Norm Coleman - United States Senator - Minnesota

"“My probe of the U.N. as Chairman of the Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations revealed management that was at best, incompetent, and at worst corrupt,” said Coleman. “The first priority for the United Nations must be fundamental reform of its management and operations rather than any expansion of its authority and responsibilities. The Internet has flourished under U.S. supervision, oversight, and private sector involvement. This growth did not happen because of increased government involvement, but rather, from the opening on the Internet to commerce and private sector innovation. Subjecting the Internet and its security to the politicized control of the UN bureaucracy would be a giant and foolhardy step backwards.”"

Big giant thumbs-up for Norm Coleman!

Bush: Intelligent Design Should Be Taught

"President Bush said Monday he believes schools should discuss 'intelligent design' alongside evolution when teaching students about the creation of life."

People unclear on the concept of "scientific method".

Apple - Mighty Mouse

"Meet the mouse that reinvented the wheel. The scroll wheel, that is"

Wow, first moving to Intel and now this? There's a run on ice skates in Hell.

Boing Boing: Apple to add Trusted Computing to the new kernel?

"People working with early versions of the forthcoming Intel-based MacOSX operating system have discovered that Apple's new kernel makes use of Intel's Trusted Computing hardware. If this 'feature' appears in a commercial, shipping version of Apple's OS, they'll lose me as a customer -- I've used Apple computers since 1979 and have a Mac tattooed on my right bicep, but this is a deal-breaker."

A well-thought-out article on some recent news about the Mac Intel kernel. I have to say: I've been considering buying a Mac for the last year or so, and if this goes into commercial hardware/OS... I'll pass on it.

Trusted Computing is a horrific idea from the hardware/software vendors. If it is forced on the general public, you'll see an instant fallout of platforms sold precisely because they [i]don't[/i] have trusted computing.

The idea that someone can tell me what I can or can't run on my own computer, or what program that I have to use to read data, is completely unthinkable. You can go to hell before I allow you that level of control.

Google hit with job discrimination lawsuit | CNET News.com

"A former Google sales executive has filed a lawsuit against the search giant, alleging it engaged in job discrimination while she was pregnant with quadruplets."

I'm sure there's two sides to this story. I know that. On the other hand, there's a ring of truth in the sequence of events.

My question is simple: what the fuck were you thinking? Are we so focused on profits that we forget that a pregnant woman has the right to expect some consideration and respect? The woman lost 3 of 4 quadruplets, for god's sake. You as her manager, and you as her company, should have been all over getting her into a situation that's less stressful. Without being asked or prompted.

Anyone ever remember business school ethics? Stakeholders comprise a number of people, including the employees. Just as important as stockholders. Business school graduates seem to forget that.

Study Says Echinacea Doesn't Help Colds

"New research finds that taking the popular herbal remedy echinacea does nothing to treat or prevent colds."

This news also in: sky is confirmed blue, repeat, confirmed blue.

GameSpy: PlanetFargo: Dungeons & Dragons Made Simple

"DUNGEONS AND DRAGONS FOR COMPLETE AND UTTER IDIOTS"

Every now and again, something absolutely brilliant comes along. I particularly liked the flowchart on page 2.

Boing Boing: Microsoft "Genuine Advantage" cracked in 24h

AV sez, "This week, Microsoft started requiring users to verifiy their serial number before using Windows Update. This effort to force users to either buy XP or tell them where you got the illegal copy is called 'Genuine Advantage.' It was cracked within 24 hours."

Shucky darn.

I expect the next attempt will be a wee bit harder to crack though, boys.

local6.com - Family - Invoiced Divorce: Wife Wants Back Pay For Housework

"'It's not about the money. It's about standing up for women' s rights and the respect they deserve and their duties around the house,' Kathy said. 'I know there's men that work hard too, but a woman doesn't get a day to take a break.'"

One of the more ridiculous items that I've read. I wonder how she'll like getting hit for rent, food, clothing, and all sundries in the counter suit?

NBC 17 - News - Couple Cleared Of Child Sex Charges

"The photo that raised alarms shows a naked Kristoff, now 16-months-old, getting a kiss from his father on the belly button, Teresa Hamaty said."

So the father spends 6 months in jail, the kids spend 6 months living in foster care, the family is completely disrupted... all for a harnless home video.

What I want to know is whether or not the social worker who overreacted was fired?

But I already know the answer.

Social workers have no responsibility, apparently, for being right before disrupting people's lives. All authority, with no responsibility or accountability, equals tyranny.

Smooth Operator - Some very cool cars

Interesting set of pictures.

Microsoft's Earth deletes Apple HQ | The Register

"If you've got time on your hands - stand up Jens and Stefan - have a look at Apple's Cupertino headquarters from Google and MSN's rival map sites. Both sites offer aerial photos alongside maps. MSN's version is here and Google's is here."

Now that's amusing. I'm sure it's all based on the time that the satellite photo was taken, but it wouldn't surprise me if MS actually used an older photo.

Petty, Bill. Petty.

Angry Americans Want to Take Souter's Land

"People from across the country are getting behind a campaign to seize Supreme Court Justice David Souter's farmhouse to build a luxury hotel, according to the man who came up with the idea following a Supreme Court decision favoring government seizure of private property."

Awesome. I love it. A perfect response to an incredibly stupid ruling. More power to you, Mr. Clements.

ESPN.com: Page 2 : The dumbest rules in sports

The dumbest rules in sports. I laughed when I read this, although I don't agree with all of them. You'll laugh a few times, too :-)

Finance24 : Beer 'price war' seen looming

"Beer wholesalers surveyed by Citigroup Smith Barney believe their industry is on the verge of a price war that could last seven months or longer"

Oh gosh, hold me. The world is ending.

On the other hand, maybe I'll just go down to the store and pick up a six-pack of Anchor Steam.

RedNova News - Space - Cassini Reveals Saturn's Eerie-Sounding Radio Emissions

"Saturn's radio emissions could be mistaken for a Halloween sound track."

Very cool. There's two sound clips on the web page, so you can listen for yourself.

Wining and dining best way to woo women - Yahoo! News

"Forget expensive presents or costly jewellery. Wining and dining is the best way for men to woo women, scientists said on Tuesday."

Oh my. And we spent grant money for this? Where do I sign up?

Researchers at Imperial College London developed a mathematical formula and modelled courtship as a sequential game to find the best way to impress the ladies

Of course they did. Lord knows it's easier to model courtship than it is to perform it :-)

CTV.ca | Microsoft cracks down on software piracy

"In a controversial effort to stop software piracy, computer users who go to the Microsoft website for Windows updates will have their system scanned, to check whether their copy of Windows is a counterfeit."

Because Lord knows, their licensing wasn't draconian enough...

Want to reinstall Windows more than 3 times? You have to call the friendly MS phone line and convince some bimbo that you have a legitimate need. Now, I have to open up my computer so that they can check for themselves if it's legal.

Fuck you, Microsoft. Another reason to buy Mac.