Thursday, November 06, 2003
Penn State is expected to announce today that it has entered into an agreement with a yet-to-be-disclosed file sharing service which would result in the university offering its students access to FREE (and legal?) music. According to some news sources, the unnamed service is actually Napster, who interestingly enough just launched a fee-based music service.
Tuesday, November 04, 2003
Philly mayoral election gets even uglier.
In a campaign that has been marked by FBI wiretaps, cries of an Ashcroft-inspired plot to steal the election for Republicans, and Molotov cocktails tossed through windows at campaign headquarters, the city of Philadelphia was hoping to utter a collective sigh today as the tumultuous campaign came to a close. But stories just now filtering into news outlets in the region reflect the sad truth that today was more icing on the cake than a civil conclusion.
One supporter of Republican candidate Sam Katz was struck with a two-by-four and others were punched in the face. And those are just some of the stories which are being reported.
In a campaign that has been marked by FBI wiretaps, cries of an Ashcroft-inspired plot to steal the election for Republicans, and Molotov cocktails tossed through windows at campaign headquarters, the city of Philadelphia was hoping to utter a collective sigh today as the tumultuous campaign came to a close. But stories just now filtering into news outlets in the region reflect the sad truth that today was more icing on the cake than a civil conclusion.
One supporter of Republican candidate Sam Katz was struck with a two-by-four and others were punched in the face. And those are just some of the stories which are being reported.
While representing a client charged with shooting a police officer in Montreal, a defense attorney was heard singing Bob Marley's "I Shot The Sheriff" as he walked out of the courtroom. If you're wondering, his client was sentenced to 25 years in prison.
A Tennessee judge ruled today that a driver who flashed his lights to warn oncoming traffic of a speed trap was protected by the First Amendment guarantee of free speech. Maybe now we can address other "drivers rights" issues such as the invasive nature of universal vehicle searches at sobriety checkpoints and methods used in speed traps which exceed defensible justification (e.g. feigning to be a disabled vehicle while disguising their true identity and preying on the curiosities and concerns of motorists).
-----
The favorite of many pundits to win the Democratic nomination for President, the Rev. Al Sharpton will host Saturday Night Live on December 6, the NYT reports.
The new host of the "Ladies Man" sketch??
-----
The BCS, with the release of the updated standings on Monday, confirmed any and all misgivings about its ability to accurately produce a hierarchy of football prestige. What a joke.
-----
Two interesting stories mentioned on NPR's Morning Edition this morning:
First, an analysis of Ebay ethics (or lack thereof).
For those who are not aware, there are companies who serve as auction mercenaries...these "snipers" develop software packages which, when hired by a customer, will place winning bids in the closing seconds of an auction. Opponents of this practice (mostly those with a dial-up connection and a life which demands their attention somewhere other than the computer 24-7) argue that this defeats the advantages of Ebay and go so far to say that it's unethical and, at the very least, unfair.
One company cited in the story: E-Snipe
Second, on this Election Day (yes, that's right...today is Election Day) Oregon voters face a ballot initiative which would authorize a hostile takeover of a subsidiary of Enron. If adopted, a public utility district (PUD) would be created in place of the region's utility provider PGE.
More information:
Oregon Public Power Coalition; grassroots group supporting public takeover.
(Please excuse this HORRIBLE excuse for a website. It hurts to even look at it. Here's a related website which is a bit more tolerable.)
[In the interest of equal time, I tried to find a website for the advocacy group which opposes the takeover (Citizens Against Government Takeover) but it appears that the group thought it unnecessary to have a website. *tsk*tsk* ]
If you are not aware, ballot initiatives are (in business terms) a "booming sector" of the election industry. It ranges from the absurd to very serious and powerfully democratic as it is one of the most fundamental exercises of citizen power over representatives. It is the modern form of the Athenian Senate (with the small difference that women and non-land owning males are now -- in principle -- allowed to participate), direct democracy in all its glory and misery.
For example, keeping with the Oregon theme, a passionate citizen has filed a ballot initiative (not certified by the Sec. of State, what a shock) called the "Anti-Blowhard Act of 2004."
The initiative would punish candidates who (a) campaign on a platform to reduce "wasteful" or "exessive" public spending, and (b) do not provide "a complete accounting" of the alleged waste. If the candidate fails to provide said accounting within the time limits (7 days -- or 24 hours if statement is made within 30 days of an election -- following the allegation), the Secretary of State would insert the word "BLOWHARD" after the candidate's name in the official voter's pamphlet and/or full-page and cable TV announcements detailing the offense.
Decide for yourself to which category this belongs (absurd or important).
-----
I strongly dislike Blockbuster Video.
There are many reasons, none of which individually could fully express my strong dislike. Instead of continuing to feed this beast, my wife (hehe...still getting used to it) and I have enrolled in Netflix. If you are not familiar with Netflix, it is a web-based DVD mail-delivery service. The concept is in high demand and business model sound. For a flat monthly rate, Netflix will deliver DVDs of your choice to your residence. No late fees, no hidden charges, etc. Check out the details at the website.
I tell you this because I will be the guinea pig. I'll let you know how it goes. I'm just as skeptical as you are.
In the meantime, any suggestions? I know many of you are film connoisseurs and are full of recommendations. If so, hit me!
A Tennessee judge ruled today that a driver who flashed his lights to warn oncoming traffic of a speed trap was protected by the First Amendment guarantee of free speech. Maybe now we can address other "drivers rights" issues such as the invasive nature of universal vehicle searches at sobriety checkpoints and methods used in speed traps which exceed defensible justification (e.g. feigning to be a disabled vehicle while disguising their true identity and preying on the curiosities and concerns of motorists).
-----
The favorite of many pundits to win the Democratic nomination for President, the Rev. Al Sharpton will host Saturday Night Live on December 6, the NYT reports.
The new host of the "Ladies Man" sketch??
-----
The BCS, with the release of the updated standings on Monday, confirmed any and all misgivings about its ability to accurately produce a hierarchy of football prestige. What a joke.
-----
Two interesting stories mentioned on NPR's Morning Edition this morning:
First, an analysis of Ebay ethics (or lack thereof).
For those who are not aware, there are companies who serve as auction mercenaries...these "snipers" develop software packages which, when hired by a customer, will place winning bids in the closing seconds of an auction. Opponents of this practice (mostly those with a dial-up connection and a life which demands their attention somewhere other than the computer 24-7) argue that this defeats the advantages of Ebay and go so far to say that it's unethical and, at the very least, unfair.
One company cited in the story: E-Snipe
Second, on this Election Day (yes, that's right...today is Election Day) Oregon voters face a ballot initiative which would authorize a hostile takeover of a subsidiary of Enron. If adopted, a public utility district (PUD) would be created in place of the region's utility provider PGE.
More information:
Oregon Public Power Coalition; grassroots group supporting public takeover.
(Please excuse this HORRIBLE excuse for a website. It hurts to even look at it. Here's a related website which is a bit more tolerable.)
[In the interest of equal time, I tried to find a website for the advocacy group which opposes the takeover (Citizens Against Government Takeover) but it appears that the group thought it unnecessary to have a website. *tsk*tsk* ]
If you are not aware, ballot initiatives are (in business terms) a "booming sector" of the election industry. It ranges from the absurd to very serious and powerfully democratic as it is one of the most fundamental exercises of citizen power over representatives. It is the modern form of the Athenian Senate (with the small difference that women and non-land owning males are now -- in principle -- allowed to participate), direct democracy in all its glory and misery.
For example, keeping with the Oregon theme, a passionate citizen has filed a ballot initiative (not certified by the Sec. of State, what a shock) called the "Anti-Blowhard Act of 2004."
The initiative would punish candidates who (a) campaign on a platform to reduce "wasteful" or "exessive" public spending, and (b) do not provide "a complete accounting" of the alleged waste. If the candidate fails to provide said accounting within the time limits (7 days -- or 24 hours if statement is made within 30 days of an election -- following the allegation), the Secretary of State would insert the word "BLOWHARD" after the candidate's name in the official voter's pamphlet and/or full-page and cable TV announcements detailing the offense.
Decide for yourself to which category this belongs (absurd or important).
-----
I strongly dislike Blockbuster Video.
There are many reasons, none of which individually could fully express my strong dislike. Instead of continuing to feed this beast, my wife (hehe...still getting used to it) and I have enrolled in Netflix. If you are not familiar with Netflix, it is a web-based DVD mail-delivery service. The concept is in high demand and business model sound. For a flat monthly rate, Netflix will deliver DVDs of your choice to your residence. No late fees, no hidden charges, etc. Check out the details at the website.
I tell you this because I will be the guinea pig. I'll let you know how it goes. I'm just as skeptical as you are.
In the meantime, any suggestions? I know many of you are film connoisseurs and are full of recommendations. If so, hit me!
Monday, November 03, 2003
Newsworthy highlight of the weekend:
U.S. Senator Zell Miller's (D-GA) appearance on NBC's Meet The Press [Transcript].
Sen. Miller's book, A National Party No More: The Conscience of a Conservative Democrat details the failures of the "new" Democratic party which, he argues, simply ignores the South as a region where the party can compete. This is a fatally flawed strategy, Miller argues, and his Southern wit mixes one-liners and solid logic without parallel.
His appearance on Meet The Press this past Sunday was a classic and I encourage you to read the short transcript of the exchange (see link above; scroll down past the boring "discussion" between host Tim Russert and Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld). It was a performance which would rival his fellow Southerner James "Ragin' Cajun" Carville's legacy as the King of Meet The Press.
In discussing the current field of Democrats running for president, Sen. Miller was particularly candid and poignant.
"Howard Dean knows about as much about the South as a hog knows about Sunday. "
Classic...simply classic. And probably "damn near right."
-----
Christian controversy in the news:
Scalia recuses himself from the upcoming "under God" court decision while redefining the "rules" regarding S.C. justices' extracurricular speaking. (NOTE: Link leads to "news analysis" not a news story.)
Meanwhile....
Episcopal Church consecrates homosexual as bishop.
-----
Georgetown 3L develops system to predict U.S. Supreme Court decision. Though some may disagree, this is fascinating regardless of its accuracy.
-----
For what it's worth...
U.S. Administrator Paul Bremer imposes flat tax (15 percent) in Iraq.
A very well-placed source tells me that he's a very talented amateur chef. No joke.
-----
Virginia Tech trounced the pitiful and (yes, I can say it with corroboration) HEAVILY OVERRATED Miami "Downgraded to Tropical Storm" Hurricanes. The tropical-sized DEPRESSION, however, hovers over Blacksburg (not Miami) as the consequences of the disaster in the hills of West Virginia sinks in.
[Scenes from Lane Stadium at HokieSports.com]
Saturday's game was also significant as it marked the start to the Era de Vick, Part Deux. Marcus Vick, younger brother of No. 7 himself, led the Hokie offense after the team's first series on offense ended in a Brian Randall interception toss. Vick demonstrated the bold, creative mobility which will be the bane of the ACC (yes, that's right) for year(s) to come.
If the BCS lives up to its legacy, the Hokies' thwopping thwart of Miami will mean little and the snow-blanketed War Memorial will be quiet come Bowl Season. BCS Rankings will be announced on ESPN's SportsCenter at 6 p.m. eastern.
Next week, the Hokies head to Pittsburgh; ESPN's CollegeGameDay will broadcast live from Heinz Field. Coach Beamer announced on Sunday that Brian Randall will start....but, Vick will play.
MEANINGLESS data: Nov. 2 coaches' poll.
-----
The Redskins, however, ............. UGH.
Wilbon's take.
My take: at least Penn State, the Steelers, and the Yankees have some company at the bottom of the sports world.
Now why on Earth would I choose those teams? hmmmm....
-----
Lest we forget...
On a very serious note...I leave you with a link to a portrait gallery of our fallen sisters, brothers, friends, and neighbors.
Regardless of your views/positions on the war/occupation/rebuilding of Iraq, this must be our hour of unification behind those who serve at home and abroad. And if this gallery does not inspire you to serve in the manner to which you were called...I hope it encourages you at least to act on your thoughts and opinions regarding our present state of involvement in the world.
U.S. Senator Zell Miller's (D-GA) appearance on NBC's Meet The Press [Transcript].
Sen. Miller's book, A National Party No More: The Conscience of a Conservative Democrat details the failures of the "new" Democratic party which, he argues, simply ignores the South as a region where the party can compete. This is a fatally flawed strategy, Miller argues, and his Southern wit mixes one-liners and solid logic without parallel.
His appearance on Meet The Press this past Sunday was a classic and I encourage you to read the short transcript of the exchange (see link above; scroll down past the boring "discussion" between host Tim Russert and Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld). It was a performance which would rival his fellow Southerner James "Ragin' Cajun" Carville's legacy as the King of Meet The Press.
In discussing the current field of Democrats running for president, Sen. Miller was particularly candid and poignant.
"Howard Dean knows about as much about the South as a hog knows about Sunday. "
Classic...simply classic. And probably "damn near right."
-----
Christian controversy in the news:
Scalia recuses himself from the upcoming "under God" court decision while redefining the "rules" regarding S.C. justices' extracurricular speaking. (NOTE: Link leads to "news analysis" not a news story.)
Meanwhile....
Episcopal Church consecrates homosexual as bishop.
-----
Georgetown 3L develops system to predict U.S. Supreme Court decision. Though some may disagree, this is fascinating regardless of its accuracy.
-----
For what it's worth...
U.S. Administrator Paul Bremer imposes flat tax (15 percent) in Iraq.
A very well-placed source tells me that he's a very talented amateur chef. No joke.
-----
Virginia Tech trounced the pitiful and (yes, I can say it with corroboration) HEAVILY OVERRATED Miami "Downgraded to Tropical Storm" Hurricanes. The tropical-sized DEPRESSION, however, hovers over Blacksburg (not Miami) as the consequences of the disaster in the hills of West Virginia sinks in.
[Scenes from Lane Stadium at HokieSports.com]
Saturday's game was also significant as it marked the start to the Era de Vick, Part Deux. Marcus Vick, younger brother of No. 7 himself, led the Hokie offense after the team's first series on offense ended in a Brian Randall interception toss. Vick demonstrated the bold, creative mobility which will be the bane of the ACC (yes, that's right) for year(s) to come.
If the BCS lives up to its legacy, the Hokies' thwopping thwart of Miami will mean little and the snow-blanketed War Memorial will be quiet come Bowl Season. BCS Rankings will be announced on ESPN's SportsCenter at 6 p.m. eastern.
Next week, the Hokies head to Pittsburgh; ESPN's CollegeGameDay will broadcast live from Heinz Field. Coach Beamer announced on Sunday that Brian Randall will start....but, Vick will play.
MEANINGLESS data: Nov. 2 coaches' poll.
-----
The Redskins, however, ............. UGH.
Wilbon's take.
My take: at least Penn State, the Steelers, and the Yankees have some company at the bottom of the sports world.
Now why on Earth would I choose those teams? hmmmm....
-----
Lest we forget...
On a very serious note...I leave you with a link to a portrait gallery of our fallen sisters, brothers, friends, and neighbors.
Regardless of your views/positions on the war/occupation/rebuilding of Iraq, this must be our hour of unification behind those who serve at home and abroad. And if this gallery does not inspire you to serve in the manner to which you were called...I hope it encourages you at least to act on your thoughts and opinions regarding our present state of involvement in the world.
