Le projet de loi sur le mariage homosexuel adopté par l'Assemblée		Bill on gay marriage passed by the Assembly
Après dix jours d'une bataille parlementaire intense menée par une poignée de députés UMP, l'Assemblée nationale a adopté, mardi 12 février, le projet de loi sur le mariage homosexuel. Le texte a été adopté par 329 voix contre 229. Dix députés se sont abstenus. C'est la première réforme sociétale d'importance de la majorité socialiste depuis l'élection de François Hollande. Le texte devra maintenant être examiné au Sénat à partir du 2 avril.		After ten days of intense parliamentary battle led by a handful of deputies UMP , the National Assembly adopted on Tuesday, February 12, the bill on gay marriage. The text was adopted by 329 votes against 229. Ten MPs abstained. This is the first re form of societal importance of the majority since the election of socialist François Hollande . The text will now be considered in the Senate from April 2.

_{It is rightly acknowledged that people of faith have no monopoly of virtue - Queen Elizabeth II}

Akiva Orr, one of Israel's early communists (and much else later) died a few days ago. Here is a fascinating video made a few years ago in which  he describes his life, and Israel's wars from his point of view. It's a fascinating mix of nonstandard viewpoints I was aware of, along with many that I was not (and many where I am not sure if his view is correct and/or complete). But it's hard to resist someone who can't mention the name "Shimon Peres" without adding "piece of shit". And there are lots and lots of fascinating details along the way, such as the French proposal to bomb Beersheva to give Israel an excuse (blaming it on Egypt) for 1956, or Yeshayu Leibowitz's comment on civil wars (the only good type of war, as they are fought over matters of principle).

Warning: It's well over 2 hours long, and hard to stop in the middle. Amazing energy for someone almost 80 years old.

Fauja Singh, World's Oldest Runner At 101, Races For Women's Rights

Before retiring from racing, the world's oldest runner has made sure to take a big stride for women's issues.

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Singh, who first took up running at 89, is now planning for his final two marathons in Australia and then Hong Kong at the end of February, according to the Times of India. But he said he plans to continue to run at least four hours a day to serve as an example for others.

Ahh - I am a sucker for these kind of stories. And it shows once again, it is never to late to start something.

Dang, how did I somehow miss Tuesday?

'tis strange I should be old and neither wise nor valiant. From "The Maid's Tragedy" by Beaumont & Fletcher