Daily Blend: Thursday, February 03, 2011

Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ)

I just received a long-expected book, downloaded The English Patient [1996] and have a bunch of other stories to read online, so I apologize in advance for the renewed dearth of activity for the next few days. In the mean, here be your links.

• House GOP drops controversial “forcible rape” language from proposed anti-abortion bill [lead sponsor pictured], but Political Correction details how it’s still terrible legislation.

• House Republicans want Internet companies to keep track of your online activities. Because it’s not big government if it’s corporations doing the dirty work, right?

• To anyone who reads The Daily Mail, consider yourselves morally obligated to read this story first.
  (via Pharyngula)

• US teen pregnancy rate now the lowest in 70 years thanks to contraception. Wonder how much lower it would be if not for “abstinence only” sex education.
  (via @todayspolitics)

• Monkeys doing facepalms. Includes detailed, science-y explanation.
  (via @BadAstronomer)

If you have any story suggestions, feel free to leave them in the comments or send them in.