@Michael Torbert - Yes, that argument could be made. And you're right, if it bothers people that much they can remove that news or change the FEED url to something they like. But, I think an even better solution is Matt aggregating a WordPress category or tag from his blog.

However, I wonder if it is beneficial to the community as a whole to look at their dashboard in the backend of WordPress and realize Matt just went on a trip to Paris and he has cool photos. With all due respect, the widget is called Other WordPress News and I think pictures from a trip Matt took to Paris falls out of that category.

Now, we all know WordPress is Matt's baby and he going to do what he damn well pleases, he has that right. But, is he really doing the right thing by having that non-WordPress related information showing up in areas where people want WordPress information?