Thursday, August 31, 2006
Did the Earth Flip Over in the Past?
Scientists have found evidence that the Earth might have flipped over in the past, completely shifting the orientation of its poles. The theory has been around for years; that a large mountain range or supervolcano might unbalance the spinning Earth. Over the course of millions of years, the Earth would change the orientation of its axis.
Ha-ha! Fact follows fiction!
See My Favorite Books entry in left hand column for: The HAB Theory
read more | digg story
Ha-ha! Fact follows fiction!
See My Favorite Books entry in left hand column for: The HAB Theory
read more | digg story
USATODAY.com - California to cap greenhouse gas emissions
"The agreement marks a clear break with the Bush administration and puts California on a path to reducing its emissions of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases by an estimated 25% by 2020."
This could be a great symbolic (as well as actual) first step in recovering from the many destructive effects of the Bush administration.
- Frank
This could be a great symbolic (as well as actual) first step in recovering from the many destructive effects of the Bush administration.
- Frank
USATODAY.com - The Scream recovered
"Police recovered two paintings they believe are the Edvard Munch masterpieces 'The Scream' and 'Madonna,' two years after masked gunmen seized the priceless artworks from an Oslo museum in a bold, daylight raid, authorities announced Thursday."
Generate Your Very Own Official Seal
Official Seal Generator - Enter some text, choose a border and an emblem, pick your colors, and click the 'Go' button. An Official Seal will be generated for you. Collect 'em, trade 'em, put 'em on your website, or e-mail 'em to your friends.....
read more | digg story
read more | digg story
Painter Said to Be Focus of FBI Probe - Los Angeles Times
"The FBI is investigating allegations that self-styled 'Painter of Light' Thomas Kinkade and some of his top executives fraudulently induced investors to open galleries and then ruined them financially, former dealers contacted by federal agents said."
Ooops! Now I suppose the cost of Kinkade's paintings will go up.
- Frank
Ooops! Now I suppose the cost of Kinkade's paintings will go up.
- Frank
E-waste | How green is your Apple? | Economist.com
"Despite having an image steeped in California's counterculture, it is one of the worst heel-draggers, says Zeina Al-Hajj of Greenpeace."
Surprising, but hopefully Apple will improve this quickly.
- Frank
Surprising, but hopefully Apple will improve this quickly.
- Frank
California bills target huge stores
"Bills that would give California's local governments more power to fight Wal-Mart and other huge stores are heading to Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, over the objections of the giant retailer, business groups and Republican lawmakers."
A possibly good first step in stopping this blight.
- Frank
A possibly good first step in stopping this blight.
- Frank
Wednesday, August 30, 2006
Treehugger: Electric Mini: 0-60 in 4 Seconds: It Has Motors In Its Wheels
"The car has been designed to run for four hours of combined urban/extra urban driving, powered only by a battery and bank of ultra capacitors. The QED supports an all-electric range of 200-250 miles and has a total range of about 932 miles (1,500 km). For longer journeys at higher speeds, a small conventional internal combustion engine (ICE) is used to re-charge the battery. In this hybrid mode, fuel economies of up to 80mpg can be achieved."
Nice! A very creative approach.
- Frank
Nice! A very creative approach.
- Frank
Digital cameras focus on revised reality | CNET News.com
"Want to look thinner? Taller? Tanner? Don't worry, there's a camera for all that.
Today's cameras will let you do more than adjust the flash; they'll let you adjust reality. Photo-adjusting features that once required a PC and special know-how are now allowing consumers to alter a photo as soon as it's snapped."
Also Click Here to see these interesting examples of Pictures that lie
- Frank
Today's cameras will let you do more than adjust the flash; they'll let you adjust reality. Photo-adjusting features that once required a PC and special know-how are now allowing consumers to alter a photo as soon as it's snapped."
Also Click Here to see these interesting examples of Pictures that lie
- Frank
Dvorak: Is an Apple-Sun Merger in the Works?
As soon as Google CEO Eric Schmidt was named to the board of directors at Apple some mild speculation ensued suggesting that he'd eventually become CEO of Apple. In fact Schmidt may have been brought in as the set-up pitcher for what may finally be the often rumored merger between Apple and Sun.
read more | digg story
read more | digg story
What's a Booger?
"To understand what boogers are, you need to know about mucus (say: myoo-kus). Mucus is the sticky, slimy stuff that's made inside your nose. If you're like lot of kids, you have another name for nose mucus: snot. Your nose makes about a cupful (about 237 milliliters) of snot every day."
Ew-w-w-w!
This posting was inspired by all of the political postings lately.
(Plus it was the Yahoo Question of the Day)
- Frank
Ew-w-w-w!
This posting was inspired by all of the political postings lately.
(Plus it was the Yahoo Question of the Day)
- Frank
Satire: U.S. Bans People From Airplanes - Newsweek Andy Borowitz - MSNBC.com
"'Maybe if the airlines don't have people to worry about, they can finally concentrate on getting our luggage to the right destination.'"
I start to laugh, then think about how ridiculous things already have become.
- Frank
I start to laugh, then think about how ridiculous things already have become.
- Frank
Bush appointee in hot water at second agency / Fresh allegations against Tomlinson
"The official who oversees the federal government's broadcasts to foreign countries directed staff to do personal work and used government resources for his private racehorse operation, State Department investigators conclude in a new report."
No surprise that Kenneth Tomlinson, with the Bush Administration as a probable role model - rebutted the allegations.
I guess that relative to what the White House does to our country, this does look rather innocent. :-|
- Frank
No surprise that Kenneth Tomlinson, with the Bush Administration as a probable role model - rebutted the allegations.
I guess that relative to what the White House does to our country, this does look rather innocent. :-|
- Frank
Tuesday, August 29, 2006
USATODAY - Rumsfeld: Iraq critics morally confused
"Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld accused critics of the Bush administration's policies on Iraq and terrorism Tuesday of suffering from 'moral or intellectual confusion about what is right or wrong.'"
The only confusion I find is in trying to determine why this blathering idiot has not been fired for incompetence and indicted for treason!
- Frank
The only confusion I find is in trying to determine why this blathering idiot has not been fired for incompetence and indicted for treason!
- Frank
Is Apple's MacBook Pro rotten to the core?: ZDNet Australia
"When companies launch a brand new product it usually takes some time to weed out the niggling issues; but how many systems need to break before the situation is recognised as a disaster rather than an unfortunate blip in quality control?"
Sounds like another case of the customer being used for product testing!
- Frank
Sounds like another case of the customer being used for product testing!
- Frank
Network Systems DesignLine | Breaking conventional wisdom: 10-Gigabit Ethernet fiber costs less than copper
GEEK NOTE
"New generations of optical modules are more compact, lower power and lower cost than previous generations. Higher levels of integration among the modules combined with silicon photonics technology, have the potential to bring optical interconnects into the same price range that has been the exclusive domain of copper, promoting the adoption of 10 Gigabit Ethernet. "
"New generations of optical modules are more compact, lower power and lower cost than previous generations. Higher levels of integration among the modules combined with silicon photonics technology, have the potential to bring optical interconnects into the same price range that has been the exclusive domain of copper, promoting the adoption of 10 Gigabit Ethernet. "
Monday, August 28, 2006
Emmys 2006 - Opening Number (Part 1)
If you watch any TV shows at all, you will probably find this quite amusing.
Very creatively put together.
- Frank
Also see Opening Number (Part 2) on YouTube.
If you watch any TV shows at all, you will probably find this quite amusing.
Very creatively put together.
- Frank
Also see Opening Number (Part 2) on YouTube.
Bin Laden, Most Wanted For Embassy Bombings?
"The curious omission underscores the Justice Department's decision, so far, to not seek formal criminal charges against bin Laden for approving al-Qaeda's most notorious and successful terrorist attack. The notice says bin Laden is 'a suspect in other terrorist attacks throughout the world' but does not provide details.
The absence has also provided fodder for conspiracy theorists who think the U.S. government or another power was behind the Sept. 11 hijackings. From this point of view, the lack of a Sept. 11 reference suggests that the connection to al-Qaeda is uncertain."
Conspiracy Theories, anyone?
- Frank
The absence has also provided fodder for conspiracy theorists who think the U.S. government or another power was behind the Sept. 11 hijackings. From this point of view, the lack of a Sept. 11 reference suggests that the connection to al-Qaeda is uncertain."
Conspiracy Theories, anyone?
- Frank
Ten Recurring Economic Fallacies, 1774–2004 - Mises Institute
There are probably many more, but the author (H. A. Scott Trask) considers ten of these recurring economic fallacies. An interesting read that helps one to understand some of the incompetent and unethical political actions taken.
- Frank
Photo: Philips brightens up textile tech | CNET News.com
"Lumalive textiles are filled with colored LEDs that, according to Philips, are undetectable to the touch and have electronic components that are too small to be seen by the naked eye. When lit up, however, the fabric can display patterns, text or even animation, depending on how it's wired. "
Ha-ha! Just imagine the possibilities.
- Frank
Ha-ha! Just imagine the possibilities.
- Frank
Sunday, August 27, 2006
You wouldn’t catch me dead in Iraq - Sunday Times - Times Online
"It is impossible to put a precise figure on the number of American troops who have left the army as a result of the US involvement in Iraq. The Pentagon says that a total of 40,000 troops have deserted their posts (not simply those serving in Iraq) since the year 2000."
Disturbing stuff!
- Frank
Disturbing stuff!
- Frank
Google releasing package for the office
"Workers will be able to send e-mail with Gmail, Google's two-year-old Web-based mail service, but messages will carry their company's domain name. The package also includes Google's online calendar, instant-messaging service, and Page Creator, a Web page builder."
Saturday, August 26, 2006
How Paranoid Can We Get? by Tom Chartier
"This SPOT program could do us a world of good with the correct application. Rather than have the Goon Squad standing around in airports making us nervous while not offering to buy us drinks, let’s assign a team to each and every member of Congress, the Supreme Court and the Oval Office. Now these are the suspicious characters! They need to be watched for our protection!"
Friday, August 25, 2006
TheStar.com - When a Hummer won't do
"It can stop a bullet from an AK-47, shrug off a roadside bomb, and it makes a Hummer look like a chick car."
Law of nature prevails in Vermont - The Boston Globe
"A politely rebellious collection of teenagers passing time in the Harmony Parking Lot this summer has taken to disrobing. Seemingly on a whim, they shed clothes and soak up the sun, nude."
(Photo) Amazing Giant Fire Ant Raft Of Hell
Here is an item to help take your mind off what Bush and cronies are doing to you and your world.
- Frank
Original Link
An alternate link (if above link is down or too busy)
And another similar photo
- Frank
Original Link
An alternate link (if above link is down or too busy)
And another similar photo
Diebold voting machine failures strike again in Alaska
"The Alaskan Democratic Party had anticipated the machine failures, and encouraged voters to use paper ballots in order to ensure that their votes were not discarded or incorrectly counted. Diebold voting machines have a poor track record and a colorful history. The machines were successfully hacked by computer experts hired by Leon County, Florida, and a 2003 study of leaked Diebold voting machine code conducted by security analysts revealed that the code is fundamentally flawed and vulnerable to exploitation in numerous ways. "
Thursday, August 24, 2006
Bush's New Iraq Argument: It Could Be Worse
"For three years, the president tried to reassure Americans that more progress was being made in Iraq than they realized. But with Iraq either in civil war or on the brink of it, Bush dropped the unseen-progress argument in favor of the contention that things could be even worse."
One way things could be worse...
...there could be even more days until the next election!
- Frank
One way things could be worse...
...there could be even more days until the next election!
- Frank
State telecom price controls lifted - Consumer groups object, but regulators say competition will help
"Over the concerns of some consumer groups, the California Public Utilities Commission voted 5-0 to deregulate basic phone service. That will allow companies such as AT&T and Verizon to set prices without regulatory restrictions.
The decision ends 18 years of pricing regulations that capped what phone providers could charge their residential and business customers and forced companies to seek regulatory approval for price increases.
Providers will now be able raise prices for services such as call waiting or caller ID the day after notifying the commission, if they give customers 30-day notice."
I guess we'll have to await the next anti-trust law suit to find some protection for consumers and small competitors. How otptimistic are you that the government will protect us from big business. :-(
- Frank
The decision ends 18 years of pricing regulations that capped what phone providers could charge their residential and business customers and forced companies to seek regulatory approval for price increases.
Providers will now be able raise prices for services such as call waiting or caller ID the day after notifying the commission, if they give customers 30-day notice."
I guess we'll have to await the next anti-trust law suit to find some protection for consumers and small competitors. How otptimistic are you that the government will protect us from big business. :-(
- Frank
CNN.com - Poll: 1 in 4 Americans believe U.S. was safer before 9/11 - Aug 23, 2006
"Less than half of Americans believe the United States is now safer from terrorism than it was before September 11, 2001, according to a CNN poll released Wednesday."
It would be nice to know why anyone thinks it is safer now.
- Frank
It would be nice to know why anyone thinks it is safer now.
- Frank
Amazon servers, starting at 10 cents an hour | Tech News on ZDNet
GEEK NOTE!
"Each instance provides the equivalent processing power of a 1.7-gigahertz Xeon server with 1.75 gigabytes of memory, 160 gigabytes of disk storage and 250 megabits per second of network bandwidth.
In addition to the 10 cents per instance hour per server, users pay for bandwidth traffic and storage at hourly rates."
Incredible!
This is cheaper and quite competitive with most web hosting service providers.
"Each instance provides the equivalent processing power of a 1.7-gigahertz Xeon server with 1.75 gigabytes of memory, 160 gigabytes of disk storage and 250 megabits per second of network bandwidth.
In addition to the 10 cents per instance hour per server, users pay for bandwidth traffic and storage at hourly rates."
Incredible!
This is cheaper and quite competitive with most web hosting service providers.
- Frank
Wired News: Refuse to be Terrorized
"The point of terrorism is to cause terror, sometimes to further a political goal and sometimes out of sheer hatred. The people terrorists kill are not the targets; they are collateral damage. And blowing up planes, trains, markets or buses is not the goal; those are just tactics.
The real targets of terrorism are the rest of us: the billions of us who are not killed but are terrorized because of the killing. The real point of terrorism is not the act itself, but our reaction to the act.
And we're doing exactly what the terrorists want."
The real targets of terrorism are the rest of us: the billions of us who are not killed but are terrorized because of the killing. The real point of terrorism is not the act itself, but our reaction to the act.
And we're doing exactly what the terrorists want."
YouTube could be a steal at $1 billion | CNET News.com
"By agreeing to pay $65 million for Grouper--a profitless video-sharing company with negligible market share--Sony has helped establish a benchmark for other companies in the space and sent industry insiders speculating wildly about what market leader YouTube may be worth."
Whew!
- Frank
Whew!
- Frank
Wednesday, August 23, 2006
Under Fire! U.S. Army Intelligence Analyst Targeted For Suggesting New Independent 9/11 Investigation
"I mean how are Arabs benefiting from pulling off 911? They have more war, more death and dismal conditions, so, how did 911 benefit them? Answer: It didn’t. So, who benefited from 9-11? The answer is sad, but simple; The Military Industial [sic] Complex.
It’s not a paranoid conspiracy to think there are conspiracies out there...and, it’s not Liberal Lunacy either, nor is it Conservative Kookiness! People, fellow citizens we’ve been had! We must demand a new independent investigation into 911 and look at all options of that day, and all plausabilities [sic], even the most incredulous theories must be examined."
It’s not a paranoid conspiracy to think there are conspiracies out there...and, it’s not Liberal Lunacy either, nor is it Conservative Kookiness! People, fellow citizens we’ve been had! We must demand a new independent investigation into 911 and look at all options of that day, and all plausabilities [sic], even the most incredulous theories must be examined."
Guardian Unlimited | Unexploded cluster bombs prompt fear and fury in returning refugees
"Israel may be pulling out of Lebanon but its soldiers leave behind a lethal legacy of this summer's 34-day war. The south is carpeted with unexploded cluster bombs, innocuous looking black canisters, barely larger than a torch battery, which pose a deadly threat to villagers stumbling back to their homes."
Damn! I've lost track... ...who are the terrorists?
Would also like to know if these are U.S. made cluster bombs.
- Frank
Damn! I've lost track... ...who are the terrorists?
Would also like to know if these are U.S. made cluster bombs.
- Frank
Christian Coalition losing chapters
"'It's a very sad day for our people, but a liberating day,' said John Giles, president of the coalition's Alabama chapter, which announced Wednesday that it was renaming itself and splitting from the national organization. The Iowa and Ohio chapters took similar steps this year."
The US Empire Is Broke
"Indeed, what prompted George Bush's recent Asian trip was no new political initiative but, crudely, a search for money. With US net foreign debt of over $4,000bn (£2,110bn) now approaching 40pc of GDP, and a current account deficit of more than 6pc, the US is reduced to seeking financial support from China, just as Britain was obliged to go cap in hand to the US after the Second World War."
FEAST OF FIGS - New crop shows versatility in sweet and savory roles
"There is something sensuous, almost voluptuous about soft, sweet fresh figs. Bite into a ripe fig and, the flavors are so concentrated, it is almost like eating jam. It is unlike any other fruit."
Yummy! The Fig Tree beckons!
- Frank
Yummy! The Fig Tree beckons!
- Frank
Parking mix
Ah-h-h! Reminds me of Drivers Ed class.
- Frank
Ah-h-h! Reminds me of Drivers Ed class.
- Frank
Wired News: Music Makes Your Brain Happy
"In his new book, This Is Your Brain on Music: The Science of a Human Obsession, Levitin explores research into how our brains process the works of artists as varied as Beethoven, the Beatles and Britney Spears, and why they make us feel so good. Wired News picks his brain about how it all works."
Buy the Book Here
Buy the Book Here
It's Not Bush's Fault! / It's so wrong of nasty libs to blame every social ill on Dubya. After all, he means well. Right?
"...this is the feeling. It is a general sickness, a vague nausea, a sense that, in fact, far beyond just miserable foreign policy and tax breaks for the rich and a single nasty, botched war, the whole system, all aspects of culture and American life have somehow been tainted, darkened, poisoned.
George W. Bush may have attained the ignoble status as one of the least popular presidents in American history, but the fact is, he's accomplished something far more impressive: He's proven himself to be one of the most systematically, comprehensively toxic. And really, who's fault is that?"
Mark Morford "defends" Bush!
- Frank
George W. Bush may have attained the ignoble status as one of the least popular presidents in American history, but the fact is, he's accomplished something far more impressive: He's proven himself to be one of the most systematically, comprehensively toxic. And really, who's fault is that?"
Mark Morford "defends" Bush!
- Frank
Tuesday, August 22, 2006
Judge Says Plan to Log Sequoias Illegal
"A federal judge ruled Tuesday that a Bush administration plan to allow commercial logging inside the Giant Sequoia National Monument violates environmental laws."
McCain faults administration on Iraq - Yahoo! News
"Republican Sen. John McCain, a staunch defender of the Iraq war, on Tuesday faulted the Bush administration for misleading Americans into believing the conflict would be 'some kind of day at the beach.'"
USATODAY.com - YouTube introduces video advertising
"YouTube, which has become the most popular online video-sharing company, said Tuesday it will introduce video brand advertising on its site, a key step toward making the free service pay its way."
Bush administration rushes to evade punishment
"Reprimanded by the Supreme Court, the Bush administration rushes to evade punishment
The interrogations of prisoners now condemned by the Supreme Court were ordered by policy makers at the highest levels of the administration, who could be prosecuted under the U.S. War Crimes Act of 1996. "
The interrogations of prisoners now condemned by the Supreme Court were ordered by policy makers at the highest levels of the administration, who could be prosecuted under the U.S. War Crimes Act of 1996. "
The Capital Times - Feingold rips 'pile of lies' on Iraq
"U.S. Sen. Russ Feingold told a group of Madison area residents this morning that the ongoing U.S. presence in Iraq is the result of an 'outrageous pile of lies' and called for more accountability.
'The Bush administration should take accountability for being stuck there and not admitting mistakes,' he told a group of about 60 people this morning at a listening session at the Boys & Girls Club on Jenewein Road."
'The Bush administration should take accountability for being stuck there and not admitting mistakes,' he told a group of about 60 people this morning at a listening session at the Boys & Girls Club on Jenewein Road."
Dixie Chicks documentary could be election issue - Yahoo! News
"...the film is likely to be a hot topic in the approaching elections. 'It deals with freedom of speech, censorship and other important issues,' Kopple said. 'It looks at the cost of standing up for what you believe in."
Monday, August 21, 2006
USATODAY.com - Accutane linked to heart, liver risk
"Accutane, the powerful acne drug already known to cause birth defects, seems to raise the risk for potential heart and liver problems more than doctors had expected, according to a new study."
Howstuffworks "How Future Combat Systems Will Work"
"The Future Combat Systems (FCS) initiative is a massive overhaul of military technology intended to prepare the U.S. Army for modern warfare. Current projections suggest that it will be the most expensive military project in U.S. history and will take decades to design and complete. Creating the hardware, software, networks and integration necessary to make FCS work is an incredibly complicated project."
Schwarzenegger signs solar power bill | Politics News | Reuters.com
"California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger on Monday signed into law a bill that aims to make the state one of the world's biggest producers of solar energy.
The bill, which cleared the state Senate last week, calls for the installation of 1 million rooftop solar panels on homes, businesses, farms, schools and public buildings by 2018."
Good News!
- Frank
The bill, which cleared the state Senate last week, calls for the installation of 1 million rooftop solar panels on homes, businesses, farms, schools and public buildings by 2018."
Good News!
- Frank
Northwest Florida Daily News: Speeding for charity on Utah road
"MILFORD, Utah, On a hot Wednesday morning earlier this month, Richard Losee floored his bright red Ferrari Enzo on a desolate stretch of Utah's Route 257 north of here. His plan was to zoom to more than double the posted speed limit of 75 miles per hour. Cresting a rise in the road, Mr. Losee lost control, and his $1.3 million supercar skidded and tumbled several times. The car's carbon-fiber body splintered in a hail of debris and its 650-horsepower, V-12 engine went flying. Mr. Losee suffered a serious concussion, a broken sternum and broken vertebrae in his neck."
A Fast ride and a Darwin Award Nomination - Not bad for a morning's work.
- Frank
A Fast ride and a Darwin Award Nomination - Not bad for a morning's work.
- Frank
FTC chief critiques Net neutrality | CNET News.com
"Deborah Platt Majoras, the FTC's Republican chairman, said extensive Net neutrality legislation currently pending in the U.S. Senate is unnecessary because there has been no demonstrated harm to consumers, that normal market forces would likely prevent any problems, and that new laws would cause more problems than they solve."
Being new to this job, Ms. Majoras probably never heard of AT&T or the anti-trust laws.
- Frank
Being new to this job, Ms. Majoras probably never heard of AT&T or the anti-trust laws.
- Frank
Think Progress » Bush Now Says What He Wouldn’t Say Before War: Iraq Had ‘Nothing’ To Do With 9/11
Full transcript:
BUSH: The terrorists attacked us and killed 3,000 of our citizens before we started the freedom agenda in the Middle East.
QUESTION: What did Iraq have to do with it?
BUSH: What did Iraq have to do with what?
QUESTION: The attack on the World Trade Center.
BUSH: Nothing. Except it’s part of — and nobody has suggested in this administration that Saddam Hussein ordered the attack. Iraq was a — Iraq — the lesson of September 11th is take threats before they fully materialize, Ken. Nobody’s ever suggested that the attacks of September the 11th were ordered by Iraq."
A Liar AND an Idiot, Quite a combo!
- Frank
BUSH: The terrorists attacked us and killed 3,000 of our citizens before we started the freedom agenda in the Middle East.
QUESTION: What did Iraq have to do with it?
BUSH: What did Iraq have to do with what?
QUESTION: The attack on the World Trade Center.
BUSH: Nothing. Except it’s part of — and nobody has suggested in this administration that Saddam Hussein ordered the attack. Iraq was a — Iraq — the lesson of September 11th is take threats before they fully materialize, Ken. Nobody’s ever suggested that the attacks of September the 11th were ordered by Iraq."
A Liar AND an Idiot, Quite a combo!
- Frank
ABC News: Global Warming Could Slam Food Supply
"The agricultural abundance Americans have long taken for granted and the low food prices that go with it, they say, now face a withering enemy — and the recent blows to California agriculture are a taste of things to come."
Sunday, August 20, 2006
W O R L D T H R E A T - HAIM HARARI, a theoretical physicist, is the Chair, Davidson Institute
"But the real fear comes from the undisputed fact that no defense and no preventive measures can succeed against a determined suicide murderer. This has not yet penetrated the thinking of the Western World. The U.S. and Europe are constantly improving their defense against the last murder, not the next one. We may arrange for the best airport security in the world. But if you want to murder by suicide, you do not have to board a plane in order to explode yourself and kill many people. Who could stop a suicide murder in the midst of the crowded line waiting to be checked by the airport metal detector? How about the lines to the check-in counters in a busy travel period? Put a metal detector in front of every train station in Spain and the terrorists will get the buses. Protect the buses and they will explode in movie theaters, concert halls, supermarkets, shopping malls, schools and hospitals. Put guards in front of every concert hall and there will always be a line of people to be checked by the guards and this line will be the target, not to speak of killing the guards themselves. You can somewhat reduce your vulnerability by preventive and defensive measures and by strict border controls but not eliminate it and definitely not win the war in a defensive way. And it is a war!"
An old, but still valid article!
- Frank
An old, but still valid article!
- Frank
Blair 'feels betrayed by Bush on Lebanon' | the Daily Mail
"The source said: 'We all feel badly let down by Bush. We thought we had persuaded him to take the Israel-Palestine situation seriously, but we were wrong. How can anyone have faith in a man of such low intellect?'"
Bush Must Negotiate to Make America Safer, Say Former Generals - Yahoo! News
"Twenty-one former generals and high ranking national security officials have called on United States President George W. Bush to reverse course and embrace a new area of negotiation with Iran, Iraq, and North Korea. In a letter released Thursday, the group told reporters Bush's 'hard line' policies have undermined national security and made America less safe."
Saturday, August 19, 2006
IHS :: God would be an atheist: Why can't we all be Japanese?
"All this information points to a strong correlation between faith and antisocial behavior -- a correlation so strong that there is good reason to suppose that religious belief does more harm than good.
At first glance that is a preposterous suggestion, given that religions preach non-violence and sexual restraint. However, close inspection reveals a different story. Faith tends to weaken rather than strengthen people’s ability to participate in society. That makes it less likely they will respect social customs and laws."
At first glance that is a preposterous suggestion, given that religions preach non-violence and sexual restraint. However, close inspection reveals a different story. Faith tends to weaken rather than strengthen people’s ability to participate in society. That makes it less likely they will respect social customs and laws."
Friday, August 18, 2006
L.A.'s Only Country Music Station Closes
"KZLA's sudden and unannounced demise leaves America's two most populous cities, Los Angeles and New York, without country music stations."
Warrantless loss of rights
"A Federal judge Thursday reaffirmed one of the Constitution's most cherished principles: No one, even the president of the United States, is above the law.
In striking down the National Security Agency's warrantless-surveillance program, U.S. District Judge Anna Diggs Taylor suggested it not only violated the rights of free speech and privacy -- it intruded on the separation of powers outlined in the Constitution."
In striking down the National Security Agency's warrantless-surveillance program, U.S. District Judge Anna Diggs Taylor suggested it not only violated the rights of free speech and privacy -- it intruded on the separation of powers outlined in the Constitution."
Thursday, August 17, 2006
Sun buys Hewlett and Packard | The Register
"Exclusive Sun Microsystems on Thursday announced that it purchased Hewlett and Packard for a little over $6,000.
In a crafty public relations stunt, Sun has acquired a wooden sculpture of Bill Hewlett and Dave Packard and decided to send the object on the road to find HP's 'sense of humor.' A local artist had offered the Hewlett and Packard sculpture, which is part of a larger collection, to HP corporate, but the company passed. So, Sun stepped in with $6,000 and bought the Silicon Valley legends."
In a crafty public relations stunt, Sun has acquired a wooden sculpture of Bill Hewlett and Dave Packard and decided to send the object on the road to find HP's 'sense of humor.' A local artist had offered the Hewlett and Packard sculpture, which is part of a larger collection, to HP corporate, but the company passed. So, Sun stepped in with $6,000 and bought the Silicon Valley legends."
AccessNorthGa - Georgia governor's $2 million Florida land deal questioned
"Perdue bought the land from Stanley Thomas, a Georgia mega-developer with a fleet of planes that the governor used at least once to get to a West Coast fundraiser. The 2004 purchase came a little more than a year after Perdue appointed Thomas to the state Board of Economic Development. About a year after the purchase one of Thomas' companies, Fourth Quarter Properties, donated a whopping $250,000 to the state Republican Party."
USATODAY - Judge: NSA warrantless wiretapping unconstitutional
"A federal judge ruled Thursday that the government's warrantless wiretapping program is unconstitutional and ordered an immediate halt to it.
U.S. District Judge Anna Diggs Taylor in Detroit became the first judge to strike down the National Security Agency's program, which she says violates the rights to free speech and privacy as well as the separation of powers enshrined in the Constitution."
U.S. District Judge Anna Diggs Taylor in Detroit became the first judge to strike down the National Security Agency's program, which she says violates the rights to free speech and privacy as well as the separation of powers enshrined in the Constitution."
Democracy Now! | Fox News Producer Resigns Over Middle East Coverage
"Two weeks ago, two producers working for Fox News in Amman Jordan resigned in protest of the network's coverage. In their resignation letter, Serene Sabbagh and Jomana Karadsheh wrote 'We can no longer work with a news organization that claims to be fair and balanced when you are so far from that.' They went on to write 'Not only are you an instrument of the Bush White House, and Israeli propaganda, you are war mongers with no sense of decency, nor professionalism.'"
The OK Go Dances With You(Tube) Contest
Ha-ha! I LOVE IT!
Check out some of the (more than a hundred) videos
submitted in response to the OK Go YouTube videos.
Some very creative and entertaining people out there.
Enjoy! - Frank
Ha-ha! I LOVE IT!
Check out some of the (more than a hundred) videos
submitted in response to the OK Go YouTube videos.
Some very creative and entertaining people out there.
Enjoy! - Frank
Wednesday, August 16, 2006
Sober warnings about e-voting systems | Perspectives | CNET News.com
"In the wake of the hanging-and-dimpled-chads debacle of the 2000 presidential election, there has been a move to embrace electronic voting systems. Good news, right? Perhaps not quite yet.
The Brennan Center for Justice at New York University recently released a report analyzing the security vulnerabilities of three of the most commonly use electronic voting systems. The results are sobering.
All three voting systems were found to contain significant security and reliability vulnerabilities. The Brennan report also concluded these vulnerabilities pose threats to the integrity of national, state and local elections."
The Brennan Center for Justice at New York University recently released a report analyzing the security vulnerabilities of three of the most commonly use electronic voting systems. The results are sobering.
All three voting systems were found to contain significant security and reliability vulnerabilities. The Brennan report also concluded these vulnerabilities pose threats to the integrity of national, state and local elections."
The Raw Story | Olbermann: 'The Nexus of politics and terror'
"In this video from last night's [14 August 2006] broadcast, [Keith] Olbermann includes the latest foiled terrorist plot in Britain with the newest edition of the 'Nexus of Politics and Terror Top 10 List'. Olbermann concludes that if these occasions are more than just coincidences then, he says, 'it underscores the need for questions to be asked in this country, questions about what is prudence and what is fear-mongering.'"
Even if you don't care about the politics or criminal side of this,
you might still find this article of value for travel planning.
There seems to be a pretty reliable connection between events exposing
wrong doing by the White House and public "terror" warnings.
Just plan your travel for the White House "Positive Spin" days
and avoid the escalated security hassles.
NOTE: The video associated with this article has been
blocked in previous posts by YouTube.
Direct link to most recent YouTube location
- Frank
Even if you don't care about the politics or criminal side of this,
you might still find this article of value for travel planning.
There seems to be a pretty reliable connection between events exposing
wrong doing by the White House and public "terror" warnings.
Just plan your travel for the White House "Positive Spin" days
and avoid the escalated security hassles.
NOTE: The video associated with this article has been
blocked in previous posts by YouTube.
Direct link to most recent YouTube location
- Frank
Treadmill Bike
Uh-h-h? No comment! :-)
- Frank
Uh-h-h? No comment! :-)
- Frank
Tuesday, August 15, 2006
USATODAY.com - 'Eve of Destruction' poised to explode again
"Forty-one years ago this month, Eve of Destruction, as sung by Barry McGuire, entered the Billboard charts and rose to No. 1.
If its description of a planet on the brink seems timely, so might the renaissance of politically charged rock as exemplified by Neil Young's Bush-bashing Living with War and Bruce Springsteen's We Shall Overcome: The Seeger Sessions."
If its description of a planet on the brink seems timely, so might the renaissance of politically charged rock as exemplified by Neil Young's Bush-bashing Living with War and Bruce Springsteen's We Shall Overcome: The Seeger Sessions."
Nuclear war starting in 10 days? - Pravda.Ru
"Our world is on the brink of another world war. It will originate August 22nd in the Middle East. The prediction was presented not by Vagna or Nostradamus but by an American political scientist Bernard Lewis in the acclaimed publication of Wall Street Journal. He is a man with close ties to the Bush administration as well as to the non-conservatives pushing for the radical solution of the “Iranian Threat.”"
Monday, August 14, 2006
Domestic Detainee From 9/11 Released
"The Algerian air force lieutenant spent more than 58 months behind bars even though the FBI formally concluded in November 2001 that he had no connection to terrorism."
US involved in planning Israel's operations in Lebanon - Yahoo! News
"Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Seymour Hersh writes in The New Yorker magazine that President George W. Bush and Vice President Dick Cheney were convinced that a successful Israeli bombing campaign against Hezbollah could ease Israel's security concerns and also serve as a prototype for a potential US preemptive attack to destroy Iran's nuclear installations."
White House guidance - does much to explain the abysmal results of Israel's campaign.
- Frank
White House guidance - does much to explain the abysmal results of Israel's campaign.
- Frank
Sunday, August 13, 2006
Too Much of a Good Thing? / Controversy rages over the world's most regaled legume
"It's soy, and it's now in almost every single processed food we buy at supermarkets and health food stores. As America's favorite 'health food,' it promises to make us skinny and lower our cholesterol, prevent cancer and reduce menopausal symptoms, put us in a better mood, give us energy. It's the cheap and guilt-free source of protein for millions of vegetarians, the 'heart smart' option for carnivores, the infant formula du jour for eco-minded moms. Soy has become one of the America's biggest industries.
And it may be making us sicker than we've ever been. "
Depressing, yet just as we probably all expected.
- Frank
And it may be making us sicker than we've ever been. "
Depressing, yet just as we probably all expected.
- Frank
first try
A "must see" for the computerphobes in your life.
- Frank
A "must see" for the computerphobes in your life.
- Frank
Increasingly, Bush Escapes the Media Pack
"...increasingly in recent months, Bush has left town without a chartered press plane, often to receptions where he talks to donors chipping in hundreds of thousands of dollars with no cameras or tapes to record his words for the public. Barred from such events, most news organizations will not pay to travel with him. And so a White House policy inclined to secrecy has combined with escalating costs for the strapped news media to let Bush fly under the radar in a way his predecessors could not."
Northwest Florida Daily News: With the latest pricey care, can you afford to die?
"More patients are confronting this wrenching decision, as the latest generation of pricier cancer drugs and heart implants stretches out the final months of advanced disease. Is the chance for several more months of life, maybe a year or more with luck, precious enough to spend a small fortune? This dilemma is also challenging governments, employers and insurers, who all help finance America's longer life spans and innovative technologies."
Wired News: U.S. Soldiers Are Sick of It
"There is something massively wrong with Herbert Reed, though no one is sure what it is. He believes he knows the cause, but he cannot convince anyone caring for him that the military's new favorite weapon has made him terrifyingly sick."
Weapons of Mass Destruction??
Once again, we may have been our own worst enemy.
- Frank
Weapons of Mass Destruction??
Once again, we may have been our own worst enemy.
- Frank
Saturday, August 12, 2006
the adventures of a boy and his computer - Tackiest thing I've ever seen... today
"You, yes you, can own this... thing, whatever it is, a coin or whatever, that is made of metal and clad with 24kt gold and .999 pure silver, recovered from Ground Zero!"
This is really terrible!
- Frank
This is really terrible!
- Frank
Friday, August 11, 2006
Home-grown cell implicated in plot
"Many of the early details of the alleged terror plot that unraveled in London Thursday echoed warnings that terrorism experts have repeated for five years: Al Qaeda and like-minded groups remain dangerous, are determined to exceed the devastation wrought in the Sept. 11 attacks and retain a near-obsession on using airplanes, one way or another, as weapons.
All of those predictions appeared to have been borne out by Thursday's events, with one significant exception: The fact that such a massive, seemingly sophisticated terror scheme was apparently laid by a homegrown group of British citizens traveling on legal passports rather than by hard-core foreign jihadists infiltrating Western countries."
All of those predictions appeared to have been borne out by Thursday's events, with one significant exception: The fact that such a massive, seemingly sophisticated terror scheme was apparently laid by a homegrown group of British citizens traveling on legal passports rather than by hard-core foreign jihadists infiltrating Western countries."
Thursday, August 10, 2006
N.J. Has Highest Property Taxes in U.S.
"The average property owner in the Garden State pays about $6,000 a year in property taxes, twice the national average."
Wednesday, August 09, 2006
Google says it won't pull an AOL | CNET News.com
"Google has a 'master plan' to solve people's online problems, Schmidt said. 'The test we apply is not whether we think the product is great or whether we love it or use it, but does it fundamentally impact the way people use the Internet?'
Schmidt said he does a Web search anywhere from 15 to 100 times a day. 'It's a different way of living your life because if you always have Google around you can always ask questions,' he said."
Schmidt said he does a Web search anywhere from 15 to 100 times a day. 'It's a different way of living your life because if you always have Google around you can always ask questions,' he said."
I’m Mel Gibson and I don’t hate Jews. I actually said "I Hate Juice"
Thanks for clarifying this, Mel!
- Frank
- Frank
Homeland Security: Fix your Windows | CNET News.com
"In a rare alert, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security has urged Windows users to plug a potential worm hole in the Microsoft operating system.
'Users are encouraged to avoid delay in applying this security patch,' the Department of Homeland Security said in the statement. The patch fixes a serious flaw that, if exploited, could enable an attacker to remotely take complete control of an affected system, the agency said."
'Users are encouraged to avoid delay in applying this security patch,' the Department of Homeland Security said in the statement. The patch fixes a serious flaw that, if exploited, could enable an attacker to remotely take complete control of an affected system, the agency said."
Leno Grills Landis on Flunked Drug Test
"Leno didn't go easy on Landis, who canceled what was supposed to be a triumphant post-Tour de France appearance late last month because he was still in Europe following the news that he had tested positive for a high testosterone ratio during the race."
Researchers take the blur out of shaky photos | CNET News.com
"Researchers have unveiled an image-processing technique that shows promise for fixing images spoiled by camera shake.
The technique is based on an algorithm that deduces the path that a wobbling camera took when a photo was shot, then uses that path to reverse much of the resultant blurring. The method isn't a miracle cure, but researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and the University of Toronto have used it to significantly help a wide variety of sample images."
The technique is based on an algorithm that deduces the path that a wobbling camera took when a photo was shot, then uses that path to reverse much of the resultant blurring. The method isn't a miracle cure, but researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and the University of Toronto have used it to significantly help a wide variety of sample images."
Tuesday, August 08, 2006
A sports car with no gas tank / Bay Area firm says its electric roadster does 0-60 in 4 seconds -- but it's not cheap
"The Tesla people say it will do zero to 60 mph in four seconds and will top out at 130 mph. And if its creators have their way, it will be a permanent niche in the eclectic and rarely successful field of electric-powered cars."
Why secret salaries are a baaaaaad idea
"Making salaries open inside a company instead seems like a wild idea sure, but it makes a lot of sense and brings advantages for both the workplace and for its people. Read on to see why."
Dennis Miller to join Fox News this fall
"Dennis Miller is hardly shy about expressing his conservative political views. The 52-year-old comedian, who has voiced his support for President Bush and the U.S. invasion of Iraq, will talk politics as a contributor on Fox News' 'Hannity & Colmes,' network spokeswoman Dana Klinghoffer told The Associated Press on Tuesday."
Huh? I thought he always did work for Fox News.
- Frank
Huh? I thought he always did work for Fox News.
- Frank
COAST STARLIGHT LOSING ITS LUSTER/ 'The train that once had one of the best on-time records in the country now has one of the worst'
"Once one of the most popular train lines in the world, the Coast Starlight is in jeopardy because it consistently runs five to 15 hours late due to neglect by Amtrak and the Union Pacific Railroad, said Gerald Cauthen, president of the Train Riders Association of California."
Monday, August 07, 2006
USATODAY.com - Ultrasound scans can affect brain development
"Exposure to ultrasound can affect fetal brain development, a new study suggests. But researchers say the findings, in mice, should not discourage pregnant women from having ultrasound scans for medical reasons."
USATODAY.com - 'Don't let the bedbugs bite' heard around the nation as infestations on the rise
"Absent from the United States for so long that some thought they were a myth, bedbugs are back. Entomologists and pest control professionals are reporting a dramatic increase in infestations throughout the country, and no one knows exactly why."
Sunday, August 06, 2006
Half of U.S. Still Believes Iraq Had WMD
"The reality in this case is that after a 16-month, $900-million-plus investigation, the U.S. weapons hunters known as the Iraq Survey Group declared that Iraq had dismantled its chemical, biological and nuclear arms programs in 1991 under U.N. oversight. That finding in 2004 reaffirmed the work of U.N. inspectors who in 2002-03 found no trace of banned arsenals in Iraq."
Beware the "Bump" Key - Lockpicks See Security Flaw in Most Locks - Newsweek Technology
"As lockpicking gains traction as a hobby, a surprisingly easy new technique has been circulating online and among hackers."
Ugh! Really depressing!
Also see this video clip on YouTube
- Frank
Ugh! Really depressing!
Also see this video clip on YouTube
- Frank
OK Go - Here It Goes Again
Amazing Choreography!
- Frank
Amazing Choreography!
- Frank
Saturday, August 05, 2006
Wired News: Apple Options Probe Widens
"The notice of further evidence of 'irregularities' comes as Apple has been riding its wildly popular iPod digital music player to the most profitable period in its 30-year history. Fueled largely by steadily rising iPod sales, Apple has reported $3.1 billion in profit during the past four years."
Apple, the next Enron??
- Frank
Apple, the next Enron??
- Frank
Middle East policy | To Israel with love | Economist.com
"Why is America so much more pro-Israeli than Europe? The most obvious answer lies in the power of two very visible political forces: the Israeli lobby (AIPAC) and the religious right. AIPAC, which has an annual budget of almost $50m, a staff of 200, 100,000 grassroots members and a decades-long history of wielding influence, is arguably the most powerful lobby in Washington, mightier even than the National Rifle Association."
Friday, August 04, 2006
9-11 "conspiracy theorists" vindicated:
"9-11 'conspiracy theorists' vindicated: Pentagon deliberately misled public opinion; military officials made false statements to Congress and to the 9-11 Commission"
Book: Sept. 11 Panel Doubted Officials
"The book, a behind-the-scenes look at the investigation, recounts obstacles the authors say were thrown up by the Bush administration, internal disputes over President Bush's use of the attacks as a reason for invading Iraq, and the way the final report avoided questioning whether U.S. policy in the Middle East may have contributed to the attacks."
eastbayexpress.com | The Quick and the Dead
"Bay Area racing accidents killed at least eleven people last year and injured many more. One of those accidents happened right in front of me."
By Stephen Buel
Article Published Jul 26, 2006
By Stephen Buel
Article Published Jul 26, 2006
Valley Boys - Digg.com
"Digg.com's Kevin Rose leads a new brat pack of young entrepreneurs...
...At 29, Rose was on his way either to a cool $60 million or to total failure."
...At 29, Rose was on his way either to a cool $60 million or to total failure."
ABC News: Al Gore YouTube Spoof Not So Amateurish
"The film actually came from a slick Republican public relations firm called DCI, which just happens to have oil giant Exxon as a client.
Exxon denies knowing anything about the film, and DCI says, 'We do not disclose the names of our clients, nor do we discuss the work we do on behalf of our clients.'"
Exxon denies knowing anything about the film, and DCI says, 'We do not disclose the names of our clients, nor do we discuss the work we do on behalf of our clients.'"
USATODAY.com - Small Indiana town singing tune of racial, ethnic harmony
"That's why Bluffton was among the first to join the National League of Cities' Partnership for Working Toward Inclusive Communities. The initiative encourages cities to start a dialogue about diversity and acceptance and to put up signs promoting their efforts: 'Welcome. We are building an inclusive community.'"
Thursday, August 03, 2006
Think Progress - Rumsfeld: ‘I Have Never Painted A Rosy Picture’ About Iraq
"Testifying before the Senate today, Donald Rumsfeld told Sen. Hillary Clinton (D-NY) that he has “never painted a rosy picture” about Iraq. Rumsfeld insisted that he has been “very measured” and told Clinton “you would have a dickens of a time trying to find instances where I have been overly optimistic.” "
In fairness to Rumsfeld, it is probably difficult to remember all the "facts" he has made up throughout his career.
- Frank
In fairness to Rumsfeld, it is probably difficult to remember all the "facts" he has made up throughout his career.
- Frank
Bill Moyers on Faith & Reason . Portraits. Bill Moyers on Faith & Reason | PBS
"Yes, it's an ancient conflict, a long-running argument, but with all the fear, violence, and intolerance that grip our times, we have to come to terms with the fact that it must be reason and faith, not reason versus faith. Otherwise, we would tear our society apart as Europe so often did — and may do yet again."
Wednesday, August 02, 2006
Apple fixes 26 Mac OS flaws | CNET News.com
"The vulnerabilities could enable a variety of attacks, security company Symantec said in an advisory sent out to customers of its DeepSight intelligence service. 'Remote attackers can execute arbitrary code, trigger denial-of-service conditions, elevate privileges, and disclose potentially sensitive information,' Symantec said."
Once again, it's penance time
"[Mel] Gibson's Malibu meltdown is a fully formed set piece of its time, an almost weirdly exact alignment of appearance and reality. Here, in sickening clarity, is a simulacrum of the categorical hatreds and religious rancor that's become the defining danger of the new millennium. What we see is what it is, a man of self-proclaiming faith exposed as a disciple of hate."
USATODAY.com - Got a search engine question? Ask Mr. Sullivan
"His readers would naturally assume that Sullivan, the self-described 'world-renowned search authority,' is the ultimate Silicon Valley insider. He is. But he does it all some 4,000 miles away — near here, in the remote little village of Chitterne, about four hours southwest of London."
The Open Voting Foundation - WORST EVER SECURITY FLAW FOUND IN DIEBOLD TS VOTING MACHINE
"“Diebold has made the testing and certification process practically irrelevant,” according to Dechert. “If you have access to these machines and you want to rig an election, anything is possible with the Diebold TS -- and it could be done without leaving a trace. All you need is a screwdriver.” This model does not produce a voter verified paper trail so there is no way to check if the voter’s choices are accurately reflected in the tabulation."
