Archive for June, 2004
Thuggery
Here’s a Republican PR firm trying to shut down Michael Moore’s new film. (More on them here.) If you scroll down you’ll see that they thoughtfully provide a list of email addresses for major theatre chains, so visitors to their site can let theatre owners know that they appreciate and patronize businesses that […]
Bugs
I just had to share this amazing picture of a Copepod from the Smithsonian’s web site: “The World of Copepods” I discovered via Mark Liberman’s recent LanguageLog post. Mark’s post is also notable for pointing out that these tiny aquatic creatures are not “insects” but “crustaceans,” and therefore not kosher, as well as tracing the […]
Memogate
Ashcroft’s arrogance knows no bounds. For those of you who don’t know already, Ashcroft refused to hand over documents requested by congress. These documents have already been leaked to the media. You can see them here. What is truly astounding is that Ashcroft flatly refused to justify his refusal on legal grounds.
ASHCROFT: I am refusing […]
FeedBurner [Feeds]
One of the big problems with running a full-text newsfeed on your website is that it makes it difficult to keep track of how many people are reading your blog. On the other hand, for people like myself who use software like NetNewsWire, or FeedDemon to read all their favorite blogs, it is very annoying […]
Finalists
The Designs on the White House finalists were announced today.
Take a look.
Some of my favorites didn’t make it, but I think there are a lot of great designs for the judges to look at in each category. The winners will be announced on the 21st.
CPB
In the U.K. the BBC receives about $160 per person, giving it an annual budget of close to $4 billion. In America, the Corporation for PUblic Broadcasting (CPB) gets a measly $280 million (cut from $315 million). That comes to about $1 per person!!! By contrast, the U.S. Military wasted $100 million in unused plane […]
Photo Ban
The NYC subway system is considering a ban on photography on its trains and platforms — despite the long and honourable tradition of shipping kick-ass art by taking snaps on the trains. Here’s a public inquiry site where you can comment on the proposal.
Here is the text of the proposed ban:
6. Section 1050.9
…
In order to […]
Satisfaction
I was contemplating purchasing a laser printer from a company called Legend Micro - until I read their return policy.
Return Policy
In order to remain competitive in today’s marketplace and continue to provide exceptional service to its customers, Legend Micro is instituting a new 100% Product Satisfaction Policy effective October 1, 2003:
1. 15 Day 100% Money […]
Death
There is nothing particularly original in proclaiming Bergman’s The Seventh Seal to be one of the greatest movies of all time; but I feel compelled to explain why I feel this so strongly. At one level it is a purely visceral reaction. I have seen the film countless times, and I enjoy it more with […]
Mourning
Fifteen years ago, in April of 1989, thousands gathered in Tiananmen Square (天安門) to mourn the death of Former Party General Secretary Hu Yaobang (胡耀邦), sparking off one of the most important political movements in recent Chinese history. This was not the first time that public mourning had been used as a means of political […]
An anthropologist and documentary filmmaker, 
