New York’s currently: watching its windows stretch

 Pentagon says it will raise troop levels in Iraq to 150,000, the largest since the occupation began.

 Intelligence reports that Iran is still developing atomic weapons at secret military sites; U.N. inspectors request access.

 “HIV, the virus that causes AIDS, can be spread via sweat and tears.” Federally funded youth abstinence programs spread misconceptions.

 Paul Ford talks on All Things Considered about watching television on the internet and why the lawyers shouldn’t get involved.

 Palestinian leader enters race for successor to Arafat—from Israeli jail.

 New York restaurant builds padded, soundproofed room for those who would rather talk on their cell phones.

 Thai Premier figures the best way to quell the incipient Muslim revolt is to distribute at least 63 million origami cranes.

 Are you conservative or liberal? Take the quiz and discover your inner leanings.

 Maureen Dowd: Why we let the march of the tall, handsome, white, male anchors continue.

 Dinner is served at 7.16 and finished at 7.20 pm. From 8.09 to 9.59 pm symphonic readings (out loud). Erik Satie’s entertainingly absurd daily schedule. [via things]

 It’s December, and that means it’s time for Leslie Harpold’s 2004 Advent Calendar. Always wonderful.

 Audio: Download music from The Karate Kid: The Musical.

 New design, illustration, and photography at Superette.

 Icelanders claim they don’t get depressed in the winter darkness, though some say they’d rather be in Spain.

 A catalog of people who are Canadian, and who you probably didn’t think were.

 Thank you to everyone who’s ever donated to The Morning News. Your generosity is truly appreciated.