cops called on Big Brother to break up 2AM brawl. What would mom say?

TUNES: Come to think of it, they don't have the Rave Act in Canada, do they? Guess that makes it the perfect place for the World Electronic Music Festival.

TECH: Step one towards beaming us off this planet: teleporting one atom at a time.

WEB SURF: Stay out of the doghouse? Practice sneaking into your own house while drunk.

Already registered to vote, but feel the need to Spread the Love? Encourage your friends to vote via your blog and our button or reach out electronically with our VoterVirgin e-campaign (further down the page). Doesn't it feel good to multiply?

White House Disputes 9/11 Commission Findings

The White House launched a PR attack today on the 9/11 commission saying it was unfair of the panel to conclude there was no "collaborative relationship" between AlQueda and Saddam. Was there contact? Yes. Did they collaborate? No. Does this define a relationship? You decide.

BIRDS & BEES: Is you wandering man just genetically deficent? Faithful rats may indicate it's so.

HOLLYWOOD:Madonna spanks Bush says he is a bad boy like Saddam. This from the author of "Sex"?

TECHNOLOGY: Wipe out or white out? Integrated surfboard PC gives new meaning to hang ten.

TUNES: Christian American Idol, "Gifted", will swing low in sweet chariot auditioning across the nation this summer. Will you be making a joyful noise?

WEB SURF: Weekend plans? Worldwide MOB chock full'o'chaos sound like fun?

Feeling nervous about casting your first ballot? Make sure the first time is special, enroll in the VoterVirgin Class of '04 where we will commemorate your vote and prepare you for that special moment.

Reagan's Family Opposes Anti-Kerry Ad

During the next five months, we are likely to see some pretty nasty election-oriented television advertising. A spot comparing President Bush's war on terrorism to President Reagan's fight against communism has already drawn fire -- from the family of the recently deceased leader. A source within the family contends that permission was not granted for Reagan's image to be used in this commercial and that using this image implies an endorsement for this campaign, an endorsement that has yet to be given. The ad, which first hit the airwaves on Wednesday, was produced by the conservative group Club for Change.

BIRDS & BEES: No hair down there: American men more likely to shave their pubes than their back or chest.

HOLLYWOOD: The red carpet relocates to Little Rock: Clinton documentary draw big crowd at Arkansas premiere.

JOCKS: Goes well with the new urinal in the bathroom: Skybox lets fans put a vending machine in their living room.

TECHNOLOGY: But it doesn't know how to make coffee: New fax machine doubles as a home security system.

TUNES: Speaking of new urinals: Female patrons at Glastonbury Music Festival will have revolutionary toilet option.

WEB SURF: Pussy-whipped again: Who are the Youth of Britain and why do they want you to chill out so much?

Do you have plans for Tuesday, November 2? Mark your calendar, sweetheart, that's the day you'll be casting your virtuous vote in the general election.

First Standards Set For Electronic Voting Machines

In an effort to restore the confidence of the electorate, California has become the first state to establish performance standards for electronic voting machines. Comments Secretary of State Kevin Shelley, ""California is making sure that voters will be able to verify that their votes are being counted correctly. I call upon (federal election officials) to follow my lead and establish nationwide testing and qualification standards for (paper-trail verified) systems as soon as possible." Shelley's actions respond to serious questions raised by grass-roots organizer Beverly Harris that these high-tech voting devices are incredibly vulnerable to tampering and fraud.

BIRDS & BEES: Celibacy is for dummies: German scientist says that regular sex leads to higher test scores and better grades.

HOLLYWOOD: Isn't it ironic: Goofy "Van Wilder" star Ryan Reynolds to wed disenchanted pop singer Alanis Morissette.

JOCKS: Boys love their toys: Richard Branson breaks speak record for crossing English Channel in amphibious sports car.

TECHNOLOGY: Is that a cell phone in your pocket or are you happy to see me? Transparent computer is ultimate in geek porn.

TUNES: Jon Bon Jovi follows Bruce Springsteen lead: Another New Jersey rocker throws support behind John Kerry.

WEB SURF: No more war pigs: Graphic animation of classic Black Sabbath tune targets Bush, Cheney and Rumsfield.

Are you saving your vote for someone special? Check out VoterVirgin to learn how to pull the right levers when you make your first trip to the polls.

Bush-Clinton Love Fest at Unveiling of Portrait

Words of praise and tears of laughter highlighted the unveiling of portraits of former President Bill Clinton and Senator Hillary Clinton intended to hang in the White House. President Bush spoke fondly of his predecessor at the formal ceremony, evoking a few good laughs along the way. To top it all off, artist Simmie Knox added to the feel good event of the season by living as inspiration for artists that doodle all over the world. Who would have thought a hanging could hold hope for democratic unity?

BIRDS & BEES: 3 out of 4 modern women on top of the world. Where do you stand?

FASHION: Now grown up girls can dress like Barbie. Brush up on your Barbiology and "Feed the Model" while you wait for this new line of clothes to be released.

HEALTH: Talk about body image issues. Should we be promoting
baby yoga for one day old infants?

RABBLE ROUSING: Reverend Billy and The Church of Stop Shopping host a 1st Amendment MOB every Tuesday night. When was the last time you stood in a crowd chanting the US Constitution?

TUNES: Love surrenders, charged with assault.

The November 2 general election will decide the leader of the free world for the next four years. Register today so that you can be part of the fun!

Enough with the Unrealistic Hero Worship

Ronald Reagan had an uncanny talent for leadership, hence the nation's outpouring of love last week in mourning his death. Nonetheless, most of the tributes to this man have ignored the many negative aspects of his presidency: problems such as the Iran-Contra scandal, lack of attention to the AIDS epidemic, and the stock market crash. Why has the so-called liberal media turned a blind eye to these problems? Perhaps it is human nature: we desperately want to believe in a flawless hero and who better than a dead president to serve this fantasy. Unfortunately, this kind of unrealistic thinking doesn't serve a struggling democracy. Sure, heros are nice in comic books -- but, in these times of woe, what America really needs is a massive dose of critical and objective thinking.

BIRDS & BEES: Can't buy me love: Study of 16,000 Americans determines that more money does not mean more sex.

HOLLYWOOD: The legacy of Legolas: 27-year-old Orlando Bloom voted sexiest actor in the United Kingdom.

JOCKS: It must of been all that hay that he ate before the race: Man beats horse in 22 mile run.

TECHNOLOGY: Definitely not safe for work: Red Light World combines adult content with 3-D virtual interactivity.

TUNES: That's what you said last time: Indy pop darlings Beulah announces that they are breaking up again.

WEB SURF: Margaret Thatcher can rawk: Offbeat music video features Gorby on the guitar and the Pope on drums.

In 2004, voting is very sexy and voting is very cool. Have you registered yet? Do it now, while you still have lots of time.

Could This Happen To You?

Ever wonder if your roommates dirty underwear constitutes a biohazard? Weird things growing in your fridge? Just hope Homeland Security appreciates your art or you could be in big trouble like Steve Kutz of the Critical Art Ensemble and the members of his group who now face charges for growing things in petri dishes to produce art illustrating genetically modified foods. Ok, so it's gross, but these people are not your neighborhood artist slackers, they are professors of art and chairs of art departments. So, why was the cat seized as evidence?

BIRDS & BEES: Having trouble expressing yourself? Say it with boobs.

HOLLYWOOD: Rush Limbaugh on upholding the sanctity of marriage announces his third divorce.

TECHNOLOGY: Putting words into the mouths of chatboxes?

TUNES: The Rhino Records tribute to Ray Charles. What better way to remember a musician than to listen to his music? That's what I say.

WEB SURF: Some people aren't laughing, but what could be funnier than Ann Coulter stranded on an island with Dick Cheney?

Feeling nervous about casting your first ballot? Make sure the first time is special, enroll in the VoterVirgin Class of '04 where we will commemorate your vote and prepare you for that special moment.

Eve Ensler Event Mobilizes the V Vote

Playwright Eve Ensler is turning more of her attention towards politics, hoping that she can motivate her "V-Warriors" to swarm the polls in November. Ensler, who is most famous for penning "The Vagina Monologues," kicked off her "V is for Vote" campaign in New York City on Monday night. As noted in a review of the event posted in Salon, this rally featured all the brutal honesty for which this woman has built a huge following. Indeed, Ensler reminded the young women gathered at the Culture Project Theater in Manhattan that going to the polls is a simple but dramatic way they can radically impact society: "Voting takes fives minutes and is easier than finding your G-Spot."

BIRDS & BEES: Simon Cowell fit in on this? Norweigian adult star Rocco hopes to launch Porn Idol competition.

HOLLYWOOD: Yeah, Hutch was always much cooler than Starsky: David Soul joins hit British musical about Jerry Springer.

JOCKS: Concessionaires expect snack sales at game to be high: Police hope that cannabis will mellow rowdy fans before soccer match.

TECHNOLOGY: Super-sized open source development: German branch of McDonald's moving to Linux-based infrastructure.

TUNES: That's why they call him the Boss: Bruce Springsteen posts text of controversial Al Gore speech on his website.

WEB SURF: The naked truth: What does your name look like when it is spelled out in nude letters?

Only 144 days until the November 2 general election. Have you registered to vote yet? Have all of your friends?

Revised Report Says World is Less Safe

A State Department report ("Patterns of Global Terrorism") released in late April ostensibly provided objective proof that current Bush Administration policies were making the world less dangerous. However, on Tuesday, revelations surfaced that the bookkeeping they were using to arrive at such a conclusion was not entirely accurate. Indeed, U.S. officials and terrorism experts have now acknowledged that the number of significant terrorist incidents actually increased in 2003, perhaps to its highest level in 20 years.

BIRDS & BEES: What would Jared do? Asian doctor says four wanks a day is better than dieting.

HOLLYWOOD: The 411 on Fahrenheit 9/11: Tinseltown celebs get first look at controversial documentary.

JOCKS: Next time he plans to weara a Ku Klux Klan mask in South Africa: Pro wrestler fired after giving illegal Nazi salute in German arena.

TECHNOLOGY: Outsourced happiness: Study says that morale among IT workers has dropped to all-time low.

TUNES: Cyrin' Ryan does the craziest things: Adams posts an album's worth of free demos on his website.

WEB SURF: What have you been doing with your life? Nifty interface tells you how you have been spending your time.

Only 145 days until the November 2 general election. Have you registered to vote yet? Have all of your friends?

A Great Site for Undecided Voters

Well, not really, but you might think he is if you take the word of the Republican spinmasters at face value -- which is what Karl Rove and company are betting you will do. Indeed, the aptly-titled website JohnKerryIsADoucheBagButI'mVotingForHimAnyway.com is a great destination for anyone who remains ambivalent about the coming election. As noted by site designer Alan Blevins: "I am not one who is known to meddle in politics, or, in all honesty, prior to this election year, vote. However, I feel so strongly that the fate of this great nation, and indeed even the modern world as we know it, hinges solely on this election, that I felt compelled to put my thoughts to word." Also, don't believe everything you hear about the Democratic nominee being the master of the flip-flop: sadly, this is another large exaggeration manufactured by the Right.

BIRDS & BEES: Blowjob just doesn't have the same ring to it: The town of Fucking, Austria votes not to change its name.

HOLLYWOOD: Conservative media conspiracy: Release of "The Hunting of the President" postponed because of death of Reagan.

JOCKS: Row, row, row your boat: French woman set for three-month, 3,000 miles journey from Cape Cod to France

TECHNOLOGY: Must TV for Geeks: Tivo set to launch service that will allow users to capture Internet content on their video recorder.

TUNES: Fear of a pasty nation: Moby teams with Public Enemy to release anti-war single in July.

WEB SURF: Release your inner Coney Island Cyclone: Online game lets you design your own rollarcoaster track.

Only 146 days until the November 2 general election. Have you registered to vote yet? Have all of your friends?

Iraqis Make Peace At Home

Despite all the attention to the passing of former President Ronald Reagan, The Iraqi Governing Council managed to do in a few days what the US coalition has not been able to for more than a year, disband nine insurgent militias. Seems the Iraqis are fully prepared to govern themselves as insurgents line up to assume new roles in the Iraqi police force and as civilians working together towards a country free from occupation. Kudos to the new Iraqi Prime Minister, Iyad Allawi, for building alliances and moving towards peace. Let's hope this means a quick return for US troops and some quiet nights on the streets of Iraq.

BIRDS & BEES: Turning Japanese? Probably means you are having less sex or getting divorced.

STAR GAZING: Tuesday's Venus transit could be an irresistable lure, but don't let it make you go blind.

TECH: High tech vs. gummi bears and the bears win! Talk about giving tech the finger!

TUNES: Phat or flat? Wanna supersize that download? How about an apple pie?

WEB SURF: Are you mocky-mockying me?

Crawford Mayor Endorses Kerry

"I don't see where I'm better off than I was four years ago," says Robert Campbell, the mayor of Crawford, Texas. "I don't see where the city is any better off." Campbell's words are somewhat surprising, given that President Bush owns a sprawling ranch nearby. But this ranch, as well as the potential backlash from local Republicans doesn't bother the man who has served as mayor since 1999. He adds: I have the right to vote for who I want to be president. If some people around here don't like it, they can vote for someone else for mayor."

BIRDS & BEES: Going overseas to get a piece, err . . keep the peace: New book details sexcapades at UN.

HOLLYWOOD: Whale bonds: Pierce Brosnan becomes honorary spokesman for the International Fund for Animal Welfare.

JOCKS: Big bucks for dirty laundry: 1959 Ted Williams baseball jersey sells for $70,000.

TECHNOLOGY: Idle hands are the devil's workshop: New Zealand man sends 80,000 text messages in one month.

TUNES: Dinosaur rock: Swedish group announces plans to release Tyrannosaurus Hives on July 20.

WEB SURF: Dinosaurs, pirates, dobermans, and porn shots: Bob the Ball is pretty damn weird

Nixon-Like Behavior in Current White House?

Things are getting weirder and weirder in Washington DC these days. A GOP political consultant with ties to the White House tells capitolhillblue.com that George W. Bush is taking on a number of bizarre behavior patterns: "“It reminds me of the Nixon days. Everybody is an enemy; everybody is out to get him. That’s the mood over there.” Comments another anonymous source on the paranoia that is apparently gripping the Oval Office: “The mood here is that we’re under siege, there’s no doubt about it. In this administration, you don’t have to wear a turban or speak Farsi to be an enemy of the United States. All you have to do is disagree with the President.”

BIRDS & BEES: That's where the term dog years comes from: Ejaculation shortens life span of canines in Asian porn industry.

HOLLYWOOD: What hath Ashton Kutcher wrought on this world? OJ Simpson to star in "Juiced" reality show.

JOCKS: Next he goes for the pro wrestling vote: President Bush wins support of offbeat boxing promoter Don King.

TECHNOLOGY: No more service in Seoul: North Korea bans cell phone use throughout its borders.

TUNES: Papa don't preach: Madonna planing to introduce risque clothing collection for kids.

WEB SURF: Welcome to the Internet, now go home: The web is a friendly place, really it is.

Bush Treads Fine Line in Courting Church Vote

Hoping to gain an even stronger foothold from the fundamentalist community, the Bush campaign is recruiting followers in "friendly congregations" to organize rallies and distribute literature. Earlier this week, e-mails were sent to Bush supporters asking them to identify their house of worship. However, federal law prohibits churches from being closely involved in the political process, else they lose their tax-exempt status. Notes one former Internal Revenue Service commissioner, "I am quite surprised to see that in his campaign for re-election as chief executive that the president is encouraging churches to break the tax rules the chief executive is supposed to enforce."

BIRDS & BEES: And they don't even mention the crack in the Liberty Bell: Philadelphia positions itself as a mecca for gay tourism.

HOLLYWOOD: From Friends to Friendster: Former NBC head executive becomes CEO of popular online community site.

JOCKS: Doesn't it hurt to ride that way? Church group chafed by plans for nudist cycling tour in Netherlands.

TECHNOLOGY: More reasons why Bill Gates is the most annoying man on the planet: Microsoft awarded double click patent.

TUNES: Nothing says rock and roll like white robes: Can you reunite the members of the Polyphonic Spree?

WEB SURF: Time machine: Waste many hours learning how not to get zapped navigating this difficult online maze.

Tough Week for the Nation's Armed Forces

Although the Memorial Day holiday celebrated the heroic sacrifices of America's military, this week hasn't been a good one for the nation's armed forces. Veterans are now learning that the Bush Administration plans to cut as much as one billion dollars from their health care services. Meanwhile, the Army has announced the expansion of the "stop-loss" program, prohibiting thousands of soldiers to retire or leave the military if their units are called to the current conflict in the Middle East. Writing in the New York Times, former Army captain Andrew Exum blasted the new policy: "Many, if not most, of the soldiers in this latest Iraq-bound wave are already veterans of several tours in Iraq and Afghanistan. They have honorably completed their active duty obligations. But like draftees, they have been conscripted to meet the additional needs in Iraq "

BIRDS & BEES: Party with your pubes: Colorful stencil kit allows you to add distinctive personality to your privates.

HOLLYWOOD: Script schtick is sick: Rough going for writer trying to sell story on eBay.

JOCKS: A dozen runs and they are done: Nike introduces ultra lightweight disposable shoe.

TECHNOLOGY: Can your X-box love my Play Station? Single gamers can meet new friends via online dating service.

TUNES: Christina is everywhere: Aguilera's lawyers file for 450 patents on products ranging from anti-perspirants to patents.

WEB SURF: Stick man mania: Paper Wars is what happens when you doodle a bit too long.

Bono Challenges New Grads to Betray the Age

Speaking at recent commencement services at the University of Pennsylvania, U2 frontman Bono urged the new graduates to make a difference in today's society: "To me, betraying the age means exposing its conceits, it's foibles; it's phony moral certitudes. It means telling the secrets of the age and facing harsher truths. Every age has its massive moral blind spots. We might not see them, but our children will.. . What are the ideas right now worth betraying? What are the lies we tell ourselves now? What are the blind spots of our age? What's worth spending your post-Penn lives trying to do or undo?"

BIRDS & BEES: Now we understand about the Gaza Strip: Cosmo says that Israeli women are the most sexually assertive.

HOLLYWOOD: Can you really get a Manhattan in Moscow? Sex in the City comes to Russia.

JOCKS: One horse's ass deserves another: Will triple crown contender Smarty Jones make a run for the White House?

TECHNOLOGY: Want to eliminate your gas problem? Brew your own biodiesel for 41 cents a gallon.

TUNES: Band on the run: Sum 41 given emergency airlift from civil-war strife in the Congo.

WEB SURF: Cheeky commercial from Australia: As the sign says, parking available in the rear.

All Attack All the Time from Bush Campagin

The approval ratings for President Bush continue to slide, but this administration isn't going to give up office without putting up a fight. Unfortunately, early analysis of campaign ads indicate that this fight will be incredibly nasty and mean-sported. A recent story from the Washington Post finds that "three-quarters of the ads aired by Bush's campaign have been attacks on Kerry. Bush so far has aired 49,050 negative ads in the top 100 markets, or 75 percent of his advertising." Can this strategy of unprecedented mud-slinging rescue the sinking ship of the Bush administration? Who knows. But, unfortunately, the level of slime coming from the White House is likely to get a lot worse in the next five months.

BIRDS & BEES: It's quantity that counts: Research finds that four times a week makes us happiest.

HOLLYWOOD: An internet love story: Madonna looking to make film about woman who sold virginity online.

JOCKS: Yellow fever: The Lance Armstrong Foundation launches new promotion to benefit people living with cancer.

TECHNOLOGY: But does it attack Will Smith when angry? Dressman robot automatically irons and presses shirts.

TUNES: Seventh inning retch: American Idol reject William Hung sings "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" in Toronto.

WEB SURF: What would Jesus do? But, seriously, GW is taking this crusade thing a little too far.