Jonathan's blog

This story from NewScientist.com argues a point I've long believed must be true: doesn't engaging in such realistic simulations of savagery affect your response to it in real life?

...psychologist Bruce Bartholow from the University of Missouri-Columbia and colleagues have found that people who play violent video games show diminished brain responses to images of real-life violence, such as gun attacks, but not to other emotionally disturbing pictures, such as those of dead animals, or sick children. And the reduction in response is correlated with aggressive behaviour.

Here's an interesting article by Ian Mather on Scotsman.com about the insurgent groups in Iraq.

"There is no centre of gravity, no leadership, no hierarchy; they are more a constellation than an organisation," says Bruce Hoffman, a terrorism expert at the Rand Corporation of the new-look insurgency. "They have adopted a structure that assures their longevity." As a result, even killing or capturing al-Zarqawi would not end the rebellion.

A few weeks ago I mentioned several things that bother me about Iraq and asked if it has been "worth it." Bush thinks it has been. From an article by Peter Baker in The Washington Post (reprinted in The Seattle Times):

Knowing what I know today, I'd make the decision again," Bush told a questioner after a speech here. "Removing Saddam Hussein makes this world a better place and America a safer country.

I agree that the world is a better place without Saddam in power. But its not hard to think of better ways to make the world better with $220 billion. Bush also admitted for the first time that 30,000 Iraqis have died.

The Somasi family came over tonight for dinner, ping-pong, and an exchange of gifts. The other big news of the day: Finn pooped in the potty.

We went to see Santa today. The first thing Finn said to Santa was, "I peed in the potty!" Eventually he also told Santa that he wanted a train set for Christmas. Elliot told Santa that he wants a remote-controlled car. Here are some photos...