Friday, September 29, 2006
War Crimes Immunity: "What Are We Becoming?"
Cafferty struck a somber tone tonight after the House passed legislation that includes a war crimes immunity clause.
So Bush and cronies have effectively pardoned themselves in advance for their war crimes, their involvement in 09/11 attacks, and other treasonous acts against America.
Contact your Congressperson
Contact your Senator
Thursday, September 28, 2006
USATODAY.com - Fla. priests accused of stealing millions from parish
"Two Roman Catholic priests stole millions in offerings and gifts made to their parish as far back as 40 years ago, prosecutors said Thursday."
BBC NEWS | Magazine | All you need is ubuntu
"But what is it? Left-leaning sudoku? U2's latest album? Fish-friendly sushi?
No, it's a word describing an African worldview, which translates as 'I am because you are,' and which means that individuals need other people to be fulfilled."
Coincidentally, Ubuntu is the name of a popular version of the Linux operating system.
- Frank
No, it's a word describing an African worldview, which translates as 'I am because you are,' and which means that individuals need other people to be fulfilled."
Coincidentally, Ubuntu is the name of a popular version of the Linux operating system.
- Frank
All The President's Lies
Impeachment and indictment of this entire group of White House sleazebags would be a good start.
Those having lost family members on 09/11 should probably start their Civil suits against the administration murderers who allowed or caused this event to happen.
- Frank
Wednesday, September 27, 2006
Is Bush Really The Devil? - Satan has better taste in shoes. Is far sexier. Can actually spell 'Venezuela.' I mean, come *on*
"Sorry Mr. Chávez, but Bush is no Devil: He is not nearly capable enough, sexy enough, charming enough, debauched or gloriously ruined enough. Bush cannot possibly fill the Devil's gorgeous, tragic Prada shoes. He's far more akin to something to be scraped from the bottom of them."
Bravo, Mr. Morford!
This is the first legitimate defense of George W. Bush that I've ever come across.
- Frank
Bravo, Mr. Morford!
This is the first legitimate defense of George W. Bush that I've ever come across.
- Frank
The crucial health stat you've never heard of. By Darshak Sanghavi - Slate Magazine
"If anything is supposed to be certain in medicine, it's that people with high cholesterol levels should be treated. But should they? Sifting through the underlying science reveals that the way in which scientists and drug companies describe the benefits of many medications—by framing the question in terms of 'relative risks'—systematically inflates their value. The result is that patients frequently buy and consume medicines that do very little good. An alternative way of describing the benefits of medical therapy could help change that—if doctors and nurses would start using it."
It has become quite difficult to trust anyone. Or at least a full-time job trying to protect yourself.
- Frank
It has become quite difficult to trust anyone. Or at least a full-time job trying to protect yourself.
- Frank
USATODAY - French doctors say pioneering zero-gravity surgery was a success
"A team of French doctors said they successfully operated on a man in near zero-gravity conditions Wednesday on a flight looping in the air like a roller coaster to mimic weightlessness."
Imagine your medical insurance company seeing the bill for this flight tacked on to the regular medical expenses.
- Frank
Imagine your medical insurance company seeing the bill for this flight tacked on to the regular medical expenses.
- Frank
Tuesday, September 26, 2006
Pakistan Prez Appears on 'Daily Show'
"Musharraf's appearance on 'The Daily Show,' which was taped late Tuesday and was to air Tuesday evening, was the first time a sitting head of state appeared on the program, a show spokesman said. The comedy show, though, has frequently drawn major political figures, including former President Clinton last week."
Excellent! I hope tomorrow's meeting with Hamid Karzai and President Bush goes as well.
- Frank
Excellent! I hope tomorrow's meeting with Hamid Karzai and President Bush goes as well.
- Frank
White House Said to Bar Hurricane Report - Forbes.com
"The Bush administration has blocked release of a report that suggests global warming is contributing to the frequency and strength of hurricanes, the journal Nature reported Tuesday. "
Clinton vs Fox News: Olbermann slams Bush
Inman Real Estate News - Stewart Title accused of engaging in captive reinsurance scheme
"California Insurance Commissioner John Garamendi on Monday accused Stewart Title of channeling illegal kickbacks to shell companies created by home builders and lenders in exchange for business.
Garamendi alleges the shell companies had no offices or employees and were created with the sole purpose of receiving kickbacks related to unnecessary 'reinsurance' agreements."
Garamendi alleges the shell companies had no offices or employees and were created with the sole purpose of receiving kickbacks related to unnecessary 'reinsurance' agreements."
Monday, September 25, 2006
USATODAY.com - Americans look for political manipulation as gasoline prices plunge
"Almost half of Americans believe the plunge at the pump has more to do with politics and the November elections, than economics."
Only half? Who could possibly lack trust in the Bush Administration?
- Frank
Only half? Who could possibly lack trust in the Bush Administration?
- Frank
United Press International - Security & Terrorism - Retired generals criticize White House
"Twenty-seven retired U.S. military leaders are pressing the Senate to reject the White House's attempt to relax interrogation standards for the CIA."
Who would know better, a group of retired military leaders or a few active-duty dodging politicians?
- Frank
Who would know better, a group of retired military leaders or a few active-duty dodging politicians?
- Frank
Sunday, September 24, 2006
Magical underground world - Just-discovered cave in Sequoia National Park said to house astounding rock formations, clues to region's geologic history
"Four amateur cave explorers in Sequoia National Park have discovered a vast cave formed 1 million years ago, a labyrinth that stretches more than 1,000 feet into a mountain and features some of the most beautiful rock formations ever seen."
Be sure to check out the photos incuded with this article.
- Frank
Be sure to check out the photos incuded with this article.
- Frank
Saturday, September 23, 2006
Northwest Florida Daily News: Audit: Bush reading program beset by favoritism, mismanagement
"The government audit is unsparing in its review of how Reading First, a billion-dollar program each year, that it says has been beset by conflicts of interest and willful mismanagement. It suggests the department broke the law by trying to dictate which curriculum schools must use."
Sigh!
- Frank
Sigh!
- Frank
Gawker: New York City Subway Smell Map
"Created from reports sent in by Gawker readers, the map displays particular smells -- horrific and sublime -- encountered throughout New York's subway stations. Mouse over any station to see the station name, subway lines, and types of smells to be found there. Click on any station for a popup with actual reader smell reports."
A handy guide for tourists and natives. :-)
- Frank
A handy guide for tourists and natives. :-)
- Frank
USATODAY - French officials want probe of unverified bin Laden death report leak
"The French defense ministry on Saturday called for an internal investigation of the leak of an intelligence document that raises the possibility that Osama bin Laden may have died of typhoid in Pakistan a month ago but said the report of the death remained unverified."
Well, you can tell we are getting close to Election Day!
Any guesses as to when gas prices will start moving up again?
- Frank
Well, you can tell we are getting close to Election Day!
Any guesses as to when gas prices will start moving up again?
- Frank
Friday, September 22, 2006
USATODAY - War price on U.S. lives equal to 9/11
"The latest milestone for a country at war came Friday without commemoration. It came without the precision of knowing who was the 2,973rd man or woman of arms to die in conflict in Iraq and Afghanistan."
What an utter waste of Life!
- Frank
What an utter waste of Life!
- Frank
Thursday, September 21, 2006
E-cards used in data-thieving scam | CNET News.com
"The attacks involve e-mail messages that at first glance appear to be greeting cards from services like Yahoo or Blue Mountain, Thompson said. Clicking on the link to view the card, however, first sends the target to a malicious Web site that tries to silently install software that logs the user's keystrokes, he said. After that the card is displayed."
Protect your computers by keeping software updates current and paying attention to sources of email messages.
- Frank
Protect your computers by keeping software updates current and paying attention to sources of email messages.
- Frank
CIA officers refused to work at secret prisons: report - Yahoo! News
"CIA officers were concerned they could be prosecuted for using illegal interrogation techniques and refused to continue their work until their legal situation could be clarified, the newspaper said in an article quoting unnamed former spy agency officials."
Nice to see that at least some CIA officers recognized and stood up for U.S. Law.
- Frank
Nice to see that at least some CIA officers recognized and stood up for U.S. Law.
- Frank
USATODAY - Branson commits $3B to fight global warming
"He made the announcement in Manhattan on the second day of the Clinton Global Initiative, an annual conference of business, political and non-profit leaders hosted by former President Clinton."
So nice to see some positive steps for a change. Hopefully, the private sector and former President Clinton can offset the damage done by the Bush administration.
- Frank
So nice to see some positive steps for a change. Hopefully, the private sector and former President Clinton can offset the damage done by the Bush administration.
- Frank
Wednesday, September 20, 2006
Honda
I've just got to hone my special effects voice!! :-)
- Frank
I've just got to hone my special effects voice!! :-)
- Frank
AT&T to ignore sanctions
"Five years ago, AT&T was fined millions of dollars and was required to adopt strict disclosure requirements after state regulators determined that the company had engaged in misleading marketing practices."
A reminder that there are sleazebags everywhere, not just in the White House.
- Frank
A reminder that there are sleazebags everywhere, not just in the White House.
- Frank
GIVE US OUR BALLOTS BACK
Just the ugly tip of a large iceberg!
- Frank
Saturday, September 16, 2006
Bloggers help Obama pass Senate ANTI-pork bill
Barack Obama and Republican Tom Coburn have succeeded in getting a bill passed to create a searchable database of all government contracts. This is the bill that opposed by once "Secret Senators" Ted "Tubes" Stevens and Robert Byrd.
Cool! Nice work, guys!
- Frank
digg story
Cool! Nice work, guys!
- Frank
digg story
USATODAY - Dutch reach new heights
"With their protein-rich diet and a national health service that pampers infants, the Dutch are standing taller than ever. The average Dutchman stands just over 6 feet, while women average nearly 5-foot-7."
This sounds much healthier than in America...
...where the average citizen seems to be reaching new widths. :-)
- Frank
This sounds much healthier than in America...
...where the average citizen seems to be reaching new widths. :-)
- Frank
Delays in Wi-Fi talks for S.F. frustrate Google executive
"In an interview with The Chronicle, Chris Sacca, who leads Google's special projects, voiced frustration with what he called the city's slow negotiating style. Sacca said that talks to come up with a final contract have advanced little since they started and that officials have made unreasonable demands, including a request for free computers and a share in revenues."
Too bad! This started out sounding so positive and seems to have bogged down as greed rears its head.
- Frank
Too bad! This started out sounding so positive and seems to have bogged down as greed rears its head.
- Frank
Friday, September 15, 2006
California company recalling tainted spinach as outbreak spreads
"A California natural foods company was linked Friday to a nationwide E. coli outbreak that has killed one person and sickened nearly 100 others. Supermarkets across the country pulled spinach from shelves, and consumers tossed out the leafy green."
Widow Rented Rotary Phone for 42 Years
"Strogen says she's not a big fan of her new push-button phone.
'I'd like to have my rotary back,' she said. 'I like that better.'"
Some cautionary info for those habitually paying the old phone bill.
- Frank
'I'd like to have my rotary back,' she said. 'I like that better.'"
Some cautionary info for those habitually paying the old phone bill.
- Frank
Sen. Ted Kennedy supports Net Neutrality
Contact your government representatives and ask for their support and action.
- Frank
Click here to Contact U. S. Elected Officials
Contact your government representatives and ask for their support and action.
- Frank
Click here to Contact U. S. Elected Officials
USATODAY.com - Rep. Ney agrees to guilty plea in corruption probe
"Rep. Bob Ney agreed Friday to plead guilty to federal criminal charges he made false statements and conspired to commit fraud and violate federal lobbying laws in the congressional corruption probe spawned by disgraced lobbyist Jack Abramoff."
Another one down.
Hopefully Bush, Cheney, and Rumsfeld will soon follow.
- Frank
Another one down.
Hopefully Bush, Cheney, and Rumsfeld will soon follow.
- Frank
Thursday, September 14, 2006
Colin Powell blasts Bush's plan for interrogations
"The world is beginning to doubt the moral basis of our fight against terrorism, said Powell, who served under Bush and is a former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. To redefine Common Article 3 would add to those doubts. Furthermore, it would put our own troops at risk."
Nice to see some intelligent input regarding this terribly unethical plan.
- Frank
digg story
Nice to see some intelligent input regarding this terribly unethical plan.
- Frank
digg story
SmugMug and Adobe Team to Provide Photo Sharing Via Adobe Photoshop Elements 5.0: Yahoo! Finance
"The new Photoshop Elements 5.0 software offers new and more flexible ways for consumers to organize files, edit images with ease and share photos in engaging and innovative ways. Within Photoshop Elements 5.0 software consumers have the option to send photos directly to SmugMug, which offers stunning online albums. The only requirement is an Internet connection and a SmugMug account -- which is simple to open."
Check out SmugMug for sharing, printing, and storing of all your digital photos:
SmugMug Info and $5.00 Discount
Check out SmugMug for sharing, printing, and storing of all your digital photos:
SmugMug Info and $5.00 Discount
E. Coli Cases Traced to Bagged Spinach
"An outbreak of E. coli in eight states has left at least one person dead and 50 others sick, federal health officials said Thursday in warning consumers not to eat bagged fresh spinach."
Dances with Excavators
Oh-h-h! So sad, but romantic!
- Frank
Oh-h-h! So sad, but romantic!
- Frank
Wednesday, September 13, 2006
Princeton Prof Hacks E-Vote Machine
"A Princeton University computer science professor added new fuel Wednesday to claims that electronic voting machines used across much of the country are vulnerable to hacking that could alter vote totals or disable machines."
I wonder who will actually get your vote if you use electronic voting machines. ??
- Frank
I wonder who will actually get your vote if you use electronic voting machines. ??
- Frank
the adventures of a boy and his computer - Remembering September 11th
"September 11th, while tragic, has turned Americans into grief fetishists. It's turned our political discourse into a game where our leaders compete to see who can exploit September 11th most effectively to pander to -- and terrorize -- their harrowed constituents."
Very well said, Ryland!
Thank You so much for your perspective and one of the few intelligent views on this terrible situation.
- Frank
Link to Ryland Sanders Blog
Very well said, Ryland!
Thank You so much for your perspective and one of the few intelligent views on this terrible situation.
- Frank
Link to Ryland Sanders Blog
Why aren't the freedom towers built yet?
R-rated Language - Showtime - Bullshit! with Penn and Teller
An Excellent editorial on the ongoing issues concerning Ground Zero!
Includes the first really good suggestion for what should be done
(or should have been done) at the Ground Zero site.
NEVER FORGET!
Despite 9/11 and our current political condition, this is still America!
- Frank
Blind man sentenced for dangerous driving - Yahoo! News UK
"LONDON (Reuters) - A blind man who was convicted of dangerous driving after he admitted being behind the wheel of a car that touched 35 mph was given a three-month suspended sentence on Monday."
Yikes!
- Frank
Yikes!
- Frank
Apple patches QuickTime for Macs, Windows | CNET News.com
GEEK NOTE
"Apple Computer on Tuesday released an update to its QuickTime media player software that fixes seven security flaws, all of them serious."
"Apple Computer on Tuesday released an update to its QuickTime media player software that fixes seven security flaws, all of them serious."
Tuesday, September 12, 2006
USATODAY.com - Soldier describes anguish in revealing murder allegations
"By coming forward, Watt became — in the eyes of his father and one Army officer — a different kind of war hero, one whose valor wasn't immediately commended and who now lives with the fear of payback from other soldiers. A U.S. senator has told the Army that Watt has 'received threats,' and the Army says it is investigating whether Watt is in danger."
Thank God there are people like Justin Watt!
The fear and stress must be incredible, but hopefully his actions will prevent these terrorists from casually returning to life in the U.S.
- Frank
Thank God there are people like Justin Watt!
The fear and stress must be incredible, but hopefully his actions will prevent these terrorists from casually returning to life in the U.S.
- Frank
Apple forges path to digital living room | CNET News.com
"Apple Computer overhauled its digital music and video offerings on Tuesday, introducing new iPods in three categories and announcing plans to make movies available for purchase through the iTunes store."
Hopefully this service will not be as bad as Amazon's recent Unbox offering.
So far NetFlix and Pay-per-view services have nothing to worry about.
- Frank
Hopefully this service will not be as bad as Amazon's recent Unbox offering.
So far NetFlix and Pay-per-view services have nothing to worry about.
- Frank
Farm subsidies | Uncle Sam's teat | Economist.com
"Just over four years ago, in May 2002, Congress passed the farm bill, a gargantuan, five-year giveaway to America's farmers. And in one of the more spineless moments of his presidency George Bush, a self-professed free-trader, signed it. Over the next year, Congress will produce a new farm bill."
What a mess!
- Frank
What a mess!
- Frank
Best Portable Computer EVAR!
The REALLY complete mobile office! :-)
- Frank
The REALLY complete mobile office! :-)
- Frank
Guardian Unlimited | Comment is free | The weekend's 9/11 horror-fest will do Osama bin Laden's work for him
"This repetitious publicity glorifies terrorism as a weapon of war, scaring us far more than the original explosions did"
This seems to be the intent of the Bush Administration as they continue the rape and plunder of the U.S. and its constitution.
- Frank
This seems to be the intent of the Bush Administration as they continue the rape and plunder of the U.S. and its constitution.
- Frank
Monday, September 11, 2006
US Military had plans to attack US Cities
The military had a plan approved by the Joint Chiefs of Staff to attack US cities and make it look like the Cubans did it.
Sounds conceptually the same as the plans for 9/11/2001, which over 36% of the U.S. population now suspects was implemented by "official" government actions.
- Frank
digg story
Sounds conceptually the same as the plans for 9/11/2001, which over 36% of the U.S. population now suspects was implemented by "official" government actions.
- Frank
digg story
The hard drive at 50 | CNET News.com
"Crown Zellerbach, at one time a major paper producer in San Francisco, was the first company to install a RAMAC (Random Access Method of Accounting and Control) machine, the first IBM computer with a then-newfangled piece of storage technology called a hard drive, according to Jim Porter, president of analysis firm Disk/Trend. The RAMAC--officially announced on Sept. 13, 1956--weighed 1 ton and stored 5MB of data on 50 spinning platters, 24 inches in diameter."
An amazing 50 years of technology. Also check out the photo and video links in the above article.
- Frank
An amazing 50 years of technology. Also check out the photo and video links in the above article.
- Frank
Sunday, September 10, 2006
Torturing The Truth, CBS' Meyer: President Bush Has Lied And Continues To Do So
"The president's statement here is beyond doublespeak and above spin. It's untrue, it's egregious. The Pentagon's backhanded, long-delayed and uncourageous acknowledgment that torture was used also repudiated what the president has been telling citizens for years. We've been lied to and we are still being lied to. By the president. "
The bigger problem is, with so many corrupt people in this administration, who will replace the president once he is impeached and indicted?
- Frank
The bigger problem is, with so many corrupt people in this administration, who will replace the president once he is impeached and indicted?
- Frank
Saturday, September 09, 2006
Blaine WA Real Estate Listings - One of a kind house for sale
"Beautiful 2-story split level house with a 4 story below ground 'subterranean fortress!' The Fortress goes a total of 45 feet under the house! That is below sea level! The fortress has over 1600 sq. ft. of living area, plus hundreds of more square feet of passages and secrets rooms. It was all hand dug over a 20 year period, and all the walls were constructed with a small electric hand cement mixer. There are 3 ft concrete walls, using 5-bag cement (20% denser than regular cement). Not only are the walls thick and dense, but the finishing work is amazing quality. These walls keep it a constant 60F degrees year round."
One of the most interesting real estate deals in the United States.
- Frank
One of the most interesting real estate deals in the United States.
- Frank
Friday, September 08, 2006
New poll says most Canadians blame U.S. for 9/11 attacks - Yahoo! Canada News
"A majority of Canadians believe U.S. foreign policy was one of the root causes that led to the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks, and Quebecers are quicker to criticize the U.S. administration for its international actions than other Canadians, a recent poll suggests."
So Canada joins a growing number of Americans in this thinking.
- Frank
So Canada joins a growing number of Americans in this thinking.
- Frank
RC Car Jumps House
Ha-ha! An Amazing and Amusing clip.
- Frank
Ha-ha! An Amazing and Amusing clip.
- Frank
Crazy kitchen gadget concept
"The Taste DJ is a crazy kitchen concept from designer Fei Zhu. It's a counter-top with two cook-tops, a sink, and a built-in multimedia computer setup. You can spin rings on the outside of the burners that allow you to select ingredients to spray into whatever you're cooking. The built-in computer is for music, surfing the web, etc. Cool photo."
Another good reason to stay in the kitchen. :-)
- Frank
digg story
Another good reason to stay in the kitchen. :-)
- Frank
digg story
Post-9/11 privacy and secrecy: A report card | CNET News.com
"'Such unchecked secrecy threatens accountability in governments and promotes conflicts of interest by allowing those with an interest in disclosure or concealment to decide between openness or secrecy,' a recent report by OpenTheGovernment.org states."
We have met the ENEMY and he is us.
We must remember this on election day and start cleaning up our government!
- Frank
We have met the ENEMY and he is us.
We must remember this on election day and start cleaning up our government!
- Frank
USATODAY.com - A flight that goes all the way
"Georgia corporate pilot Bob Smith has a soaring sideline: helping couples join the infamous 'mile-high club.' For $299, he'll take a frisky twosome past 5,280 feet in a Piper Cherokee 6 fitted with a mattress. "
Just no end to creative business ideas.
- Frank
Just no end to creative business ideas.
- Frank
Thursday, September 07, 2006
USATODAY - Federal report on mercury fillings rejected
"Government health advisers rejected a federal report that concluded the mercury-laden amalgam that dentists use to fill cavities was safe, saying further study was needed."
Yes, please do "further study" before giving any okay on this.
- Frank
Yes, please do "further study" before giving any okay on this.
- Frank
JON CARROLL
"With his lunatic utterances, Rumsfeld is leading the media hounds away from the Republicans standing for elective office. The candidates can distance themselves from him, and yet the red meat crowd will know that the neocon fundamentalists are still in charge of the only branch of government that matters anymore. And it's worked: Keith Olbermann and Frank Rich and Paul Krugman have all risen to the bait, attacking Rumsfeld in their most lethal and effective prose. Follow the bouncing Rummy; pay no attention to the man behind the desk in the Oval Office."
Jon's third theory (excerpted above) seems like a good one to me. Very perceptive!
This would also satisfy the current administration's seeming preference for sleazy and unethical approaches to all issues.
- Frank
Jon's third theory (excerpted above) seems like a good one to me. Very perceptive!
This would also satisfy the current administration's seeming preference for sleazy and unethical approaches to all issues.
- Frank
LinuxPlanet - Search the Web, vi Style - In the Beginning...
GEEK NOTE
"Lunch started out innocently enough for Snap.com colleagues Brad Haugaard, Joe Chen, Ken Yeh. While discussing Snap's very visually oriented search engine, they collectively wondered, 'What about people who don't really care about pictures?'
Somebody said, 'How about 'visearch'? We could combine a vi editor with a search engine.'"
No comment! :-)
- Frank
"Lunch started out innocently enough for Snap.com colleagues Brad Haugaard, Joe Chen, Ken Yeh. While discussing Snap's very visually oriented search engine, they collectively wondered, 'What about people who don't really care about pictures?'
Somebody said, 'How about 'visearch'? We could combine a vi editor with a search engine.'"
No comment! :-)
- Frank
Wednesday, September 06, 2006
Use Gmail Generate Unlimited E-mail Addresses - Modern Day Alchemist
GEEK NOTE
"Gmail has an interesting quirk where you can add a plus sign (+) after your Gmail address, and it'll still get to your inbox. It's called plus-addressing, and it essentially gives you an unlimited number of e-mail addresses to play with. "
A handy feature that has long been available on paid Yahoo Mail accounts as well.
- Frank
"Gmail has an interesting quirk where you can add a plus sign (+) after your Gmail address, and it'll still get to your inbox. It's called plus-addressing, and it essentially gives you an unlimited number of e-mail addresses to play with. "
A handy feature that has long been available on paid Yahoo Mail accounts as well.
- Frank
Bush Finally Admits existence of Secret CIA Prisons, outlines Gitmo trial plan, transfer of CIA-held terror suspects
"'Today the administration finally recognized that the protections of the Geneva Convention should be applied to prisoners in order to restore our moral authority and best protect American troops,' said Kerry, the 2004 Democratic presidential nominee and a possible candidate again in 2008. 'Today's shift in policy follows the sad legacy of five years during which this administration abused our Constitution, violated our laws and most importantly failed to make America safe.'"
One by one, each Bush lie has been acknowledged.
Shame on us for ever believing a word he said.
- Frank
One by one, each Bush lie has been acknowledged.
Shame on us for ever believing a word he said.
- Frank
Inman Real Estate News - Home sales in drug raid linked to one real estate agent
"An up-and-coming California real estate agent reportedly acted as a buyer's agent for 16 Sacramento-area homes that were allegedly converted into indoor marijuana-growing operations."
One recent Real Estate bubble "pops." :-)
- Frank
One recent Real Estate bubble "pops." :-)
- Frank
Silicon Valley to get public Wi-Fi network / Ambitious project by Metro Connect will cover 38 cities
"Looping together cities stretching from Daly City to Santa Cruz, Silicon Valley is on the verge of creating the country's largest public wireless Internet network that will serve as many as 2.4 million people in 38 cities in four counties and cover nearly 1,500 square miles."
An impressive plan. Should be interesting to see how current providers try to block/compete/disrupt.
- Frank
An impressive plan. Should be interesting to see how current providers try to block/compete/disrupt.
- Frank
Tuesday, September 05, 2006
USATODAY.com - Kevin Maney: Archives
"This just in: Corbis, the photo rights company founded by Bill Gates, becomes the first 'visual solutions provider' allowed to license archival Playboy images. Or, as the press release headline says, 'Corbis Becomes Playboy's Newest Playmate.'"
Surely, they must mean the "articles" and not the images from Playboy. :-)
- Frank
Surely, they must mean the "articles" and not the images from Playboy. :-)
- Frank
Speeding Saves Lives
Ha-ha! Scientific Proof!
-Frank
Ha-ha! Scientific Proof!
-Frank
USATODAY - Struggling to make ends meet
"Since September 1997, the purchasing power of the minimum wage has deteriorated by 20%. After adjusting for inflation, the value of the minimum wage is at its lowest since 1955, according to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, a policy organization focused on low- and moderate-income families and individuals."
Sheesh! This is really terrible.
- Frank
Sheesh! This is really terrible.
- Frank
Petition attempting to remove bible from Wal-Mart
"An on line petition claiming the bible is a very obscene and repulsive book, also with the use of Wal-Mart's own policy against selling repulsive materials has written a petition that is already getting quite the scene. I advise everyone to sign this petition after reading it, I don't think that Wal-Mart should sell something encouraging murder,rap(e)"
This is the best argument AGAINST censorship that I've seen in a long time.
- Frank
read more | digg story
This is the best argument AGAINST censorship that I've seen in a long time.
- Frank
read more | digg story
How much less are you making?
"Here's a handy map showing how far median incomes have dropped over the past six years. And it's good news for most of you: Compared to Michigan and North Carolina you're not doing so badly after all."
Not sure why Wyoming is up so much!
- Frank
read more | digg story
Not sure why Wyoming is up so much!
- Frank
read more | digg story
Monday, September 04, 2006
How To: 53 Professional Photography Techniques
"In the spirit of the Internet, I want to share my experience as a photographer so every month I post a collection of my most interesting images shot in the previous 28 days as well as a detailed description of how some of the images were shot. Some great photography tips and techniques here, apparently from portrait photographer Neil Turner."
A nicely done collection of photography tips.
- Frank
read more | digg story
A nicely done collection of photography tips.
- Frank
read more | digg story
New rock stars use Web videos to win fans | CNET News.com
"Chicago alternative rock band OK Go has become more popular on the video-sharing Web site YouTube than it ever was on MTV. The band's treadmill video has been viewed millions of times on the Internet and featured on news programs around the world."
Definitely some big changes in the music/entertainment market place.
- Frank
OK Go - Here It Goes Again (the treadmill video) video
OK Go - Wikipedia Page
Definitely some big changes in the music/entertainment market place.
- Frank
OK Go - Here It Goes Again (the treadmill video) video
OK Go - Wikipedia Page
Chip material shortage spooks Silicon Valley - Rare substance vital to 2 booming sectors, making prices rise
"...demand for solar cells has soared thanks in part to government stimuli such as California's 'million solar roofs' initiative and the new greenhouse gas bill. Solar's growing appetite for polysilicon has pushed up prices and constricted supplies of a substance that can only be made in complex and costly plants."
Sunday, September 03, 2006
USATODAY.com - Reports: Australia's 'Crocodile Hunter' Steve Irwin killed
"Steve Irwin, the hugely popular Australian television personality and environmentalist known as the 'Crocodile Hunter,' was killed Monday by a stingray during a diving expedition, Australian media said. He was 44."
Oh, Sorry! We'll miss you Steve.
- Frank
Oh, Sorry! We'll miss you Steve.
- Frank
USATODAY.com - Afghanistan opium cultivation skyrockets
"With the economy struggling, there are not enough jobs and many Afghans say they have to grow opium poppies to feed their families. The trade already accounts for at least 35% of Afghanistan's economy, financing warlords and insurgents."
A sad situation - Very much worse than it was in 2001.
- Frank
A sad situation - Very much worse than it was in 2001.
- Frank
Saturday, September 02, 2006
The Border Patrol Inquisition
"BE A BORDER Patrol agent: Do your job, go to prison. That's how the job must look to agents Ignacio Ramos and Jose Alonso Compean.
In February 2005, the agents tried to stop a van driven by drug smuggler Osvaldo Aldrete-Davila near the Mexico border. After a scuffle with Compean, Aldrete-Davila fled on foot. Ramos says he saw a gun -- which the smuggler denies. Both agents fired at Aldrete-Davila, who fell, but continued his escape across the border. After he got away, Ramos and Compean filed a report on the 743 pounds of marijuana they found in the van, but not on the gunfire. As it turns out, Ramos had shot Aldrete-Davila in the butt. A Homeland Security agent heard about the episode, went to Mexico and offered Aldrete-Davila immunity, if he testified against Ramos and Compean.
U.S. Attorney Johnny Sutton, a Bush appointee, prosecuted the agents. In March, a jury found them guilty of assault with a dangerous weapon, discharge of a firearm during a violent crime, obstructing justice, lying about the incident and willfully violating Aldrete-Davila's Fourth Amendment right to be free from illegal seizure. Because there was gunfire, the mandatory-minimum prison sentence the agents will serve is 10 years. The U.S. Probation Office in El Paso, Texas, has recommended 20 years -- 20 years away from their wives and children, and among the type of people they've put behind bars.
As for Aldrete-Davila, he faces no charges for the 743 pounds of pot. That leaves him free to carry out his plan to sue the Border Patrol -- that is, U.S. taxpayers -- for $5 million because his civil rights were violated. What a country."
Does it seem that there are just too many negative Bush administration incidents? Maybe an impeachment and many, many indictments would reduce the number. I don't understand yet, why this sleazebag administation has been allowed to continue.
- Frank
In February 2005, the agents tried to stop a van driven by drug smuggler Osvaldo Aldrete-Davila near the Mexico border. After a scuffle with Compean, Aldrete-Davila fled on foot. Ramos says he saw a gun -- which the smuggler denies. Both agents fired at Aldrete-Davila, who fell, but continued his escape across the border. After he got away, Ramos and Compean filed a report on the 743 pounds of marijuana they found in the van, but not on the gunfire. As it turns out, Ramos had shot Aldrete-Davila in the butt. A Homeland Security agent heard about the episode, went to Mexico and offered Aldrete-Davila immunity, if he testified against Ramos and Compean.
U.S. Attorney Johnny Sutton, a Bush appointee, prosecuted the agents. In March, a jury found them guilty of assault with a dangerous weapon, discharge of a firearm during a violent crime, obstructing justice, lying about the incident and willfully violating Aldrete-Davila's Fourth Amendment right to be free from illegal seizure. Because there was gunfire, the mandatory-minimum prison sentence the agents will serve is 10 years. The U.S. Probation Office in El Paso, Texas, has recommended 20 years -- 20 years away from their wives and children, and among the type of people they've put behind bars.
As for Aldrete-Davila, he faces no charges for the 743 pounds of pot. That leaves him free to carry out his plan to sue the Border Patrol -- that is, U.S. taxpayers -- for $5 million because his civil rights were violated. What a country."
Does it seem that there are just too many negative Bush administration incidents? Maybe an impeachment and many, many indictments would reduce the number. I don't understand yet, why this sleazebag administation has been allowed to continue.
- Frank
Friday, September 01, 2006
Office Depot to offer $99 PC with $99 shipping | CNET News.com
"Office Depot will sell a Hewlett-Packard desktop PC complete with a CRT monitor and printer for $99. The bundle, which typically sells for $429, involves a $100 in-store instant rebate and four mail-in coupons.
The offer is good from Sept. 3 through 9."
Interesting deal, but I HATE those mail-in coupons.
- Frank
The offer is good from Sept. 3 through 9."
Interesting deal, but I HATE those mail-in coupons.
- Frank
Wired News: Giant Robot Imprisons Parked Cars
"The robot that parks cars at the Garden Street Garage in Hoboken, New Jersey, trapped hundreds of its wards last week for several days. But it wasn't the technology car owners had to curse, it was the terms of a software license."
Aren't we all just Victims of Technology?
- Frank
Aren't we all just Victims of Technology?
- Frank
OpenID has a potential cure for Website password overload | News.blog | CNET News.com
GEEK NOTE
"OpenID is not yet in wide distribution among consumer sites, neither is it yet simple enough for most consumers to use. But it's a very big step towards solving the problem of Web password overload, and I hope it evolves quickly into a consumer-friendly identify management platform."
Nice idea - hope this catches on and made easier to use.
- Frank
"OpenID is not yet in wide distribution among consumer sites, neither is it yet simple enough for most consumers to use. But it's a very big step towards solving the problem of Web password overload, and I hope it evolves quickly into a consumer-friendly identify management platform."
Nice idea - hope this catches on and made easier to use.
- Frank
Seed: The Social Life - What humans can learn from social insects.
"Humans have spent millennia suspecting there is something to be learned from the social insects. Everyone from Aristotle to the indigenous Kayapo of Brazil has held them up as positive role models. Even the Bible exhorts readers to 'Go to the ant, thou sluggard.'"
Oh, no! Insects may be just as bad as humans.
- Frank
Oh, no! Insects may be just as bad as humans.
- Frank
The Bush Diaries: Liberty & Security in the Post-9/11 World
"Worst of all, in my book, Bush, you keep trying to tell the American people that they are more secure as a result of your war in Iraq. You keep saying that we're fighting them over there so we don't have to fight them here at home. Does anyone seriously believe this dishonest piece of rhetoric, Bush?"
The above is a rather arbitrary excerpt from an excellent article (and blog).
A refreshingly thoughtful discussion about the current source of the world's worst problems.
Also see "Part II" and/or this link to purchase the book:
"The Real Bush Diaries" by Peter Clothier (the author/blogger).
- Frank
The above is a rather arbitrary excerpt from an excellent article (and blog).
A refreshingly thoughtful discussion about the current source of the world's worst problems.
Also see "Part II" and/or this link to purchase the book:
"The Real Bush Diaries" by Peter Clothier (the author/blogger).
- Frank
