“As young Middle East talent wins global acclaim, some chafe at stereotyping.” From the Christian Science Monitor.

“Francis H. C. Crick, co-discoverer of the structure of DNA, the genetic blueprint for life, and the leading molecular biologist of his age, died Wednesday night in a hospital in San Diego. He was 88.” From the NY Times. And here’s an obituary from the BBC.

“If intelligent life exists elsewhere in our galaxy, advances in computer processing power and radio telescope technology will ensure we detect their transmissions within two decades. That is the bold prediction from a leading light at the Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence Institute in Mountain View, California.” From New Scientist.

Constantine Cavafy wrote this in 1904. It was one of Edward W. Said’s favorite poems, and was read beautifully at his funeral by his daughter, Najla, which is where I first heard it. In this time of daily terror alerts and fear-mongering, it seems we are all still “Waiting for the Barbarians“.