random link roundup

Politics: Just when you thought John McCain couldn't get any more loathsome, he goes that extra step. (link from lostvirtue)

Shiny!: This hat makes me think "epilady". (found via antibride)

Also Shiny!: 360-degree panoramic photo of Paris by night

Squee!: Malaysian black leopards, with bonus Cute Overload-worthy photo of leopard cubs.

Pretty pictures: Hummingbird fight! One of the winners of the National Wildlife Federation's annual photography contest.

Music: Stream the new Loreena McKennitt album "An Ancient Muse" at music.download.com.

Geekiness of many flavors: Kevin Smith Q&A at Macworld in January (thanks, chiefted)

Ex-ter-min-ate!: Microsoft unveils public robotics software.

The technology, called Microsoft Robotics Studio, is a Windows-based software platform designed to make it relatively simple to program robots--real or simulated. Compatible with several different pieces of hardware, like iRobot's Roomba or the Lego Mindstorms NXT "tribot," the software lets enterprising gadget hounds command a device to communicate, send alerts or perform scheduled tasks.

Advice for job-hunters: (of the "don't do that" variety) Tales from the Interview at The Daily WTF?

Me: How would you rate your Linux skills on a scale of 1 to 10?
Tester: Ten, definately.
Me: What command would you run to find a file in Linux?
Tester: I don't know
Me: Would you still rate your skills as a ten?
Tester: Of course

DC commuting set to suck more expensively: Metro proposes rush-hour fare increases of up to $2.10 per trip, including adding a 35-cent "congestion fee" if you enter or exit at one of 19 core stations covering most of downtown plus several stations in Virginia. "Metro hopes to encourage travel outside the city core and during off-peak hours", which is great unless you happen to work downtown and are required to be in the office before 10 AM. Metro peak fares are in effect M-F 5-9:30 AM and 3-7 PM, plus 2 AM to closing on Friday (Saturday morning).