WHNT-TV, Huntsville, AL: Alabama Lawmaker Wants To Ban "Gay" Books: "Alabama State Representative Gerald Allen is on record as wanting to ban gay marriage, but now he's turned his attention to the state's libraries--both public and school. Allen wants to pass a law to ban books with gay characters. He also wants textbooks that suggest homosexuality is okay out of state schools."
Since when did book burning become a "moral value"?
Tuesday, December 07, 2004
Tuesday, November 30, 2004
The Globe and Mail: Is it final Jeopardy for Jennings?
The Globe and Mail: Is it final Jeopardy for Jennings?: "With $2.5-million in his back pocket, the 30-year-old Jennings has earned the title of highest-earning player ever on a syndicated quiz show.
Yesterday, a two-minute audio clip was circulated on the Web, including the question that is reported to have stumped this king of quiz. Sudbury, Ont.-native Alex Trebek, Jeopardy!'s host, can be heard saying, 'The category is business and industry, and here is the clue, ladies and gentlemen: Most of this firm's 70,000 seasonal, white-collar employees work only four months a year?'"
The King has fallen.
Yesterday, a two-minute audio clip was circulated on the Web, including the question that is reported to have stumped this king of quiz. Sudbury, Ont.-native Alex Trebek, Jeopardy!'s host, can be heard saying, 'The category is business and industry, and here is the clue, ladies and gentlemen: Most of this firm's 70,000 seasonal, white-collar employees work only four months a year?'"
The King has fallen.
Monday, November 29, 2004
BBC NEWS | Middle East | UN plan demands more intervention
BBC NEWS | Middle East | UN plan demands more intervention: "The UN should be reformed to make intervention in failing states easier, a commission is set to recommend.
The panel, which has examined how the UN could respond better to global threats, also calls for the Security Council to be enlarged, the BBC has learned."
The blueprints for the NWO.
The panel, which has examined how the UN could respond better to global threats, also calls for the Security Council to be enlarged, the BBC has learned."
The blueprints for the NWO.
BBC NEWS | Middle East | UN plan demands more intervention
BBC NEWS | Middle East | UN plan demands more intervention: "The UN should be reformed to make intervention in failing states easier, a commission is set to recommend.
The panel, which has examined how the UN could respond better to global threats, also calls for the Security Council to be enlarged, the BBC has learned."
The blueprints for the NWO.
The panel, which has examined how the UN could respond better to global threats, also calls for the Security Council to be enlarged, the BBC has learned."
The blueprints for the NWO.
BBC NEWS | Middle East | UN plan demands more intervention
BBC NEWS | Middle East | UN plan demands more intervention: "The UN should be reformed to make intervention in failing states easier, a commission is set to recommend.
The panel, which has examined how the UN could respond better to global threats, also calls for the Security Council to be enlarged, the BBC has learned."
The blueprints for the NWO.
The panel, which has examined how the UN could respond better to global threats, also calls for the Security Council to be enlarged, the BBC has learned."
The blueprints for the NWO.
BBC NEWS | Middle East | UN plan demands more intervention
BBC NEWS | Middle East | UN plan demands more intervention: "The UN should be reformed to make intervention in failing states easier, a commission is set to recommend.
The panel, which has examined how the UN could respond better to global threats, also calls for the Security Council to be enlarged, the BBC has learned. "
The panel, which has examined how the UN could respond better to global threats, also calls for the Security Council to be enlarged, the BBC has learned. "
Saturday, November 27, 2004
Burning Cross Left at Home of Interracial Couple on Long Island
The New York Times > New York Region > Burning Cross Left at Home of Interracial Couple on L.I.: "wakened by a loud bang and the ring of their doorbell, an interracial couple peered out the front window of their Long Island home at 3 a.m. yesterday and saw a cross burning on the front lawn.
They said they immediately called the Suffolk County police, but by the time officers arrived, rain had doused the fire. The police removed the cross, which was three feet tall and made from the slats of a picket fence. By yesterday afternoon, the only remaining trace was a charred circle of grass outside the building, a two-family house in the southwest corner of Lake Grove."
Dang liberals.
They said they immediately called the Suffolk County police, but by the time officers arrived, rain had doused the fire. The police removed the cross, which was three feet tall and made from the slats of a picket fence. By yesterday afternoon, the only remaining trace was a charred circle of grass outside the building, a two-family house in the southwest corner of Lake Grove."
Dang liberals.
BBC NEWS | Middle East | Iraqi parties request poll delay
BBC NEWS | Middle East | Iraqi parties request poll delay: "A group of leading Iraqi political parties has called for the 30 January national elections to be delayed.
More than 15 groups - representing mostly Sunnis, Kurds and secular Iraqis - urged a six-month postponement for the planned vote. "
Yea, well, there ya go.
More than 15 groups - representing mostly Sunnis, Kurds and secular Iraqis - urged a six-month postponement for the planned vote. "
Yea, well, there ya go.
Hobbits locked away as scientists argue - Science - www.theage.com.au
Hobbits locked away as scientists argue - Science - www.theage.com.au: "They may be tiny, but the hobbits - the extinct one-metre-high human species whose discovery rocked the palaeontology world last month - are provoking a giant barney among Australian and Indonesian scientists.
One of Indonesia's leading palaeontologists, Professor Teuku Jacob of Gadjah Mada University in Jakarta, has grabbed the hobbit remains and locked them away in his safe, refusing to let other scientists study them."
I think this is going to be curious when they find out *why* he is hiding them...
One of Indonesia's leading palaeontologists, Professor Teuku Jacob of Gadjah Mada University in Jakarta, has grabbed the hobbit remains and locked them away in his safe, refusing to let other scientists study them."
I think this is going to be curious when they find out *why* he is hiding them...
Tuesday, November 23, 2004
The Volokh Conspiracy - Sokal is an Id10t
The Volokh Conspiracy -: "Alan Sokal and the Social Text Parody:In 1996, physics professor Alan Sokal published a parody article on the social construction of physics in the journal Social Text. It turns out that Sokal's website has copies of the original article, the Lingua Franca article in which he came clean about his spoof, and other writings about the controversy both by Sokal and others."
This is the reason, a big part of it, why our society is so lost. Those 'in the know' about the closest details of the nature of the Universe, absolutely refuse to speak on it in any concrete terms. This allows the charlatans to step in and make all sorts of whacky claims while the physicists scratch their heads and say, "Hmm, I guess it is all energy...but that doesn't mean anything."
Ugh, and thus the need for people like myslef to do a bit of metaphor drawing.
This is the reason, a big part of it, why our society is so lost. Those 'in the know' about the closest details of the nature of the Universe, absolutely refuse to speak on it in any concrete terms. This allows the charlatans to step in and make all sorts of whacky claims while the physicists scratch their heads and say, "Hmm, I guess it is all energy...but that doesn't mean anything."
Ugh, and thus the need for people like myslef to do a bit of metaphor drawing.
Kevin Sites Blog
Kevin Sites Blog: "Since the shooting in the Mosque, I've been haunted that I have not been able to tell you directly what I saw or explain the process by which the world came to see it as well. As you know, I'm not some war zone tourist with a camera who doesn't understand that ugly things happen in combat. I've spent most of the last five years covering global conflict. But I have never in my career been a 'gotcha' reporter -- hoping for people to commit wrongdoings so I can catch them at it. "
This is the future of media folks.
This is the future of media folks.
International News Article | Reuters.com
International News Article | Reuters.com: "KIEV (Reuters) - Up to 200,000 protesters rallied outside an emergency session of Ukraine's parliament on Tuesday demanding authorities admit they cheated in a presidential poll which showed the country's Moscow-backed prime minister had won.
Parliamentary deputies began the session in response to calls from supporters of West-leaning liberal challenger Viktor Yushchenko, who says he was robbed of victory in Sunday's second-round run-off. "
This is what MoW is all about.
Parliamentary deputies began the session in response to calls from supporters of West-leaning liberal challenger Viktor Yushchenko, who says he was robbed of victory in Sunday's second-round run-off. "
This is what MoW is all about.
Saturday, November 06, 2004
BBC NEWS | Middle East | Rebel attacks in Samarra kill 33
BBC NEWS | Middle East | Rebel attacks in Samarra kill 33: "The BBC's Claire Marshall in Baghdad says that on the eve of an attack on Falluja, events in Samarra seem to demonstrate that it takes more than a large scale military assault to bring a town fully under control."
Re-making the world with require more that just the 'ism' of the military.
Re-making the world with require more that just the 'ism' of the military.
Thursday, September 23, 2004
IBM Research | Resources | News | IBM scientists demonstrate single-atom magnetic measurements
IBM Research | Resources | News | IBM scientists demonstrate single-atom magnetic measurements
Making some progess on the quantum computing. Cool science.
Making some progess on the quantum computing. Cool science.
Wednesday, September 08, 2004
Democrats accuse Bush of lying about his Air National Guard service
Democrats accuse Bush of lying about his Air National Guard service
Aaand we're baaack!
Just a quick update from the '30 year old history' squad.
Aaand we're baaack!
Just a quick update from the '30 year old history' squad.
Monday, August 16, 2004
HBO%3A Documentaries - Death In Gaza
HBO%3A Documentaries - Death In Gaza
Pretty amazing movie. It's not often you get to see such a powerful documentary wrapped in a snuff film.
Pretty amazing movie. It's not often you get to see such a powerful documentary wrapped in a snuff film.
Saturday, July 17, 2004
Wednesday, July 14, 2004
Monday, July 12, 2004
Saturday, July 10, 2004
Wednesday, July 07, 2004
Stock markets historically do better under Dems than Reps. - Jan. 22, 2004
Stock markets historically do better under Dems than Reps. - Jan. 22, 2004
Kerry/Edwards: 2004.
"NEW YORK (CNN/Money) - Plenty of Wall Streeters are Republicans. The party's policies are seen as better for big business and therefore better for the stock market.Any number of reasons for this one, but the numbers kind of speak for themselves.
'Democrats are seen as being pro-regulatory, and more willing to enact laws against Wall Street and laws against CEOs,' said Don Luskin, chief investment officer at Trend Macrolytics.
But here's Wall Street's strange little irony -- studies show the stock market performs better and tends to be less volatile when Democrats are in power. "
Kerry/Edwards: 2004.
The CD roars back from the dead | The Register
The CD roars back from the dead | The Register
Niiice.
"The CD is alive and well after all, it seems. In truth, it never really went away. CD sales have rocketed in 2004 - they topped 300 million units in in the first six months, up seven per cent compared to the same period last year, according to Neilsen research. The other booming sector of the music economy is the peer to peer networks. By some estimates a billion files are being downloaded every month and four million users are logged on at any one time."Piracy is killing our business! Piracy is killing our business! What's that? CD Sales up 7% on the crappy artists we put out?
Niiice.
War On Pornography
War On Pornography
I'm just waiting until the Religious Rights realizes that most of their political goals are directly in line with the fundy nutjobs on the other side of the planet. Oh, the look on their faces...
"Pornography is obscenity, not "free speech," and has never been protected by our Supreme Court "This is under their 'did you know' section and is vastly misleading. As the Supreme Court has fairly consistently allowed Americans to see the kinds of pictures they like.
We commend our nation’s leaders for their strong commitment to the War on Terrorism, but we also feel that there is a foe within our own nation and homes that is producing equal, if not more carnage than terrorism – Pornography. We need to help our leaders understand this and commit the same, if not more resources to protecting our innocent children and families from the ravages of this highly addictive and destructive medium.Yea, don't ya'll remember when Jenna Jamison set off that suicide bomb at the Vegas convention?
I'm just waiting until the Religious Rights realizes that most of their political goals are directly in line with the fundy nutjobs on the other side of the planet. Oh, the look on their faces...
Best remedy for a child's cough? Water
Best remedy for a child's cough? Water
File this under, "not likely to be featured in any media that gets advertising money for cough suppresants".
"To conduct the study, researchers recruited 100 children with upper-respiratory-tract infections who had been coughing for an average of more than three days.Someone needs to study the placebo effect of mothers being bombarded with commercials about how 'proper care' of a child includes lots of expensive medication.
The children were given one of three treatments 30 minutes before bedtime: a cough syrup containing dextromethorphan, a cough syrup containing diphenhydramine or a placebo syrup.
Children in all three groups showed a dramatic reduction in cough frequency, but those taking the placebo -- essentially flavored water -- had the best results. On four other measures, the three treatments had virtually identical outcomes."
File this under, "not likely to be featured in any media that gets advertising money for cough suppresants".
Moore: pirate my film, no problem - [Sunday Herald]
Moore: pirate my film, no problem - [Sunday Herald]
"I don't agree with the copyright laws and I don't have a problem with people downloading the movie and sharing it with people as long as they're not trying to make a profit off my labour. I would oppose that," he said.You go with your fat self. This is not surprising, as he's said as much on film before, but it's nice to see more happening on this front.
"I do well enough already and I made this film because I want the world, to change. The more people who see it the better, so I'm happy this is happening."
Moore said: “Is it wrong for someone who’s bought a film on DVD to let a friend watch it for free? Of course it’s not. It never has been and never will be. I think information, art and ideas should be shared.”
Defenders of Moore’s position include Pulp Fiction director Quentin Tarantino, who earlier this year encouraged audiences in countries where his films are not legally available to obtain counterfeit copies.
The customer is always right? Not anymore
The customer is always right? Not anymore
"Larry Selden calls them 'demon customers.'Casino's do the same thing with people who are too smart to come in and lose lots of money.
Selden, a consultant who works for Best Buy, co-wrote 'Angel Customers & Demon Customers.' In his book, he said that while retailers 'probably can't hire a bouncer to stand at the door and identify the value destroyer,' they're not powerless. "
Saturday, July 03, 2004
Friday, July 02, 2004
BBC NEWS | Middle East | Defiant Saddam appears in court
BBC NEWS | Middle East | Defiant Saddam appears in court: "Iraq's ex-leader Saddam Hussein has made a defiant first appearance before an Iraqi judge, branding President George W Bush as the 'real criminal'.
He defended Iraq's invasion of Kuwait in 1990, said he was still president and rejected the court's jurisdiction. "
Baghdad Bob has nothing on this guy.
"Kuwait?! That's Iraq! How can we invade our own country?"
"Laws?! I am President Of Iraq, I make the Laws."
Wild stuff.
He defended Iraq's invasion of Kuwait in 1990, said he was still president and rejected the court's jurisdiction. "
Baghdad Bob has nothing on this guy.
"Kuwait?! That's Iraq! How can we invade our own country?"
"Laws?! I am President Of Iraq, I make the Laws."
Wild stuff.
Wednesday, June 30, 2004
TheOmahaChannel.com - Technology - Cassini Probe Set To Enter Saturn's Orbit
TheOmahaChannel.com - Technology - Cassini Probe Set To Enter Saturn's Orbit
"After a seven-year journey from Earth, a probe is scheduled to settle into an orbit around the ringed planet Saturn Wednesday morning.Can't wait for the pics.
At about 10:30 a.m. Eastern time, the craft will fire rockets to slow down. It will pass between some of the planet's rings and allow the gravity of the solar system's second largest planet to capture it."
Airlines win Wi-Fi management battle with airports
Airlines win Wi-Fi management battle with airports
"Airlines won a key battle in their fight with airports over control of the Wi-Fi spectrum when the US Federal Communications Commission ruled that it has 'exclusive jurisdiction' over the use of unlicensed spectrum.Nice, this means my gold status with American might net me some gratis wifi.
Airports such as Logan International in Boston, which is run by the Massachusetts Port Authority, contended they had the right to manage spectrum within their boundaries to eliminate interference."
Yahoo! News - Phish Jams with Jay-Z in Brooklyn
Yahoo! News - Phish Jams with Jay-Z in Brooklyn:\
"Phish provided the backing for Jay-Z as he ran through his hits '99 Problems' and 'Big Pimpin',' much to the delight of the stunned audience. "Terribly unhappy that I missed them, but the downloads sound all right. I got to see them play with Kid Rock, so I guess that's pretty close, right?
Wired 12.07: Copy This Article & Win Quick Cash!
Wired 12.07: Copy This Article & Win Quick Cash!
"A few months ago, I received an email that promised to make me rich. It came from an acquaintance, Kim Chernin, bearing the suspect subject line 'Fwd: quick cash?' Normally I'd send such spam straight to the trash, but Chernin - a psychotherapist and writer - is no fool; so I opened the message and began to scroll. "Track spam back to it's home.
Kevin Sites Blog [Late June 200 Update)
Kevin Sites Blog
"Only about three city blocks east of teeming Shiite slums of Sader City, the base, nicknamed 'Dirty Bird,' has been mortared more than any other in Iraq -- 400 times in the last three months. And under that rain of steel, as the soldiers here refer to it, Herron is considered a mortar magnet.Nice stories from the front.
Mortars fired by Shiite militia, mostly 60 or 82 millimeter, have narrowly missed killing him at least half a dozen times, including one particularly unlucky or lucky day, depending on your point of view, when he survived three very close calls."
USATODAY.com - Amanpour: CNN practiced self-censorship
USATODAY.com - Amanpour: CNN practiced self-censorship
The Fox quote is enlightening, as they show their complete lack of a history of, or a dedication to, impartial news coverage. They never even existed during 'equal time' laws, and are biased from top to bottom. Producer to news line.
"CNN's top war correspondent, Christiane Amanpour, says that the press muzzled itself during the Iraq war. And, she says CNN 'was intimidated' by the Bush administration and Fox News, which 'put a climate of fear and self-censorship.'No doubt. There were some very powerful people pulling some thick strings. This is actually from a long time ago.
Fox News spokeswoman Irena Briganti said of Amanpour's comments: "Given the choice, it's better to be viewed as a foot soldier for Bush than a spokeswoman for al-Qaeda." "
The Fox quote is enlightening, as they show their complete lack of a history of, or a dedication to, impartial news coverage. They never even existed during 'equal time' laws, and are biased from top to bottom. Producer to news line.
Monday, June 28, 2004
CNN.com - U.S. raises figures for 2003 terrorist attacks - Jun 22, 2004
CNN.com - U.S. raises figures for 2003 terrorist attacks - Jun 22, 2004
"WASHINGTON (CNN) -- The U.S. government restated its 2003 accounting of terrorist attacks Tuesday, reporting a sharp increase in the number of significant attacks and more than doubling its initial count of those killed.Slightly revised numbers which, umm, totally contradict the back-patting that came with the first set.
The State Department's annual Patterns of Global Terrorism report now counts 208 terrorist attacks as having occurred in 2003, with 625 dead. When the report was released in April, it counted 307 deaths in a total of 190 terror attacks."
Blair Contradicts Lap Master
Reuters | Latest Financial News / Full News Coverage
"ISTANBUL (Reuters) - Prime Minister Tony Blair says the Western rift over Iraq is not over, disputing a central message of U.S. President George W. Bush's fence-mending mission to Europe.This is a follow-up to a story that died with my main site.
'There's no point in us standing here and saying, 'You know, all the previous disagreements have disappeared.' They haven't,' Blair said with Bush at his side on Monday.
Blair's comments directly contradicted Bush's after a summit with European Union leaders in Ireland last weekend."
Medical Pot Goes to Supreme Court
Top News Article | Reuters.com
"WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The U.S. Supreme Court agreed on Monday to decide whether a law outlawing marijuana applies to medical use by two seriously ill California women whose doctors recommended cannabis for their pain.And if it's not an interstate economic activity, the Federal government has little say so. Like many SCOTUS cases, this is going through the words with a fine-toothed comb. I'm guessing 5-4 against on this one, but we'll see how it turns out.
The high court said it would review a ruling that the Controlled Substances Act of 1970 cannot be applied constitutionally to the manufacture, possession and distribution without charge of marijuana for medical use.
'The cultivation, possession and use of marijuana for medicinal purposes and not for exchange or distribution is not properly characterized as commercial or economic activity,' the appeals court said. "
Naders Stand in Cold
Battleground State Ballot Access Puts Ralph Nader Campaign At-Risk
"Wise, Va. -- Ballot access is everything to a struggling third party candidate like Ralph Nader but the former two-time Green Party candidate was suffered a serious blow to his national effort by his former party when they opted not to endorse him in the 2004 national election contest and thereby denying him ballot access in key states.C'mon, Ralph. It was fun while it lasted. Surely there is some place you can make a better stand.
Nader is blamed in nearly every Democrat in the nation for handing the 2000 presidential election to George W. Bush by taking away votes in Arizona, Florida, and New Hampshire and thereby tip the Electoral College balance away from Al Gore in the historic Supreme Court decided outcome. "
Busted despite the Ether
Wi-Fi hopper guilty of cyber-extortion | The Register
"A Maryland man with a grudge against a Connecticut-based patent firm used unsecured wireless networks at homes and businesses in the Washington DC area to penetrate the company's computers and deliver untraceable threats and extortion demands, until an FBI surveillance team caught him in the act.Aahh, the stupid genius. Almost a cliche at this point.
Myron Tereshchuk, 42, pleaded guilty this month to a single charge of 'attempted extortion affecting commerce' for demanding a $17m ransom in exchange for not broadcasting proprietary information he obtained from MicroPatent, LLC, an intellectual property firm that packages patent and trademark information for law firms.
The clearest sign [he was guilty] came when he issued the $17m extortion demand, and instructed the company to "make the check payable to Myron Tereshchuk.""
How to Read a Mind
MSNBC - Mind Reading
"July 5 issue - Flat on my back, my eyes shrouded with LED goggles and my ears encased in headphones, I was trundled into the maw of an fMRI machine in a basement lab at the California Institute of Technology. The business end of an fMRI is a giant cylindrical magnet, similar to the MRI machines doctors use to diagnose tumors, but with the added ability to show changes in brain activity as they happen-hence the 'f,' which stands for 'functional.'"This is how most of the cognitive neuroscience is done, as the rest of the article gets to. Good reading.
Friday, June 18, 2004
Wednesday, June 16, 2004
Wednesday, June 09, 2004
Suadi's Say of Bin Laden, "Good Reason, Bad Action"
CNN.com - Poll of Saudis shows wide support for bin Laden'sviews - Jun 8, 2004
"Almost half of all Saudis said in a poll conducted last year that they have a favorable view of Osama bin Laden's sermons and rhetoric, but fewer than 5 percent thought it was a good idea for bin Laden to rule the Arabian Peninsula."You can't have a rebellion that openly attacks security forces without some wide-spread public suppport. Or at least not in a sustained manner.
Not Even a Hedgehog - The stupidity of Ronald Reagan. By Christopher Hitchens
Not Even a Hedgehog - The stupidity of Ronald Reagan. By Christopher Hitchens
I do not, obviously if you read these pages long enough, agree with many of his policies as a politician, but that's neither here nor there. He gave many long years of service to this country, and a great many of my countrymen love the very thought of the guy, but history has yet to write about his enduring legacy.
As well it should, as such things take much longer than the lifetime of such an individual themselves to shake out.
"Some of us on the left had also been very glad indeed to see the end of the Russian empire and the Cold War. But nothing could make me forget what the Reagan years had actually been like. "More on the other side of Reagan. For the record, I liked the guy, but wasn't really old enough to offer a complete and honest opinion about his role in this nation's history.
I do not, obviously if you read these pages long enough, agree with many of his policies as a politician, but that's neither here nor there. He gave many long years of service to this country, and a great many of my countrymen love the very thought of the guy, but history has yet to write about his enduring legacy.
As well it should, as such things take much longer than the lifetime of such an individual themselves to shake out.
Boing Boing: MP3 interviews with Philip K Dick
Boing Boing: MP3 interviews with Philip K Dick
"David sez, 'A friend loaned me a bunch of tapes, and one of them turned out to be an audio interview of Philip K. Dick, interviewed in his home. You can hear the television on and his kids playing in the background. Very relaxed and chatty. I transfered it to mp3s. Everything you hear is exactly what was on the tape."Some slightly hard to hear stuff, but there ya go. Torrents and everything.
Italian Captives Return Home
VOANews.com
"Three Italians who were held hostage for two months in Iraq have returned home.Good news for the boot shaped place, and the folks that live there.
The three former captives arrived Wednesday in Rome, one day after U.S.-led forces in Iraq freed them and captured some of their abductors. "
Tuesday, June 08, 2004
Reagan from the other side of the Iron Curtain
Ambivalence in Former 'Evil Empire' (washingtonpost.com)
"But Russia under President Vladimir Putin is hardly the free society that Reagan once envisioned. Instead, it is a country deeply ambivalent about democracy, where many are nostalgic for its lost superpower status. Putin is a popular former KGB officer who has embraced Soviet symbols that Reagan sought to discredit, and Putin has all but eliminated opposition voices from the political scene. Recent surveys show that 70 percent or more of Russians regret the Soviet collapse that Reagan pursued so relentlessly -- a sentiment captured by Putin earlier this year when he called the empire's breakup 'a national tragedy on an enormous scale.' "
'Donor fatigue' on Mid-East aid (Mainly Palestinian)
BBC NEWS | Middle East | 'Donor fatigue' on Mid-East aid
"Nations have been called upon to boost funds to prevent the collapse of a UN agency working with an estimated four million Palestinian refugees.It was bound to happen eventually. Poeple get tired of shelling out for new shellfish. Teach 'em to fish he said.
The UN Relief and Works Agency (Unrwa) has seen a drop in funding from $200 a year for each refugee to $70. "
Monday, June 07, 2004
1hr per blog * 5 days a week * 50 weeks a year * 80 years just to keep up. blogs.
[Posted with hblogger 1.0 http://www.hexlet.com/]
This is a calculation on how long it would take to keep up with the average current number of new blogs being posted.
Roughly it means that it would take an hour a day, for 80 years, to read all 20,000 new blogs posted on a given single day in 2004.
[Posted with hblogger 1.0 http://www.hexlet.com/]
This is a calculation on how long it would take to keep up with the average current number of new blogs being posted.
Roughly it means that it would take an hour a day, for 80 years, to read all 20,000 new blogs posted on a given single day in 2004.
Good news from the Iraq Front
BBC NEWS | Middle East | Iraq militias 'agree to disband'
"Iraq's new Prime Minister, Iyad Allawi, says he has reached a deal to disband militias that opposed Saddam Hussein.BTW, this is that 100,000 member part of the resistance that isn't religious nutballs or foreign fighters. This would probably be most of the old army.
About 100,000 fighters will either join the security forces or return to civilian life, Mr Allawi said"
A question of Legacy and Future
Informed Comment : 06/01/2004 - 06/30/2004
"In the United States, where superstition reigns over reason, the religious Right that Reagan cultivated has put severe limits on such research. His best legacy may be Nancy Reagan's argument that those limitations should be removed in his memory. There are 4 million Alzheimers sufferers in the US, and 50% of persons living beyond the age of 85 develop it. There are going to be a lot of such persons among the Baby Boomers. By reversing Reaganism, we may be able to avoid his fate."A good question to ask about what is going to happen to the rest of the Baby Boomer's, as more mind, and social safety nets, fail to the long lifespan of the modern human.
Pulling Buddha's Finger
Beijing beckons with Buddha's finger - World - www.smh.com.au
Just my $.02.
"A finger bone of the Buddha has gone on display in Hong Kong, the latest peace offering from Beijing in an unorthodox propaganda war aimed at reconciling the territory to its rule.Somehow I think the Buddha would find the action amusing and the motive appaling.
Saffron-robed monks escorted the finger off an aircraft that had brought it from Xianyang in Shaanxi province on Tuesday. "
Just my $.02.
Friday, June 04, 2004
Nader goes Old School
Ralph Nader: Conservatively Speaking
"Ralph Nader recently accepted Pat Buchanan's invitation to sit down with us and explain why his third-party presidential bid ought to appeal to conservatives disaffected with George W. Bush. We think readers will be interested in the reflections of a man who has been a major figure in American public life for 40 years, and who now finds himself that rarest of birds, a conviction politician. "That old quote about politics and strange bedfellows would be appropriate here.
Enron Traders Caught On Tape Jacking Up Energy Prices
CBS News | Enron Traders Caught On Tape | June 2, 2004
11:26:21: "CBS) When a forest fire shut down a major transmission line into California, cutting power supplies and raising prices, Enron energy traders celebrated, CBS News Correspondent Vince Gonzales reports. "Not sure if this is a double post, but there's the news. I remember hearing stuff about this while I was working there. Kinda nasty really.
Attacking the effigy
Emergency Response to Mural Hate Crime - Targeting Rachel Corrie : sf-imc
"On Thursday, February 26th, the mural �La Lucha Continua/The StruggleA follow up to my 'most disgusting' post on qp.
Continues, on 23rd Street (between Mission and Capp) was attacked by someone/s wielding a hammer, leaving large, gaping holes in the portraits of three social justice activists obliterating their faces entirely. In the wee hours of the morning, neighbors heard the blows and immediately called the police, but no one was apprehended. In July 2003, the mural, 15 by 35 feet, was similarly destroyed.
The worst hit in both attacks was the portrait of Rachel Corrie, the young woman who, one year ago, was run over and killed by an Israeli bulldozer in Occupied Palestine. Corrie's face now has a hole approximately 36 inches by 12 inches. The portraits of Mumia Abu Jamal and Bernadette Devlin were also destroyed. "
piracy messages
piracy messages
"We - monochrom and comrade Cory Doctorow - would like to ask you to perform an act of civil disobedience. Please bring a digital camera next time you go to the movies, take a picture of the piracy-warning before the movie starts and use the flashlight. Don't go for quality taking the picture, it's secondary. "I have a nice 'Don't Take Pictures' Picture from the U.N.
Still a Looong Way to Go for Clean Air
CNN.com - Pollution in N. America falls 10 percent - Jun 3, 2004
"WASHINGTON (AP) -- Pollution in North America fell 10 percent over three years, but coal-burning power plants are lagging in improvements among industrial sources fouling the air, it was reported Wednesday.More work needs to be done, OR THE WHOLE WORLD WILL EXPLODE!
The 10 percent drop occurred from 1998 to 2001, said the Commission for Environmental Cooperation, a three-nation panel established by the United States, Canada and Mexico under the North American Free Trade Agreement"
Thursday, June 03, 2004
Revisionists vs. George W. Bush
Historians vs. George W. Bush
Revisionist Historians, the lot of 'em.
;-)
"Of 415 historians who expressed a view of President Bush�s administration to this point as a success or failure, 338 classified it as a failure and 77 as a success. (Moreover, it seems likely that at least eight of those who said it is a success were being sarcastic, since seven said Bush�s presidency is only the best since Clinton�s and one named Millard Fillmore.) Twelve percent of all the historians who responded rate the current presidency the worst in all of American history, not too far behind the 19 percent who see it at this point as an overall success. "This is useless without a party affiliation metric to judge the data by. Still there ya go.
Revisionist Historians, the lot of 'em.
;-)
Working our way back into the Scientific Present
Boston.com / News / Nation / Senators call to ease stem cell restrictions
"A majority of the US Senate has signed a letter asking President Bush to lift the government's funding restrictions on embryonic stem cells, increasing the pressure to change a policy critics say is holding back potentially lifesaving medical research."I'm liking this move. Larger stem cell article coming soon on qp.
Drug Manufacturers Busted for Hiding Info
MAJOR PHARMACEUTICAL FIRM CONCEALED DRUG INFORMATION: "State Attorney General Eliot Spitzer today announced a lawsuit against one of the world's leading pharmaceutical companies for concealing important information about the safety and efficacy of an anti-depressant drug.
The lawsuit, filed today in New York State Supreme Court in Manhattan, alleges that GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) engaged in repeated and persistent fraud by concealing and failing to disclose to physicians information about Paxil, a drug used to treat depression. Paxil has been approved by the FDA for the treatment of depression in adults, but not in children. Prozac is the only antidepressant that has been approved to treat depression in children. Physicians, however, have professional discretion to prescribe Paxil for treatment in children, a so-called 'off-label' use."
I'm starting to like this spitzer guy.
The lawsuit, filed today in New York State Supreme Court in Manhattan, alleges that GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) engaged in repeated and persistent fraud by concealing and failing to disclose to physicians information about Paxil, a drug used to treat depression. Paxil has been approved by the FDA for the treatment of depression in adults, but not in children. Prozac is the only antidepressant that has been approved to treat depression in children. Physicians, however, have professional discretion to prescribe Paxil for treatment in children, a so-called 'off-label' use."
I'm starting to like this spitzer guy.
Busted finally for what should have been overseen waaay back
CBS News | Enron Traders Caught On Tape | June 2, 2004 _ 11:26:21: "When a forest fire shut down a major transmission line into California, cutting power supplies and raising prices, Enron energy traders celebrated, CBS News Correspondent Vince Gonzales reports. "
I'd heard rumors about this kind of stuff. Well more than that really.
I'd heard rumors about this kind of stuff. Well more than that really.
Recursive Blog Reading
ONLINE JOURNALISTS: Foundations for Research into Their Changing Roles, by Jane B. Singer, Ph.D.
If you can make it through the first few pages it should at least be worth your while.
If you can make it through the first few pages it should at least be worth your while.
Wednesday, June 02, 2004
Attackers Hit Saudi Police At Checkpoint (washingtonpost.com)
Attackers Hit Saudi Police At Checkpoint (washingtonpost.com)
More of the full out attacks in Saudi.
More of the full out attacks in Saudi.
Worry vs. Reality: The Real Risks You Face - Trustworthy, Physician-Reviewed Information from WebMD
Worry vs. Reality: The Real Risks You Face - Trustworthy, Physician-Reviewed Information from WebMD
Something to keep an eye on. A dose of rationality rarely hurts anyone.
Something to keep an eye on. A dose of rationality rarely hurts anyone.
Tuesday, June 01, 2004
Debut of drug cards greeted with a shrug | csmonitor.com
Debut of drug cards greeted with a shrug | csmonitor.com
More about the confusion and general blah market reception of the Medicare drug cards. The market will shake out, certainly, but with such tepid demand it just die and companies with deep pockets with weather the storm and reap a windfall. This problem isn't close to solved yet.
More about the confusion and general blah market reception of the Medicare drug cards. The market will shake out, certainly, but with such tepid demand it just die and companies with deep pockets with weather the storm and reap a windfall. This problem isn't close to solved yet.
Friday, May 28, 2004
Boing Boing: Scorching critique of some arguments for copyright
Boing Boing: Scorching critique of some arguments for copyright
Yet another argument for a sane copyright regime.
Yet another argument for a sane copyright regime.
Tuesday, April 27, 2004
Monday, April 26, 2004
Quantum Cryptography with Entangled Photons: Welcome!
Quantum Cryptography with Entangled Photons: Welcome!: "Quantum cryptography is a superior technology which overcomes limitations and drawbacks of classical cryptographic schemes by utilizing quantum physical effects."
And there you have it. An actual use for 100 years of hard math.
And there you have it. An actual use for 100 years of hard math.
Wednesday, April 14, 2004
In Focus Article
In Focus Article: "There is an entrenched idea, even among many atheists, secularists, skeptics that arguments about religion - arguments between atheists and theists, science and religion, believers and non-believers - are futile, at best a waste of time and at worst offensive if not cruel. "
Curious reading.
Curious reading.
10 Rules for Corporate Blogs and Wikis
10 Rules for Corporate Blogs and Wikis: "The March 15 issue of the AMA Marketing News�usually a weekly time capsule of conventional wisdom from a decade ago�had a cover story concerning how agencies and companies are using blogs to promote brands and site visits. But the story was actually a case study in what not to do, plus it failed to even mention wikis as an emerging branding tool. "
Here comes the stampede.
Here comes the stampede.
TIME.com: See Me, Blog Me -- Apr. 19, 2004
TIME.com: See Me, Blog Me -- Apr. 19, 2004: "Boston-based music-video producer Steve Garfield, 46, is no ordinary blogger. Instead of simply posting his thoughts online in a chatty weblog like millions of others around the world, he links a Canon GL2 digital video camera to his laptop and uploads short clips of protest rallies, traffic short-cuts and even news events onto his personal Internet site."
Hmm, maybe I should finish that story I started about blogs subsuming newspapers.
Hmm, maybe I should finish that story I started about blogs subsuming newspapers.
Tuesday, April 13, 2004
Thursday, April 08, 2004
:: Xinhuanet - English ::
:: Xinhuanet - English ::: "JOHANNESBURG, April 7 (Xinhuanet) -- Ten percent of South African youth are infected with HIV, and young women, who were often forced into unwanted sex, are the worst affected, according to a new survey released here on Wednesday.
The survey of 12,000 young people aged between 15 and 25, who were interviewed by the reproduction health research unit of Witwatersrand University in Johannesburg, showed that one in 10 youth had contracted the virus that can lead to AIDS. "
This is a problem we need to be focusing on.
The survey of 12,000 young people aged between 15 and 25, who were interviewed by the reproduction health research unit of Witwatersrand University in Johannesburg, showed that one in 10 youth had contracted the virus that can lead to AIDS. "
This is a problem we need to be focusing on.
Thursday, April 01, 2004
Wired News: How E-Voting Threatens Democracy
Wired News: How E-Voting Threatens Democracy: "'There was a lot of stuff that shouldn't have been there,' Harris said.
The California file was time-stamped 3:31 p.m. on Election Day, indicating that Diebold might have obtained the data during voting. But polling precincts aren't supposed to release votes until after polls close at 8 p.m. So Harris began to wonder if it were possible for the company to extract votes during an election and change them without anyone knowing. "
More reading on this front.
The California file was time-stamped 3:31 p.m. on Election Day, indicating that Diebold might have obtained the data during voting. But polling precincts aren't supposed to release votes until after polls close at 8 p.m. So Harris began to wonder if it were possible for the company to extract votes during an election and change them without anyone knowing. "
More reading on this front.
American Scientist Online - Randomness as a Resource
American Scientist Online - Randomness as a Resource: "To appreciate the value of randomness, just imagine a world without it. What would replace the referee�s coin flip at the start of a football game? How would a political poll-taker select an unbiased sample of the electorate? Then of course there�s the Las Vegas problem. Slot machines devour even more randomness than they do silver dollars. Inside each machine an electronic device spews out random numbers 24 hours a day, whether or not anyone is playing. "
More interesting reading on random.
More interesting reading on random.
The Globe and Mail :: Judge Shows More Sanity
The Globe and Mail: "'Downloading a song for personal use does not amount to infringement,' Mr. Justice Konrad von Finckenstein of the Federal Court of Canada wrote in his decision. 'I cannot see a real difference between a library that places a photocopy machine in a room full of copyrighted material and a computer user that places a personal copy on a shared directory.' "
Great news up north. Looks like they might end up being the 'Land of the More Free'.
Great news up north. Looks like they might end up being the 'Land of the More Free'.
Note to Eric: U Need 2B More Careful (washingtonpost.com)
Note to Eric: U Need 2B More Careful (washingtonpost.com): "It has a penciled map of directions from the Pentagon to Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld's house in Northwest Washington. Another sheet says, 'Eric's Telephone Log.' Someone has written 'Conf. call' at the top and some notes, some in partial shorthand, on one side. These apparently were taken by Eric. "
A quick peek inside the "Attack Dog Right".
A quick peek inside the "Attack Dog Right".
Wednesday, March 31, 2004
VOANews.com
VOANews.com: "Afghanistan is seeking nearly $28 billion in development aid at an international conference on the country's future being held in Berlin.
Afghan President Harmid Karzai told the opening session of the conference that Afghanistan has made significant progress since the fall of the Taleban, but it needs more aid to tackle problems that threaten its future, like the illegal drug trade."
So we could have fixed 4 Afghanistans for what it's costing for 1 Iraq.
Afghan President Harmid Karzai told the opening session of the conference that Afghanistan has made significant progress since the fall of the Taleban, but it needs more aid to tackle problems that threaten its future, like the illegal drug trade."
So we could have fixed 4 Afghanistans for what it's costing for 1 Iraq.
Row over Iraq spills to Aussie Parliament - (United Press International)
Row over Iraq spills to Aussie Parliament - (United Press International): "Labor leader Mark Latham has said if his party wins elections, scheduled for later this year, he will withdraw Australian troops from Iraq. He said he had received extensive briefings from intelligence agencies on Australia's role in Iraq.
Prime Minister John Howard released letters from defense officials that apparently contradicted Latham's claims. The government suspended Question Time in Parliament to attack Latham, the Australian Broadcasting Corp. reported."
And so the tension builds in Aussia land.
Prime Minister John Howard released letters from defense officials that apparently contradicted Latham's claims. The government suspended Question Time in Parliament to attack Latham, the Australian Broadcasting Corp. reported."
And so the tension builds in Aussia land.
Tuesday, March 30, 2004
Sunday, March 21, 2004
Thursday, March 18, 2004
Mercury News: Bay Area news, technology, jobs, cars & real estate
Mercury News: Bay Area news, technology, jobs, cars & real estate: "Shortly into a Tuesday news conference that felt more like a Super Bowl celebration, Philadelphia Eagles Coach Andy Reid made the mistake of calling his new savior Ter-RELL.
Sitting next to Reid, perhaps for the last time, Terrell Owens interrupted his new scapegoat -- sorry, coach. ``It's TERR-ell,'' said Owens, playfully slapping Reid on his back."
Don't like doing it, but I gotta agree with Bayless on this one. Owens is going to screw up Philly. Big-time.
Sitting next to Reid, perhaps for the last time, Terrell Owens interrupted his new scapegoat -- sorry, coach. ``It's TERR-ell,'' said Owens, playfully slapping Reid on his back."
Don't like doing it, but I gotta agree with Bayless on this one. Owens is going to screw up Philly. Big-time.
Tuesday, March 16, 2004
Made it to level 32
Monday, March 15, 2004
Brussels Sprouts a Microsoft Ruling (TechNews.com)
Brussels Sprouts a Microsoft Ruling (TechNews.com): " In less than two weeks, barring a last-minute settlement, the European Commission is expected to declare Microsoft an abusive monopolist, impose a fine of $100 million to $1 billion and order the company to make fundamental changes to the way it sells software in Europe. ... Such a ruling would be a significant setback for Microsoft after it overcame its most serious legal challenge by settling a sweeping antitrust case in the United States in 2001. And it would be the defining moment in the"
Looks like having a couple of economic heavyweights can have some advantages.
Looks like having a couple of economic heavyweights can have some advantages.
Saturday, March 13, 2004
Contra Costa & Alameda News Sports, Jobs, Cars, and Real Estate
Contra Costa & Alameda News Sports, Jobs, Cars, and Real Estate: "The crucifixion of Jesus has become a hot topic in the hallways of East Bay high schools, thanks to Mel Gibson's blockbuster film 'The Passion of the Christ.'
Despite its R rating and super-gory special effects, teenagers are flocking to see the movie. The buzz has gotten so strong that even nonreligious teens are intrigued.
'I want to see it,' said Erin Duncan, a junior at Clayton Valley High School. 'I've heard that everyone cries during it, and the whole room is silent.'"
And so many of them will be.
Except for those that don't get it.
"Although some of his friends were deeply moved by the film, "I felt sort of the opposite," said Jack, who describes himself as "a fairly liberal Catholic."
"I walked out of the theater feeling pretty ambivalent about the whole thing," he said. "Even spiritually -- my favorite movie is 'The Royal Tenenbaums,' and I get more out of that spiritually."
After all, he asks, "What does that say about my faith if I need to see a man in red makeup to really believe in Christ?"
Heck of a question really. Having 'faith' in Christ's suffering is no longer necessary for any Christian that endorses the film as accurate.
Despite its R rating and super-gory special effects, teenagers are flocking to see the movie. The buzz has gotten so strong that even nonreligious teens are intrigued.
'I want to see it,' said Erin Duncan, a junior at Clayton Valley High School. 'I've heard that everyone cries during it, and the whole room is silent.'"
And so many of them will be.
Except for those that don't get it.
"Although some of his friends were deeply moved by the film, "I felt sort of the opposite," said Jack, who describes himself as "a fairly liberal Catholic."
"I walked out of the theater feeling pretty ambivalent about the whole thing," he said. "Even spiritually -- my favorite movie is 'The Royal Tenenbaums,' and I get more out of that spiritually."
After all, he asks, "What does that say about my faith if I need to see a man in red makeup to really believe in Christ?"
Heck of a question really. Having 'faith' in Christ's suffering is no longer necessary for any Christian that endorses the film as accurate.
Top News Article | Reuters.com :: Game Time in Iran
Top News Article | Reuters.com: "VIENNA (Reuters) - The head of Iran's delegation at the U.N. atomic watchdog said on Saturday Tehran suspended U.N. inspections partly because of a resolution criticizing it for withholding information.
Speaking to reporters after the International Atomic Energy Agency's (IAEA) governing board approved the resolution, Amir Zamananinia, head of political affairs at Iran's foreign ministry, said the suspension was also partly due to Iran's New Year's holiday that begins next week. "
I'm sure the solidifying of political will through the last crooked elections had very little to do with this latest move. /sarcasm
Speaking to reporters after the International Atomic Energy Agency's (IAEA) governing board approved the resolution, Amir Zamananinia, head of political affairs at Iran's foreign ministry, said the suspension was also partly due to Iran's New Year's holiday that begins next week. "
I'm sure the solidifying of political will through the last crooked elections had very little to do with this latest move. /sarcasm
Thursday, March 11, 2004
BBC NEWS | Technology | Internet browsing patent annulled
BBC NEWS | Technology | Internet browsing patent annulled
It might be good for Microsoft, but it's still good for the rest of us. More stupid software patents that get annulled the better.
It might be good for Microsoft, but it's still good for the rest of us. More stupid software patents that get annulled the better.
Discovery Channel :: CO2 Wreaking Havoc with Amazonian F
Discovery Channel :: CO2 Wreaking Havoc with Amazonian F: "March 11, 2004 � Carbon dioxide (CO2) disgorged by fossil fuels is silently causing a dramatic change in the composition of tree species in the Amazonian forest, the world's most precious wildlife haven, a study says.
The CO2 is causing some tree species to grow faster and dominate in the forest and this in turn is forcing other species into decline, a long-term change which is bad news for biodiversity and the fight against global warming. "
Not so good.
The CO2 is causing some tree species to grow faster and dominate in the forest and this in turn is forcing other species into decline, a long-term change which is bad news for biodiversity and the fight against global warming. "
Not so good.
Monday, March 08, 2004
dmusic.com - Call To Action: Time to reach others.
dmusic.com - Call To Action: Time to reach others.: "Over the past few weeks, myself and several others have been outreaching our message to others on John Kerry�s forum located here http://forum.johnkerry.com//index.php?showtopic=6490. While we�ve been active on the site we�ve only had one troll but 4000+ reads of the RIAA/P2P thread there. We have had new people posting on the thread that have become aware of the situation the RIAA have placed our country in and hopefully they will mosey on over here. I have received a number of e-mails a lot of them asking for more information (some with yummy virus-filled creamy centers) which I have quickly directed to this site and hope to see them post or hear from them again, personally. We have made a difference there and it feels good."
Got to use the flip-flopping to advantage.
Got to use the flip-flopping to advantage.
Haiti Update II: The Original Sin of Haiti's Democracy
Haiti Update II: The Original Sin of Haiti's Democracy: "Jean-Bertrand Aristide is gone� and blaming the US for a coup d'etat. Haiti teeters on the edge of anarchy, armed gangs roam the streets of Port-au-Prince and US and French military forces finally arrive; meanwhile, in Washington, President Bush declares a 'new chapter' in the history of Haiti."
Cynicism? nah...
Cynicism? nah...
Friday, March 05, 2004
Islam Online- News Section
Islam Online- News Section: "PARIS, March 5 (IslamOnline.net & News Agencies) - Amid a flurry of Middle East initiatives, France and Germany unveiled a new joint initiative for reform in the Middle East, stressing that Islam is compatible with modernity and making the settlement of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict a cornerstone of the new initiative.
It was revealed ahead of a meeting Friday, March 5, in Paris between French President Jacques Chirac and his Egyptian counterpart Hosni Mubarak who renewed his fierce criticism of a U.S. initiative for reform in "The Greater Middle East".
The French-German Initiative - unveiled Thursday, March 4 - distances both Paris and Berlin from the U.S. reform proposal, which has drawn a hostile response as it was seen as a high-handed attempt to reshape the region and serve the interests of Washington and Israel."
And so the stage is set for another round of international position staking.
It was revealed ahead of a meeting Friday, March 5, in Paris between French President Jacques Chirac and his Egyptian counterpart Hosni Mubarak who renewed his fierce criticism of a U.S. initiative for reform in "The Greater Middle East".
The French-German Initiative - unveiled Thursday, March 4 - distances both Paris and Berlin from the U.S. reform proposal, which has drawn a hostile response as it was seen as a high-handed attempt to reshape the region and serve the interests of Washington and Israel."
And so the stage is set for another round of international position staking.
The Globe and Mail
The Globe and Mail: "One commercial begins with Mr. Bush strolling toward the camera. A moment later, the wreckage of the World Trade Center appears on the TV screen, followed by firefighters and grieving victims.
Then come some U.S. flags, and the motto: 'Safer. Stronger. President Bush: Steady Leadership in Times of Change.'
The juxtaposition drew angry responses from several groups connected to relatives of victims of the attacks.
'I find it offensive that he has used 9/11 as a pretext for the election,' said Colleen Kelly, whose brother, Bill Kelly Jr., died in the World Trade Center and who has become a leader of the victims' movement. For her, '9/11 was a failure of this President to act.'"
Ahh, come on, as a U.S. citizen I paid good money for that aircraft carrier landing, surely they won't miss out shouting 'Mission Accoplished" from the rooftops. After all, we caught the guy that started the war.
Then come some U.S. flags, and the motto: 'Safer. Stronger. President Bush: Steady Leadership in Times of Change.'
The juxtaposition drew angry responses from several groups connected to relatives of victims of the attacks.
'I find it offensive that he has used 9/11 as a pretext for the election,' said Colleen Kelly, whose brother, Bill Kelly Jr., died in the World Trade Center and who has become a leader of the victims' movement. For her, '9/11 was a failure of this President to act.'"
Ahh, come on, as a U.S. citizen I paid good money for that aircraft carrier landing, surely they won't miss out shouting 'Mission Accoplished" from the rooftops. After all, we caught the guy that started the war.
SCO Confronting Its Creation
SCO Confronting Its Creation: "'The real reason why people don't like SCO, and Darl McBride in particular, is that he is so dishonest,' [Linus] Torvalds, 34, said in an e-mail."
And there ya have it.
And there ya have it.
Top News Article | Reuters.com
Top News Article | Reuters.com: "U.S. officials have said they want to announce the initiative formally in June when the Group of Eight leaders from the world's industrial powers hold their annual summit. The G8 does not include any Arab countries.
'If the American reform plan is not studied very carefully, we could plunge into a spiral of violence and anarchy which will not only affect us...and then it's goodbye to any glimmer of democracy in the Arab world,' Mubarak said.
He also stressed that the Israeli-Palestinian conflict was at the heart of the region's troubles and attention should not be diverted.
'Making reforms but ignoring the Palestinian issue, which is at the center of everything, will not produce the desired stability...whether you like it or not,' he said. "
More plans in the making. Glad to see we aren't acting like an Imperial power.
'If the American reform plan is not studied very carefully, we could plunge into a spiral of violence and anarchy which will not only affect us...and then it's goodbye to any glimmer of democracy in the Arab world,' Mubarak said.
He also stressed that the Israeli-Palestinian conflict was at the heart of the region's troubles and attention should not be diverted.
'Making reforms but ignoring the Palestinian issue, which is at the center of everything, will not produce the desired stability...whether you like it or not,' he said. "
More plans in the making. Glad to see we aren't acting like an Imperial power.
Sunday, February 29, 2004
Music Article | Reuters.com
Music Article | Reuters.com: "NEW YORK (Billboard) - Is $249 a mass-market price tag for a portable music player?
That's the debate raging in consumer electronics circles after Apple Computer debuted its latest version of the iPod, which hit stores Feb. 20.
Apple is rolling out the Mini, a smaller, more economical version of the standard iPod, with the aim of staying one step ahead of rival device makers.
But some observers are concerned that Apple's asking price for the Mini -- which weighs 3.6 ounces and holds 1,000 songs -- freezes out many casual music fans who otherwise would be interested in buying the device.
'I'm disappointed with the price point,' says a major-label technology executive who had hoped that pre-announcement rumors of a $100 retail price would prove to be true. "
Trying to find that price point...giving it a shot, that's for sure.
That's the debate raging in consumer electronics circles after Apple Computer debuted its latest version of the iPod, which hit stores Feb. 20.
Apple is rolling out the Mini, a smaller, more economical version of the standard iPod, with the aim of staying one step ahead of rival device makers.
But some observers are concerned that Apple's asking price for the Mini -- which weighs 3.6 ounces and holds 1,000 songs -- freezes out many casual music fans who otherwise would be interested in buying the device.
'I'm disappointed with the price point,' says a major-label technology executive who had hoped that pre-announcement rumors of a $100 retail price would prove to be true. "
Trying to find that price point...giving it a shot, that's for sure.
02.28.04 Simulator provides thrills of NASCAR driving
02.28.04 Simulator provides thrills of NASCAR driving: "At Steve Katz� Grand Junction automotive shop, envision yourself as Jeff Gordon or Dale Earnhardt Jr. racing Daytona at 200 mph, banking the curves, speeding up on the straightaways.
Not quite adept at driving 200 mph, you bounce off the wall. You crash the car, leaving skid marks on the track and puffs of smoke in the air.
The crowd goes crazy. A deafening roar rises from the stands as other drivers burn by with earsplitting thunder.
No problem.
Katz has the computer on the �No Damage,� setting, so you gently touch the gas pedal and tear off again down the asphalt."
Gaming goodness. I've been to Grand Junction. This could be a big tourist draw, during the indoor month.
Not quite adept at driving 200 mph, you bounce off the wall. You crash the car, leaving skid marks on the track and puffs of smoke in the air.
The crowd goes crazy. A deafening roar rises from the stands as other drivers burn by with earsplitting thunder.
No problem.
Katz has the computer on the �No Damage,� setting, so you gently touch the gas pedal and tear off again down the asphalt."
Gaming goodness. I've been to Grand Junction. This could be a big tourist draw, during the indoor month.
kare11.com : Minneapolis, St. Paul
kare11.com : Minneapolis, St. Paul: "Gabby Gingras has a disease so rare she's the only person her parents and doctors can find in the U.S. suffering from it. Like any other three-year-old, Gabby takes her share of slips and falls. Her reaction to each is predictable � at least for her family.
For no matter how hard Gabby hits the ground, she will not shed a single tear. Hard as it is to fathom Gabby Gingras feels no pain. There is no cure, nor will she outgrow it.
'She fell down the stairs the other day in the garage,' her dad says. 'She just picked herself up and started climbing up the stairs again like nothing had happened.'
'She never cried,' her mother adds.
Gabby was born with a genetic defect called 'Hereditary Sensory and Autonomic Neuropathy Type-5. It is so rare her doctors don't know of another person with it in this country. Research done for her parents turned up a dozen known cases in the world. "
Might I be the first to request a DNA sample? Is asking for stem cells a bit too forward?
Probably. Anyone got an opinion?
For no matter how hard Gabby hits the ground, she will not shed a single tear. Hard as it is to fathom Gabby Gingras feels no pain. There is no cure, nor will she outgrow it.
'She fell down the stairs the other day in the garage,' her dad says. 'She just picked herself up and started climbing up the stairs again like nothing had happened.'
'She never cried,' her mother adds.
Gabby was born with a genetic defect called 'Hereditary Sensory and Autonomic Neuropathy Type-5. It is so rare her doctors don't know of another person with it in this country. Research done for her parents turned up a dozen known cases in the world. "
Might I be the first to request a DNA sample? Is asking for stem cells a bit too forward?
Probably. Anyone got an opinion?
Divide and Bicker (washingtonpost.com)
Divide and Bicker (washingtonpost.com): "The feuding and backbiting that plagued the Howard Dean campaign had turned utterly poisonous. Behind the facade of a successful political operation, senior officials plotted against each other, complained about the candidate and developed one searing doubt.
Dean, they concluded, did not really want to be president. "
Kinda makes sense, given his actions. I guess I'll have to read the book when it comes out.
Dean, they concluded, did not really want to be president. "
Kinda makes sense, given his actions. I guess I'll have to read the book when it comes out.
Saturday, February 28, 2004
In Trial Work, Edwards Left a Trademark
In Trial Work, Edwards Left a Trademark: "n 1985, a 31-year-old North Carolina lawyer named John Edwards stood before a jury and channeled the words of an unborn baby girl.
Referring to an hour-by-hour record of a fetal heartbeat monitor, Mr. Edwards told the jury: 'She said at 3, `I'm fine.' She said at 4, `I'm having a little trouble, but I'm doing O.K.'
Five, she said, `I'm having problems.' At 5:30, she said, `I need out.' '"
And so the forture on one of the frontronners did grow. This is about a month old. Hey, you don't make it to world stage as a pauper. It is sad to think that Edwards represents all those jerks who do personal injury advertising during the day on TV. If you ever forget to question to accuracy of television being described as a "vast wasteland," spend a day or two at home sick watching what plays between 10 and 4. Vast is an understatement. Obscenity on the airwaves? Does economic obscenity count?
Referring to an hour-by-hour record of a fetal heartbeat monitor, Mr. Edwards told the jury: 'She said at 3, `I'm fine.' She said at 4, `I'm having a little trouble, but I'm doing O.K.'
Five, she said, `I'm having problems.' At 5:30, she said, `I need out.' '"
And so the forture on one of the frontronners did grow. This is about a month old. Hey, you don't make it to world stage as a pauper. It is sad to think that Edwards represents all those jerks who do personal injury advertising during the day on TV. If you ever forget to question to accuracy of television being described as a "vast wasteland," spend a day or two at home sick watching what plays between 10 and 4. Vast is an understatement. Obscenity on the airwaves? Does economic obscenity count?
Wednesday, February 25, 2004
Plastic: 'It Isn't As It Was!' And Other Christian Reactions To The Davinci Code
Plastic: 'It Isn't As It Was!' And Other Christian Reactions To The Davinci Code
Some more reading to go with my reading of the book.
Some more reading to go with my reading of the book.
U.S. force that got Saddam heads to Afghanistan
U.S. force that got Saddam heads to Afghanistan: "WASHINGTON -- The top-secret U.S. commando team that spearheaded the capture of Saddam Hussein is heading for Afghanistan in the latest sign that the hunt for Osama bin Laden is coming to a head.
Battle-hardened units from Task Force 121 are being shifted as intelligence reports increase on the possible whereabouts of the terrorist leader, according to an article in the Washington Times by a reporter known for his access to the special forces."
And the heat is on. Also, seems to be a pretty good indication that Iraq was a sideshow that pulled resources away from the hunt for Bin Laden. A couple people got some heat for pointing this out after we got him.
Battle-hardened units from Task Force 121 are being shifted as intelligence reports increase on the possible whereabouts of the terrorist leader, according to an article in the Washington Times by a reporter known for his access to the special forces."
And the heat is on. Also, seems to be a pretty good indication that Iraq was a sideshow that pulled resources away from the hunt for Bin Laden. A couple people got some heat for pointing this out after we got him.
Tuesday, February 24, 2004
BLOGGER - Knowledge Base�-�How do I change my site feed settings?
BLOGGER - Knowledge Base�-�How do I change my site feed settings?
Hmm, looks like it's time to upgrade.
Hmm, looks like it's time to upgrade.
Intelligence: C.I.A. Admits It Didn�t Give Weapon Data to the U.N.
Intelligence: C.I.A. Admits It Didn�t Give Weapon Data to the U.N.: "ASHINGTON, Feb. 20 � The Central Intelligence Agency has acknowledged that it did not provide the United Nations with information about 21 of the 105 sites in Iraq singled out by American intelligence before the war as the most highly suspected of housing illicit weapons.
The acknowledgment, in a Jan. 20 letter to Senator Carl Levin, Democrat of Michigan, contradicts public statements before the war by top Bush administration officials.
Both George J. Tenet, the director of central intelligence, and Condoleezza Rice, the national security adviser, said the United States had briefed United Nations inspectors on all of the sites identified as 'high value and moderate value' in the weapons hunt."
No wonder the White House was so sure the inspections wouldn't work.
The acknowledgment, in a Jan. 20 letter to Senator Carl Levin, Democrat of Michigan, contradicts public statements before the war by top Bush administration officials.
Both George J. Tenet, the director of central intelligence, and Condoleezza Rice, the national security adviser, said the United States had briefed United Nations inspectors on all of the sites identified as 'high value and moderate value' in the weapons hunt."
No wonder the White House was so sure the inspections wouldn't work.
Monday, February 23, 2004
Guardian Unlimited | Special reports | Now the Pentagon tells Bush: climate change will destroy us
Guardian Unlimited | Special reports | Now the Pentagon tells Bush: climate change will destroy us
Hey, hey, maybe that apocalypse is coming after all.
Hey, hey, maybe that apocalypse is coming after all.
Urban Legends Reference Pages: Politics (Service Mettle)
Urban Legends Reference Pages: Politics (Service Mettle): "Claim: John Kerry's Vietnam War service medals (a Bronze Star, a Silver Star and three Purple Hearts) were earned under 'fishy' circumstances.
Status: False. "
Sorry, but while Gore v. Bush was a wash re: Vietnam. Kerry v. Bush re: Vietnam is a slam dunk. Hence the FUD campaign.
Status: False. "
Sorry, but while Gore v. Bush was a wash re: Vietnam. Kerry v. Bush re: Vietnam is a slam dunk. Hence the FUD campaign.
Saturday, February 21, 2004
:: Xinhuanet - English ::
:: Xinhuanet - English ::: "WASHINGTON, Feb. 21 (Xinhuanet) -- The US State Department ordered Sunday non-essential US diplomatic personnel to leave Haiti amid rising political unrest in the Caribbean nation which has so far claimed over 50 lives.
'The Department of State has ordered the departure of all family members and non-emergency personnel of the US embassy in Port-au-Prince and continues to strongly urge American citizens remaining in Haiti to depart immediately while commercial carriers are still operating,' the department said in a travel warning. "
'The Department of State has ordered the departure of all family members and non-emergency personnel of the US embassy in Port-au-Prince and continues to strongly urge American citizens remaining in Haiti to depart immediately while commercial carriers are still operating,' the department said in a travel warning. "
:: Xinhuanet - English ::
:: Xinhuanet - English ::: "WASHINGTON, Feb. 21 (Xinhuanet) -- The US State Department ordered Sunday non-essential US diplomatic personnel to leave Haiti amid rising political unrest in the Caribbean nation which has so far claimed over 50 lives.
'The Department of State has ordered the departure of all family members and non-emergency personnel of the US embassy in Port-au-Prince and continues to strongly urge American citizens remaining in Haiti to depart immediately while commercial carriers are still operating,' the department said in a travel warning. "
'The Department of State has ordered the departure of all family members and non-emergency personnel of the US embassy in Port-au-Prince and continues to strongly urge American citizens remaining in Haiti to depart immediately while commercial carriers are still operating,' the department said in a travel warning. "
Friday, February 20, 2004
Bloomberg.com: U.S.
Bloomberg.com: U.S.: "Feb. 20 (Bloomberg) -- The U.S. Department of Education is relaxing rules in the Bush administration's No Child Left Behind law to make it easier for schools to meet annual targets aimed at bringing the performance of U.S. students up to grade level in math and reading by 2014, the Washington Post reported.
The changes include lower testing requirements for students with limited knowledge of English. About 28 percent of schools nationwide failed to meet the targets last year, triggering a mandatory set of costly remedial measures, the newspaper said, citing an independent study. "
Good, from what I understand the requirements were off in fantasy land.
The changes include lower testing requirements for students with limited knowledge of English. About 28 percent of schools nationwide failed to meet the targets last year, triggering a mandatory set of costly remedial measures, the newspaper said, citing an independent study. "
Good, from what I understand the requirements were off in fantasy land.
Thursday, February 19, 2004
Telegraph | News | CIA plans new secret police to fight Iraq terrorism
Telegraph | News | CIA plans new secret police to fight Iraq terrorism: "Nine months after the demise of Saddam Hussein's regime and his feared mukhabarat (intelligence) operatives, Iraq is to get a secret police force again - courtesy of Washington.
The Bush administration is to fund the new agency in the latest initiative to root out Ba'athist regime loyalists behind the continuing insurgency in parts of Iraq."
So, yea, we'll be there a while.
The Bush administration is to fund the new agency in the latest initiative to root out Ba'athist regime loyalists behind the continuing insurgency in parts of Iraq."
So, yea, we'll be there a while.
Terrorism & Security | csmonitor.com
Terrorism & Security | csmonitor.com: "strategy is already paying off: Afghan civilians have reported more insurgent weapons caches in the last month than the previous half-year. "
General rundown on Afghanistan.
General rundown on Afghanistan.
First lady: Gay marriage issue 'shocking'
First lady: Gay marriage issue 'shocking': "SANTA MONICA, Calif. -- Laura Bush said gay marriage is 'a very, very shocking issue' for some people, a subject that should be debated by Americans rather than settled by a Massachusetts court or the mayor of San Francisco."
And thus the debate continues. Shocking, just shocking!
And thus the debate continues. Shocking, just shocking!
The Salt Lake Tribune -- Mullen: Utah's petty little stand can't stop gay-marriage avalanche
The Salt Lake Tribune -- Mullen: Utah's petty little stand can't stop gay-marriage avalanche: "On Wednesday, the Utah Legislature passed a bill re-enforcing the ban on same-sex marriage, and any day it will pass a resolution asking voters to amend the state constitution by defining marriage as a union between a man and a woman only.
A few lawmakers and lobbyists have done a beautiful job at bundling their bigotry in a blanket of religious piety and blathering on about what Jefferson and Madison were thinking 200-plus years ago. This resolution will sail right through. You won't have time to blink.
In the end, it won't matter. Utah can take its petty little stand. It may as well put up a picket fence to stop an avalanche."
Stirring the pot in SLC, I see.
A few lawmakers and lobbyists have done a beautiful job at bundling their bigotry in a blanket of religious piety and blathering on about what Jefferson and Madison were thinking 200-plus years ago. This resolution will sail right through. You won't have time to blink.
In the end, it won't matter. Utah can take its petty little stand. It may as well put up a picket fence to stop an avalanche."
Stirring the pot in SLC, I see.
Wednesday, February 18, 2004
ITworld.com - Yahoo rolls out new search in split with Google
ITworld.com - Yahoo rolls out new search in split with Google: "Yahoo Inc. unveiled a new search engine technology Wednesday, and began phasing out services from Google Inc., in a move likely to increase competition between the Internet giants."
I think that good for all of us. At least if they can come up with a decent product. Google is close to going public, which means they lose control on whether they are 'evil' or not.
I think that good for all of us. At least if they can come up with a decent product. Google is close to going public, which means they lose control on whether they are 'evil' or not.
E-Commerce News: Personal Tech: The Legal Strategy of the RIAA Without Subpoena Power
E-Commerce News: Personal Tech: The Legal Strategy of the RIAA Without Subpoena Power: "The court ruled that subpoena power -- created by the U.S. Congress for copyright owners in 1998 -- does not give record companies the right to ask ISPs for the identity of users suspected of swapping songs. According to the ruling, the music business overreached by using the subpoenas for that purpose. The law was intended only to identify those who post copyrighted material on public forums, such as chat rooms or bulletin boards.
The law 'betrays no awareness whatsoever that Internet users might be able to directly exchange files containing copyrighted works,' the court wrote in its ruling. "
Yes, the law might have had no intention of allowing industry to barge into people's homes, but that's how it's written. A triumph of the lobbyists.
The law 'betrays no awareness whatsoever that Internet users might be able to directly exchange files containing copyrighted works,' the court wrote in its ruling. "
Yes, the law might have had no intention of allowing industry to barge into people's homes, but that's how it's written. A triumph of the lobbyists.
Monday, February 16, 2004
SearchSecurity.com | Microsoft patch delay may contribute to early exploit
SearchSecurity.com | Microsoft patch delay may contribute to early exploit: "Experts are fuming over the lengthy delay -- 200 days -- between when Microsoft Corp. was first notified of a critical vulnerability affecting all supported versions of Windows and when it released a patch. The primary issue: how confidential was the information detailing the ASN.1 flaw and when can we expect the first exploit. "
More reading on one of the latest holes.
More reading on one of the latest holes.
AP Wire | 02/15/2004 | AP: Bush Administration Shelved MTBE Ban
AP Wire | 02/15/2004 | AP: Bush Administration Shelved MTBE Ban: "HINGTON - The Bush administration quietly shelved a proposal to ban a gasoline additive that contaminates drinking water in many communities, helping an industry that has donated more than $1 million to Republicans.
The Environmental Protection Agency's decision had its origin in the early days of President Bush's tenure when his administration decided not to move ahead with a Clinton-era regulatory effort to ban the clean-air additive MTBE"
This one is pretty cut and dried. Chemical additive found to be extremely toxic to ground water. Chemical additive is used by oil companies as a shortcut to make better burning fuel. Oil President protects Oil Companies.
Film at 11.
The Environmental Protection Agency's decision had its origin in the early days of President Bush's tenure when his administration decided not to move ahead with a Clinton-era regulatory effort to ban the clean-air additive MTBE"
This one is pretty cut and dried. Chemical additive found to be extremely toxic to ground water. Chemical additive is used by oil companies as a shortcut to make better burning fuel. Oil President protects Oil Companies.
Film at 11.
Sunday, February 15, 2004
Newsday.com - Bush Goal Was Dodging War
Newsday.com - Bush Goal Was Dodging War: "His whereabouts have nothing to do with it. What matters only is that Bush was in the National Guard in Texas because he was dodging the war in Vietnam. In those days, if you were in the Guard, you were not called for Vietnam. Some people used college, or marriage, or Conscientious Objector or moving to Canada to evade. Bush used the Guard. Anybody trying that today is in great danger. The Guard units are being called up by the day. But Bush used the Guard when it gave safety. And now, shamelessly, preposterously, he sends people to get killed in Iraq. That he has no right to do so doesn't seem to enter his mind. "
More of the BUsh hullabaloo. Basically it states that he wouldn't follow his own orders.
More of the BUsh hullabaloo. Basically it states that he wouldn't follow his own orders.
The Globe and Mail
The Globe and Mail: "School counsellors, researchers and teenagers themselves say that girls as young as 12 and 13 are performing oral sex -- not just the class 'bad girls,' but students from every walk of life. They don't consider it real sex, but an act almost as normal as acne and cafeteria gossip. In today's oversexed consumer culture, reports SARA WILSON, popularity commands a high price"
The Sexual Revolution Part 2 : Oral Sex.
The Sexual Revolution Part 2 : Oral Sex.
Calpundit: ARF!
Calpundit: ARF!: "ARF!....No, this is not the sound that Barney makes when the White House staff is late with dinner. Rather, it's the beginning of yet another intriguing mystery regarding George Bush's service in the Air National Guard. Read on for more.
To begin, you need to recall the original mystery of the 'torn document' that purports to show Bush's guard activity in 1972 and 1973 (details here and here if your memory is fuzzy). Question: is the document genuine? Or some kind of clever forgery?"
This is from a few days back, more updates now with the super-release of docs.
To begin, you need to recall the original mystery of the 'torn document' that purports to show Bush's guard activity in 1972 and 1973 (details here and here if your memory is fuzzy). Question: is the document genuine? Or some kind of clever forgery?"
This is from a few days back, more updates now with the super-release of docs.
TheStar.com - War stories
TheStar.com - War stories: "WASHINGTON�A late night e-mail goes out to reporters covering the White House, directing them to an urgent release.
War? Terrorism?
No, 31-year-old dental records, showing President George W. Bush was missing his wisdom teeth and tooth number 3."
Going against a Veteran like Kerry is making Bush look really bad.
War? Terrorism?
No, 31-year-old dental records, showing President George W. Bush was missing his wisdom teeth and tooth number 3."
Going against a Veteran like Kerry is making Bush look really bad.
Saturday, February 14, 2004
Economist.com | Cosmology
Economist.com | Cosmology: "IT WAS beautiful, complex and wrong. In 150AD, Ptolemy of Alexandria published his theory of epicycles�the idea that the moon, the sun and the planets moved in circles which were moving in circles which were moving in circles around the Earth. This theory explained the motion of celestial objects to an astonishing degree of precision. It was, however, what computer programmers call a kludge: a dirty, inelegant solution. Some 1,500 years later, Johannes Kepler, a German astronomer, replaced the whole complex edifice with three simple laws."
Interesting stuff. I agree, I think we've just got some variables wrong (although my opinion carries very little weight). More reading before a full post.
Interesting stuff. I agree, I think we've just got some variables wrong (although my opinion carries very little weight). More reading before a full post.
A good night's sleep can help fight cancer: Study - The Times of India
A good night's sleep can help fight cancer: Study - The Times of India: "WASHINGTON : According to researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine, a good night's sleep may be one important weapon in the fight against cancer. Their work is among the first of its kind to piece together the link between mental well-being and cancer recovery. "
Chicago Tribune | Study: Optimism doesn't help cancer survival odds
Chicago Tribune | Study: Optimism doesn't help cancer survival odds: "ATLANTA -- A positive attitude does not improve the chances of surviving cancer, and doctors who encourage patients to keep up hope may burden them, according to research results released Monday."
No, but I heard sleep does.
No, but I heard sleep does.
MSNBC - Online search engines lift cover of privacy
MSNBC - Online search engines lift cover of privacy: "Sitting at his laptop, Chris O'Ferrell types a few words into the Google search engine and up pops a link to what appears to be a military document listing suspected Taliban and al Qaeda members, date of birth, place of birth, passport numbers and national identification numbers."
They are called 'spiders' for a reason. There's not many places they can't get to.
They are called 'spiders' for a reason. There's not many places they can't get to.
The Seattle Times: Local News: Soldier with fake green card may be citizen soon
The Seattle Times: Local News: Soldier with fake green card may be citizen soon: "'I feel great,' said Escalante, who grew up largely in Seattle and graduated from Chief Sealth High in 2002. 'This is what I've been looking for ever since my parents told me I was illegal.'"
I've never been illegal. I wonder if it feels like being a bat.
I've never been illegal. I wonder if it feels like being a bat.
Friday, February 13, 2004
Get Tough on TV Indecency, Lawmakers Urge (TechNews.com)
Get Tough on TV Indecency, Lawmakers Urge (TechNews.com): "Janet Jackson's exposed breast was the talk of Capitol Hill yesterday, with lawmakers and regulators saying it's the latest example of what's wrong with television and should be the impetus for government to get tough with broadcasters."
No, you give ME a break. This is insane. People can simulate fornication on stage, say everything they want to about, but God forbid, literally, that someone actually see one the boobs they get teased with every day on TV. Grow up. It's a boob. You are surrounded by them.
No, you give ME a break. This is insane. People can simulate fornication on stage, say everything they want to about, but God forbid, literally, that someone actually see one the boobs they get teased with every day on TV. Grow up. It's a boob. You are surrounded by them.
A Kinder View of Uncle Sam (washingtonpost.com)
A Kinder View of Uncle Sam (washingtonpost.com): "TEHRAN, Feb. 11 -- On Revolution Day, the Iranian equivalent of the Fourth of July, Azadi Street was again transformed from east-west artery to carnival midway. Men lined up for free yogurt. Hawkers coaxed women to finger the material of baby clothes. Children clamored for a turn throwing darts at George W. Bush. "
No really, it gets better from there.
No really, it gets better from there.
The Scobleizer -- Celebrating the Geek lifestyle
The Scobleizer -- Celebrating the Geek lifestyle: "Technorati is seeing 11,000-12,000 new blogs per day.
He says 35% don't get updated more than two times. In other words, those are blogs that are deserted.
He has an interesting graph of the blog power law here."
meta-blog info. Curious stuff. It's going to take a while to climb this mountain.
He says 35% don't get updated more than two times. In other words, those are blogs that are deserted.
He has an interesting graph of the blog power law here."
meta-blog info. Curious stuff. It's going to take a while to climb this mountain.
Thursday, February 12, 2004
GOP slams Bush policies at retreat - The Washington Times: Nation/Politics
GOP slams Bush policies at retreat - The Washington Times: Nation/Politics: " Growing frustration over President Bush's immigration plan and lack of fiscal discipline came to a head behind closed doors at last weekend's Republican retreat in Philadelphia.
House lawmakers, stunned by the intensity of their constituents' displeasure at some of Mr. Bush's key domestic policies, gave his political strategist Karl Rove an earful behind closed doors."
More heat and pressure. We'll see what develops. I think this is the part where they cut all the social programs to save money.
House lawmakers, stunned by the intensity of their constituents' displeasure at some of Mr. Bush's key domestic policies, gave his political strategist Karl Rove an earful behind closed doors."
More heat and pressure. We'll see what develops. I think this is the part where they cut all the social programs to save money.
Wednesday, February 11, 2004
Opinion: Editorial: Bush records remain AWOL (captimes.com)
Opinion: Editorial: Bush records remain AWOL (captimes.com): "The problem with this form of 'proof' is that no one doubts that the son of a well-connected friend of President Richard Nixon would continue to get paychecks. What Americans want to know is whether Bush actually did his duty. How about some records showing what Bush actually did to earn those paychecks while other young men from Texas were fighting and dying in Vietnam? "
The heats turns up. It looks like the docs they released only added fuel to the fire, and more questions to ask. Longer Bush post coming soon.
The heats turns up. It looks like the docs they released only added fuel to the fire, and more questions to ask. Longer Bush post coming soon.
Tuesday, February 10, 2004
Center for American Progress - In Their Own Words: Iraq's 'Imminent' Threat - Page
Center for American Progress - In Their Own Words: Iraq's 'Imminent' Threat - Page: "The Bush Administration is now saying it never told the public that Iraq was an 'imminent' threat, and therefore it should be absolved for overstating the case for war and misleading the American people about Iraq's WMD. Just this week, White House spokesman Scott McClellan lashed out at critics saying 'Some in the media have chosen to use the word 'imminent'. Those were not words we used.' But a closer look at the record shows that McClellan himself and others did use the phrase 'imminent threat' � while also using the synonymous phrases 'mortal threat,' 'urgent threat,' 'immediate threat', 'serious and mounting threat', 'unique threat,' and claiming that Iraq was actively seeking to 'strike the United States with weapons of mass destruction' � all just months after Secretary of State Colin Powell admitted that Iraq was 'contained' and 'threatens not the United States.' "
This is why we call them liars.
This is why we call them liars.
HoustonChronicle.com - AMC refuses to accept Texas Baptist ad
HoustonChronicle.com - AMC refuses to accept Texas Baptist ad: "DALLAS -- AMC Theatres is refusing to accept a 30-second ad produced by the Baptist General Convention of Texas and timed to coincide with the Ash Wednesday opening of Mel Gibson's 'The Passion of the Christ.'
Like many evangelical Christian groups throughout the nation, the 2 million-member Baptist convention hopes to take advantage of the publicity generated by Gibson's R-rated epic about the last hours of Jesus."
And more free publicity, just like Moveon.
Like many evangelical Christian groups throughout the nation, the 2 million-member Baptist convention hopes to take advantage of the publicity generated by Gibson's R-rated epic about the last hours of Jesus."
And more free publicity, just like Moveon.
Monday, February 09, 2004
The Globe and Mail
The Globe and Mail: "Washington � Defending his decision to invade Iraq, U.S. President George W. Bush said that although stockpiles of biological and chemical weapons have not been found, Saddam Hussein had the capacity to produce such arms and could have developed a nuclear weapon over time."
More international reaction to what amounts to an admission of error, but isn't, so will probably still be argued about.
More international reaction to what amounts to an admission of error, but isn't, so will probably still be argued about.
:: Xinhuanet - English ::
:: Xinhuanet - English ::: "WASHINGTON, Feb. 6 (Xinhuanet) -- US President George W. Bush on Friday established an independent, bipartisan commission to review failures in prewar intelligence on Iraq that the administration used to justify the Iraq war.
The panel will 'look at America's intelligence capabilities, especially our intelligence about weapons of mass destruction,' Bush told a news briefing at the White House. "
Yup, problems with intelligence in the White House, as I'sa been saying.
The panel will 'look at America's intelligence capabilities, especially our intelligence about weapons of mass destruction,' Bush told a news briefing at the White House. "
Yup, problems with intelligence in the White House, as I'sa been saying.
ABCNEWS.com : Parasitic Ants Shake Up Colony Society
ABCNEWS.com : Parasitic Ants Shake Up Colony Society
Aaah, the discovery of transvestite ants, exploiting the other ants love for a 'queen'.
Aaah, the discovery of transvestite ants, exploiting the other ants love for a 'queen'.
Guardian Unlimited | The Guardian | Disney and Microsoft strike internet deal
Guardian Unlimited | The Guardian | Disney and Microsoft strike internet deal: "Walt Disney yesterday agreed to use Microsoft software to block the illegal distribution of film and audio over the internet in a deal that moves the computer giant closer to Hollywood."
Guess who put the two in contact. A mutual friend that goes waaay back.
Guess who put the two in contact. A mutual friend that goes waaay back.
Bush Moves to Rehabilitate His Image as 'War President'
Bush Moves to Rehabilitate His Image as 'War President': "But Bush's defense of his policies -- especially in Iraq, but also on the economy -- seemed as much about form as content. While trying to convince Americans that he had made the right decisions, he seemed at least as anxious to show that he was willing to act decisively, even amid uncertainty."
More on same.
More on same.
Forbes.com: Bush defends economic record as war president
Forbes.com: Bush defends economic record as war president: "President George W. Bush on Sunday defended his tax-cutting economic record, saying the economy has begun to recover after 'tremendous stress' because of war with Iraq, terror and confidence-sapping corporate scandals."
Claiming he was only responsible for 2 out of the three.
Claiming he was only responsible for 2 out of the three.
ABCNEWS.com : Manipulating Records and History Online
ABCNEWS.com : Manipulating Records and History Online
There had to be a huge downside to this medium. Now you know what it is. Hard copies are good for you.
There had to be a huge downside to this medium. Now you know what it is. Hard copies are good for you.
Saturday, February 07, 2004
Get Your Bush Docs Here! - Ron Suskind posts the evidence online. By Timothy�Noah
Get Your Bush Docs Here! - Ron Suskind posts the evidence online. By Timothy Noah
This is going to be some fun for the blogos.
This is going to be some fun for the blogos.
reviewjournal.com -- Sports: SUPER BOWL HANDLE: Record amount bet on game
reviewjournal.com -- Sports: SUPER BOWL HANDLE: Record amount bet on game: "One day after New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady attempted a bizarre dance at his team's Super Bowl parade, the party was continued by Nevada sports book directors.
A record $81.2 million was wagered on Super Bowl XXXVIII, and the state's 152 sports books won a record $12.4 million, according to numbers released Wednesday by the Nevada Gaming Control Board."
Ripping off the yankees. As a Texan, I approve.
A record $81.2 million was wagered on Super Bowl XXXVIII, and the state's 152 sports books won a record $12.4 million, according to numbers released Wednesday by the Nevada Gaming Control Board."
Ripping off the yankees. As a Texan, I approve.
Reuters | Latest Financial News / Full News Coverage
Reuters | Latest Financial News / Full News Coverage: "LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - The Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences, which awards the Oscars, on Wednesday said it expelled a member for giving away videotapes of Oscar-hopeful movies in violation of Academy policy.
The member widely reported as violating the policy is Carmine Caridi, a 70 year-old actor in Los Angeles who has had small parts in two of 'The Godfather' movies and on television in shows like 'NYPD Blue.' "
This is how I saw Bowling for Columbine. Of course, having since bought it, I can only lower and shake my head at Hollywood's tactics and attitude.
The member widely reported as violating the policy is Carmine Caridi, a 70 year-old actor in Los Angeles who has had small parts in two of 'The Godfather' movies and on television in shows like 'NYPD Blue.' "
This is how I saw Bowling for Columbine. Of course, having since bought it, I can only lower and shake my head at Hollywood's tactics and attitude.
Friday, February 06, 2004
The Salt Lake Tribune -- Land boat takes to the sea in exile attempt
The Salt Lake Tribune -- Land boat takes to the sea in exile attempt: " Cobo said the Coast Guard sank the Buick. "
And there ya go. I'm not sure how much longer the embargo can last. I'm guessing C + 1. Where C = Number of Days Castro Lives.
And there ya go. I'm not sure how much longer the embargo can last. I'm guessing C + 1. Where C = Number of Days Castro Lives.
Wednesday, February 04, 2004
US bans timed-honoured typeface. 30/01/2004. ABC News Online
US bans timed-honoured typeface. 30/01/2004. ABC News Online
Argh, the next sign of the apocalypse, errr, we had an official font?
Argh, the next sign of the apocalypse, errr, we had an official font?
CNN.com - Bush to pick panel for WMD inquiry - Feb. 2, 2004
CNN.com
- Bush to pick panel for WMD inquiry - Feb. 2, 2004
Umm, right. Just like he picked the information in the first place?
- Bush to pick panel for WMD inquiry - Feb. 2, 2004
Umm, right. Just like he picked the information in the first place?
What You Should Know About the Windows Security Update for February 2, 2004
What You Should Know About the Windows Security Update for February 2, 2004
Update your shiznit,dangit. I'm getting waaaaay too many virus emails.
Update your shiznit,dangit. I'm getting waaaaay too many virus emails.
Yahoo! News - FDA to Weigh Wisdom of Antidepressants for Kids
Yahoo! News - FDA to Weigh Wisdom of Antidepressants for Kids: "MONDAY, Feb.2 (HealthDayNews) -- As the federal government focuses on the future of antidepressants for kids, health experts reiterate there is a real need for these medications."
I still think this stuff is dangerous. We won't know for 20 or 30 years, though.
Soma, indeed.
I still think this stuff is dangerous. We won't know for 20 or 30 years, though.
Soma, indeed.
Free as in Maahhh, or My Chat with Darl McBride
Free as in Maahhh, or My Chat with Darl McBride
Very nice rundown of Darl McBride at MIT.
Really, you think evil looks like evil up close? It's the same for both sides.
Very nice rundown of Darl McBride at MIT.
Really, you think evil looks like evil up close? It's the same for both sides.
Tuesday, February 03, 2004
Friday, January 30, 2004
Thursday, January 29, 2004
LegalTorrents - Your source for legal BitTorrent files
LegalTorrents - Your source for legal BitTorrent files
And the web begat Napster.
And Napster begat Gnutella.
And Gnutella begat BitTorrent.
And lo, the files were shared.
And the web begat Napster.
And Napster begat Gnutella.
And Gnutella begat BitTorrent.
And lo, the files were shared.
Wednesday, January 28, 2004
Monday, January 26, 2004
=The Hill.com=
=The Hill.com=
Perhaps you want to join the revolution, jah? Wild stuff in the other Georgia after a peaceful coup.
Perhaps you want to join the revolution, jah? Wild stuff in the other Georgia after a peaceful coup.
The Corporation (kottke.org)
The Corporation (kottke.org)
Interesting idea. I had one similar a while back, where people could, in aggregate, measure the moral behaviour of corps (based on their own sense of morality), so this seems like a step in that direction.
Interesting idea. I had one similar a while back, where people could, in aggregate, measure the moral behaviour of corps (based on their own sense of morality), so this seems like a step in that direction.
BBC NEWS | Business | Gabriel to launch musicians' union
BBC NEWS | Business | Gabriel to launch musicians' union
They are certainly going to need one. Between the record companies and the fans stand, appropriately enough, the artists.
They are certainly going to need one. Between the record companies and the fans stand, appropriately enough, the artists.
Telegraph | News | Queen to give knighthood to Bill Gates - but you can blame it on Gordon Brown
Telegraph | News | Queen to give knighthood to Bill Gates - but you can blame it on Gordon Brown
I don't know if there is a text-based representation that can adequately express my disgust. At least a comment on /. made it look like this is politics. Ugh.
I don't know if there is a text-based representation that can adequately express my disgust. At least a comment on /. made it look like this is politics. Ugh.
Pandagon: Keeping It Real With George Dubbya
Pandagon: Keeping It Real With George Dubbya
Come on, don't make fun of these folks. At least they are trying.
Come on, don't make fun of these folks. At least they are trying.
Subconsciously, Athletes May Play Like Statisticians
Subconsciously, Athletes May Play Like Statisticians
This came off k5, and while I think this article is good to get you started, I found some other links that are much, much better.
This bayes stuff has really been helping me out in some of my research, it's going to allow me to quantify a bunch of things that I wasn't sure how to do so. Gettin' a little more excited, since the math is already there.
This came off k5, and while I think this article is good to get you started, I found some other links that are much, much better.
This bayes stuff has really been helping me out in some of my research, it's going to allow me to quantify a bunch of things that I wasn't sure how to do so. Gettin' a little more excited, since the math is already there.
Glimpse of a new type of matter: Frozen helium has been turned into a solid that behaves like a superfluid.
Glimpse of a new type of matter: Frozen helium has been turned into a solid that behaves like a superfluid.: "Researchers in the United States think they have found a new state of matter - a supersolid.
If their findings are correct, this state is deeply bizarre. Although it is a crystalline solid, it can 'flow' like the most slippery liquid imaginable - in fact, like a liquid with no viscosity."
Been wanting to post this for a week, wanted to read about it, but haven't had a chance to follow up yet.
If their findings are correct, this state is deeply bizarre. Although it is a crystalline solid, it can 'flow' like the most slippery liquid imaginable - in fact, like a liquid with no viscosity."
Been wanting to post this for a week, wanted to read about it, but haven't had a chance to follow up yet.
Sunday, January 25, 2004
Salon.com Technology | Is the war on file sharing over?
Salon.com Technology | Is the war on file sharing over?: "If one is willing to believe the happy talk from music business executives, the tide has finally turned against file sharing, thanks to the get-tough tactics employed by the Recording Industry Association of America. "
ha, if this war is over it's on the other side.
ha, if this war is over it's on the other side.
Thursday, January 22, 2004
Verified Voting - Campaign To Demand Verifiable Election Results
Verified Voting - Campaign To Demand Verifiable Election Results: "A growing concern over the inadequacies of election equipment in the United States has recently been heightened by the problems of the 2000 Presidential election. Added to the mix is the election reform mandated by recent federal legislation attempting to address the concerns. The result is that many states are scurrying to replace their older equipment with new electronic voting computers. "
Reading from a QP post.
Reading from a QP post.
Ben Hammersley's Dangerous Precedent: I have a scream.
Ben Hammersley's Dangerous Precedent: I have a scream.: "The internet giveth, and the internet taketh away. While Lilek's remix is already 100 links and rising, Howard Dean's I have a scream speech is being remixed again."
Recycling the world in real time. Who needs the networks?
Recycling the world in real time. Who needs the networks?
2nd Act A Year Later, Sean Penn Returns to Iraq and Files a Personal, Candid Report From the Front
2nd Act A Year Later, Sean Penn Returns to Iraq and Files a Personal, Candid Report From the FrontMy reputation within our home is one of impulsiveness, hubris and an overall bloated sense of my own survival instincts. Of course, this is entirely unfounded, but we'll leave that for another day.
Update for the Penn slamming righties.
Update for the Penn slamming righties.
Monday, January 19, 2004
Fairvue Central >> Features >> Fourth Annual Weblog Awards
Fairvue Central >> Features >> Fourth Annual Weblog Awards
Good links for reading. Always interesting.
Good links for reading. Always interesting.
Friday, January 16, 2004
Thursday, January 15, 2004
IOL : Cannibal's penis fantasy revealed in court
IOL : Cannibal's penis fantasy revealed in court: "The victim of Germany's self-confessed 'cannibal of Rotenburg' was obsessed with having his penis 'bitten off' by a sexual partner and offered his boyfriend almost R40 000 to carry out the act, a court in Kassel heard on Wednesday."
It's a ... baaad world.
It's a ... baaad world.
Tuesday, January 13, 2004
Making Light: geek knitting
Making Light: geek knitting
More than you could possible want to know about knitting, up to and including the use of mathematical, biological, and just dang interesting patterns in the knits.
More than you could possible want to know about knitting, up to and including the use of mathematical, biological, and just dang interesting patterns in the knits.
Monday, January 12, 2004
monochrom: The Year Wrap-up
monochrom: The Year Wrap-up: "The entire earth�s surface stretches out over 510 million km^2, whereby 149 million km^2 is land (29.2%) and 361 million km^2 (70.8%) is water. The earth�s surface is in motion marginally and is displacing itself, but only by a few centimeters per year."
Love it.
Love it.
Boing Boing: A Directory of Wonderful Things
Boing Boing: A Directory of Wonderful Things: "My daughter was scared and shaken up by the ordeal and told us that she 'hated it.' At least the security people were polite to her. But they were like polite robots, unable to laugh at the fact that someone had mistakenly pegged a little girl as a potential terrorist. No, they insisted that she had to take off her shoes and get patted down and have a wand passed over her body and have her Hello Kitty suitcase opened and examined with a fine toothed comb."
Our children are going to expect an invasive police state. Dang, we screwed up.
Our children are going to expect an invasive police state. Dang, we screwed up.
KRT Wire | 01/12/2004 | Sheepish strategy kills Rams' season
KRT Wire | 01/12/2004 | Sheepish strategy kills Rams' season: "ST. LOUIS - (KRT) - Mike Martz, genius coach, had what many might think was a no-brainer Sunday.
Here he was, poised to finish off a comeback win in an NFC divisional game with one of the highest-scoring teams in football in a place where it hadn't lost in 14 games.
But the inexplicable happened on an afternoon of weird happenings.
Martz lost his nerve.
The Rams lost the game, 29-23."
The fans are always the harshest critics, great weekend of football. One of the best of the year.
Here he was, poised to finish off a comeback win in an NFC divisional game with one of the highest-scoring teams in football in a place where it hadn't lost in 14 games.
But the inexplicable happened on an afternoon of weird happenings.
Martz lost his nerve.
The Rams lost the game, 29-23."
The fans are always the harshest critics, great weekend of football. One of the best of the year.
KRT Wire | 01/12/2004 | Sheepish strategy kills Rams' season
KRT Wire | 01/12/2004 | Sheepish strategy kills Rams' season: "ST. LOUIS - (KRT) - Mike Martz, genius coach, had what many might think was a no-brainer Sunday.
Here he was, poised to finish off a comeback win in an NFC divisional game with one of the highest-scoring teams in football in a place where it hadn't lost in 14 games.
But the inexplicable happened on an afternoon of weird happenings.
Martz lost his nerve.
The Rams lost the game, 29-23."
The fans are always the harshest critics, great weekend of football. One of the best of the year.
Here he was, poised to finish off a comeback win in an NFC divisional game with one of the highest-scoring teams in football in a place where it hadn't lost in 14 games.
But the inexplicable happened on an afternoon of weird happenings.
Martz lost his nerve.
The Rams lost the game, 29-23."
The fans are always the harshest critics, great weekend of football. One of the best of the year.
Aljazeera.Net - US can keep 9/11 arrests secret
Aljazeera.Net - US can keep 9/11 arrests secret: "The US Supreme Court has ruled that the Bush administration can keep secret the names of hundreds of people questioned, detained or arrested since September 11.
The ruling on Monday, which is certain to dismay human rights activists worldwide, also allows the administration to keep away from public domain other basic details of the detainees and those questioned."
Hundreds? Didn't they say thousands? Heck, how should I know, I'm nothing but an American citizen, who used to have the right to not have to worry about the government spiriting me away on half-baked accusations..but now doesn't.
The ruling on Monday, which is certain to dismay human rights activists worldwide, also allows the administration to keep away from public domain other basic details of the detainees and those questioned."
Hundreds? Didn't they say thousands? Heck, how should I know, I'm nothing but an American citizen, who used to have the right to not have to worry about the government spiriting me away on half-baked accusations..but now doesn't.
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