The History Channel (AKA the War Channel) had a show on this evening about the Monitor versus the Virginia (Merrimack), the first clash of ironclad steamships, fought to what amounts to a draw back during the American Civil War. It turns out an advantage the Monitor had over the Virginia was that her turret could rotate, allowing her to bring guns to bear on a target regardless of her heading, while the Virginia needed to point the entire ship in the proper direction to properly aim her cannons. As I watched this it struck me that after spending years searching for an easy way to explain to people why the mouse was a more desirable controller for first person shooters than the keyboard, that it is perfectly illustrated in this naval engagement from 1862. I imagine there are other similar examples from previous generations of other forms of combat, as this all smacks of "Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it." (George Santayana).

Link of the Day: Ray's List of Weird and Disgusting Foods. It's fascinating, and more educational than the title suggests, and though it's clinical, it is disgusting, so it's probably best to avoid this at mealtimes. Thanks Ant.
Story of the Day: Teen arrested in connection with DVD cracking tool. Thanks Jeff Magill.
Bonus Story: Mbare man loses his private parts. Apparently a prostitute cast a spell that made his bits depart, and then cast another to return them when she was paid. According to the story this whole affair is confirmed by the local police. Thanks Lynsey.
Image of the Day: The Game Cook: Ubiquitous!