G.W. Bush legalizes martial law?

I don't tend to get involved with political issues (particularly because mine wildly differ with most of my peers'), but this struck me oddly. A post on BoingBoing described how Bush declared a sort of martial law legal. (Martial law is the system of rules that takes effect [usually after a formal declaration] when a military authority takes control of the normal administration of justice [Wikipedia].)
For example: Under martial law, one can be arrested, sentenced, and jailed by a police officer. This has HUGE (or, dare I say it, HUEG) implications for protestors, or those who are generally politically motivated.

Visit the BoingBoing post for a synopsis of this Toward Freedom article.
Also, visit this Slashdot article for more technical info.

Giuliani better step the fuck up, or I am voting democrat.
But... Hillary?

The way chopsticks should be

Here is a cool swiss site (or is it german?) that shows alternative uses for common household items.

Houston rock venue & bar nears riot

A music venue and bar called "Walter's" was hosting three bands this past Friday night when Houston Police Dept Officer G.M. Rodriguez came in and began an angry quarrel -- and eventually a fight -- with band members over a sound complaint (at a rock venue? are you serious?). Of course this isn't the whole story. Check out the links below:



Articles (the first one summarizes the event well):
One. Two. Three (personal account).
Videos (YouTube):
One. Two.

This is utter bullshit. Make sure you send this to everyone you know to make them aware of the horrible powertrip some policemen have.

McDonalds will infect you with a virus

... and this time its not from the food. McDonalds Japan has awarded 10,000 people with flash MP3 players (from a recent promotional contest) that came loaded with 10 free MP3s and QQWare, a malware virus that collects information about you on your computer (usernames, passwords, etc) and sends them off to a random hacker. (via BoingBoing) Link.

Watch out for that SARS! These are awesome, I think I found my Halloween costume... (from BoingBoing)

No more internet gambling in the U.S.?

The U.S. House of Representatives passed HR4411: Internet Gambling Prohibition and Enforcement Act (a.k.a. Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act [?]).
This whole thing really confuses me. Why would the U.S. Gov't need to pass an act banning something if it was already unlawful?

Links:
CNET News article
GovTrack full act text