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Okay, another day, another John McCain attack ad on Barack Obama. This one came in over the weekend. It’s the third straight, as the McCain campaign is increasingly abandoning positive advertising in favor of negative ads on the frontrunner.

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The U.S. should stop arresting responsible marijuana users, Rep. Barney Frank said Wednesday, announcing a proposal to end federal penalties for Americans carrying fewer than 100 grams, almost a quarter-pound, of the substance.

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In a stunning move, the Houston Rockets have set up a trade for Ron Artest of the Sacramento Kings. While the deal cannot be officially made until August 14 (Rookie Donte Greene was signed on 7/14. NBA rules state that you have to wait 1 month after signing a draft pick before he can be traded.), the details has been announced.

The Rockets will send Bobby Jackson, this year’s 1st round pick Donte Greene, next year’s 1st round pick, and about $1 million in cash.

I personally am thrilled about the potential of a Ming/McGrady/Artest trio. That’s one powerful offensive force. Combine Artest’s amazing defensive skills with defensive madman Shane Battier, then we also have the potential for a devastating defensive unit. The Rockets finished last season as the second best defensive team in the league.

Here are some initial reactions from around the web about this deal:

With Yao, McGrady, Artest, Luis Scola and Rafer Alston, Houston now has one of the most formidable starting lineups in the West. If Yao can stay healthy, the Rockets have a legitimate chance to make a run for the conference title.
— Chris Mannix - Sports Illustrated

But ultimately, this deal is about Houston going all-in to get a ring from its McGrady-Yao nucleus while it still can. And if Artest can use his walk year as motivation to stay well-behaved for a year, the Rockets just might pull it off.
— John Hollinger - ESPN

I’ll be a kid in a candy store. I’ll be a kid in a store with a lot of candy. I’m going to dance with the stars.
— Ron Artest - (Soon-to-be) Houston Rocket

I couldn’t be more happy. Pleased at how the organization is trying to improve this team, get the help that Yao and myself really need to really get to where we want to be and that’s one of the elite teams in this league.
— Tracy McGrady - Houston Rocket