Friday Linkage

It is 9 degrees here right now and I'm cold.

States Financial Outlook: Getting Worse Fast

Armed robbers in drag steal £70m of jewellery from Paris store in ONE minute in one of Europe's biggest ever heists

10 perfect holiday gifts for the people you don't really like

CNN: Congressmen demand explanation on torture, pardons
Two key House Democrats demanded in a letter to Attorney General Michael Mukasey on Thursday that he explain his recent comments about U.S. counterterrorism officials' controversial policies on detainee interrogations and terrorist surveillance.

Ancient pot stash found in China tomb

Happiness is contagious and spreads quickly between friends and family, say scientists

Newlyweds now older than at any time since 19th Century

Washington Post: Bar Hours Worry D.C. Police Union
The leader of the D.C. police union said yesterday he worries that police resources could be insufficient during inauguration weekend because of extended hours for clubs, bars and restaurants.