A representative from the Guacamole Party asked recently about the lack of comment from CIT regarding the immigration imbroglio currently causing more missed school than a bad mono breakout.
The Guacs are right, man. It's been nothing but sheer intellectual laziness that has prevented me from weighing in on this controversial subject. No more. Let's get to it. And fair warning - I'm a Republican, but I reserve the right to disagree.
So, as I understand it, the brouhaha was sparked by legislation currently doing it's rendition of "Today I Am Still Just A Bill" in DC. This legislation (the House version of it, anyway) labels illegal immigrants as felons, and criminalizes any activity that aids or abets illegal immigrants. The Senate is debating a somewhat less harsh version, which calls for a "guest worker" status. The Pres has called for this sort of approach.
So, first a few comments on the tenor of the protests:
1. If you're hollering "We're Americans too", why are you waving Mexican flags? Over the American flag? Which you have upside down? Folks, this is called "burying the lead".
2. Time for a quick civics lesson to the well-intentioned folks who state words to the effect of, "Illegal immigrants are not criminals." Um, sorry. They kind of totally are. Here's the big tipoff: "ILLEGAL immigrants". Get it?
3. My favorite pointy-headed liberal quoted in the news: Camella Pinkney-Price of the Hispanic Evangelical Churches. I'm sorry to typecast, by hyphen last names are like a red cape to a bull. Anyway, Camella is quoted as saying, "We want to say that we deserve to be legal. Why are people called illegal immigrants when they have shed blood, sweat and tears to work in this country?" Camella, babe, please see #2 above.
It's like shooting fish in a barrel, isn't it?
However, even with all this making sport, I still haven't got to my opinion.
On one hand, of course, is it's absolutely silly to think that our borders should be wide open, and those who are protesting right now are incredibly naive if they think that's in the cards. In the post-Sept 11 world, we really do have to do a better job of figuring out who's coming into our country.
On the same hand, enormous waves of immigration, especially undocumented and/or illegal immigration, puts a great deal of strain on the social services network of our fair burg. Education, welfare, and other public services are stretched. I think the biggest negative impact of the current flow of immigration (legal and illegal) is the colossal, near-fatal strain being put on the healthcare system. My wife works in healthcare, and my son's condition ensures that we see a great deal from the patient's perspective, so I think I'm qualified to comment. It's a mess. It's worse than you can imagine. It's a wonder the system hasn't imploded yet. That the implosion is coming is, to me, a foregone conclusion. I literally lose sleep over this.
On the other hand, a few points:
- I love the big, comfy, brand new house I live in, esp at the price I paid.
- The woman who cleans our house and the gentleman who does our yard work (husband and wife, btw) are the most dependable, conscientious workers you could ask for.
- The Dallas North Tollway, which will make my life MUCH easier once complete, is being built at a pace that frankly amazes me. Something MAJOR gets done every week on that stretch of road.
- I love that the North Texas service economy is absolutely booming. As a consumer, I am the one who reaps most of the benefits.
I have no idea how many illegal immigrants are involved in the bullet points above. Maybe none. Maybe lots.
What I do know is immigrants are fueling the astounding economic activity you'll find throughout Texas, Florida, Arizona, California, and lots of other places. Turning off the tap of immigration, or even slowing it significantly, will have some impact on this economic growth. Maybe a big impact. Maybe a REALLY big impact. So be careful.
There you go. I think a lot of what's going on right now is pretty darn entertaining. But, at the heart of it, I think I'm on the side of the entertainers.
UPDATE: A few things occurred to me as I reread this (What's the point of having a blog if you don't revel in your own wisdom? At least, that's what Narcissus would say.) and I want to add a bit of color (ha!).
First, we (the right) are always hollering about "Family Values" and "Traditional Families". I don't go all the way with my conservative bretheren on this one - I think same-sex parents are swell, as long as they provide a stable and loving environment, and I'm pretty sure I don't want my or my kids' reading and TV list approved by the Baptist Church - but it's difficult to argue with the basic logic.
Ever been around a Hispanic family? I'm not going to tell you that I've spent loads of time around them myself, but I have spent some, plus I read a bit, and I think it's safe to say Hispanics are, by and large, as family-oriented as anyone. There is a tradtion of staying together as an extended family, taking care of elders, sharing domestic responsiblities, working hard to support dependants, and raising children that will rival anything you'll see in the Jewish, Asian, or any other community. And when you compare it to the average American "family", well, there's not much of a comparison.
Don't we want more of this in America? I think we do. I know I do.
Next, and unrelated, and on the other side of the coin completely: I happened to catch a bit of the new HBO drama "Walkout" last night. I didn't see enough to give a thorough review, but it appeared to be about Hispanic students protesting for something they felt strongly about by walking out of class. Sound familiar? I'm not going to throw too many stones here, because my generation copied much more inane crap from movies (I can't tell you how many pizzas were delivered to class, Spicoli-style, in my high school), but it just makes you wonder what would have happened if HBO had done a special on the Whiskey Rebellion this month instead.
They taught us in 10th-grade English to summarize, so: Something does need to change w/ regard to immigration. We have to do a better job of monitoring who's coming in. Social services, and esp healthcare, cannot, in their current forms, continue to support the growing demand. But, let's not get nuts about this. Immigration brings a lot of really valueable things to this country, including strong values, a source of inexpensive labor that fuels our economy, and people who are willing to work hard to provide a better life for following generations. That's pretty compelling to me.
Sunday, April 02, 2006
France on self-destruct again, and I still don't get it
France is on the verge of implosion, again (or still, I can't tell) and I, for one, am ready to see that collection of arrogant twits beat each other senseless.
The latest upheaval has to do with legislation, which has been approved by the parliament, that would make it easier to hire and fire young workers. Trade unions and students are all a-twitter because workers in their early 20s will now have to (gasp) work to keep their jobs.
The French (and other Euros, the Froggies are only the most annoying example) are used to "employment for life" and other forms of socialized hand-holding. The result of this heart-in-the-right-place-but-brain-stuck-in-the-jacket-pocket sort of societal engineering is a youth unemployment rate of over 20%, a rate that doubles when you look at inner-city youth (yep, the same folks who did their best to burn down metropolitan France about six months ago).
Capitalism sure ain't perfect. Unfettered by oversight, it is as destructive as any other "-ism" out there. However, with good intentions, good oversight, and accountability, it's the best thing going.
Folks from Howard Dean and on over, please take note of what's happening in the land of wine, cheese, and a military tradition second only to Chad and Burkina Faso. Is this REALLY what you want to do to us?
UPDATE: The protests continue, although there are some signs that at least someone (Interior Minister Sarkozy and some of the more moderate unions) is willing to talk.
What am I missing here? Are the students and unions REALLY protesting because they think a status quo where 75% of young Frenchmen and -women have near-guaranteed jobs while 25% (50% of the inner-city and minority population) go without any job at all is better than this law which would mean a FAR higher percentage are employed at jobs they need to perform to keep?
How does this make ANY sense at all?
The latest upheaval has to do with legislation, which has been approved by the parliament, that would make it easier to hire and fire young workers. Trade unions and students are all a-twitter because workers in their early 20s will now have to (gasp) work to keep their jobs.
The French (and other Euros, the Froggies are only the most annoying example) are used to "employment for life" and other forms of socialized hand-holding. The result of this heart-in-the-right-place-but-brain-stuck-in-the-jacket-pocket sort of societal engineering is a youth unemployment rate of over 20%, a rate that doubles when you look at inner-city youth (yep, the same folks who did their best to burn down metropolitan France about six months ago).
Capitalism sure ain't perfect. Unfettered by oversight, it is as destructive as any other "-ism" out there. However, with good intentions, good oversight, and accountability, it's the best thing going.
Folks from Howard Dean and on over, please take note of what's happening in the land of wine, cheese, and a military tradition second only to Chad and Burkina Faso. Is this REALLY what you want to do to us?
UPDATE: The protests continue, although there are some signs that at least someone (Interior Minister Sarkozy and some of the more moderate unions) is willing to talk.
What am I missing here? Are the students and unions REALLY protesting because they think a status quo where 75% of young Frenchmen and -women have near-guaranteed jobs while 25% (50% of the inner-city and minority population) go without any job at all is better than this law which would mean a FAR higher percentage are employed at jobs they need to perform to keep?
How does this make ANY sense at all?
Hamas to Palestinians: Come on , you guys - it's us asking for calm!
Hamas says it wants to enlist clan elders, mosques, and local media to help calm tensions and enhance security in the Palestinian territories.
Good luck with all that.
You reap what you sow, boys. You were the guys who refused to listen to Fatah when they called for calm. Good luck getting anyone to listen to you, now that you have the responsibility for quieting things down.
The sooner the fence is built, the better.
Good luck with all that.
You reap what you sow, boys. You were the guys who refused to listen to Fatah when they called for calm. Good luck getting anyone to listen to you, now that you have the responsibility for quieting things down.
The sooner the fence is built, the better.
Thursday, March 30, 2006
There's bad, then there's "Basic Instinct 2"
I suspect many of you have, as I have, gone back and forth on the subject of Basic Instinct 2. When I heard that it was going to be made, my initial reaction was, "Why bother?" I had no interest in the subject at the time and thought it was just a desperate attempt by Sharon Stone to resurrect a career that never should have existed in the first place.
Then the "trailer" hit the Web. Say what you want, but you can't deny that it has some pretty hot stuff in it. And, after seeing it, my thinking changed to, "Maybe this is going to be so bad that it's good, sort of like the first one." The original Basic Instinct was an over-the-top train wreck in many ways, but it was a guilty pleasure. This is clearly demonstrated to be true by the aforementioned Sharon-Stone-career-that-never-should-have-been. Like it (or her) or not, the movie made her a star.
Now comes Ain't It Cool's review of BI2 (catchy), and it looks like the original thought was spot on. According to Massawyrm, it's worse than you can imagine. God knows where the trailer came from, 'cause it sounds like none of it is even in the completed film. What we're left with is bad dialogue, bad acting, bad storytelling, and perhaps the most Razzie-worthy movie ever made.
The review is worth reading, however.
Then the "trailer" hit the Web. Say what you want, but you can't deny that it has some pretty hot stuff in it. And, after seeing it, my thinking changed to, "Maybe this is going to be so bad that it's good, sort of like the first one." The original Basic Instinct was an over-the-top train wreck in many ways, but it was a guilty pleasure. This is clearly demonstrated to be true by the aforementioned Sharon-Stone-career-that-never-should-have-been. Like it (or her) or not, the movie made her a star.
Now comes Ain't It Cool's review of BI2 (catchy), and it looks like the original thought was spot on. According to Massawyrm, it's worse than you can imagine. God knows where the trailer came from, 'cause it sounds like none of it is even in the completed film. What we're left with is bad dialogue, bad acting, bad storytelling, and perhaps the most Razzie-worthy movie ever made.
The review is worth reading, however.
Oh, crap - injury bug hits Ranger pitching
Rangers' #2 Adam Eaton is the first casualty - a tendon on his pitching hand let go yesterday. The scary part of this is he suffered pretty much all last year from the same injury. He thinks he's going on the DL, which is never good news.
The Rangers had JUST named RA Dickey as starter #5. Other options for Eaton's replacement are Edinson Volquez, Juan Dominguez, and apparently, John Danks or Thomas Diamond, neither of whom have made it past AA yet.
It's way too early for this sort of nonsense, but it gives you an idea of how thin the Rangers' pitching is, improved or not.
The Rangers had JUST named RA Dickey as starter #5. Other options for Eaton's replacement are Edinson Volquez, Juan Dominguez, and apparently, John Danks or Thomas Diamond, neither of whom have made it past AA yet.
It's way too early for this sort of nonsense, but it gives you an idea of how thin the Rangers' pitching is, improved or not.
World talks tough to Iran; Iranians have nation-wide giggle fit
The US, China, Russian, UK, France, and Germany have told Iran to stop their nuclear program or face "isolation", whatever that means.
The Russians have gone out of their way to clarify "isolation" as NOT including sanctions. So, I guess the rest of the world will talk to each other at cocktail parties while pointedly ignoring Iran like an ex-girlfriend. Oooo, harsh.
The Iranians are laughing their asses off as the world fumbles for a way to deal with their nuclear program. Iran's barmy Pres, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, has proven time and again that he can say anything that pops into his breezy brain with no significant consequences. Now the whole country is learning to thumb their noses at the rest of humanity while they do whatever they damn well please.
I hate to say it, but I don't really think I'm going too far out on a limb when I predict that AQ or one of their correspondent groups will set off a dirty bomb or the real, fissiony deal in a major Western city in the not-too-distant future. Stamped on the bomb case will be the words "Made in Iran" and a big, smilely mullah. And we'll all wish we had shown some spine back in 2006, when it would have made some difference.
The Russians have gone out of their way to clarify "isolation" as NOT including sanctions. So, I guess the rest of the world will talk to each other at cocktail parties while pointedly ignoring Iran like an ex-girlfriend. Oooo, harsh.
The Iranians are laughing their asses off as the world fumbles for a way to deal with their nuclear program. Iran's barmy Pres, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, has proven time and again that he can say anything that pops into his breezy brain with no significant consequences. Now the whole country is learning to thumb their noses at the rest of humanity while they do whatever they damn well please.
I hate to say it, but I don't really think I'm going too far out on a limb when I predict that AQ or one of their correspondent groups will set off a dirty bomb or the real, fissiony deal in a major Western city in the not-too-distant future. Stamped on the bomb case will be the words "Made in Iran" and a big, smilely mullah. And we'll all wish we had shown some spine back in 2006, when it would have made some difference.
Wednesday, March 29, 2006
Hun Sen blows a gasket
Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen launched a verbal broadside of monumental proportions against UN human rights envoy Yash Ghai on Tuesday.
Mr. Ghai, in Cambodia on a 10-day fact finding trip, apparently had the gall to criticize Cambodia's commitment to human rights. He went on to state the obvious by saying too much power has been centralized around one person (that would be Hun Sen, for those of you following along at home).
Hun Sen took the paranoid-former-Khmer-Rouge-pretending-to-be-reformed track in responding, calling Mr. Ghai "deranged", insisting Kofi Annan sack him, and pointing out that Kenya (Ghai's home country) has a poverty problem too.
Hun Sen, in power in Cambodia since the Vietnamese installed him in 1979, has never been one to play by the rules. He's bullied his way into government when he didn't receive the votes to be involved, his Cambodian Peoples' Party has often been accused of strong-arm tactics, and he's done everything he can do to stall the trials of former Khmer Rouge leaders to prevent unsavory details about his own past from coming to light. Even by his standards, though, Hun Sen has been acting increasingly paranoid and insecure lately, charging multiple opposition figures with criminal defamation, only to drop the charges after the headlines subside.
Cambodia continues to be one of the poorest countries on earth, seemingly unable to recover from its decent into hell under the Khmer Rouge 30 years ago. It seems clear Cambodia will not make any significant progress while Hun Sen keeps his hands firmly on the reins.
Mr. Ghai, in Cambodia on a 10-day fact finding trip, apparently had the gall to criticize Cambodia's commitment to human rights. He went on to state the obvious by saying too much power has been centralized around one person (that would be Hun Sen, for those of you following along at home).
Hun Sen took the paranoid-former-Khmer-Rouge-pretending-to-be-reformed track in responding, calling Mr. Ghai "deranged", insisting Kofi Annan sack him, and pointing out that Kenya (Ghai's home country) has a poverty problem too.
Hun Sen, in power in Cambodia since the Vietnamese installed him in 1979, has never been one to play by the rules. He's bullied his way into government when he didn't receive the votes to be involved, his Cambodian Peoples' Party has often been accused of strong-arm tactics, and he's done everything he can do to stall the trials of former Khmer Rouge leaders to prevent unsavory details about his own past from coming to light. Even by his standards, though, Hun Sen has been acting increasingly paranoid and insecure lately, charging multiple opposition figures with criminal defamation, only to drop the charges after the headlines subside.
Cambodia continues to be one of the poorest countries on earth, seemingly unable to recover from its decent into hell under the Khmer Rouge 30 years ago. It seems clear Cambodia will not make any significant progress while Hun Sen keeps his hands firmly on the reins.
And there goes Amare
Amare Stoudamire's comeback has, after three games, probably ended for the year. He played poorly in a lopsided Suns loss to New Jersey on Monday night, then was held out of another lopsided Suns loss last night in Milwaukee.
Apparently, he's experiencing some stiffness in his surgically repaired left knee, and the Suns, who have huge long-term hopes for Stoudamire, are making a sensible choice by holding him out.
You hate to see really gifted athletes like Stoudamire sidelined with major injuries like this, and one hopes that his career is not diminished or ended by the injury. Stoudamire is the kind of guy who can inherit the mantle from Duncan and Shaq and could dominate the league for the next 10 years. I sincerely hope he comes back next year and regains his former, amazing stature.
Apparently, he's experiencing some stiffness in his surgically repaired left knee, and the Suns, who have huge long-term hopes for Stoudamire, are making a sensible choice by holding him out.
You hate to see really gifted athletes like Stoudamire sidelined with major injuries like this, and one hopes that his career is not diminished or ended by the injury. Stoudamire is the kind of guy who can inherit the mantle from Duncan and Shaq and could dominate the league for the next 10 years. I sincerely hope he comes back next year and regains his former, amazing stature.
Tuesday, March 28, 2006
Big day in Israel
Israelis went to the polls today, apparently in historically low numbers, to elect a new government.
This will be the first election for Ariel Sharon's Kadima Party. Prior to Sharon's debilitating stroke, Kadima was virtually assured of victory, and probably by a large margin. Now that Sharon is out of the picture, replaced by his longtime deputy Ehud Olmert, Kadima will probably still win, but apparently by a smaller margin.
Regardless of who does win, a coalition government is a virtual certainty. Is it a left- or right-leading coalition? We shall see; the left has been in disarray for some time, but Likud (the right) has very little right now. Former PM Benjamin Netanyahu is the leading right wing candidate, and he's seen in Israel as a bit of a snake-oil salesman.
One hopes that however it shakes out, the coalition is secure enough to seek to negotiate with the Palestinians, but strong enough to pursue the unilateral course if no viable partner emerges. The situation in Israel will look very different in five years, and this government will have a lot to say about the shape it takes.
UPDATE: Kadima will win, and it looks like their coalition partners will be from the left. Olmert has some additional legitimacy, he's no dummy, and Sharon trusted him for years, so I'm hopeful. This is a CRITICAL time for Israel, and an opportunity of historic proportions - the world is going to cut Israel some slack in it's dealings with Hamas - but no major screw ups can be afforded.
This will be the first election for Ariel Sharon's Kadima Party. Prior to Sharon's debilitating stroke, Kadima was virtually assured of victory, and probably by a large margin. Now that Sharon is out of the picture, replaced by his longtime deputy Ehud Olmert, Kadima will probably still win, but apparently by a smaller margin.
Regardless of who does win, a coalition government is a virtual certainty. Is it a left- or right-leading coalition? We shall see; the left has been in disarray for some time, but Likud (the right) has very little right now. Former PM Benjamin Netanyahu is the leading right wing candidate, and he's seen in Israel as a bit of a snake-oil salesman.
One hopes that however it shakes out, the coalition is secure enough to seek to negotiate with the Palestinians, but strong enough to pursue the unilateral course if no viable partner emerges. The situation in Israel will look very different in five years, and this government will have a lot to say about the shape it takes.
UPDATE: Kadima will win, and it looks like their coalition partners will be from the left. Olmert has some additional legitimacy, he's no dummy, and Sharon trusted him for years, so I'm hopeful. This is a CRITICAL time for Israel, and an opportunity of historic proportions - the world is going to cut Israel some slack in it's dealings with Hamas - but no major screw ups can be afforded.
Monday, March 27, 2006
Things get weirder in Burma
The Burmese junta staged a huge military parade in the new capital on Monday to commemorate Armed Forces Day. It was the first official event held in newly-named "Naypyidaw" (Seat of Kings), the brand new capital city recently hacked out of the jungle near Pyinmana, 375 miles north of Rangoon.
Than Shwe's speech made no mention of the new capital, and state TV showed pictures only of the troops, not the city. Still under construction? Seems so.
Big Than Shwe, practically staggering under all his gold braid and medals, did the usual, "We're paving the way for disciplined democracy" shtick during his speech. It's a wonder these guys don't burst into laughter as they repeat the same lies for the 10,000th time.
There's still been no explanation for why the junta moved north. However, BBC tells us that they've increased civil servant pay, probably in an effort to get people to leave their lives in Rangoon (no hot spot, for sure, but the closest thing to sophisticated urban living you'll find in Burma) and move into a half-built insta-city in the middle of the jungle.
Ah well, another day, another bizarre tale of oppression from the Golden Land.
Than Shwe's speech made no mention of the new capital, and state TV showed pictures only of the troops, not the city. Still under construction? Seems so.
Big Than Shwe, practically staggering under all his gold braid and medals, did the usual, "We're paving the way for disciplined democracy" shtick during his speech. It's a wonder these guys don't burst into laughter as they repeat the same lies for the 10,000th time.
There's still been no explanation for why the junta moved north. However, BBC tells us that they've increased civil servant pay, probably in an effort to get people to leave their lives in Rangoon (no hot spot, for sure, but the closest thing to sophisticated urban living you'll find in Burma) and move into a half-built insta-city in the middle of the jungle.
Ah well, another day, another bizarre tale of oppression from the Golden Land.
Saturday, March 25, 2006
Buck Owens now playing his red, white, and blue guitar in Heaven
Country star and long-time host of "Hee Haw" Buck Owens died today. He was 76.
I was a huge Hee Haw fan when I was a little kid, and I used to think that Roy Clark and Buck Owens were two of the coolest guys on the planet. Which gives you an indication of Owens' greatness, my level of dorkitude, or both.
Well, thanks for all those years you spent a-pickin', Buck. Or were you a-grinnin'? I can never remember...
I was a huge Hee Haw fan when I was a little kid, and I used to think that Roy Clark and Buck Owens were two of the coolest guys on the planet. Which gives you an indication of Owens' greatness, my level of dorkitude, or both.
Well, thanks for all those years you spent a-pickin', Buck. Or were you a-grinnin'? I can never remember...
Another diplomatic trip to Burma ends badly
Malaysia's Foreign Minister, Syed Hamid Alber, cut short a state visit to Burma this week, heading home a day earlier than planned.
It's speculation, but probably grounded in fact, to assume that he bolted after he learned the junta would not let him see Aung San Suu Kyi or any other members of the NLD, in jail or not.
ASEAN is making noises like they're tiring of Burma's schtick. That would be refreshing, as they've been conducting business as usual w/ the fascist military government in Rangoon for over a decade so far.
It's speculation, but probably grounded in fact, to assume that he bolted after he learned the junta would not let him see Aung San Suu Kyi or any other members of the NLD, in jail or not.
ASEAN is making noises like they're tiring of Burma's schtick. That would be refreshing, as they've been conducting business as usual w/ the fascist military government in Rangoon for over a decade so far.
Thursday, March 23, 2006
Basque terrorists hang it up
In news that we'd like to see a lot more of, Basque seperatist, or terrorist, depending on which side of the dispute you come down, group Eta (which I had always thought was ETA, like an acronym for something in the indecipherable Basque language) has announced a permanent ceasefire in it's campaign to "liberate' the Basque homeland from France and Spain.
Eta has been blowing Spanish and French stuff (and people) up for 40+ years, so this is a MAJOR event. After the boyos from PIRA, the Eta goons have been the most long-lived, prolific, and visible terrorists in Europe. For them to just pack it in like this indicates a significant shift in the culture of international troublemakers.
According to BBC, the long and short of it is AQ have made bombings, long the preferred method of making a point for these types, more unsavory and less effective than ever. Since the Madrid train bombings in early 2004, Spaniards especially have reviled groups who would stoop to such measures. With their tactic-of-choice rendered counter-productive, about all Eta had left in terms of options was to go legit and try to win via elections.
Is this an unintended, positive consequence of the rise of Islamist terrorism? Have the tactics of AQ, JI, Hamas, and the others put a bullet in the viability of terrorist groups of yore like PIRA, Baader-Meinhof, and the Red Brigades? Sure looks that way to me.
UPDATE: In the US, it is "ETA", not "Eta". I thought so. Silly Brits.
Eta has been blowing Spanish and French stuff (and people) up for 40+ years, so this is a MAJOR event. After the boyos from PIRA, the Eta goons have been the most long-lived, prolific, and visible terrorists in Europe. For them to just pack it in like this indicates a significant shift in the culture of international troublemakers.
According to BBC, the long and short of it is AQ have made bombings, long the preferred method of making a point for these types, more unsavory and less effective than ever. Since the Madrid train bombings in early 2004, Spaniards especially have reviled groups who would stoop to such measures. With their tactic-of-choice rendered counter-productive, about all Eta had left in terms of options was to go legit and try to win via elections.
Is this an unintended, positive consequence of the rise of Islamist terrorism? Have the tactics of AQ, JI, Hamas, and the others put a bullet in the viability of terrorist groups of yore like PIRA, Baader-Meinhof, and the Red Brigades? Sure looks that way to me.
UPDATE: In the US, it is "ETA", not "Eta". I thought so. Silly Brits.
Wednesday, March 22, 2006
The last picture he ever took
Today's giggle from ezprezzo.com: The last picture each of these photographers took (or not - Photoshop is a wonderful thing).
Uh-oh - here comes Amare
Amare Stoudamire is talking about taking the floor when the Suns play Portland tomorrow (Thurs) in Phoenix.
This is potentially tremendous news for the Suns, and equally dreadful news for the rest of the league, esp the West.
Stoudamire is a MONSTER. A force in the paint, a guy who can shoot from outside, he's got post moves like Kevin McHale and can handle the ball. When he's on, there's no stopping the guy.
For the Suns, his return in any sort of capacity is fantastic news. Phoenix has rocketed to the top of the Pacific division without Stoudamire, but seems to be slowing a bit as the season winds down. They've fought some injury problems and had to rely on career years from their spares, most notably Shawn Marion and Boris Diaw. Steve Nash especially seems to be wearing out under the strain. Amare strolling out for pre-game warmups could be exactly what this team needs in terms of physical and psychological reinforcement.
As a part time resident of Phoenix at the moment, and a fan of the NBA in general, I hope he does come back and comes back strong. The guy is great fun to watch!
As a related aside, the Western Conference playoffs are starting to look like an absolute war. The Spurs are still (to me) the class of the conference, but they don't seem as bullet-proof as last year. The Mavs are right there. And the Suns, with or without Amare (but a lot more with Amare), are holding up their end of the bargain. We're approaching 15 or so games left for everyone. It's almost time for the fun to start!
This is potentially tremendous news for the Suns, and equally dreadful news for the rest of the league, esp the West.
Stoudamire is a MONSTER. A force in the paint, a guy who can shoot from outside, he's got post moves like Kevin McHale and can handle the ball. When he's on, there's no stopping the guy.
For the Suns, his return in any sort of capacity is fantastic news. Phoenix has rocketed to the top of the Pacific division without Stoudamire, but seems to be slowing a bit as the season winds down. They've fought some injury problems and had to rely on career years from their spares, most notably Shawn Marion and Boris Diaw. Steve Nash especially seems to be wearing out under the strain. Amare strolling out for pre-game warmups could be exactly what this team needs in terms of physical and psychological reinforcement.
As a part time resident of Phoenix at the moment, and a fan of the NBA in general, I hope he does come back and comes back strong. The guy is great fun to watch!
As a related aside, the Western Conference playoffs are starting to look like an absolute war. The Spurs are still (to me) the class of the conference, but they don't seem as bullet-proof as last year. The Mavs are right there. And the Suns, with or without Amare (but a lot more with Amare), are holding up their end of the bargain. We're approaching 15 or so games left for everyone. It's almost time for the fun to start!
Sunday, March 19, 2006
Documentary on the state of the Internet in 1972
Here's a truly fascinating piece of "paleo-nerd memorabilia" from Boing-Boing. It is a documentary, circa 1972, called "Computer Networks: The Heralds of Resource Sharing".
It features interviews with visionary geeks from MIT, DARPA, BBN, and elsewhere and provides some background on the creation of a little thing called the ARPA-net.
You know the ARPA-net as today's Internet.
It's 30 minutes of grainy footage of proto-geeks talking about things we now take for granted. However, try to remember (if you can) how you paid your bills and got your driving directions in 1972, then check it out.
These guys were geniuses in every sense of the word.
It features interviews with visionary geeks from MIT, DARPA, BBN, and elsewhere and provides some background on the creation of a little thing called the ARPA-net.
You know the ARPA-net as today's Internet.
It's 30 minutes of grainy footage of proto-geeks talking about things we now take for granted. However, try to remember (if you can) how you paid your bills and got your driving directions in 1972, then check it out.
These guys were geniuses in every sense of the word.
Saturday, March 18, 2006
Gallery of the not safe
From our new friends at ezprezzo.com, here's a gallery of what can only be described as people doing really, really stupid shit.
'Boys are going to sign TO, and I am back on the Dark Side
According to the DMN, Sturm, Gramps, ESPN, and God-knows-who-else, it's all but done: Terrell Owens is going to be a Cowboy.
For a brief moment there, I was a Cowboys' fan again. It was a tough year to be a fan, but I hung in there with them, cheered the success, and contemplated suicide when they failed, just like I used to.
Well, no more. This move puts a stake in my fandom.
I will freely admit that TO is as talented a receiver as there is in the NFL today, and that he arguably has the skills to put him up there with the tops all-time. He works his ass off, plays through pain, and I'm sure he has other redeeming qualities - hell, maybe he likes dogs.
But none of those redeeming qualities make up for his intense sorriness as a human. He has destroyed the chemistry of two teams in his relatively brief NFL career. San Francisco was on the verge of getting it together when he called Jeff Garcia gay, and Philadelphia had just come off an NFC Championship when he decided it would be a good idea to say, on national TV, the team would be better off with Brett Farve.
I'm sure Jerry thinks TO will behave himself here. And if he doesn't, Parcells can handle him. Maybe so, but do you really think Parcells is going to be around for the duration of TO's 3-year deal?
Well, you reap what you sow, Jerry. This has the potential to destroy Dallas' hopes for the next 10 years. You've lost me, big boy. I'm back on the Dark Side, cheering your failures and wishing more upon you.
I bet I'm not lonely at all over here come about October.
UPDATE: It's done. I'm weeping and rejoicing at the same time. Greg Williams called TO a "human flamethrower", which is the best description I've heard so far.
Oh, ye poor mis-guided Cowboy fans, I despair for you. There is room over here on the Dark Side for all of you.
For a brief moment there, I was a Cowboys' fan again. It was a tough year to be a fan, but I hung in there with them, cheered the success, and contemplated suicide when they failed, just like I used to.
Well, no more. This move puts a stake in my fandom.
I will freely admit that TO is as talented a receiver as there is in the NFL today, and that he arguably has the skills to put him up there with the tops all-time. He works his ass off, plays through pain, and I'm sure he has other redeeming qualities - hell, maybe he likes dogs.
But none of those redeeming qualities make up for his intense sorriness as a human. He has destroyed the chemistry of two teams in his relatively brief NFL career. San Francisco was on the verge of getting it together when he called Jeff Garcia gay, and Philadelphia had just come off an NFC Championship when he decided it would be a good idea to say, on national TV, the team would be better off with Brett Farve.
I'm sure Jerry thinks TO will behave himself here. And if he doesn't, Parcells can handle him. Maybe so, but do you really think Parcells is going to be around for the duration of TO's 3-year deal?
Well, you reap what you sow, Jerry. This has the potential to destroy Dallas' hopes for the next 10 years. You've lost me, big boy. I'm back on the Dark Side, cheering your failures and wishing more upon you.
I bet I'm not lonely at all over here come about October.
UPDATE: It's done. I'm weeping and rejoicing at the same time. Greg Williams called TO a "human flamethrower", which is the best description I've heard so far.
Oh, ye poor mis-guided Cowboy fans, I despair for you. There is room over here on the Dark Side for all of you.
Making money the old-fashioned way: Suing the doers
In news that should come as no surprise, but somehow still does, here's an article from MSNBC detailing the activities of "patent trollers" like Forgent Technologies.
Rather than actually, you know, produce something, these characters file and buy patents on rather mundane things like the JPEG digital picture compression format and wireless email. Then, they turn around and sue the companies who utilize these things to produce valuable goods and services like digital cameras and Blackberries.
While legal in every sense of the word, this kind of activity is, to me, the worst kind of parasitic existence. It's scumbags like Forgent who slow technical advances and make goods and services more expensive than they should be. While there's no real recourse against these bottom-dwellers, all we can do is shine the light on them and, hopefully, make them squirm a bit.
Rather than actually, you know, produce something, these characters file and buy patents on rather mundane things like the JPEG digital picture compression format and wireless email. Then, they turn around and sue the companies who utilize these things to produce valuable goods and services like digital cameras and Blackberries.
While legal in every sense of the word, this kind of activity is, to me, the worst kind of parasitic existence. It's scumbags like Forgent who slow technical advances and make goods and services more expensive than they should be. While there's no real recourse against these bottom-dwellers, all we can do is shine the light on them and, hopefully, make them squirm a bit.
Finally - riots I can understand
There have been huge street riots across Spain recently, with police firing rubber bullets, more than 80 people injured, and more than 50 substantial fires set.
The reason for the confrontations? Did the cops kill an unarmed Muslim youth? Did someone print pictures of the Prophet doing his laundry?
Nope.
Young Spaniards are protesting high bar prices.
It's almost refreshing, isn't it?
The reason for the confrontations? Did the cops kill an unarmed Muslim youth? Did someone print pictures of the Prophet doing his laundry?
Nope.
Young Spaniards are protesting high bar prices.
It's almost refreshing, isn't it?
Those nutty humans
Here's a gallery of unbelievably overloaded vehicles of every description. Most of them can be chalked up to unbridled optimism. You can just hear the conversations in your mind:
"Think it'll ride?"
"Sure. Why wouldn't it?"
"Think it'll ride?"
"Sure. Why wouldn't it?"
Friday, March 17, 2006
Blu-Ray vs HD-DVD: Now you don't have to know who's going to win
With no one ready to call a winner in the Blu-Ray vs. HD-DVD battle royale, LG is covering their bases with a player that will read both formats of next-gen DVDs.
The hope (at least from us here at CIT) is still on Blu-Ray, but HD-DVD is clearly going to hit the market sooner and will be less expensive.
If you're looking to move past the 480i you get from your current DVD player, your best bet is something like the LG product featured in the article linked above. Anyone who says he/she knows which format is going to win is lying to you.
The hope (at least from us here at CIT) is still on Blu-Ray, but HD-DVD is clearly going to hit the market sooner and will be less expensive.
If you're looking to move past the 480i you get from your current DVD player, your best bet is something like the LG product featured in the article linked above. Anyone who says he/she knows which format is going to win is lying to you.
Alabama morons
The three lowlifes who were arrested for torching nine churches across the South have tried to explain their actions as a "joke".
I know some folks from Alabama, and some of the things they find funny are a mystery to me, but not one of them would think a burning church is comedy.
I know some folks from Alabama, and some of the things they find funny are a mystery to me, but not one of them would think a burning church is comedy.
Pennsylvania moron
A drunken Harrisburg PA idiot, during a recent bit of "horseplay" with his new fiance, dangled her off the balcony of their 23rd floor apartment. Unfortunately for both of them, he was too pissed to hold on, and dropped her to her death.
Dude blew a 0.225 BAL several hours after the event. Remember, the legal limit to drive is generally 0.08.
Dude blew a 0.225 BAL several hours after the event. Remember, the legal limit to drive is generally 0.08.
Meet the 7-year old racist poet
From Michelle Malkin (who is normally a bit too shrill for me) the other day:
Remember the furor over those twin girls who are "white nationalist" singers? The reaction from the media when covering these young "ladies" was akin to "look at the poor, misguided teens, turned into something monstrous by those around them."
You know what? I think that's probably the right way to look at them.
However, it's strange to me (and Ms. Malkin) to see how the media is reacting to 7-year old Autum Ashante, described as a "black nationalist poetry prodigy".
An example of her work:
White Nationalism Put U In Bondage
White nationalism is what put you in bondage
Pirate and vampires like Columbus, Morgan, and Darwin
Drank the blood of the sheep, trampled all over them with
Steel, tricks and deceit.
Nothing has changed take a look in our streets
The mis-education of she and Hegro — leaves you on your knee2grow
Black lands taken from your hands, by vampires with no remorse
They took the gold, the wisdom and all of the storytellers
They took the black women, with the black man weak
Made to watch as they changed the paradigm
Of our village
They killed the blind, they killed the lazy, they went
So far as to kill the unborn baby
Yeah White nationalism is what put you in bondage
Pirates and vampires like Columbus, Morgan, and Darwin
They drank the blood of the sheep, trampled all over them with
Steel laden feet, throw in the tricks alcohol and deceit.
Nothing has changed take a look at our streets.
So, help me out here. When white kids do stuff like this, it's bad, but when black kids do stuff like this, we should celebrate it? I don't get it.
Remember the furor over those twin girls who are "white nationalist" singers? The reaction from the media when covering these young "ladies" was akin to "look at the poor, misguided teens, turned into something monstrous by those around them."
You know what? I think that's probably the right way to look at them.
However, it's strange to me (and Ms. Malkin) to see how the media is reacting to 7-year old Autum Ashante, described as a "black nationalist poetry prodigy".
An example of her work:
White Nationalism Put U In Bondage
White nationalism is what put you in bondage
Pirate and vampires like Columbus, Morgan, and Darwin
Drank the blood of the sheep, trampled all over them with
Steel, tricks and deceit.
Nothing has changed take a look in our streets
The mis-education of she and Hegro — leaves you on your knee2grow
Black lands taken from your hands, by vampires with no remorse
They took the gold, the wisdom and all of the storytellers
They took the black women, with the black man weak
Made to watch as they changed the paradigm
Of our village
They killed the blind, they killed the lazy, they went
So far as to kill the unborn baby
Yeah White nationalism is what put you in bondage
Pirates and vampires like Columbus, Morgan, and Darwin
They drank the blood of the sheep, trampled all over them with
Steel laden feet, throw in the tricks alcohol and deceit.
Nothing has changed take a look at our streets.
So, help me out here. When white kids do stuff like this, it's bad, but when black kids do stuff like this, we should celebrate it? I don't get it.
World's greatest pool lounger
One of the best ways to get through a ridiculous Texas summer is to stay in the pool for about three months straight. It's tough to beat floating around on your inflatable pool lounger with a frosty beer or margarita tucked into the cup holder.
About the only thing can go wrong with the above scenario is when your lounger floats out into the sun. Trying to move yourself back into the shade can be tricky. Paddling with your hands without accidentally watering down your 'rita is difficult to do.
Along comes the Excalibur Motorized Pool Lounger, with hand controls that allow you to activate two shrouded propellers to steer you back out of the sun.
Genius! Why didn't someone think of this before?
About the only thing can go wrong with the above scenario is when your lounger floats out into the sun. Trying to move yourself back into the shade can be tricky. Paddling with your hands without accidentally watering down your 'rita is difficult to do.
Along comes the Excalibur Motorized Pool Lounger, with hand controls that allow you to activate two shrouded propellers to steer you back out of the sun.
Genius! Why didn't someone think of this before?
US ports controversy - This isn't racist? Just checking
This goes back quite a ways, but I'm so far behind that I'm just now getting to it.
Remember the brouhaha about the sale of Peninsular and Oriental Steam Navigation Co., the company that currently manages port operations in several major US seaports, including NY, Miami, New Orleans, and Baltimore, to Dubai Ports World, a port management firm owned by the government of United Arab Emirates?
The thinking is (at least as far as I can tell) there will be an increased threat of terrorism at these ports because they are managed by an Arab nation.
This sounds like it might be a bit discriminatory to me. So, I apply my usual test, substitute "Jew" for the nationality/ethnicity/religion/sexual preference in question, and come up with "There will be an increased threat of terrorism at these ports because they are managed by a Jewish company."
Um, wait a second. I want to know a bit more about this.
Are the UAE linked to any known terrorist groups? Not that we know of.
Are their streets full of malcontents burning effigies of Uncle Sam and shouting "Death to America" every Friday afternoon? No.
Have the UAE let us base troops and aircraft on their soil before without raising a ruckus? Yep, since the first Gulf War.
These are obviously very cursory, high-level questions which don't get into the details. However, even if you do get into the details, you find the UAE have been pretty staunch allies for the past 15 years or so. They are shrewd businessmen (which is what Arabs really SHOULD be known for, rather than blowing stuff up)
Bush, whom I must restate I am no fan of lately, is trying to do something positive here. He's trying to engage with a stable Arab government and reward them for being American pals. This seems to me to be a heck of a lot more effective (and cheaper and less controversial) than sending in the Armored Cav.
But that's just me. I could be wrong.
Of course, the upshot of all of this is the transaction has taken place, Dubai Ports has bought P&O Steam Navigation, but Dubai Ports is promising to sell of it's US operations within six months. Who won here?
Remember the brouhaha about the sale of Peninsular and Oriental Steam Navigation Co., the company that currently manages port operations in several major US seaports, including NY, Miami, New Orleans, and Baltimore, to Dubai Ports World, a port management firm owned by the government of United Arab Emirates?
The thinking is (at least as far as I can tell) there will be an increased threat of terrorism at these ports because they are managed by an Arab nation.
This sounds like it might be a bit discriminatory to me. So, I apply my usual test, substitute "Jew" for the nationality/ethnicity/religion/sexual preference in question, and come up with "There will be an increased threat of terrorism at these ports because they are managed by a Jewish company."
Um, wait a second. I want to know a bit more about this.
Are the UAE linked to any known terrorist groups? Not that we know of.
Are their streets full of malcontents burning effigies of Uncle Sam and shouting "Death to America" every Friday afternoon? No.
Have the UAE let us base troops and aircraft on their soil before without raising a ruckus? Yep, since the first Gulf War.
These are obviously very cursory, high-level questions which don't get into the details. However, even if you do get into the details, you find the UAE have been pretty staunch allies for the past 15 years or so. They are shrewd businessmen (which is what Arabs really SHOULD be known for, rather than blowing stuff up)
Bush, whom I must restate I am no fan of lately, is trying to do something positive here. He's trying to engage with a stable Arab government and reward them for being American pals. This seems to me to be a heck of a lot more effective (and cheaper and less controversial) than sending in the Armored Cav.
But that's just me. I could be wrong.
Of course, the upshot of all of this is the transaction has taken place, Dubai Ports has bought P&O Steam Navigation, but Dubai Ports is promising to sell of it's US operations within six months. Who won here?
Wednesday, March 15, 2006
Mavs D completely stuffs Cavs (Yes, you read that right)
The Mavericks rallied from 19 down to beat Cleveland last night. In doing so, they gave up a total of eight points to the Cavs in the third quarter.
Let that sink in for just a moment.
This is the Dallas Mavericks, folks. The team that redefined "Matador" defense (waving the cape and shouting "Ole" as the offensive player blew past them) as recently as last year.
They held LeBron James and the Cavs to eight points in an entire quarter. And it's not like the Cavs were ice cold - they dominated the first half.
The comeback was a masterwork of defense, with everyone getting into the act. Erick Dampier made maybe his best play as a Maverick, cleanly blocking a dunk by Drew Gooden.
In the midst of all this, the man responsible for the Mavs transformation celebrated a milestone of his own. Avery Johnson coached his 82nd regular-season game and has won 66 of them. The previous best for a first full season was Paul Westphal, who won 62 of his first 82.
The Mavs still have to have real success in the playoffs before I'm completely sold - I still have doubts about this team's toughness and killer instinct. But there sure isn't much left for them to prove in the regular season.
Let that sink in for just a moment.
This is the Dallas Mavericks, folks. The team that redefined "Matador" defense (waving the cape and shouting "Ole" as the offensive player blew past them) as recently as last year.
They held LeBron James and the Cavs to eight points in an entire quarter. And it's not like the Cavs were ice cold - they dominated the first half.
The comeback was a masterwork of defense, with everyone getting into the act. Erick Dampier made maybe his best play as a Maverick, cleanly blocking a dunk by Drew Gooden.
In the midst of all this, the man responsible for the Mavs transformation celebrated a milestone of his own. Avery Johnson coached his 82nd regular-season game and has won 66 of them. The previous best for a first full season was Paul Westphal, who won 62 of his first 82.
The Mavs still have to have real success in the playoffs before I'm completely sold - I still have doubts about this team's toughness and killer instinct. But there sure isn't much left for them to prove in the regular season.
Dems can't distance from Feingold fast enough
Dana Milbank's column in today's WaPo tells the story of the Democrats' scramble to get away from Russ Feingold's proposed censure of the President over warrantless wiretapping.
According to Milbank, the only senator to pronounce support for the resolution is Tom Harkin.
I am not a fan of Bush at the moment, and haven't been for some time. I think he's made a lot of mistakes and has squandered the good will of the entire world since Sept 11, 2001. I didn't vote for him in 2004 and probably wouldn't vote for him now.
However, it amazes (and depresses) me to see how little the Democrats have to offer in response. As ridiculous and time-wasting as Feingold's resolution is (and it is the biggest time-waster I've read about in YEARS, going back to at least the Clinton impeachment and maybe even further than that), at least he's doing something.
And maybe that last comment sums up his entire agenda.
According to Milbank, the only senator to pronounce support for the resolution is Tom Harkin.
I am not a fan of Bush at the moment, and haven't been for some time. I think he's made a lot of mistakes and has squandered the good will of the entire world since Sept 11, 2001. I didn't vote for him in 2004 and probably wouldn't vote for him now.
However, it amazes (and depresses) me to see how little the Democrats have to offer in response. As ridiculous and time-wasting as Feingold's resolution is (and it is the biggest time-waster I've read about in YEARS, going back to at least the Clinton impeachment and maybe even further than that), at least he's doing something.
And maybe that last comment sums up his entire agenda.
Another post I'm going to have to answer for
Tara McAvoy, the reigning Miss Deaf Texas, was killed by a train the other day. Witnesses say the train's horn was going nuts right up until the accident.
This is a tragic story in many, many ways, and my sympathy goes out to her family.
But does it make me a miserable human if I get just the slightest giggle out of it?
This is a tragic story in many, many ways, and my sympathy goes out to her family.
But does it make me a miserable human if I get just the slightest giggle out of it?
Cowboys cut Keyshawn . . . for T.O.?
Keyshawn Johnson is an ex-Cowboy.
While this is certainly not a devastating blow, I did come to appreciate Johnson over the past year, and really wanted to see how he might perform in some big games, assuming the Cowboys ever play a big game. I will miss Keyshawn and wish him luck in his next stop.
The interesting part is the speculation that Keyshawn was fired in order to make room for Terrell Owens. I'm a bit torn by this.
The anti-Cowboy fan in me (the dominant part of my football self for the past few years) is sorta rooting for it to happen, because I think it would be great theater. Jones and Parcells vs. TO could be the soap opera of the football year, and there's a good chance it could all go BOOM. It's almost reflex for me to wish failure on Jerry and the Pear-Shaped "Football Genius", and this could be the biggest, messiest failure in Cowboys' history.
The other, more rational side of me remembers that I would like to start involving my kids in Cowboy fandom, and the inclusion of a miserable human like TO would be difficult to explain.
Well, Jones is going to do what he wants, regardless of my opinion. I can't figure out if character still counts w/ Jerry. He was vindicated on the Randy Moss non-draft, and this has been a team largely free of malcontents for the past few years. God knows the Cowboys need a LOT more than a receiver this off season. But, it would be a big splash - the biggest since the Deion signing, and Jerry is drawn to those like a moth to a halogen.
While this is certainly not a devastating blow, I did come to appreciate Johnson over the past year, and really wanted to see how he might perform in some big games, assuming the Cowboys ever play a big game. I will miss Keyshawn and wish him luck in his next stop.
The interesting part is the speculation that Keyshawn was fired in order to make room for Terrell Owens. I'm a bit torn by this.
The anti-Cowboy fan in me (the dominant part of my football self for the past few years) is sorta rooting for it to happen, because I think it would be great theater. Jones and Parcells vs. TO could be the soap opera of the football year, and there's a good chance it could all go BOOM. It's almost reflex for me to wish failure on Jerry and the Pear-Shaped "Football Genius", and this could be the biggest, messiest failure in Cowboys' history.
The other, more rational side of me remembers that I would like to start involving my kids in Cowboy fandom, and the inclusion of a miserable human like TO would be difficult to explain.
Well, Jones is going to do what he wants, regardless of my opinion. I can't figure out if character still counts w/ Jerry. He was vindicated on the Randy Moss non-draft, and this has been a team largely free of malcontents for the past few years. God knows the Cowboys need a LOT more than a receiver this off season. But, it would be a big splash - the biggest since the Deion signing, and Jerry is drawn to those like a moth to a halogen.
Thursday, March 09, 2006
Where do I get one of THESE?
UltraCell is about to start marketing a fuel cell for your laptop that will keep you surfing for up to two days. In addition, you can swap out the fuel cell for a fresh one without turning off the laptop.
There's no info on cost yet, but I am definitely interested!
There's no info on cost yet, but I am definitely interested!
Sneak peek behind the Stars' scene
Our pal Bob, current holder of the title "Luckiest Man on Earth", got invited to sit in the GM's box with Doug Armstrong and Andy Moog to watch Stars-Oilers the other night. As any self-respecting blogger should, Bob immediately fired up the laptop after the game and filed a detailed report on his experience.
I am glad to hear the Stars' "brass" treats an early-March contest in Edmonton as seriously as this.
Read the whole thing - it's fascinating!
I am glad to hear the Stars' "brass" treats an early-March contest in Edmonton as seriously as this.
Read the whole thing - it's fascinating!
Shockingly decent review of "Shaggy Dog"
Once you get past Harry's, um, uncomfortable headline, AICN has a surprisingly positive review of the Tim Allen/Disney remake of The Shaggy Dog.
The reviewer feels pretty strongly that the Disney marketing folks have screwed the pooch (ha!) in their presentation of the film in trailers. They've featured the Tim Allen "Stupid Pet Tricks", which the reviewer thinks are the least effective parts, and missed some of the stronger scenes in the movie.
This one sounds like it's worth a check-out, esp if you're looking to entertain the squids.
The reviewer feels pretty strongly that the Disney marketing folks have screwed the pooch (ha!) in their presentation of the film in trailers. They've featured the Tim Allen "Stupid Pet Tricks", which the reviewer thinks are the least effective parts, and missed some of the stronger scenes in the movie.
This one sounds like it's worth a check-out, esp if you're looking to entertain the squids.
Tuesday, March 07, 2006
Time to quit, Barry
Mike Celizic, who I normally don't have much use for, hits it right on the head when it comes to Barry Bonds and his chemically-enabled pursuit of baseball's home run record.
Celizic urges Bonds to quit. Use any excuse you choose, Bar - knees haven't recovered, eyesight is failing, tired of the press, whatever. Just quit. Don't insult the game by continuing to pursue Hank Aaron's 755 homers.
I totally agree. I don't want to watch Bonds break Aaron's record. Of course, if he plays an entire season, he will and there will be nothing MLB can do about it.
I hope Bonds finds it within himself to take the high road. However, as Celizic points out, there's nothing in Bonds' history to indicate that he will.
Celizic urges Bonds to quit. Use any excuse you choose, Bar - knees haven't recovered, eyesight is failing, tired of the press, whatever. Just quit. Don't insult the game by continuing to pursue Hank Aaron's 755 homers.
I totally agree. I don't want to watch Bonds break Aaron's record. Of course, if he plays an entire season, he will and there will be nothing MLB can do about it.
I hope Bonds finds it within himself to take the high road. However, as Celizic points out, there's nothing in Bonds' history to indicate that he will.
Wait, Cowboy games are going to be broadcast where?
This is SHOCKING news - the Cowboys radio broadcasts are moving from the oldies station at 98.7 (where they never fit, at least not to me) over to The Ticket and it's sister station, The Bone (93.3).
While I'm pleased as punch for the gang at The Ticket, who have provided me with countless hours of entertainment over the past decade plus, this is sort of mind-boggling. This is akin to Dick Cheney going to work for Air America.
No one delivers harsher criticism of the Cowboys than Mike Rhyner. No one makes more fun of Jerry Jones than The Great Gordo. The fact that The Ticket is not (as they like to tell you) "in the pocket of any of the local owners" has provided them with a lot of rope to mock the players, Jones, Parcells, and many other targets at Valley Ranch.
According to the press release and everything I've read (I'm traveling, so I completely missed the announcement and it's follow-up on the air), Big Dan Bennett has made it a point to reserve the right to continue the criticism and mockery unabated. Assuming that's true, this is potentially a great move.
But don't forget, Jerry got Hansen fired from the old KRLD broadcast because he didn't like the criticism Dale aimed at him.
While I'm pleased as punch for the gang at The Ticket, who have provided me with countless hours of entertainment over the past decade plus, this is sort of mind-boggling. This is akin to Dick Cheney going to work for Air America.
No one delivers harsher criticism of the Cowboys than Mike Rhyner. No one makes more fun of Jerry Jones than The Great Gordo. The fact that The Ticket is not (as they like to tell you) "in the pocket of any of the local owners" has provided them with a lot of rope to mock the players, Jones, Parcells, and many other targets at Valley Ranch.
According to the press release and everything I've read (I'm traveling, so I completely missed the announcement and it's follow-up on the air), Big Dan Bennett has made it a point to reserve the right to continue the criticism and mockery unabated. Assuming that's true, this is potentially a great move.
But don't forget, Jerry got Hansen fired from the old KRLD broadcast because he didn't like the criticism Dale aimed at him.
How much is that diamond REALLY worth?
One of the most fascinating stories I've ever run across is that of the diamond business. It's not widely known, although it's received a bit more attention recently, but it's the story of market manipulation, artificial scarcity, and the most successful long-term marketing strategy in the history of the world.
The story starts in the mid-1800s. At the time, diamonds were incredibly rare gemstones, found only in a very few riverbeds in South Asia and South America. The stones were so rare, and so sought after by royalty, their value was immense. That all changed when, in 1870, enormous diamond deposits were found in South Africa. It became apparent quickly that diamonds are, in fact, semi-precious gemstones at best, and not anywhere near as rare as once believed. In fact, there are many, many other, less-valued gemstones which are far more rare than diamonds.
However, in one of the most astute moves ever made by the business community, the folks in the diamond trade of the late 1800s realized that collusion was the only way they were going to save their market. They formed a company to control the entire world's supply of diamonds and named it DeBeers. Yep, the same DeBeers who's name appears at the end of those "Diamonds are Forever" TV ads.
Which takes us to the second part of the story.
DeBeers controls the supply of diamonds, but in order to maintain the value of the stones, the cartel also had to control demand. Thus, the "Diamonds are Forever" campaign was born. To be successful in the long term, DeBeers had to create the belief that true love MUST be signified by a diamond. In this, they've been more successful than they ever could have dreamed. Do you know anyone who has been married without buying a diamond? I don't. It was never even a question in my relationship with Robynne, and it's not even a question in the VAST majority of relationships in the Western (and, increasingly, in the Eastern) world.
But even that wasn't really enough to ensure DeBeers' long-term viability. Sure, everyone buys a diamond. But, if everyone subsequently SOLD those diamonds, it would all be in vain for the cartel. So, the more subtle, but vitally important, part of the marketing plan was born. The notion that, once purchased, a diamond becomes a family heirloom, never to be resold, was presented to the market and, remarkably, wholeheartedly embraced. Ever try to sell a diamond? Me neither. Know anyone who has? Diamonds shouldn't depreciate, right? The whole idea is they're "Forever". But they do. You'll never resell a diamond back to a jeweler for the same price you paid. No one sells a diamond, but those who do are penalized by the industry.
The reality is, if the diamond market were free, diamonds would be worth very little. There are millions of carats of diamonds still in the ground, easily mineable. There are further millions of carats of diamonds in warehouses around the world, all controlled by DeBeers and released only as a trickle. And there are uncountable millions of carats of diamonds in the hands of consumers, which will never be parted with except upon the deathbed and within the family.
This story used to piss me off. Now, all I can do is shake my head in admiration. The folks at DeBeers are unqualified geniuses. In addition to their control of both sides of the diamond market for the past 135 years, they've also done a remarkable job of staying out of the public eye.
Quite a story.
The story starts in the mid-1800s. At the time, diamonds were incredibly rare gemstones, found only in a very few riverbeds in South Asia and South America. The stones were so rare, and so sought after by royalty, their value was immense. That all changed when, in 1870, enormous diamond deposits were found in South Africa. It became apparent quickly that diamonds are, in fact, semi-precious gemstones at best, and not anywhere near as rare as once believed. In fact, there are many, many other, less-valued gemstones which are far more rare than diamonds.
However, in one of the most astute moves ever made by the business community, the folks in the diamond trade of the late 1800s realized that collusion was the only way they were going to save their market. They formed a company to control the entire world's supply of diamonds and named it DeBeers. Yep, the same DeBeers who's name appears at the end of those "Diamonds are Forever" TV ads.
Which takes us to the second part of the story.
DeBeers controls the supply of diamonds, but in order to maintain the value of the stones, the cartel also had to control demand. Thus, the "Diamonds are Forever" campaign was born. To be successful in the long term, DeBeers had to create the belief that true love MUST be signified by a diamond. In this, they've been more successful than they ever could have dreamed. Do you know anyone who has been married without buying a diamond? I don't. It was never even a question in my relationship with Robynne, and it's not even a question in the VAST majority of relationships in the Western (and, increasingly, in the Eastern) world.
But even that wasn't really enough to ensure DeBeers' long-term viability. Sure, everyone buys a diamond. But, if everyone subsequently SOLD those diamonds, it would all be in vain for the cartel. So, the more subtle, but vitally important, part of the marketing plan was born. The notion that, once purchased, a diamond becomes a family heirloom, never to be resold, was presented to the market and, remarkably, wholeheartedly embraced. Ever try to sell a diamond? Me neither. Know anyone who has? Diamonds shouldn't depreciate, right? The whole idea is they're "Forever". But they do. You'll never resell a diamond back to a jeweler for the same price you paid. No one sells a diamond, but those who do are penalized by the industry.
The reality is, if the diamond market were free, diamonds would be worth very little. There are millions of carats of diamonds still in the ground, easily mineable. There are further millions of carats of diamonds in warehouses around the world, all controlled by DeBeers and released only as a trickle. And there are uncountable millions of carats of diamonds in the hands of consumers, which will never be parted with except upon the deathbed and within the family.
This story used to piss me off. Now, all I can do is shake my head in admiration. The folks at DeBeers are unqualified geniuses. In addition to their control of both sides of the diamond market for the past 135 years, they've also done a remarkable job of staying out of the public eye.
Quite a story.
Missing in action - Sorry, folks
Hi. Remember me? Probably not, since it's been over a week since I've posted anything.
Between the current client, the travel, trying to exercise, and, most important, trying to stay involved enough with the family that my kids continue to recognize me, I have been struggling mightily to keep up. Something had to give, and, unfortunately, CIT was it.
Things are a little quieter with the client at the moment, so I intend to get back to posting.
Thanks for sticking with me!
Between the current client, the travel, trying to exercise, and, most important, trying to stay involved enough with the family that my kids continue to recognize me, I have been struggling mightily to keep up. Something had to give, and, unfortunately, CIT was it.
Things are a little quieter with the client at the moment, so I intend to get back to posting.
Thanks for sticking with me!
AT&T - they're back and they still want to rule the world
Big article today in Forbes regarding the AT&T buyout of Bell South and the motivations for it. In a nutshell, it's obvious to EVERYONE that traditional telephone service can no longer support a company. To survive, AT&T, Verizon, and Qwest (the only major players left) have to offer more services, including Internet, television, mobile, and others.
This got me to thinking about how things go in circles sometimes.
Back in the mid-90s, when AT&T made it's first bid to dominate the digital home, I was a big fan of their efforts. To me, the combination of AT&T's traditional telephone service, along with their then-newly acquired mobile service (called AT&T Wireless in those days), and, more importantly, the cable television service they had just acquired from TCI (changed to the monniker AT&T Broadband if memory serves) presented an enormous opportunity for Ma Bell to make some exciting things happen.
The thinking in those days of yore was, to be successful, you had to control the "last mile" of wire, into the consumer's home. AT&T Broadband had that, and it was a much-superior pipe, bandwidth-wise, than anything the Regional Bell Operating Companies (a blast from the past - RBOCs) like Southwestern Bell (remember them?) or NYNEX (zowie - there's a stroll down Amnesia Lane) had in their arsenals. AT&T had a big, fast broadband connection into millions of homes to deliver great stuff like video-on-demand, interactive television, high-speed connectivity to the entire world through your computer, television, security system, microwave oven, and hot water heater. Jetsons, here we come!
I was a huge proponent of AT&T's plan, and a customer of every single one of their divisions. And what did that get me? No discounts, no preferential treatment, incredibly confusing and screwed up billing, and no additional services. In other words, NOTHING.
AT&T could never figure it out. They were never able to combine any operations across services, never able to offer consolidated billing, never able to leverage customer information across divisions, never able to deliver on the enormous potential they had in the palm of their hand.
What a disappointment.
AT&T failed in every way you can imagine. And it cost them their company. AT&T Wireless is now part of Cingular. AT&T Broadband is now part of Comcast. No one buys long distance service anymore. AT&T just about ceased to exist.
But it didn't go bye-bye completely. Enough of the company survived to be purchased late last year by SBC. The leadership at SBC was smart enough to realize they had played out the SBC name by pissing off their customers for so long, so they wisely took the more universally-known AT&T brand. And now, with the acquisition of Bell South, AT&T is back full-force.
The strategy is the same as it was back in the 90's. Control the "last mile" and offer a ton of services. This time, it will be IP- and fiber-based, which should be better than the old coaxial cable method they tried w/ AT&T Broadband. And the rest of the entertainment industry has caught up in terms of content and devices.
Comcast, Cox, Verizon, and the others (if there are any) will be right in AT&T's grille, vying for the same market and offering (essentially) the same services using different technology. Who gets there first? Who bets on the right technology? Who can integrate it all and make it easy for the customer?
Will it work this time? It will for someone. Will it be AT&T? I doubt it - every company that has been rolled up to form the new AT&T has a track record of under-delivery, underperformance, and failure. Comcast, Cox, and Verizon are no better. Each has a ton of baggage in the form of disgruntled customers and former customers to overcome.
So who does make it work? It will be someone you're not watching right now. Google, Yahoo, Microsoft, Apple, or someone you've never heard of.
The past 5 years, despite some big advances like HDTV and ubiquitous broadband, have been disappointing in the evolution of the digital home. The next 5 years look very promising to me. Stay tuned.
This got me to thinking about how things go in circles sometimes.
Back in the mid-90s, when AT&T made it's first bid to dominate the digital home, I was a big fan of their efforts. To me, the combination of AT&T's traditional telephone service, along with their then-newly acquired mobile service (called AT&T Wireless in those days), and, more importantly, the cable television service they had just acquired from TCI (changed to the monniker AT&T Broadband if memory serves) presented an enormous opportunity for Ma Bell to make some exciting things happen.
The thinking in those days of yore was, to be successful, you had to control the "last mile" of wire, into the consumer's home. AT&T Broadband had that, and it was a much-superior pipe, bandwidth-wise, than anything the Regional Bell Operating Companies (a blast from the past - RBOCs) like Southwestern Bell (remember them?) or NYNEX (zowie - there's a stroll down Amnesia Lane) had in their arsenals. AT&T had a big, fast broadband connection into millions of homes to deliver great stuff like video-on-demand, interactive television, high-speed connectivity to the entire world through your computer, television, security system, microwave oven, and hot water heater. Jetsons, here we come!
I was a huge proponent of AT&T's plan, and a customer of every single one of their divisions. And what did that get me? No discounts, no preferential treatment, incredibly confusing and screwed up billing, and no additional services. In other words, NOTHING.
AT&T could never figure it out. They were never able to combine any operations across services, never able to offer consolidated billing, never able to leverage customer information across divisions, never able to deliver on the enormous potential they had in the palm of their hand.
What a disappointment.
AT&T failed in every way you can imagine. And it cost them their company. AT&T Wireless is now part of Cingular. AT&T Broadband is now part of Comcast. No one buys long distance service anymore. AT&T just about ceased to exist.
But it didn't go bye-bye completely. Enough of the company survived to be purchased late last year by SBC. The leadership at SBC was smart enough to realize they had played out the SBC name by pissing off their customers for so long, so they wisely took the more universally-known AT&T brand. And now, with the acquisition of Bell South, AT&T is back full-force.
The strategy is the same as it was back in the 90's. Control the "last mile" and offer a ton of services. This time, it will be IP- and fiber-based, which should be better than the old coaxial cable method they tried w/ AT&T Broadband. And the rest of the entertainment industry has caught up in terms of content and devices.
Comcast, Cox, Verizon, and the others (if there are any) will be right in AT&T's grille, vying for the same market and offering (essentially) the same services using different technology. Who gets there first? Who bets on the right technology? Who can integrate it all and make it easy for the customer?
Will it work this time? It will for someone. Will it be AT&T? I doubt it - every company that has been rolled up to form the new AT&T has a track record of under-delivery, underperformance, and failure. Comcast, Cox, and Verizon are no better. Each has a ton of baggage in the form of disgruntled customers and former customers to overcome.
So who does make it work? It will be someone you're not watching right now. Google, Yahoo, Microsoft, Apple, or someone you've never heard of.
The past 5 years, despite some big advances like HDTV and ubiquitous broadband, have been disappointing in the evolution of the digital home. The next 5 years look very promising to me. Stay tuned.
Monday, February 27, 2006
A favorite blog closing up shop
Tony Daniel has decided to take a sabbatical from "Central Sprawl", which has me very depressed today.
Tony is wired in to events in Collin County and writes with a wonderful dry wit. I've been entertained and informed by both his blog and his periodic appearances in the Metro section of the Dallas Morning News for quite a while.
I wish him much success with his book, and hope like heck he rejoins the blogosphere prontissimo!
Tony is wired in to events in Collin County and writes with a wonderful dry wit. I've been entertained and informed by both his blog and his periodic appearances in the Metro section of the Dallas Morning News for quite a while.
I wish him much success with his book, and hope like heck he rejoins the blogosphere prontissimo!
A geek visits Delta Force
Mark Schneider's blog is a must-read for me, as he is an authoritative voice on Microsoft Project Server, a product near and dear to my professional heart.
Today's post, however, is a departure for Mark. He recently had an opportunity to work on a Microsoft project at Special Operations Command. SOCOM, as it's called, is the combined command center for America's most-elite-of-the-elite Special Forces, including the Army's Green Berets and Delta Force, the Navy SEALS, Air Force Special Operations, and other units you may or may have heard about.
Mark was impressed with the hospitality of the men and women of SOCOM and makes a profound observation, "I guess that you don't have to act tough when you really are tough."
He also had the opportunity to thank the folks at SOCOM for their efforts in keeping us safe.
I'd like to have the opportunity myself someday.
Today's post, however, is a departure for Mark. He recently had an opportunity to work on a Microsoft project at Special Operations Command. SOCOM, as it's called, is the combined command center for America's most-elite-of-the-elite Special Forces, including the Army's Green Berets and Delta Force, the Navy SEALS, Air Force Special Operations, and other units you may or may have heard about.
Mark was impressed with the hospitality of the men and women of SOCOM and makes a profound observation, "I guess that you don't have to act tough when you really are tough."
He also had the opportunity to thank the folks at SOCOM for their efforts in keeping us safe.
I'd like to have the opportunity myself someday.
What really happened in Iraq last week
Mohammed at Iraq The Model has a VERY interesting post today regarding the events of late last week in Iraq.
Of course, you know that someone blew up one of the most sacred sites in Shia Islam. The Western press nearly wet themselves proclaiming "CIVIL WAR IS HERE!!"
Now, less than a week later, things are quieting down. The Iraqi Army apparently has performed well, and the Iraqi government has continued to function.
Mohammed informs us that things were not quite as they appeared - "spontaneous" street demonstrations were not so spontaneous, the Muslim clerics who seemed to be keeping the lid on things may have been the very parties that were encouraging the situation to blow, and the elected authorities may have handled things better than anyone expected or is willing to say now.
Go read this post. And keep in mind that Mohammed and his brother Omar have been blogging from Iraq for a long time, are credible, and understand the impact of their words.
Of course, you know that someone blew up one of the most sacred sites in Shia Islam. The Western press nearly wet themselves proclaiming "CIVIL WAR IS HERE!!"
Now, less than a week later, things are quieting down. The Iraqi Army apparently has performed well, and the Iraqi government has continued to function.
Mohammed informs us that things were not quite as they appeared - "spontaneous" street demonstrations were not so spontaneous, the Muslim clerics who seemed to be keeping the lid on things may have been the very parties that were encouraging the situation to blow, and the elected authorities may have handled things better than anyone expected or is willing to say now.
Go read this post. And keep in mind that Mohammed and his brother Omar have been blogging from Iraq for a long time, are credible, and understand the impact of their words.
More proof that Mark Cuban is a genius
Cuban has offered a million dollars to Howie Mandel's favorite charity if he can get Donald Trump to do the old blow-up-the-rubber-glove-on-your-head bit when Trump is on Mandel's show later this week.
How many times have you uttered the phrase, "I'll give you a million dollars if you do X"? All the time when you were a kid, right?
Cuban has the million dollars and he's serious about this offer. There is NO CHANCE Trump would ever do it, but I love that Cuban is willing to try.
How many times have you uttered the phrase, "I'll give you a million dollars if you do X"? All the time when you were a kid, right?
Cuban has the million dollars and he's serious about this offer. There is NO CHANCE Trump would ever do it, but I love that Cuban is willing to try.
Wednesday, February 22, 2006
Can't wait for the movie
Some gutsy bank robbers in England have stolen $40 million plus from a cash processing facility in Kent. They used a kidnapping ploy straight out of Hollywood to pull it off.
It will be interesting to see if the authorities can get a bead on these guys. It sounds like they knew what they were doing, but the coppers are no dummies either.
If the baddies do get nabbed, look for a major book deal and subsequent movie deal to follow.
It will be interesting to see if the authorities can get a bead on these guys. It sounds like they knew what they were doing, but the coppers are no dummies either.
If the baddies do get nabbed, look for a major book deal and subsequent movie deal to follow.
Meet the Marimba Ponies
From Beware of the Blog: The Marimba Ponies are a loosely-organized group of kids aged 4 to 12 who perform without sheet music or a conductor. You can download their version of "Sabre Dance" from the site.
For my money, the amount of fun kids have is usually inversely proportional to the number of adults involved. The fewer grown-ups around, the more fun the kids seem to have.
For my money, the amount of fun kids have is usually inversely proportional to the number of adults involved. The fewer grown-ups around, the more fun the kids seem to have.
Iraq - good, bad, somewhere in-between?
I keep seeing articles like this one from servicemen and women back from Iraq. The picture a lot of them paint of the situation on the ground there differs pretty sharply from that presented on the front page of the Dallas Morning News or USA Today.
What is the honest-to-God truth? I suspect it's somewhere in between, but it's hard to argue with the folks who are there, on the ground, living it on a daily basis.
What is the honest-to-God truth? I suspect it's somewhere in between, but it's hard to argue with the folks who are there, on the ground, living it on a daily basis.
Indiana Jones 4 is no mirage
According to Ain't It Cool, Steven Spielberg has FINALLY said, in public, that he's making "Indiana Jones 4" this year, with a release scheduled next year.
I will be first in line!
I will be first in line!
You REALLY should use a hands-free when driving
A Kentucky woman recently ran her SUV off the road while talking on her cell phone. After the paramedics cut her out of the vehicle, they found her severed arm nearby, still clutching the phone.
Folks, use your hands-free when driving!
Folks, use your hands-free when driving!
Yeah, but the team still sucks
The Arizona Cardinals are about to open their new palace of a stadium in Glendale AZ. I've been by it on highway 101 and it is truly a behemoth. It's also, apparently, a marvel of technology inside.
Wonderful. The 10,000 suckers who buy tickets will be able to order concessions from their seats and participate in fantasy football during the games. The gizmos enabled by the huge IP network being installed may even be sufficient to distract the fans from the miserable product on the field.
Wonderful. The 10,000 suckers who buy tickets will be able to order concessions from their seats and participate in fantasy football during the games. The gizmos enabled by the huge IP network being installed may even be sufficient to distract the fans from the miserable product on the field.
Tuesday, February 21, 2006
Look out, AL East - Keith Foulke says he's back
According to Joy of Sox, Keith Foulke is a new man in both body and mind. This can only be good news for the Red Sox, and bad news from the rest of the AL East.
How the Red Sox emerge from this winter of discontent is one of the most intriguing stories of the upcoming season.
Today is the unofficial reporting date for big leaguers. We're almost there!
How the Red Sox emerge from this winter of discontent is one of the most intriguing stories of the upcoming season.
Today is the unofficial reporting date for big leaguers. We're almost there!
Gay or not gay - the authoritative list
For fans of Bob and Dan's "Gay or Not Gay" feature, or the occasional anonymous commenter on this blog, here's the most authoritative list I've ever seen of what's gay and what's truly manly.
Feel free to flame me, but sign your name to the comment. As we've said before, anonymous comments are gay.
Feel free to flame me, but sign your name to the comment. As we've said before, anonymous comments are gay.
Friday, February 17, 2006
Macintosh trojan now making the rounds
Attention, smug Macintosh owners who think they are immune from viruses and other malware: It's time to invest in some anti-virus software.
The Oompa-Loompa trojan doesn't sound too dangerous on its own, but it does represent the first iteration of some potentially bad stuff for Macs. You're no longer invulnerable, folks.
UPDATE: Leander Kahney from Wired says this is a bunch of garbage - that it's only news because of it's novelty. Well, no kidding. However, note the word "iteration" above. It's been proven that it can be done. Can the bad guys be too terribly far behind?
The Oompa-Loompa trojan doesn't sound too dangerous on its own, but it does represent the first iteration of some potentially bad stuff for Macs. You're no longer invulnerable, folks.
UPDATE: Leander Kahney from Wired says this is a bunch of garbage - that it's only news because of it's novelty. Well, no kidding. However, note the word "iteration" above. It's been proven that it can be done. Can the bad guys be too terribly far behind?
Thursday, February 16, 2006
Maybe not the "next U2" after all
According to "People" magazine (ok, so maybe it's not the MOST reputable source of info around, but let's face it, who is?), Chris Martin has started dropping hints that Coldplay is breaking up.
Didn't we hear story after story about how these guys wanted to inherit the mantle from U2? Dudes, you gotta put out more than 3 albums (only one of which was really great - the other two are merely good) if that's your goal.
Hopefully, this is a red herring, as I am a fan of those boys.
Didn't we hear story after story about how these guys wanted to inherit the mantle from U2? Dudes, you gotta put out more than 3 albums (only one of which was really great - the other two are merely good) if that's your goal.
Hopefully, this is a red herring, as I am a fan of those boys.
Hope you already got your Houston 1836 t-shirts
Houston's Major League Soccer team is in the process of changing it's name for the second time in a month.
After relocating from San Jose, CA (where they were known as the "Earthquakes") about four weeks ago, the team announced that they would be known as "Houston 1836". This was supposed to represent the year Houston was founded and, thus, foster all sorts of civic pride. However, the Houston Hispanic population views 1836 as a less-than-banner year, as it was the year the siege of the Alamo (a military victory for Mexico, but a PR debacle of monumental proportions) occurred, The Battle of San Jacinto has fought and lost by the Mexican Army (Sam Houston and the Texas militia surprised and routed Santa Anna's forces during siesta), and Texas achieved independence. Not much to be proud of.
Word is the team's new name will be something like "Lone Star", "Apollo", or "Mustangs".
After relocating from San Jose, CA (where they were known as the "Earthquakes") about four weeks ago, the team announced that they would be known as "Houston 1836". This was supposed to represent the year Houston was founded and, thus, foster all sorts of civic pride. However, the Houston Hispanic population views 1836 as a less-than-banner year, as it was the year the siege of the Alamo (a military victory for Mexico, but a PR debacle of monumental proportions) occurred, The Battle of San Jacinto has fought and lost by the Mexican Army (Sam Houston and the Texas militia surprised and routed Santa Anna's forces during siesta), and Texas achieved independence. Not much to be proud of.
Word is the team's new name will be something like "Lone Star", "Apollo", or "Mustangs".
DLP HD Projectors coming WAY down in price
This is such WONDERFUL news: The Toshiba MT700 projector, with native 720p resolution, has dropped from over $4,000 to under $2,500.
While I'm not all that interested in a 720p projector (why wouldn't you hold out for at least 1080i?), the trend is great news.
Once my media room is done, you can just send my meals up there, since I won't be coming out.
While I'm not all that interested in a 720p projector (why wouldn't you hold out for at least 1080i?), the trend is great news.
Once my media room is done, you can just send my meals up there, since I won't be coming out.
Tuesday, February 14, 2006
Cartoon jihad - Israeli response isn't what you'd expect
You gotta love the Israelis. How do they respond to the Iranians publishing some truly offensive Holocaust cartoons? Do they burn down Persian rug stores? Riot in the streets? Heck no!
They put on their own anti-Semitic cartoon contest.
Says Amitai Sandy, the founder of the contest, "We’ll show the world we can do the best, sharpest, most offensive Jew hating cartoons ever published! No Iranian will beat us on our home turf!”
How novel
They put on their own anti-Semitic cartoon contest.
Says Amitai Sandy, the founder of the contest, "We’ll show the world we can do the best, sharpest, most offensive Jew hating cartoons ever published! No Iranian will beat us on our home turf!”
How novel
Pitchers and catchers - THIS is the most wonderful time of the year
Pitchers and catchers report to Spring Training tomorrow. As I've said several times, this is the most exciting spring in Texas Rangers' history. And here I am, less than 10 miles down the road from Surprise.
Hallelujah!
Hallelujah!
Human garbage pleads for life
Joseph Smith, the piece of human trash who raped and killed 11-year-old Carlie Brucia two years ago, has pleaded with the judge to give him life in prison without the possibility of parole, rather than the death penalty.
Smith blames drugs for the horrific kidnapping and killing of young Carlie.
My own views on the death penalty have changed over time. I'm much less of a proponent than I used to be and, in this case, I think I'd vote for the life with no parole sentence.
For me, it comes down to "what makes the cretin suffer more", and in Smith's case, I think prison would be most unpleasant. I've heard that ODCs (Ordinary Decent Criminals - not my acronym) are not fond of child molesters, and would go out of their way to make Smith's existence a living hell.
I'm all for that.
UPDATE: Oh, darn. He got sentenced to death. It's probably the easy way out. Except his got some 'splainin to do on the Other Side, doesn't he?
Smith blames drugs for the horrific kidnapping and killing of young Carlie.
My own views on the death penalty have changed over time. I'm much less of a proponent than I used to be and, in this case, I think I'd vote for the life with no parole sentence.
For me, it comes down to "what makes the cretin suffer more", and in Smith's case, I think prison would be most unpleasant. I've heard that ODCs (Ordinary Decent Criminals - not my acronym) are not fond of child molesters, and would go out of their way to make Smith's existence a living hell.
I'm all for that.
UPDATE: Oh, darn. He got sentenced to death. It's probably the easy way out. Except his got some 'splainin to do on the Other Side, doesn't he?
Iranian Jews protest anti-Semitic cartoons
The BBC reports that the small Iranian Jewish community has officially protested the recent publication of anti-Semitic cartoons in Iranian newspapers.
Pretty ballsy, considering I didn't even know there was an Iranian Jewish community.
Pretty ballsy, considering I didn't even know there was an Iranian Jewish community.
DRM update: HBO redefines "fair"
From Boing Boing today: HBO has taken a hard line against recording and replay of their shows. The word is that HBO wants to enforce a policy of "Copy Never" upon their subscribers.
I'm sure they're thinking about Comcast's On-Demand service, which allows you to watch HBO shows whenever you want (as long as you're a subscriber). If you asked an HBO lawyer, they'd probably say something like, "Why do you need to record something you can watch on demand already."
In practical terms, I can see their point. For me, personally, On-Demand is good enough. I just don't like the precedent. When do I actually "own" content? When can I watch something I've paid for on any device I want, at any time I want? The line is getting fuzzier, not clearer.
I'm sure they're thinking about Comcast's On-Demand service, which allows you to watch HBO shows whenever you want (as long as you're a subscriber). If you asked an HBO lawyer, they'd probably say something like, "Why do you need to record something you can watch on demand already."
In practical terms, I can see their point. For me, personally, On-Demand is good enough. I just don't like the precedent. When do I actually "own" content? When can I watch something I've paid for on any device I want, at any time I want? The line is getting fuzzier, not clearer.
Monday, February 13, 2006
Top 5 Hottest Women in a Particular Film - The Single Movie Miracle
We did Top 5 Hottest Women of All Time recently, and I got some good feedback on it. Also, surprisingly, my wife didn’t chew me out for it.
So, since there seems to be interest from some quarters, and disinterest from others, let’s continue in that vein.
There’s a phenomenon out there that I think we’ve all noticed, and it can’t be ignored. This phenomenon is known as the Single-Movie Miracle. The Single-Movie Miracle occurs when a woman who is usually not-that-great to semi-hot looks so fabulous in one movie that you have to sit up and take notice.
A good example of the Single-Movie Miracle is Kate Winslet in Titanic. Normally, Kate Winslet is a not-so-great. But she was smoking hot in Titanic, and not just the nude scenes either. She looked great throughout.
I’m sure it’s a combination of director, cinematographer, wardrobe supervisor, and make-up supervisor (and, of course, the actress herself) that results in the Single-Movie Miracle. There really should be an Oscar in this category; it could be given to all involved collectively, sort of like Best Picture.
Whatever. On with the list (and, yes, I cheated again):
5. (tie) Ingrid Bergman in Casablanca
The triumph of black and white film and exquisite lighting. You can understand why Rick would throw it all away for her, and you realize the sacrifice he makes by sending her w/ Lazlo. Bergman was the perfect woman for the best film ever made.
5. (tie) Ashley Judd in Heat (and, I’ve heard, A Time to Kill, which I didn’t see)
Oh, what might have been. Ashley Judd was at the height of her hotness in Heat. If only she’d made some better career choices since then. Ah well. Again, it was easy to see how much Chris (Val Kilmer) was giving up when he turned his back.
4. Salma Hayek in Desperado
Sort of a silly film, but my God. Carolina is the embodiment of Latina hotness. Talk about the best thing going in a crappy, one-horse border town. I’d have braved the gauntlet of Bucho’s men as well.
3. Sophie Marceau in Braveheart
It was amazing how good the Princess Isabella looked in an age when no one bathed. Well, William Wallace probably didn’t look much like Mel Gibson either. Who cares. Maybe the best-looking couple ever on screen (not mere hyperbole – I mean, look at them).
2. Jennifer Garner in Elektra
If you’re into the kind of chick who can kick you’re a**, this is the movie and the actress for you. I have no idea what the plot of this bowser was about, and I don’t care. Jennifer Garner should hire the cinematographer from this film to do her home movies. She’s pure greatness on her own, but she is lit and photographed so well in Elektra that I’m willing to fight through a completely nonsensical plot and all kinds of ridiculous special effects just to look at her for 90 minutes.
1. Diane Lane in Unfaithful
I have been a Diane Lane fan since she was 19 years old and co-starring in Streets of Fire (10 bonus points if you can name anyone else in that one, but it’s better than you may remember). Through Lonesome Dove, Judge Dredd (oh dear), and The Perfect Storm, I always thought she was WONDERFUL. But she topped herself in Unfaithful. Forget that the plot is truly disturbing for any married guy (I mean, she goes from her seeming idyllic marriage to Richard Gere for God’s sake, to the arms of Olivier Martinez in no time and for no apparent reason, but she sells it). Forget that the last quarter of the film doesn’t live up to the rest of it. Forget it all. Just remember those smoking hot sex scenes. Remember Diane Lane completely believable as a woman besotted with passion. And remember the single greatest example of the Single-Movie Miracle. Zowie.
So, since there seems to be interest from some quarters, and disinterest from others, let’s continue in that vein.
There’s a phenomenon out there that I think we’ve all noticed, and it can’t be ignored. This phenomenon is known as the Single-Movie Miracle. The Single-Movie Miracle occurs when a woman who is usually not-that-great to semi-hot looks so fabulous in one movie that you have to sit up and take notice.
A good example of the Single-Movie Miracle is Kate Winslet in Titanic. Normally, Kate Winslet is a not-so-great. But she was smoking hot in Titanic, and not just the nude scenes either. She looked great throughout.
I’m sure it’s a combination of director, cinematographer, wardrobe supervisor, and make-up supervisor (and, of course, the actress herself) that results in the Single-Movie Miracle. There really should be an Oscar in this category; it could be given to all involved collectively, sort of like Best Picture.
Whatever. On with the list (and, yes, I cheated again):
5. (tie) Ingrid Bergman in Casablanca
The triumph of black and white film and exquisite lighting. You can understand why Rick would throw it all away for her, and you realize the sacrifice he makes by sending her w/ Lazlo. Bergman was the perfect woman for the best film ever made.
5. (tie) Ashley Judd in Heat (and, I’ve heard, A Time to Kill, which I didn’t see)
Oh, what might have been. Ashley Judd was at the height of her hotness in Heat. If only she’d made some better career choices since then. Ah well. Again, it was easy to see how much Chris (Val Kilmer) was giving up when he turned his back.
4. Salma Hayek in Desperado
Sort of a silly film, but my God. Carolina is the embodiment of Latina hotness. Talk about the best thing going in a crappy, one-horse border town. I’d have braved the gauntlet of Bucho’s men as well.
3. Sophie Marceau in Braveheart
It was amazing how good the Princess Isabella looked in an age when no one bathed. Well, William Wallace probably didn’t look much like Mel Gibson either. Who cares. Maybe the best-looking couple ever on screen (not mere hyperbole – I mean, look at them).
2. Jennifer Garner in Elektra
If you’re into the kind of chick who can kick you’re a**, this is the movie and the actress for you. I have no idea what the plot of this bowser was about, and I don’t care. Jennifer Garner should hire the cinematographer from this film to do her home movies. She’s pure greatness on her own, but she is lit and photographed so well in Elektra that I’m willing to fight through a completely nonsensical plot and all kinds of ridiculous special effects just to look at her for 90 minutes.
1. Diane Lane in Unfaithful
I have been a Diane Lane fan since she was 19 years old and co-starring in Streets of Fire (10 bonus points if you can name anyone else in that one, but it’s better than you may remember). Through Lonesome Dove, Judge Dredd (oh dear), and The Perfect Storm, I always thought she was WONDERFUL. But she topped herself in Unfaithful. Forget that the plot is truly disturbing for any married guy (I mean, she goes from her seeming idyllic marriage to Richard Gere for God’s sake, to the arms of Olivier Martinez in no time and for no apparent reason, but she sells it). Forget that the last quarter of the film doesn’t live up to the rest of it. Forget it all. Just remember those smoking hot sex scenes. Remember Diane Lane completely believable as a woman besotted with passion. And remember the single greatest example of the Single-Movie Miracle. Zowie.
Why emoticons are the greatest invention in the history of email
In case you didn't already know, email is a VERY imperfect medium for communication. I didn't realize just how bad it is until I read this piece from Wired.
Use those emoticons, kiddies. Annoying as they may be, they do help you convey your message a little more clearly.
Or, better yet, pick up the telephone.
Use those emoticons, kiddies. Annoying as they may be, they do help you convey your message a little more clearly.
Or, better yet, pick up the telephone.
Batman vs. al Qaida
From Michelle Malkin: In his latest graphic novel, Batman writer Frank Miller has the Dark Knight kicking al Qaida's butt. It's not politically correct, but I think I'll be purchasing my first graphic novel.
This is NOT what Gorbachev and Yeltsin had in mind
In today's Washington Post - a Siberian working man gets sent to prison for getting hit by the regional governor's car. The story is right out of the bad old days in the Soviet Union. Check the estimated speed of the governor's car - somewhere between 90 and 125 mph.
And yet, somehow it's the poor slob who happened to be in the way's fault.
The more things change in Russia, the more they stay the same.
And yet, somehow it's the poor slob who happened to be in the way's fault.
The more things change in Russia, the more they stay the same.
Saturday, February 11, 2006
Winter Olympics: To stop down or not to stop down
My virtual friends Bob and Dan had a long conversation on their show yesterday regarding their (and America's) interest in the Winter Olympics. Their discussion, conclusions, and theories struck a chord with me.
The discussion revolved around the Winter Olympics' status as a sports-viewing choice. As kids, Bob and Dan (and me, too) remember putting aside all other sporting events to watch the Olympics each night. Back in the pre-cable, three-networks day, the Winter Olympics (and the Summer Games, as well) were required viewing for everyone. The other two networks usually curled up into a little ball for those two weeks and presented reruns, knowing they had no chance against the ratings juggernaut that was the Olympic Games.
Now, not so much. Bob and Dan both commented on the fact that they were far less interested than they used to be. They concluded, and I agree, the Olympics have lost their mystique and are now sort of run-of-the-mill sports TV, not worthy of a complete stop-down.
The theories as to why were especially interesting to me. Bob and Dan seemed to agree on three primary reasons:
1. Sports clutter
If you remember the 70's, you'll probably also remember the lack of sports programming during prime-time. Sports was a weekend thing with very few exceptions. It was rare to be able to tune in a national game of any consequence on television on a random Tuesday night. The Olympics were the big exception - you had two weeks of non-stop prime-time sports coverage and, thus, it was a vacation for the sports fan.
No longer. Now, the nights without a game of some interest to just about anyone is a rarity. The Olympics are just another choice. Even though the NHL is taking the two weeks (or most of it) off, the NBA, college basketball, a full slate of ESPN and Fox Sports programming continue.
2. The disintegration of the Soviet bloc
The Olympics used to be a relatively safe venue for the Cold War to heat up. The Soviets, East Germans, Romanians, Czechs, and other Communist bloc countries always fielded huge, skilled, and highly trained teams in both the Summer and Winter Games. Gymnastics, hockey, swimming, figure skating, basketball, and other sports were always tremendous competition between the good guys (the US) and the bad guys (the commies). National pride was always at stake, with the biggest and best example being the hockey and basketball tournaments.
Now, the bad guys are a lot harder to find. We hate Iran (I guess - they're making it easy to hate them lately), but it's politically incorrect to get too worked up about them. And, maybe more to the point, Iran is not much of threat in the Alpine Skiing events, or any other events that Americans give a hoot about.
The Chinese are a more formidable opponent during the Summer Games, but are they really the "bad guys"? Certainly not in the sense that the Soviets were. Our relationship with the Chinese is confusing, and sports is no place for confusion. We need a clear good guy/bad guy confrontation, like Red Sox-Yankees. EVERYONE has a clear rooting interest in those contests. There's nothing like that on the Olympic stage any more.
3. The pros dominate
Even the "amateurs" are professional these days, and in the marquee team sports (hockey and basketball), it's become a twist on the NHL All-Star format. The days of hungry college kids getting worked into the ground by a Herb Brooks are long gone, and so are the inspirational stories that went with those hungry college kids. The Games are much more bland and less exciting as a result.
I agree with all of these theories.
I'm trying to get my kids into the Olympics, with some success so far. Colorful characters like Bode Miller and Hermann Maier help a lot, as do some unique events like luge and skeleton. The kids seem semi-interested in those things.
But it's not the same. The Olympics represent some cherished memories from my childhood. I don't think it's going to be the same for my kids.
And that's too bad.
The discussion revolved around the Winter Olympics' status as a sports-viewing choice. As kids, Bob and Dan (and me, too) remember putting aside all other sporting events to watch the Olympics each night. Back in the pre-cable, three-networks day, the Winter Olympics (and the Summer Games, as well) were required viewing for everyone. The other two networks usually curled up into a little ball for those two weeks and presented reruns, knowing they had no chance against the ratings juggernaut that was the Olympic Games.
Now, not so much. Bob and Dan both commented on the fact that they were far less interested than they used to be. They concluded, and I agree, the Olympics have lost their mystique and are now sort of run-of-the-mill sports TV, not worthy of a complete stop-down.
The theories as to why were especially interesting to me. Bob and Dan seemed to agree on three primary reasons:
1. Sports clutter
If you remember the 70's, you'll probably also remember the lack of sports programming during prime-time. Sports was a weekend thing with very few exceptions. It was rare to be able to tune in a national game of any consequence on television on a random Tuesday night. The Olympics were the big exception - you had two weeks of non-stop prime-time sports coverage and, thus, it was a vacation for the sports fan.
No longer. Now, the nights without a game of some interest to just about anyone is a rarity. The Olympics are just another choice. Even though the NHL is taking the two weeks (or most of it) off, the NBA, college basketball, a full slate of ESPN and Fox Sports programming continue.
2. The disintegration of the Soviet bloc
The Olympics used to be a relatively safe venue for the Cold War to heat up. The Soviets, East Germans, Romanians, Czechs, and other Communist bloc countries always fielded huge, skilled, and highly trained teams in both the Summer and Winter Games. Gymnastics, hockey, swimming, figure skating, basketball, and other sports were always tremendous competition between the good guys (the US) and the bad guys (the commies). National pride was always at stake, with the biggest and best example being the hockey and basketball tournaments.
Now, the bad guys are a lot harder to find. We hate Iran (I guess - they're making it easy to hate them lately), but it's politically incorrect to get too worked up about them. And, maybe more to the point, Iran is not much of threat in the Alpine Skiing events, or any other events that Americans give a hoot about.
The Chinese are a more formidable opponent during the Summer Games, but are they really the "bad guys"? Certainly not in the sense that the Soviets were. Our relationship with the Chinese is confusing, and sports is no place for confusion. We need a clear good guy/bad guy confrontation, like Red Sox-Yankees. EVERYONE has a clear rooting interest in those contests. There's nothing like that on the Olympic stage any more.
3. The pros dominate
Even the "amateurs" are professional these days, and in the marquee team sports (hockey and basketball), it's become a twist on the NHL All-Star format. The days of hungry college kids getting worked into the ground by a Herb Brooks are long gone, and so are the inspirational stories that went with those hungry college kids. The Games are much more bland and less exciting as a result.
I agree with all of these theories.
I'm trying to get my kids into the Olympics, with some success so far. Colorful characters like Bode Miller and Hermann Maier help a lot, as do some unique events like luge and skeleton. The kids seem semi-interested in those things.
But it's not the same. The Olympics represent some cherished memories from my childhood. I don't think it's going to be the same for my kids.
And that's too bad.
Thursday, February 09, 2006
Honda to produce a fuel cell car
This is GREAT news, and the kind of news we should (and will) see more of in the near future. While fuel cells, right now, are not a huge saver, dollar-wise, they will become more so. And they'll help us break our sick addiction to Middle East oil.
Bring it on, baby!
Bring it on, baby!
Lost – Best. Show. Ever.
Of course, I spent an hour last night with the latest episode of Lost. The interlude of relative peace and quiet on the show is over. Oh, sure, Charlie flipped last week, and Michael went Rambo recently. The encounter with “Zeke the Fisherman” and the Others was good and tense, but all-in-all, it’s been pretty lovey-dovey on Mystery Island since Shannon got ventilated.
No more, man. It’s back to the good old, paranoid days of the first season. Who do you trust? Jack, and… who? I think Sun and Jin are on the up and up, and Hurley probably is too. Sayid is probably a mensch (it would be too controversial to have the token Arab be a baddie), but there is NO telling with ANYONE else.
Next week’s show looks to be high-powered. If I saw the preview correctly, the Losties capture one of the Others and Sayid goes to work on him. Jack and Locke (who I really WANT to believe is on the side of the angels, but I can’t quite pull it off) finally let the clock run down to zero and we get to see what happens. HOLY SMOKES, I can’t wait for next Wednesday.
Lost is easily the best show in the history of TV, at least in my book. You can have your Sopranos and your 24. I’ll take the castaways of Oceanic 815 any day.
No more, man. It’s back to the good old, paranoid days of the first season. Who do you trust? Jack, and… who? I think Sun and Jin are on the up and up, and Hurley probably is too. Sayid is probably a mensch (it would be too controversial to have the token Arab be a baddie), but there is NO telling with ANYONE else.
Next week’s show looks to be high-powered. If I saw the preview correctly, the Losties capture one of the Others and Sayid goes to work on him. Jack and Locke (who I really WANT to believe is on the side of the angels, but I can’t quite pull it off) finally let the clock run down to zero and we get to see what happens. HOLY SMOKES, I can’t wait for next Wednesday.
Lost is easily the best show in the history of TV, at least in my book. You can have your Sopranos and your 24. I’ll take the castaways of Oceanic 815 any day.
Wednesday, February 08, 2006
Mark Cuban is a nut, but he's our nut
Mark Cuban, billionaire and owner of the little Mavericks, is a nut job. No question about it. And a lot of people can't stand him because of it. I, and most Maverick fans, however, love him.
Love him or hate him, you have to admit that he is a refreshing change from the typical button-down sports owner. The dude wants to win, which is more than we can say for the guy who owns 50% of the major sports teams in D/FW (Big Dumb Tom Hicks, in case you didn't get the subtle hint).
In addition to his commitment to winning, another endearing (or not-so-endearing, if you're in the anti-Cuban camp) Cuban personality trait is his propensity for skewering the NBA Establishment. David Stern and the refs are his favorite targets, but they're not the only ones.
Recently, Phil Jackson has found himself the object of Cuban mockery. While Big Metaphysical Phil publicly lets it roll off his back, I think it gets to him.
The latest Cuban salvo can be found on his blog, and it's a hoot. Check it out!
Love him or hate him, you have to admit that he is a refreshing change from the typical button-down sports owner. The dude wants to win, which is more than we can say for the guy who owns 50% of the major sports teams in D/FW (Big Dumb Tom Hicks, in case you didn't get the subtle hint).
In addition to his commitment to winning, another endearing (or not-so-endearing, if you're in the anti-Cuban camp) Cuban personality trait is his propensity for skewering the NBA Establishment. David Stern and the refs are his favorite targets, but they're not the only ones.
Recently, Phil Jackson has found himself the object of Cuban mockery. While Big Metaphysical Phil publicly lets it roll off his back, I think it gets to him.
The latest Cuban salvo can be found on his blog, and it's a hoot. Check it out!
WHOA - Apple buying Palm? I'll take some of that, please
According to Personal Computer World, via Gizmodo, Apple could be eyeing a purchase of Palm.
This makes a lot of sense for Apple - the competition for the iPod is going to come from the next generation of smart phones. I am personally in the market for a device that combines my cell phone, my Creative Zen Xtra 30gb jukebox, and a PDA. Apple currently has nothing for the first rqmt, the best-of-breed for the second, and nothing for the third. Palm has one and three covered.
This one, I'm excited about. Stay tuned.
This makes a lot of sense for Apple - the competition for the iPod is going to come from the next generation of smart phones. I am personally in the market for a device that combines my cell phone, my Creative Zen Xtra 30gb jukebox, and a PDA. Apple currently has nothing for the first rqmt, the best-of-breed for the second, and nothing for the third. Palm has one and three covered.
This one, I'm excited about. Stay tuned.
Scott Adams on the Cartoon Jihad
Scott Adams (the Dilbert guy) has an interesting take on the Great Danish Cartoon Jihad. All I'm going to say is, don't make a cartoonist mad.
Hamas might be "ready to talk" - Oh really?
According to the BBC, Hamas says it's willing to talk truce w/ Israel, provided the Israelis meet certain "conditions". One of these conditions is pulling back to pre-1967 borders.
Ariel Sharon was on his way to pulling back from large portions of the West Bank, but on Israel's terms, not those of Hamas.
This is the way to continue, in my opinion. Hamas is not interested in long-term peace with Israel. They state in their charter they are committed to the destruction of the Jewish state. Maybe they've changed, as they claim. But they've got to prove it first.
Until they prove they've changed, Hamas should not dictate anything to Israel. The Israelis are well along in their disengagement from the Palestinians. I say stay the course until Hamas or some other group proves they: 1) can effectively govern the Palestinian territories, 2) can prevent terrorism, and 3) are ready to seriously commit to a mutually-beneficial long-term solution.
Until then, I'm not really interested in anything the Palestinians and, especially, Hamas have to say. Hamas says they want to talk? Really? That's great. How about you call back when we can check off those three items above? In the meanwhile, the Israelis will continue to build the wall and prepare to live their lives without you. Thanks for calling.
I'm not there, and I don't know much about day-to-day life in Israel right now, but I sure do wish Sharon was healthy and running the show. He had the force of personality to continue the unilateral path he'd begun. Ehud Olmert and the rest of Israel's political leadership needs to prove they can do it too.
Ariel Sharon was on his way to pulling back from large portions of the West Bank, but on Israel's terms, not those of Hamas.
This is the way to continue, in my opinion. Hamas is not interested in long-term peace with Israel. They state in their charter they are committed to the destruction of the Jewish state. Maybe they've changed, as they claim. But they've got to prove it first.
Until they prove they've changed, Hamas should not dictate anything to Israel. The Israelis are well along in their disengagement from the Palestinians. I say stay the course until Hamas or some other group proves they: 1) can effectively govern the Palestinian territories, 2) can prevent terrorism, and 3) are ready to seriously commit to a mutually-beneficial long-term solution.
Until then, I'm not really interested in anything the Palestinians and, especially, Hamas have to say. Hamas says they want to talk? Really? That's great. How about you call back when we can check off those three items above? In the meanwhile, the Israelis will continue to build the wall and prepare to live their lives without you. Thanks for calling.
I'm not there, and I don't know much about day-to-day life in Israel right now, but I sure do wish Sharon was healthy and running the show. He had the force of personality to continue the unilateral path he'd begun. Ehud Olmert and the rest of Israel's political leadership needs to prove they can do it too.
Tuesday, February 07, 2006
Top 5 Hottest Women of all Time (Photographic Evidence subcategory)
This episode of Top 5 includes those women that we’ve actually got pictures of. Therefore, Cleopatra, Delilah, Joan of Arc, Dolly Madison, etc. are not candidates, and only those around in the past 100 years or so can qualify.
Of course, I rank my super-hot wife of 14 years at the top of any list of this sort. However, I owe it to posterity to include only those women who have been seen by the public-at-large. Hopefully, this will keep me out of trouble.
With that intro done, here’s the list:
5. Marilyn Monroe
The standard by which all are judged. Some are hotter, but she is still the gold standard for real women.
4. Lynda Carter
In her Wonder Woman suit, Lynda Carter was the first woman to have an entire television show revolve around her dressed in a revealing costume. Was there any other reason for that show to exist?
3. Jessica Alba
The top three are, to me, almost interchangeable. Someone needs to talk to young Jessica about her choice in roles. She has the potential to take over number 1, if she can get a couple of Body Heat-type roles.
2. Angelina Jolie
Easily (for my money) the sexiest woman on planet Earth. She’s come back to reality after her super-whack-out marriage to Billy Bob Thornton.
1. Catherine Zeta-Jones
The classic beauty. Her appearance in Zorro was an eye-opener of the highest order. She’s done nothing but get better since. Only detracting factor is her marriage to that fossil Michael Douglas. Even that is not enough to knock her out of the top spot, though.
Honorable Mention:
Salma Hayek
Barbara Eden
Heather Locklear
Jacqueline Smith
Ziyi Zhang
Sophia Lauren
Of course, I rank my super-hot wife of 14 years at the top of any list of this sort. However, I owe it to posterity to include only those women who have been seen by the public-at-large. Hopefully, this will keep me out of trouble.
With that intro done, here’s the list:
5. Marilyn Monroe
The standard by which all are judged. Some are hotter, but she is still the gold standard for real women.
4. Lynda Carter
In her Wonder Woman suit, Lynda Carter was the first woman to have an entire television show revolve around her dressed in a revealing costume. Was there any other reason for that show to exist?
3. Jessica Alba
The top three are, to me, almost interchangeable. Someone needs to talk to young Jessica about her choice in roles. She has the potential to take over number 1, if she can get a couple of Body Heat-type roles.
2. Angelina Jolie
Easily (for my money) the sexiest woman on planet Earth. She’s come back to reality after her super-whack-out marriage to Billy Bob Thornton.
1. Catherine Zeta-Jones
The classic beauty. Her appearance in Zorro was an eye-opener of the highest order. She’s done nothing but get better since. Only detracting factor is her marriage to that fossil Michael Douglas. Even that is not enough to knock her out of the top spot, though.
Honorable Mention:
Salma Hayek
Barbara Eden
Heather Locklear
Jacqueline Smith
Ziyi Zhang
Sophia Lauren
Monday, February 06, 2006
I hate the Super Bowl
This blog is called “Curmudgeon-In-Training”, but I rarely post anything at all curmudgeonish. Well, read on, ‘cause that’s about to change.
While attempting to drum up some interest in yesterday’s “big game” (Who am I kidding? I was trying drum up some paying of attention. “Interest” was out of the question from word go.), it occurred to me that I hate the Super Bowl.
Not “dislike”, nor “feel strongly negative about”, or any other less-harsh descriptor. Hate. I hate it. As in, I have “a feeling of dislike so strong that it demands action”, which is, in my case, writing this post.
To illustrate my point, here’s a brief lists of the positives and negatives of this event, strictly from my selfish and unappreciative point-of-view:
Positives:
1. World (although I question this – where are the Canadians?) championship of American football.
2 The game that everyone plays the entire season to reach. The goal.
3. Um, that’s it. I got nothing.
Negatives
1. So effing over-blown it makes me want to puke. Nothing on Earth, except maybe (maybe!) the arrival of the Messiah, needs a 5-hour pre-game show. There is no way the game could ever live up to the pre-sell. Even if you used Bill and Ted’s phone booth to assemble every great football player who ever lived, in his prime, and put them on the field in a true “All-Star” game, it wouldn’t live up to the hype that is the modern Super Bowl. Hell, the Civil War and WWI didn’t live up this much hype. I think the Revolution and WWII did, though. My opinion.
2. Over-commercialized to the point of being a parody of itself. I found myself reaching for the off switch right about the time Marv Albert told me that an official review of a play (Hasselbeck’s non-fumble in the 4th) was the “Barbisol Close Shave Play of the Game”. This after HOURS of assault on my resolve not to buy the ridiculous nonsense being hurled at me non-stop during the TV and radio broadcast.
3. Inanity heaped upon inanity. The halftime recap from Berman, Jackson, Irvin, and Young was the least-insightful talk about a football game I have ever heard from so-called sports broadcasting professionals. While I can no longer stomach Berman (hey, that’s pretty funny), and I think Steve Young is as bad on TV as he was good on the field, I do have high opinions of Tom Jackson and Mike Irvin as broadcasters (certainly not for Irvin as a human). I think they know what they’re talking about most of the time. You’d never know it from their comments yesterday. The reason (my opinion): They had about 10 seconds each, and they were under instructions from ABC to dumb it down for the 150 million viewers who never watch football on TV. Plus they had to shout. And it went that way all week. Men and women who know what they’re talking about and who have something to say were reduced to speaking in 15-second sound bites that conveyed no information worth knowing. What a time-waste.
4. Input on a football game from people who know nothing about football. While the true experts were being muzzled, we spent hours upon hours witnessing the equivalent of the painful “man-on-the-street” interview. It seems like the less a person knew about the match-up or the game of football itself, the more opportunities they had to speak into a microphone. Don’t let Michael Irvin tell what he knows to be true from personal experience in big games and his relationships with the players who are going to be on the field. But let’s let Ed from Watauga (who’s only at the Super Bowl because he threw a football through the Dunlop Super Tire while riding a flaming tricycle in the big contest at NTB back in August) to spout off for a minute and a half on how Troy Polamalu’s speed allows the Pittsburgh defense to disguise both blitzes and coverages. Hey Ed, while you’re up there, what do you forsee in Israel now that Hamas has won the elections and Ariel Sharon is getting his falafel through a tube?
5. Sponsors, spokespeople, and general hangers-on are self-congratulatory to a stomach-emptying extreme. Highly paid senior executives of enormous corporations are the only ones able to buy their way into this party, then they spend the entire week congratulating each other and themselves for being able to be there. By virtue of the fact that they can buy their way in, they get the privilege of spouting off their uninformed opinions and unfunny schtick to an audience which is encouraged to think of these wankers as knowledgeable and interesting because they are in a position to buy their way into the party in the first place! Who are these people and why should I listen to them about ANYTHING?
6. The stench of greed (or, at the very least, the appearance of greed) rubs off on everyone associated with the thing. Remember when the Rolling Stones were young, angry, and anti-Establishment? Neither do I. Those days are so far behind Mick and the boys that it’s hard to believe they were once viewed as “dangerous”. Why were they there last night? To reach a bigger audience? For the exposure? Hell no. They got money-whipped. And just think for a second about how much money it takes to money-whip the Rolling Stones. Then multiply that by the number of people, organizations, groups, etc who sell their name, talent, message, etc to “the cause” (ABC, the NFL, and whoever else made money on that freak show). What’s the word I’m looking for here? Oh, yeah. Prostitution.
Yes, I know that this is the ultimate expression of “free enterprise”, and, given that, you would expect me to be a supporter of it. Let there be no mistake, I am a fan of free enterprise and heartily oppose most, if not all, attempts to curb it. But the Super Bowl represents the extreme end of free enterprise. And like extremism of all stripes (religious, political, musical, etc), extreme free enterprise is, to me, something that is very difficult to like or support.
So, what’s to be done? Am I calling for a boycott of the NFL? No. A consumer strike against Super Bowl advertising? Absolutely not. Storming ABC headquarters like it was the Bastille, and beheading Chris Berman? Well, maybe the last part.
No, there’s no call to action here. I don’t expect anyone to take action on my opinion on a subject that, in truth, means so little in the scheme of things. I don’t even expect you to agree with me. The Super Bowl is the annually the highest rated telecast on TV (by a WIDE margin, too) for a reason. Most of you out there seem to like it just fine as is.
All I wanted to do in this post was vent a bit (mission accomplished), and give the NFL and the networks notice that they are losing me. I know they don’t care, why would they? But, maybe, I’m not the only one…
While attempting to drum up some interest in yesterday’s “big game” (Who am I kidding? I was trying drum up some paying of attention. “Interest” was out of the question from word go.), it occurred to me that I hate the Super Bowl.
Not “dislike”, nor “feel strongly negative about”, or any other less-harsh descriptor. Hate. I hate it. As in, I have “a feeling of dislike so strong that it demands action”, which is, in my case, writing this post.
To illustrate my point, here’s a brief lists of the positives and negatives of this event, strictly from my selfish and unappreciative point-of-view:
Positives:
1. World (although I question this – where are the Canadians?) championship of American football.
2 The game that everyone plays the entire season to reach. The goal.
3. Um, that’s it. I got nothing.
Negatives
1. So effing over-blown it makes me want to puke. Nothing on Earth, except maybe (maybe!) the arrival of the Messiah, needs a 5-hour pre-game show. There is no way the game could ever live up to the pre-sell. Even if you used Bill and Ted’s phone booth to assemble every great football player who ever lived, in his prime, and put them on the field in a true “All-Star” game, it wouldn’t live up to the hype that is the modern Super Bowl. Hell, the Civil War and WWI didn’t live up this much hype. I think the Revolution and WWII did, though. My opinion.
2. Over-commercialized to the point of being a parody of itself. I found myself reaching for the off switch right about the time Marv Albert told me that an official review of a play (Hasselbeck’s non-fumble in the 4th) was the “Barbisol Close Shave Play of the Game”. This after HOURS of assault on my resolve not to buy the ridiculous nonsense being hurled at me non-stop during the TV and radio broadcast.
3. Inanity heaped upon inanity. The halftime recap from Berman, Jackson, Irvin, and Young was the least-insightful talk about a football game I have ever heard from so-called sports broadcasting professionals. While I can no longer stomach Berman (hey, that’s pretty funny), and I think Steve Young is as bad on TV as he was good on the field, I do have high opinions of Tom Jackson and Mike Irvin as broadcasters (certainly not for Irvin as a human). I think they know what they’re talking about most of the time. You’d never know it from their comments yesterday. The reason (my opinion): They had about 10 seconds each, and they were under instructions from ABC to dumb it down for the 150 million viewers who never watch football on TV. Plus they had to shout. And it went that way all week. Men and women who know what they’re talking about and who have something to say were reduced to speaking in 15-second sound bites that conveyed no information worth knowing. What a time-waste.
4. Input on a football game from people who know nothing about football. While the true experts were being muzzled, we spent hours upon hours witnessing the equivalent of the painful “man-on-the-street” interview. It seems like the less a person knew about the match-up or the game of football itself, the more opportunities they had to speak into a microphone. Don’t let Michael Irvin tell what he knows to be true from personal experience in big games and his relationships with the players who are going to be on the field. But let’s let Ed from Watauga (who’s only at the Super Bowl because he threw a football through the Dunlop Super Tire while riding a flaming tricycle in the big contest at NTB back in August) to spout off for a minute and a half on how Troy Polamalu’s speed allows the Pittsburgh defense to disguise both blitzes and coverages. Hey Ed, while you’re up there, what do you forsee in Israel now that Hamas has won the elections and Ariel Sharon is getting his falafel through a tube?
5. Sponsors, spokespeople, and general hangers-on are self-congratulatory to a stomach-emptying extreme. Highly paid senior executives of enormous corporations are the only ones able to buy their way into this party, then they spend the entire week congratulating each other and themselves for being able to be there. By virtue of the fact that they can buy their way in, they get the privilege of spouting off their uninformed opinions and unfunny schtick to an audience which is encouraged to think of these wankers as knowledgeable and interesting because they are in a position to buy their way into the party in the first place! Who are these people and why should I listen to them about ANYTHING?
6. The stench of greed (or, at the very least, the appearance of greed) rubs off on everyone associated with the thing. Remember when the Rolling Stones were young, angry, and anti-Establishment? Neither do I. Those days are so far behind Mick and the boys that it’s hard to believe they were once viewed as “dangerous”. Why were they there last night? To reach a bigger audience? For the exposure? Hell no. They got money-whipped. And just think for a second about how much money it takes to money-whip the Rolling Stones. Then multiply that by the number of people, organizations, groups, etc who sell their name, talent, message, etc to “the cause” (ABC, the NFL, and whoever else made money on that freak show). What’s the word I’m looking for here? Oh, yeah. Prostitution.
Yes, I know that this is the ultimate expression of “free enterprise”, and, given that, you would expect me to be a supporter of it. Let there be no mistake, I am a fan of free enterprise and heartily oppose most, if not all, attempts to curb it. But the Super Bowl represents the extreme end of free enterprise. And like extremism of all stripes (religious, political, musical, etc), extreme free enterprise is, to me, something that is very difficult to like or support.
So, what’s to be done? Am I calling for a boycott of the NFL? No. A consumer strike against Super Bowl advertising? Absolutely not. Storming ABC headquarters like it was the Bastille, and beheading Chris Berman? Well, maybe the last part.
No, there’s no call to action here. I don’t expect anyone to take action on my opinion on a subject that, in truth, means so little in the scheme of things. I don’t even expect you to agree with me. The Super Bowl is the annually the highest rated telecast on TV (by a WIDE margin, too) for a reason. Most of you out there seem to like it just fine as is.
All I wanted to do in this post was vent a bit (mission accomplished), and give the NFL and the networks notice that they are losing me. I know they don’t care, why would they? But, maybe, I’m not the only one…
Cartoons from the Arab World
Just in case you were wondering what "acceptable" political cartoons look like in Arab media, here are a bunch of 'em from various sources.
The examples on the page linked above are apparently very typical. All of them are offensive as hell, to Jews and Americans. And no one burns any buildings or shoots anyone when they are printed.
Hmmmmm.
The examples on the page linked above are apparently very typical. All of them are offensive as hell, to Jews and Americans. And no one burns any buildings or shoots anyone when they are printed.
Hmmmmm.
Headlines that say it all
"Iran new focus of caricature protests" and "Cartoon fury".
I repeat, what is wrong with these people?
I repeat, what is wrong with these people?
Friday, February 03, 2006
Borat hits the big screen
I didn't even know this was in the works, but, according to Moriarty from Ain't It Cool News, Sacha Baron Cohen has brought Borat to the big screen. And, according to the review posted on AICN, it's a scream.
I can't wait!
I can't wait!
Hamas is elected, students of history know what to expect now
I have avoided posting anything on events in the recent Palestinian elections for a simple reason: I just didn't have the words to adequately describe my dismay at the results and my fears for what the future will hold.
Richard Cohen's column in today's Dallas Morning News (and the WaPo, and probably all over the place) sums up my feelings pretty well. Hamas, he reminds us, has clearly and distinctly called for the destruction of Israel. So, now that they are going to be governing the Palestinian territories, we're supposed to forget about that?
Cohen goes on to draw parallels between the Weimar government of Germany in the late 1920's and early 1930's and the Fatah-led Palestinian Authority. In both cases, corruption and lawlessness were rampant, and civil society was breaking down. In this environment, in both cases, a radical, ultra-conservative party, who had previously and publicly stated some rather extreme goals (anyone out there read Mein Kampf?), came along, promised to pick up the trash or make the trains run on time, and won stunning victories at the polls.
Cohen takes pains not to directly compare Hamas to the Nazis, but that's because he has to. He's a national columnist who would prefer not to risk offending the sensitive in the Palestinian or larger Muslim community.
I, however, am a nobody blogger from Middle America, and am under no such restrictions, so I'll go ahead and say it: I am scared to death at what this portends for Israel and the Middle East. Jews in the Middle East today are in a MUCH better position to protect themselves than they were in Weimar Germany, but that doesn't change the fact that this is as scary a situation as has existed since the Yom Kippur War in 1974.
We have no choice but to let this play out. However, Hamas does NOT deserve the benefit of the doubt. They have to take some positive actions before I'm going to give them any rope at all. I know the Israelis are thinking the same way. I sincerely hope the Bush administration is as well. And, as for the Palestinian apologists in Europe and elsewhere: You can stick your heads in the sand all you want, but, to me, this is exactly the reason we study history.
Richard Cohen's column in today's Dallas Morning News (and the WaPo, and probably all over the place) sums up my feelings pretty well. Hamas, he reminds us, has clearly and distinctly called for the destruction of Israel. So, now that they are going to be governing the Palestinian territories, we're supposed to forget about that?
Cohen goes on to draw parallels between the Weimar government of Germany in the late 1920's and early 1930's and the Fatah-led Palestinian Authority. In both cases, corruption and lawlessness were rampant, and civil society was breaking down. In this environment, in both cases, a radical, ultra-conservative party, who had previously and publicly stated some rather extreme goals (anyone out there read Mein Kampf?), came along, promised to pick up the trash or make the trains run on time, and won stunning victories at the polls.
Cohen takes pains not to directly compare Hamas to the Nazis, but that's because he has to. He's a national columnist who would prefer not to risk offending the sensitive in the Palestinian or larger Muslim community.
I, however, am a nobody blogger from Middle America, and am under no such restrictions, so I'll go ahead and say it: I am scared to death at what this portends for Israel and the Middle East. Jews in the Middle East today are in a MUCH better position to protect themselves than they were in Weimar Germany, but that doesn't change the fact that this is as scary a situation as has existed since the Yom Kippur War in 1974.
We have no choice but to let this play out. However, Hamas does NOT deserve the benefit of the doubt. They have to take some positive actions before I'm going to give them any rope at all. I know the Israelis are thinking the same way. I sincerely hope the Bush administration is as well. And, as for the Palestinian apologists in Europe and elsewhere: You can stick your heads in the sand all you want, but, to me, this is exactly the reason we study history.
A&M pays players? SHOCKING!!
I am shocked, shocked, to hear that Texas A&M might be paying it's football players. Good heavens. Who woulda thunk it?
Does anyone out there really believe major college football programs aren't paying their players? Every single one of them, no exception, is "cheating" in some way or another. Every single one of them could be on probation tomorrow if the NCAA wanted to dig just a little bit.
Terrence McCoy from Midland Lee was just callin' 'em like he sees 'em. I'm sure there are plenty of people around College Station suffering from severe pucker-factor until this one blows by.
Does anyone out there really believe major college football programs aren't paying their players? Every single one of them, no exception, is "cheating" in some way or another. Every single one of them could be on probation tomorrow if the NCAA wanted to dig just a little bit.
Terrence McCoy from Midland Lee was just callin' 'em like he sees 'em. I'm sure there are plenty of people around College Station suffering from severe pucker-factor until this one blows by.
Muslim outrage over cartoons grows more strident
Michelle Malkin has a thorough round-up of coverage of this truly ridiculous story.
Will someone please explain to me why this is the biggest and most critical issue in the Muslim world? Why are Muslims not protesting equally vociferously about their fascist governments, grinding poverty, crap education systems, or increasingly poor image in the rest of the world?
I am completely baffled by this.
UPDATE: These pictures speak for themselves. What is wrong with these people?
Will someone please explain to me why this is the biggest and most critical issue in the Muslim world? Why are Muslims not protesting equally vociferously about their fascist governments, grinding poverty, crap education systems, or increasingly poor image in the rest of the world?
I am completely baffled by this.
UPDATE: These pictures speak for themselves. What is wrong with these people?
Thursday, February 02, 2006
Genius office practical joke
Here's a great one from Geeding over at Bag of Nothing. So simple, yet so effective. Why don't I think of gags this great?
Sports sanity check
We've become quite tech-heavy lately here at CIT. I don't apologize for it, as tech and work stuff has been top-of-mind a lot recently. However, there is much going on in the world of ssssppppoooorrrrrtttttzzzz, and I wouldn't want to get too far away from it without commenting a bit.
In classic CIT fashion, let's scatter-shoot a bit (while wondering what ever happened to Gabe Kaplan after Kotter got cancelled), shall we?
Your Dallas Stars
Streaking up the Western Conference standings, Tippett and Co. are as hot as any team in the league. Jussi Jokinen is well on his way to being a major star, just on his shootout ability. Quietly, this team is accomplishing some things. It's hard to get really worked up about the regular season in the NHL, but the Stars are worth watching right now.
The little Mavericks
Speaking of red-hot, the Mavericks 10-game winning streak has them tied with the champs at the top of the Western Conference, and not far behind Detroit for tops in the league. The Mavs have options all over the court, real depth, and the desire to play a bit of defense. I wonder about their killer instinct, however. The NBA is the last league to permit dynasties, and teams stay together long enough to develop real personalities. Detroit and San Antonio are clearly the class of their respective conferences. I don't think the Mavs are tough enough to beat Duncan and Co. I question Dirk's grit. This year is as good a time as any to prove me wrong.
Seattle vs. Pittsburgh - The Nation Snores
I've tried hard to work up some interest in Super Bowl XL, but have yet to succeed. There are absolutely zero compelling story lines here for me.
Jerome Bettis goes home - big deal. What's so great about Jerome Bettis? Longevity? He's an OK running back, but nothing spectacular. Cowher? He would have been fired after losing to the Cowboys in the '96 Super Bowl in any other town in the NFL. Even the Sgt Slaughter jokes have worn thin with me.
On the other side of the ball, I'm a little more interested in Seattle, but not much. Holmgren looks more and more like Doc from Snow White every year. Hasselbeck could be John Malkovich's little brother. And I have a suspicion that Shaun Alexander is gay (not that there's anything wrong about that).
To me, there's a bit of interest in the battle of the Samoans (or whatever they are): Polamalu and Tatupu. I'm leaning Lofa's way for two reasons: His dad was one of my favorites on the mid-80s Pats teams of my college days, and I like guys named after bath products (bada-BING). Seriously, why don't opponents yank the sh*t out of Troy Polamalu's hair on every down? I would.
There's the usual interest in the commercials, although I've already tried the Gillette Fusion, so that mystery is over. Maybe Jessica Alba will show up in one or two - probably not, but it's something to hope for.
Even the Stones hold little interest for me. OK, they were great. Top 5 All Time, no argument at all. But they're ANCIENT. Enough already. I hope to God that U2 has more class than to flog their act until they're 60.
The one and only truly motivating factor that is compelling me to watch is ABC's HD setup. It will be bigger and better than anything ever televised. And I am SO happy w/ my HD set that I'll tune in for 5 hours of inanity just to see it crystal-clear perfection.
In classic CIT fashion, let's scatter-shoot a bit (while wondering what ever happened to Gabe Kaplan after Kotter got cancelled), shall we?
Your Dallas Stars
Streaking up the Western Conference standings, Tippett and Co. are as hot as any team in the league. Jussi Jokinen is well on his way to being a major star, just on his shootout ability. Quietly, this team is accomplishing some things. It's hard to get really worked up about the regular season in the NHL, but the Stars are worth watching right now.
The little Mavericks
Speaking of red-hot, the Mavericks 10-game winning streak has them tied with the champs at the top of the Western Conference, and not far behind Detroit for tops in the league. The Mavs have options all over the court, real depth, and the desire to play a bit of defense. I wonder about their killer instinct, however. The NBA is the last league to permit dynasties, and teams stay together long enough to develop real personalities. Detroit and San Antonio are clearly the class of their respective conferences. I don't think the Mavs are tough enough to beat Duncan and Co. I question Dirk's grit. This year is as good a time as any to prove me wrong.
Seattle vs. Pittsburgh - The Nation Snores
I've tried hard to work up some interest in Super Bowl XL, but have yet to succeed. There are absolutely zero compelling story lines here for me.
Jerome Bettis goes home - big deal. What's so great about Jerome Bettis? Longevity? He's an OK running back, but nothing spectacular. Cowher? He would have been fired after losing to the Cowboys in the '96 Super Bowl in any other town in the NFL. Even the Sgt Slaughter jokes have worn thin with me.
On the other side of the ball, I'm a little more interested in Seattle, but not much. Holmgren looks more and more like Doc from Snow White every year. Hasselbeck could be John Malkovich's little brother. And I have a suspicion that Shaun Alexander is gay (not that there's anything wrong about that).
To me, there's a bit of interest in the battle of the Samoans (or whatever they are): Polamalu and Tatupu. I'm leaning Lofa's way for two reasons: His dad was one of my favorites on the mid-80s Pats teams of my college days, and I like guys named after bath products (bada-BING). Seriously, why don't opponents yank the sh*t out of Troy Polamalu's hair on every down? I would.
There's the usual interest in the commercials, although I've already tried the Gillette Fusion, so that mystery is over. Maybe Jessica Alba will show up in one or two - probably not, but it's something to hope for.
Even the Stones hold little interest for me. OK, they were great. Top 5 All Time, no argument at all. But they're ANCIENT. Enough already. I hope to God that U2 has more class than to flog their act until they're 60.
The one and only truly motivating factor that is compelling me to watch is ABC's HD setup. It will be bigger and better than anything ever televised. And I am SO happy w/ my HD set that I'll tune in for 5 hours of inanity just to see it crystal-clear perfection.
Wednesday, February 01, 2006
Blackberry patent brouhaha - Wired's take
I have been a loyal subscriber and big fan of Wired magazine and it's various Web publications for more than 10 years. I find myself agreeing with the editors and writers of Wired more often than not, and almost always find merit in their arguments. In other words, I think they're a bunch of smart people.
Robert Strohmeyer, the editor of Wired's Gear Factor blog, has posted a strongly-worded opinion piece regarding the RIM vs. NTP wireless-email-patent-encroachment imbroglio. The bottom line: Strohmeyer believes that, even though NTP has some legitimacy to it's claim, RIM should win the case. His reasoning: NTP's patents are vaguely worded descriptions of obvious services, and RIM has spent a ton of time and dough making the concept into an essential reality.
My wife holds one patent and is applying for a second, so I am extremely sensitive to the rights of patent holders. The entire idea of patent law is to protect the inventor from larger, less-scrupulous entities who would exploit the little guy's genius.
With that said, I come down on Strohmeyer's side on this one. RIM has taken a concept (wireless email) from being a really good, but unexecuted, idea and has, through the application of a lot of money, time, and effort, turned it into a critical component of modern business communication. The working end result, the Blackberry wireless communicator, represents the creative efforts of thousands of people and millions of dollars, all of which were employed well after Tom Campana (the principal of NTP) patented his vague thoughts regarding mobile text messaging.
This is, however, dangerous ground. A victory either way has serious repercussions. If RIM prevails, even though they probably should in this case, patent holders will have to reassess the value of their patents. If NTP prevails, then almost all electronics manufacturers, along with companies in many other fields, will have to pursue patent investigations with far more fervor, not to mention expense - and you know who's going to foot the bill for that, don't you? Why, you are. Thanks so much.
The whole episode has been a thought-provoker with no obvious "right" answer. I think Strohmeyer and Wired make a good case for what they think the right answer is, but there's plenty of room for argument.
Read the whole thing!
Robert Strohmeyer, the editor of Wired's Gear Factor blog, has posted a strongly-worded opinion piece regarding the RIM vs. NTP wireless-email-patent-encroachment imbroglio. The bottom line: Strohmeyer believes that, even though NTP has some legitimacy to it's claim, RIM should win the case. His reasoning: NTP's patents are vaguely worded descriptions of obvious services, and RIM has spent a ton of time and dough making the concept into an essential reality.
My wife holds one patent and is applying for a second, so I am extremely sensitive to the rights of patent holders. The entire idea of patent law is to protect the inventor from larger, less-scrupulous entities who would exploit the little guy's genius.
With that said, I come down on Strohmeyer's side on this one. RIM has taken a concept (wireless email) from being a really good, but unexecuted, idea and has, through the application of a lot of money, time, and effort, turned it into a critical component of modern business communication. The working end result, the Blackberry wireless communicator, represents the creative efforts of thousands of people and millions of dollars, all of which were employed well after Tom Campana (the principal of NTP) patented his vague thoughts regarding mobile text messaging.
This is, however, dangerous ground. A victory either way has serious repercussions. If RIM prevails, even though they probably should in this case, patent holders will have to reassess the value of their patents. If NTP prevails, then almost all electronics manufacturers, along with companies in many other fields, will have to pursue patent investigations with far more fervor, not to mention expense - and you know who's going to foot the bill for that, don't you? Why, you are. Thanks so much.
The whole episode has been a thought-provoker with no obvious "right" answer. I think Strohmeyer and Wired make a good case for what they think the right answer is, but there's plenty of room for argument.
Read the whole thing!
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