Holiday spending and the economy

Well, it seems that preliminary speaking, the sales boost that retailers where expecting and hoping for the holiday season occurred...just not as high as they hoped. Today, the public went out to return items, take advantage of sales, and use those gift cards they all received today. However, despite these extra few days of moolah coming in, it doesn't seem it will have the overall boost they wanted, and probably by extension the Bush Administration wanted. I am sure right now they are going "We cut taxes!!!" that should have fixed everything, but of course it didn't.

I wish fixing this lagging economy was as simple as cutting taxes. It would be nice. Simple solutions for complicated problems are always a great thing. However, most people tend to realize that if four straight years of plan A isn't resulting in the expected growth, maybe its time for plan B. But why did plan A, cutting taxes for everyone, but especially the rich not work? Pretty simple really, its called greed for the rich and no change in disposable income for the rest.


Now don't get me wrong, just like they say in the movie Wall Street, "Greed is good." I do believe that. It can be a good thing. However, to much of anything, including greed, can be a bad thing. To much greed leads to Enron disasters. To much greed leads to the virtual monopolies that oil, cable, gas, etc currently enjoy. We call them cartels right now, but really they are monopolies for their is no real competition. The corner stone of the western economy is competition which doesn't exist in those and many other areas.

Greed is the reason why the free enterprise economy works and other economic theories don't. Communism assumes people are willing to sacrifice for the whole, basically that greed doesn't exist at all as part of the human condition. Of course it does and communism belief that they can end it is why it will always fail. Socialism assumes the same but tries to control the greed. Again, it can't be totally controlled. Trickle Down economics, a favorite of the republicans, also assumes greed is not a factor. They just assume someone will spend that dollar as it trickles down, it doesn't occur to them that someone would just keep it rather then spend it. Free enterprise though actually harnesses greed. Uses it to the wholes advantage. The problem of course is that it can't account for a level of greed so strong it damages the whole. Thus the need for government regulation.

The whole point of the tax cuts for the rich is the assumption that they use the money saves to re-invest in their companies and by extension their people. Its assumes that greed would not be a factor. They could use the tax savings by expanding, therefore hiring new people, therefore growing the economy cause they new people now have more money to spend. That's the theory anyway. The problem though is twofold. One, the tax cuts help the bottom line, guarantees that the higher ups get their bonuses, but doesn't nothing to encourage expanding or re-investing in a company. Profits do that not tax cuts. The problem then leads to how profits grow...which is people buying the product. However, currently no one has the high level of disposable income to buy the products that encourage a company to grow that then encourages the company to hire, give raises, etc which then leads to more disposal income which leads to...well you get the idea. In other words, why should the company use the tax cuts to expand when their is no demand from consumers to meet that demand? What is happening then is the rich get their bonuses and not much else. The cycle has been disrupted so the growth has been too.

Excess greed is part of the problem. Part of the disruption. Companies now treat their people as disposable. Benefits get cuts, raises and bonuses have all but disappeared. Job security? A myth your parents tell you about. All this leads to the one thing a powerful economy doesn't want...careful spending. People buy what they need rather then what they want. They don't buy the big ticket items in volume either such as a house, car, that plasma tv, boat, etc. Those are long term costs that can only be made if assume long term job security. These are also things that build and grow an economy.

Again the assumption is that the tax cuts will fix what ails the average person. Give them a little cut, they have more money, thus will buy more. The problem is once again an issue of motivation. With companies, they have no motivation to grow, no demand to do so. With the average person, the tax cuts are such they don't build a sense of security and they don't increase spending. Supposedly the average middle-class family has had a tax cut for the last four years. Have you noticed it on your paychecks? I know I haven't. I think its there but its not like I go "Yes! Five bucks off my taxes, I can buy that car!". Simply put the cut isn't enough to influence spending habits.

The solution for the economy then is not easy but the goal is. Figure out ways to increase the disposable income of the average American. Devise ways that encourage companies to invest in their existing workforce rather then investing it overseas. Encourage companies to expand the skills and knowledge of their works. Encourage job security. Do whatever it takes to so that people feel they have the security to buy and buy and buy. That grows the economy. That is why the bubble of the late 1990s was so successful and it can be found again.

Tax cuts might be apart of the answer but they are not the only answer. More solutions need to be tried. More needs to be done. This administration doesn't have the care or the concern to do that. Their idea of helping is to basically make bankruptcy an exercise in futility. To waste billions of dollars on interest to loans that pays the tax cuts for the rich. To ignore problems. This country has lost its world-power status. It can find it again. We just need leaders that understand that rather then kow tow to the damaging greed of companies, they need to harness the greed of its citizens.

Generation NEX

Remember the NES? Have some old games laying around but needing something slick to play em? Or know a place that has old famicon and NES games and need a device to play them on? Well it looks like IGN.com has found the toy for you. The Generation Nex console that plays both NES cartridges and Famicon cartridges. Also, it can be used with wireless controllers. Both the console and a set of wireless controllers cost $60 each making you wonder if its worth it. You can order em here is so desire.

Serenity on DVD!

Buy Serenity on DVD. If you don't have Firefly, buy that to. Those links are for Amazon to make it easy for ya. Just an FYI, the special features are average, but it does have a gag reel. The commentary track is informative and entertaining which is sadly rare in most commentary tracks. Its unfortunate they didn't have a seperate cast track however. Also over at Aint It Cool, there is a mini-interview with Whedon.

Ryu vs Scorpion

Fantastic flash movie of Street Fighter II Ryu vs Mortal Combat Scorpion. Despite the two different art styles, the creator did an excellent job of blending the STII character to the Mortal Combat world.

Patriot Act renewal halted

The Senate refused to reauthroize part of the Patriot Act. Amazingly enough, for once the Democrats took a stand the republicans listened. Even more importantly, it seems that the republicans listened because of actual concern what is good for the nation rather then party politics or just because. Its a refreshing change from the last five years and I hope it continues.

Congress shouldn't pass laws just cause, they should pass laws because it is good for nation. The Patriot Act isn't good for the nation. It never was. If saftey is all that matters above all else, then the Act is a good thing. This however is America.

Safety is not priority #1, freedom is. Or at least its supposed to be. The Patriot reduces hard fought freedom. Its does it in such as way is all it takes is a skillful leader to repeat the mistakes of McCarthism and the Hoover era. Only now they can do it legally.

Currently no one seems to be grossly abusing the power the act grants but like anything, its only a matter of time. No one though McCarthy could do what he did, but he found a way. No on thought Hoover could either, but again he found a way. Its only a metter of time. Absolute power does corrupt absolutly. Some can ignore the call for abuse, some rathionize it and only abuse it a little. What I fear is those that see the power it grants and absues it with every means that the Act allows and seriously damages this country.

Republicans may think thats not going to happen, our leaders are too good. Well, I just remind you that those evil Democrats don't like may eventually come back to power and here is this lovely Act waiting for them to abuse. If you fear abuse of leadership, of control, and the loss of Freedom, you should fear this Act. It shouldn't be extended, provisions shouldn't be made permanent. All aspects of that law should be reversed. If not for our freedoms now then for the future when someone, whether Democrat or Republican, comes along and abuses that law in ways we haven't dreamed of.

John Spencer of the West Wing dead

I know, another actor has died, BFD. I don't know John Spencer but I did like the show he is...was in. The West Wing. Great show that found its second wind this season. John Spencer played the character Leo McGarry who was the Barlett Chief of Staff, then Democratic VP candidate. Its a shame to see him go and condolences to his family. The show will not be the same without him.

"War on Christmas"

Someone made this excellent observation "Who is stopping you from saying merry Christmas, and why are you listening?"

Isn't that the real question? Where is the who? So far all anyone has is the word of O'Reilly and Fox News for this supposed injustice. Mac is all pissed off over this but haven't heard yet any personal experience of his with the war. For someone so fervently pro-Christmas you think he would have a story to share of the horrors this evil war has had on him. All soldiers in a war usually have a story to tell. Unless of course the war is manufactured. Of course to admit it at this time for most would be to admit to an act of real stupidity which few are willing to do voluntarily. So the story shall live, grow, and only because of repeats will become a "fact" without any real facts to back it.

"The Colbert Report"'s "War on Humbuggery" did an excellent job making fun of those whole "controversy." He just talked about how no one is following the old Christmas traditions, pointing out how Christmas use to be truly celebrated at the turn of the century before commercialism took over. Watch the repeat today if get a chance.

I forgot that almost ALL of the Christmas traditions are not Christian origin but pagan and commercial origin. From the Christmas tree, to carols, pretty much everything, does not have a "sacred" origin despite what many may think. Even ole Santa Clause we all know was manufactured by Thomas Nast. He was the same cartoonist that created the iconic symbols for the Democrat and Republican parties.

The fact that many are discussing this issue so seriously is actually frightening in scope. Here we have that jackass insane bastard O'Reilly literally creating a controversy out of whole cloth...and the nation bought into it. He made it up! Absolutely made it up. He proves that Americans are so damned stupid that lies actually can become a "truth" by repetition. Day in and day out he "proof" is getting rejected and disproved. From so-called press releases to town supposedly banning the colors of the holiday, his overall thesis is disproved. Hell, take a walk anywhere and tell me that Christmas is being banned. Hell, those most defending it can't seem to even come up with proof it even exists beyond whatever new thing O'Reilly chooses to make up. People should just be ashamed of themselves about this whole thing. Fox News should be ashamed too but they stopped being about news a long time ago anyway.

Someone in college should seriously use the war on Christmas to show how an opinion becomes "truth" through repetition. Its a truly fascinating and new political phenomena that few recognize.

Richard Pryor Dead

Richard Pryor has died from a heart attack. When I was growing up, he was one of my favorite comedians. Most of his movies where hilarious but for whatever reason Brewster's Millions is the one I liked most. The comedy world has lost a legend.

CNN report

Georgia embarrassment Continues...CBLDF wins pretrial motion

CBLDF scored a major victory in the Rome Georgia case against Comicbook retailer Gordon Lee with the dimissal of 4 of the 7 counts two of which where the felony counts.

The case is a major waste of tax payer money not only for the state but for the Rome citizens. IF they had any knowledge of the case they would make their displeasure known during the next election cycle.

Read more here with a good summation of events. Rome Georgia is a known Bible Belt kind of town so events are not suprising even if disappointing but its nice to see that the judge is doing is job properly even though realistically the whole case should have been tossed.

Chronicles of Narnia Supertrailer

Narnia Supertrailer

- 9 minute whopper of a trailer for the Narnia movie coming out next week. Lots of scenes, good music and oddly all in english even though this supertrailer seems to be for German audiences. Note will need Windows Media Player.

Linkies

Blogpoly - Blog themed Monopoly with online play.

MPAA and Sneak Peaks - Proof that its no longer worth it to go to a free screening of next piece of crap coming to a theatre near you.

Links of note

Is O'Reilly losing his mind or is he the next coming of Karl Rove in the fact spin department? Read about his latest dodge on his San Fran can get blown up by terrorists spin.

The Chronicles of Narnia, coming soon to thousands of theatres, has just released some of the bits from the soon to be released soundtrack. Preview em here.

November 22, the XBox 360 is being released. We know under the hood is a ton of computing power and excellent graphics, but click here to find out what is literally under the hood of the XBox.

One Dead At School Shooting

One Dead in Tennessee School Shooting

Sigh.

iPod Buyers Guide

iLounge was nice enough to compile a ton of iPod accessories (both real and imagined) in time for the holidays. So if a iPod fiend go here for the PDF of more crap then you really need for your iPod.

Michael Piller Dead

Who you ask? Well Michael Piller help shaped the modern age of Star Trek, taking the reigns of Gene Roddenberry and exec producing Star Trek: TNG, the wonderful Deep Space Nine and Voyager. He was also producer of The Dead Zone.

He died at age 57 due to cancer. Info and excellent writeup of his work here.

Libby in Trouble, Rove Safe?

Amazingly enough, at the 11th hour, Special Counsel Patrick Fitzgerald handed down some indictments against Lewis Libby, VP Cheney's chief of staff. Like most I was hoping for Karl Rove would get some indictments but alas he didn't. However that condition could be temporary. Still of the two the bigger fish was caught. Maybe with some hope that will lead to biggest fish of all but I seriously doubt it. If jail time really looks like a possiblily, which is highly unlikely, then I am betting he will take one for the team. I say this on the assumption that the VP at least was involved but most likely the Bush was to. I just don't see how something this high level as revealing info about the CIA in revenge, that directly effected Presidential mandate on Iraq wasn't done with their knowledge. I just don't see it. I recognize its possible, but for it to be true means either our leaders breaking the law for petty reasons or they had a rogue employee doing whatever he wanted. Niether sounds good in my opinion and just further reflects the ongoing incompency that is the Bush administration. Shows what happens when you surround yourself with "yes-men" and cronies rather then experiences and capable people. Hopefully this will bite everyone in the ass enough to have future leaders give seconds thoughts to such behavior but its probably wishful thinking on my part.

Record Profits in Oil

"Net income up 75% to $9.92 billion."

Yep that is a b for billion and 75% increase in profit. This is despite supposed oil shortages, natural disasters and other things that was supposed to damage the oil industry requiring billion dollar tax breaks from Congress and record breaking oil costs. Can anyone else say "bullshit"? You would think after 9/11 and insurance premiums increasing sharply leading to record breaking profits for insurance companies would be enough but I guess not. If this isn't evidence of Bush and republicans being in the pocket of oil I don't know what is. This country is hurting in many ways, the citizens are hurting, many facing an inability to pay for heating costs and trying to cut expenses just to afford to go to work. I am sick of the citizens of this country not seeing it. 10 billion in PROFIT. Thats not earnings, that is PROFIT!! Money made after expensives. How can they claim to be hurting when making that kind of money. Why are we shouldering costs that clearing don't exist? Why are we giving them tax cuts they don't need? Why do we allow this to continue?

Miers down, Rodriguez to go

Miers has officially withdrawn her nomiation to the Supreme Court and Bush gladly took it. The cause was a desire by the Senate Jidiciary Committe to see some of the documents she worked on. Bush balked, claiming executive privilage. The fact that Miers freaked out the religious nuts on capital hill was enough for me to like her but now I am concerned about the evidence that Bush is blocking. He actually took a blow to his ego with Miers to prevent those documents from coming to light. There is clearly some very nasty mo-jo in those files that he and his cabel don't want to come to light. Hmm nope checked the calender, its 2005, not 1970 Nixon era but damn if it doesn't smell like it.

Experimental Gameplay

Experimental Gameplay, a fantastic site where in one semester a group of students created 50 web based games. Most are pretty decent to. Even better they have started semester 2 with a goal of 4 new games every Wednesday. Go, have fun, be less productive worker bee. Also, if want to know how they do it, read this.

Stephen King Revisits the Dark Tower

Its been confirmed, Stephen King is joining the increasing rank of novelists turned comic writers. He is revisting the his Dark Tower series in 2006 for a limited series drawn by Jae Lee. For those not in the know, the Dark Tower series was a 7 part book series that spans Stephen King's entire career and often many of the "universes" he created (fan site). Its follows the gunslinger Roland as he tries to reach the Dark Tower to save everything. Not just a world, but all worlds. Basically creation is at stake. joing him are several characters including some recognizable from other King books. Its a great series and I highly recommend it. Hopefully the comic series will be just as good.

Update: Joe Quesade, EIC of Marvel, give some info on how the deal came to be and what the frist story arc will focus on, which is during Dark Tower IV, Rolands' childhood and growth to the Gunslinger.

2000

Sadly as of 10/25/2005, 2000 soldiers have died for Iraq while on the same day, the results of the vote for their Constititution passed with 78% of the voters for it.. 2000 dead US. Historically, not so high, for a modern war, its pretty high. This number doesn't include the unknown number of allied dead. Nor does it include injuries and the pain of families of those 2000. I have yet to see how the US benefits from this now or in the future. As is the American Way, we tend to forget history, even our own.

Wasn't it not even 20 years ago we where defending or helping countries stop the spread of communism? Before that, from WWI, WWII, Korean, Vietnam, Iraq I, and every fight in between was about us preventing "them" from forcing their definition of the ideal government on others? Wasn't the creation of Saddamn and Osama in part an effort to prevent an act we called evil? Sure they where trying to spread dictatorships or communism but is still one group forcing their government view on others. Hell, we even teach the forcing of democracy on others as being bad. Britain and India? Ireland? Pakistan?

Americans as a whole have always looks at forcing one viewpoint or government on another without the citizens permission as being a great evil. Until we do it. Because its our view on the ideal government its suddenly ok. Its suddenly acceptable. Before we provided help either because a great evil was being done or the citizens wanted the help. Now we do it because we thinks its best. Its Manifest Destiny all over again. Our version of "right" supercedes everyone else's.

No one has explained why the US forcing democracy on others is not as wrong as someone trying to force communism. No one has explained why the US benefits from the current situation. No one has explained why we no longer demand the citizens to fight for their own freedom. The US shouldn't be the world's police. The republicans use to agree with the type of thinking. They also used to beleive that big brother shouldn't be watching. I miss the republicans of yesteryears. Hopefully history will prove Bush a prophet for it means the 2000 dead where not wasted.

Read-worthy links

Jack Thompson v Penny Arcade - A nice little write up over Florida Attorney and anti-video game crusade against Penny Arcade for alleged allegations of harassment. Basically the guy is making an ass of himself and no one has the balls to tell him to his face.

Best iPod Video Review - This review pretty much covers everything you thought you needed to know about the 5th generation iPod and some things you didn't know to ask. Thanks to this review I went and spent more money buying the cable to hook my iPod to my TV. Not because I need it, but because it just seem to damn cool not to use that ability.

Jon Stewart Washington highlights - Jon Stewart did an event in Washington, D.C and there where some amusing comments, especially one making fun of CNN's Situation Room while host Wolf Blitzer was in the audience.

Daily Scans - Website about today's and yesteryears comic books with actually pages scans of the comic being discussed. Interesting read and good for those "I read/own that issue" moments.

Marvel Anti-Semitism? - Paty Cockrum is either losing her mind or has some good points. Personally based on what I have read she is losing it but you can decide. Lying in the Gutters gives a good summary and excellent write-up on this person's opinion or you can read some of her rantings your self here and here.

DeLay Arrested

Well, it happened. Hell has frozen over or at least the teflon shield surrounding some of the more slimey bags of republicans has weaken considerably. Tom DeLay was arrested for his possible role in conspiracy and money laundering charges. Now an arrest should be a surprise. If one gets charged, arrest usually follows with a court appearance shortly thereafter. Most others go through that. But DeLay? I have to admit I just assumed he would get a pass on that part of the process and its good to see he didn't. Also: HAHAHAHAHAHAHA

The Colbert Report

The Co-bear Re-Poor (the "t" is not pronounced in either) is pretty hilarious. The first episode moved at a good click, in some cases seeming almost crowded with all the stuff they where throwing at the screen. If anything they may be trying to hard. Can't complain about that though cause the end result is a hilarious show that does an excellent job of making fun of all the news talk shows that plague the cable news channels. Clearly though its satire is aimed squarely at Bill O'Reilly whose self-aggrandizement and oblivious to irony is mirrored on the show. The last segment of the show, the "gravitas" showdown between Stone Phillips and Colbert was absolutely freaking hilarious. Props to Phillips for having a sense of humor but the whole thing. Crooks and Liars has some links and video for those that want a taste of the show.

iPod Video Unpacking photos

Two sites have some shots of them unpacking the new iPod video. I have already ordered mine, a black 60bg, figure I will get it some time next week. My understanding is that the retail should have the iPod for sale on the 20th but good luck on getting one.

Infinite Crisis Newbie Guides

Sheesh four posts in one day, a personal record.

This Wednesday marked the release of the much hyped and talked about release of Infinite Crisis #1. After a buildup of 5 mini-series, multiple issues in comics, it has arrived. Does it disappoint? Eh, too soon to say. The potential fun is ungodly but its just to early to say, afterall, its only the first issue. The story is "What if the universe is coming to and end, but the Superheroes are unable to work together and Villians have learned to work together?". The story itself can be describes simply, but the buildup to it, the history its indicating, and all the characters involved are only known by the die hard comic fans. Luckily, for those not in the know, Infinite Crisis is still an easy read with great action and dialogue. However, there are panels that will cause some questions such as who is that person that was skewered and is that a different Superman?

Thankfully, the good folks at newsarama.com have created two great writeup to help. One is the background and lead-up to Infinite Crisis and the other is a page by page writeup on who all those strange faces and events are. Lost of reading to be done so sit back and enjoy.

Homegrown Portables

Apparently Ben Heckendorn has to much free time. He keeps creating portable game sytems for all the consoles that have existed in the last 20 years. For example, he just completed a portable version of the NES that is nearly the size of the new Gameboy Micro (if don't count cartridge). He has also done the same for many other consoles including the Nintendo 64 and the Playstation 2. Check out his home page for the what and the how.

In other news, Nintendo is slowly revealing more info about Mario Kart DS and online play. Its pretty sad that Nintendo can milk this for so much since Sony beat them to the punch by a year but this is what happens with the games don't support the hardware. Also, Nintendo, as of 10/27, gives retailers free reign to price the GameCube to whatever price they see fit. What does this mean for you? Probably not much. Maybe the occasional sale price of 5 or 10 dollars but not much else.

Other iPod Video News

In an addition to my greedy hollywood rant below, I stumbled across Sony grossly underestimating the potential damage the iPod video will have to the PSP. Since the PSP doesn't have enough games worth buying it has relied heavily on its multimedia functions. The problem with those functions is your limited by the size of the very expensive memory cards. Well, the iPod video basically makes everything the PSP does moot. Even worse, iTunes will likely do to video distribution what it did for music. If Sony has any brains the very first thing they will do if update the PSP to play all Apple formats stat. At least that way it can try to get some of the pie, even if only an itty bitty bite.

Also for those, like me, that are getting the iPod Video, here is a link that shows how to convert DVDs to a usable format. By the way, since iPod and PSP both play the .mp4 video format, whatever method people use for the PSP will work the same for the iPod.

Actor Greed Strikes Again

Once again the "creators" of Hollywood want a slice of pie they do not deserve. The actors, writers, and director guilds are demanding that they get a piece of the new source of revenue represented by the new video iPod.

Currently, iTunes is offering the episodes of 5 ABC television programs for $1.99. Clearly seeing the future where the other networks will join in along with movies studios, the guilds are prepping now to make sure as much of that money comes their way as possible.

Now I have no problem with people trying to get a slice of pie, but this expectation that they just automatically deservce it because they are actors, directors, and writers is a bunch of BS. That is like you demanding a percentage of the pie for every product your company sells because you had something to do with its creation. Now we would all love that, but reality doesn't work that way. Just because they where paid to create a product doesn't automatically make them part owner of said product which this new call for the pie basically claims. They get all the benefits but none of the risk. The studios take on the risk by hiring said actors, writers, and directors (hince forth called the Greedy), the studio pay for the movie, the distriubtion, the advertising, the DVD pressing and everything else. Until they put in their own risk, say some cash for the production of the movie, they simply do not deserve to have a claim on any of the profits that is generated.

The Greedy just cash the paychecks and do the work (like the rest of us in the world). Yet for some reason they claim their effort is more deserving of more reward. What about the other important people that get the movie made? The Greedy can't do it without the costumers, set designers, builders, location scouts, carpenters, special effects crews, stuntman, the list is endless. Why don't they deserve a piece? What makes their contribution less important? Could the Greedy step up and do those other jobs if they all refused? I highly doubt it.

Simply put, just because you are called an actor, writer, or director doesn't automatically mean you deserve more. Nor does it mean your contribution is greater. If you want a piece of the pie, its high time you put in a bit for the risk. Until then, do like everyone else in the world does, get paid to do the damn job and nothing else.

iPod Video

Apple and Steve Jobs announced the latest improvements being made to select Apple products today at his "One More Thing" conference. Included in this is an upgrade of the iPod that basically made buying the iPod nano a waste of money. The next generation of iPod now have the ability to play videos, assuming the Quicktime format only for now. On top of that they know come in black just like the nano. There are two models, the 30gb ($300) and the 60gb ($400). At that price, there is no point in getting a nano in my opinion. Pay $50 extra an not only get about 26 gigs more space, but a bigger screen and the ability to play videos.

In addition to the iPod video, Jobs announced a new iMac that is slimmer with new equipment such as the iSight videocam and an apple remote. The best part about the remote, other then controlling the Apple stuff from away is can use it on the iPod "Universal docking station". Of course this requires paying about $30 for the remote and $40 for the docking station so its meh to me. The extra cost isn't worth the reward, but if bundled together for around $50 I might reconsider.

Finally, iTunes in the space of a month, went from 5.0 to 6.0. The version change is the result of offering video's for download for $2 bucks a pop. Currently the site offers about 2000 videos, mostly music video but a sprinkling of individual episodes of ABC programs such as "Lost."

I was hyper about a nano, actually bought one last week but didn't open it as heard about new products being released. Glad I waited as going to return that nano and get the iPod video instead. Also, I recommend ordering it online, not only is it free shipping currently on the apple website, but free engraving to. Since its a new iPod, unless very lucky, you are going to have wait anyway, might as well get a free goody out of it.

PSP Price Cut?

Speculation is beginning that the PSP is going to take a price cut to better compete against the Nintendo DS that is kicking its hiney in sales. Apparently they assumed that cutting the price will fill the gap. I am betting the price will be 199.99 US in time for the holiday. Hopefully after that move fails to boost sales, Sony will realize they need good games to compete. Porting games isn't enough. It needs to be fun games with the whole "portable" concept in mind. Right now they still are treating the PSP likes its a Playstation.

Wi-Fi for DS

Japan has finally revealed some details for the wireless capability for the Nintendo DS. The core plan is like the PSP, if have a wireless setup or access to a wireless signal, you can play against others all over the world. However, Nintendo also realizes not everyone has wireless access. For that they have two solutions. One is to create Nintendo sponsered hotspots across the country, locations unknown at this time. The other is a nifty little dongle that connects via the USB port on your computer. The dongle uses the existing network access on the computer to allow the DS to connect wireless. Currently release date for the first DS Wi-Fi enabled game is DS Mario Kart on November 14th with more coming later.

RIAA Wars continue

RIAA continues it bloody war on online music trading. No side is safe as the RIAA has made it clear that everyone, wether a customer or not is fair game if it will add bills to the coffers. Recently it claimed a few casulties with WinMX shutting down and eDonkey calling it quits today. In addition they have recently launched another salvo against consumers, filing 757 more suits bringing the total to 14,8000. In addition they have attempted to use print ads, teenagers, and other means to disseminate misleading and incorrect information about this war.

Now though, the consumers and musicians are fighting back. One victim is suing the RIAA for violating the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act. The RIAA outfit called MediaSentry is the vendor that collects the data that the RIAA then uses to decide who to sue. The victim is claiming that this company, with known permission of the RIAA, basically hacked her computer to get the music files she has.

The RIAA also suffered a set back when forced to withdraw their case against a mother whose daughter was downloading the music. Since the computer belonged to the girl, the mother was not liable. Of course, now the music industry is considering suing the 13 year old girl.

Finally, even musicians are fighting back. Apparently more then annoyed with copy protection attempts on new CDs that prevents using for ripping them to iTunes and then only mp3 devices, many musicians are showing their fans how to get around the protection. Its makes you wonder why even bother buying a CD anymore.

I know war seems to be an exaggeration but thats what it is. The RIAA is attacking anyone and everything. They even have a propaganda campaign. They try to use overwhelming force of lawyers rather then soldiers to reach their goal. The RIAA goal is simple, return control of the music industry ie the pricing back to the music cartel. Before, they could price music at whatever they felt like, produce crap and tell us to like it. Now that music has been forced on the digital form they are being forced down a new business path they not only don't understand but they cannot control as they did in the past.

The consumers now are in control. With this new domain the entire CD of crap is worthless. If people want the prize jewel, thats all they get and dump the rest. No more spending 15 bucks for one song, now its just 1 buck. No more quick cheap hits like Britany Spears and her clan. In the new music digital age, their shelf life is brief unless they truly have the talent to back it up. The result is a return to quality. The problem with quality though is its expensive and time consuming. It can also cut into profit margins in an age where the quick buck is king.

The websites are also in control. Right now iTunes controls most of the downloading market but others are entering. There are three ingredients that will decide who stays on top 1) the music library 2) price 3) ease of use of the site and the music bought. Right now Apple not only rules in these critical categories with a massive music library, the price point is fabulous, but the site is easy to navigate and the music once bought is yours. The rules are few and not a limiting factor.

This, however, goes against the control the RIAA wants. They too are developing sites to compete with iTunes such as Rhapsody. However, they don't even bother to compete. Not only is the library usually limited, the price more expensive, but the rules and ease of use is non-existant. There are often many rules governing use of the music the consumer purchased and downloaded. However, rather then try to compete properly and competitivily, the RIAA is trying to cheat the field. They are attempting to force Apple to increase the cost of each song, claiming they don't get any money from it, even though its documented they get 70% of the sales of each song. They are also trying to force competing P2P sites to shut down. If they could legally find a way I am sure its just a matter of time before the try to shut down iTunes.

As of right now, RIAA has no control over pricing nor distribution. A situation that has never occured in its history. Its clearly frightened and lashing out like a spoiled brat at anyone they can. The problem is that in the digital age, lashing out rather then embracing simple creates problems. As the fall of Napster showed, taking out one P2P doesn't eliminate the problem, its just creates more problems. For every WinMX they take down, 5 will replace them...only they will be replaced overseas outside of the RIAA's and Supreme Court's jurisdiction. As iTunes has shown, give people a competitive reasonable method to get what they want, they will follow. Everytime industry has fought technology they have lost, but the moment they embrace it and harness it, new avenues of profit has opened up. Its time that the RIAA woke up and smelled the silicon. They may have won some battles but they lost the war.

The Bill of Players' Right

Read the article from Gamesutra.com called "The Bill of Player's Rights". In this article they basically list out features that they feel all games should have or address.

The Right to Play
Basically less cut-scenes, more play time. I can agree, I love cut scenes as much as the next person, the grand pupbah and inventor being the Final Fantasy series, but the problem know is they seem to have them just to have them rather then for pushing forward a story.

The Right To Win
The game should be winable. Basically, the game shouldn't make it so hard that winning is impossible or done only by a select few. Once again, a solid suggestion. I do get sick of games that basically create this point where nothing less then perfect skills and timing will allow advancement. Thats not fun its just irritating.

The Right to Instructions
Make sure there are clear instructions on what the buttons and menus do. That seems a no brainer to me yet many games do forget that fact. They seem to like to just toss people in the middle of the game, hoping that they suddenly have memorized what every button does. The better games not only have a written instruction book, but in game book and use the first few levels to build up the skills.

The Right to Feedback
This doesn't refer to feedback to the maker but feedback from the game. Basically some way of informing the player whether their approach is wrong or not. If you don't know your making mistakes you can't adjust your strategy.

The Right to Motivation
This is saying give people the "why" for doing what they do in a game. Its an emphasis not only the end goal but the journey. Makes perfect sense to me. The journey is a whole point of a game and often makers just throw in levels and obstacles to make the end important rather then getting to the end.

The Right to Make Decisions
A good game should require the player to decide things. It could be as simple as weapon choice, to which path to take, but at least require the player to engage their brain beyond thumping buttons at a rapid pace.

The Right to a Swift Death
Yes, I so agree with this one. Games that don't let me die when I want are frustrating. Sometimes you know you made a mistake and need to die and try again yet the game will not let you. If forces your to either restart the machine or go on for awhile before can attempt it again. If a game section requires passing it successfully to move further in the game, the game should give the option of death and try again rather then wasting much time only to find out that success was essential.

The Right to Control Cut-Scenes
Yes, another solid one. This is total control like a movie, with pause, skip and replay. Replaying is always a nice feature and is usually lacking in most games. Sometimes a good cut scene just needs to be seen more then once. Sometimes, due to death, repeat playthrough, etc maybe we just don't want to see the cut-scene again. Let us see it or skip it as we see fit.

The Right to Quit, Pause, Save and Resume the Game
Again can't agree more. The player should be able to save the game and start back where left off anytime the mood strikes. If can be in mid swing against the boss, or halfway through a dungeon. We shouldn't get punished because real-world events prevents playing the game or level all the way through. Also, this right extends to being able to create as many save slots as want. Most games seem to leave at three, but let the player decide if they want three or thirty. Its their game and memory, let em use it how they see fit. Mostly though, preventing saves until reach a certain point or goal is a cheap way of making a game hard.

The Right to Choose Not to Save the Game
This doesn't seem to make sense as a seperate right to me. It fits more with the above. If the person has the right to save anytime they want, they should therefore automatically have the right to refuse to save.

The Right to Reconfigure the Input Device
Again a no-brainer to me. This is saying let us set up our controllers, keyboards, etc however the player sees fit. Everyone has their own preference, let them do it how they want. In addition, make sure that configuration is savable.

The Right Not To Be Insulted
Uh not sure what this one is about. I think its reference to some games that "punish" you for dying, losing, etc with insults, noises etc. I do think doing that is silly and waste of time but it shouldn't be a gamers right.

So what do you think? Need more rights? Take away more? Either way I do like alot of the ideas presented. Some of the best games unknowingly follow the above rights so something could be said about them being helpful in designing the better game.

DeLay Indicted

Well I be shocked. Some of DeLay's behavior has finally caught up with him. Today a grand jury indicted the man for criminial conspiracy (whatever that is) in regards to his campaign donations. As a result of this DeLay is no longer the House Majority Leader. Sure the house re-wrote the rules to protect him last year but their isn't a whole lot they can do in this scenario except find a replayment, who will be Eric Cantor (VA) and David Dreir (CA).

Of course nothing will come of this and something like "criminial conspiracy" sounds likes it would be a bitch to prove even if the person wasn't one of the most powerful in the country. This will go away quietly and silently much like Karl Rove's part in the Plume case has. For whatever reason, the Republicans get a free ride in stuff like this rather then -Gate names that democrats get on a regular basis.

WinMX Dead?

Apparently over the weekend the RIAA struck trying to shut down 7 peer to peer networks sites including WinMX and eDonkey, which if go to doesn't bring up anything even up. This move is a result of a Supreme Court ruling in favor of the music industry and their fight to protect the bottom line. However, this rules only apply to the United States which means that P2P sites home-based outside of the US are techinically safe from prosecution. I say techinically because we are talking about the law and nothing is stable in that arena. Its possible that the US government, with monetary encouragement of the RIAA could decide to touch base with other government offcials and enforce the law elsewhere. So far that hasn't happened fortunatly. Besides, you all know, kill one network, 10 will rise in its place.

An example of this is WinMX. P2PZone has posted instructions on how to connect your WinMX browser back to the P2P network by updating your hosts file on your PC. The solution is technically correct, after all the hosts file is a nifty tool. For example you could add this entry to the hosts file: 64.236.24.4 www.foxnews.com, 64.236.24.4 is the IP address of www.cnn.com. Now as a result of this entry, anytime someone on that computer tries to go to foxnews.com, Windows checks the hosts file, sees that entry and automatically redirects to that IP address...the result is always going to cnn.com. Much fun can be had on the computer illiterate with that.

Anycase, just be aware that updating your hosts files will redirect winmx to connect to unknown and possibly malicious servers. Use at your own risk and maybe be careful on the folders you are sharing until get an idea on things. As always, never share your personal information.

Update:
Found out the above suggested method didn't work for me with WinMX but then Slyck News found this site that did work. So try this if other doesn't work but again at your own risk but so far all seems good but then I don't really care that much.

Also Slyck has an article called Top 10 WinMX Alternatives that may be worth noting along with news that eDonkey is also still up and running...at least for now.

Jon Stewart who?

I find it hard to believe that many haven't heard of Jon Stewart the host of The Daily Show on comedy central. Especially in Washington, but apparently many have not.

If you don't watch this show, do it. Its own Monday through Thursday at 11pm eastern time. Its a hilarious and very informative showcasing of the news. Its does what the news use to, show inconstiancies, factuals missteps and other silliness of our nations leaders.

JetBlue Passengers Viewing Own Near Crash

I am sure many have seen the near crash (QT or WMP) of the JetBlue airplane after the front landing gear was discovered broken after takeoff. The landing was just amazing with the streak of fire and burst of flame. It was amazing footage and an amazing landing. If not the for the fire it was probably a textbook landing. The pilot deservers more then a handshake, he deserves a raise and an metal.

It must have been both frightening and bizarre for the passengers though. The JetBlue plane has DirectTV for each seat and as a result each passenger was able to view their own possible crash both from the perspective of potential victim and viewer. I don't know how I would handle that duality. It must have just been odd, scary, and strangly informative combines with cable TVs usually "we are going to die" drama they like to insert into everything. I honestly can't imagine.

Extra kudos should go to JetBlue, not only for apparently hiring great pilots, techs etc that got that plan down, but also for the decision to allow the passengers of not only that plane but others to see the unfolding drama. I am not sure most companies would have risked that kind of potential PR nightmare in their shoes. So hats off to all and its wonderful after so long to see a good ending on TV for once.

Clinton on Bush's Tax Policy

Clinton basically calls Bush out on his tax policy on George Stephanopoulos' show this weekend. "I don't think it makes any sense. I think its wrong." Despite the cost of Iraq, Katrina, and the general war on terror, Bush is still pushing to do tax cuts. Once again these tax cuts are aimed at the upper class. Republicans deny this but the facts bear it out. If it was an across the board cut...why not just make it that way? 5% for everyone, not the convoluted "trust us" math that is currently used.

Anyway, it just seems weird that Bush is talking about how we need to do this and that to eliminate our reliance on oil while at the same time creating this gigantic deficit that is reliant on foriegn money. Of course one of those is Saudia Arabia who the Bush family is in tight with so there is personal motivation involved.

For me, there should be "The 1st Law of US Tax Policy", its very simple:
Spend more, tax more; spend less, tax less.

The nice thing about this law it is a great motivator. All politicans like to cut taxes, they love to use it as a tool to boost numbers or get re-elected. Thats fine, they just have to be responsible about it. They want that boost, cut spending. That pork bill about to pass, sorry got to go. Oh that tax cut for oil, no can do unless can work arrangement with x to cut the spending on y.

Bush's policy though, no good can come of it. None, zilch, nada, there is nothing under the sun that can make me think that debt is a good thing, wether its on a credit card or for the federal government. Giving away money on the interest owed is always always bad business and it should be bad policy. But what the rich wants and can sell to the idiots, the rich get.

Nintendo Revolution Controller Revealed

Click here for the 411 on the Nintendo Revolution Controller being released next year. The controller, oddly enough, looks just like an old fashioned television remote mixed with the clean look of an iPod. Just based on the visual I thought "what the hell?" and then thought it was a hoax as there have already been many. Based on the description though and after the Gameboy DS, this just like Nintendo. Graphics, characters, story, difficulty can be important but if has to be balanced with the unquntifable thing called fun and Nintendo has always excelled at that. The PSP has shown that its an area that Sony still doesn't understand. Any case read up and be both confused and a little amazed.

Bandwagon Line Forming

Bush admitted a mistake yesterday, now its LA Governor Blano's turn. I wonder if the mayor is next? I don't think he is politically savy enough to see the smarts behind this but might be suprised.

Its nice to see our leaders grow up a little. To bad I think this new found honesty has less to do with a new understanding of the perils of leadership and more of a political move.

As I live and breath...

George Bush takes responsibility for something bad. He admits error. He acts presidential. I am simply amazed.

"Here's What Gets Me"

If only I could write like this. This blog post called "Here's What Gets Me" did what I couldn't and thats explain in words how President Bush keeps failing us. All the frustrations, rage, irriation, exasperation, and hurt that I feel towards that useless man but just cannot seem to express or explain in a coherent manner is explained there. I think for many that don't understand, its brings clarity, and for those that do, it brings a little release.

Anderson Cooper Piece

"Unanchored"- Good read describing the impact Hurricane Katrina has had on CNN's Anderson Cooper. I was one of those that thought Anderson was full of it out there on the bridges, in the weather and so on right at the beginning of the hurricane. I didn't think it was brave, just silly and stupid. The aftermath, the way he handled it, the way he brought it home, it finally reminded us of the press corps we use to have, use to love, and use to love to hate. I missed them and its nice to see Anderson leading the charge to their return. I just hope none of them decide to give up the fight halfway through.

"News You Can Lose" - Article by Jack Shafer describing many of the problems and bad habits that plague cable journalism such as muscial montages (i like them personally), lack of maps and illustrations (no kidding, Newsweek explained the hurricane better with a few graphics then all the hours of TV did), the dishonesty (could go pages on that) and opportunism (one word: Geraldo).

Another prediction down

Damn it feels good to be wrong. Another prediction bites the dust as FEMA director Mike Brown resigns. Now the door is still open as Bush could still reward failure with a medal but still I will err on the side of happy and go with totally wrong prediction. So that is 0/10, hopefully the streak will continue.

Pre-mature baby dies

A followup to a post in August about Susan Torres. At the time I wrote of it as a contrast to the Terri Schiavo disaster.

Sadly, Susan Torres was kept on life support for three months so her baby could live. The baby was born on August 2nd as Susan Anne Catherine Torres and her mother was allowed to die. Sadly the struggle for life ended today when the poor child died during emergency surgery to repair a perforated intestine.

Full story here.

The World Remembers 9/11

While the United States remembered the 4th Anniversary of 9/11 in New York, the Pentagon and Pennsylvania, so did many others around the world including:
Russia
Italy
Great Britain
Australia
Middle East
The Vatican
Afganistan

Also the politics of the time was discussed by many, rather then the tragedy, one a warning of more:
Al Quida
Scoops
PEJ.prg
Al Jazeera
MichNews.com

Katrina Death Toll Less Than 10k

Unlike most prognosticators, I don't mind being wrong. I am a cyncial SOB so my "predictions" are cyncial so being wrong can only mean good things for others. In this case I predicted a death toll of 35k, instead it looks like less than 10k. Still a high number and incredibly tragic (compare 9/11 with 3k) but still considering how bad the situation was alot of less then most expecting.

Katrina and Race

I was watching Bill Mohar or however spell it on HBO yesterday and once again they played the race card. Saying its unconscious racism and all this other garbage. They also said was a classism which is debateable but doubtful. On top of that, they just absolutely refused the believe the mayor could have played a part in it. I am sorry but you can't blame Bush and not blame the mayor. You have to blame both. If truly want answers and solutions, you must blame both.

Anyway, I am just sick of the racist and class angle and here is why: there is no proof. Seeing a bunch of poor black people is not proof of anything other then that a bunch of poor black people where effected.

What is never mentioned and what there is ton of circumstantial proof is this: incompetence. There is tons of proof of that. Why does this and everything have to about race just because it involves black people? Why does it have to be about class just because it involves poor? Why can't it just be about a lack of leadership? Or a lack of experience, lack of knowledge, lack of ability, lack of prepreperation? Other then discussions on this board I have yet to hear that anywhere else, they all just climb ontop of the race bandwagon because I guess its the politically safe wagon. But really sometimes, I know its hard to believe, but not everything is about race.

Right or Wrong Direction?

FEMA Director called back to Washington - This usually means a vote of no confidence from the presidential admisitration, but this is Bush so don't know what it means till he is either promoted or fired but its a step in the right direction.

Bush lifts wage rules for Katrina - Basically the president gives permission to anyone working on Katrina rebuilding can do what they want wage wise. Good news if you are one of the contractors used in the rebuilding (good news for Bush's friends) but bad news if one of the workers desperate for a job and forced to accepts a $2 hour wage or whatever the contractor decides is "fair". Since fair is usually defined as the bare minimium, I don't see those working on the rebuilding to be the best or the brightest. Personally I would be afraid to return to New Orleans for this reason alone. Definitly a step in the wrong direction for NO.

Media Moguls Regain Control of Media - Nice little article showing how the owners of all the major media new sources, CNN, Fox, NBC, etc, have used the last week to reign in their on air talent and once again return to the sunny size of the Bush agenda. Its a nice writeup comparing the previous week to the next and how most stations seems to do an 180 on approach to the coverage. The media may be liberal but the owners are not, people like to forget that.

"Everyone loses in blame game"

Wish I had a link but just read a column in the paper by Charles Krauthammer called "Everyone loses in blame game." Someone post it in comments if find it.

He startes by pointing out three of the popular reasons why blaming Bush is wrong:
1) Global warming.
He says that there is no relationship between global warming and frequency and intensity of Atlantic Hurricanes. He's right actually, there isn't really any definitive evidence that supports or disproves him. Both are just theories. I do agree that even if Bush had been mister gung ho on the enviroment things wouldn't have changed enough to make a difference.

2) War in Iraq. He says that the problem was that the guardsmen where Iraq but those in Louisianna didn't get to New Orleans. Not sure where was going with that as it doesn't really disprove or prove his point that its a false claim. Personally I think its sure didn't help.

3) Tax cuts. He basically saying that assuming if not for the tax cuts, thus loss revenue resulting in cutting the levee budget is wrong. Even if the money had been there it wouldn't have made a difference. He is correct on that. The levee's where rated for a cat 3 not a 4 or 5. They would have fallen. If anything, the fact that they held as long as they did is a marvel of the skill of the Army Corp of Engineers. Sadly the time that the levees bought was wasted by all levels of government.

Charles then points out that the "author of this calamity... was Nature (or Nature's God)". I find it interesting (say cowardly) he avoided just straight out blaming God. Personally I wasn't aware Nature had a God. Does that mean there are two Gods now?

He then listed "in descending order of culpability" those responsible for the recovery disaster. I mostly agree with his order except for FEMA almost is at 1 slot rather then 3.
1) Mayor of New Orleans.
Charles points out the mayor knew from Hurricane Georges in '98 the use of the Superdome was a disaster and that with 2/3 of the residents failing to get out new plans where needed, yet nothing was implemented. He then held off calling a mandatory evacuation until 24 hours before because was researching his legal authority to avoid lawsuits from hotels and businesses. Well I can understand where the Mayor was coming from on that but there was nothing preventing him from preparing with buses, supplies, and all that until the mandatory evacutation was called. Simply put, yes, the major deserves much blame.

2) The Louisiana Governor.
Her failure to call up the National Guard resulting in a delay. Also Charles points out the disaster with the school buses and says its her fault for not commanding them commandeered until it was too late. Personally, that sounds more like a failure on the Major's part to me. Anycase, the Governor's hesititancy and concern more for the beaurcracy over results definitly means some blame goes there. However, I would place her 3rd or 4th in order of blame.

3) Head of FEMA - "Late, slow, and in way over his head" Not knowing about the convention center while it was on every major news network is a inexcuseable. Good summation from Charles on that one. I think there are so many more reasons he is to blame I do not know where to begin but suffice it to say FEMA and the major run neck in neck for the number one slot to me.

4) The president. - "Late, slow, and simply out of tune with the urgency and magnitude of the disaster." That sums it up nicely and explains why he writes for a living and I don't. Charles says he takes the blame for failure to immediatly "addressd the country on national television to mobilize it both emotionally and physically to assist in the disaster." IE, a failure to lead. True but there is so many other things both past and present he didn't do.

5) Congress.
Charles blames then due to the creation of Homeland Security that really just added one extra layers and allowing it to spend more time "bureaucratic reorganization" rather then a workable plan for disasters (this could also go under why Bush is at fault.) I personally add allowing FEMA to become a second class citizen in Homeland Security and allowing the President to appoint clearly unqualified candidates to important jobs, ie allowing the party to come before the American people.

6) The American people. "They have made it impossible for any politican to make any responsibile energy policy over the last 30 years." I can't really argue with that. SUV buying loving public doesn't exactly disprove the notion. Of course I am confused he brought it up at all as this indicates he thinks global warming played a part, even though he called the idea a "kind of stupidity [that] merits no attention whatsoever." He needs to make up his mind on that. This last reason could then splinter in many directions that are not on topic.

I add a final item:
7) Citizens of New Orleans. Many that could have evacuated, didn't. Many could have helped their neighbors get out, didn't. Instead of forming gangs, they could have helped and protected their fellow citizen. Its a shame that the actions of so few has such an impact on so many. There is a lot that could be said on how the citizens responded both in the good and the bad, but they shouldn't be excused either.

Some Predictions for Rest of '05

1) Sadly the amount of dead in Katrina will be higher. In range of 35k.
2) The economy, due mostly to cost of oil, will enter a recession.
3) Bush by end of the year will pass another tax cut for the super rich. Once again it will have no impact on the economy.
4) The Katrina Commission will absolve the federal government of any responsibility, place it entirely on the local and state officials and thank Bush and Brown for a timely response that saved lives.
5) A "fix" will be to return FEMA to a cabinet level position.
6) "Brownie" will be named to the FEMA cabinet position.
7) The investigation into the White House leak will end with no charges filed and the grand jury dismissed.
8) Bush will sign into law a bill to seek out more oil reserves in response to Katrina and suggest that some exploration be looked into for alternative fuel sources but will not require it by law.
9) John Roberts will easily be confirmed as Chief Justice of the Supreme Court.
10) Albert Gonzales will be confirmed to replace Sandra Day O'Connor on the Supreme Court.

Bush's Katrina Dodge Strategy

Well, the Bush's administration has finally crystallized it strategy to avoid blame for the Katrina. Its called "not" playing the blame game as shown at the Wednesday White House news conference. This new purpose is further supported by Republican leadership who have also engaged in attacking others for engaging in such wrong behavior. How dare the public want to know what went wrong so its not repeated. We are such bastards for wanting answers. Tsk shame on us for questioning our masters, as Anne Coulter would say, that makes us traitors.

While our leaders bash us for daring to want answers, we have FEMA attempting to cover up the scope of the tragedy. Apparently they don't want the press to show the dead, the destruction and basically just want them to go away. I guess they figure if have nothing nice to say... should take priority. Also its interesting that while we are not supposed to play the blame game, its seems that Republican Speaking Points headhunters keep showing up on the news blaming state and local government. They are right of course, state and local deserver blame, but to obsolve the federal government, ie the Bush Administration, would be criminial.

Fortuntaly while our politicians are focused on saving their careers, the new continues to do an excellent job in cover this event, the aftermath and the litany of mistakes. For the first time in a long time they are doing their jobs.

Evidence of this politic dodging mixed with an excellent coverage is was shown on MSNBC by Keith Olbermann with a video timeline that shows the politicans dodging and lies with the actual truth. Thanks to Crooks and Liars for capturing that.

The press is doing their job finally of demanding the truth and seeking answers, the politicians are doing the job of spinning the truth and speading mis-information, now its time for the public to do their jobs. Seek out the truth, use our heads to find it, and make sure the politicans that failed to do their jobs at all levels of government are shown what we think of how they did their jobs. No more medals for incompetence should be the new call for this post-Katrina era.

Hurricane Katrina Timeline

Think Progress has an excellent timeline of Katrina and the government response. Worth a read with multiple links to back up the account.

More Katrina Links

We stood idle as a city fell to its knees - Essay written from the Atlanta Journal-Constitution about Katrina Aftermath. Worth reading.

Barbara Bush, dumbass bitch - The White House's failed attempt to respond to Barbara's Bush "better off now" remarks about Katrina. Talk about being oblivious.

The Pendulum of Reporting - A New York Times write-up about how the press has finally find its voice after many years of quiet. Its about damn time. If they had continued to do their jobs years ago instead of allowing themselves to be quieted, maybe not so many lives would have been lost such as say someone with experience being in charge of FEMA instead of an unqualified crony.

Many Evacuated... - Just a well-written story about all the work to go.

The Daily Show and Katrina

Make sure to watch the repeats of the Daily Show Wednesday. Jon Stewart just nailed it. Absolutely freaking nailed it.

"For people who are saying 'well stop pointing fingers at the President, the Left Wing Media...No. Shut Up. No. The is inarguably, inarguably a failure of leadership from the top of the federal government."

"He didn't even stop his vacation for three days..."
- Jon Stewart, Daily Show 9/6/05

He later then had the audio of Barbara Bush's comment about being better off and then back from commercial showed the timeline of Bush's "response" to the disaster. When broken down like that, its even more appalling and indefensible.

Saturday 8/27 Week 5 of Bush's summer vacation begins.
Sunday 8/28 Still on vacation even though clearly a cat 5 was near the gulf.
Monday 8/29 Hurricane hit, Bush doing a town hall meeting on Medicare in Arizona.
Tuesday 8/30 Levee collapsed over night. Bush was in San Diego for ceremony marking end of WWII.
Wednesday 8/31 New Orleans underwater. Bush makes decision to cut vacation short, goes back to Washington.
Thursday 9/1 "I don't think anybody anticipated the breach of the levees." - Bush said on Good Morning America. Copious amounts of data is available to prove otherwise.
Friday 9/2 Goes to Kenner, LA to "take charge" and that New Orleans "will rise again." Later gives "Brownie, you are doing a heck of a job" to FEMA head.

What amazes me is the defenders don't even get that as a leader, the President gets the blamed for all successes and failures. EVERY failure is his fault because he is the leader. That is part of the price of being in charge. The fact that none of them get that fundamental fact, including Bush, is part of the reason he is such a horrible leader.
The fact that his defenders have to keep pulling more and more rediculous excuses out of their ass is actually further proof at what a pathetic leader Bush is. The fact that the man has to have such blind faith to stand tall...that not a testament to his leadership, its a testament to his failure. True leaders can stand in criticism. True leaders can take it and learn from it. Bush cannot. Simply put, Bush failed. His entire last 4 years as a leader, as the President cost thousands of lives and an entire city. No. Shut Up!

Yahoo's Katrina Metasearch for the Missing

Katrina: Metasearch for Missing People

Click the link above, can look by location of the effected areas or search the Katrina lists from across the Web.

Katrina News Coverage Opinion Pieces

"How're they doing?" - Nice little write-up from Jeff Jarvis on Buzzmachine.com about how the press coverage of Katrina is doing. He makes excellent points and I agree with most of it. He feels it could be a turning point with "new humility, transparency, fallibility, and humanity". I say not likely but one can hope. In the end, the almighty ratings and thus dollars will get in the way.

Reporters Show Their Teeth - This one by Howard Kurtz is a nice little write-up showing how finally after nearly half a decade of complanency and cow towing to the Bush Admistration, the Press is finally baring their teeth and demanding answers. Not even 9/11 accomplished this. But Katrina has finally reminded the press why they exist, to seek out the truth whether we will want to hear it or not. The truth about what went wrong and right about Katrina needs to be discussed and with politicians already in damage control mode its up to the 4th estate to find the truth for the public. I hope they are up to the task as I still have my doubts if this new found aggression will last for the long difficult months ahead.

The World Reaction - Article describing some of the various reactions from the media around the world. "How could this happen in the richest, most powerful country in the world" seems to sum up the article nicely. Its also an answer the Americans need to.

Murders Most Foul - Article describing the dead bodies being found in the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center and other refugee locations as many people where found dead including a 7 year old with her throat cut. A gruesome telling of human depravity.

Stupid Defiance - Up to thousands of New Orleans residents refuse to leave their devasted, mostly underwater homes. Rescuers keep asking to leave, try to explain why they need to leave, point out the lack of food, clean water, and no knowledge of when supplies will be available. Yet the fools will not listen. This level of blind stupidty is part of the reason why the death toll will be so high. Its also something to consider when blame is being assigned. The average NO does take some of the blame for the death toll, its not just the governments fault.

FEMA Chief Waited to Deploy - AP is reporting that FEMA Chief Michael Brown waited until after Katrina struck to dispatch 1000 homeland security employees to the region and gave them 2 days to get there. The article reports that one of the duties was to "convey a positive image" about the government's response. Just an example of how this man was over his head. That is a how a CEO responds to the sinking ship of his business, not to a disaster with lives on the line. With decisions like that Bush is sure to give him a Congressional Medal and cabinet position.

"I'm sick of the press conferences"

"Nobody’s coming to get us. Nobody’s coming to get us. The secretary has promised. Everybody’s promised. They’ve had press conferences. I’m sick of the press conferences. For God sakes, shut up and send us somebody."
- Aaron Broussard talking about efforts after Katrina on Meet the Press before breaking down in tears.

Mr Bush,
All we have seens since you took charge is a series of clearly staged press conferences as you visit Mississippi for the 3rd or 4th time and does a fly by over New Orleans. I don't want you pretending to care and playing the politics, I want to see results. Its seems everyone else, both Republican and Democrat realize right now is not the time for politics. Politics take a backseat to the devastation. Shut the Karl Rove machine down for god's sake.

Also President Bush quit blaming everyone but yourself. Take ownership for your failings so they will not be repeated. Rather then rewarding the FEMA head for his mistakes as you have everyone else in the administration, fire him. He was a crony that was not qualified for the postion. He should have never been put there in the first place. You failed as your job to look out for the nation when you put someone that unqualified in such a position and you failed at your job for failing to realize it fast enough, end your vacation and get supplies and troops in postition.

Fundamentally this disaster is what a president is for. Everything the office is about comes together in a time of crisis and you failed us in a way few have in history. You should be ashamed. You should be embarrassed and most importantly, as president, you have to put that aside, address the failings and get them corrected. To do that properly you must start with yourself.

Hurricane Katrina Links

Hurricane Katrina Aftermath:
DomeBlog - A blog report from Astrodome about conditions and events for refugees there.
Yahoo's Katrina Lists of Missing Lists - A list of all the lists that name the missing in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.
New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina - Java applet from the associated press that allows a look at the map with zoom function.
The World Responds - CNN article on pledges of help from countries all over the world.

Comicbook Related Charity events:
Newsarama Charity News - Updated thread from Newsarama.com updating on comic book related Katrina Charity events.
Bendis Board Charity - Items, artwook, video, tons of different stuff for auction for Katrina Victims.
Rob Liefeld Katrina Auction - Liefeld has put up the artwork for Teen Titans #27 with all proceeds going to Katrina relief.

Political:
CNN - The big disconnect on New Orleans - Basically how reporters are reporting one version of events with pictures and video and Bush admin officials say another view.
Bush Policy on NO levees - Summation report on how recent budget cuts may have resulted in the levee collapse.
Reports of Relief Arrival - CNN piece on arrival of relief supplies arriving to New Orleans

New Orleans Before and After

Here are some satellite photos of New Orleans courtesy of USA Today.

Before
After

New Orleans SOS

Sigh a few days ago we all thought that the US dodged a bullet. Sure some damage but nothing we can't handle...then the levees broke. The result is not a town, or a village, but one entire city destroyed.

Its pretty clear...everyone is overwhelmed. From the residents of the effected area, to the citizens of the US, to the reporters covering the event, and the rescuers trying to do everything they can but lacking the manpower to do it. The US use to have the man power for such events. We called then the National Guard. However most of them are overseas, as is the money, manpower, skill, equipment and everything else you can name. Sadly, to pull out of Iraq to deal with this is not an option. A constiutional crisis looms large and very little could spark violence.

So where does that leave New Orleans. I guess where often it leaves us in times of crisis. With each other. With the citizens of the United States and the World. The outpoor of help is everywhere. In the tears of the effected and the audience that watches in horror. On the radio, over the airwaves, the cries for help are heard, and everyone is trying to answer. Even the networks are joining in with one of the Heroes fundraiser campaigns. While the crime, looting, and gas gouging speaks of the horror of the human condition, the desire to help, the empathy and pain that many feel also shows its greatness. Times of great hardship require a response of great love and sacrifice and the nation is responding. Be sure to give to your favorite charity to help.

Katrina and the news

I am sure many have been watching the news coverage of Katrina as it made landfall. CNN showed a "man on the scene" type approach, often with Anderson Cooper talking about random stuff, trying not to get knocked down and of course hammering whenever possible just how dangerous what he is doing. Now he of course thinks that makes him heroic, the rest of us know it just makes him stupid. So CNN is doing the "you are all going to die" approach to Katrina.

Fox News, as much as I hate to say it, trumped CNN this time. They took the "this is the facts and what is happening now" approach. Less man on the streets wasting our time, more informative, and more insightful. This is all just leading to landfall.

During and especially afterwards however, both news stations became doppelgangers, just talking about the same stuff over again with the same footage over and over again as really no one knew anything. Rescue operations where just beginning, the damage assessment just starting. The horror revealed, but not digested. Basically back to the business of worse case scenarios, crappy guesses, cheerleading and useless information.

However, every know and then, these stations remind them why we need them. TVNewswer has done an excellent job of showing the shining moments and the not so grand moments.

One moment that stands out however is a phone report from CNN's Jeanne Meserve during 8/29 Newsnight. It was a sad accounting of the some of the lives lost and why. Also what she experienced while down there trying to give her report and the emotionial cost. It was a rare moment of humanity in the news coverage. A shrinking of the distance between reporter and subjects. Sometimes you need objectivity...and sometimes you don't.

Click here for the mp3 audio.

Serve iTunes to the PSP

Somehow someone figured out how to serve up your iTunes library to the PSP. It doesn't really replace the nifty iPod but its something goofy to do especially if have a sudden jones for a song.

Instructions are at the Digikid Blog.

PSP 2.0 is go.

Sony has finally gotton around to releasing the firmware update for the PSP. The two main features of this update is a pretty nifty web browser that works suprisingly well and wallpaper to replace the current background with whatever picture want to.

Hopefully soon websites designed with PSPs in mind will pop up for our enjoyment. Sony already has one but of course its just really adverts for sony crap. Also if someone comes up with a pic converter let me know. Because of the screen dimensions some pictures need to be converted to the dimensions etc for optimum viewing but until the playstation forums has proven to be exceptional with many PSP wallpapers and people willing to convert your posted pics so click here for some stuff to use.

Also check out WinPSPortal out for a program available for the PSP. Not sure what it does but might be worth goofing with.

PSP Update 2.0?

From Sony:

The PSP Firmware 2.0 Upgrade for the North American market will be available during the week of August 15th, instead of on August 12, as previously reported.
Designed to compliment the comprehensive entertainment experience of games, movies, music, photos and wireless connectivity provided by the revolutionary portable device, the firmware 2.0 upgrade will allow users to take advantage of the unit’s built-in Wi-Fi capability and wirelessly search the Internet from Internet Access Points or hot spots. The firmware 2.0 upgrade will be available for download directly to a PSP using a Wi-Fi connection or downloaded to a PC from http://us.playstation.com/psp and transferred to a PSP through a USB cable.


How come it seems so hard to release stuff in the US and not Japan? You would think by now they would have figured out a way to make sure that translation etc, was a straightforward process almost as simple as flicking a switch considering no product nowadays is hardly ever not released in both countries.

Not just Natalee "Aruba" Holloway is missing

Either its the new thing, or maybe just maybe, the media is realizing that other people disappear everyday. All in the same week, two media NBC and The Los Angeles Times, have indicated that they realize there is a bias in the media on covering missing person cases.

This of course is something I blogged about a long time ago but still interstesting to see others acknowledging it. The real question though is will there be change from it? Highly doubtful. Why? Its business people. The simple fact is the covering the death/disappearance/etc of an affluent family's missing female member is ratings gold. Especially when the pissing person is young and beautiful, followed by the family members greiving being quite beautiful. Have you seen Natalee's mother and aunt? They are gorgeous, which is why they are thrown up on television screens at every opportunity. As for why money is a factor? Well other then influence taht money brings, its a matter of convience. They usually have someone who doesn't have to work, which means they have time to fly around the country, to interview, to show up on the talk shows etc. Don't really have an explanation why men and non-white are not covered. Pretty sure there are slight racist overtones but more likly its again business. Ratings simply wouldn't be as high (course that doesn't speak well of the country).

Any case, we will continue to see the march of the pretty white affluent white woman bemoan the death/disappearance of her pretty white family member for years to come.

Hooking Up

I have been watching the program on ABC called Hooking Up. Its comes on Thursdays at 9:00pm. It basically follows 4 or so woman as they use online dating to find the perfect man. You would think it would be extraordinary entertaining or maybe uplifting. Instead its kind of sad.

Now the woman, simply gorgeous. We all wish woman that looked like them where on online services. The ages are the 20s and 30s cause 40s are apparently too old or don't date. I think the producers wasted an opportunity in contrasting how age plays a part in deciding a mate. So we have a bunch of photogenically stunning woman seeking the perfect man. Of course this means photogenically stunning men to start. Its interesting to see how the woman immediatly shutdowns when eyeballs her date is bald, or not tall or built enough. So physical is a priority on the ole checklist.

Then comes the dates...and the breakups. It will sound like I am picking on these woman, but they do the breaking up (ie just don't call him back) in every case shown. Now this just could be creative editing, I don't know. Often over minor things or way out there expectations. Some of these woman are making evaluations on whether she could marry him after the first date. Its the first date!!! You don't know shit about the person yet these woman are making those kind of decisions. One woman definilty likes the confident aggressive jock type. But god forbid he gets too aggressive. So she likes it, but doesn't. And somehow the guy is supposed to know the line is. If he doesn't guess it just right, bye-bye. I could give more examples but suffice it to say, the men are expected to be physical love at first sight followed by mental love at end of first date. There is a reason they continue to be lonely.

What makes it sad though is these woman don't seem to be bitches. They actually seem pretty great, someone that would probably be fun to date, develop a relationshipship with. You root for them. You want them to find happiness. I wish they where bitches so could yell in joy for every failure but instead I just think what opportunities they probably wasted. What possibilities of happiness never discovered cause this guy was bald, or too nice, or whatever thing was not good enough. If only they realized perfection doesn't exist. That a checklist is a guideline, not a rulebook. Until they realize that, I will continue to hope for the best.