The TV version of CNN is reporting that Mount St. Helens began emitting mass quantities of steam at around noon pacific (melting the snow in the crater), and now has settled down slightly. Perhaps a final prelude to eruption is on its way, although the scientist on CNN is hedging on exactly what is going to happen next. The CNN Science section is not yet updated to reflect this change, but I imagine will be shortly.

UPDATE FROM THE WEBMASTER: Thanks for the update, Dane! Here’s the live webcam view:

Here’s an article: Steam eruption begins at Mount St. Helens.

Live video stream here.

“Is [being an alcoholic] any less voluntary than being stupid?” –Prof. Gunn

There’s a new Al Qaeda tape out, in which Ayman al-Zawahri threatens attacks against U.S. and British interests, as well as Australia, France, Poland, Norway, South Korea and Japan. He tells Muslims “not to wait any longer, otherwise, we will be devoured, one country after the other.”

Over on TNR’s blog, they agree that Kerry “won” the debate, but they’ve got a good post on his missteps and missed opportunities last night. And they’re worried Kerry will misinterpret his “win.”

Justice Scalia thinks Americans should have more orgies. Justices Ginsberg and O’Connor could not be reached for comment.

An estimated 55 million people watched the debate last night, a significant increase over the 46.6 million who watched the first presidential debate in 2000, according to Drudge.

The New York Post reports:

A group of Florida swing voters last night said Sen. John Kerry cleaned President Bush’s clock in the first high-stakes presidential debate.

Of the 18 swing voters taking part in pollster Frank Luntz’s focus group last night, they scored it a 16 to 2 Kerry victory.

Nine of them say Kerry’s debate performance convinced them that he’s the right man to lead the country for the next four years, while just two are committed to voting for President Bush. Seven are still up for grabs.

(more…)