Not Intent on Arriving

1) The Last Temptation of Ted (GQ): Remember Ted Haggard? He was the super pastor and president of the National Association of Evangelicals. Then, four years ago, his empire crumbled when he admitted to using crystal meth and having a sexual relationship with a male prostitute. Though he was not the first, nor the last, religious figure to fall victim to personal demons, the press crucified him. Now, after years of therapy, he’s back with an interesting profile in GQ. He believes that his family now lives a “normal” life (which is I guess why they chose the picture below for the magazine?). Another revelation from the Pastor: “I think that probably, if I were 21 in this society, I would identify myself as a bisexual.” Why do you say that?

2) Emily Ross and Ryan Hubbard (The New York Times): I don’t usually browse the New York Times’ wedding section, but a friend sent me this story (they prefer to not be identified). If you’re looking for a succinct illustration of how my generation’s beliefs about courtship and marriage have changed, look no further than this piece. Extended long-distance relationship. Flirting over social media, long before meeting in person. Moving to another coast, without a job, to stay with someone. Marriage with a promise of no children (after being reluctant to marry at all). In spite of all that, a couple that seems really happy.

In case you missed it: the highlights from last night’s State of the Union address. Thanks, Politico.
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Russian officials apparently consider it somewhat likely that a US-based video game that allows users to shoot people in a fictious Russian airport could have contributed to the attack that killed 35 people. “Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2” allows users to simulate a terrorist attack in the airport. YouTube clips from the game have been seen more than 500,000 times.

Alabama law firm Beasley Allen filed a class-action lawsuit against Taco Bell for false advertising, alleging that the chain’s beef products contain very little actual meat.

The suit, which does not ask for money, claims that just 35 percent of tacos are actually solid, while just 15 percent contains actual protein. Taco Bell advertises the products as “seasoned ground beef or seasoned beef.”

After testing the product, the lawyers find that the meat filling actually contains “water, isolated oat product, wheat oats, soy lecithin, maltodextrin, anti-dusting agent, autolyzed yeast extract, modified corn starch and sodium phosphate, as well as some beef and seasonings.” The official ingredient list (under “seasoned ground beef”) is available here.

I agree with Grist that the best part of the story is the statment from a Taco Bell representative:

“Taco Bell prides itself on serving high quality Mexican inspired food with great value. We’re happy that the millions of customers we serve every week agree,” Rob Poetsch said. He said the company would “vigorously defend the suit.”