A potential explanation for the high silicon content of the anthrax spores used in the 2001 attacks is that they were grown in a large fermenter using an antifoam agent containing silica. If true, this would make it unlikely that Bruce Ivins acted alone, since he did not have access to a large fermenter.

Amidst all the health care goings on, FDL has a special treat today. Paul Krugman is hosting Book Salon, and it isn’t economics, it’s science fiction, Charles Stross’s Trade of Queens. So take a break from House business to talk alternate universes.

And of course we have health care, health care, health care…

Bugs Bunny and Marvin The Martin in Hare Way To The Stars. This Warner Bros. Looney Tunes cartoon was released on March 29, 1958.
What’s on your mind?

To the surprise of pretty much no one, Glenn Nye remains a “no” vote on health care. But I admit I didn’t see this one coming. From Roll Call ($):

As their whip efforts narrow to just a handful of Members, House Democratic leaders are facing an unlikely problem vote: Rep. Loretta Sanchez.

It was quite the spectacle in DC today, as the Tea-Baggers descended upon the capitol in order to protest “socialism” being rammed down their throats. Presumably they prefer instead things that are dangled. A very excited but characteristically confused Jim Hoft squeals delightedly that the Tea-Bag rally numbered 100,000 souls, and to prove it, links [...]

Los Angeles based film director and artist John Roecker created this inspirational short film. It’s an artistic overview and a love letter to Los Angeles, punk rock and the creative spirit, plus a call for everyone to manifest their dreams. Though um, in places it’s NSFW.

According to the Huffington Post, Diana Degette has agreed, on behalf of the pro-choice community, the language of an executive order that the President will issue to address Bart Stupak’s concerns regarding the health care bill.

Via Carla Axtman, Kurt Schrader (D-OR) will vote yes. Three others to watch, who I think will come around but who aren’t totally confirmed: Loretta Sanchez, Jim Cooper, and Ron Klein.

Both Republicans and Democrats offered amendments to the health care bill today in the Rules Committee. They have no chance of getting a vote on the floor, but looking at the Republican amendments can provide some insights into the upcoming GOP campaign against the bill in the midterm.

Another setback for Democratic leaders: Jim Matheson (D-UT) will vote no.