A celibate man in a dress says same-sex relationships are inauthentic families.

Ani DiFranco says: unauthorized duplication, while sometimes necessary, is never as good as the real thing.

An Israeli officer has been removed from his post for obstructing an air attack against the Palestinians.

According to the Israeli newspaper, Maariv, the military intelligence officer held back information “for reasons of conscience” because he believed the raid would harm civilians.

Jordanian King Abdallah would favorably consider an American request to extend the auspices of the monarchy over Iraq for a temporary period after the expected U.S.-led attack on Saddam Hussein’s regime, if the Americans ask, according to senior political sources participating in the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.

Funny. The standard Nigerian spam email has a new variation featuring the two George Bushes.

I had a nice meal tonight at Star Foods — Southern Diner meets Grandma’s French Cooking. It sounds doubtful, but it really works: combinations like grilled shrimp and grits, calves liver with turnip greens, monkfish with bacon, peas, and onions. You can also get stuff like macaroni and cheese or grilled cheese sandwiches with tomato soup. The vibe is nice too. The crowd and staff are rather Williamsburg/East Village alterna-boys and -girls. They were even playing the CD from K48, plus some Alice Cooper.

They’re on 1st Street between First and Second Avenues, and they serve until 4am (1am on Sunday nights). My only quibble is that they have paper napkins, but at these prices I shouldn’t complain — besides it goes with the diner theme.

NY Press, a generally slimy paper, has a nice article on David Rees, creator of Get Your War On. The online version is missing the adorable picture of Mr. Rees, so pick up a paper copy.

Here is where to buy your “I’m changing the climate, ask me how” bumper stickers for tagging SUVs.

Matthew Callinan’s “White Angel”:

Installation view at White Columns: “Cheap” show (with other works by Matthew)

These sculptures are made only from plastic bottles and metal screws. For my readers in the Chicago area, the White Columns show is moving to Gallery 312 next.

Baby Hippo!