Seven retired military officers publicly acknowledged being gay on Friday, hoping their actions will stir Congress to repeal “don’t ask, don’t tell” and force Marine Corps general Peter Pace to apologize for calling gays “immoral” earlier this week.

“Our community has a long history of serving our country in the armed forces,” the group said in a release. “Today, there are more than 65,000 lesbian and gay troops on duty. Another 1 million gay and lesbian veterans, including the seven of us, have served in our fighting forces. General Pace’s remarks dishonor that service, as does the ‘don’t ask, don’t tell’ law. General Pace must offer an immediate and unqualified apology for his remarks, and Congress must take action to repeal the ban on lesbian, gay, and bisexual Americans who want to serve our country.” (The Advocate)

A new bill providing added protection for everyone from federal scientists to contractors who speak out against intimidation, waste, or fraud, has passed in the House 331 – 94. Guess which party reportedly cast all 94 nays? Here’s a hint:

The White House opposes the legislation, and in a strongly worded statement Tuesday, argued the bill’s passage would “compromise national security.” The statement also said the measure is unconstitutional. “Rather than promote and protect genuine disclosures of matters of real public concern, it would likely increase the number of frivolous complaints and waste resources,” the administration stated.

If you know of any science shenanigans, report them to Rep. Brad Miller, head of the recently formed subcommittee created to investigate such allegations, at NC13.ScienceIntegrity[at]mail.house.gov, or you can send an anonymous tip at this link.

• It’s probably not a warm comfort for those of you digging out in the Northeast this morning, but the earth has just experienced the warmest December-February since records began in 1880.
• Phil Plait from Bad Astronomy explains the basic science behind Dark Matter detection and imaging with this informative essay.
• The American Meteorological Society will host a talk on marine fisheries this Monday in DC. Details here.

www.quietrevolution.co.uk/index.htm

www.osalt.com/

Air Force One arrives at Heathrow and President Bush strides to a warm and dignified reception from the Queen. They are driven in a 1934 Bentley to the edge of central London where they change to a magnificent 17th century carriage hitched to six white horses. They continue on towards Buckingham Palace waving to the thousands of  cheering Britons; all is going well.

Suddenly the right rear horse lets fly with the most horrendous earth-shattering fart ever heard in the  British Empire . The smell is atrocious!  Both passengers in the carriage must use handkerchiefs over their noses.  The fart shakes the coach but the two dignitaries of state do their best to ignore the
incident.

The Queen turns to President Bush, “Mr. President, please accept my regrets.  I am sure you understand there are some things that even a queen cannot control.”

George Bush, always trying to be presidential, replied, “Y our Majesty, do not give the matter another thought.  Until you mentioned it, I thought it was one of the horses.”