Wednesday Links

I may have finally beat this cold, even though my voice is still unusually deep.

Technology Boost for Orwell: EU to Monitor Deviant Behavior in Fight against Terrorism

'Giant' orb web spider discovered

'Balloon Boy' spawns online game

McClatchy: Bill to tighten rules on ratings agencies has big loopholes A key House of Representatives committee is set to vote soon on legislation that would overhaul financial regulation and produce greater transparency for investors, but as it's now written it fails to address many of the credit-rating agency missteps that helped fuel the global financial crisis.

Fancy going to Mars? Space agency seeks volunteers for 520-day trip... but it's only a simulation

Walking with cell phone can be erratic

Cops: Man claims bag of stolen goods just sex toys

McClatchy: Guantanamo commander: I can empty prison in 10 days The military can comply with a White House order to empty the detention center and clear all 221 war-on-terror captives off this remote base "with 10 days notice," the prison camps commander said Tuesday.