May 5, 2003

The X-Men and the Piles and Piles of Money By opening X2: X-Men United throughout the world on the same weekend, 20th Century Fox set a new record for the biggest weekend opening ever. Screendaily reports that X2 grossed $69,270,300 outside North America this past weekend, the second highest opening after LOTR: The Two Towers. Together with the $85,558,731 taken in domestically, they report that the global total of $154,829,031 for X2 represents the biggest ever worldwide opening weekend yet recorded for a theatrical release. 11:35:03 PM

Canucks in Kabul The CBC reports that Canada is sending about 1,800 troops to Afghanistan in August to be part of the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) in Kabul. The 5,000 member ISAF is expected to provide security while a new Afghan constitution is being drafted in October and during elections the next year. Canada will take over command of the force next February. 11:25:06 PM

After the Soyuz capsule carrying two astronauts and a cosmonaut returning from the International Space Station landed nearly 500 kilometers off course the question was asked if it was a software error in the guidance system or a butterfingered American astronaut pressing the wrong button? 11:24:44 PM