The GOP has identified the number one threat to our "Fredoms"...

by Renzo Gasolini

And evidently it is fiendishly disguised as a 260 mph train

Because the Chinese have one, and we don't. And by God the Republicans are going to make damn sure it stays that way

China unveils 260mph train line

"A new high-speed rail line has been opened in China amid boasts from officials over the use of domestic technology to set world records...

...The China-made CRH380 train has been clocked at almost 262 mph - a world speed record - though it will usually operate at a maximum speed of 220 mph...

The line was opened as China prepares to have 10,000 miles of high-speed rail in operation by 2012...

Ten Thousand Miles of of High Speed Rail (HSR) by 2012? Holy fucking yikes!!

continued at Daily Kos....

Dawn Chorus Birdblog: Humungous Bird Science Edition

by matching mole

And now for something completely different....

No, it's not a quest featuring mysterious riddles.  Nor is it a rogue pootie diary.  It's real actual bird science.  I'm going to (ab)use my Dawn Chorus guest privileges this week to talk about behavioral and evolutionary research relating to our feathered friends.  Because this is a community diary I'm going to try and keep it light and cordon off the gritty details so that they doesn't harm innocent bystanders.  I'm also supplying pictures/video off the web and some background on the species involved.  If you have any questions feel free to ask.  Or if you want to talk about something completely different that's cool too.

continued at Daily Kos...