Create an XMLGregorianCalendar for the Current Date/Time

Creating a XML calendar object suitable for use in SOAP messages, in Java, is simple enough.

    public XMLGregorianCalendar getXMLGregorianCalendarNow() 
            throws DatatypeConfigurationException
    {
        GregorianCalendar gregorianCalendar = new GregorianCalendar();
        DatatypeFactory datatypeFactory = DatatypeFactory.newInstance();
        XMLGregorianCalendar now = 
            datatypeFactory.newXMLGregorianCalendar(gregorianCalendar);
        return now;
    }

Healthcare in America

http://blogs.wsj.com/economics/2011/04/09/number-of-the-week-u-s-spends-141-more-on-health-care/

"A new report finds that the U.S. spends far more on health care than any of the other 29 OECD nations, and gets less health for its money."

America provides the best healthcare in the world, for the wealthy...

RIP Kermit

Image via WikipediaNo, not that Kermit...   This Kermit:

http://www.columbia.edu/kermit/

"Unfortunately, Columbia has determined it can no longer continue to support the Kermit Project going forward. As of July 1st, 2011, development of any new Kermit software enhancements at Columbia University will cease, as will any ability of Columbia to provide ongoing maintenance and technical support for Kermit."

Something like 25 years ago I was working on a project in which we needed serial data transfer for an unusual computer - some sort mini-computer, I don't even remember.  We just picked the phone (yes, the telephone) and called (on the telephone) the author of Kermit, over at Columbia.  We gave him some specs on our system, and a few weeks later, just like that, Kermit supported our computer!

Free Gun

http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/04/07/us-guns-radioshack-odd-idUSTRE73644320110407

"A chain of electronic stores in parts of the states of Idaho and Montana are offering free guns to first-time subscribers of satellite TV services."
...
"There's no problem with it here; this isn't New York City,"