Holy smokes, it's a government of (sorta) national unity: Knessetlink. And all other concerns aside, with America's commitment to Israel's security shakier than it has been at any time since the disastrous Carter Administration, I think we will all rest more soundingly knowing that Ehud Barak remains in charge of Israel's defense; I don't always agree with his politics, but the man is a staggeringly brilliant general. And adding Labor to Lukid, Yisrael Beiteinu, & co. will only add stability and legitimacy to the incoming government. Bibi's back, baby!

Science!
Liquid water and the Red Planet: H₂O? And read all the way through for a brief mention of the University of Michigan. The Phoenix may have gone the way of all flesh, but our ever-loyal mechanical minion continues to serve us well even from the great beyond, its data still yielding up tidbits for us to parse and analyze for years to come. Wow, there might—might—still be water on Mars; the universe is a wondrous spectacle.

Science!

The Rebel Black Dot Song of the Day
Dropkick Murphys, "Amazing Grace" from The Gang's All Here (T.L.A.M.)

Commentary: I vehemently disagree with their politics, but there's no denying that the Murphys rock your socks off.

Thank you for "Amazing Grace," John Newton, and thank you for your example of Christian humility and repentance. "That saved a wretch like me." That may yet save a wretch like me.