"Hobbit" Discovered: Tiny Human Ancestor Found in Asia

A fascinating discovery of fossils of a minature species of Homo (Homo floresiensis) on the Indonesian island of Flores. Amazingly, they apparently died out only 13,000 to 18,000 years ago! Although an isolated island, the fact that they lived contemporaneously with Homo Sapiens leaves one breathless with conjecture (or at least leaves me that way, as my boyhood dream was to be a physical anthropologist).








I'm surprised that the article's title made it through the National Geopgraphic editors, as the species is clearly not our 'ancestor', but rather a cousin (perhaps descended from Homo Erectus).

San Francisco to Expand Wi-Fi Program

A terrifice idea, to provide free wireless Internet access to those who can't afford it. This follows Philadelphia's program, which is even more ambitious. I hope that it's an idea that spreads broadly throughout the country.

Shatner Wants to Boldly Go on Space Flight

Shatner is one of more than 7,000 people who have expressed a keen interest in paying the estimated $210,000 for a flight aboard Virgin Galactic's proposed service...slated to begin operation in 2008.

Kramnik Retains World Title

Down 6-7 in games, Kramnik barely squeezed by Leko of Hungary to capture the last game. As has been the case for decades, the World Champion (in this case, the 'Classical World Chess Champion') retains his title in the event of a tied match.

This sets the stage of a reunification of the FIDE and defunct Professional Chess Association's champion, Kasparov (still ranked #1 in the world), should he win a match against Rustam Kasimdzhanov of Uzbekistan (FIDE World Champion), to be held in Dubai in January. In any case, Kramnik will play the winner of this match, and the world will once again have a unified Champion (sounds much like the boxing world in the 70's and 80's, with it's many competing title holders).

Bobby Fischer 'ambushed' by U.S. gov't plot, new lawyer says

An interesting litany of supposed U.S. government abuses of Fischer's rights. One must consider the source of course.

Sunday Times -- Chronicles by Bob Dylan

A lovely book review. I can hardly wait to see Bob perform again. This time he's at Stabler Arena, Lehigh University, November 16th.

Bobby Fischer vigorously defends his manhood

Such a sad situation.

Being Shatner: South Florida Sun-Sentinel

A terrific 'appreciation' of someone else who holds Shatner at arm's length...and in his heart.

CD Tries to Show Shatner's No 'Has Been'

Believe it or not, this sounds like an interesting album. OK, maybe I'm the only one interested....

King of the Game

A very nice bio of Grandmaster Viswanathan Anand of India -- former World Champion.