They're Fast for Slugs: The children of today can't run as fast or as far as their parents could.
Chihuly Faker Faces Real Prison Time: A 35-year-old Renton man who admits to etching Dale Chihuly's name into generic glass pieces and then selling them online is slated to be sentenced today. He faces up to 15 months in federal prison for his $128,000 scam.
Horace Mann Arrestees Released: The four men who were arrested yesterday for occupying the Seattle School District's Horace Mann School were released hours later. They vow to keep bringing attention to the black achievement gap.
Oklahoma, Home of the Professional Prick: Think Progress reports that state officials would rather cut their National Guard benefits than offer those benefits to same-sex couples.
Oklahoma Gov. Mary Fallin (R) announced earlier this month that state-owned National Guard facilities will no longer allow any married couples to apply for spousal benefits, regardless of whether they are same-sex or opposite-sex. The Supreme Courtâs decision overturning the Defense of Marriage Act means that servicemembers with same-sex spouses are now eligible for federal benefits. Fallinâs unusual tactic is designed to avoid having to recognize those couples, which she asserts would violate Oklahomaâs constitutional amendment limiting marriage to one man and one woman.
The Culture of Corporate Giving: First Walmart launched a food drive for its own underpaid employees, now McDonald's is advising its employees that selling unwanted Christmas gifts could "bring in some quick cash."
Rob Ford, You Are Not Alone: Today, Florida Rep. Trey Radel (R) pleaded guilty to cocaine possession. "Radel, in a statement released by his office, made no mention of resigning from the House. He said he struggles 'with the disease of alcoholism, and this led to an extremely irresponsible choice,'" reports Politico.
Where There's Smoke: "Burglar caught with over a hundred packs of cigarettes will not be forced to smoke all of them," assures the Seattle Police Department blotter.
Always Check Your Toilet for Gold: A stash of 24 gold bars worth more than $1.1 million was discovered in the toilet compartment of a commercial plane in eastern India.
Albuquerque, the Abortion Capitol of My Heart: Yesterday, the US Supreme Court declined to block a new abortion restriction law in Texas that requires abortion docs to have patient admitting privileges at a nearby hospital, forcing a third of the stateâs 36 abortion clinics to close. Meanwhile, in neighboring New Mexico, an anti-abortion initiative that would've banned the procedure after 20 weeks in Albuquerque failed spectacularly on Tuesday with a record-breaking voter turnout.
Who Needs the Climate, Anyway? A faction of 132 poorer countries walked out of climate talks today after rich countries basically laughed in their faces when the question of who should pay compensation for extreme climate events came up. (Blame Australia.)
And finally, in honor of Big Freedia's show last night at Neumos, which I hear was excellent, please enjoy this NSFWish collaboration with RuPaul:
