Online Colleges Receive a Boost From Congress - New York Times

Great. Just what we need. More legitimacy given to these watered down Internet "universities".

Online Colleges Receive a Boost From Congress - New York Times: "Published: March 1, 2006"

dooce: Celebrating Five Years of Public Stupidity, The Post

I am not sure how many folks who read my linklog also read dooce. My guess would be some, but not many. Dooce is quite irreverant, but often very interesting and frank. Most importantly to me she is an extraordinary writer. Something I wish I could be. She had an interesting post today about being a stay at home mom. What I have found to be the most interesting part is the comments by other people. I shouldn't generalize, but I am going to do it anyway. It seems that those who had their mom around especially while they were young really appreciate it. A few though were saddened by the toll staying at home took on their mother's self esteem. I find that very interesting and probably not too far off the mark. Anyway, feel free to read the comments and get your own feel for what folks think about their mother staying home instead of working. Interesting stuff I think.

dooce: Celebrating Five Years of Public Stupidity, The Post

Your Call Should Be Important to Us, but It's Not - New York Times

Amen! A company that we do business with recently called twice in the same day to offer us a new "free" program. My wife had a hard time understanding the Indian accent. I had no trouble understanding the accent, but the caller had a hard time understanding me due to the large amount of background noise. This situation irked me b/c I find that often the quality of customer service is closely related to the quality of the company. I was mad enough to send an e-mail to the company complained about the lack of professionalism. I recieved a very nice scripted response from...India. Typical. I think that it doesn't have to be that way and some of the companies in this article agree. I think that ING just got a bit more of my business. I hate scripts and mindless call center employees.

Your Call Should Be Important to Us, but It's Not - New York Times

deseretnews.com | House votes down Origins of Life bill

Good move by the Utah legislature. They have earned a point or two back. They are still in the moron category for this session though. I guess if they manage to do some good work near the end they could overcome that. I am not holding my breath though.

deseretnews.com | House votes down Origins of Life bill

Wired News: Bush Push to Expand Nuke Energy

I am going to have to agree w/ President Bush on this one. Nuclear waste reprocessing is something that we need to start doing. I am really unsure why they are so concerned about nuclear proliferation if we start reprocessing. There are plenty of other countries that reprocess nuclear waste today and they don't seem to be creating a huge proliferation problem. I just hope that we can find a way to increase nuclear energy use and reprocess the waste.

Wired News: Bush Push to Expand Nuke Energy

Messi has all the qualities to take world by storm

I have been a bit busy lately and just got back to reading the news. The point of this post is to introduce many of you to a name you should be watching for in June...at the World Cup. The name is Messi. This kid is simply amazing. I really don't much like Barcelona. Recently however I try to catch every Barcelona game I can to watch this kid team up w/ Ronaldinho and Eto'o. It is pure magic.

Guardian Unlimited Football | Special Reports | Messi has all the qualities to take world by storm

A rebuttal to my Dasani bashing

A friend took issue with my recent post bashing bottled water. He sent along the link included below. It is worth a read. I guess that I should clarify my stance on bottle water a bit. I do think that bottled water has its place. I do think that it can be more pure than tap water, but I don't think this is true for all bottled water out there. I get the feeling that many folks think that they are getting higher quality water from a bottle than from the tap. I don't that is always true. It certainly can be, but you need to do your homework on the brand of water you typically drink. The best option is obviously to have your own home filtration system. Moral of the story: Clean water is good...just make sure you aren't paying for water that isn't any cleaner than what you get out of your tap.

Ripples: post-corporate adventures: Reverse Osmosis water purification - what is it and why do I use it?

Houston eyes cameras at apartment complexes

Yeah, I am a little bitter tonight apparently so everything is setting me off enough to blog it. This one is just incredible to me. The Houston police chief is talking about putting surveillance cameras all over town including private homes to help with a police shortage. When asked about Big Brother concerns he responds, "if you are not doing anything wrong, why should you worry about it?". Are you serious? I don't really want someone else having a camera in my house. Do you Mr. Police Chief? That would make you feel safe? It would just creep me out. The attitude of people toward privacy these days is appalling. I think that the terrorists really did win. They have messed up our idea of privacy so badly it is frightening. We will do anything in the name of public safety.

Houston eyes cameras at apartment complexes

Hi pot meet kettle...

I love the US government. There has been a lot of banter from Congress this week to some of the big search engine companies about irresponsible behavior in China. They claim that by complying with Chinese law and censoring search results these companies are committing and atrocity. Yet, this is the same government that is horribly upset with Google for not turning over search results in a very wholesale manner. You tell me which is the bigger human rights violation? Censorship or illegal search? Which is it Representative? Can you tell me? You can't play China as the "bad" guy when our government does things that are just as atrocious....I am not going to start on the laundry list of violations by each country. I suffice it to say that neither country is exactly a model citizen. Congress just needs to be a little more introspective and fix the problems at home first.

Google and Yahoo! take a beating
Response to the DoJ motion

Bedrock of a Faith Is Jolted??

This is an atypical post for me as I try to avoid religious posts because I think they needlessly generate controversy and hard feelings. I am going to break my rule of thumb this time and post the articles anyway as I feel it is something that I need to say. If for some odd reason the comments get vindictive and out of hand I won't hesitate to delete stuff. FYI.

I am not sure how many folks have seen the recent LA Times article about DNA evidence refuting what is stated in The Book of Mormon. It seems like these things come along every so often and attempt to sway folks into believing or disbelieving in God, religion, etc. For me it really always boils down to the same thing. There are always two points of view to the story. Your religious beliefs should be based in faith and not facts.

Some folks were offended by the LA Times article. I didn't think it was too badly written. The writer did seem to make some attempt to get both sides of the story. They did get a statement from a church official. It would have been nice to see some stronger quotes from other sympathetic sources. Maybe they tried and those sources weren't overly willing to make the strong statements the writer would have printed. Maybe he did have the statements, but a story with a solid rebuttal from the Mormon doesn't make a story that is quite so interestind now does it... I am willing to give the writer the benefit of the doubt. I did think that he did do a good job painting many of the detractors as folks who had a bone to pick with the Mormon church for one reason or another.

I bumped into the following FARMS article that gives a good counterpoint to the critics claims. Anyway, there are your "facts" from two perspectives. It doesn't seem to be as irreconcilable as the critics would like you to believe. I guess we are back to our faith or lack thereof again.

Bedrock of a Faith Is Jolted - Los Angeles Times

A Few Thoughts From a Believing DNA Scientist

Bottled Water: Better Than Tap?

I am not the biggest fan of bottled water. Articles like this help me solidify that stance. If you are more interested check out the links at the bottom of the article. They are reasonably informative.

Bottled Water: Better Than Tap?

Solution to annoying GMail Talk popup | Googling Google | ZDNet.com

Yes! I was reading lifehacker this morning and found a nice, easy way to prevent the annoying popups that occur in Gmail with the new Google Talk inside Gmail feature. If you have Google Talk available via your Gmail account you know what I am talking about. If you don't have the feature yet you will soon know of the annoyance that is the Google Talk popup of pain. Use this script! I am so happy to have found it. It does require that you first install the Firefox extention Greasemonkey. The details are explained reasonably well in the post.

» Solution to annoying GMail Talk popup | Googling Google | ZDNet.com

Twelve Easy Pieces - New York Times

A very long article about the presliced apple industry. I found it to be very interesting as I have never actually seen presliced apples. I am intrigued by them though. I quite enjoy taking fruit with me on hikes. During the winter my fruit of choice is a mandarin or clementine orange. Why? Because they are easy to peel and taste sweet 98% of the time. I won't touch a normal orange anymore. They are hard to peel and too often are sour. In the summer I switch to apples, but get frustrated with the time it takes me to slice them. I don't mind the browning so much. I may have to look for presliced apples now to avoid the pain of cutting them. Yes, I am lazy. I would rather buy a processed apple than do it myself. I am not a member of my parents generation.

Twelve Easy Pieces - New York Times: "Published: February 12, 2006"

FOXSports.com - USA- MLS alters game-day rosters

It is a short article, but it sounds like MLS is heading in the right direction. The suspension system has become a lot more sane. 1 game suspensions after the accumulation of 5, 8, and 11 yellow cards and then a 1 game suspension every 2 yellow cards after that. That makes sense. Nice change.

They are also starting to give more importance to the team who has the most points at the end of the season (i.e. the winner of the Supporter's Shield). This team now gets a CONCACAF Champions Cup spot. Very cool.

FOXSports.com - USA- MLS alters game-day rosters

Piled Higher and Deeper

The comics say it best! Just change the word dating to marrying and Jorge nailed it. I am glad that he did the work for me :)

Piled Higher and Deeper

U.S. Royalty Plan to Give Windfall to Oil Companies - New York Times

More from the sleezy oil companies who in the time of their greatest profits aren't willing to give the government back a little bit for using government lands. As usual the Bush Administration is claiming that they want them to pay, but not really doing anything to support that claim. Shocking that they would claim one thing and do another. This is simply depressing.

U.S. Royalty Plan to Give Windfall to Oil Companies - New York Times

Mullen: People say spend it on schools

I hate to agree with and post an article by Holly Mullen, but...she is dead right this time. Utah has a billion dollar surplus. Don't spend it on a bunch of CRAP. Everyone knows we have giant problems with education. At least make an attempt to solve some of them with this billion dollars. Is it really that complicated Utah state legislature? Not this time. Just spend it on education. Don't screw it up.

Mullen: People say spend it on schools

Oil Giants Fell Behind on Fees - New York Times

And the oil companies wonder why people are so upset at them. On the heels of Exxon having the largest quarter ever for any US company, we find out that many oil companies (who based on the performance of Exxon are doing quite well) don't want to pay the government the money they owe for raising oil prices. You poor things. You lost the crazy concessions you get because you are greedy and raised the prices too much. Boy, I feel real bad for you. The oil companies are threatening to take it to court. Oh, okay, I understand. Oil and gas industry....you suck! You deface our landscape while paying a pittance for use of the land, raise gas prices which in turn raises prices on EVERYTHING, and then you are greedy and don't want to play by the rules. Ick...maybe I should modify my car to run on coooking oil.

Oil Giants Fell Behind on Fees - New York Times

Utah Politics | Interview with Pete Ashdown

A nice e-mail interview with Pete Ashdown. I really like Pete. I think that he makes sense. I think that we need more young, tech savvy, less political Senators. Go Pete!

Utah Politics | Interview with Pete Ashdown

Paid E-Mail and the Road to Perdition

Mmm, more Dvorak goodness. I am glad he decided to write on this topic. When I read the article in the NY Times over the weekend I just rolled my eyes and laughed. It is such an incredibly moronic idea. the fact that AOL & Yahoo! are even talking about it is amazing. I do have to disagree with John on one point though. Digital signatures do have their place. He just needs to stop using the incredibly bad Microsoft e-mail clients. Microsoft is way past their prime. Their software is good to use as a toy. I don't think that Microsoft software should ever be used for real work though. It is much too unreliable to be useful...maybe I should post another MS Word shouldn't be used in a production environment rant. We will see.

Paid E-Mail and the Road to Perdition

The Dilbert Blog: The WCM Method

I absolutely agree with this and practice the WCM method every chance I get. I think that Scott Adams however does miss one major advantage to this message. If I am the male and only make 2% of the decisions if a bad decision is made...the probability of it being my fault is very low!

The Dilbert Blog: The WCM Method

Gaming Steve: Rumor: Diablo III On the Way? You Better Believe It!

Okay, some better info to follow-up my post last week about a possible Diablo III.

Gaming Steve: Rumor: Diablo III On the Way? You Better Believe It!

Evolution Measure Splits State Legislators in Utah - New York Times

You see Governor Huntsman...the rest of the U.S. is watching. This bill will have an effect on the state's ability to attract top science talent. Veto the bill if it manages to hit your desk. Please. Pretty, pretty please with a cherry on top.

Evolution Measure Splits State Legislators in Utah - New York Times

Pete Ashdown’s Campaign Journal » By Their Works

It is sad that some folks act this way. I think there is a lot more that I could say here, but it is probably best I just let Pete say it in a more appropriate way. Read the article!

Pete Ashdown’s Campaign Journal » By Their Works

Green Jello: Hybrids are great for tax breaks in Utah .... except the Toyota Prius

Did I mention that the Utah state legislature is filled with morons? Well, here they go again. I think I am just thoroughly ashamed that a few of those guys represent me.

Green Jello: Hybrids are great for tax breaks in Utah .... except the Toyota Prius

Blizzard bulking up Diablo dev team - PC News at GameSpot

The Diablo series is just one of the greatest series of all time. Even slim hope of a third game in the series gets me excited. I mean I even have a sudden urge to go install Diablo II right now and play for a bit. Very addictive stuff...Blizzard can I get more? Details are found in the link.

Blizzard bulking up Diablo dev team - PC News at GameSpot

In New York Schools, Whole Milk Is Cast From the Menu - New York Times

Let me see if I understand this line of thinking...

Problem: Kids in America today are fat.
Part of the solution: Remove whole milk from their lunch.

I am not sure that I understand the rationale behind this decision. Whole milk has been served in school cafeterias for years. Obesity hasn't been a problem for years. Shouldn't we be looking elsewhere for a solution to the problem? Shouldn't they decrease the number of days they serve hot dogs, hamburgers, and pizza? Shouldn't they remove the candy and soda machines from the school? Shouldn't they educate the children about proper diet and exercise? If the children then decide to drink skim milk that is fine. I think that this solution doesn't quite make sense. Maybe that is just me, a 2% milk drinker, speaking. I still find this action a bit disturbing.

In New York Schools, Whole Milk Is Cast From the Menu - New York Times

Salt Lake Tribune - Poop offense would prove costly

Well isn't this a shocker. Dog owners once again aren't responsible enough to police themselves. Then when the authorities have to step in and work on the problem the authorities are accused of not understanding. No, dog owners you are the ones that don't get it. If you aren't willing to be vigilant enough to clean up after your dog EVERY time and keep it on a leash when required then don't have a dog. Plain and simple. If you "happen to be looking the other way" then maybe you shouldn't be out with your dog. If you just follow a few simple courtesies these problems won't keep coming up.

Salt Lake Tribune - Utah

The Top Ten Hybrid Myths

Some very interesting facts about hybrid vehicles. One I had always suspected makes the list...due to the higher price of a hybrid car you don't really save money in the long run by purchasing one. That money you save on gas just went in to the sticker price of the car... It is worth a read at least.

The Top Ten Hybrid Myths

Piled Higher and Deeper

More truth in comics.

Piled Higher and Deeper

Boing Boing: MSFT: Our DRM licensing is there to eliminate hobbyists and little guys

Now this is more what I have come to expect from Microsoft. Boy, they must really want a piece of the pie from the movie and record companies to be working this hard at pushing out the little guy. I think I posted recently about how big media will die if they don't catch the vision. Well, I guess this is one way to prevent that death. It sure seems like the wrong way to go about it though. You see if the big companies make technology inaccessible to the hobbyist then the hobbyist will often create new and better technology. This strategy only works for the short term. I guess that is why the short sighted big media companies like it so well. Whatever guys you suck as usual. Whatever happened to trying to please your end users Microsoft? All you seem to care about anymore is the vendor.

Boing Boing: MSFT: Our DRM licensing is there to eliminate hobbyists and little guys

Utah Town Has Question About President: 'What's Not to Like?'

Ah, the portrait of small town Utah. It seems quite accurate...not that I know anything about small town Utah. :)

Utah Town Has Question About President: 'What's Not to Like?'

Dilbert Comic Strip Archive - Dilbert.com - The Official Dilbert Website by Scott Adams - Dilbert, Dogbert and Coworkers!

Thank you Scott Adams! I now have a new strategy to use when people ask me to fix their computer and I really don't want to do it.

Dilbert Comic Strip Archive - Dilbert.com - The Official Dilbert Website by Scott Adams - Dilbert, Dogbert and Coworkers!