When a man says he approves of something in principle, it means he hasn't the slightest intention of putting it into practice. -- Otto von Bismarck Mac Supercomputer Joins Elite Virginia Tech's "Big Mac" supercomputer is officially the world's third-fastest supercomputer. Sun's Linux desktop off to flying start Some say Sun Microsystems should give up on its Linux desktop ambitions, but there are serious signs of life that indicate the company may be on to a good thing, The Register has learned. Mars Images Suggest Persistent Rivers Past In a long-running debate over whether Mars ever had long-lasting rivers, the latest images supporting the "yes" side have been put forth. Extraterrestrial Resources: 'Living off the Land' Outer space has an endless supply of resources. Within rocket's reach there are light buckets full of intense solar energy, at least out to Mars. Then there are valuable materials on the Moon, as well as on Mars and its moons. Near Earth asteroids offer yet another mother lode of minerals. Cargo-Only Shuttle Still Possible in NASA's Future After building its new Orbital Space Plane (OSP) to ferry astronauts to Earth orbit and back, NASA very well may turn to its aging space shuttle fleet for continuing service as the nation's heavy-lifting, cargo-only launch vehicle. Cassini Snaps Best Jupiter Image Ever When the Cassini spacecraft finally gets to Saturn next year, it will have some big shoes to fill -- its own. The robotic probe has snapped what's being billed as the best picture ever of Jupiter. Damaged Japanese Spacecraft Might Contaminate Mars If It Hits Japan's leading national daily the Yomiuri Shimbun is reporting that the ill fated Nozomi explorer that is Japan's first Mars probe, is expect to crash into the red planet on Dec. 14 if it remains on its current course. Spacecraft to land on Mars on Christmas A British-built craft designed to scour the surface of Mars for signs of life is scheduled to land on the planet on Christmas Day, scientists said this week. Reveller gets stuck in air vent A PATRON ejected from a leagues club in Sydney's outer west this morning tried to sneak back in through an air vent and became trapped. Post office finds live gator in mail A 1.2 metre alligator chewed its way out of a shipping carton before a US postal worker tossed it into a hamper and called animal control officers. Bank robber - God made me do it AN armed robber who claimed he believed God authorised him to rob banks because they were evil yesterday lost his appeal for freedom. (C) Shouting Red Goanna Inc. A wholly subsidiary of Screaming Blue Wombat Inc. / Avenging Green Seahorse Industries