RIP: Richard Pryor

IN THE NEWS

COMMENTARY
While I was only a distant fan of Pryor's, my meditation on his passing invokes feelings about something very close to me: the power of neurological diseases such as multiple sclerosis (MS) to cripple healthy and vibrant lives.

Take some time to learn about MS and other related diseases such as transverse myelitis.

Diseases of the neurological system can be random and often totally life altering.

NEWSBYTE
Comedian Richard Pryor dies at 65
(CNN) -- Just days after his 65th birthday, groundbreaking comedian Richard Pryor died Saturday of a heart attack, his wife told CNN.

Pryor, who had been ill with multiple sclerosis, died at Encino Hospital near Los Angeles at 7:58 a.m. PT. Jennifer Lee Pryor tried to revive him at their home before paramedics arrived and took him to the hospital, she said. Read full story.

RELATED
National MS Society
Transverse Myelitis Association

TESNION: Take care
GRAVITY: Random

Tags: transverse myelitis, multiple sclerosis, current events, News

Military's Information War Is High-Tech

IRAQ/MIDDLE EAST

COMMENTARY
The American "information warriors" should be just as well equipped as any branch of the military. However, I'm not so sure it helps for the Times to make a comparison to the free speech we enjoy inside the US and psychological operations carried out by the American military in-theater.

The Times would have you believe that democracy building and supporting a free press in Iraq is in conflict with information warfare. Perhaps the Times has forgotten recent history and the lengths the US had to go to insure the world was free from Nazi tyranny and Japanese imperialism. Then again, when it comes to objectively publishing facts, there are times that maybe the Times should question its own credibility.

NEWSLINE
"We've got to do a better job of making our case."

NEWSBYTE
Military's Information War Is Vast and Often Secretive
The Bush administration's information campaign aims to counter anti-American sentiment in the Muslim world.

RELATED
Probe into Iraq coverage widens
Report: US Uses Paid Content in Iraq

TENSION: Let's tell all the secrets
GRAVITY: Check your sources

Tags: current events, politics, News, terrorism, Middle East, White House, Iraq, war, journalism, mainstream media, press

Sen. Calls on Bush to Pull 'White Flag' Ad

NATION/POLITICS

COMMENTARY
I'd want that ad pulled too if I were a Democrat, and a real war hero, who had to live down Sen. Kerry calling American soldiers terrorists.

NEWSBYTES
SENATOR CALLS ON BUSH TO TAKE DOWN ATTACK AD
(DRUDGE) Today, Senator Daniel Inouye, the Ranking Member of the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee and a recipient of the Medal of Honor for his service in World War II, released the following statement:

"As a Veteran of World War II, I know what it’s like to fight a war and put your life on the line every day. I also know what it takes to win a war, and I know that politics and an attack machine like the President’s plays no part in it." Read full story.

The Democrats Haul Out Another Vet
(Powerline Blog) This time it's Senator Daniel Inouye, who served heroically in World War II. The Democrats obviously think the Republicans' new ad attacking their "Surrender Now" position on Iraq is effective. Read full story.

RELATED
Video: GOP Launches 'White Flag' Ads Against Dems

TENSION: Divisive
GRAVITY: Status quo

Tags: current events, politics, News, terrorism, Middle East, White House, Iraq, war, Republicans, Democrats

Hurricane Katrina Aftermath News Pictures #19

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Pumping Up Part Seven: High Prices Change Habits

NATION/ECONOMY

NEWSLINE
Americans are fighting high pump prices by combining a trip to the grocery store with business at the bank or taking a bus to work.

NEWSBYTE
High gas prices alter driving habits
(USA Today) Record gas prices have put a dent in our driving habits. The growth in miles driven in the USA, a mostly steep climb for 25 years, has flattened in the past year as gas prices spiked, according to a USA TODAY analysis of Federal Highway Administration data. Read full story.

Tension: Gas Pains
Gravity: 200%

Topics: News, Gulf Coast, Hurricane, Katrina Wilma, tropical storm, Rita, Bush, economy

Probe Into US Paid Content In Iraq Widens

IRAQ/MIDDLE EAST

COMMENTARY
Please note there are some cultural differences that make us view this story in from our own position rather than in the context it exists. In Iraq, the economics of survival means it's not uncommon for Iraqi journalists to accept gifts or cash in exchange for favorable stories. Most monthly salaries in Iraq are under $300 and Iraqi journalists don't see anything wrong with accepting 'gifts' to publish stories. Additionally from our perspective, we need to keep in mind the difference between a dictator who runs the media and controls the press -- and a free enterprise media who can decline to accept the paid stories.

NEWSBYTE
Probe into Iraq coverage widens
(USA Today) BAGHDAD — A U.S. investigation into allegations that the American military is buying positive coverage in the Iraqi media has expanded to examine a press club founded and financed by the U.S. Army. Read full story.

TENSION: Let's tell all the secrets
GRAVITY: Check your sources

Tags: current events, politics, News, terrorism, Middle East, White House, Iraq, war, journalism, mainstream media, press

Video: GOP Launches 'White Flag' Ads Against Dems

NATION/POLITICS

COMMENTARY
Maybe it's about time the GOP paints the picture in the right light. It's hard enough for the troops to be in a war zone without having to be exposed to all the partisan bickering coming from the left.

NEWSBYTES
Watch the video.

EXCLUSIVE: GOP TO LAUNCH 'WHITE FLAG' DEM ATTACK
The DRUDGE REPORT has learned from a top GOP operative that the Republican National Committee will provide state parties with a web video prior to release tomorrow afternoon that shows a white flag waving over images of Democrat leaders making anti-war remarks.

The ad is in response to the controversial comments Democratic Party Chairman Howard Dean and 2004 Democratic Presidential nominee John Kerry made earlier in the week. Read full story

RELATED
White flag Democrats
(LA Times) AND THE DEMOCRATS wonder why they are considered weak on national security? It's not because anyone doubts their patriotism. It's because a lot of people doubt their judgment and toughness.

As if to prove the skeptics right, Democrats have been stepping forth to renounce their previous support for the liberation of Iraq even as Iraqis prepare to vote in a general election. Bill Clinton, Joe Biden, John Kerry, John Edwards, John Murtha — that's quite a list of heavyweight flip-floppers. Read full story.

TENSION: Divisive
GRAVITY: Status quo

Tags: current events, politics, News, terrorism, Middle East, White House, Iraq, war, Republicans, Democrats

Qaeda-Iraq Link US Cited Is Tied to Coercion Claim

WASHINGTON

COMMENTARY
Always beware of unnamed sources when vetting news stories. Unnamed sources can be used to say just about anything without actual attribution. This is especially true when looking at stories from the Times, who have a history of problems with some reporter's sources. In any case, this story seems to be making hay on the coattails of the current CIA secret prisons stories.

NEWSLINE
"According to the current and former government officials. "

NEWSBYTE
Qaeda-Iraq Link U.S. Cited Is Tied to Coercion Claim
(NYT) WASHINGTON, Dec. 8 - The Bush administration based a crucial prewar assertion about ties between Iraq and Al Qaeda on detailed statements made by a prisoner while in Egyptian custody who later said he had fabricated them to escape harsh treatment, according to current and former government officials. Read full story.

TENSION: Say who?
GRAVITY: Whatever

Tags: current events, politics, News, terrorism, Middle East, White House, Iraq, war, Republicans, Democrats

North Dakota Dem to Howard Dean: Shut Up

NATION/POLITICS

COMMENTARY
Ah yes, step right up and hear it again for the first time: "Arrrgh!"

NEWSLINE
"He is not hired to make major policy announcements on behalf of all the Democrats," Pomeroy said. "As our party chairman I believe he needs to focus on the nuts and bolts of winning elections."

NEWSBYTE
Pomeroy to Howard Dean:Shut up
(AP) WASHINGTON - North Dakota Rep. Earl Pomeroy is accusing Democratic Party Chairman Howard Dean of overstepping his bounds, saying the former presidential candidate should not give up on the war in Iraq. Read full story.

Political Tension: Don't forget Vermont
Gravity: Behind 2 to 1

Topics: current events, politics, Dean, News, DNC, White House, Democrats, election, 2006, 2008, President

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Iran's President: Holocaust? What Holocaust?

WORLD/MIDDLE EAST

COMMENTARY
UPDATED Need we go any further to find undeniable proof that governments and religions should remain separate? The kind of hostile rhetoric coming out of Iran makes the so-called war on Christmas in the US into child's play. It seems simple enough, there will never be any peace with these folks as long as the world's energy needs supports the oil economy.

NEWSLINE
"An extremist with a microphone can be dangerous enough; an extremist with nuclear weapons poses a danger to the entire world."

NEWSBYTES
Iranian President: Move Israel to Europe
MECCA, Saudi Arabia (AP) - Iran's hard-liner president, who has called for Israel's destruction, said Thursday that the Jewish state should be moved to Europe if the West wants to make up for the Holocaust. The remarks drew an angry reaction from Israeli officials, Jewish leaders and the United...

Iran's Ahmadinejad Calls for Jewish State in Europe
TEHRAN (Reuters/CNN) - Iran's President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad on Thursday expressed doubt that the Holocaust occurred and suggested that Israel should be moved to Europe.

US condemns Iranian leader's comments on Holocaust
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Comments by Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad expressing doubt about the Holocaust and suggesting Israel be moved to Europe are appalling and reprehensible, the State Department said on Thursday.

TESNION: Saber rattling
GRAVITY: Nuclear

Tags: current events, politics, News, terrorism, Middle East, Iran, war

Images Of The News: Thursday, 8 Dec. 2005

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'Fuzzy Logic' Explains Secret of Six-Week Sofa

FEATURE

COMMENTARY
Now I'm crushed. I always believed that it would take six weeks to deliver that sofa.

NEWSBYTE
'Fuzzy logic' explains secret of six-week sofa
LONDON (AFP) - Six weeks will always be the delivery time given for your new sofa regardless of where it is made, according to findings by a team of British mathematicians.

As part of research into logistics, academics at the University of Derby asked more than 70 furniture firms how long it would take to deliver a suite -- and every one gave the 42-day period. Read full story.

TENSION: Fuzzy
GRAVITY: Couched

Tags: Current Events, News,

Drudge: GOP to Launch 'White Flag' Ads Against Dems

Please see updated story: Video: GOP Launches 'White Flag' Ads Against Dems

COMMENTARY
Maybe it's about time the GOP paints the picture in the right light. It's hard enough for the troops to be in a war zone without having to be exposed to all the partisan bickering coming from the left.

NEWSBYTE
EXCLUSIVE: GOP TO LAUNCH 'WHITE FLAG' DEM ATTACK
The DRUDGE REPORT has learned from a top GOP operative that the Republican National Committee will provide state parties with a web video prior to release tomorrow afternoon that shows a white flag waving over images of Democrat leaders making anti-war remarks.

The ad is in response to the controversial comments Democratic Party Chairman Howard Dean and 2004 Democratic Presidential nominee John Kerry made earlier in the week. Read full story

RELATED
White flag Democrats
(LA Times) AND THE DEMOCRATS wonder why they are considered weak on national security? It's not because anyone doubts their patriotism. It's because a lot of people doubt their judgment and toughness.

As if to prove the skeptics right, Democrats have been stepping forth to renounce their previous support for the liberation of Iraq even as Iraqis prepare to vote in a general election. Bill Clinton, Joe Biden, John Kerry, John Edwards, John Murtha — that's quite a list of heavyweight flip-floppers. Read full story.

TENSION: Divisive
GRAVITY: Status quo

Tags: current events, politics, News, terrorism, Middle East, White House, Iraq, war, Republicans, Democrats

Tension Within Iraqi Tribunal Taints Justice Hopes

WORLD/IRAQ

COMMENTARY
I just couldn't resist.

NEWSLINE
"I haven't got a damn clue what's going on."

NEWSBYTE
Tension within Iraqi tribunal taints justice hopes
BAGHDAD (Reuters) - On the fifth day of Saddam Hussein's trial, as it looked more and more likely that the main defendant would not show up, a U.S. official working with the court suddenly succumbed to frustration.

RELATED
Home Page: Iraq Special Tribunal

TENSION: Foolish
GRAVITY: Spider hole

Tags: current events, politics, News, terrorism, Middle East, Iraq, war

Ann Coutler Rattles Cages At UConn

NATION/POLITICS

COMMENTARY
Ann simply strikes fear into those who can't come to terms with her views.

It's too bad that kids who are supposedly getting a liberal education seem not to learn the meaning of liberal. Perhaps that's the fault of the dumbed down curriculum at a public university. I'll be the first to admit my liberal profs confused the heck out of me. But those were the college days, I didn't have a care in the world then. Ya' know, Ann Coulter's ideology comes in direct conflict with the laid back, take care of me, care free, parent's-paid-for college way of life. Those kids will sing a different tune once they graduate to mortgages, car payments, and tuition savings plans for their own kids.

NEWSLINE
"It really appalled me that we're not able to come together as a group and listen to a different view in a respectful environment."

NEWSBYTES
Ann Coulter to audience: You're stupider than I am
STORRS, Connecticut (AP) -- Conservative columnist Ann Coulter cut short a speech at the University of Connecticut amid boos and jeers, and decided to hold a question-and-answer session instead. Read full story.

Hecklers Disrupt Coulter's Speech At UConn
(Courant.com) STORRS -- Music that seemed to come from somewhere in the raucous audience that packed the Jorgensen Center at the University of Connecticut Wednesday night brought Ann Coulter's speech to an abrupt end about 15 minutes after she started. Read full story.

TENSION: Liberal intolerance
GRAVITY: Oh well

Tags: current events, politics, News, Republicans, Democrats, liberals, conservatives

MAINTAIN THE TENSION: VISIT OUR ADVERTISERS

Dec. 8: John Lennon Remembered

COMMENTARY
Imagine

NEWSBYTES
ON THIS DAY: 8 December -- 1980: John Lennon shot dead
(BBC) Former Beatle John Lennon has been shot dead by an unknown gunman who opened fire outside the musician's New York apartment.

The 40-year-old was shot several times as he entered the Dakota, his luxury apartment building on Manhattan's Upper West Side, opposite Central Park, at 2300 local time. Read full story.

Lennon fans mark Beatle's death
Music fans around the world are marking the life of former Beatle John Lennon on the 25th anniversary of his death.

(BBC) The singer was shot outside a Manhattan apartment on 8 December 1980 by Mark Chapman, who is currently serving 20 years to life in a New York prison. Read full story.

A Final Record
(NYT) TWENTY-FIVE years ago today, John Lennon was shot and killed outside his apartment building on the Upper West Side of Manhattan. This previously unpublished photograph was taken a little more than a month before his death. Read full story.

Looking back at Lennon
(USA Today) John Lennon, killed by a deranged fan 25 years ago Thursday, left a towering legacy as a member of The Beatles. But he also enjoyed a fruitful solo career before he was gunned down outside the Dakota apartment building. Read full story.

Floral, musical tributes for Lennon 25 years on
LIVERPOOL (Reuters) - Liverpool prepared to honour a famous son on Thursday with floral and musical tributes to mark the 25th anniversary of John Lennon's death.

In a ceremony in the centre of the city where Lennon was born and raised, fans and officials will create a shrine beneath a statue of the legendary Beatle, gunned down in New York by a fan in the presence of his wife Yoko Ono. Read full story.

Fans remember Lennon, film 'glorifies' his killer
(CTV) While fans the world over prepare to commemorate the 25th anniversary of John Lennon's death with a day of love-ins, rallies and book launches, a planned TV special has those closer to the epic rocker feeling somewhat less festive.

"I Killed Lennon," a documentary featuring the man who murdered the Beatles' resident poet and peace advocate, is to be aired on Britain's Channel Four Thursday evening and NBC's Dateline on Friday. The idea of shining the spotlight on Lennon's killer does not sit well with his oldest relative. Read full story.

TENSION: All we are saying is ...
GRAVITY: Give peace a chance

Tags: Current Events, News, music, Beatles

Vanuatu Volcano Bursts Into Life

COMMENTARY
Isn't this around the place Survivor Vanuatu, Islands of Fire was shot?

NEWSLINE
"Maybe nothing is going to happen, but it is better to be ready than not."

NEWSBYTE
Vanuatu Volcano Bursts Into Life
AMBAE ISLAND, Vanuatu (AP) - An erupting volcano on this remote South Pacific island burst into spectacular life Thursday - shooting steam and toxic gases 9,845 feet into the sky. Huge columns of dense white steam and muddy ash spewed above Ambae Island to reach the greatest height seen since the...

TENSION: Hot
GRAVITY: Magma

NOTE: Mouseover pictures for captions.
NOTE: All rights are reserved by image owners; site content is linked only.

Tags: News, photo, volcano, photo

Images Of The News: Wednesday, 7 Dec. 2005

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Iraq Insurgents Escalate War On Cyber Battlefield

COMMENTARY
In the information age, all stops are pulled when fighting to win. The insurgents (and the mainstream US press, it seems) promote a picture of chaos that gives the impression that the insurgents are winning. The US military is investigating reports that they paid Iraqi news media to run favorable stories. The stories don't kill anybody, but they do help shape perceptions.

NEWSLINE
"The information environment has become a battlefield in a very real way."

NEWSBYTE
Iraq insurgents escalate war of words on cyber-battlefield
(USA Today) BAGHDAD -- Insurgents in Iraq have launched a publicity blitz. They increased the number of Web postings to 825 last month from 145 in January, according to the U.S. military. Most postings detail insurgent bombings or attacks on Iraqi and U.S. forces. Read full story.

TENSION: Psywar
GRAVITY: Boots on the ground

Tags: current events, politics, News, terrorism, Middle East, Iraq, war

Pulitzer Rings a Death Knell for Print Journalism

ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT

COMMENTARY
A Pulitzer now for online news? Well, that's an interesting development ... sure to send chills down the spines of newspaper publishers everywhere.

NEWSLINE
"The board believes it has taken a significant step in recognition of the widening role of online journalism at newspapers."

NEWSBYTE
Web journalism now eligible for Pulitzer Prize
(CBC.CA) Internet journalism received a leap in recognition Wednesday as the Pulitzer Prize Board widened its submission guidelines to include online material for all of its journalism categories. Read full story.

TENSION: Sweat and tears
GRAVITY: Web 2.0

Tags: News, Computers and Internet, technology, New Media, online, Web2.0, Web 2.0, newspapers

White House Sends 'Holiday' Cards, So What?

NATION

COMMENTARY
Seems some folks never miss a chance to beat on the Bushes. Blame the Christmas card foolishness on the damned-if-you-do, damned-if-you-don't political correctness crowd. Of course, those guys only want to have it both ways. Perhaps President Bush is simply secure enough in his beliefs to say both Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays?

Personally, I celebrate Christmas but send holiday cards because I want to cover the New Year's holiday in my sentiments, too. So, Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays folks.

NEWSBYTE
'Holiday' Cards Ring Hollow for Some on Bushes' List
(Washington Post) What's missing from the White House Christmas card? Christmas.

This month, as in every December since he took office, President Bush sent out cards with a generic end-of-the-year message, wishing 1.4 million of his close friends and supporters a happy "holiday season." Read full story.

RELATED
White House Holidays

TENSION: Merry Christmas
GRAVITY: Happy Holidays

Tags: current events, politics, News, White House, Bush, Republicans, Democrats

Dec. 7: Pearl Harbor Remembered

"A date which will live in infamy"

NEWSBYTES
Pearl Harbor Raid, 7 December 1941
Overview and Special Image Selection
(DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY) The 7 December 1941 Japanese raid on Pearl Harbor was one of the great defining moments in history. A single carefully-planned and well-executed stroke removed the United States Navy's battleship force as a possible threat to the Japanese Empire's southward expansion. America, unprepared and now considerably weakened, was abruptly brought into the Second World War as a full combatant.

Remembering Pearl Harbor
(National Geographic) Multimedia Map and Time Line: Photos, footage, firsthand accounts, and narration bring the attack on Pearl Harbor in Oahu, Hawaii, to life—moment by moment, target by target.

USS Arizona Memorial
(National Park Service) Oil droplets bubble to the surface of Pearl Harbor above the USS Arizona, creating a vivid link to the past. On a quiet Sunday morning December 7, 1941 a Japanese surprise air attack left the Pacific Fleet in smoldering heaps of broken, twisted steel. Here, peace was interrupted and paradise lost. In hours, 2,390 futures were stolen, half of these casualties from the battleship Arizona.

Survivors to Mark Pearl Harbor Anniversary
PEARL HARBOR, Hawaii (AP) - Survivors of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor 64 years ago were expected to join sailors, community leaders and guests on Wednesday in observing the anniversary of the assault.

Tags: current events, News, war

Republican Wins US House Seat in California

NATION/POLITICS

COMMENTARY
Here's a story you won't see headlining in the mainstream media. Of course, it would be news if a Democrat had won this seat. Mimicking the flavor of other stories of this ilk, when the Republicans win, it's a popularity contest. When the Democrats win, it a referendum on the Bush Presidency. Go figure.

NEWSBYTE
Republican wins US House seat in California
LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - Republican favorite John Campbell won the race for a congressional seat in one of California's most conservative districts on Tuesday, capping a special election watched nationwide for its bitter debate over illegal immigration. Read full story.

TENSION: Divisive
GRAVITY: Status Quo

Tags: current events, politics, News, Republicans, Democrats

More TV Comes to iTunes

COMMENTARY
It looks like it's about time for me to upgrade to the new video-ready iPod.

NEWSLINE
"The lesson here for other forms of distribution--cable video-on-demand, streaming, mobile phones--is this: Start with some popular content and prove the business model. Once the money starts flowing, the rest of the content will follow."

NEWSBYTES
NBC teams up with iTunes
NBC Universal is the latest network to tap into Apple Computer's iTunes, offering up nearly a dozen of its TV shows for download onto iPods and PCs, the two companies said Tuesday.

(CNET) The iTunes store will offer 11 shows from NBC, USA Network and the Sci Fi Channel that range from oldies such as the 1950s cop show "Dragnet" to current shows such as "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno." Read full story.

Commentary: iTunes gets more TV
Apple Computer announced on Tuesday that it has reached 3 million video downloads on iTunes and will be adding a bunch of NBC Universal shows, including "Law & Order," "Surface," "The Office" and "Battlestar Galactica." Not mention Conan O'Brien and Jay Leno.

(CNET) As we said before the CBS-Comcast video-on-demand deal in November, the rest of TV is going to come flooding into iTunes and also into alternative distribution including cable video on-demand. Read full story.

TENSION: Relax
GRAVITY: Easy

Tags: Computers and Internet, technology, iPod, Apple, iTunes, News, Computers and Internet, technology, New Media, online, Web2.0, Web 2.0, intellectual property

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Forecasters Predict More Big Hurricanes Ahead

COMMENTARY
And the hits just keep on coming.

NEWSLINE
"Even though we expect to see the current active period ... continue for another 15-20 years, it is statistically unlikely that the coming 2006 and 2007 hurricane seasons, or the seasons that follow, will have the number of major hurricane U.S. landfalls as we have seen in 2004-2005."

NEWSBYTE
Forecasters see more big hurricanes ahead
MIAMI (Reuters) - The worst may be past for the United States and Caribbean after the costliest hurricane season on record, but 2006 could be tough too, a noted forecasting team predicted on Tuesday.

TENSION: Tropical Depression
GRAVITY: Oppressive

Tags: News, Gulf Coast, Hurricane, Wilma, tropical storm, Katrina, politics, Louisiana, New Orleans, Mississippi, severe, weather

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European Group: Online Content Can't Remain Free

COMMENTARY
I guess since the Europeans haven't been too successful in their quest to wrestle control of the Internet away from the United States, they feel the next step in the battle is to escalate to legal attacks against top American Web sites that link to European content. Looking at the essence of the European publisher's argument, they seem to be attacking hyperlinking, which makes up the foundation of the Web. Without linked content there would be no Web and there would be no European publishers successful enough to complain about it.

It will probably be argued that Google doesn't really make money from content as it simply links the content and users still have to visit the actual sites in question. Those silly Europeans need to stop trying to destroy the Internet and just worry about important things like how not to start yet another World War.

I've said it before, please just let the dissenters disconnect. They will only be cutting off their noses to spite themselves.

NEWSLINE
Here's a scary foreign perspective: "The idea that the Internet is an unregulated haven, these days are finished."

NEWSBYTE
Group: Online Content Cannot Remain Free
BRUSSELS, Belgium (AP) - European publishers warned Tuesday that they cannot keep allowing Internet search engines such as Google Inc. to make money from their content. "The new models of Google and others reverse the traditional permission-based copyright model of content trading that we have...

TENSION: Unwanted
GRAVITY: Foolish

Tags: News, Computers and Internet, technology, New Media, online, Web2.0, Web 2.0, intellectual property

FEMA Official: Katrina Response 'Broken'

GULF COAST HURRICANES AFTERMATH

COMMENTARY
Like a broken record, here we have yet another story from the mainstream media giving undue weight to e-mail communications. While the documents may be telling, e-mail messages in no way convey any notion of real time action on issues discussed. Additionally, e-mail is notorious for miscommunicating the thoughts of those whose strengths don't include English composition.

I said it once and I'll say it again, when was the last time you e-mailed 911 to report a fire? Keep that question in mind as you vet these kinds of news stories.

NEWSBYTE
FEMA Official: Katrina Response 'Broken'
WASHINGTON (AP) - Facing a growing body count and shortages of food, water and ice, federal emergency officials braced for riots in Mississippi in the days following Hurricane Katrina, new [e-mail] documents reveal.

TENSION: More blame game
GRAVITY: Action talks, bullcrap comes in e-mail

NOTE: Mouseover pictures for captions.
NOTE: All rights are reserved by image owners; site content is linked only.

Tags: News, Gulf Coast, Hurricane, Katrina, politics, Louisiana, New Orleans, Mississippi, FEMA

Dean: US Won't Win in Iraq

NATION/POLITICS

COMMENTARY
Kids say the darndest things.

NEWSBYTE
Dean: US Won't Win in Iraq
(WOAI.COM) (SAN ANTONIO) -- Saying the "idea that we're going to win the war in Iraq is an idea which is just plain wrong," Democratic National Chairman Howard Dean predicted today that the Democratic Party will come together on a proposal to withdraw National Guard and Reserve troops immediately, and all US forces within two years.

TENSION: Divisive
GRAVITY: Status Quo

Tags: current events, politics, News, terrorism, Middle East, White House, Iraq, war, Republicans, Democrats

Blogger Crash Yesterday

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Search popular posts on THE TENSION.

Wikipedia Tightens Up In Response To Reports

COMMENTARY
It looks like Wikipedia is going to start requiring folks to register before they can post content. Perhaps user-authors will feel that they can be held accountable for posts and think twice before posting trash. Of course, the registration step alone won't prevent slander and misinformation. It's too easy to fool online registration. What Wikipedia needs are user-editors. As it is now, Wikipedia is all but useless as a reliable research tool.

I guess it's about time the adult-users took charge of the Wiki.

NEWSBYTE
Online Encyclopedia Tightens Rules
SAN FRANCISCO (AP) - Wikipedia, the online encyclopedia that allows anyone to contribute articles, is tightening its rules for submitting entries following the disclosure that it ran a piece falsely implicating a man in the Kennedy assassinations.

RELATED
Please see: Speaking of Wikipedia Sliming
and: A False Wikipedia Biography

TENSION: Here's your sign
GRAVITY: Blame Web 2.0

Tags: News, Computers and Internet, technology, New Media, online, Web2.0, Web 2.0, Wikipedia

Documents Show FEMA Knew Response 'Broken'

GULF COAST HURRICANES AFTERMATH

COMMENTARY
In the story linked below, once again the press is trying to make the case that e-mail is something more than casual communication. Only a fool would try to say e-mail correspondence is used to convey urgent messages. While e-mail between agencies may show what types of things those guys were talking about, it in no way indicates what level of attention given to the issues in real time. It would be normal for folks actually doing their jobs to be away from e-mail. The importance and timeliness of the information sent in e-mail is simply seen after the fact. Perhaps this little ditty is overlooked by reporters whose life blood flows through the net, as it is a quick way to send information to people who are simply hanging around waiting for the message to come. In short, if you have something urgent to say, use the telephone.

When was the last time you e-mailed 911 to report a fire?

NEWSBYTE
Documents [E-mail Messages] Show FEMA Knew Response 'Broken'
WASHINGTON (AP) - FEMA realized its response to Hurricane Katrina was "broken" and braced for rioting over woefully low supplies in Mississippi in the days just after the storm, according to new documents released Monday.

RELATED
Also see: Documents Show Katrina's Political Storm

TENSION: More blame game
GRAVITY: Action talks, bullcrap comes in e-mail

NOTE: Mouseover pictures for captions.
NOTE: All rights are reserved by image owners; site content is linked only.

Tags: News, Gulf Coast, Hurricane, Katrina, politics, Louisiana, New Orleans, Mississippi, FEMA

Tips for Safe Winter Driving

FEATURE: WINTER STORMS

COMMENTARY
I have collected some timely tips linked below.

NEWSBYTES
FEMA Factsheet: Winter Driving
The leading cause of death during winter storms is transportation accidents. Preparing your vehicle for the winter season and knowing how to react if stranded or lost on the road are the keys to safe winter driving.

Roadtrip America: Planning a road trip through snow and ice?
These road-tested tips from professional driving instructor Bob Schaller will help keep you safe, warm, and on track. RTA's Road Food Guru Dennis Weaver tells what to stay hydrated and nourished in cold weather.

Car Talk's Official Winter Driving Tips
Any small problems you had with your car in good weather will be bigger problems in bad weather. For example, if you had the slightest trouble getting old Betsy started in warm weather, you can absolutely count on staying home when the temperature goes "south," so to speak.

NHTSA Checklist and Tips for Safe Winter Driving
Checklist & Tips for Safe Winter Driving. No one wants to break down in any season,but especially not in cold or snowy winter weather.

TENSION: Slippery
GRAVITY: Remains in effect

Tags: News, winter, snow, storm, weather, severe, current events

Images Of The News: Monday, 5 Dec. 2005

The content of this post has been archived.

Women Weapons of the Holy War

COMMENTARY
Linked below is an interesting article from Newsweek that delves into the recent appearance of women suicide bombers in the Jihad movement.

NEWSLINE
"My husband is the one who organized everything. I know nothing else."

NEWSBYTE
Women of Al Qaeda
Jihad used to have a gender: male. The men who dominated the movement exploited traditional attitudes about sex and the sexes to build their ranks. They still do that, but with a difference: even Al Qaeda is using female killers now, and goading the men.

(Newsweek) Dec. 12, 2005 issue - Very little is known about the first woman to become a suicide bomber for Al Qaeda in Iraq, except that she dressed as a man. Read full story.

TENSION: A good argument for the separation of church and state
GRAVITY: Global

Tags: current events, politics, News, terrorism, Middle East, Iraq, war

Angry BellSouth Withdrew Donation, New Orleans Says

GULF COAST HURRICANES AFTERMATH

COMMENTARY
Having just relocated out of the storm affected Gulf Coast area, I can vouch for the fact that there are quite a few things that could take priority over wireless Internet access for New Orleans. Well, maybe city fathers need wireless Internet to send "urgent" e-mail for help in case of another storm. I honestly don't know who would be using wireless Internet in New Orleans, it's not like most of the place is habitable.

Looking at the issue from Bell South's point of view, perhaps reinstalling the New Orleans police is the most important thing for bringing and maintaining order to an otherwise chaotic resettlement and relocation process.

If we look at the larger picture, it's just more antics of a city with misplaced priorities and local leaders whose inability to figure out the most important thing for the citizens probably caused the whole mess to begin with.

NEWSBYTE
Angry BellSouth Withdrew Donation, New Orleans Says
(Washington Post) Hours after New Orleans officials announced Tuesday that they would deploy a city-owned, wireless Internet network in the wake of Hurricane Katrina, regional phone giant BellSouth Corp. withdrew an offer to donate one of its damaged buildings that would have housed new police headquarters, city officials said yesterday.

Also see: Documents Show Katrina's Political Storm

TENSION: Lack of focus
GRAVITY: Failing

NOTE: Mouseover pictures for captions.
NOTE: All rights are reserved by image owners; site content is linked only.

Tags: News, Gulf Coast, Hurricane, Katrina, politics, Louisiana, New Orleans, Mississippi

Dems Determined to Ignore Progress in Iraq

NATION/POLITICS

COMMENTARY
One story at a time, the news about Democrat disunity on Iraq is bleeding out into the world. The story has been circulating in the blogosphere since Sen. Lieberman made his speech on Iraq last week, but it has hardly popped up on the mainstream radar. Instead, the press have been relentlessly pounding home Sen. Murtha's "broken" army remarks.

The more the press plays up one story and ignores the other story, the more biased the press appears. You only need to surf the blogs to see how many folks are noticing. Perhaps the press will eventually catch on? Don't hold your breath.

NEWSBYTE
Dems determined to ignore progress in Iraq
(Chicago Sun-Times) Sen. Joe Lieberman, Democrat of Connecticut, came out with a big statement on Iraq last week. Did you hear about it? Probably not. Everyone was still raving about his Democrat colleague, Rep. Jack Murtha, whose carefully nuanced position on Iraq is: We're all doomed unless we pull out by next Tuesday!

Also see: Democratic Lawmakers Splinter on Iraq
and: Dems Split On War Plans

TENSION: Divisive
GRAVITY: Status quo

Tags: current events, politics, News, terrorism, Middle East, White House, Iraq, war, journalism, mainstream media, press