BBCnews is carrying this summary of the results of a DARPA program to reduce the intesity of sonic booms thrown off by supersonic aircraft. Turns out that by making the aircraft, well, ass-ugly, you can significantly reduce the noise. Could mean that someday we may have homely supersonic aircraft streaking from one end of the country to the other. Trust me, if it means you spending 3 hours less sitting next to my child when she throws herself a meltdown, it'll be worth every penny.