Friday, November 1, 2002

I will no longer update this site at radio.weblogs.com. I will now be publishing my weblog at http://www.mc-development.com/~mike. 10:56:20 AM    Comments []

	Wednesday, October 16, 2002

Red Hat recently published a security patch that, thanks to the infamous Digital Millenium Copyright and Suppression of Free Speech Act can only be explained fully to people not within US borders. [Daypop Top 40] Red Hat has struck a small blow against the DMCA, by publishing a security patch which can only be explained fully to people who are not within US jurisdiction. The company's position here seems to be not altogether voluntary - according to a spokesman "it is bizarre, and unfortunately something Red Hat cannot easily do much about," but like it or not Red Hat has been recruited to the campaign to make the DMCA look ridiculous. 4:13:35 PM    Comments []

	Tuesday, October 15, 2002

Unattended Laptop on Plane Triggers Military-Jet Evacuation. A United Airlines flight from New York City landed under military escort after a crew member found an unattended laptop computer under a seat, an airline spokeswoman said. The computer posed no danger, officials said. Passengers were evacuated as a precaution as soon as the plane landed Monday evening at... [Lockergnome's Bits and Bytes] The terrorists have won, and this proves it. We're in such a state of hysteria that the slightest thing will set off a mass panic. Let's have a bit of common sense, OK? 11:22:07 PM    Comments []

	Sunday, September 22, 2002

They Forgot "Stop Banging On The Keys - The Printer Just Isn't Going To Print Today". " 'You are in a library and not an adult entertainment center' and other computer error messages for library OPACs." [librarian.net] [The Shifted Librarian] hahahaha... I love it! I used to work on Mac OPAC when I worked at SIRS. 10:56:03 PM    Comments []

	Saturday, September 7, 2002

NY POST...PAGE 6 THE "Harry Potter" toy broomstick from Mattel has a vibrating feature that has proven to be too popular with teenage girls. The "Nimbus 2000" is a plastic battery-powered replica of the broom used in Quidditch matches by J.K. Rowling's boy wizard in "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone." The $19.99 toy features a "grooved stick and handle for easy riding," according to Toysrus.com, and, "enhancing the excitement are the vibrating effects." The Web site's review section is full of comments from parents who are amazed at the toy's popularity with their young daughters. One mom who bought the broom for her son writes that his sister frequently "fights him over it" and complains that "the batteries drain too fast." Another notes, "When my 12-year-old daughter asked for this for her birthday, I kind of wondered if she was too old for it, but she seems to love it." An equally enthusiastic parent marvels that "even my daughter's friends enjoy playing with this fun toy. I was surprised at how long they can just sit in her room and play with this magic broomstick!" One astute New Jersey mom says of her daughter: "It wasn't until after she opened her gift and started playing with it that I realized the toy may offer a more than sensational experience. The broomstick has cute sound effects and vibrates . . . what were the creators of this toy thinking? She'll keep playing with the Nimbus 2000, but with the batteries removed." "As always, the well-being of children is our top priority," Mattel rep Sara Rosales told PAGE SIX's Jared Paul Stern. "And we in no way consider this toy to be inappropriate." Meanwhile, parents of young Harry Potter fanatics may have more to worry about with the next movie in the series. The London Times recently reported that Chris Columbus, director of the first two installments, won't be helming the third. Alfonso Cuaron, director of the sexually explicit coming-of-age flick "Y Tu Mama Tambien," may be taking his place. The Harry Potter franchise has already come under fire from Christian groups for its allegedly Satanic, anti-Christian message. A chruch pastor in New Mexico said he planned to burn the books in a "holy bonfire." The books were also banned at a Christian school in Australia and a toy store chain in England. 8:34:13 PM    Comments []

	Wednesday, September 4, 2002

M.I.K.E.: Machine Intended for Killing and Exploration I love the acronym for my cat: C.O.D.Y.: Construct Optimized for Destruction and Yardwork 8:33:41 PM    Comments []

	Tuesday, September 3, 2002

In Greece, use a Game Boy, go to jail. A new Greek law means that anybody carrying an electronic game--even one on a mobile phone--could face a hefty fine or lengthy jail sentence. [CNET News.com] Sheesh! This is really ridiculous. 4:12:39 PM    Comments []