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com

Congress hits new low in public Chasing Value: Defense

opinion and Oil -- Part 2
David Morgan (Front Row said congressional popularity Sheldon Liber (BloggingStocks)
Washington) could rebound in 2011, if history Submitted at 12/15/2010 12:00:00 PM

Submitted at 12/15/2010 9:40:11 AM is any guide.

Public approval of Congress Filed under: International
Dec 15, 2010 10:40 EST jumped 10 percentage points in Markets, Exxon Mobil (XOM),
The American public’s opinion January 1995, as Republicans Boeing Co (BA), Chevron Corp
of Congress has hit a new low, took control of the House and (CVX), ConocoPhillips (COP),
with only 13 percent of adults Senate for the first time in 40 Lockheed Martin (LMT),
saying they approve of the job the years. Approval jumped even PetroChina Co Ltd ADR (PTR),
national legislature is doing. higher — by 14 percentage points Chasing Value[TM], Oil, General by examining price-to-book ( P/
That’s according to a new Gallup — in January 2007 after Dynamics Corp (GD), Northrop B), price-to-cash-flow ( P/CF),
survey, which finds an 83 percent Democrats seized control of the Grumman (NOC), Raytheon and dividend yield. Each stock is
disapproval rating for Congress legislative body. Company (RTN), Stock Picks, ranked by sector and metric from
— t h e w o r s t t h e p o l l i n g Gallup interviewed 1,019 adults Photo credits: Reuters/Stormy Royal Dutch Shell (RDS.A) best to worst. In the end we hope
organization has seen in more Dec. 10-12 for the survey, as the Capitol (Jim Young); Reuters/ This series started with five to narrow down our choices for
than 30 years of congressional Democratic-controlled Congress Kevin Lamarque (Pelosi and major defense contractors and six candidates that might be added to
performance tracking. pursued its lame duck agenda R e i d ) a n d ( M c C o n n e l l a n d major oil companies that are Chasing Value: 2011 Stock Picks
T h e ‘ g o o d ’ n e w s i s t h a t before going out of business B o e h n e r ) worthy considerations to help -- The Journey Begin.
Congress’ rating slipped only 1 when a new Republican majority Click here for more political your portfolio survive a global Continue reading Chasing Value:
percentage point from last time. e n t e r s t h e H o u s e o f coverage from Reuters crisis (see Chasing Value: You Defense and Oil -- Part 2
For 2010 as whole, Congress’ Representatives in January. This entry passed through the Must Own Defense and Oil for Chasing Value: Defense and Oil -
approval rating averaged 19 Gallup says people seem more Full-Text RSS service — if this is Safety). After the first review, one - Part 2 originally appeared on
percent. That ties the averages for frustrated with the Democratic your content and you're reading it stock was eliminated from BloggingStocks on Wed, 15 Dec
1979 and 2008, and ranks just 1 congressional majority than with on someone else's site, please read consideration: Petroleo Brasileiro 2010 12:00:00 EST. Please see
percentage point above the 18 President Barack Obama, whose our FAQ page at fivefilters.org/ ( PBR). The reason is in the first our terms for use of feeds.
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Those years were all marked by stable at between 44 percent and Five Filters featured site: So, Today we continue our analysis
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United States. But the polling organization Again?.

Olivia Wilde Chats About Tron Legacy, Starting New Hair Trends, and More!
GeekSugar (PopSugar)
2 Headline/ E-reader News Edition

Washington Extra – jumpSTART

Tabassum Zakaria (Front Row That means potentially weeks of Ruggiero, will stand in as acting
Washington) playing a favorite Washington Special Representative for
Submitted at 12/14/2010 5:38:47 PM parlor game — Name That Afghanistan and Pakistan as
Official. President Obama prepares to
There are 11 days to Christmas, Here are our top stories from release a strategy review outlining
time for Congress to do the end-of Washington today… the way forward. Ruggiero is an
-session roll in which proposals Prospects for U.S. tax cut bill Afghanistan expert. But analysts
that grew cobwebs for months and look brighter say he has less experience with
months are now heading through President Obama’s tax plan got a two other pieces of the puzzle:
the chambers at breakneck speed. boost when a top Democrat in the Pakistan, where Holbrooke’s
Tax cuts are closing in on the House of Representatives, where forceful personal diplomacy
finish line — House Majority t h e p l a n f a c e s i t s s t i f f e s t helped push U.S. objectives, and
Leader Steny Hoyer signaled that r e s i s t a n c e , s a i d t h e r e w e r e Washington, where he was known
resistance was waning among “compelling reasons” to back it. as a bureaucratic black belt.
Democrats when he said there The bullish comments from For more of this analysis by
were “compelling reasons” to Democratic Majority Leader Andrew Quinn, read here.
back the measure. Steny Hoyer signaled opposition Holbrooke, doctors talked
Senate Majority Leader Harry is dissipating among Democrats Afghanistan before surgery
Reid today is holding out the who believe that Obama’s $858 Richard Holbrooke told his
For more of this story by David includes earmarks
possibility that the START treaty billion tax deal is too generous to doctors before surgery on Friday
Alexander and Thomas Ferraro, Senate Democrats unveiled a
will be ratified before lawmakers the wealthy. “The vote in the h e w a s too worried about
read here. 2,000-page spending bill that
wrap up the lame duck session. Senate indicates an urgency that is Afghanistan and Pakistan to settle
Obama considers Levin, others would fund the government until
Debate could start as early as felt by a broad spectrum that the down, leading one to offer to
for economic adviser October 2011 and includes
Wednesday, and Reid says he’s middle-income taxes not be solve the problem while he was
The White House has cast a wide thousands of the pet projects
got the votes. increased come January 1,” Hoyer anesthetized.
net in its search for a replacement known as earmarks that have
Asked if he had 67 votes to ratify said in a briefing with reporters.
for outgoing economic adviser become a symbol of wasteful For more of this story, read here.
START and if he was committed For more of this story by Kim
Larry Summers with a list that s p e n d i n g f o r m a n y v o t e r s . Afghan review backs U.S. troop
to having the vote before this Dixon and Thomas Ferraro, read
i n c l u d e s Y a l e U n i v e r s i t y Republicans have foresworn pullout from July
Congress ends, Reid said: “The here.
P r e s i d e n t R i c h a r d L e v i n . earmarks and the measure will not A review of U.S. strategy in
answer is yes on both.” Democrats ready to push ahead President Obama’s decision over be able to pass the Senate without Afghanistan has determined that a
When confronted with START, a with START treaty
who will lead the National some Republican support. A troop increase led to important
top Republican says STOP until Democrats were poised to push
Economic Council after Summers spending bill passed by the House progress which may permit some
the bill to fund the government is ahead with Senate debate on the
l e a v e s i s o n e o f h i s m o s t of Representatives last week does soldiers to withdraw next July.
done. new START nuclear arms treaty President Obama met for nearly
important moves in the coming not include earmarks.
Republican Senator Jon Kyl says with Russia despite objections
weeks. Ahead of his 2012 re- For more of this story by Andy two hours with his national
the spending bill is a more urgent from some key Republicans about security team in a meeting
election campaign, fixing the Sullivan, read here.
priority “given the fact that the a lack of time to fully consider the
economy and bringing down Holbrooke death leaves hole in overshadowed by the death of
current funding runs out at the end issue before year’s end. The special envoy Richard Holbrooke.
n e a r l y - d o u b l e - d i g i t U.S. “AfPak” team
of the week.” Senate could begin debate as early unemployment are the president’s The death of diplomat Richard For more of this story by Steve
The White House says the as Wednesday on the treaty,
top priorities. Holbrooke leaves the Obama Holland, read here.
l e g i s l a t i v e p a c e m e a n s a which commits the former Cold
For more of this story by Jeff administration with a worrying Retail sales boost 4th-qtr growth
replacement for economic adviser War foes to cut deployed nuclear
Mason and Caren Bohan, read g a p a s i t g r a p p l e s w i t h prospects
Larry Summers may not be warheads to no more than 1,550
here. Afghanistan and Pakistan. WASHINGTON page 3
named until next year. within seven years. Senate Democratic spending bill H o l b r o o k e ’ s d e p u t y , F r a n k
E-reader News Edition
WASHINGTON
continued from page 2
U.S. retail sales rose for a fifth
straight month in November as
consumers hit the malls in droves
at the start of the holiday
shopping season, evidence the
recovery gathered steam in the
fourth quarter. Sales rose a solid
0.8 percent as shoppers snapped
up clothing, sporting goods and
other items.
For more of this story by Lucia
Mutikani, read here.
Fed keeps policy on hold, says
recovery too slow
The Federal Reserve said the
economic recovery was still too
slow to bring down
unemployment, reaffirming its
commitment to purchase $600
billion in bonds to stimulate
growth and create jobs.
For more of this story by Mark
Felsenthal and Pedro da Costa,
read here.
What’s a home worth? Pick a
number, any number
There are problems in appraisal
land that transcend weak housing
market s and debt-ridden
borrowers, and that are causing
home buyers and would-be
refinancers to miss out on low
rates and dream houses. “There’s
been a pendulum swing in
appraisals comparable to the one
we’ve seen in mortgage credit,
from foolishly lax to overly
Protection Rolls On
(AEI.Org: Articles)
Submitted at 12/14/2010 5:00:00 PM
Sorry, Readability was unable to
parse this page for content.
restrictive,” said Walt Molony of
the National Association of
Realtors. He reported that as
recently as October, one in 10
member agents said they’d had a
contract canceled as a result of a
low appraisal, 13 percent said
they’d had a contract delayed, and
16 percent said they’d had a
contract negotiated to a lower
sales price as a result of a low
appraisal.
For more of this special report by
Linda Stern, read here.
US says financing core part of
Cancun climate deal
Despite tough economic times,
rich countries must make good on
short-term pledges of billions of
dollars in financing to help
developing countries tackle global
warming. The climate deal forged
among more than 190 countries at
the U.N. talks in Cancun included
agreements on measuring
emissions, technology transfer
and $100 billion in financing for
developing countries from 2020.
A Green Climate Fund would
help channel some of that aid.
For more of this story by
Timothy Gardner, read here.
Senate panel OKs Obama
housing regulator nominee
The Senate Banking Committee
has backed President Obama’s
nomination of North Carolina
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Banking Commissioner Joseph
Smith to oversee ailing mortgage
finance giants Fannie Mae and
Freddie Mac, paving the way for
approval by the full Senate. Smith
would replace Edward DeMarco,
who has been FHFA’s acting
director since September 2009.
For more of this story by Corbett
Daly, read here.
Justice Dept set to appeal
healthcare ruling
The Justice Department said it
intends to appeal to a U.S. appeals
court a ruling by a judge in
Virginia declaring a key part of
President Barack Obama’s
landmark healthcare law
unconstitutional.
For more of this story, read here.
For a Q&A by Lisa Lambert on
the future of the reforms after the
suit, click here.
Bank regulators back new capital
rule
Bank holding companies would
no longer be able to raid their
federally insured banking units for
capital during times of crisis
under a proposal issued by bank
regulators. The holding
companies would have to
maintain the same minimum
capital levels as their federally
insured banking units under the
FDIC proposal required by this
year’s Dodd-Frank financial
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overhaul law.
For more of this story by Dave
Clarke, read here.
What we are blogging…
Seneca Nation has message for
Obama on taxes
Robert Porter, president of the
Seneca Nation tribe of Native
Americans in western New York
state, has a message for President
Obama. “I’d like to see the
president not be so timid in his
efforts to support and protect
Indian country,” he says. Porter is
one of dozens of tribal leaders
who is to meet Obama on
Thursday.
For Steve Holland’s full post,
read here.
From elsewhere…
“Whatever” voted most irritating
word in U.S. poll
Whatever you think about using
grating words, at the end of the
day it’s actually better not to say
whatever, if you know what I
mean. For the second consecutive
year “whatever’ topped a Marist
poll as the most annoying word or
phrase in the English language.
Nearly 39 percent of 1,020
Americans questioned in the
survey deemed it the most
irritating word, followed by “like”
with 28 percent and the phrase
“you know what I mean” at 15
percent.
The S&P just went negative, and the bond
selloff has resumed.
11:35:56 AM
The S&P just went negative, and
Policy/ Economy/ 3
For more of this story, read here.
“Insensitive” East German border
videogame a hit
A long-awaited German
videogame pitting East German
fugitives against border guards
has proved immensely popular
despite being condemned as
“utterly inappropriate” and
“insensitive” by a victims’ group.
Demand for the game brought
down servers following its release
over the weekend, a spokesman
for the Karlsruhe University of
Arts and Design, where the game
was developed, said.
For more of this story, read here.
Photo credit: Reuters/Jim Young
(Senate Majority Leader Harry
Reid on Capitol Hill, Nov. 16)
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the bond selloff has resumed.
Join the conversation about this
story »
4 Headline/ Business/ Technology/
Jury still out on Republicans, despite
election victory – poll
JoAnne Allen (Front Row
Washington)
Submitted at 12/14/2010 10:50:34 PM
Dec 14, 2010 23:50 EST
Despite winning control of the
House of Representatives and
making gains in the Senate,
Republicans still have a way to go
to truly win the hearts of
Americans, according to the latest
Washington Post-ABC News poll.
Just 41 percent of respondents
said the Republican takeover of
the House is a “good thing,” 27
percent said it was a “bad thing,”
and 30 percent said it won’t make
any difference, the poll found.
Although voters gave President
Barack Obama (and his
Democrats) a“shellacking” on
election day, the public still has a
little more faith in the president
than in Republican lawmakers,
according to the survey results.
Asked who do you trust to do a
better job coping with the main
problems the nation faces over the
next few years, (Obama) or (the
Republicans in Congress), 43
percent said Obama and 38
percent said Republicans.
Fifty-four percent said
Republican leaders in Congress
were not doing enough to
compromise with Obama on
important issues, compared with
40 percent who said the same
about the president.
The poll of 1,001 people,
released Tuesday, was completed
roughly a month after
Republicans swept back into
power in the House and picked up
six seats in the Senate.
Sixty seven percent of the
respondents said the country is on
the wrong track. That’s a slight
improvement over 71 percent who
held that opinion in a Post/ABC
poll taken just before the
November congressional
elections.
The latest poll has a margin of
error of plus or minus 3.5 percent.
Here’s the raw data.
Photo Credit: REUTERS/Larry
Downing (New House of
Representatives members on
House steps of the U.S. Capitol,
Nov. 19, 2010)
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E-reader News Edition
Joy Global Profits Up on
Surge in Bookings,
Overseas Demand
Connie Madon
(BloggingStocks)
Submitted at 12/15/2010 11:30:00 AM
Filed under: Major Movement,
Earnings Reports
Here's an interesting company.
Joy Global ( JOYG) is the only
worldwide surface and share last year. Revenue rose to
underground mining equipment $1.05 billion. Gross margin rose
company. With underdeveloped 37.9% from 32.4%.
countries screaming for raw Continue reading Joy Global
materials, Joy Global is in a sweet Profits Up on Surge in Bookings,
spot, providing equipment to Overseas Demand
mining companies around the Joy Global Profits Up on Surge
globe. in Bookings, Overseas Demand
The Wall Street
originally appeared on
Journal(subscription required) BloggingStocks on Wed, 15 Dec
reported that Joy Global's fourth
2010 11:30:00 EST. Please see
quarter earnings were up 18% our terms for use of feeds.
year over year. Profit was at
Permalink| Email this| Comments
$146.3 million or $1.39 a share,
up from $124 million of $1.20 a
Carnivorious Cocktails - Use
the Bacon Vodka to Make a
Smoky Martini (GALLERY)
(TREND HUNTER - The Latest in drinks that make you either go
Trends) "WTF?" or "Yum!" Therefore, it
Submitted at 12/15/2010 11:14:01 AM becomes difficult to determine
whether this Bacon Vodka will be
( TrendHunter.com) There are a hit or a miss. The infusion...
countless experiments with bacon
E-reader News Edition Business/ 5

"Turbulence," an Interactive Movie, Coming Soon to an iPad Near

You
David Zax (Fast Company)
Submitted at 12/15/2010 11:29:42 AM

An Israeli professor of film and

television takes a new, more
theoretical, approach to
developing an interactive film.
The woman's husband is cheating
on her, but she does not know this
yet. She stands alone in their dark
bedroom. On the floor is her
husband's coat, and a photograph
of him with his lover peeks out,
just barely, from a pocket. The
woman turns, and her eye is
caught by the photograph.
Or is it?
With Turbulence, an Israeli
interactive film directed by Nitzan
Ben-Shaul, the choice at that
moment is up to the viewer.
Turbulence is one of several
recent experiments in interactive
filmmaking, given new life by the
advent of devices like the iPad.
(See our series on Touching
Stories, a set of interactive iPad
films, from June and July.)
Turbulence, an 80-minute thriller,
is about three Israelis who meet
by chance in New York 20 years
after they were arrested together the coat pocket, so that a wife can Company; the film took away an player. several books on the problems
at a protest in Israel. At various know the truth about her husband. award for Best Experimental What sets Ben-Shaul apart, posed by interactive cinema. He's
moments in the film, a glowing Tubulence completed production Feature. though, are his theoretical chops. just submitted the manuscript for
light will surround an object, in December of 2008, and was Others have ventured where Ben- He's not part of a small production one, called Optional Thinking and
indicating that the viewer can first screened at the Berkeley Shaul treads now; on top of company, like the Touching Narrative Movies, due out in
interact with it in some way--to Video and Film Festival. Ben- Touching Stories, the critically Stories crew, nor does he run a 2011. He is probably the first
choose to press CANCEL on that Shaul's wife canvassed the acclaimed PlayStation 3 game game studio like Heavy Rain's person to have said of Heavy
impassioned text message a audience at decision points in the Heavy Rain was sometimes billed David Cage. Ben-Shaul is a Rain, as he did to me, that it
character just wrote, but is on the film, while Ben-Shaul executed as an interactive movie, and professor at the Film and "lacks dramaturgical
fence about sending; or to tease the decisions. "The audience similarly entailed decision points Television Department at Tel "TURBULENCE," page 10
that photograph out gently from loved it," Ben-Shaul tells Fast with icons to prompt the viewer/ Aviv University, and he's written
6 Business/
The 2010 Black List: Hollywood's Hottest Unproduced Scripts
David Zax (Fast Company)
Submitted at 12/15/2010 10:56:03 AM
Dozens of screenwriters have just
been blacklisted--and they're
delighted. Whereas Senator
McCarthy's blacklist ended
careers, Franklin Leonard's makes
them. His list of the best
unproduced screenplays includes
a range of zany and intriguing
story conceits: a buddy comedy
featuring a college-aged Karl
Rove, for instance, and a movie
where a vampire and a zombie
team up to fight off an alien
invasion.
Franklin Leonard, who was
recently featured as one of Fast
Company's "Most Creative
People," transformed from an
ordinary mid-level development
executive into what the Los
Angeles Times calls "Hollywood's
most important soothsayer"
almost overnight. Back in 2004,
buried in lousy screenplay
submissions, he shot off an email
to some production company
executives, asking what the best
unproduced screenplays they had
recently read were. Leonard
culled the data, noted which titles
recurred, and sent off a list to
some friends.
The list went viral. Within days,
people were forwarding it back to
Leonard, without even realizing
he had authored it. Leonard
decided to make it a yearly
tradition, cheekily dubbing it the
Black List.
Since then, Leonard, a 32-year-
old from Columbus, Ohio, has
become an unlikely Hollywood
kingmaker. Remember the Oscar-
winning "Juno"? It first gathered
real buzz through the Black List,
along with the Oscar-nominated
screenplay, "Lars and the Real
Girl." Catch a flick called "The
Social Network"? Another Black
List favorite.
"There were end of the year 'best
of' screenplay lists in Hollywood
before the Black List, but they
were generally informal affairs
put together by a single agency or
a small group of assistants,"
Leonard tells Fast Company.
"People would consume them at
the end of the year, but always
with the knowledge that the list
was implicitly biased in one way
or another or not fully
representative of a community
with a wide ranging taste profile."
The Black List's rules--it focuses
on not-yet-produced screenplays--
are such that sometimes films that
are already in production are
named. Six of this year's Top 10
have already been scooped up by
studios, including Margin Call,
whose star-studded cast includes
Kevin Spacey and Jeremy Irons,
about the 2008 financial
meltdown. "Margin Call is a
complete film and headed to
Sundance this year. Very excited
to see it," Leonard says.
But when the Black List does its
best work, it primarily generates
buzz for projects underway and
reflects much appreciated
attention to the writers behind
them. "When the list finds those
new writers, the Diablo Codys,
the Nancy Olivers, the Josh
Zetumers, the Kyle Killens, the
Chris Weekes, the Wes Joneses,
the Noah Oppenheims, more
people with real power--to hire,
to greenlight, etc.--will read their
material and be more likely to
hire them," Leonard says.
The list also has the power to turn
around careers that had been
languishing.
"I was cleaning up after a lawyer's
maid," Josh Zetumer, a former
Black List beneficiary, told
Entertainment Weekly, "and
suddenly I'm writing dialogue on
a cocktail napkin, and it's landing
in a Bond movie!"
Other eye-catching titles from
this year's list:"Murdoch" by Jesse
Armstrong: "As his family gathers
for his birthday party, Rupert
Murdoch tries to convince his
elder children to alter the family
trust so that his two youngest
children by his newest wife will
have voting rights in the
company.""Replay" by Jason
Smilovic: "A man dies, wakes up
in his 18-year old body, and gets
to relive his life over and
over.""Jackie" by Noah
Oppenheim: "Jackie Kennedy
fights to define her husband's
legacy in the seven days
immediately following his
assassination.""Hovercar 3D" by
Blaise Hemingway: "Set in the
future, an ex-con street racer has
to transport a whistleblower
across country in a high-speed
hovercar with an army of
authorities trying to stop
E-reader News Edition
them.""F*cking Jane Austen" by
Blake Bruns: "Two men angry at
Jane Austen for creating
unrealistic romantic expectations
among women today get set back
in time to the 19th century. The
only way for them to return home
is for one of them to get Jane
Austen to fall in love and sleep
with him."
Is there a second act in the Black
List's future, in which it becomes
something more than the insider's
guide that it is? "It's difficult for
me to answer that question,"
Leonard says. If you're planning
on pitching the next Leonardo
DiCaprio vehicle, you might want
to watch his talk from our last
Most Innovative Companies event
just in case. "I can say this," he
ads cryptically, "The Black List as
it currently exists is a beginning."
[Image: Getty]
E-reader News Edition
Forget The Scratch Off Cards, Here Are Some ETF Gift Ideas For
The Holidays (IAU, GDX, KOL, BTU, CNX, ANR)
Don Dion (Business Insider)
Submitted at 12/15/2010 11:48:11 AM
NEW YORK ( TheStreet) -
Christmas is fast approaching and
people around the world are
putting the final touches on their
holiday wish-lists.
While images of games, toys, and
the latest gadgets may be on the
minds of many, investors with
their loved ones' long-term
portfolios in mind may want to
consider putting some promising
ETFs under the tree this year.
iShares Gold Trust( IAU)/
Market Vectors Gold Miners
ETF( GDX)
Necklaces, bracelets and earrings
are always thoughtful and
welcomed gift ideas for the
holiday season. However, this
year, investors considering
precious metals for the holidays
may want to consider skipping
the jewelry and instead present
their loved ones with a shiny new
gold ETF.
This article originally appeared at
TheStreet and is republished with
permission.
Physically-based funds such as
IAU or miner-related funds such
95 Gifts for the Blushing Bride - The Perfect Presents for the
Newlyweds in Your Life (CLUSTER)
(TREND HUNTER - The Latest
Trends)
as GDX are two ideas which look
set to provide investors with a
comfortable payoff looking to the
future.
In 2010, these and other gold-
related ETFs have prospered as
droves of investors piled into gold
and gold miners as a way to
protect their portfolios against
widespread global economic
jitters.
Whether it was fears of sovereign
debt contagion spreading through
Europe, or concerns about the
inflation picture in China, hardly
a week went by this year where
some sort of anxiety-producing
issue didn't capture headlines and
stoke fears in the hearts of
investors.
This all boded well for the yellow
metal, which has managed to
ascend to all-time highs and bring
producers along for the ride.
Thanks to the popularity of gold
and its accessibility through ETFs
the yellow metal has evolved into
an asset class of its own.
Although we appear to be well on
the road to recovery, the New
Year will likely hold both old and
new hurdles to conquer. Investors
can help their loved ones prepare
( TrendHunter.com) It's usually
quite easy to find appropriate
Christmas gifts for the blushing
for such a scenario by arming
them with gold.
Market Vectors Coal ETF( KOL)
Although the idea of waking up
on Christmas day to find coal in
your stocking is a threatening
prospect for many children, the
black rock would likely make a
well-received gift idea for long
term ETF investors this year.
With developed nations
continuing on the road to recovery
and emerging countries such as
bride. The challenge is to find
something memorable that will set
you apart from all the other
Business/ Technology/ 7
this holiday season. Using this
fund, investors can gain access to
the companies responsible for
producing, transporting and
storing this attractive fuel source.
The fund is backed by household
names including Peabody Energy(
BTU), Consol Energy( CNX) and
Alpha Natural Resources( ANR).
While the U.S. represents the
largest geographic slice of its
index, KOL's reach expands well
beyond our domestic shores.
China, Indonesia, and Australia
also make a respectable showing.
This ensures that investors will
gain substantial exposure to
companies which will benefit
from rampant energy demand
China and India constantly from hot emerging markets.
Written by Don Dion in
seeking out ways to quench their
W illiamstown, Mass.
near insatiable appetites for
Join the conversation about this
energy, coal looks primed for
story »
strength in the coming year.
See Also:
Already, forecasts for coal use in
t h e d e v e l o p i n g w o r l d a r e • What To Get The Billionaire
promising. According to a On Your Shopping List?
Bloomberg report, China and • Donald Trump: A Re-Gifter!
India may increase outputs by • Fuggedaboutit! This season's
classy gift is CASH
78% through 2011.
Market Vectors Coal ETF( KOL)
is the perfect gift for coal bulls
wedding guests. These gifts...
8 Business/ E-reader News Edition

Ireland's Strong-Willed Entrepreneurs Find Inspiration in Crisis

Jenara Nerenberg (Fast The crisis, Ni Dhulchaointigh Valley certainly hasn't lost interest
Company) says, "has opened a new sense of in Ireland yet--just last month a
Submitted at 12/15/2010 12:44:47 PM opportunity for Irish "Silicon Valley Comes to Ireland”
entrepreneurs, and the Irish trade mission was held.
The Irish "are not a people to creative community in general. It "Silicon Valley has had a 35-year
waste a good crisis," says one feels like there's a sense of relationship with Ireland where
entrepreneur. coming together and a many of the top tech companies
With her country embroiled in determination amongst young have successfully benefited from
budget cuts, a $113 billion Irish people to make the most of the educational talent, a business
bailout, and a general financial this opportunity for change," Ni environment including a 12.5%
frenzy, product designer Jane Ni D h u l c h a o i n t i g h t e l l s F a s t corporate tax rate, as well as a
Dhulchaointigh's obsession with C o m p a n y . gateway to 500 million European
re-use and renewal has never She developed "Sugru"--a word customers," says Hartnett.
looked more sensible. derived from "sugradh" in Gaelic, "In fact the competitiveness in
She's the inventor of Sugru, an w h i c h m e a n s " p l a y " - - w i t h Ireland is improving due to $15
affordable, Play-doh-like silicone material scientists while studying billion in cost reductions that have
rubber clay that can be used for at London's Royal College of Art. taken place during this crisis."
e v e r y t h i n g f r o m p r o t e c t i n g "When I was studying product Ni Dhulchaointigh says that
computer parts and re-shaping design, I realized that new things Sugru users are more interested in
light switches to creating bike aren't actually that interesting to "hacking and improving things
grips. most people. I realized that the when they don't work rather than
Sugru allows individuals to make things people love are usually old replacing them."
use of the material for whatever things--things that have broken things we love," Ni entrepreneurship than ever before And both she and Hartnett say
purpose they desire. And now, and been repaired, things that bear Dhulchaointigh says. and are not a people to waste a they'd rather help fix Ireland's
Sugru is a band-aid for families the scars of years of use, things John Hartnett, Founder and good crisis," Hartnett says. stalled economic engine rather
hit hard by the financial crisis that carry the memories of the President of the Irish Technology As a founding member of the than jump ship.
whose budgets for repair supplies person who used them before you. Leadership Group (ITLG), also group of Irish entrepreneurs, Follow me, Jenara Nerenberg, on
have dwindled. At a price of We all feel this--like the handbag sees a bright side in these dark ITLG, Hartnett channels Silicon Twitter.
$16.50 for a 60-gram pack, Sugru I stole from my mum who used to economic times. Valley thinking with VC funding, Help keep Fast Company free
is a pocket-friendly product, wear it in the '70s or the penknife "The Irish are placing an even b u s i n e s s d e v e l o p m e n t , a n d online: Take this short survey.
nurtured and launched amidst you got from your granddad when stronger emphasis on mentoring programs. And the
Ireland's crisis economy. you were small. Those are the

E*TRADE Drops on Declining Accounts

Brent Archer (BloggingStocks) Activity Report for November. In $14.88. As of 12:10, ETFC is Accounts originally appeared on
November, new accounts fell
Submitted at 12/15/2010 12:30:00 PM trading at $15.26, down 35 cents ( BloggingStocks on Wed, 15 Dec
1.6% year-over-year, while total -2.2%). The chart for ETFC looks 2010 12:30:00 EST. Please see
Filed under: Bad News, Options, accounts dropped 4.1%. If you neutral and S&P gives ETFC a our terms for use of feeds.
Technical Analysis, E*TRADE think this stock won't be rising too neutral 3 STARS (out of 5) hold Permalink| Email this| Comments
(ETFC) E*TRADE Financial ( far in the coming months, then it ranking.
ETFC- option chain) stock is could be a good time to look at a Continue reading E*TRADE
trading lower today after the bearish hedged play on ETFC. $15.52. So far today the stock has Drops on Declining Accounts
company released its Monthly This morning, ETFC opened at hit a high of $15.52 and a low of E*TRADE Drops on Declining
E-reader News Edition Business/ 9
VIDEO: High School
Carol Bartz Memo To Yahoos: It's Tough To Say Basketball Player
Goodbye To Friends, But Let's Stay Focused Attacks Referee
Kevin Baumer (Business
(YHOO) Insider)
Submitted at 12/15/2010 11:47:37 AM
Jay Yarow (Business Insider) Yahoos we know and work with,
Submitted at 12/15/2010 11:42:44 AM especially before the holidays. Mason Holland of DeSoto High
Please know that we’re helping School in Florida reacted to a
Kara Swisher at All Things D has those affected with severance pay technical foul call in a way that
picked up Carol Bartz's internal and benefits, plus services to help would have made Ron Artest
memo to Yahoos about them find other jobs. blush during a game against Port
yesterday's layoffs. One last thing before I go: It’s Charlotte High School on Monday
Bartz says the cuts were not done important to put this in night.
strictly for financial reasons. It perspective, and remember that Holland, 6-7, shoved referee Jim
was based on trying to eliminate we’re making good progress on Hamm, 51, and then threw him to
duplicate positions, and cut back our turnaround. Margins have the ground. Holland now faces
investment in non-core areas. expanded. Revenue growth has felony charges and DeSoto was
Here's the full memo from All stabilized after a long period of forced for forfeit after the referees
Things D: decelerating trends. Product refused to keep the game going.
Yahoos, rollouts are accelerating as we The Smoking Gun has the police
I want to share some tough news modernize our infrastructure. Our report.
with you. Today, we began Search alliance with Microsoft Fast forward to the 1:23 mark to
notifying some Yahoos that they continues on schedule, and more. see the attack:
will lose their jobs. Most of the We’ve got a lot of potential, but Join the conversation about this
reductions will come from the there is still a lot of work to be story »
different types of Yahoos in plans for next year and beyond. See Also:
Products org and, when done. Let’s stay focused and not
others. You’ve heard me say before that • Here's That Video Of The
completed, will affect about 4% lose sight of that.
There are several reasons for this. I didn’t come to cut Yahoo! to Metrodome Roof Collapsing
of the company. Carol
First, we’ve found a lot of greatness. That’s still true. This • VIDEO: Massive Bench-
I know this has been rumored for Join the conversation about this
duplication in work between decision is about more than cost Clearing Hockey Brawl From The
some time. It’s disappointing story »
Products and the regions. Second, savings. The changes are meant UK
when things like this leak, and it See Also:
it’s no secret that we’re cutting to get us into a position so we can • Here's The Video Of That High
certainly doesn’t make it any • Yahoo Severance Package: 2
investment in underperforming invest more in the kind of School Runner Crawling Across
easier for anyone involved. This Months Of Pay And Bonus?
and non-core products so we can products and technology we know The Finish Line To Win A State
was a tough call, but a necessary • Yahoo Layoffs: Complete
focus on our strengths (like email, we need to be successful. The Championship
one. We need to make these Coverage
the homepage, search, mobile, process that begins today – along
changes now to ensure that • Yahoo's UK Product Team Just
advertising, content and more). with Blake’s past org changes
Products is structured and Got Decimated
And lastly, we need to get the and new Products operational plan
running the way we want as 2011
Products cost-structure in order so – helps to get us there.
begins. And that means we need
it aligns with our development It’s never easy to say goodbye to
fewer Yahoos in some areas, and
10 News Wire/ E-reader News Edition
"TURBULENCE,"
continued from page 5

considerations." Rain, the viewer/player was called technology" to automate the

For a new form of storytelling to
emerge--particularly one with as
many false starts as the interactive
movie, which arguably dates back
to 1983's Dragon's Lair, at least--a
sort of theory ought to undergird
it. Ben-Shaul's thinking is
intriguing in that he pays as much
attention to how to disengage the
interactive impulse as to how to
engage it. A draft of a "brief" on
Turbulence outlines "several
principles guided by dramatic
considerations," the first two of
which are: 1) "To cause the
viewer not to wish to intervene
due to his being in a state of
curious or suspenseful
expectation" (for moments when
the action unfolds on its own),
and 2) "To cause the viewer to
want to intervene in the drama at
places where an intervention will
increase the dramatic experience."
At too many moments in Heavy
upon to make a not-quite-life-
altering decision--to brush the
teeth, or not to brush?--but Ben-
Shaul's theory should help avoid
repeating such mistakes.
The film has been in the can in a
while, so when will it be coming
to a screen near you? Ben-Shaul is
as much entrepreneur as
professor, and he has several
projects in the works. First,
though the film currently runs on
PC or Mac, he wants to ready it
for the iPad, "a main target." He
and his tech wizard, Guy
Avneyon, should have it ported
over within two months. Ben-
Shaul and Avneyon are also
working on developing
screenwriting and editing
software that makes the creation
of interactive narratives easier for
others who aspire to do it. They
have a patent pending. The team
also wants to develop a "decision
screening process Ben-Shaul and
his wife implemented manually at
Berkeley--so that the audience's
opinion can be canvassed in real-
time, with decisions sometimes
being chosen democratically, or
sometimes by a given
representative selected from the
audience.
In other words, there' a lot on his
plate, and it's no surprise that Ben
-Shaul is currently seeking angel
investors to help implement his
vision. "All filmmaking is based
on a lie," Ben-Shaul told Israel
21c. "In life there are always
options."
[vimeo 16624778]
[Image: Flickr user toasty]
George Clinton Sues
Black Eyed Peas Over
Copyright Infringement
(Epoch Times | All headlines) music has been heavily sampled
Submitted at 12/15/2010 10:36:46 AMby hip hop and R&B artists.
Dr. Dre most notably sampled
George Clinton, the father of P- Clinton’s music, creating his own
Funk, sued hip hop group the G-Funk style for 2Pac and Snoop
Black Eyed Peas over the song Dogg. For example, Dre’s song
“Shut Up,” alleging that the group “Let Me Ride” off 1992‘s The
improperly used music in the Chronic sampled Parliament’s
song’s remixes, according to the “Mothership Connection (Star
Associated Press. Child).”
Clinton sued the group on Friday, Clinton did not give the Peas the
saying that they used parts of rights to his music when they
Parliament's 1979 song “(Not sampled him, EW reported.
Just) Knee Deep” on the album Peas attorney Ken Hertz told AP
Uncle Jam Wants You in the that he does not make comments
“Shut Up Remix,” released in on his client's issues.
2003. This entry passed through the
According to Entertainment Full-Text RSS service — if this is
Weekly, Clinton is suing every your content and you're reading it
member of the Grammy Award- on someone else's site, please read
winning hip hop group, UMG our FAQ page at fivefilters.org/
Recordings, and Cherry Lane content-only/faq.php
Music. The case was filed in U.S. Five Filters featured site: So,
District Court in Los Angeles. Why is Wikileaks a Good Thing
The former leader of Parliament Again?.
Funkadelic is seeking $150,000 in
the suit, EW reported. Clinton’s

Obama urges Congress to pass tax-cut package

(Reuters: Top News) personal finance, stock market, NYSE and AMEX quotes on someone else's site, please read
Submitted at 12/15/2010 8:45:37 AMand mutual funds information delayed by at least 20 minutes. our FAQ page at fivefilters.org/
available on Reuters.com, video, Nasdaq delayed by at least 15 content-only/faq.php
Thomson Reuters is the world's mobile, and interactive television minutes. For a complete list of Five Filters featured site: So,
largest international multimedia platforms. Thomson Reuters exchanges and delays, please Why is Wikileaks a Good Thing
news agency, providing investing journalists are subject to an click here. Again?.
news, world news, business news, E d i t o r i a l H a n d b o o k w h i c h This entry passed through the
technology news, headline news, requires fair presentation and Full-Text RSS service — if this is
small business news, news alerts, disclosure of relevant interests. your content and you're reading it
E-reader News Edition Business/ Technology/ 11

Report: HTML5,
Silverlight headed to
WP7 browser
(CNET News.com) Silverlight cannot currently be
Submitted at 12/15/2010 11:12:56 AM found in the mobile version of IE
that ships in WP7 devices.
The Internet Explorer browser HTML5, on the other hand, is
that's built into Windows Phone 7 one of the things that did not
devices could be getting two very make it onto the platform from the
important additions next year: get-go, despite being a major
support for HTML5 and feature of Microsoft's latest
Microsoft's Silverlight runtime. desktop browser. In recent months
Facebook Founder Mark Zuckerberg A report by ZDnet this morning
says the extra functionality may
Microsoft has been touting
HTML5 heavily, and recent
come in the form of a major rumors pointed to it playing an
Named Time's Person of the Year update codenamed "Mango" that
is set to be released in August or
important role as part of
Microsoft-incubated Web apps
David Zax (Fast Company) same time, perhaps, a greater faith largest country on earth and September of 2011. That's well marketplace.
Submitted at 12/15/2010 11:03:27 AM in one another. Our sense of surely has more information about after the rumored January or If you have a question or
identity is more variable, while its citizens than any government February release timeline for the comment for Josh Lowensohn,
Zuck takes it for 2010. our sense of privacy is expanding. does. Zuckerberg, a Harvard phone update that will bring the you can submit it here. However,
Breaking: Mark Zuckerberg has W h a t w a s o n c e c o n s i d e r e d dropout, is its T-shirt-wearing long-awaited copy and paste because our editors and writers
just been named Time Magazine's intimate is now shared among head of state. functionality. receive hundreds of requests, we
person of the year. Guess all that millions with a keystroke. When you name someone person While the two extra Web features cannot tell you when you may
worrying about what "The Social More than anyone else on the of the year, you also get to put m a y n o t s e e m l i k e g a m e - receive a response.
N e t w o r k " m i g h t d o t o h i s world stage, Facebook's Mark that guy in the hot seat. Here's a changers, they move Microsoft's Josh Lowensohn joined CNET in
reputation wasn't justified! Zuckerberg is at the center of video of Time's chat with Zuck. mobile browser into a more 2006 and now covers Microsoft.
For the record, we beat Time to these changes. Born in 1984, the Mark Zuckerberg just posted: competitive spot among its peers, Before that, Josh wrote about
the punch when it comes to s a m e y e a r t h e M a c i n t o s h "Being named as TIME Person of including efforts from Apple, everything from new Web start-
making Zuckerberg a cover boy. computer was launched, he is both the Year is a real honor and Google, and Opera. It also lets ups, to remote-controlled robots
He graced not one, but two, of our a product of his generation and an recognition of how our little team browser users venture to more that watch your house.
covers-- in 2007, and in 2010. architect of it. The social- i s b u i l d i n g s o m e t h i n g t h a t Web destinations and use more This entry passed through the
Why has he earned the distinction networking platform he invented hundreds of millions of people t o o l s w i t h o u t r u n n i n g i n t o Full-Text RSS service — if this is
this year? Says Time: is closing in on 600 million users. want to use to make the world c o m p a t i b i l i t y p i t f a l l s . your content and you're reading it
The way we connect with one In a single day, about a billion more open and connected. I'm As far as the two technologies go, on someone else's site, please read
another and with the institutions new pieces of content are posted happy to be a part of that." Silverlight is used as part of a our FAQ page at fivefilters.org/
in our lives is evolving. There is on Facebook. It is the connective number of media delivery content-only/faq.php
an erosion of trust in authority, a tissue for nearly a tenth of the platforms, as well as rich media Five Filters featured site: So,
decentralizing of power and at the planet. Facebook is now the third applications. And despite being a Why is Wikileaks a Good Thing
very important part of Windows Again?.
Phone 7 application development,
12 Business/ Technology/ Food/ E-reader News Edition

If New Jersey Legalizes Sports Keepsy: A Photo Album Made

Gambling, Will Bettors Flee The By A Friend Is Cool. One Made
By All Your Friends Is Cooler
State? MG Siegler (TechCrunch)
Adam Fusfeld (Business Submitted at 12/15/2010 11:00:23 AM

Insider)
Giving how the web has
Submitted at 12/15/2010 11:40:54 AM
transformed photo sharing, it’s a
they invite friends to help them
little odd that it hasn’t done much
The New Jersey State Senate and make it. Each person adds the
to the tangible photo space. Sure,
Assembly will open legalizing pictures they think will be good
just about all of the major sites
sports betting to popular vote in for the book and contributes to the
allow you to order prints, and
next November's election. cost of the book (everyone can
many allow you to create fairly
Even if voters approve sports also chip in at this point for a gift
simple photobooks, but those are
gambling – which they're card to something like Amazon).
essentially the same products
expected to do– New Jersey Keepsy is smart enough to give
they’ve always been — they’re
would have to appeal a federal you a list of all the common
just slightly easier to make.
ban on sports gambling on the Facebook friends between the
Keepsy wants to change things
grounds that it is unconstitutional. person who starts the present and
up.
(It's a fight they're unlikely to win, the person who is going to receive
The new startup founded by Peter
however, as Delaware's recent it. And obviously, all of this is
Weck and Blake Williams,
attempt at sports betting was hidden from the person who will
focuses on creating “more than a
severely limited by an NFL receive it, until it’s ready.
photo album.” Essentially, they
lawsuit.) Users can also scan public photos
use the social dynamics of the
Obviously, the state wants to pass from Facebook and Flickr to find
competition has helped bettors by themselves, not sharing it with the web to crowdsource the creation
the bill so it can collect much- more images to add to albums.
driving down the vig – or government. of photo albums amongst friends.
needed tax revenue from sports All of this can be made into a
overhead – to nearly five percent. Join the conversation about this So instead of me making a photo
books. But that's exactly why digital scrapbook for free, but if
State taxation would significantly story » album for you filled with the
sports gambling addicts should you want the tangible album,
increase that overhead. See Also: pictures I have with the two of us
pray this thing doesn't pass. prices start at $30.
Sports betting is technically • New Jersey Is Losing Millions in them, a group of friends bring
The sports gambling system Keepsy, which is launching in
illegal but obviously easily Propping Up The Dead all their pictures together to make
works pretty well the way it's public beta today with this
accessible. That's the way Thoroughbred Racing Business the book.
currently constructed. Anyone birthday product, has been backed
gamblers like it. That small • How To Handle A Lousy Week The first product Keepsy is
who wants to bet on sports can by Dave McClure, James Hong,
barrier to entry helps form a sort Of Football Betting focusing on is for birthdays. Up to
find a way to do so. Whether it's a Tim Connors, and a few other
of brotherhood among bettors, • The 5 Best Las Vegas Sports 100 friends can collaborate on an
local under-the-table bookie, or Angels. Two rounds of Angel
especially old-timers that rely on Books album for a friend. This works
one of many huge internet sites, funding have helped them raise
bookies. And, of course, they like through Facebook. Someone
there's no shortage of ways to $1.1 million so far.
keeping their winnings for initiates the Keepsy book, then
blow cash. In fact, all the

Holiday Party: Bar Strategies

(Cooking Light: Editor's Picks) parse this page for content. your content and you're reading it content-only/faq.php Again?.
This entry passed through the on someone else's site, please read Five Filters featured site: So,
Sorry, Readability was unable to Full-Text RSS service — if this is our FAQ page at fivefilters.org/ Why is Wikileaks a Good Thing
E-reader News Edition Top News/ 13

U.S. at risk of rare earths supply disruptions (Reuters)

(Yahoo! News: Most Viewed) conference at the Center for its exports of the materials on The report said the United States gasoline, distillates and lighter
Submitted at 12/15/2010 5:23:02 AM Strategic and International environmental grounds. must work closely with its products. Rare earth elements are
Studies. U.S. Secretary of State Hillary international partners, including used in catalysts to produce
WASHINGTON (Reuters) – The The release of the report Clinton raised U.S. concerns over Europe and Japan, to boost their higher yields of more valuable
United States risks major supply coincides with trade talks in Beijing's export policy with production of the materials. products such as gasoline.
disruptions of rare earth metals Washington between the United Chinese Foreign Minister Yang "Diversified global supply chains A disruption in rare earth
used in clean energy products States and China. U.S. officials Jiechi during a visit to Asia at the are essential," the report said. supplies could have a noticeable
unless it diversifies its sources of are expected to push Chinese end of October. However, mining rare earth impact on refinery yields and
the minerals, the Energy officials to loosen export The Energy Department said in metals can be very expensive and require oil refinery owners to
Department warns in a report due restraints on rare earth elements. its report that it looked at the use the lead times for new mining make investments so the fluid
t o b e r e l e a s e d l a t e r o n China, which said on Tuesday it of rare earths in wind turbines, operations are long, ranging from cracking process will work
Wednesday. planned to raise export taxes on electric vehicles, solar cells and two to 10 years. without the rare earth materials,
The United States and other some rare earth metals beginning energy efficient lighting because "Whether a deposit can be mined the department said.
countries are worried that China, next month, holds 37 percent of these clean technologies are economically will depend on a The department said it will
which controls 97 percent of the known rare metal reserves, the expected to be deployed number of factors, including rare develop an updated strategy by
world trade in rare earth metals, United States has 13 percent and substantially on a global basis earth prices, regulatory the end of next year for increasing
will use those supplies as a the rest is in other countries. over the next 15 years, increasing requirements and improvements supplies of critical rare earth
political weapon and cut back The 17 rare earth metals, with demand for rare earth metals. in extraction and separation metals.
their export when it is in a dispute exotic names like lanthanum and It said that in order to manage the technologies," the report said. (Reporting by Tom Doggett,
with another country or to grow europium, form unusually strong risk of rare earth supply Recycling and reusing the rare Editing by Sandra Maler)
China's clean energy technology lightweight materials and are used disruptions, the United States earth metals could also This entry passed through the
sector. in a wide range of applications must increase its domestic significantly lower world demand Full-Text RSS service — if this is
"The availability of a number of including high-tech and defense extraction and processing of the for the materials. your content and you're reading it
these materials is at risk due to products, car engines and clean materials. Traditional energy sectors are on someone else's site, please read
their location, vulnerability to energy. There is only one U.S. rare earths also at risk from rare earth supply our FAQ page at fivefilters.org/
supply disruptions and lack of CHINESE STRANGLEHOLD producer, Molycorp Inc. It is the problems, the report said. content-only/faq.php
suitable substitutes," U.S. Energy China has vowed that it would largest non-Chinese rare earths Rare earth ores are used in the Five Filters featured site: So,
Secretary Steven Chu said in a not use its dominance of rare earth firm and the only rare earth oxide fluid cracking catalysts that Why is Wikileaks a Good Thing
report, due to be unveiled on supplies as a bargaining tool with producer in the Western convert heavy oils in the refining Again?.
Wednesday at a rare earth metals foreign economies but it has cut Hemisphere. process into more valuable
14 Top News/
After 25 years, King is giving up his CNN throne (AP)
(Yahoo! News: Most Viewed)
Submitted at 12/15/2010 10:40:23 AM
NEW YORK – Early last June,
CNN celebrated 25 years of
"Larry King Live" with a week of
shows whose A-list guests
included President Barack
Obama, LeBron James, Bill Gates
and Lady Gaga.
It was hyped to the hilt and
suitably eventful, even as King
and Lady Gaga regarded each
other with the bemusement of a
human encountering an alien life
form.
Then, at the end of June, King
suddenly announced he was
retiring from his show — a
weeknight fixture at 9 p.m.
Eastern since June 1, 1985. He
told viewers, "It's time to hang up
my nightly suspenders."
After Thursday's edition, King
will indeed hang it up, suspenders
and all.
The lineup for this farewell hour
should be stellar, though no
names have been announced. The
mood should be spirited and
flowing with emotion.
But until now, it's been an oddly
subdued leave-taking. The
promotion machine at a network
can make noise over most
anything. Or try. CNN isn't
bothering. Having paid King his
tribute last June, before he even
said he would be stepping down,
CNN now is treating him as a
lame-duck star, a chapter the
network is rushing to move past.
The focus is on Piers Morgan,
whom CNN named as the new
guy in September. It is busily
promoting his January debut.
Morgan, a 45-year-old British
journalist and TV personality
known mainly in the U.S. as a
judge on NBC's "America's Got
Talent," promises that "Piers
Morgan Tonight" will be
"exciting and slightly dangerous."
He is the future — or so CNN
hopes.
King, who has never been
exciting or dangerous (nor tried to
be), is clearly seen by CNN as
yesterday's news.
Sure, it would be easy to argue
that the 77-year-old King waited
too long to hang up those
suspenders.
Once the leader in cable TV
news, he now ranks third in his
time slot behind Fox News
Channel's Sean Hannity and
MSNBC's Rachel Maddow. His
show was seen by 700,000
viewers this year, less than half
the nightly audience his peak
year, 1998, when "Larry King
Live" drew 1.64 million viewers.
As recently as 2003, he was
averaging 1.54 million.
W i d e - e y e d a n d
nonconfrontational, King's regular
-guy approach to interviewing
feels dated in an era of edgy,
pushy or loaded questioning by
other hosts.
"I ask short questions, I have no
pretense at intellectuality, I don't
pretend to know it all," King said
years ago in explaining his style.
"Not, 'What about Geneva or
Cuba?' I ask, 'Mr. President, what
don't you like about this job?' Or
'What's the biggest mistake you
made?' That's fascinating."
Fascinating, until it seems
sluggish or toothless or like
automatic pilot.
It has become easy for the viewer
to lose patience with King's
accommodating, hunched-at-his-
desk Q-and-A's with his guests.
As recently as last week, he
landed Wesley Snipes for an
interview just days before the
actor began serving a three-year
prison sentence for failure to file
income tax returns. But the
ponderous interlude served mostly
as a platform for Snipes to
complain about his mistreatment
at the hands of the media and the
judicial system. King was ill-
equipped to cut to the heart of the
matter: How Snipes could have
gotten himself into such a jam.
King's famous avoidance of over-
preparation — he has always
opted to approach each
interviewee fresh, unburdened by
too many facts — has begun to
catch up with him in recent years.
His occasional flubs have made
him seem out of touch. Or worse.
(A prime example from three
years ago found King asking Jerry
Seinfeld if he had voluntarily left
his sitcom or been canceled by his
network, which, as everybody else
knows, had been ready to hand
him the keys to the treasury to
stay. "I was the No. 1 show in
television, Larry," replied
Seinfeld with a flabbergasted
look. "Do you know who I am?")
At its start, "Larry King Live"
was based in Washington, which
gave the show an air of gravitas.
King, too. He was the plainspoken
go-between through whom
Beltway bigwigs could reach their
public, and they did, earning the
show the reputation of a place
where things happened, where
news was made.
Then in 1997 he moved to Los
Angeles, which seemed a nod to
show biz over substance — not to
mention a more convenient
routine for King. A man who once
had hosted a nationwide radio
program in the wee hours of the
night, now he was done with
"Larry King Live" at 7 p.m. local
time.
After Thursday's show, he's flat-
out calling it a day. The points of
light that form his dotted world-
map backdrop will be dark.
The end of "Larry King Live" is
undeniably a cultural milestone,
E-reader News Edition
the end of a remarkable run. King,
the suspenders-sporting
everyman, is a pioneer in cable
and a TV institution.
He has estimated that he's
conducted 50,000 interviews
during his half-century-long
broadcasting career. Maybe so.
And maybe he should have
stopped a couple thousand earlier.
But that doesn't mean King (and
his nightly suspenders and the
safe space he created for his
thousands of guests) won't be
missed after Thursday, when he's
gone.
___
CNN is owned by Time Warner.
___
Online:
http://www.cnn.com
___
EDITOR'S NOTE — Frazier
Moore is a national television
columnist for The Associated
Press. He can be reached at
fmoore(at)ap.org.
This entry passed through the
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Why is Wikileaks a Good Thing
Again?.
E-reader News Edition Top News/ Technology/ 15
Red Nova for iPhone and
In bid to break Taliban, US embraces more iPad now available,
features iPhone-to-iPad
firepower (AFP) controls
(Yahoo! News: Most Viewed) emphasis is shifting," Cartwright for troops on the ground, a 13 In the south, US-led troops were Matthew David (TUAW)
Submitted at 12/15/2010 1:00:27 AM said last week. percent increase compared with pushing the Taliban out of towns Submitted at 12/15/2010 12:15:00 PM
"We need to reduce those lines of the whole of 2009, it said. and then holding the populated
WASHINGTON (AFP) – The communication and reduce that In the past six months, coalition areas, he said. Red Nova is now available on the
US military has dramatically flow to the best of our abilities," forces have carried out more than "You need to understand the App Store for iPhone and iPad.
s t e p p e d u p a i r s t r i k e s a n d Cartwright said at an event at the 7,000 special operations missions, strategy in one part of the country An Asteroids-like shooter, Red
manhunts in Afghanistan in a bid National Press Club. killing or capturing more than 600 will be different in another part," Nova sacrifices high detail for
to weaken the Taliban, reflecting The balance of the US force was militant leaders and inflicting Gates told reporters last week on high framerates and provides
a return to "counter-terrorism" "starting to shift to have an heavy losses on insurgent fighters, his way back to Washington. frenetic but satisfying gameplay.
tactics. element of counter-terrorism with 2,000 rank and file soldiers A crucial part of the US strategy The game is integrated into
Dropping more bombs and larger than we thought we were killed, the NATO-led force told includes an expanded covert Apple's Game Center for
carrying out more raids by special going to need when we started," The Long War Journal. bombing campaign against Al- leaderboards and achievements,
operations forces underscores a he said. More firepower will be on Qaeda and insurgent leaders in the comes with Retina Display
sense of urgency in the war effort, The expansion of counter- display soon in southern northwest tribal belt in Pakistan. graphics and has various difficulty
as the White House prepares to terrorism raids also appears to fit Afghanistan, where Marines will The CIA strikes have been levels. Also, the game is universal
release a strategy review and in with the need to drive the have M1A1 tanks in their arsenal steadily growing, with 108 attacks and will run on your iPad as well
commanders try to change the Taliban to the negotiating table, as -- the first use of American tanks by drones in 2010, compared to as your iPhone.
dynamic of a conflict mired in US military leaders have long in the war. 53 last year, mainly in North What is really interesting is that
stalemate. stated that the insurgents must The intensifying pace of lethal Waziristan, where the Pakistan Red Nova is extending the game
In announcing a surge of 30,000 sense they are losing ground on operations has been accompanied army has so far failed to extend an concept first started by Chopper 2
troops a year ago, President the battlefield before they engage by record casualties among US offensive against militants there, where you can can use your
Barack Obama embraced the idea in genuine peace talks. and NATO-led forces, in the most according to the New America iPhone as the controller and play
of a "counter-insurgency" strategy The previous commander in deadly year yet in the nine-year- Foundation. the game on your iPad. As with
that focused less on firefights with Afghanistan, General Stanley old war with 693 soldiers killed, The drone raids have killed 809 Chopper 2, it takes a little while to
the Taliban and more on securing McChrystal, scaled back air according to the independent militants this year, compared to get used to having the controls on
key towns, training Afghan forces strikes and artillery to try to website icasualties.org. 405 the year before. the iPhone, but the idea is great.
and bolstering local government. reduce civilian casualties, but his Pentagon officials say the This entry passed through the We'll have a full review later this
But the need to cut off the s u c c e s s o r , G e n e r a l D a v i d increase in manhunts is a natural Full-Text RSS service — if this is week, but for now check out the
insurgency's supply routes to Petraeus, has taken a more result of the troop buildup, and your content and you're reading it iPhone-to-iPad gameplay on the
s a n c t u a r i e s i n n e i g h b o r i n g aggressive approach. Defense Secretary Robert Gates on someone else's site, please read next page.
Pakistan has led to a renewed US aircraft flew 850 combat said the approach in the war our FAQ page at fivefilters.org/ Continue reading Red Nova for
emphasis on more conventional sorties in November, three times remained "a mix" of both nation- content-only/faq.php iPhone and iPad now available,
"targeting" operations, said the number for the same month building and counter-terrorism. Five Filters featured site: So, features iPhone-to-iPad controls
General James Cartwright, vice last year, according to the US Air He described the effort in eastern Why is Wikileaks a Good Thing Red Nova for iPhone and iPad
chair of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Force. Afghanistan as a "disruption Again?. now available, features iPhone-to-
"When we started, we probably From January to the end of activity" with US troops trying to iPad controls originally appeared
w e r e m o r e a l i g n e d w i t h November, warplanes carried out stop insurgents from coming on TUAW on Wed, 15 Dec 2010
counterinsurgency (strategy). The 30,000 close air support missions across the Pakistani border. 12:15:00 EST. Please see our
terms for use of feeds.
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Comments
16 News Wire/ E-reader News Edition

Consumer prices up mildly, industrial output rises

(Reuters: Top News) increase in October, the Labor percent. Wells Fargo survey showed. mistake here. I would say where I
Submitted at 12/15/2010 9:55:34 AM Department said. Energy prices rose only 0.2 (Reporting by Lucia Mutikani; live food prices have went up a
Excluding food and energy, core percent last month as household additional reporting by Pedro good 15% or more in the last 6 to
A woman shops for sneakers at a CPI ticked up 0.1 percent as gas tumbled, helping to hold back Nicolaci da Costa and Corbett 12 months and some goods more.
s h o e s t o r e i n N e w Y o r k expected, after being flat for three overall CPI. Energy prices rose Daly; editing by Jeffrey Benkoe) Fuel has went out of sight.
December 14, 2010. straight months. 2.6 percent in October. Food andrewhorning wrote: The Housing market I figure has
C r e d i t : R e u t e r s / S h a n n o n The data had little impact on U.S. prices gained 0.2 percent, rising This index has been so badly, fell to where it probably should
Stapleton financial markets as investors for a fourth straight month. politically manipulated as to be. But you can than congress for
WASHINGTON| Wed Dec 15, worried about the debt crisis in Elsewhere, new vehicle prices become meaningless. The fact is this allowing the financing to go
2010 10:55am EST the euro zone after Moody's said it slipped 0.4 percent in November, that the purchasing power of the to anybody even if they had no
WASHINGTON(Reuters) - may downgrade Spain's debt extending the prior month's fall. dollar, in real terms against jobs, nor the income to sustain it.
Industrial production rebounded rating. U.S. stocks nudged up, Prices for used cars and trucks fell historically stable intrinsic value Barney Franks and the democrats
in November in its biggest gain while government debt prices 0.5 percent, declining for a third units (like gold) and against food, wanted all to have a home no
s i n c e J u l y , p o i n t i n g t o a n rose. straight month. has dropped like a stone. matter it they had the funds or not.
acceleration in the pace of the The U.S. dollar rose against the Apparel rebounded 0.2 percent I’m not a fan of the “Chicago So they said lend lend and now
r e c o v e r y d u r i n g t h e f o u r t h euro and the yen. after falling for three straight School of Economics,” but you see what happened. If you
quarter. Although core consumer prices months, as retailers heavily Friedman was dead-on right when study what actually happened it
But consumer prices barely edged up in November, inflation discounted merchandise to attract he said that “Inflation is always was the democrats that created
increased last month, a reminder r e m a i n s m u t e . T h e F e d o n shoppers. and everywhere a monetary this mess which started the
of the still-abundant slack in the Tuesday reaffirmed its intention Shelter costs edged up 0.1 phenomenon.” banking problems. They lifted the
economy, making it certain the to purchase government bonds percent in November, the second As the Fed runs the presses, those restrictions and made it easy for
Federal Reserve will complete its through the end of the second consecutive month of gains, IOU’s’ value plummets. Silkster people to get money that should
c o n t r o v e r s i a l $ 6 0 0 b i l l i o n quarter of 2011, saying measures which should support views that wrote: not of got the loans. Oh well over
government bond-buying program of underlying inflation were rentals were stabilizing. I like how they don’t include now so CONGRESS 2011 go go
to further help the economy. somewhat low. But the housing market continues food and energy costs in that go go and fix what the Dems have
"The economy is getting its The U.S. central bank also noted to struggle and remains one of the inflation calculation.. I know for a broke.
g r o o v e b a c k , " s a i d P a u l that the recovery from the worst weak spots in the recovery. fact that food prices have This entry passed through the
Ashworth, chief U.S. economist at r e c e s s i o n s i n c e t h e G r e a t Applications for home loans increased 20-30% in the past year. Full-Text RSS service — if this is
Capital Economics in Toronto. Depression of the 1930s was still dropped last as mortgage rates I keep track of all that stuff.. I your content and you're reading it
Industrial output rose 0.4 percent insufficient to lower a 9.8 percent rose for a fifth consecutive week wonder what it will take for these on someone else's site, please read
in November, the Fed said on unemployment rate. to touch seven month highs, the clowns to give us real information our FAQ page at fivefilters.org/
Wednesday, after contracting 0.2 In the 12 months to November, Mortgage Bankers Association and not a bunch of lies… notatall content-only/faq.php
percent in October. For details, consumer prices increased 1.1 said. wrote: Five Filters featured site: So,
see [ID:nN15128935] percent, in line with expectations. Adding to the downbeat outlook Food .02% hmmmmm? I don’t Why is Wikileaks a Good Thing
Separately, the Labor Department Core CPI gained 0.8 percent, for the housing market, home- know what grocery stores these Again?.
said its Consumer Price Index edging up from October's record builder sentiment was remained people get their data from but it
nudged up 0.1 percent, below low 0.6 percent rise, but staying stuck at record low levels in sure doesn’t hold true to where I
economists' expectations for a 0.2 way below the Fed's comfort zone December, the National shop. Prices go up almost every
percent, following a 0.2 percent of between 1.7 percent to 2.0 Association of Home Builders/ week if not daily.. Must be a
E-reader News Edition News Wire/ Technology/ 17

Spain receives debt warning before EU summit

(Reuters: Top News) funding crunches next year. the first disbursement later this those of Reuters.
Submitted at 12/15/2010 11:12:36 AM The cost of insuring Spanish debt week. Comments (3) johny2 wrote:
against default and yields on its But opposition parties voted how to make money.
A sculpture showing the Euro 10-year government bonds rose against the terms of the rescue 1. make a cartel.
currency sign is seen in front of on Wednesday, an indication of package and vowed to unpick 2. sell the euro.
the European Central Bank (ECB) the increased risk attached to them if, as expected, they oust 3. buy some insurance against
h e a d q u a r t e r s i n F r a n k f u r t , Spain. The euro fell against the Cowen's unpopular government at Spain defaulting on its debt. Verizon and Sprint
December 5, 2010. dollar and European stocks lost an early election next year. 4. watch as the Merkel and co run
Credit: Reuters/Alex Domanski ground. The main opposition party said it in circles like headless chicken.
Windows Phone 7
By Fiona Ortiz and Dave Graham "Europe remains very fragile. felt no moral or legal obligation to 5. collect your earned profits. launches in January 2011?
MADRID/BERLIN| Wed Dec Everyone sees a major crisis in honor all Irish banks' debts to Cattanij wrote: Chris Davies (SlashGear)
15, 2010 12:12pm EST the first few months of 2011 that bondholders and would try to I have to ask myself about the
Submitted at 12/15/2010 10:45:45 AM
MADRID/BERLIN(Reuters) - would coincide with Spain's renegotiate the EU/IMF loans. ability of the rating agencies! If I
Ratings agency Moody's warned refinancing operations," said As well as approving a change to remember right they were part of CDMA carriers Verizon and
Spain on Wednesday that its debt Arnaud Poutier, deputy head of the EU's treaty demanded by the problem with financial crisis? Sprint have been left out in the
c o u l d b e d o w n g r a d e d a n d IG Markets France. Germany to create a permanent The selling of the home mortgage cold when it comes to Windows
Portugal took steps to revive its EU leaders meet in Brussels on system for handling crises from bundles that were not worth what Phone 7 so far, but all that’s
economy amid concerns about Thursday and Friday for their end mid-2013, EU leaders will discuss they reported by those agencies! apparently set to change in
euro zone debt contagion on the -of-year summit, with efforts to how they can improve the current fred5407 wrote: January 2011. While so far both
eve of a European Union summit. overcome the region's year-long temporary financial safety net -- a This is a strange situation. It networks have only confirmed
Moody's said it was concerned debt crisis at the heart of their 750 billion euro ($1 trillion) joint seems that countries and people that WP7 devices are headed their
about Spain's high debt funding agenda. EU/IMF loan facility. are encouraged and taught that way sometime in the new year, a
needs, its heavily indebted banks They also face protests over One possibility is to increase the being in debt is the way to live. Neowin source has tipped a
and its regional finances, but it austerity policies announced by size of the fund, while others This violates a basic tenet that the January release for each.
did not expect Madrid would have governments across Europe to would involve making it more debtor is always a servant to the The exact handsets themselves
to follow Greece and Ireland in repair their public finances. flexible. lender. It is strange to me why this are unconfirmed, but a leaked
seeking an EU bailout. Greek protesters clashed with We welcome comments that is taught and followed. Tell me flyer from earlier this year did
The Portuguese government police and set fire to cars and a advance the story directly or with more. suggest that Verizon would be
announced moves to cut red tape hotel as tens of thousands of relevant tangential information. This entry passed through the offering the HTC 7 Trophy.
and boost growth, and said it people marched through Athens in We try to block comments that Full-Text RSS service — if this is Meanwhile Sprint is expected to
would soon adopt quarterly fiscal the largest and most violent anti- use offensive language, all capital your content and you're reading it offer the HTC 7 Pro. Microsoft is
targets, part of a broad effort to austerity protests since May, letters or appear to be spam, and on someone else's site, please read also expected to release a
c o n v i n c e E U o f f i c i a l s a n d when three people died. we review comments frequently our FAQ page at fivefilters.org/ firmware update for Windows
financial markets it does not need "FRANKLY LAUGHABLE" to ensure they meet our standards. content-only/faq.php Phone 7 at the turn of the new
a bailout. Irish Prime Minister Brian If you see a comment that you Five Filters featured site: So, year, along with a second at
Spain and Portugal have come C o w e n w o n p a r l i a m e n t a r y believe is irrelevant or Why is Wikileaks a Good Thing MWC 2011 in February.
under intense pressure in bond support for Dublin's 85 billion inappropriate, you can flag it to Again?.
markets, raising concerns they euro ($113.2 billion) IMF/EU our editors by using the report
could be driven into seeking an bailout on Wednesday, clearing abuse links. Views expressed in
EU/IMF rescue when they hit the way for the IMF to approve the comments do not represent
18 News Wire/ Technology/ E-reader News Edition

A Replica of the Yongle Palace Daily Deals for

Mural's Jade Lady December 15, 2010
(Epoch Times | All headlines) magnificent. The characters are apprentices and assistants of the Victor Agreda, Jr. (TUAW) for $25 + $5 s&h
Submitted at 12/15/2010 10:18:53 AM precisely drawn, with individual Taoist Immortal. The Jade Lady Submitted at 12/15/2010 12:00:00 PM • Meritline: USB MicroSD / M2
features and characteristics. The has dignified features and an Memory Card Reader for 39 cents
T he most wonderful Chinese grandeur of the Three Taoists, the ancient and pure manner. One Are we there yet? No, still a few + free shipping
murals of the Yuan Dynasty are valor of the celestial generals, the who is likened to jade must be as more weeks until the end of the • ExperCom: Apple Mac Pro
located in the Yongle Palace, in elegance of the Jade Lady, and the pure and faithful as jade. year. Until then, there's plenty of Xeon Quad-Core 2.66GHz
Shanxi Province. The palace was heavenly temperament of the In terms of painting techniques, time for shopping. Take your card Desktop for $1,749 + $29 s&h
originally located in the town of Taoist immortal are all vividly Zhang Cuiying used a method of to the max and check out these • Meritline: OtterBox Impact
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during the Yuan Dynasty. The The style of Yongle Palace link up nicely. The lines of the • Apple Store: Refurbished Apple
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can be found in all four halls. For delicate, and her face is as This entry passed through the • iTunes Music Store: iPhone
example, in the Three Taoists beautiful as the full moon. She is Full-Text RSS service — if this is App Price Drops: Awaken, 2012 Daily Deals for December 15,
Hall, the picture of Chaoyuan graceful and elegant and has a your content and you're reading it Zombies vs Aliens, Air Tycoon, 2010 originally appeared on
shows a scene of all the deities lovely nose, big earlobes, slender on someone else's site, please read more TUAW on Wed, 15 Dec 2010
calling on the Three Taoists. In eyebrows, and beautiful eyes. our FAQ page at fivefilters.org/ • Seagate: Seagate Outlet Sale + 12:00:00 EST. Please see our
this painting, about 280 deities are Her dignified and delicate content-only/faq.php 10% off coupon: 320GB HDD for terms for use of feeds.
portrayed, and each one is over 2 features reflect the aesthetic Five Filters featured site: So, $43 + $8 s&h, more Source| Permalink| Email this|
meters (6.5 feet) tall. concepts of the Tao School. The Why is Wikileaks a Good Thing • Woot.com: Jakks Pacific Comments
The composition of the picture is Golden Boy and the Jade Lady are Again?. EyeClops Portable Mini Projector

iBooks 1.2 now available from the App Store

Dave Caolo (TUAW)
Submitted at 12/15/2010 12:50:00 PM
Apple has released iBooks 1.2 for
iPhone, iPad and iPod touch with
some swell new features. First, it
offers support for full illustrations
(you know, just like real books). It
will also create collections of your
books and PDFs, which is quite and Apple has even managed to on TUAW on Wed, 15 Dec 2010
nice. To create a collection, fit more words on a page by 12:50:00 EST. Please see our
simply tap the collections button automatically hyphenating text terms for use of feeds.
and choose a name. To add a (that feature is restricted to iOS Source| Permalink| Email this|
book, tap Edit and then Move. 4.2). Comments
Move between collections by Go and grab it, iBook readers. It's
swiping left and right. available now.
AirPrint is also supported (as with a compatible printer) for iBooks 1.2 now available from
long as you're one of The Chosen printing PDFs and notes in books, the App Store originally appeared
E-reader News Edition
Bellagio Robbery: Bellagio Thief May Google Open Sources
be Responsible for Another Robbery
(Epoch Times | All headlines)
Submitted at 12/15/2010 10:00:36 AM
A general view of the Bellagio
October 23, 2010 in Las Vegas,
Nevada. (Ethan Miller/Getty
Images) The Bellagio robbery on
Tuesday could be the second heist
conducted by an armed, helmeted
man in a week, an AP report has
said.
More than $1.5 million in chips
were taken from the Las Vegas
resort by a man sporting a
jumpsuit and a motorcycle
helmet, the AP reported.
The robber held up the craps
table at the hotel, famous for its
fountains, and ran from the resort,
escaping on a motorcycle. Las
Vegas police released a 12-second
surveillance video of the culprit
racing through the Bellagio with a
gun, with the casino chips
presumably in his pockets.
The unknown perpetrator may
have been responsible for a
separate robbery on Thursday,
Dec. 9 at the Las Vegas Suncoast
Hotel & Casino poker, police told
AP. About $20,000 was taken in
Jargon Watch: Hygroelectricity, Sharejacking, Zombie DNA
Jonathon Keats (Wired Top
Stories)
Submitted at 12/15/2010 6:00:00 AM
Sorry, Readability was unable to
parse this page for content.
News Wire/ Technology/ Culture/ 19
Two Projects, Contributes
to Eclipse Foundation
Audrey Watters
(ReadWriteWeb)
Submitted at 12/15/2010 10:01:47 AM
Back in August, Google acquired
Instantiations, the maker of a suite
of Java development tools for
Google Web Toolkit(GWT). And
in September, Google rebranded
and relaunched those tools and
made the Java Eclipse available
for free as part of the GWT.
That move has been well-
received, and as a result Google using Eclipse." According to Ian
Skerreitt, the foundation's
the previous incident. That chips, in such a big, dramatic announces today that it is open Director of Marketing, Java is its
suspect wore similar dress, police way, there's going to be a lot of sourcing two of the projects most popular IDE, with over 65%
told the news agency. scrutiny at the casino, and that through the Eclipse Foundation. of those working with Eclipse
Despite the thief’s escape, makes it very difficult to cash in." Sponsor being Java developers.
experts doubted that he could cash This entry passed through the Google is donating the source Today's announcement is good
in his Bellagio chips for money. Full-Text RSS service — if this is c o d e a n d t h e I P f o r news for those Java developers,
"I can't think of any way you your content and you're reading it WindowBuilder, the leading following what seems to be a long
c o u l d . I t ' s n o t l i k e t h e y ' r e on someone else's site, please read Eclipse Java GUI Designer, and string of not-so-good news in
c u r r e n c y t h a t y o u c a n u s e our FAQ page at fivefilters.org/ CodePro Profiler, an analytics terms of open source and Java.
anywhere,” David Schwartz, content-only/faq.php tool that identifies code
For its part, Google says that it
director of gaming research at the Five Filters featured site: So, performance issues. Specifically, hopes that today's move will help
University of Nevada, Las Vegas, Why is Wikileaks a Good Thing t h e d o n a t i o n i n c l u d e s t h e grow the open source community
told the Las Vegas Review- Again?. WindowBuilder Engine and
designers for SWT and Swing - around Eclipse. It will also
Journal. “If you steal so many provide the opportunity for other
code and IP that Google says is
companies to offer enterprise
valued at more than $5 million.
The Eclipse Foundation calls this support around the products,
This entry passed through the Five Filters featured site: So, "this is clearly a significant new something that Google hasn't
Full-Text RSS service — if this is Why is Wikileaks a Good Thing project announcement, and very focused on. Discuss
your content and you're reading it Again?. good news for Java developers
on someone else's site, please read
our FAQ page at fivefilters.org/
content-only/faq.php
20 World News/ E-reader News Edition

Over the Horizon: The Pitfalls of the Emerging Anti-China Axis

(World Politics Review: Articles) is pursuing an increasingly two border disputes, and Chinese U.S. strategic policymaking dramatically different security and
Submitted at 12/14/2010 11:11:00 PM assertive set of national security naval overtures into the Indian circles have begun to devote economic interests. India will not
policies. Japan's grievances with Ocean. India's huge population, considerable attention to India. be content to serve as the U.S.
Concern about China's emerging China include Beijing's continued fast-growing economy, and For example, a recent report(.pdf) proxy in South Asia. Even during
economic and military capabilities support for North Korea, as well dynamic democratic system of from the Center for New the Cold War, the United States
now drives the U.S. strategic as territorial disputes over several governance make it an attractive American Security detailed the and its alliance partners in Europe
debate. The development of anti- island chains. The most recent partner for American foreign areas in which the U.S. and India and Asia suffered tensions based
ship ballistic missiles(ASBMs) by indication of Japan's shifting policy analysts across the political could profitably collaborate. The on different interpretations of
the PRC has even led some to defense priorities are reports this spectrum. India also has a report, written by Richard interest. An India-Japan-U.S. axis
argue that the balance of power in week that Tokyo will refocus its powerful military. By 2020, the Armitage, Nicholas Burns, and against China will likely suffer
the Western Pacific has now attention in a southerly direction, Indian navy plans to operate three Richard Fontaine, called for U.S. even greater tensions, because the
shifted in China's direction. At the developing new mobile units aircraft carriers, including two of support for a permanent Indian imbalance of power within the
very least, ASBMs give China capable of defeating a Chinese new domestic construction and seat on the U.N. Security Council, alliance will be smaller, and the
another tool with which to incursion onto the disputed one purchased from Russia. as well as several other measures margin of its combined advantage
threaten U.S. naval predominance islands. Japan's large navy now Rumors of an Indian purchase of designed to resolve points of over China greater.
in Asia. In response to the specializes in missile defense, in HMS Queen Elizabeth -- a carrier dispute. The report's most Moreover, the United States may
perceived growth of Chinese part to defend the archipelago still under construction in the important statement, however, find its position as the cartilage of
military power, analysts at the from North Korea, but also from United Kingdom -- persist, but it's may have been the authors' a Japan-India-U.S. relationship
C e n t e r f o r N e w A m e r i c a n China's arsenal of conventional uncertain whether or not the contention that "India's rise to uncomfortable. Both India and
Security and elsewhere have ballistic missiles. Japan is also British will even sell the ship. global power is . . . in America's Japan have intrinsic, direct
suggested(.pdf) closer alignment building several small aircraft India is also participating with strategic interest," indicating that disputes with China, while U.S.
with Japan and India, two of carriers -- officially designated Russia in the development of the the authors view India as a key concerns -- apart from Taiwan
China's regional rivals. "helicopter-carrying destroyers" -- PAK-FA, a fifth-generation part of America's global strategic and North Korea -- are largely
On the surface, this strategy that could become potent force- fighter aircraft. Despite the fact architecture. Unfortunately, the strategic. During the Cold War,
appears similar to that employed projection platforms with the that Beijing spends between three report treads lightly on such the United States could generally
by Washington during the Cold addition of the F-35B Joint Strike to five times as much as New divisive issues as India's rely on its alliance partners to stay
War, when the U.S. created Fighter. Japan trails China Delhi does on defense, India will nonproliferation policy, its out of direct conflicts with the
circles of regional allies to attempt militarily only in the size of its continue to possess modern, disputes with Pakistan, and Soviet Union. Because of the
to hem in the Soviet Union. g r o u n d f o r c e s , i n n u c l e a r capable naval and air forces differences between Washington intrinsic conflicts between China,
However, the dynamics of a weapons, and in ballistic missiles. competitive with those of the PRC and New Delhi on the structure of India and Japan, and because the
p o t e n t i a l I n d i a - U . S . - J a p a n A close relationship with the for the foreseeable future. international trade. bilateral power imbalance
relationship differ greatly from United States helps to alleviate all Moreover, India's air force has a Any deepening of the U.S. between China and either India or
those that allowed the emergence of these vulnerabilities. good reputation for quality, as relationship with India will need Japan will be smaller than that
of NATO. Whereas the United The other pillar of this notional demonstrated by its performance to tackle such issues, because the between the Soviet Union and
States played the lead military and axis is India. Two successive in successive"Cope India" desire to balance China only goes Washington's Cold War allies, the
political role in NATO, it will act A m e r i c a n p r e s i d e n t i a l exercises with the United States. so far toward cementing a U.S. risks being drawn into
more as the connective tissue in administrations have now made Like Japan, India's strategic strategic partnership. Neither conflicts started by one of its
the relationship with India and improving relations with India a capabilities lag substantially India nor Japan think of partners.
Japan. Also in contrast to the Cold U.S. foreign policy priority. China behind those of China in terms of themselves as clients of the In short, a developing security
War, the United States might face and India have ample cause for overall warhead levels and United States. Both have interests relationship between the United
great difficulty in managing and conflict beyond their rivalry for sophistication of delivery systems, on some issues that run counter to States, India, and Japan holds
restraining its regional partners. r e g i o n a l g e o s t r a t e g i c which could provide additional U.S. preferences -- sometimes great promise as an effort to
On the northern flank of this predominance, including China's incentive for India to hew closer strongly so. The U.S.-India leg in
notional alliance is Japan, which longstanding support for Pakistan, to the United States. particular involves states with OVER page 22
E-reader News Edition World News/ 21

India, France Seek to Deepen Partnership

(World Politics Review: Articles) framework agreement is more of a Italy recently said that the pursuit of a permanent UNSC agricultural or other raw materials
Submitted at 12/14/2010 11:15:00 PM guideline than a final settlement. consortium-built Eurofighter seat, and, unlike the U.S., believes cannot be regulated exclusively
A conclusive deal remains some Typhoon was ahead of its rivals in that this should happen soon. by speculation and change in an
French President Nicolas Sarkozy distance away as the two sides the sweepstakes. Nevertheless, Cooperation on counterterrorism erratic way."
is the latest head of state to visit hash out issues over India's India's Strategic Forces Command is another steady feature of the Indo-French geopolitical and
India at a time when the latter is recently passed nuclear-liability may be on the lookout to procure relationship, and Sarkozy did not economic relations have the
l o o k i n g t o a w a r d l u c r a t i v e law, which brings suppliers within 40 dedicated nuclear-strike mince words on the subject, greatest potential for convergence
contracts in energy, infrastructure, its ambit. aircraft, and France has a saying that, "Terrorism and in the G-20 forum. France has
security and other areas. As with Nevertheless, France and India longstanding offer to provide this insurgency in Pakistan and always been an outlier in the
U.S. President Barack Obama's may find each other increasingly exact number of Rafales to fill Afghanistan are a major threat to Western bloc, not just with
visit last month, Sarkozy sought indispensable in the nuclear this role. This offer is likely to be world peace. We can't afford to respect to its dealings with India,
to develop positive atmospherics sphere. The 2008 Indo-French seriously considered, given that see the Taliban succeed in but also in its ability to breach
by making the "right noises" on nuclear agreement specifically the Rafale carries out a similar Afghanistan." entrenched lines all over the
issues New Delhi holds dear, such enjoins France to assist uranium- mission for the French air force. Ultimately, acceptance of India's world in keeping with the Gaullist
as permanent membership on the hungry India in building up a Further underscoring Dassault's rising profile has much to do with paradigm of "strategic autonomy."
U.N. Security Council and entry strategic stockpile of the metal to mixed fortunes in India is its geo-economics, and France is Importantly strategic autonomy is
into the Nuclear Suppliers Group safeguard India's nuclear-power failure to sew up $2.1-billion deal keen to move beyond aerospace a defining term for India's
as well as terrorism emanating generation in the event of a supply to upgrade India's existing 50-odd and energy deals. Both sides have policymaking establishment as
from the Afghanistan-Pakistan disruption. For its part, Areva has fleet of Mirage 2000 fighters. In set a target of increasing bilateral well, and the G-20 instinctively
region. The visit also saw forward identified a number of Indian contrast, The French civilian trade to $16 billion by 2012, and appeals to both countries, who
m o v e m e n t o n a n u m b e r o f players for nuclear-component aerospace sector fared better, with France has committed to investing believe strongly in issue-based
bilateral deals valued at around manufacturing, which may prove India's Air India and Jet Airways a similar amount in India in the alignment. As two prominent
$20 billion. Both sides seek a crucial to the company's cost- signing agreements to lease intervening period. France sees nodes of the interlocking web of
more-enduring partnership than a competitiveness as the global aircraft from France-based Airbus India's infrastructure and relations that will characterize this
purely commercial transaction, nuclear renaissance gathers pace at an estimated cost of about $3.7 technology sectors as potential century, India and France likely
however. Sarkozy seemed to and Korean and Chinese suppliers billion. opportunities, and has expressed have many more deals to strike
indicate as much during the visit. enter the market. Notwithstanding a few kinks in its willingness to open its markets moving forward.
"We did not come to visit a big In the defense sector, France is finalizing contracts, France's to Indian textile, petrochemical, Saurav Jha studied economics at
client like we were big suppliers," involved in a number of Indian willingness to participate in agricultural and food-processing Presidency College, Calcutta, and
he said. "Instead we came to visit military projects, including the India's buildup of its strategic products. Jawaharlal Nehru University,
a partner." construction of six DCNS capabilities arguably rivals that of India's opposition to foreign New Delhi. He writes and
The industrial flagship of that Scorpene-class submarines and Russia. As Sarkozy pointed out, direct investment in financial researches on global energy issues
partnership is civil nuclear the incorporation of French France has always been a services and the retail sector, and clean energy development in
cooperation. The visit's headline subsystems on various Russian- dependable supporter of India's however, rankles the French. Asia. His first book for Harper
deal was a framework agreement origin platforms. Moreover, the efforts to raise its global profile. Sarkozy also expects India to Collins India, " The Upside Down
signed between the Nuclear two sides have now begun France refused to impose back his G-20 agenda, including Book of Nuclear Power," was
Power Corporation of India weapons codevelopment with the sanctions following India's 1998 reform of the international published in January 2010. He
Limited (NPCIL) and Areva, a Maitri short-range surface-to-air nuclear tests, unlike the U.S. and monetary system, improvements also works as an independent
F r e n c h n u c l e a r - p o w e r missile project. Japan. France's unwavering in global governance and greater consultant in the energy sector in
corporation, for the supply of two The prospects of the French support at that time impressed the stability in global commodity India. He can be reached at
1,650-MWe European Pressurized aerospace firm Dassault's Rafale Indian security establishment and prices. In another first, Sarkozy sjha1618 AT gmail DOT com.
Reactors. While unconfirmed fighter in India's Medium Multi- still resonates today. asked for the "support of Indian Photo: Indian Prime Minister
reports pegged the value of the Role Combat Aircraft competition France has been consistently and farmers to make the world
contract at $9.3 billion, the are dimmer. The Indian envoy to vocally supportive of India's understand that the price of INDIA, page 22
22 Technology/ Economy/
OVER
continued from page 20
balance and contain China. The
dynamics of such an alliance will
play out much differently than
Cold War style containment,
however. Whereas the U.S.
played a leading role in NATO
and the other regional organs of
containment in the Cold War, its
place in an India-Japan axis will
at best be first among equals.
Perhaps more importantly, the
axis might serve to draw the
United States into a conflict with
China that it most desperately
wants to avoid. These dangers
mean that the best scenario for the
United States remains the
integration of China into a
regional security framework,
rather than its exclusion.
Dr. Robert Farley is an assistant
professor at the Patterson School
of Diplomacy and International
Commerce at the University of
Kentucky. His interests include
national security, military
Markets Are Mixed After Strong Data:
Here Are The 10 Trades To Watch Right
Now (BCS, BRFS, HDB, NVS, TUR, XBI)
Gregory White (Money Game)
Submitted at 12/15/2010 10:43:52 AM
U.S. equity indices have bounced
up and down today after CPI data
came in in line with expectations,
and Empire State manufacturing Click here for the 10 trades >
data impressed. Join the conversation about this
• DOW up 0.29% story »
doctrine, and maritime affairs. He
blogs at Lawyers, Guns and
Money and Information
Dissemination. His weekly WPR
column, Over the Horizon,
appears every Wednesday.
Photo: U.S. President Barack
Obama talks with Indian Prime
Minister Manmohan Singh during
a G-20 leaders working dinner,
Pittsburgh, 2009 (White House
photo by Pete Souza).
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E-reader News Edition
INDIA,
continued from page 21
Manmohan Singh and French our FAQ page at fivefilters.org/
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iBookstore approved for Canada,
Rogers to unlock iPhones
Kelly Hodgkins (TUAW)
Submitted at 12/15/2010 12:30:00 PM
The Canadian government
approved the Apple iBookstore
today, paving the way for
Canadian authors to offer their
books for sale on the iOS
platform. Apple's iBookstore
launched internationally on May will also help Canadian authors cannot walk into a Rogers store
28th, but the Canadian and publishers with the eBook with a random iPhone you bought
government had concerns about creation process. off the street and expect the
the cultural effects of this Apple Today brings more good news to carrier to unlock it. This report
product. Instead of the full Canadians who have a contract- has not been confirmed by Rogers
version, Apple rolled out a limited
version of the iBookstore,
free iPhone on the wireless so may want to give your local
carrier, Rogers. According to a store a call before you start to
populated with select U.S. and report from iPhone in Canada, dream about using your iPhone on
public domain titles. Meanwhile, Rogers is reportedly unlocking Wind.
the government scrutinized iPhones for customers who have [Via AppleInsider]
Apple's iBookstore to confirm it
finished out their contract or iBookstore approved for Canada,
helped to advance Canada's bought their handset at the Rogers to unlock iPhones
cultural heritage and national unsubsidized price. To be eligible originally appeared on TUAW on
identity. After several months of for this unlocking, customers Wed, 15 Dec 2010 12:30:00 EST.
review, the government reached a must be up-to-date with payments Please see our terms for use of
deal with Apple to bring the full and contract-free for at least 30 feeds.
iBookstore to Canada. The days before unlocking. A $50 fee Source| Permalink| Email this|
Canadian version will be used to is required for the unlocking and Comments
promote Canadian and Aboriginal the iPhone must be in Rogers
authors and publishers, both in equipment history, i.e., you
Canada and internationally. Apple
E-reader News Edition Technology/ 23

10 Ways Social Media Will Change in 2011

Ravit Lichtenberg from www.ravitlichtenberg.com and is access is now on the rise on the costs and highly accessible and
Ustrategy.com (ReadWriteWeb) on Twitter@ravit_ustrategy. iPhone while declining on the flexible video management
Submitted at 12/15/2010 11:30:00 AM Following the success of various computer. platforms (like Brightcove,
social media SaaS vendors and With the foundation in place, in Ooyala, and the open-source
With more than 550 million application providers, and fueled the coming year we will witness platform Kaltura*), custom-use of
people on Facebook, 65 million by Apple envy, in 2011 we will the scales tip: Mobile device users video by enterprises online, on
tweets posted on Twitter each see a surge of service providers will interact with content, mobile devices, and across
day, and 2 billion video views b u n d l i n g s o c i a l n e t w o r k s , companies and the Web more on screens is on the rise across all
each day on YouTube, social engagement widgets, video, their phones and iPads than on sectors.
media has become an integral part mobile capabilities, cloud services their computers, and IT and Consumers' engagement with
of our connected lives. But this is and analytics, with their own service providers will create video will also continue to rise. In
just the beginning. unique services and proprietary solutions that are defined by our October alone, 5.4 billion videos
For the past two years, I have capabilities. Ad agencies, for mobile consumption and use were viewed - 2 billion of these
been forecasting the evolution example, will offer bundles that merely for building awareness and behaviors. The highway has been on Facebook. People today can
social media will undergo. Key include layers of creative strategy, providing support. As social there but until now we needed a shoot and share HD videos from
trends for 2010 included social c a m p a i g n m a n a g e m e n t a n d thinkers, these companies will use special car to get us to our their phone. The user experience
m e d i a i n t e g r a t i o n a c r o s s advertising deals all handled the social engine to inform destination, so the average is getting to the same level as
applications and devices, lowered through a central dashboard; strategic decisions, and execute pedestrian was not going to get broadcast or professional media
technological barriers, mobile telecommunications companies on the organization's objectives, there. Now that technology from an image quality standpoint.
pervasiveness and social media w i l l o f f e r v i d e o t o o l s f o r marketing plans, product barriers have been lowered, Image acquisition is entirely
ROI as a focus. It is safe to say businesses and consumers with roadmaps and more. Its not just mobile will become an extension changing content production, said
that these trends indeed became greater bandwidth, storage and about technology, its about a of who we are, said Philippe Brett Leonard, renowned writer
reality and I expect these to syndication; learning management fundamental shift into a new age Suchet, CEO of MyShopanion, and director and pioneer of frag
continue and materialize in new systems (LMS) integrators will of leadership with a new type of and the recipient of Web2.0s technology in the movie industry.
solutions, applications and case add engagement, archiving, executives who behave and Summit 2010 award for most When it comes to ROI, it seems
studies in the year ahead. training and collaboration tools operate in new ways, said Marc innovative startup in the mobile that companies want to cook
Sponsor for a deeper and more engaging Benioff, Salesforce.com chairman shopping category. gourmet risotto but most are still
2011 will also be marked by new academic experience. By the end and CEO. Expect to see a rise in From social shopping on the go, busy washing the rice: Despite
developments that will shape the of the year, using todays à la cart companies who, by end of year, to easy paperless transactions and 2010 being a year filled with ROI
very fabric of our behavior, solutions will seem as efficient as will be recognized for socially- check-ins, to watching (and discussions and some strong case
culture and identity. These buying a pocket knife with only a informed innovation, customer creating) videos with friends studies, Forrester research shows
developments will challenge us to bottle opener in it. 2. Companies focus and work environment, abroad, to in-class learning and that most companies still have no
consider important questions will integrate social feedback into much like Zappos and Amazon collaboration, to managing our clue how to meaningfully measure
about the future of our experience their decision making process were a few years back. 3. Mobile health real-time - prepare for an ROI.
a s c o n n e c t e d p e o p l e a n d Read Ravit's Previous Forecasts will become our gateway to the explosion of connected In the coming year, gaps in our
consumers. Here are key trends world experiences across all points of video experience will be filled
to watch in the coming year: 1. • 10 Ways Social Media Will 2010 marked the year in which interactions between people and with the integration of filtering,
Social media will be supersized Change in 2009 infrastructure, technology and people, people and companies, tagging, editing and locating tools
Guest author Ravit Lichtenberg, • 10 Ways Social Media Will design finally intersected in the and people and information in the into each and every video feed.
founder and chief strategist at Change in 2010 mobile space. For the first time, cloud. Next page: 4. Video will be Both companies and consumers
Ustrategy- a boutique consultancy sales of smartphones outpace everywhere will increasingly rely on video to
specializing in helping companies In 2011 we will see a growing sales of desktops and laptops, Photo by LotusHead 4. Video provide information and
excel in the socio-digital age. number of companies finally go iPhone and iPad applications were will be everywhere
R a v i t a u t h o r s a b l o g a t beyond using social channels downloaded more than 7 billion With plummeting video delivery WAYS page 24
times and research shows e-mail
24
WAYS
continued from page 23
behavioral cues that are not
otherwise present in texts, tweets
and status updates, making video
a critical component of the value
chain for its impact on shaping
peoples' perception about
companies and about each other.
5. The next big Online Social
Network will not be a network at
all
Social networks have
transformed human access
capabilities much like modern
transportation and the telephone
did over 150 years ago. But they
are also changing the very
structure of our relationships -
flattening our naturally varying
levels of intimacy in real life.
In the coming year we will see
the rise of dynamic, engaging,
easy-to-use community platforms
and applications like Diaspora,
Path and Looppa* that will better
mimic and facilitate the innate
way people seek to manage
relationships. People today look
for more personalized, authentic,
private information (where we
make) a social contract around a
topic or context that is beyond the
reach of search engine results and
Facebook crowds, said Dave
Blakely, director of technology
strategy at IDEO.
For consumers, this means the
ability to create smaller, more
intimate, context-specific
communities using their existing
social graph and livestreams. For
companies, this means the ability
to facilitate a custom-branded,
dynamic and engaging experience
on their online properties in ways
not possible on Facebook. Every
company should think of itself as
a media company, said Tom
Foremski, journalist and thought-
leader.
As they become more social, on
their own turfs, companies will
once again own their customer
relationships and brand in a whole
new way, ultimately building
greater community value for both
the company and its customers. 6.
ROI will be redefined
When it comes to ROI, it seems
that companies want to cook
gourmet risotto but most are still
busy washing the rice: Despite
2010 being a year filled with ROI
discussions and some strong case
studies, Forrester research shows
that most companies still have no
clue how to meaningfully measure
ROI.
As brands move this year from
being on social media to using the
social media ecosystem, ROI
metrics will finally evolve beyond
counting likes and comments.
Aligning with actionable business
objectives and their corresponding
metrics will be critical to being
able to demonstrate repeatable
contribution to the bottom line.
Companies who hire social media
strategists with proven marketing
analytics background and
business strategy experience will
have the upper hand and will
place first in the race to cracking
the ROI code. Next page: 7.
Psychology is shifting 7.
Psychology is shifting
Until now, human psychology
has been regarded slow to change.
In the coming year we will begin
to see evidence that we are, in
fact, witnessing a growing
psychological plasticity.
We have changed the importance
of time, geography, age and the
assumption of how the world
works. We have new levels of
cognitive flexibility, which is
creating a new way of thinking
about the world and about
ourselves, said Dr. Pamela
Rutledge, director of the Media
Psychology Research Center and
co-founder of A Think Lab.
Once feeling powerless to fight
against personal and cultural
injustices, today people know
they have the power to voice their
grievances, the tools to bring
about change and the ability to
take control of their experiences.
As the constructs of relationships,
privacy and our ability to
influence others evolve, we will
also face important questions:
How do we respond to the
changing definition of
relationships? How does the
elimination of behavioral cues,
only available face-to-face,
impact our ability to connect?
How does our need for emotional
balance get addressed in the face
of constant change?
In the coming year, companies
wishing to succeed should already
start to set practices and create a
charter to understand the
intersection between technology
and psychology. Focusing on
behaviors is no longer sufficient.
8. Citizen activism brings back
purpose and power
With the power made possible by
social technologies to connect,
inform and mobilize, we will see
a surge in self-organized and
managed citizen activism. Value
will come from being able to
facilitate groups as a human
infrastructure, not from
technology, says Andrea Saveri, a
thought-leader and researcher at
the intersection of foresight and
strategy.
Wikipedia and Mozilla FireFox
are early and ongoing examples of
the value of the connected human
infrastructure; many more,
including Causecast, and
OpenIDEO, as well as lesser
known projects like It Gets Better
will light up the grid. By the end
of the year we may each join a
group of people we have never
met in order to take part in
bringing about change in
completely new ways. 9. Social
business intelligence will heat up
and so will privacy
As we become ever more
connected, and rely on giants like
Apple and Google to funnel our
most personal information, the
field of social business
intelligence, and with it, our
privacy, will move to the
spotlight. Wikileaks' eruption on
the social media waves and Do
Not Track are just previews.
Every company now looks to tap
into the boundless user data being
collected in the cloud. While
personalized, targeted experience
can be extremely valuable in
helping companies and consumers
cut through the clutter, the line
between perceived use and abuse
can be thin at times, as data
mining and targeted ad delivery
pioneer RapLeaf saw in past
E-reader News Edition
months.
In the year ahead we will witness
(and be part of) major data
virtualization initiatives designed
to map our activities, preferences
and choices. Mechanisms
designed to triangulate our
mobile, online and physical
information will yield more
accurate information than our
Social Security numbers can. We
will see fierce regulation battles
and hear about companies who
use our data to test boundaries and
our trust. When done, Tom
Cruise's shopping scene in
Minority Report will seem as
sophisticated as scenes from Time
Tunnel in the 1970s. 10. The role
of the social media strategist will
be changing
The glory days when social
media strategists rose to stardom
overnight (and too often, with
little relevant experience) are
finally over. Social media roles
today focus on tangible, results-
driven capabilities within the
organizational structure and
processes. Hiring managers are
more informed and better
connected, making it easier to
separate the wheat from the chaff.
In 2011, social media strategists
will need to contend with much
more actionable, and often
mundane, tasks such as selecting
and piloting new tools, integrating
social widgets and analytics,
helping to educate the
organization, and integrating
social-based thinking into the
organization's process and culture.
WAYS page 26
E-reader News Edition Technology/ 25

Posterous Introduces "The Last Email List You'll Ever Need"

Mike Melanson
(ReadWriteWeb)
Submitted at 12/15/2010 11:00:00 AM

Today, Posterous, the site we

previously referred to as a
"minimalist blogging platform",
has again expanded its
functionality in its own,
minimalist fashion. This time,
rather than adding rich editing
features or increasing social
interaction the service has gone
and reinvented one of the
Internet's "wheels" - the email list.
We spoke with Posterous co-
founder and CEO Sachin Agarwal
yesterday and he told us that the
new feature is an "email list on
steroids" and that it's "the last
email list you'll ever need."
Sponsor are all of the members. Only the with timeline along the left with surprise, as when we first heard that just happens to be a blog, and
"The worst part about Yahoo group's creator needs to be a an expanded view along the right. Posterous would be introducing a vice versa, is something we could
Groups," Agarwal started off Posterous member and, if they're For those that don't want or don't "group blogging" feature, email see gaining traction among groups
telling us, "is how hard it is to not at the time of its creation, they care about the Web-based blog lists never even came to mind. that might not otherwise see eye-
create one of these groups." will have an account created right portion, the entire thing exists as But with its foundation in email- to-eye on how to communicate
In moving beyond its origins as a then. The end result is a blog, an email interaction. Every update based posting, the feature does with each other online. It brings
"minimalist blogging platform", which can be set to either public sends an email to all members and seem to make sense. the email diehards together with
you see, Posterous is working to or private, to which any of its members can reply by email. Any "We've always been known as a the blogging, text messaging,
become a minimalist, email-based members may contribute by email inline media, such as videos, platform that can post by email Facebook-aholics.
group-blogging platform that or by using the website. Agarwal pictures, or even links to videos, very easily, but we've also been In some ways, it seems like an
makes everything about offered a number of use cases, are automatically resized and about consumption by email," out of the blue move for the once
communicating with multiple from events to clubs to blogging embedded, meaning even the said Agarwal. "Our goal has minimalist blogging platform. In
people by email as simple as group travels. most tech un-savvy can always been to help normal others, it seems like the natural
possible. Creating one of these The interesting part here is that participate. people share." progression. Discuss
group email lists, or group blogs, the feature is a cyborg, of sorts - The feature has been in beta for If it didn't offer this sort of
is as simple as sending an email to it's part blog, part email list. As the past week with about a "bridging-the-gap" functionality,
Posterous. you can see, Posterous has taken a thousand users testing it and it is we would have to ask what this
As you can see in the image, the big bite off of Twitter's recent going live today. The group does that something like
subject will be the name of the redesign, using a two-pane view feature comes as a bit of a Facebook doesn't, but an email list
blog and the body, a list of emails,
26 Technology/ Economy/ E-reader News Edition
WAYS
NRG Solar to buy First Solar's 290- continued from page 24

Process design, stakeholder deeper into our daily lives and

megawatt plant management, strategic planning,
and the ability to manage large
across vast audiences, our areas of
focus will begin to transform.
(CNET News.com) NextLight at the time had an 250-megawatt solar project from p r o j e c t s w i t h i n c o m p l e x Companies will begin to overhaul
Submitted at 12/15/2010 11:16:54 AM agreement with Pacific Gas & SunPower, for $450 million. The environments will all be required. their internal structures and
Electric for over 520 megawatts plant also came with a PG&E Strategists looking to remain decision-making processes even if
It seems the Agua Caliente solar that First Solar inherited through power purchase agreement, and is inspired and work at the cutting at a fairly superficial levels at
project in Arizona is changing the deal. estimated to provide enough edge will have to look outside first; consumers will seek to make
hands once again. NRG Solar will now gain a 25- electricity to power 50,000 today's leading corporations. sense of their evolving
NRG Energy announced today its year power purchase agreement homes. In October, NRG Solar Some of the most interesting relationships, always-on
subsidiary NRG Solar plans to with PG&E with respect to the a n n o u n c e d i t h a d s i g n e d a social media work will come from connectedness, and to redefine
acquire Agua Caliente, a 290- 290-megawatt Agua Caliente memorandum of understanding to new media digital agencies, value and meaning.
megawatt solar farm from First project. partner with BrightSource Energy smaller innovative companies, As we finally surface from social
Solar, as long as an application The solar farm as planned will be to build a 392-megawatt solar international companies who are media stimulus overload, the
for a federal loan guarantee gets l o c a t e d o n 2 , 4 0 0 a c r e s o f thermal project. The Ivanpah just entering the field and late-to- questions we will ask in the
granted. farmland spread across Yuma Solar Electric Generating System, adopt sectors such as health, coming year should not be about
"Closing of the acquisition is County, Ariz. When complete it's which NRG Solar plans to invest finance and insurance. technology but about what it
contingent on receiving the expected to generate enough $300 million in, is expected to be In the year ahead we will see enables, what it jeopardizes and
federal loan guarantee," NRG said electricity to power 225,000 the largest commercial solar more of the same: more users on about how we, as the connected
in a statement. The purchase price homes, according to NRG Solar. thermal plant in the U.S. Facebook, more videos, more collective, want to shape the years
was not disclosed. NRG Energy and First Solar have Earlier this year NRG Energy, social media widgets, more tools, to come.
First Solar itself had acquired the made deals before, albeit in the t h r o u g h i t s e V g o N e t w o r k more devices, more applications. (Disclaimer: Companies marked
Agua Caliente solar project from other direction. In December (pronounced ee-vee-go), also But it will also be a year of with * are Ustrategy clients.)
NextLight Renewable Power for 2009, First Solar purchased a 21- partnered with Walgreens to important accomplishments and Discuss
$285 million in April. megawatt solar plant in Blythe, implement over 100 commercial f u n d a m e n t a l s h i f t s i n o u r
NRG Solar says it has plans to Calif., from NRG Solar that came electric-vehicle charging stations t h i n k i n g , b e h a v i o r a n d
invest a combined total of $800 with a 20-year power purchase in Texas. psychology. As social media and
million in the project from its own a g r e e m e n t w i t h S o u t h e r n This entry passed through the social technologies integrate
funds, outside investors, and the C a l i f o r n i a E d i s o n . Full-Text RSS service — if this is
federal loan guarantee between But lately, it's NRG Energy that's your content and you're reading it
deal completion and 2014. been doing the acquiring. Agua on someone else's site, please read
At the time of the First Solar/ Caliente joins a list of high-profile our FAQ page at fivefilters.org/
NextLight deal it was clear that projects that NRG has announced content-only/faq.php
First Solar's deal was as much in recent months. Five Filters featured site: So,
about the power purchase I n N o v e m b e r , N R G S o l a r Why is Wikileaks a Good Thing
agreements it stood to gain, as it announced a deal to purchase the Again?.
was about the actual projects. California Valley Solar Ranch, a

That Quiet Bearish Shift From Cyclicals To Defensive Stocks Starts Again
Joe Weisenthal (Money Game) we noted the trend green. story »
Submitted at 12/15/2010 11:10:57 AM earlier(cyclicals underperforming Here's the longer term ratio,
vs. defensive stocks) we thought which is clearly rolling over:
We're talking tiny here, but since it'd be worth pointing out again, especially while stocks are still Join the conversation about this
E-reader News Edition
France finds Google may be abusing
its dominance
(CNET News.com)
Submitted at 12/15/2010 11:28:04 AM
Google may be using its leading
position in the search market to
weaken the competition,
according to the findings of a
French regulator.
Asserting that Google holds a
dominant position in search
advertising, the French
Competition Authority said
yesterday that it has found certain
possible conduct on the part of
Google intended to "discourage,
delay, or eliminate" competitors.
Among its findings, the French
regulator, or the Autorite, cited
exclusivity clauses, technical
obstacles, and other methods that
Google imposes on its partners or
customers and said that the
company treats them "in a
discriminatory manner or refuses
to guarantee a minimum degree of
transparency in the contractual
relations that it establishes with
them."
But rather than impose new
regulations on the search giant,
the Autorite is proposing what it
calls "targeted responses to the
identified concerns," saying that
existing competition laws can be
used to enforce limits to Google's
actions.
As one example this year, Google
had suspended the AdWords
account of a company called
Navx for allegedly violating
policy. Navx complained to the
Autorite, which found that
Google's policy was unclear and
lacked transparency, prompting
Google to restore the account.
Google has found itself the object
of increasing criticism from
search providers who argue that
the search giant intentionally and
unfairly promotes its own content
and services above those from
other search sites. Fielding
complaints from three specific
companies, the European
Commission recently launched a
probe to determine if Google has
violated antitrust regulations.
In response to the findings of the
Autorite and the suggestions of an
unfair marketplace, Google issued
the following statement, which
was e-mailed to CNET:
"Search ads are one of many
options for advertisers. If the price
of search ads rises, advertisers can
and do switch to other formats,
both online and offline. That's the
sign of a competitive and dynamic
industry."
The investigation by French
Competition Authority was
triggered by a request in February
from France's Minister for the
Economy, Finance, and
Employment. Though it has no
direct effect on the EC's probe, it
could open up the door for other
companies to level charges
against Google.
"It's a shot across the bow, Google
is now formally on notice that
they might be vulnerable
depending on what they do," Guy
Lougher, a partner on the EU
competition team of law firm
Pinsent Masons, said, according
to Reuters. "It's starting to look
horribly like a rerun of the
Microsoft cases."
This entry passed through the
Full-Text RSS service — if this is
your content and you're reading it
on someone else's site, please read
our FAQ page at fivefilters.org/
content-only/faq.php
Five Filters featured site: So,
Why is Wikileaks a Good Thing
Again?.
SEGA Toirettsu Brings
Video Game to Men’s
Urinal [Video]
Evan Selleck (SlashGear)
Submitted at 12/15/2010 11:58:21 AM
Over the years, there’s been all
sorts of additions to men’s urinals
to “help” those using it stay in the
urinal, and not make a mess of the
floor (or themselves). While there
are still some urinals out there that
feature cute little designs near the
bottom, like that of a bee, it seems
that Japan is still having some
major issues, and now they’re
doing what they should have done
right from the start: made it a
game.
It’s designed by SEGA, and it’s
called Toirettsu. It works by
including a sensor inside the
urinal itself, which can determine
when it is being peed on. Not only
that, but it can actually tell how
hard it is being peed on, too. The
result? A set of mini-games that
Technology/ 27
are featured on an LCD display
that’s about eye-level, above the
urinal. As a guy is relieving
himself, they’ll be able to play
cute little games, all depending on
how they’re going. Games include
putting out fires, or shooting milk
out of a character’s nose at other
people who may be using the
urinals next to you. (That’s right,
there’s multiplayer!)
Unfortunately for those in Japan,
these games haven’t been
installed in any actual restrooms
yet. It has just been shown off at
trade shows, which you can watch
on video below. No confirmation
as to when Japanese men should
expect to find these games in
bathrooms at their favorite
restaurant, but hopefully it’s
sooner than later.
[ via OhGizmo!]
28 Technology/
Posterous Launches Posterous Groups, A Simple Discussion Tool,
And Android App
Alexia Tsotsis (TechCrunch)
Submitted at 12/15/2010 10:58:15 AM
Simple blogging platform
Posterous has always been about
email and co-founders Sachin
Agarwal and Garry Tan have
taken the idea of an email list one
step further and developed
Posterous Groups. Groups, an
easier way to hold group
discussion, hops on Mark
Zuckerberg’s social bus and
proves that its only a matter of
time before all blogging platforms
become even more social.“This
came out of our frustration with
Yahoo Groups and Google
Groups” said Posterous Marketing
Manager Rich Pearson, explaining
the company’s attempts to
develop“the best email list groups
product possible.”
Like all things Posterous, the
execution is simple. To set up a
group simply send an email to
“group@posterous.com” with the
34 Christmas Confections - Yummy Yuletide Treats
to Brighten Your Belly this Holiday (CLUSTER)
(TREND HUNTER - The Latest
Trends)
Submitted at 12/15/2010 11:29:01 AM
group name as the subject line and
the rest is done by Posterous. To
post to the group, send an email to
“post@groupname.posterous.com.
” The best part is you don’t
actually need a Posterous account
to be part of a group.
Once in a group, participants
have a two column view, where
they can experience threaded
( TrendHunter.com) Eating
Christmas confections is my
favorite part of the holidays,
hands down. Yes, more than receiving presents, I enjoy eating
conversations and upload media
attachments. The group moderator
can choose whether people are
contributors or subscribers and
whether the group is public or
private. Again the simplicity of
Posterous is evident here, as the
Groups function is filled with
nifty tricks like being able to post
a YouTube URL and have it turn
into an inline video. Autopost
social sharing on services like
Facebook, Twitter, Flickr and
YouTube is also available on
Groups.
Pearson and Agarwal have been
beta-testing the product with 1200
users for about a week and the
feedback has been mostly
positive, with one user calling
the cute little culinary creations
that my family creates. These
Christmas...
E-reader News Edition
it,“Blogging meets discussion
forums meets commenting.” As
Pearson points out, the ideal use
case is people who are still in
college (“Anyone who is in
school is just a part of a ton of
email lists”) so it might be
prudent to have deeper email and
chat integration in a further
iteration.
Posterous, which is currently
funded at $5.14 million, is also
launching their extremely simple
mobile app in the Android
Marketplace today. The app
includes features like social auto-
posting, geo-tagging and options
to take and upload video and
photo. You can find the app in the
Android marketplace by searching
for “Posterous.” CrunchBase
Information Posterous
Information provided by
CrunchBase
E-reader News Edition
Apple May Incorporate NFC Into Many Products
Evan Selleck (SlashGear)
Submitted at 12/15/2010 11:42:43 AM
Near Field Communications, or
NFC, seems to be all the rage
right now. With Google making it
one of the shining features of their
latest and greatest Android
device, the Nexus S, it looks like
major companies are banking on
the idea that people want to be
able to access, interact, or
purchase items right from their
phone, without having to open an
application. Thanks to the ability
of the NFC chip inside devices to
offer short-range authentication,
with the right information in a
particular device, a world of
possibilities is open. And,
according to one expert, it looks
like Apple is ready to jump on the
bandwagon as well, and not only
introduce NFC into the next
iteration of iPhone, but as well as
many other Apple products.
Gerald Madlmayr is an NFC
Wine Bottle Wicker Holders - The EkoMiko Candle
is Eco-Friendly Luxury Line (GALLERY)
(TREND HUNTER - The Latest
Trends)
Submitted at 12/15/2010 11:44:02 AM
( TrendHunter.com) Candles are a
expert based out of Vienna. He
believes that, due to the wonder
that is NFC and the possibilities it
offers, Apple is surely getting
ready to introduce plenty of new
gadgets in the near future that
have the chip built in. For
example, he points out how cool it
would be just to put your next
generation iPad next to an AirPort
great way to set the mood for an
intimate dinner party or a
romantic date, and now you can
achieve this in an environmentally
conscious way with the EkoMiko
wireless router, and have it
connect (with full security in
place), without having to do any
further configurations. All of this
could happen in a blink of an eye,
thanks to the NFC technology in
place.
There are so many other options
for the technology, that it seems
hard to believe that companies, as
candle. Created by the
beautiful...
well as other businesses, wouldn’t
want to jump on board. Madlmayr
believes the same thing, saying
that the technology is “poised to
take off.” We know that Google is
invested in the technology, and
we know that Nokia is looking at
NFC for their phones coming out
in 2011. However, like the Nexus
S, it won’t be just the NFC chip
Technology/ 29
inside that makes the device
compelling enough to purchase.
One other cool feature for an
NFC chip? Instead of pulling out
your smartphone and opening up
the FourSquare application, all
you’d have to do is enter a
business, locate the RFID chip,
and swipe your phone next to it.
The chip, and the device would
take care of the rest for you,
allowing you to check in
automatically. Of course,
purchasing things from businesses
with just a swipe of your phone is
great, too, especially with the
added security that the technology
features.
With Google, Nokia, and now
Apple expected to push the NFC
train forward, do you believe that
business won’t want to get in on
the action?
[ via Cult of Mac]
30 Technology/ Economy/ Culture/ E-reader News Edition

Google TV Update Offers Android Response to Zero Hedge

Remote App, Makes Netflix Usable "Deflationists Take Note"
Mike Melanson TV now lets you tweak your noreply@blogger.com (Michael response specifically to the
(ReadWriteWeb) picture-in-picture viewing, Shedlock) (Mish's Global "Deflationists Take Note" article.
customizing the location and size Economic Trend Analysis) Bottom line: All things
Submitted at 12/15/2010 9:56:34 AM
of the video window. The Submitted at 12/14/2010 12:46:00 PM concluded, there is ample reason
When I first plugged in my enhanced "movies" feature brings Numerous people have asked me t o b e l i e v e t h e U S i s s t i l l
Logitech Revue Google TV unit, I you a separate section for movie to respond to the Zero Hedge post following the path of Japan, and
was excited. Then, as I browsed results in your search results page, D e f l a t i o n i s t s T a k e N o t e : on a marked-to-market credit
around for the usual free content - including listings from Netflix, Bernanke Succeeds In Offsetting aspect basis the US will likely
Hulu.com, network websites like your TV connection and Amazon Shadow Banking Collapse hop in and out of deflation for the
ABC or Fox- and found they were Video on Demand, making it In essence, I had already foreseeable future.
blocked from Google TV, I easier to find and watch content. addressed the issue in Williams Mike "Mish" Shedlock
became a little distraught. It was The remote control app does Calls for "Great Hyperinflationary h t t p : / /
only when I got to Netflix, exactly what you would imagine, Great Depression"; A Very Easy globaleconomicanalysis.blogspot.
however, that the true panic set in. and a movies search result page. turning your Android phone into a Rebuttal when I said ... com
This was how I would have to First, let's look at Netflix. remote, which is probably a better My call does not change. The US Click Here To Scroll Thru
watch Netflix videos? By using a The new Netflix app on Google and more exciting feature for will go in and out of deflation for My Recent Post List Mike "Mish"
completely separate device to line TV does what you would expect hardware that isn't the Logitech a considerable period of time, just S h e d l o c k i s a r e g i s t e r e d
things up in a queue before Netflix to do anywhere it's Revue, which provides a full as Japan did. The determining investment advisor representative
returning to my Google TV? available. It allows you to search keyboard and trackpad as its factor is mark-to market valuation f o r S i t k a P a c i f i c C a p i t a l
Ludicrous! for content, suggests content remote. Take a look at the new of credit and money supply. Management. Sitka Pacific is an
Today Google has offered an according to your viewing habits, app in the video below. R i g h t n o w , t h e F e d h a s asset management firm whose
update to the Google TV software and even order DVDs for content All of those other features are temporarily overcome massive goal is strong performance and
that fixes one of the biggest that isn't available streaming. In great, but the simple fact that deflationary forces. For how long low volatility, regardless of
problems with the service - the my mind, Google TV just became Netflix is now a usable source for remains to be seen. Some asked market direction. Visit http://
Netflix app - and offers a few much less broken. Network content on the Google TV is the for a further explanation and w w w . s i t k a p a c i f i c . c o m /
other enhanced features to boot. websites aren't available on other most exciting piece of news for emails still come in asking for a account_management.html to
Sponsor Internet TV devices like Roku us. According to Google, users reply. In response, I added an l e a r n m o r e a b o u t w e a l t h
Google says that there are "four either, but at least the Netflix app will "start to see these updates roll addendum to m y management and capital
significant improvements to the works. Now, Netflix is a fully out to their devices throughout the "hyperinflationary depression" preservation strategies of Sitka
platform" with today's update, functional version of itself on week." Discuss rebuttal to address topics covered Pacific.
including Netflix, "Dual View", Google TV too. Phew. by ZH in his post.
an Android remote control app As for the other features, Google If you missed it, please click on
the previous link to see a detailed

Influential Kate Keeps the Parties Coming With Jamie in London

Allie Merriam (PopSugar)
Submitted at 12/15/2010 9:23:42 AM
Jamie Hince led the way for Kate
Moss last night as they left
London's Groucho club. The pair
hit the town for a late evening out
to have some fun following Kate's
November promotional push for
her new fragrance, Vintage Muse.
She and Jamie still managed to
see their friends over the past
month, as Kate helped organize
birthday parties for her artist pal
Lucian Freud and Dior designer
John Galliano. Kate's now
wrapping up another year of
modeling for the world's top
magazines, and her continued
success has earned her a spot
among The Financial Times's
most influential women of the
decade. View Slideshow ›
E-reader News Edition
Olivetti OliPad Tablet Features 10-Inch Display,
Android OS
Evan Selleck (SlashGear)
Submitted at 12/15/2010 11:18:48 AM
The tablet market is an obviously
profitable one, so when a
company comes forward and
announces that they’ve got their
own tablet device heading to
consumers, no one is really
shocked anymore. But, while it
may make sense for other
companies to launch tablets, it’s
when you hear news that a
company that was previously
invested in typewriters, or
programmable calculators, that
you know the tablet market is
seen as a sure-fire hit for
companies. Whether or not the
tablet amounts to anything,
though, is where it all comes
down to. Olivetti, a name that’s
been hanging around for many,
many years now, has just unveiled
their plans to bring a tablet of
their own into the world, called
the OliPad.
Olivetti is an Italian company
that has seen success in not only
typewriters, or programmable
calculators, but also the personal
computing space. Competition
made it harder for the company to
sell their wares, though, and they
were almost made bankrupt for
their efforts. However, the
company is back, now owned by
Telecom Italia. While the new
OliPad will have a perfect fit in
the enterprise market, which
Olivetti has focused on in the
past, the OliPad should also be
made available to the general
public.
Olivetti will be putting a major
focus on applications that can
help those in the enterprise
market. Courtesy of the Olivetti
Application Warehouse, the tablet
will see many applications that
are geared specifically towards
small or medium-sized
enterprises. Applications like the
ability to have companies share
content within the company, as
well as to partners. They are even
including the fashion market, with
a digital catalog being developed
for the tablet as well.
As for specifications of the
OliPad, there are a few details still
missing. However, we do know
that the tablet will feature a 10-
inch touchscreen display, and
work with integrated WiFi and
Technology/ Economy/ 31
CHART OF THE DAY:
Don't Look Now, But
We're REALLY Close To
A Deflationary Relapse
Joe Weisenthal (Money Game)
Submitted at 12/15/2010 10:35:00 AM
This morning the government
reported that core-CPI -- which
excludes food and energy -- rose
0.1%, suggesting perhaps a move
away from the deflationary brink.
But really it was all energy that
pushed prices higher, and energy
cellular connections. The price is
said to be somewhere around has a lot to do with what's
happening in Asia, and not
$400. No word on when the
device will be made available, necessarily reflective of the
either. They also confirmed that domestic situation.
the tablet will feature Google’s Take that out, and keep in food,
m o b i l e O p e r a t i n g S y s t e m and this is what you get.
Android, however there’s no word Join the conversation about this
on what version of the OS it will story »
use, or if there will be any
modifications made to the User
Interface.
[ via Technology Review]
32 Technology/ Culture/ E-reader News Edition

Top 5 HDTV Myths

(HowStuffWorks Daily Feed) If you're behind the trend and are
Submitted at 12/15/2010 9:00:56 AM baffled by terms such as1080i,
DTV and HDMI, the easiest way
With so much information online to give you the information you
about HDTVs, why are people need may be to dispel the myths
still misinformed when they walk that are out there. This can also
into the electronics store? give you added confidence when
The truth is, technology often you shop for a new HDTV and
Google Creates A Better Way To Turn outpaces our ability to keep up related HD accessories.
with the latest trends. When it In this article, we'll supply facts

IE Into Chrome: A Business-Ready comes time for us to catch up, the to replace some of the fiction
i n f o r m a t i o n c a n s e e m that's going around.
o v e r w h e l m i n g . H D T V , i n This entry passed through the
Windows Installer particular, is full of acronyms, Full-Text RSS service — if this is
numbers and descriptions. We your content and you're reading it
MG Siegler (TechCrunch) enable IT administrators to easily Google says that they’ve been could easily misinterpret the on someone else's site, please read
Submitted at 12/15/2010 11:43:46 AM configure and deploy the browser working with several large details, especially if we're in a our FAQ page at fivefilters.org/
on Windows, Mac, and Linux companies for months on this new hurry to buy. content-only/faq.php
In September 2009, we wrote according to their business type of installation of Chrome. Before we go HDTV shopping, Five Filters featured site: So,
about something very interesting requirements,” Google writes on Those currently using it include do we really need to read all the Why is Wikileaks a Good Thing
that Google was doing in order to the Chrome blog. This new Vanguard, Boise State University, specifications? If so, how can we Again?.
penetrate the business market: installer allows businesses that Proctor & Gamble, and, of course, pick out the most important things
they were essentially turning IE use standard deployment tools to Google. to know?
into Chrome. Chrome Frame was install Chrome for all their But Google seems to realize that
a plugin for Microsoft’s browser managed users, the company says. even this tool won’t be enough to
that would recreate the Chrome Google has also outlined some get most businesses to switch to
browsing experience inside of IE. policies to show what Chrome Chrome. They note that this is
Joshua Jackson Spends a
The reason Google did this is that will respect with regard to “just the start” of what they plan
they realized that many users at security and settings that can be to offer businesses with Chrome.
Cold Night Up North
work were not able to install set by admins. “ We’re working hard on
Chrome because their computers Google also notes that these polishing the next set of policies Shooting Fringe
were on lockdown by their IT policies will work for Chrome OS that will make Google Chrome Lindsay Miller (PopSugar)
During his time away from
department. Well today, Google as well (though obviously not the even more customizable and
Submitted at 12/15/2010 9:30:09 AM production, though, he's focused
h a s a n n o u n c e d a m o r e MSI installer). Yes, Google is useful to users in the future,” they
on jet-setting with his always
s t r a i g h t f o r w a r d w a y t o g e t really going after Microsoft here. note. CrunchBase Information Joshua Jackson braved a chilly
fashionable girlfriend, Diane
C h r o m e a t w o r k : a n M S I They not only want sys admins to G o o g l e C h r o m e W i n d o w s night on the set of Fringe in
Kruger. The couple spent time
i n s t a l l e r — a k a , a s t a n d a r d replace IE, they want them to Internet Explorer Information Vancouver yesterday. The actor,
together over his Thanksgiving
Windows installer for businesses. replace Windows as well. They provided by CrunchBase who's in the running for your break before jetting to Paris to sit
“ Today, we’re announcing that also apparently want them to favorite male of 2010, has been in the front row at Chanel's pre-
Chrome offers controls that replace themselves. shooting the new season of the Fall show. View Slideshow ›
show up north in recent months.
E-reader News Edition
Google Appoints VP Of Fiber, Delays Can you beat today's top score
Announcing Where It Will Roll Out
MG Siegler (TechCrunch)
Submitted at 12/15/2010 11:18:10 AM
When we heard about Google’s
plan to deploy 1 gigabit-per-
second broadband to homes
across the U.S., we started
drooling. But Google was quick to
temper expectations, noting that
their initial trial deployment
would cover only around 50,000
homes (though they left the door
open to the possibility of 500,000
homes). And to decide where they
should first deploy it, they
decided to ask communities to
apply. Many did. In weird ways.
Google was supposed to pick a
winner by the end of the year.
That isn’t going to happen.
As they’ve announced in an
update on their blog this morning,
“ we’re not quite ready to make
that announcement.” The reason?
Google says they want to take
more time to make sure they get it
right. “ To be clear, we’re not re-
opening our selection
process—we simply need more
time to decide than we’d
anticipated,” they note.
No, Really! Hanukkah Decorations Quiz
(HowStuffWorks Daily Feed)
Submitted at 12/15/2010 9:00:56 AM
It seems like holiday decorations
get more and more over the top
each year. We went on a search
of 182,473? Play Kritter
Google says that 1,100
communities across the country
put in a request for the fiber. And
to handle the response, Google
has now appointed a VP of Fiber.
Okay, that’s not his actual title.
But Milo Medin, is Google’s new
Vice President of Access
Services. He’s the one who wrote
the post, noting that he joined
Google this week.
Google has been experimenting
their their fiber roll-out on their
own campus, and has announced
for the wackiest Hanukkah
decorations, and you'll never
guess what we found. See if you
can pick out which decorations
actually exist with our No Really!
Hanukkah Decorations quiz.
plans for a “beta” network to 850
home around Stanford.
Medin says the final
announcement about where the
broader roll-out will begin will
take place now in “early 2011.”
Below, find the map of
nationwide interest in Google
Fiber based on responses to
Google about it.
CrunchBase Information Google
Information provided by
CrunchBase
Earn a point for every right
Technology/ Culture/
Krawler!
(HowStuffWorks Daily Feed)
Submitted at 12/15/2010 9:00:56 AM
If you're in the mood for a grid-
filling game, look no further -
Kritter Krawler has answered the
call! You'll find yourself running
from mechanical monstrosities as
you try to fill in as much of the
game board as you can. Keep an
eye out for power-ups while
you're playing to give yourself a
nice boost of speed to help you
clear the board even faster! Watch
out, though - don't run into any
baddies, or let them touch the
Compromised Commenting Accounts
Update: Reset Your Password If You Haven't
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Adam Pash (Lifehacker)
Submitted at 12/15/2010 8:59:00 AM
You may have seen our alerts
that Sunday afternoon, we learned
our user database was
compromised. If you haven't
changed your password yet, or
answer! Save your score at the
end of the quiz.
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34 Culture/ E-reader News Edition

Adblock Plus Coming

(Officially) to Google
Chrome [Adblock Plus]
Kevin Purdy (Lifehacker)
Submitted at 12/15/2010 8:00:00 AM

The developer of Adblock Plus,

long the most popular Firefox
extension (both officially and
around these parts), has
maintained for some time that he
wasn't all that interested in the
demands of porting his add-on to into a full-fledged Adblock Plus
Chrome. But things have changed, for Chrome (and then, likely after
according to TechCrunch, and the that, Safari and Opera ports). [
developer has teamed up to TechCrunch] More »
expand the AdThwart extension

Lauren Conrad Layers We're Changing Up Our

Up For a Relaxing Spa Twitter and Facebook
Evening Game [Announcements]
Lauren Turner (PopSugar) already completed filming the Kevin Purdy (Lifehacker)
Submitted at 12/15/2010 9:37:20 AM show's opening credits. Hopefully Submitted at 12/15/2010 8:30:00 AM
LC will have some downtime
Lauren Conrad stepped out of her over the holidays to enjoy more Used to be (say, four days ago)
favorite skin care spa, Kate a d o r a b l e c o u p l e t i m e w i t h that our Twitter and Facebook
Somerville, in LA last night. She's boyfriend Kyle Howard, since it feeds mirrored our top post
been working on her reality series seems like she's already gotten a selections, with automatic will be sharing our stuff
around town since early this Fall, head start on having fun with her headlines and links. Helpful for individually. More »
and it looks like things are friends. View Slideshow › some, but with something of a
moving forward since they robotic feel. Now your editors
E-reader News Edition Policy/ 35

Would Health Reform Work without a Mandate?

(AEI.Org: Articles) Democrats did so. Perhaps Republicans will be able charge history. The patent problems and turmoil ahead in the
Submitted at 12/14/2010 5:00:00 PM But the ruling does raise a to change the law to their unfairness of these and other health arena--problems that have
potentially huge challenge for the preferred option, creating more practices led to sweeping credit nothing to do with what they call
The decision by District Judge president and Democrats if the high-risk pools to provide some card reform in the 111th Obamacare.
Henry Hudson to declare the Supreme Court ultimately agrees option for those with pre-existing Congress. It turns out that Rep. Michele
individual mandate in the health (no doubt on a 5-4 vote) with conditions who otherwise cannot This "race to the bottom" would Bachmann (R-Minn.) was right
care reform bill unconstitutional Judge Hudson. And it raises some get any insurance. But experience just as predictably hit the when she said that if Obamacare
was no great surprise. fascinating questions for tells us that these will not work insurance market, with companies passed, there would be death
With a lot of judge shopping Congressional Republicans as very well, with high costs going to the states with the easiest panels. But they are coming from
going on in the multiple states they prepare to take the reins of (because they consist of the most requirements and laxest Republican governors and state
challenging the law, it was very p o w e r i n t h e H o u s e . W h a t ill and the most expensive regulations, and people legislatures.
likely, if not inevitable, that at happens to health care coverage recipients) leading either to high discovering only after they have In Arizona and Indiana, these
least one judge would rule that and delivery in the United States public subsidies or levies that are insurance that it doesn't cover political figures are struggling
way (after two judges upheld the if the health care reform bill utterly prohibitive for those who many things they were sure were with a sluggish economy, the loss
law and a number of others moves forward, but without an need the insurance. required. of stimulus money, the slowdown
dismissed the challenges). individual mandate? What These are among the reasons why I was sorry that the exchanges in revenues, the need to balance
H u d s o n ' s b a c k g r o u n d a n d happens in particular to the so many conservatives had included in the reform legislation, their budgets and the inexorable
political heritage made the ruling p l a n n e d b a n o n i n s u r a n c e championed an individual which Alice Rivlin has called the growth in Medicaid costs. In
somewhat predictable (as did the companies denying coverage mandate--until Obama and best chance to create a true private Arizona, the rash decision to
backgrounds of the judges who based on pre-existing conditions? Democrats did so. The most market in the health arena, did not summarily cut off funding for
r u l e d t h e o t h e r w a y ) . B u t We actually know the possible efficient way to create a different, include a national exchange, organ transplants from dying
interestingly, the ruling was not answers to these questions. The more robust and effective which would have been the best patients has raised a ruckus. In
given stop-the-presses or cable's single most likely result is that marketplace in health insurance, way to accomplish the Indiana, it was denying a 6-month
breaking-news treatment (the premiums go up sharply for all of and ultimately in the delivery of Republicans' expressed goal. It -old a life-saving treatment that
latter is especially interesting us. Without a mandate and health services, is to expand the would be a good reform to pursue has worked in 96 percent of the
because a hangnail suffered by the without pre-existing conditions, risk pool by making it universal. in the 112th Congress, and there cases tried, on the grounds that it
Senate Minority Leader would get many people will forgo insurance The Republicans' other favored are others. was an "experimental"
breaking-news crawls on any of until they really need it--when option to manage costs is to allow It will serve no one's interests to application.
the three cable channels). cancer hits or when there are real people to buy insurance across fight over dismantling reform, by Whether you admire the health
The main reason for the relative s i g n s o f p r o b l e m s a h e a d . state lines. killing it outright or crippling its care reform plan or not, there
yawn given the story is, of course, Companies have to adjust their We have tried this approach implementation, instead of having were compelling reasons to
that whatever Hudson's ruling, the risks, and with a different risk before with credit cards. What a real conversation about grapple with the entire complex
issue will be decided by the pool, they will have to push the happened, predictably, is that achieving our goals of a strong system. We know costs will
S u p r e m e C o u r t . A n d s i n c e costs onto the rest of the insured. companies gravitated to the state and equitable health care system. continue to grow sharply and that
Hudson severed the individual At the same time, many fewer with the most lax requirements, And a voting public that reacted many more excruciating decisions
mandate from the rest of the people will be insured, putting and the result was something I against Democrats because they --yes, rationing decisions--will be
reform bill and refused to stop the much higher costs on hospitals. and millions of others turned their focus from jobs to made by states, insurers, doctors,
bill's implementation pending Once again, sick people will show experienced: Be a day late with health policy may well have the hospitals and others, with or
appeal, the practical effect of his up at emergency rooms in big your minimum payment and you same response to Republicans. without Obamacare. And without,
ruling is minimal. numbers, including many who are hit not just with a stiff penalty Another set of events in recent the challenges and decisions
These are among the reasons why have minor ailments but know but huge interest rates on your days has made it clear that even if might be even more difficult.
so many conservatives had that absent other options, they balance, including not just the Republican leaders succeeded in Norman J. Ornstein is a resident
c h a m p i o n e d a n i n d i v i d u a l cannot be turned away at the amount due with the bill but on a their goal of erasing the health
m a n d a t e - - u n t i l O b a m a a n d emergency room door. much larger amount from your care reform act, there will be huge WOULD page 37
36 Policy/ E-reader News Edition

Senators, Think Long and Hard Before You Rush to Vote on

START
(AEI.Org: Articles) session, and for good truly confident in the merits of its afterthought. Until now. the Senate ratifies this particular
Submitted at 12/14/2010 5:00:00 PM Constitutional reasons. arguments, it would not fear a Supporters of New START treaty. Senators seriously
If the Obama administration were debate when the new Congress contend there is little public interested in their cherished
Senate Majority Leader Harry truly confident in the merits of its convenes in January. But its interest in the treaty, and therefore institution--and particularly those
Reid will do President Obama's arguments, it would not fear a obsession with frog-marching the no harm in considering it late at Senators retiring in just a few
bidding, starting debate on debate when the new Congress Senate to a vote in December night or in the on-gain-off-again weeks--need to think about the
ratification of the "New START" convenes in January. reveals its gnawing insecurity that fashion of dentists shuttling long sweep of Constitutional
arms control treaty today, in the Senator Jon Kyl and others have New START cannot withstand between patients in various office history before they bend their
waning hours of Congress's lame- worked tenaciously to resolve a full scrutiny in the light of a real dental chairs. But, as with knee and vote on New START
duck session. While the specifics number of important questions Senate debate, as opposed to the Speaker Nancy Pelosi's iconic this month.
of how he will proceed remain about New START. For example, theatrics now about to unfold. remark about the health care bill, A delay may or may not make it
murky, his general strategy is Kyl has contested the Obama There is simply no possibility for once people realize what is in more difficult for the Obama
clear. administration on its plans, or lack an appropriate debate, let alone New START, they will be acutely administration to gain ratification
Reid's decision will push the thereof, for national missile adequate consideration of key interested in its detrimental of the treaty. We simply do not
Senate toward Constitutional d e f e n s e . H e h a s s o u g h t t o amendments to the treaty or its impact on U.S. national security. know. But we do know that a
irrelevancy, diminishing its role in understand why, as a practical accompanying resolution of Of course, once the treaty is partial, incomplete, poorly
the treaty-making process into political matter, even if not in ratification. ratified, it will be too late. prepared and utterly inadequate
little more than an afterthought. explicit treaty language, Obama The circumstances are plain. That may be exactly what its debate now will have permanent
More is at stake here than just the has surrendered the prospects of Prior to the November 2 election, supporters have in mind. They implications for the Senate role in
arguments, pro and con, over New moving forward robustly on New START proceeded almost also advance the brute political the treaty process. Senators need
START. The Senate's role as an homeland missile defenses to a entirely beneath the public radar argument that they have more to look at the portraits and
i n s t i t u t i o n i s a b o u t t o b e Russian veto. screen. Since the November than the required 67 Senators sculptures adorning the hallways
diminished, perhaps permanently. Similarly, Kyl has pressed for midterm elections, with its prepared to vote for ratification, and offices of the Capitol building
Whatever their views on New more funding for our nuclear- devastating results for President so there is no reason to wait until before they decide to proceed
START, Senators must think long weapons programs, to ensure the Obama, Congress has been locked the next Congress. Their vote with New START.
a n d h a r d a b o u t t h e i r safety and reliability of the in debate over tax and spending count may or may not be accurate, John R. Bolton is a senior fellow
Constitutional obligations before nuclear stockpile, which has issues. The entire attention of but their argument proves too at AEI.
they allow this to happen. suffered gravely in recent years members of Congress has been on much. If valid, why bother with a Photo Credit: White House photo
It is entirely understandable why from inadequate resources and a this legislation, and a bucket list Senate debate at all? Why trouble by Pete Souza
President Obama wants to march grossly inadequate modernization of other controversial measures: Senators to come to Washington? This entry passed through the
through the Senate like General program. immigration, repealing the Why not just stay home and vote Full-Text RSS service — if this is
Sherman through Georgia. Why And Kyl has sought far more military's "don't ask, don't tell" over the Internet, thus saving your content and you're reading it
Senators would allow their own information than President Obama policy, and a host of other everyone the time and trouble of on someone else's site, please read
institution to be so casually has been willing to provide on the priorities. The general public is contentious floor debate and our FAQ page at fivefilters.org/
marginalized, however, is much meaning and implications of far more interested in the amendment? content-only/faq.php
harder to comprehend. There is many other crucial New START upcoming holiday season, and Even Senators inclined to support Five Filters featured site: So,
simply no precedent for Senate provisions, which have never almost certainly wishes the New START should weigh very Why is Wikileaks a Good Thing
approval of so consequential a been fully explained to the Senate current Congress would simply carefully the implications of Again?.
treaty in the cramped, hurried or the American people. adjourn. rushing to ratification. Much more
environment of a lame-duck If the Obama administration were New START has been an is at stake than merely whether
E-reader News Edition Economy/ Food/ 37
WOULD
continued from page 35

scholar at AEI. content-only/faq.php

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Trash is Cash (and the economic madness that proves it)

noreply@blogger.com (Michael white trucks to pick them up. which has a large city contract to But on most nights, the officers that contract to to the lowest
Shedlock) (Mish's Global The sheer magnitude of the thefts recycle the hundreds of thousands move through the city qualified bidder.
Economic Trend Analysis) — 11,528 appliances, to be of tons of metal, glass and plastic neighborhoods in small teams, The city's response is economic
Submitted at 12/14/2010 10:07:00 PM precise — over a relatively brief generated each year by New working in plain clothes and madness.
The saying used to be "cash is period suggests to some in city Yorkers, including bulk metal, unmarked cars, circling block Mike "Mish" Shedlock
trash". Now, with 15 million government and the recycling like appliances. after block in the areas they know h t t p : / /
u n e m p l o y e d w i l l i n g t o d o industry that a more organized In response, the officers have provide good hunting for their globaleconomicanalysis.blogspot.
anything for a buck, the correct enterprise may be at work as well. stepped up their enforcement, targets, lying in wait and then com
wording is "trash is cash". Deepening the mystery, these Inspector D’Angelo said, and pouncing, with lights and sirens, Click Here To
In fact, trash is so much cash that were neither the latest Sub Zero while the theft of curbside when they see someone remove S c r o l l
New York City is ticketing and behemoths, sleek Bosch nor recyclables warrants only a material from curbside, which Thru My Recent Post
impounding the vehicles of stylish retro Smeg refrigerators. summons, the sanitation officers under law belongs to the city. List Mike "Mish" Shedlock is a
unauthorized persons hauling They were garbage, quite literally impound the vehicles and their Notice the insanity of it all. How registered investment advisor
away discarded trash left in — discarded appliances left at the cargo — frequently a jumbled much does it cost to keep teams of representative for SitkaPacific
driveways. curb for pickup by the Sanitation load of refrigerators, air- undercover police in plain clothes Capital Management. Sitka
Please consider Big Appliances Department. conditioners, Venetian blinds, and unmarked cars working round Pacific is an asset management
Set Out as Trash Are Vanishing, And while the value of one office partitions and stoves. the clock to prevent the "theft" of firm whose goal is strong
Puzzling City discarded appliance may seem This year through Dec. 1, the task items people are throwing away? performance and low volatility,
Over the last several months, marginal at best, in the scrap force has seized more than 270 The first thing to do is rework the regardless of market direction.
22,741 New Yorkers contacted industry, the fluctuations of vehicles, according to records trash collection contract so that Visit http://www.sitkapacific.com
t h e c i t y ’ s D e p a r t m e n t o f commodity prices and volume add provided by the department. But the city is not responsible for /account_management.html to
Sanitation and arranged for the up to real money. the small force does not have the protecting discarded trash. The learn more about wealth
pickup of refrigerators, air- Indeed, the big loser in what resources either to track the second thing to do is fire a bunch management and capital
conditioners and freezers. In more might be called New York’s thieves to the scrapyards where of clearly unneeded trash preservation strategies of Sitka
t h a n 1 1 , 0 0 0 i n s t a n c e s , t h e Appliances Caper appears to be a they sell their haul or to determine protection police. The third thing Pacific.
machines vanished before m u l t i n a t i o n a l r e c y c l i n g whether there are connections to do is to put city garbage
sanitation workers arrived in their conglomerate, a subsidiary of among any of the people. collection out for bid, and grant

Hostess Gifts
(Cooking Light: Editor's Picks)
Whether a birthday party, holiday
gathering, or Thanksgiving
extravaganza—every hostess
deserves a little token of gratitude.
Not to mention, it is a sure fire
way to keep your name on the
guest list for years to come. Next
Beekman 1802 After the Garden
Goat Milk Soap
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38 Economy/
PIGS Exposure Table, Explaining the Panic by Numbers; Credit
Warning in Spain, Belguim; Piecemeal Proposals Doomed
noreply@blogger.com (Michael
Shedlock) (Mish's Global
Economic Trend Analysis)
Submitted at 12/15/2010 5:27:00 AM
To explain the ECB's panic over
Spain, all one needs to do is look
at this "exposure table" from the
recently published BIS Quarterly
Review. I highlighted areas of
interest.
click on chart for sharper image
Exposure to Spain
Germany - $216.6 billion
France - $201.3 billion
Great Britain - $136.5 billion
US - $172.8 billion
Exposure to Ireland
Germany - $186.4 billion
France - $77.3 billion
Great Britain - $187.5 billion
US - $108.3 billion
Spain - $17.7 billion
Exposure to Portugal
Germany - $44.3 billion
France - $48.5 billion
US - $35.6 billion
Spain - $98.3 billion
Exposure to Greece
Germany - $65.4 billion
France - $83.1 billion
US - $36.2 billion
Note that Spain which itself
needs to be bailed out, has a $98.3
billion exposure to Portugal
(which will probably need to be
bailed out next), as well as a
$17.7 billion exposure to Ireland
(bailout underway).
Spain and Ireland are the big
boys here, but the whole thing is a
mess. The table does explain the
panic at the ECB and EU to
contain this mess. However, it is
simply too late. The only question
is how long will it take before this
blows sky high?
S&P Warns on Belgium
Within months (if not much
sooner) we may need to add
Belgium to to the table. Please
note the S&P gives Belgium
credit rating warning amid
political uncertainty
S&P lowered Belgium's outlook
to "negative" from "stable",
because ongoing political
instability is hampering efforts to
bring the country's deficit under
control. Unless the situation is
resolved, S&P is likely to cut its
rating on Belgium's long-term
debt by one notch by June 2011.
Belgium has been without a
government since April when its
ruling coalition collapsed. A
general election was held two
months later, but Belgium's
political parties are still trying to
form a government. The country
has struggled over the past few
months to reach agreements on
fiscal policy, social security,
health care and labour market
regulation.
Belgium is currently running a
total debt-to-GDP level of about
100%, and its annual deficit is
likely to hit around 4.8% of GDP
this year. The financial markets
have been fretting about
Belgium's ability to cut its deficit
for several weeks. In late
November the cost of insuring its
debt against default hit a record
E-reader News Edition
countries which are experiencing
a lack of liquidity due to the
excessive lack of confidence
shown by markets, the newspaper
said. Game of Cat and Mouse
The IMF wants the EU to
increase the size of the bailout
fund, as if it would matter. It
wouldn't. The situation is hopeless
unless and until the ECB and EU
agree to do the one thing that
needs to be done - take haircuts
on senior debt.
Hoping to stave off the
inevitable, the ECB Plays Cat and
Mouse Over the Euro
On one side is the European
h i g h . S p a i n o n R e v i e w b y Moody’s review will therefore Central Bank, which is spending
Moody's most likely conclude that Spain’s billions to prop up Europe’s weak
While singing a song and dance rating will remain in the Aa - k n e e d b o n d m a r k e t s a n d
about the strength of Spain that range.” How's that for a wishy- safeguard the common currency.
nobody in their right mind w a s h y s t a t e m e n t p r o b a b l y On the other side are hedge funds
believes, simultaneously Moody’s intended to calm nerves but likely and big financial institutions that
puts Spain’s Debt Rating on had the opposite effect. are betting against those same
Review. Moody’s Investors Spain Pleads for More Flexibility bonds and, by extension, against
Service put Spain’s Aa1 debt Spanish Prime Minister Jose Luis the central bank, that mighty
rating on review for a possible R o d r i g u e z Z a p a t e r o w h o symbol of Europe’s monetary
downgrade on concern over the absolutely insists Spain is not in union.
country’s funding needs, debt any trouble and will be able to The strains grew Tuesday, when
level and control over public meet its budget cutting austerity European finance ministers made
finances. goals, nonetheless Asks EU to be n o p l e d g e t o i n c r e a s e t h e
“Moody’s believes that the above- More Flexible With Rescue Fund emergency fund that the European
mentioned downside risks warrant Spanish Prime Minister Jose Luis Union has put in place to help
putting Spain’s rating under Rodriguez Zapatero will ask the protect the euro. The head of the
review for downgrade,” Kathrin European Union to be more International Monetary Fund,
Muehlbronner, an analyst at flexible with the use of the meantime, urged Europe to take
Moody’s, said in the report. region’s bailout fund, ABC b r o a d e r a c t i o n t o f e n d o f f
“Moody’s also wants to stress that reported without citing anyone. s p e c u l a t o r s .
it continues to view Spain as a Zapatero will request that the “The game now is one now of cat
much stronger credit than other fund be used spontaneously to and mouse,” said Mohamed A. El
stressed euro zone countries. give lines of credit to member PIGS page 39
E-reader News Edition
PIGS
continued from page 38
-Erian, chief executive of the
bond giant Pimco.
Already, the central bank owns
about 17 percent of the combined
debt of Greece, Ireland and
Portugal, Goldman Sachs
estimates. Yet in the bank’s mano
a mano with the bond market,
psychology could be more
important than money. No single
hedge fund, after all, can hope to
outgun the central bank. What's
the ECB going to do? Buy it all?
Then what?
Taking a Bite out of Bondholders
Inquiring minds are reading
Taking A Bite Out Of
Bondholders by Tracy Alloway at
Index Universe.
“The great tragedy of the 2008/9
banking debacle was, despite the
presence of more than sufficient
capital, that the taxpayer was
placed involuntarily into the
capital structure, between
bondholders and equity holders,
to shield the bondholders from
losses that they should have
suffered,” said Paul Marson, of
Lombard Odier private banking.
What regulators and governments
are now seeking to do is to take
the public element out of
financial crises and make sure that
big financial losses take a fair
chunk out of private investors –
and specifically bondholders.
Burden-sharing, as it’s now
known now, would entail forcing
debt investors to take haircuts on
their investment, while bail-ins
would enable regulators to
compulsorily convert bonds into
shares.
To understand the shift taking
place, it helps to imagine banks’
current capital order as something
like a cake. Shareholders sit at the
bottom and are most likely to take
losses in a crisis. Junior debt
investors sit in the middle, while
senior debt investors occupy top
position. Senior investors have
traditionally been the last to bear
losses should the bank fail,
usually ranking equal with
depositors under law. Marson
estimates that, as of June 2010,
Europe’s financial system had
some US$13.8 trillion worth of
bonds and just US$2 trillion
worth of equity. Shifting losses
onto the debt, rather than just the
equity portion of banks’ capital
structure would therefore provide
a significant cushion should a
bank fail.
Part of Ireland’s bailout entails
the creation of a European
Stability Mechanism, at the behest
of German Chancellor Angela
Merkel. This would allow
European governments to force
haircuts or change the terms on
bonds after 2013.
Burden-sharing aside –
momentum for bail-ins seems to
be gaining pace.
In an August consultation paper,
the Basel Committee on Banking
Supervision outlined the idea of
requiring bank debt to be written-
off and converted into equity
before any government-sponsored
bailout could take place.“A write-
off can be viewed as a transfer of
wealth from the [debt] instrument
holder to the common
shareholders,” the committee
wrote, which suggests a whole
new world for bank credit, and for
the indices which track the sector.
Specifically, bond investors will
suddenly be exposed to plenty of
downside risk in a crisis, while
shareholders might suddenly find
an added layer of protection.
The new bank capital structure
cake is looking decidedly of the
‘upside down’ variety. The 2013
Delayed-Haircut Non-solution
German Chancellor Angela
Merkel pushed for a compromise
that would allow haircuts for debt
issued after 2013. She is correct in
the need for haircuts, but the idea
this mess can be delayed until
2013 is clearly flawed.
Even if by some miracle things
could be contained until 2013,
who would buy any troubled debt
going forward? And who would
not scramble to buy debt of the
doggiest countries now if the ECB
was silly enough to guarantee it?
Merkel abandoned the idea after
ECB president Jean-Claude
Trichet warned her not to
"unsettle bondholders".
For more on the infighting
between Angela Merkel and Jean-
Claude Trichet please see
Barbershops Open in 2013,
Market Screams for Haircuts
Today; European Crisis Spreads
to Core as Belgian Bond Yields
Surge; Another "Stress Test"
Scam
The E-Bond Non-Solution
For a look at Jean-Claude
Juncker's plan to spread the pain
by floating European-Wide E-
Bonds, a plan trashed by both
Germany and France, please see
France Joins Germany to Nix
Junker's Junk Bond Proposal to
Save the Euro.
Search for the Free Lunch
Continues
With plans proposed and
scrapped left and right, eventually
the market will take matters into
its own hands. The signal will be
a sudden, steep, widening of
credit spreads in Ireland, Portugal,
and Spain.
Given that the current EU plan is
best describes as "hoping the
problem goes away", I suspect
that will happen sooner rather
than later.
Humorous Flashback
Flashback December 21, 2009:
ECB Member Says No Bailouts
The European Central Bank won't
bail out debt-stricken member
states such as Greece, which must
repair its public finances on its
own, ECB governing council
member Ewald Nowotny said.
"One has to be very clear: The
ECB has no mandate or intention
to take into account the situation
of a specific country, especially
not with regard to public
finances," he said in an interview
late Friday. Please keep
statements like that in mind when
you hear foolish talk from Trichet
and Noyer that there will not be
haircuts on senior bonds.
Here is the precise quote to
bookmark: "As far as I'm
concerned, I exclude that there
will be haircuts in the future" said
Christian Noyer governor of the
Bank of France.
Anecdotes From Spain
My friend Bran send me links
from Spain every day, this
39
morning he writes ...
Hello Mish,
If you haven't noticed, I am
getting a little fed up with EU
planning, central planning in
general. All I see is large amounts
of money being passed around
with interest, interest, and more
interest which cannot possibly be
paid back.
I don't see anything sensible
being arranged, just the usual
unrealistic power grabs that are an
insult to everyone. I don't think
this will go down well overall. At
some point people will turn and
tell those trying to impose their
will, to go home.
10-year Spanish bonds are at
5.6% this morning and the stock
market is down nearly 2%. Eyes
are the 10-year auction tomorrow.
The EU has pulled every trick out
of its hat for now, the only thing
left is more ECB bond purchases
which are strained already.
All the best, Bran. Piecemeal
Proposals Doomed
Writers Frank-Walter Steinmeier
and Peer Steinbrück for the
Financial Times suggest
Germany must lead fightback
The time for stumbling through
the euro crisis is over. Piecemeal
approaches and wait-and-see
attitudes are endangering
European integration. We now
need a more radical, targeted
effort to end the current
uncertainty, and provide stronger
support for the future of Europe’s
common institutions. This must
also protect the European Central
PIGS page 40
40 Economy/ Culture/
Bloodbath in Muni Bond Funds; Reasons for the
Muni Selloff; Will it Continue?
noreply@blogger.com (Michael
Shedlock) (Mish's Global
Economic Trend Analysis)
Submitted at 12/14/2010 3:00:00 PM
Inquiring minds are watching a
huge selloff in Municipal Bond
Funds. Here are a few charts.
NPI Nuveen Premium Income
Municipal Fund
NPP Nuveen Perform Plus
Municipal Fund
NPP Nuveen Municipal
Advantage Fund
NPP Nuveen Municipal Market
Opportunity Fund
NQI Nuveen Insured Quality
Opportunity Fund
NQS Nuveen Select Quality
Municipal Fund
NPF Nuveen Premier Municipal
Income Fund
NZX Nuveen Georgia Dividend
Advantage Municipal Fund
NIO Nuveen Insured Municipal
Opportunity Fund
NPI Nuveen Premium Insured
Municipal Fund
A tip of the hat to reader "Captain
America" for all the symbols.
My first thought is good grief,
how many freakin' muni funds
does one need? Nuveen offers at
least 10 different ways to invest in
munis. That is just Nuveen. Is
there a bubble in the number of
muni funds?
Reasons for the Muni Selloff
1. Unwinding of the "sure-thing"
Quantitative Easing trade
2. Selloff in bonds in general
because of budget and inflation
concerns
3. End of the Build America
Bond program (BABs)
4. Increasing default risk
Of the above reasons, 3 and 4 are
the most important on
intermediate and ongoing basis.
BABs was excluded from
Obama's compromise tax
proposal. Hopefully it stays that
way. I discussed why in Time to
Kill Build America Bonds
(BABs)
The short version is "Taxpayers
are already on the hook for
hundreds of billions of dollars of
Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac
debt. We should not extend the
insanity to government guarantees
of municipal bonds"
However, now that the
government guarantee is gone,
yields are poised to rise,
especially with increased default
risk rising.
Here are several examples of
rising default risk:
• Detroit Mayor Plans to Halt
Garbage Pickup, Police Patrols in
20% of City; Expect Bankruptcy,
Massive Municipal Bond Turmoil
in 2011
• Miami Commissioner Says
Bankruptcy is City's Best Hope;
Chris Christie Says New Jersey
Careens Towards Becoming
Greece
• Oakland California Bankrupt -
Councilwoman Pat Kernighan
Calls Rest of Council "Crazy and
Irresponsible"
• L.A. Controller Says City
Could Run Out of Cash by May 5
• Chicago's Mayor Daley
Discusses Bankruptcy For City
Pensions
All it takes is one brave
municipality to lead the way and
others will follow. When that
happens, the baby will likely be
thrown out with then bathwater.
There is no reason to like Munis
here.
By the way, bankruptcies are a
very deflationary event.
Mike "Mish" Shedlock
h t t p : / /
globaleconomicanalysis.blogspot.
com
Click Here To
S c r o l l
Thru My Recent Post
List Mike "Mish" Shedlock is a
registered investment advisor
representative for SitkaPacific
Capital Management. Sitka
Pacific is an asset management
firm whose goal is strong
performance and low volatility,
regardless of market direction.
Visit http://www.sitkapacific.com
/account_management.html to
learn more about wealth
management and capital
preservation strategies of Sitka
Pacific.
E-reader News Edition
How to Use Gmail as
Your Central, Universal
Communications Hub
[How To]
Whitson Gordon (Lifehacker)
Submitted at 12/15/2010 9:00:00 AM
All your communication is split
between multiple services and
inboxes—between your phone
and your computer. Here's how to
turn Gmail into the central hub of
all your SMS messages, phone
calls, instant messages, voicemail,
and more. More »
PIGS
continued from page 39
Bank from becoming Europe’s
“bad bank”, and ensuring its
credibility and independence in
guarding a strong euro.
The required solution is a
combination of a haircut for debt
holders, debt guarantees for
stable countries and the limited
introduction of European-wide
bonds in the medium term,
accompanied by more aligned
fiscal policies. These measures
would only work together; none
alone would restore stability.
For example, we need a haircut
PIGS page 41
E-reader News Edition
PIGS
continued from page 40
for holders of Greek, Irish, and
Portuguese debt. But we also must
ensure that solvent member
states, such as Spain and Italy, are
not drawn into the downward
spiral of financial speculation. We
therefore must simultaneously
guarantee the entire outstanding
eurozone debt of stable countries,
backed by an enhanced rescue
fund. Here, eurobonds would send
the message that Europe is strong,
united and willing to deal jointly
with whatever -critical market
situation emerges. But these
bonds should only be launched
with co-ordinated fiscal policies
ensuring common minimum
standards.
How would these three measures
work? First, Greece, Ireland and
Portugal urgently need to be
released from a substantial part of
their debt. Painful spending cuts
and structural reforms alone – of
an extent unheard of in modern
economic history – will not allow
them to escape their debt trap. In
the interest of all of Europe, we
need to restructure their debt.
Frank-Walter Steinmeier and Peer
Steinbrück were respectively
German foreign minister and
German minister of finance
between 2005 and 2009.
There are many more details in
the article regarding what the
plan entails. Inquiring minds will
give the article a closer look.
Doing Nothing Won't Work
Whether or not the plan would
work is debatable. However,
bickering while doing nothing
cannot possibly work. Nor can
any proposed solution that does
not include significant haircuts on
senior bonds.
Unfortunately Chancellor
Angela Merkel backed off her
proposal to impose haircuts, and
Germany and France both oppose
E-Bonds. Of course Trichet and
Noyer both insist "no haircuts"
Arguably, Steinmeier and
Steinbrück have taken the best
parts of three failed plans and
combined them into one package.
Will anyone go for it?
Assuming they do, please go
back to that table at the top,
noting the banks exposed to the
PIGS. Assuming they don't please
do the same thing.
One way or another, sooner or
later, banks with PIGS exposure
will take a hit. It may (or may not)
be somewhat-orderly if the EU
agrees on and carries out the
Steinmeier-Steinbrück plan in a
timely manner. It is 100%
guaranteed to be disorderly, if the
market gets tired or waiting and
imposes its own solution.
Mike "Mish" Shedlock
h t t p : / /
globaleconomicanalysis.blogspot.
com
Click Here To
S c r o l l
Thru My Recent Post
List Mike "Mish" Shedlock is a
registered investment advisor
representative for SitkaPacific
Capital Management. Sitka
Pacific is an asset management
firm whose goal is strong
performance and low volatility,
regardless of market direction.
Visit http://www.sitkapacific.com
/account_management.html to
learn more about wealth
management and capital
preservation strategies of Sitka
Pacific.
TV/ 41
Year-End Podcast Party: Top 10
Lists, Golden Globes and Jay
Harrington of 'Better Off Ted'
Maureen Ryan (TV Squad)
Submitted at 12/15/2010 6:15:00 AM
Filed under: Reality-Free, Stay
Tuned We have two 'Talking TV
with Ryan and Ryan' podcasts for
your listening pleasure this week.
* In Podcast 1, actor Jay
Harrington, who played the title
character in the late, lamented
'Better Off Ted,' joined us to talk
about his memories of the ABC
show. It's really a shame when a
network cancels a show as
creative and brilliant as 'Better
Off Ted' (which landed in Ryan
McGee's Top 10 list and mine as
well), but in our 33-minute about the Golden Globes
Veridian Dynamics-approved nominations(we discussed what
therapy session podcast, we we liked, what we didn't and what
recalled what made the show purpose the awards serve -- and
special and reminded ourselves yes, there is one, in my view). But
that it's still out there for future for the majority of the podcast, we
fans to enjoy (via DVD or Netflix talked about a number of shows
streaming). Three ways to find the from our year-end Top 10 lists. A
Jay podcast: Subscribe here, grab detailed breakdown of the podcast
the MP3 or listen here, or check it is below.
out on this site. Permalink| Email this| Linking
* Ryan has dubbed Podcast 2 'The Blogs| Comments
Piper Perabo Power Hour.' That's
your clue that we gabbed for a bit

MTV Announces New 'Teen Mom' Cast

Jean Bentley (TV Squad)
Submitted at 12/15/2010 5:30:00 AM
Filed under: TV News We'll see
some familiar faces when MTV's
'Teen Mom' returns on Jan. 11 --
just not the ones we're used to.
According to Entertainment
Weekly, the network has chosen
four new moms to appear in the
newest season of its popular '16
and Pregnant' spinoff.
Camera crews will follow
Chelsea, Jenelle, Leah and
Kailyn, who all appeared on '16
and Pregnant' season 2, as they
adjust to their new lives as
mothers. The first four teen moms
-- Farrah, Maci, Amber and
Catelynn -- have continued
filming for the show and will
appear in a later season.
Permalink| Email this| Linking
Blogs| Comments
42 Culture/ E-reader News Edition

Dec. 15, 2001: Leaning Tower of Pisa Gets New Angle

Randy Alfred (Wired Top heavier objects fall faster than approximates what it had three
Stories) lighter ones. That account is centuries ago, and engineers say it
Submitted at 12/15/2010 6:00:00 AM found nowhere in Galileo’s won’t need another overhaul for a
extensive writings, appearing first few hundred more years.
2001: Italy’s Leaning Tower of in an effusive, posthumous Source: Various
Pisa reopens its doors to tourists biography.) Top Photo: Pisa’s tourist-magnet
after a $27 million effort to keep Excavation work nearby in the Leaning Tower was in danger of
it from tilting so much it might late 1830s destabilized the tower’s leaning all the way over, until
fall over. base, and it began to lean a little some clever engineering
Construction began on the tower more every year. After a tower straightened it up a little.
in 1173. It’s the freestanding bell collapsed in Pavia in 1989, the Richard G. Pacheco/Courtesy
tower, or campanile, of the Italian government decided to Randy Alfred
c a t h e d r a l n e x t d o o r . T h e close the Leaning Tower to Bottom Photo: The Leaning
structures, along with a separate tourists and do something to Tower of Pisa stands at one end of
baptistery, make a sublime three- prevent its collapse. a grassy plaza, near the east end
part architectural composition that Someone proposed a scheme to of the cathedral for which it
would have become world- drill 10,000 holes in the tower to serves as the bell tower. The
famous even if the tower had not reduce its weight. (That could cathedral, in Romanesque style
developed its well-known tilt. have been disastrous, because with Moorish influences, was
But tilt it did, as the clay soil centuries of standing out of kilter built between 1063 and 1350. The
subsided beneath one side of the had already stressed some stone tower went up (and a bit
foundation. Construction was structural elements to the point of sideways) between 1173 and
halted in 1185, but resumed a half crumbling.) Another proposal was 1370.
-century later. to build an exact replica of the Richard G. Pacheco/Courtesy
Further delays caused by war and tower leaning against it from the Randy Alfred
civic upheavals probably kept the opposite direction to prop it up. This article first appeared on
tower from collapsing before it (Yeah, right.) Wired.com Dec. 15, 2008.
was finished. The interruptions Also considered was a plan to See Also:
allowed the underlying soil — take the tower apart stone by
with the “ consistency of jelly or stone and then rebuild it in a way • Photo: Gallery: Monumental
foam rubber” — to compact a that would keep it from toppling Upkeep Gives History a Helping
little. As the work continued over. Photographers documented Hand
sporadically, masons corrected a every detail of the structure, and • Dec. 15, 1827: Boston Schools
little for the tilt, resulting in a 6,400 of those shots are now Require Vaccination
tower that not only leans, but is available in a remarkable photo -foot steel cables were installed to temporary safety cables were • Jan. 15, 2001: Enter Wikipedia,
actually curved. tour now archived at the Internet hold the tower from any further removed. for Better and Worse
The tower was completed around Archive’s Wayback Machine. leaning. Then, 41 corkscrew drills Tourists now enter the tower only • Jan. 28, 2001: Hey, Don’t
1370, and there it stood, without In the end, authorities decided to angled under the north side to in guided groups of 40. The 35- Tampa With My Privacy
further problems for nearly half a try straightening the tower a bit by remove soil underneath the 800- minute tour costs 15 euros (about • March 24, 2001: Apple
millennium. (In the 17th century, getting the high side of the year-old foundation. $20). Unleashes Mac OS X
Galileo may or may not have foundation to sink a little. It took three years, but it worked. The cyclically varying pitch and • May 25, 2001: Towel Day
dropped a musket ball and a Construction workers placed 100 The tower settled toward the high roll of the 284-step spiral staircase Honors Hitchhiker Author Adams
cannonball from the tower to tons of lead weights on the lip of side, reducing its 6-degree tilt by make for a dizzying experience,
refute Aristotle’s theory that the north-side foundation, and 340 half a degree, and its 13-foot especially walking down. DEC. page 43
overhang by about 17 inches. The The tower’s tilt now
E-reader News Edition
Photographer Exposes Crime Scenes, With a Dash
of Chemistry
Pete Brook (Wired Top Stories)
Submitted at 12/15/2010 6:00:00 AM
The view is often unremarkable:
A gray, cinder-block apartment
building with a bright red awning,
perhaps, or a single-level
suburban home in yellow brick
with a double garage.
Photographer Angela Strassheim
has visited dozens of such
addresses, knocking at the door
and talking her way inside. The
people she encounters often have
no idea what’s gone on there
before she comes around.
Fascinated by crime scenes since
childhood, Strassheim uses
techniques usually reserved for
police forensics to unveil the
hidden residues of violent murder.
“As a child, when I would pass by
a house where a violent and
newsworthy death had recently
occurred, I would stand there,
close my eyes and try to imagine
what took place,” writes
Strassheim in her artist statement.
Evidence is the latest of her many
well-received portfolios dealing
with family, mortality and latent
menace. Strassheim was recently
DEC.
continued from page 42
• Sept. 11, 2001: The Day the
Earth Stood Still
• Oct. 23, 2001: Now Hear This
… The iPod Arrives
• Dec. 3, 2001: Segway Starts
Rolling
awarded the Women in
Photography Lightside Individual
Project Grant for her work.
To make her images, Strassheim
closes doors and curtains to
reduce light in the rooms and then
shoots long exposures of between
10 minutes and an hour. Using
color film is a necessity, because
the short-lived illumination of
blood residues can only be
captured on ISO 800 film. The
images are then converted to
black-and-white in digital post-
production.
“All around me I observe a
glowing trail of bloodshed as
swaths and constellations of light,
helping me put together the pieces
of a violent puzzle,” writes
Strassheim.
The bright spots in Strassheim’s
images are temporary
chemiluminescence reactions
between the chemical reagent
BlueStar and the heme molecule
of blood still present on the walls.
Applied as a fine mist, BlueStar
reveals blood patterns on surfaces
even after blood has been wiped
away. It’s invisible to the naked
eye under ordinary lighting
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conditions, but Strassheim
uncovers and documents the
morbid traces of violence for all
to see.
At more than 140 crimes scenes,
Strassheim has negotiated access
with new inhabitants of homes,
motels and apartments — many of
them unaware of the violent
histories. Some crimes were as
little as two months prior to her
visit, and in other cases the crime
occurred as far back as 18 years
ago. Strassheim’s color exterior
shots mimic “boring real-estate
photography” and carry deadpan
titles informing us of the weapons
used in each crime. “Costco
kitchen knives,” “Pitchfork” and
“12-gauge shotgun” spur the
imagination.
Is the glowing splatter really all
blood? Graham Jackson, visiting
professor of forensic science at
the University of Abertay in
Dundee, Scotland, isn’t so sure.
“One problem,” he says, “may be
the time delay between the crime
and Angela taking the
photographs. What we are seeing
in the photographs may not be
patterns that were left at the time
of the crime. I’m not convinced
that all the apparent fluorescence
is due to blood-staining. In fact,
some of the fluorescence looks
like extraneous light, and some of
the fluorescent patterns are
particularly weird if they are
indeed blood.”
It turns out that BlueStar reacts
with peroxidase activity, which is
not exclusive to blood. It’s
exhibited by other materials, such
as bleach and, according to
Jackson, horseradish sauce.
“These photographs are about
seeking out the truth,” says
Strassheim. “However, I am not
giving the stories to complete the
process of fully imagining the
event, so this body of work does
play on the imagination.”
All photos: Angela Strassheim
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Culture/ Sports/ 43
NFL Power
Rankings Week
15 Roundup
FanHouse Staff (FanHouse
Main)
Submitted at 12/15/2010 7:01:00 AM
Filed under: Chicago Bears,
Eagles, Atlanta Falcons, Jets,
Patriots, Ravens, Saints, Steelers,
NFL Power Rankings Some
people still aren't completely
convinced that the Patriots are the
best team in the league.
That's what we learned while
surfing the most prominent power
rankings heading into Week 15, as
one still has the Falcons up top.
Meanwhile, the Saints keep
winning -- now six in a row -- and
at 10-3 are rising. The Steelers,
too, are their typical tough selves
in the latter goings of the season.
Those two are fighting for the title
of third-best team in the league.
The Jets' second consecutive loss,
this time to the Dolphins, has
them falling out of top-fives
entirely. The Bears are slipping,
as well, after getting blown out at
home by the Patriots.
44 Politics-Left/
Toto, We’re Not in Cannes Anymore
Ruth Franklin (The New
Republic - All Feed)
Submitted at 12/14/2010 11:00:00 PM
Last week, I attended the
Marrakech Film Festival. I had
never been to a film festival
before, but the experience was in
some ways no different from what
I had imagined about Cannes or
Sundance, albeit with a somewhat
lower glamour quotient. The
opening gala, complete with red
carpet and paparazzi, was staged
in a swanky convention hall
surrounded by five-star hotels.
The requisite stars made
appearances: Jury chairman John
Malkovich spoke acceptable
French to his TV interviewer,
while Keanu Reeves, displaying
some alarming facial hair, didn’t
bother to try. Some of the stars
may have toned down their usual
style of dress in deference to their
Arab hosts (the festival was
sponsored by Morocco’s king,
Mohammed VI, whose patronage
was gratefully and frequently
invoked): Marion Cotillard
partially obscured her décolletage
with feathers, and Susan Sarandon
went so far as to wear long
sleeves. But Eva Mendes strutted
for the photographers on opening
night in a backless lavender gown,
and later appeared in an above-the
-knee strapless concoction.
The festival had an international
(if largely French) orientation, but
one of its goals was clearly to
highlight the indigenous
Moroccan film-making
community. Among the actors
and directors being celebrated was
the Moroccan film-maker
Mohamed Abderrahman Tazi,
whose work I wasn’t familiar
with. While other festival guests,
together with the stars on the jury,
were watching competition films
in a vast auditorium, I attended a
screening of Tazi’s 1989 film
Badis in a smaller hall downstairs,
sparsely filled with a mainly Arab
audience. This remarkable film
takes place in the year 1974 in the
fishing village of its title, located
on Morocco’s northern coast. The
village has only one distinction: It
was part of Morocco’s Spanish
colony, and the Spanish army
maintained a small base there,
evidenced mainly by the presence
of a single soldier tasked with
crossing the village each morning
to draw water from its well.
When the film begins, a
schoolteacher and his wife have
just arrived in the town from
Casablanca. Their big-city
sophistication immediately
contrasts with the villagers: Both
are dressed in Western-style
clothing, and the wife has an aura
of particular cultivation. The
teacher, we soon learn, suspects
his wife of infidelity and has
brought her to this remote
location as punishment. (Whether
she was actually unfaithful or not
is never clarified.) Here she won’t
be able to deceive him, he tells
her, because the entire village will
be keeping an eye on her. No
tenderness is evident between
these two: He speaks to her
gruffly and forbids her even to go
out for lunch in the local café,
while she sulks in response to his
orders.
Solace for the teacher’s wife
comes in the form of a local girl
named Moira, whose father, a
fisherman, rules her with a
similarly draconian hand. The two
have lived alone ever since
Moira’s mother, who was
Spanish, escaped back to her
native country, an act for which
the father continues to punish
their daughter. Moira, who
dresses up in her mother’s old
gowns and sings Spanish songs to
herself to escape the drudgery of
life as her father’s housemaid,
soon begins a flirtation with the
Spanish soldier at the well.
Meanwhile, she catches the eye of
the schoolteacher, who suggests
that his wife teach her how to read
and write as a stratagem for
getting her under his roof. It soon
becomes clear that the two
women are more interested in
pouring out their miserable hearts
to each other than in studying the
Koran. Together, they come up
with a plan to escape the village,
which they finally become
desperate enough to put into
action.
When the men awaken to
discover the women missing, the
entire village is mobilized to hunt
them down. Their escape route,
which runs along the beach, is
entirely exposed, and they are
brought back in a fishing boat.
Watching the men of the village
gather around the two women in a
circle on the beach, I ought to
have realized what was about to
happen, but somehow it did not
process. Not until the first stone
was raised did I understand. The
stoning of the women was staged
tastefully, without excessive gore,
but it was among the most
shocking things I have ever seen
on a movie screen. As the scene
ended and I sat back in my seat,
shaken, something even more
astonishing occurred. From the
audience around me there came a
smattering of applause.
Until that moment, really, I had
forgotten where I was. Seduced
by the glitz of the film festival, by
the charm and warmth of the
Moroccans I had met, by my
vision of Morocco as one of the
most free and open countries in
the Arab world, I had forgotten
that there is also a different reality
here. Engrossed in a beautiful,
sensitively made film about the
sufferings of two women under
the constraints imposed by male
society—a kind of Moroccan
Madame Bovary—I had somehow
failed to realize that the rest of the
audience might not interpret the
movie with the same sympathy
for the women involved as I did.
And which reading did the
director intend? Signals
throughout—the loving and gentle
portrayal of the two women, their
luscious beauty and their tender
treatment of each other, in
contrast to the unkindness and
brutality of the men—suggested
that Tazi, an accomplished
director, meant his film to be
sympathetic to the women and
E-reader News Edition
critical of the strictures of Islamic
law. (Another of his films, which
I saw a few days later and which
dealt with polygamy in a way that
was both humorous and gently
deprecatory to the husband,
reinforced this impression.) But a
companion suggested that parts of
the film might have been
deliberately ambiguous—not
necessarily because Tazi himself
believes that wayward women
ought to be stoned, but in
concession to a public for whom
that does not constitute an
atrocity, or a revelation.
When we read about stoning in
the American media, it is usually
in the context in which Bernard-
Henri Lévy presented it in his
recent TNR piece about Sakineh
Ashtiani, an Iranian woman
accused of adultery and murder
who is currently in custody
awaiting her execution. Stoning,
in the Western imagination, takes
place deep within the Muslim
world, in a country known for its
extremism, as a sentence handed
down by a court of shadowy
clerics—not in broad daylight on
a sunlit Mediterranean beach,
performed impromptu by a group
of villagers against two women
who were their neighbors.
Badis, a fictional film, was made
in 1989 and set a decade and a
half earlier; it cannot be
understood as a report on the
situation in Morocco today. And
this was one crowd, on one
evening, at one screening; and
TOTO, page 46
E-reader News Edition
Conservative Crosshairs
Ed Kilgore (The New Republic -
All Feed)
Submitted at 12/14/2010 11:00:00 PM
Republicans are poised to take
over the U.S. Senate in 2012. This
isn't contingent on a GOP
presidential win, or even a
particularly good campaign year,
but rather on the extremely tilted
Senate playing field created by
the 2006 Democratic landslide.
Yet, oddly, that is no comfort for
many sitting Republican senators,
who may face savage primary
challenges if they are even
perceived to slight the
conservative base. Those with
bulls-eyes on their backs presently
include Dick Lugar of Indiana,
Olympia Snowe of Maine, Orrin
Hatch of Utah, Kay Bailey
Hutchison of Texas, and John
Ensign of Nevada—exactly half
of the Republicans going before
voters in 2012.
As we saw with the Tea Party
revolt of 2010, this is hardly an
idle concern. Conservatives
successfully pushed Bob Bennett,
Mike Castle, Lisa Murkowski,
Arlen Specter, and Charlie Crist
out of the party or out of the
running—and forced “moderates”
such as John McCain and Mark
Kirk to flip-flop on issues like
climate change and tack hard-
right.
This year, the group of
endangered senators is quite
heterodox. Each can be said to
represent a different grievance
held by "true conservatives"
against the Republican
establishment:
The RINO: Olympia Snowe is
the only genuine ideological
turncoat here. She’s pro-choice,
and at least somewhat supportive
of gay-rights. She also broke with
conservatives to bargain with the
Obama administration on the
economic stimulus legislation and
then voted for it. There is zero
question that conservatives,
nationally and in her own state,
would love to take her out. But do
they have the power to do so? A
September 2010 Public Policy
Polling survey showed Maine
Republicans would prefer a more
conservative senator by a 63-29
margin, yet no one has yet
identified a viable challenger.
Snowe has also gained some
protection on her right flank, by
picking up an early re-election
endorsement from Governor Paul
LePage, who is close to Maine’s
Tea Partiers but is also an old
friend of Snowe’s family.
The Mandarin: Richard Lugar of
Indiana has never been a favorite
of conservatives, but in recent
months, he’s really gone out of
his way to invite a 2012 primary
challenge—by refusing to sign
onto an earmark ban; supporting
the DREAM Act; and publicly
suggesting that the GOP is
moving too far to the right. The
main reason conservatives would
like his head on a pike, though, is
that he is the last of the
Republican foreign policy
mandarins in the Senate. His
championing of the new START
treaty makes him a major enabler
of the Obama administration in
the eyes of both the
neoconservative and Tea Party
factions; and it may well be that
the ghost of Jesse Helms returns
to torment him. Already, Lugar
has almost certainly drawn a 2012
primary opponent in State Senator
Mike Delph. This year,
conservatives understand they
must unite around a single right-
wing challenger, since divided
opposition allowed another
Indiana candidate—Senator Dan
Coats—to sail past Tea Party
opposition in 2010.
The Democrat-Lover: Utah’s
Orrin Hatch was considered a
right-wing zealot when he came
to the Senate in 1976. Six terms
later, conservatives tend to think
of Hatch as a Fifth Columnist
always ready to sell out "The
Cause" if it means a chance to co-
sponsor legislation with leading
Democrats (his history of
collaboration with Ted Kennedy
remains a major sore point). Since
it’s a taste for bipartisanship that
sank Hatch’s Utah colleague Bob
Bennett earlier this year, he has
reason to worry, particularly
given his state’s convention-based
nominating process, which gives
conservative activists
extraordinary power (a poll of
delegates to the April 2010 state
convention that dumped Bennett
showed only 19 percent favoring
a seventh term for Hatch). Hatch
is also pushing 80 years old, and
could face an especially tough
challenge from Congressman
Jason Chaffetz. But unlike the rest
of the names on the bulls-eye list,
Hatch may still be able to defend
himself by drawing upon his old,
semi-dormant relationship with
Utah's hard right.
The Tea Party Crasher: Texas’s
Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison has
been twisting in the political wind
since the end of her disastrous
primary challenge to Governor
Rick Perry. Never popular with
serious conservatives, and an
outright enemy to the social
conservatives who deplore her
stubborn defense of legalized
abortion, Hutchison chose the
worst year imaginable to take on
Perry, who fit easily into the mold
of a Tea Party hero. She vacillated
on whether she would give up her
Senate seat to enter the
gubernatorial race, which
endeared her to no one, and then
ran a bad campaign and lost. The
biggest question is whether she
decides to run again after a two-
year hiatus; one possible
challenger, Texas Railroad
Commissioner Michael Williams,
is a conservative favorite
and—incidentally—African
American.
The Sinner: John Ensign seemed
well on his way to national
conservative stardom, and
possibly a presidential bid, when
his world blew up with disclosure
of a lurid and tangled series of
misdeeds including an
extramarital affair with a staff
member, the payment of hush
money, and potential violations of
ethics rules and criminal statutes.
Now that it appears Ensign will
Politics-Left/ 45
escape a trip to the hoosegow,
he’s making noises about running
for another term. But he doesn’t
have the kind of standing—or for
that matter, the money—to chase
off primary challengers, who
might include Congressman Dean
Heller.
So the question is: What would
be the implications of these
primary challenges for the general
election? In Maine, obviously,
any Republican other than
Olympia Snowe might easily lose.
Nevada is expected to be a very
competitive state, up and down
the ballot, in 2012; and
Democratic Congresswoman
Shelley Berkely could make a
Senate run. Indiana is a
conservative state, but it did go
for Obama in 2012 and it might
be a problematic place to run a
hard-right candidate. In Texas, if
Hutchison loses her primary to a
little-known conservative, or
limps wounded into the general
election, a challenge by Democrat
John Sharp, a longtime statewide
officeholder, might have a shot at
succeeding. And in Utah,
Congressman Jim Matheson could
be competitive against Hatch or a
more conservative youngster.
In other words, there is a
substantial upside for Democrats
if and when these challenges
emerge. But the only sure thing is
that the GOP Senate caucus will
likely come out of 2012 more
conservative than it came in, and
that’s saying a lot. It could mark
CONSERVATIVE page 46
46 TV/
TOTO,
continued from page 44
need it even be said that applause
is not the same as stoning itself?
But, as the lights went up in the
theater and the men and women
around me calmly gathered their
belongings, I could not help but
remember that in an Arab
country—as Mona El-Naggar
demonstrated last week in a New
York Times piece on the Miss
Arab World beauty
pageant—liberation, at least for
women, inevitably comes with
limits. The glitz, the red carpet,
CONSERVATIVE
continued from page 45
the year when the phrase
“moderate Republican” is retired
for good.
For more TNR, become a fan on
Facebook and follow us on
Twitter.
What Movies Are You Watching? Tell Your Friends with "I'll
Watch"
TV Guide News (TVGuide.com:
Breaking News)
Submitted at 12/15/2010 11:23:00 AM
The Twilight Saga: Eclipse:
Want to tell your friends what
movies you're watching? You can
do it with the click of a button on
TVGuide.com.
and the celebrities might have
been the same, but the atmosphere
in the theater that night felt very
far from Cannes or Sundance.
Ruth Franklin is a senior editor
for The New Republic.
For more TNR, become a fan on
Facebook and follow us on
Twitter.
Just like with our TV check-in,
you can click the "I'll Watch"
buttons featured on more than
40,000 movie fan pages to share
with your friends on Facebook
which flicks you're going to
watch. You can also see when a
movie is on TV, on DVD, on pages, which include news,
demand or online on our fan
E-reader News Edition
Mad for Versace: January Jones Goes
Nude in New Ads
Joyce Eng (TVGuide.com:
Breaking News)
Submitted at 12/15/2010 10:51:00 AM
January Jones
January Jones is mad for
accessories — but apparently not
clothes.
The Mad Men star poses nude —
save for a pair of sunglasses, heels
and strategically placed handbags
— as part of the ad campaign for
Versace's spring/summer 2011
collection.
Check out photos of January
Jones the next Versace blonde... and in Full-Text RSS service — if this is
The black-and-white photos were January I feel I have found a your content and you're reading it
shot in London by celebrity perfect Versace woman for the on someone else's site, please read
photographer Mario Testino, who 21st century," Donatella Versace our FAQ page at fivefilters.org/
recently snapped Prince Williams told Women's Wear Daily. "She is content-only/faq.php
and Kate Middleton's engagement chic and elegant but deeply Five Filters featured site: So,
pictures. Jones also sports a sensual too." Why is Wikileaks a Good Thing
voluminous '60s 'do as an homage Do you like the shots? What Again?.
to the AMC period drama. would Betty Draper have to say
Get the rest of today's news about them?
"I am always on the lookout for This entry passed through the
reviews, photos and trailers. Full-Text RSS service — if this is
The most popular movie fan your content and you're reading it
pages currently include the Harry on someone else's site, please read
Potter and Twilight franchises, as our FAQ page at fivefilters.org/
well as cult classics like The content-only/faq.php
Graduate and Dirty Dancing. Five Filters featured site: So,
Which movies will join them Why is Wikileaks a Good Thing
next? Again?.
This entry passed through the
E-reader News Edition TV/ 47

Biggest Loser Winner Discusses His Weight Loss and Hardest

Days on the Ranch
Carita Rizzo (TVGuide.com: checking with each other. "What's opportunity — but I'm still going away from a brand new car for me
Breaking News) working for you? What's working to keep my boundaries and know to get that. That means a lot to me
Submitted at 12/15/2010 11:02:00 AM for me? What foods are you what got me to 400 lbs and what and is something I would never
eating?" This was not so much of got me to 220 where I am now. forget.
Patrick House a competition as two friends I'm going to stick with 220. TV Guide Magazine: If I'd told
After a season of intense game working towards the same goal. TV Guide Magazine: What was you six months ago what I know
playing the December 14 finale of And we really helped each other the hardest challenge? now, what would you have
The Biggest Loser came down to out. We'll be friends for life. House: The hardest challenge for thought?
a battle between 28-year-old TV Guide Magazine: So what if me was being at home. It's tough House: It would have been really
Patrick House and his closest it had swung the other way? eating at home. And the Biggest hard to believe. I knew going in
friend on the ranch, 43-year-old House: Oh, had it gone the other Loser meal plan really helped me that I could do it, and Bob told
Alfredo "Frado" Dinten. With an way, I'd be just as excited for out. To have portion control and me, day one, that I had what it
impressive loss of 181 lbs, House, Frado as he was for me. When I the food already separated out and takes to win. But at 400 lbs it's so
who started out at 400 lbs, nabbed got to talk to him right there at the know exactly what I'm eating and hard to see the confetti and see the
the Season 10 victory by losing end, he told me how excited he putting in my body. That helped finished product.
just 1 percent more body weight was for me. Had he won and I'd me on days when I was really TV Guide Magazine: When did
than his competition, and claimed been in his shoes, it would have tired and didn't feel like weighing you start to visualize that?
the $250,000 prize. Just moments b e e n t h e s a m e f e e l i n g s out food and all that. House: I started to see it about
after he stepped off the giant scale r e c i p r o c a t e d . Academy. It's a boarding school TV Guide Magazine: Did you get halfway through. I could see the
one last time, we spoke to the no- TV Guide Magazine: But that where they focus on overweight enough for the whole family or do picture of me on the scale with the
l o n g e r - u n e m p l o y e d s a l e s victory must feel good. teens. We work on helping them they watch you eat this meal confetti coming down, and that
representative from Vicksburg, House: The money feels great. overcome their weight issues. while they're eating something excitement kept me fuelled,
M i s s i s s i p p i , w h o b e y o n d 2010 was a rough year for me; TV Guide Magazine: So you're else? especially when I got home.
reclaiming his health now feels losing my job in January and going to move? House: I had it for me, but I That's what got me up in the
like he has reclaimed the rest of having to borrow money from my House: We're going to move and would share it with the family morning. I wanted the confetti
his life as well. family and friends just to make it it's such a great opportunity. It because there were nights when I raining down and I got it.
TV Guide Magazine: Was there through this year. So winning this will be my chance to really pay it would cook fish and vegetables Subscribe to TV Guide Magazine
any point when you though the money not only means that I can forward. Childhood obesity is and I would have extra left over, now!
victory was in the bag? pay them back, but it's going to be such a major, major problem in so it worked out great. It was This entry passed through the
House: I never was completely putting my family back on its feet America and I'm going to be on fantastic. Full-Text RSS service — if this is
confident I had it in the bag. I and moving forward in our life. the forefront of that, helping these TV Guide Magazine: Of the your content and you're reading it
knew I worked hard. Still, I had TV Guide Magazine: What are kids out. physical challenges you did on the on someone else's site, please read
no idea until I got on the scale and you going to do with the money? I TV Guide Magazine: How would ranch was there one that was our FAQ page at fivefilters.org/
saw the number that I was going assume there will be some left the old you have celebrated? particularly memorable? content-only/faq.php
to win. But man, what a night! after you pay your family back. House: The old me would have House: Definitely the challenge Five Filters featured site: So,
TV Guide Magazine: Did you House: Oh yes ma'am. There's celebrated with a huge cake or pie where I won the car. Having Why is Wikileaks a Good Thing
keep in touch with Frado while money left over and I've been so or something, and gone out to Brendan and Ada step up like that Again?.
you were at home? fortunate that I've been given an dinner and had wine and beer. I'm to help me out not only speaks of
House: Yeah, Frado and I got opportunity in January of 2011 to going to appreciate this victory. I their character but how quickly
really close during the show. We go to South Carolina and work at love this. It's a once in a lifetime we built relationships on that
talked every couple of days, a school called Mindstream show. Ada and Brendan stepped
48 TV/ Gaming/ E-reader News Edition

Rip Torn Admits

Breaking Into Bank With
a Gun
Catherine Lawson (TV Squad) Amazon deals: Assassin's
Submitted at 12/15/2010 4:54:00 AM Creed: Brotherhood,
Filed under: TV News GTA IV: Complete, more
Rip Torn has pleaded guilty to Justin McElroy (Joystiq)
breaking into a bank while drunk Submitted at 12/15/2010 12:00:00 PM
and carrying a loaded gun. Bet
Arthur would never have come up Generosity is a wonderful,
with that crazy idea on'The Larry uniquely human impulse, but no
Sanders Show.' You may matter what television and every
remember this news Christmas song would have you
Prosecutors say the Emmy- believe, it's also a finite resource.
What's On Tonight: 'Criminal winning Torn pleaded guilty to
several charges stemming from
Haven't you already done enough
for others this season? Haven't
Minds,' 'Hell's Kitchen,' the incident that happened earlier
this year: Reckless endangerment,
you earned a little something for
years of probation. Conditions of Big Poppa? Isn't it time you
'MythBusters,' 'Psych,' 'Top Chef' criminal trespass, criminal
mischief and the illegal carrying
the sentence include a ban on stopped referring to yourself as
possessing guns as well as "Big Poppa" unironically?
Rich Keller (TV Squad) NBC:'The Sing-Off'-- (120 of a firearm. He was arrested back random drug and alcohol tests. Why not treat yourself to some
Submitted at 12/15/2010 6:30:00 AM minutes) in January after police found him Permalink| Email this| Linking Amazon Lightning Deals today?
PBS:'Christmas With the inside a Bancorp branch in Blogs| Comments You can already find Gold Box
Filed under: TV Previews Here's Mormon Tabernacle Choir'-- Litchfield, Connecticut. deal Assassin's Creed:
tonight's lineup of new shows and Featuring guests Natalie Cole and Torn was given a two-and-half Brotherhood for $38 or Grand
events (all times Eastern). Check David McCullough year suspended sentence and three Theft Auto IV: Complete for $26,
y o u r l o c a l T V l i s t i n g s f o r ABC Family:'Disney Prep &
and more (find Thrifty Nerd's best
additional information. Landing' guesses after the jump) are being
* = Series/Season Premiere DIY:'Cool Tools'-- Two episodes teased for later in the day. Go on
** = Series/Season Finale G4:'American Ninja Warrior' ... you've earned it.
# = New Day/Time NatGeo:'Lockdown' Continue reading Amazon deals:
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Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood,
addition to the 'It's A Wonderful VH1:'Let's Spend the Night GTA IV: Complete, more
Life'-themed episode of 'Psych,' Together: Confessions of Rock's
Amazon deals: Assassin's Creed:
you get a bonus episode featuring Greatest Groupies'
Brotherhood, GTA IV: Complete,
a murderous polar bear. Or The rest of the schedule and the
more originally appeared on
something related along those late night talk shows after the
Joystiq on Wed, 15 Dec 2010
lines. jump. 12:00:00 EST. Please see our
8:00 to 9:00 Permalink| Email this| Linking terms for use of feeds.
CBS:'Survivor: Nicaragua' Blogs| Comments Permalink| Email this| Comments
FOX:'Human Target'
E-reader News Edition Products/ 49

Inside the Woot Writers' Room

(Woot! - One Day, One Deal) letting a weirdo run around and three or four times.
Submitted at 12/14/2010 2:00:00 PM punch people in the face. Scott: You'd think they'd go Sun
Gatzby: I imagine there's no such Tzu and leave one tunnel open
A lot of people ask me what it's thing as Miranda Rights or the and just put a camera at the front.
like hanging out with the Woot expectation of privacy. Illegal Randall:"We don't even raise the
Writers all day. Okay, a few detainment/search and seizure has alarm unless it's an A-List killer
people ask. Okay, my mom asked. to be a technicality in every case. getting out."
Once. A year ago. Anyway, our Randall:"ACLU DEFENDS Gatzby: I have never understood
conversations run the usual gamut J O K E R , S A Y S F E A R O F how The Penguin rose to
of water cooler talk: current VIGILANTE JUSTICE DROVE prominence.
e v e n t s , v i d e o g a m e s a n d HIM INSANE." Randall:"Those Tweedle Dum
electronics, comic books, you get Gatzby:"Your honor, he shoved a guys pretty much come and go as
the idea. Until we get around to batarang into my anus to check they please. No one gives a crap."
running that auction to hang out for cocaine. I was jaywalking!" Gatzby: I imagine criminal
with the Woot Writers for a day Scott: Maybe Bruce is secretly profiling in Gotham is insanely
(aka the most disappointing funding the super-dove liberal easy: "Mohawk? Henchman
auction ever), we'll occasionally candidates as part of his war on ward."
post our more memorable or crime. Randall: Well all the criminals fit
mundane conversations so you Randall: Gotham needs a law such insanely-specialized cliches.
can see for yourself just how school. Gatzby:"Harlequin suit? Number
scintillating or boring it would be Scott: Gotham's electorate is full ones and Boss Henchman ward."
to be here... of congressmen who just think we Randall:"So let me get this
(It all started when this photo was should do a poster campaign on straight: the criminal left a riddle,
pasted in our workshop chat saying no to crazy crimes and be painted a giant question mark on
room): done. the ground, and witnesses say he
Scott: Gotham City must have the Randall: I don't know what kind wore green spandex covered in
WORST lawyers. "So, officer, of dove would say, "That Arkham question marks? Did you idiots
how did we capture this man?" place. That looks alright." seriously call me down here at
"Well, Batman saw a star shining Scott: Well, it's privately funded. 2am for this?"
on him and punched him in the Maybe it's a pacifist libertarian. Gatzby:"Solve his stupid sudoku
face." Randall: Let the market dictate and call me after this hangover is
"Sounds like probable cause to where the insane killers go. gone, okay?"
me. I'll allow the search." Scott: That WOULD clear it all Randall: Also, why does
R a n d a l l : I f e e l l i k e t h e up. ANYONE keep jewels/precious
prosecutors in Gotham have to be Gatzby: They are CLEARLY not art/insane military technology
completely terrible. Have they capable of running that asylum, within 150 miles of Gotham? I
ever justified that there's no death though. I mean, stuff goes wrong know it's a big metropolitan area
penalty or something? there, what, every week? and all, but c'mon. You know
Gatzby: Ever since Batman's Scott: Gotham's run by a Bruce what you're getting into.
parents died, it's been a mandatory Wayne-controlled Tea Party that Randall: By now inmates in b e S w i s s c h e e s e b y n o w . Gatzby: I've always viewed
knock-out-only penal system. supports privatization of basic Arkham have got to be digging Eventually it's all going to Gotham as sort of the AOL of
Randall: Maybe that's what needs leading to increased wealth into each other's escape tunnels collapse and then ALL the cities. It siphons off the really
happens. Everyone cuts a deal in for the rich, and it has turned into and secret passages. The inmates will run loose in the
exchange for not suing the city for Mogadishu with costumes. foundation of that place has got to city…just like they already have INSIDE page 51
50 Products/ Food/
EyeClops Mini Projector
(Woot! - One Day, One Deal)
Submitted at 12/15/2010 12:00:19 AM
Fun With The Mod Team
Hey, you know what? This
EyeClops Mini Projector really
does look a lot like Wall-E. You
really should let everybody know.
See, if you’re reading this, it’s
because you’re the sort of person
who likes to be informed. You
want to know all there is to know
about a product before you buy it.
You want to take a look at our
witty description of this
EyeClops Mini Projector and
weigh the pros and the cons. “Do
I need a projector that will allow
my iPod or iPhone to project an
image up to 60”?” you might be
asking yourself now. “Will I
really enjoy using this with my
DVD player, Cable/Satellite Box,
Video Game Console or nearly
any composite video source?”
And naturally, we think you will,
and we hope you treat yourself to
one.
But then there are the other
people. The people who skim the
title and rush to post the word
“FAIL” in all caps. The people
who don’t read the writeup, don’t
look at the specs, don’t follow the
forums, and only glance at the
photo so they can quickly make a
Spritz Cookies
(Simply Recipes)
Submitted at 12/15/2010 2:43:20 PM
Who knew the boy could bake?
Here's another classic Christmas
joke that everybody else has
made or will be making. In fact,
right now, at least three of them
are hurrying to type “Hey, that
looks a lot like Wall-E!” in hopes
they’ll get a humor-based quality
post.
And this is where you can help us
help you.
Of course, our mods work very
hard to try and keep the signal-to-
noise ratio low. And we do
appreciate their hard work, really
we do. But sometimes, they get a
little distracted, and they start
giving quality posts to people who
do nothing but quote the writeup.
Normally, we don’t care, because
it’s not a big deal and that’s just
part of life. But today? Today
we’re gonna all play Spartacus.
So we invite you to head to the
forums, right now, and post “Hey!
The EyeClops Mini Projector
really does look a lot like Wall-E,
doesn’t it?” The first five or six
of you might get your comment
deleted, and we’re sorry about
that, but think of it as a noble
sacrifice. Because there will
come a point when there are just
so many of you posting about
Wall-E that the mods won’t be
able to stop you. You’ll be a
rising surge of a running gag that
bursts through the sandbags of
cookie from Hank. Enjoy! ~Elise
This cookie is my other favorite
Christmas cookie, along with
walnut snowballs. I am sure my
mum made all kinds of Christmas
moderation and runs through the
streets like a riot made of joy.
Today, writeup readers, is the day
we reclaim our forums! Today,
the mods will be afraid of US!
Viva Los Revolution Digitalis!
And also, the EyeClops Mini
Projector doesn’t come with
cables included, so you’ll want to
be aware of that. Just like you’ll
want to be aware that, when
stacked properly, the EyeClops
Mini Projector really does look a
lot like Wall-E.
Warranty: 90 Day Jakks Pacific
Condition: New
Features:
• Put a big screen in the palm of
your hand with this portable Mini
Projector by EyeClops
• Super-size your favorite
movies, TV shows, and video
games with the EyeClops Mini
Projector
• Built-in speaker as well as a
pair of bonus speakers
• Powerful LED technology
projects media up to 60” (1.5m)
screen size
• Works with video games as
well as DVD, MP3, and
multimedia players including
iPod® and iPhone® digital
devices
• Also includes jack for
headphones (headphones not
cookies over the years, but none
included)
• Powered by the included AC
adapter or portable battery pack
• Power Adapter: Input 120v,
60Hz / Output 6V DC, 1000mA
• Battery pack provides
approximately 270 minutes of
projection time and requires 4 D
batteries, not included
• Intended for use with most
ordinary DVD players, Cable/
Satellite TV boxes, video game
consoles. The EyeClops Mini
Projector works with all
composite video sources
• Certain devices (handheld
media players, mini gaming
devices and others) may require
special adapters/cables, which are
not included
• The EyeClops Mini Projector is
often used to enlarge video
images at home or in other
environments with existing sound
equipment. In these cases,
connecting a single RCA cable
from your desired video source
(DVD player, Cable TV box,
video game console, etc.) to the
Projector’s Video input is all that
is necessary to enjoy big-screen
images with high-fidelity sound
from your existing audio
equipment. RCA cables are not
included
• For best results, use the
were as memorable as these two.
Spritz, she called them, and little C o o k i e s " »
did I know that this was far more
than a pet name she had for the
cookie.
E-reader News Edition
EyeClops Mini Projector in dark
environments
• Increasing the distance between
the Projector and the projection
surface increases the size of the
projected image, but larger
images require darker
surroundings to maintain image
quality
• Projector Instructions
Additional Photos:
• EyeClops® Mini Projector w/
Speakers
• Package Contents
• AC Cord Storage Compartment
• Headphone and AC Jacks,
Volume Control
• RCA Ports
• Packaging
In the box:
• (1) Jakks Pacific EyeClops Mini
Projector, Model No. T28625
• (1) Projector Battery Powered
Stand
• (2) External Speakers
• (1) AC Adapter
• (1) Instruction Manual
Discuss this product
Price: $24.99 I want one!
Continue reading "Spritz
E-reader News Edition
Dr. Santa’s 12 tips for a healthy
holiday
rss@consumerreports.org
(Consumer Reports)
Submitted at 12/15/2010 6:59:59 AM
Dr. Santa’s 12 tips for a healthy
holiday
Yes, my name really is Dr. Santa.
(It’s Hungarian.) I like doctoring
around the holidays—my name
makes it fun, and a lot of
important health issues come up
then, too. I hope this series helps
you navigate the season.
TIP 7 Stuff the goose, not
yourself
Every holiday, my biggest
challenge is to eat great food—but
not gain weight. I love desserts,
but I also like sleeping without
heartburn. And I would rather not
step on the scale Jan. 1 and find
out I’m starting the year 5 pounds
heavier than just a few weeks ago.
My suggestions:
1. Let’s face it—it’s all about
portions. You can probably have a
reasonable amount of just about
everything you like, but not two
or three times that much.
2. Eat at least seven servings a
day of grains, fresh fruits, and
fresh vegetables. That will fill you
up, healthfully, since those foods
are full of fiber, vitamins,
minerals, and a slew of other good
-for-you compounds called
phytochemicals.
3. Anticipate the increased fat in
Products/ 51
INSIDE
continued from page 49
dumb criminals and keeps the rest Kryptonians patrolling the streets.
of us safe. Every now and then
you have to throw them a bone to
And Marvel's Manhattan has The
Avengers, The Fantastic Four,
feel. The poaching might remove make sure they stay interested. Spidey, Daredevil, and even
some of the vitamins, but it is a Pilot: Why would anyone live in MOON KNIGHT, among others.
holiday. any major metropolitan city in a Jason: Just wait until the other
7. Eat three times a day. Starving superhero universe? There's guys are busy in space and then
yourself all day so that you can always a chance you'd have an all you have to worry about is
stuff yourself at the feast just errant car thrown in your direction Moon Knight.
doesn’t work. Trust me: I’ve tried. or a spacecraft crash into your Pilot: I almost admire the bravery
— John Santa, M.D., M.P.H, studio apartment. There must be of the guy who holds up a
director of the Consumer Reports HUGE tax incentives for any convenience store in those places.
holiday food and try to substitute Health Ratings Center businesses, too. Hell, even the That guy is the most interesting
healthy fats, like fish instead of For more tips on how to eat light rural areas have space babies guy to me, 'cause either he's
steak, at some meals. (See our list during the holidays, see Lighten falling all over the place. desperate as hell or he knows he's
of low-mercury fish.) Keep to one up! and Create a healthier holiday Gatzby: It could be that they just going to get caught. And what
helping of any food heavy on the dinner. assume it's worse everywhere happens if he actually gets away
fats. When cooking, you can TIP 1 Don’t shop till you drop: else. with it? Every day that guy's
replace some of the fat with How to navigate the holidays in a Pilot: They've probably all got looking over his shoulder. I
a n o t h e r l i q u i d o r o t h e r stress-free and healthful way. superheroes, though. Just D-list should mention, too, that Gotham
alternative—applesauce or a TIP 2 Lights, ladder, and candles: types. Or worse. PD ain't nothing to sneeze at. OH
banana, for example, can be good Avoid holiday accidents. Randall: Right. Even in Billings GOD, NERD RANT! I'M
substitutes for some vegetable oil TIP 3 Dr. Santa’s stocking- you've got your local chapter of STOPPING.
in cake recipes. stuffers. the Thunderbolts or whatever. Or Randall: Maybe it's best that we
4. Limit the amount of salt and TIP 4 What not to get for the even worse, the teenager with all do.
sugar in the foods you consume, holidays this year: A cold or the nuclear bomb hands who decides So there you have it, a brief and
too. Often you can cut one-third flu. to use his power to fight cow possibly-frightening glimpse into
to one-half of whatever the recipe TIP 5 Over the river and to the tipping. just what makes us tick. Let us
suggests. ER: What to do if you get sick Pilot: My question is why would know in the comments if you'd
5. Use nonfat or low-fat dairy while traveling. any two-bit criminal whose only like to read more about how we
products or substitutes. I love TIP 6 Raise a toast—but not too power is wearing a ski mask well roll or if you'd prefer we step back
sorbets or gelatos instead of ice many attempt to pull off a crime in one behind the curtain. And feel free
cream. I cut the sugar by half in Subscribe now! of those cities? Gotham's got to share your tips for cleaning up
my strawberry sorbet recipe and it S u b s c r i b e t o what, Batman, Bat-Grayson, Gotham City, too.
still tastes fantastic. ConsumerReports.org for expert Robin, Red Robin, Huntress,
6. Experiment with alternatives. I Ratings, buying advice and Oracle, AND Batgirl? Metropolis
have fallen in love with poached r e l i a b i l i t y o n h u n d r e d s o f sometimes has as many as FIVE
pears. They are fat free and the products. Update your feed
wine sauce I use gives a little dose preferences
of healthy alcohol—and a festive
52 Products/
Microsoft to introduce new tablets at
CES to compete with iPad
Marc Perton (Consumer
Reports)
Submitted at 12/15/2010 6:00:59 AM
Microsoft to introduce new
tablets at CES to compete with
iPad An earlier Microsoft-based
tablet, ca 2001.
Photo: Fujitsu
Nearly twenty years ago,
Microsoft introduced its first
tablet computer software,
Windows for Pen Computing.
And ever since, the company has
pushed touchscreen technology as
the next wave in personal
computing. Yet, despite its early
start and aggressive efforts to
popularize tablets, Microsoft now
finds itself playing catchup to
Apple and, to a lesser extent,
Google's Android OS, as it
finalizes plans to roll out its next
tablet offerings next month at the
Consumer Electronics Show.
The New York Times reports that
"according to people familiar with
Microsoft’s plans, Steve Ballmer,
Microsoft’s chief executive, is
expected to announce a number of
these devices when he takes the
stage at C.E.S., showcasing
devices built by Samsung and
Dell, among a number of other
manufacturing partners."
Microsoft's plans apparently
include new devices that run on
the company's Windows 7
operating system and include
cellphone-like slide-out
keyboards. According to the
Times, Samsung's device will be
"similar in size and shape to the
Apple iPad, although it is not as
thin. It also includes a unique and
slick keyboard that slides out
from below for easy typing.”
While Microsoft apparently sees
the new tablets as a way to
expand the market for touchscreen
computers to business customers
looking to run full productivity
applications instead of less
powerful apps, business tablets
have long been a tough sell for
Microsoft and its hardware
partners outside of niche markets
like medicine and sales. Tablets
like the iPad have succeeded in
part by functioning more like
beefed up cellphones—taking
advantage of apps that are
optimized to run on their low-
power processors—than scaled
down PCs. Microsoft's last
attempt to popularize tablets, the
ultra-mobile portable computer
(UMPC) initiative, fizzled several
years ago, after consumers failed
to embrace the sluggish,
expensive devices.
Will Microsoft succeed this time
around? We'll be at CES and will
let you know what we think of the
new models. One thing is certain:
after 20 years, Microsoft isn't
about to give up on touchscreen
computing, and if this iteration
fails, we expect to see another
attempt in the not-too-distant
future.
RELATED: Tablet computer
buying guide
—Marc Perton Subscribe now!
S u b s c r i b e t o
ConsumerReports.org for expert
Ratings, buying advice and
reliability on hundreds of
products. Update your feed
preferences
E-reader News Edition
Print Your Own
Unofficial, Value-Free
Woot Gift Certificates
(Woot! - One Day, One Deal) offer these DIY Woot gift
Submitted at 12/14/2010 5:00:00 PM certificates in three meaningless
denominations. Click it yourself.
Gift cards and gift certificates are Print it yourself. Clip some cash
convenient for indecisive gift- to it yourself. And if you're
givers and finicky gift-getters mentally unstable, you can even
alike. But they're also kind of give it to yourself. We don't
complicated for us to figure out judge, especially in situations
how to implement. And as the where we might make some
media reports every year, they're money.
no picnic for the recipients, either. Remember, these are not official
Wouldn't you love to give a Woot Woot gift certificates and have no
gift certificate that never expired, value beyond the cash you clip to
charged no inactivity fees, and, in them, and the artistic merit of the
the extremely unlikely event that design by the great Goopy. If you
the recipient couldn't find w a n t t o g i v e a n o t h e r
anything good to buy on Woot, denomination, well, that's nothing
was redeemable at any retailer in a Sharpie can't fix. Goopy won't
America? mind.
It's called cash.
We hope this makes your gift-
No, Woot still does not offer gift giving a little easier. We hope the
certificates. But inspired by the Woot fiend in your life likes the
home-made gift certificates made present. But most of all, we hope
by some Woot fans, and The he or she spends that cash with us.
Consumerist's Anti-Gift Card, we
E-reader News Edition
Pricing: 2012 Nissan NV CR Video: How we test
commercial van smart phones
Consumer Reports Shopping
Blog (Consumer Reports)
Submitted at 12/15/2010 7:21:54 AM
Pricing: 2012 Nissan NV
commercial van
Nissan has announced that
pricing for the NV, the company’s
first commercial vehicle, will start
at $24,590 and span up to
$32,190.
The base NV1500 van will come
with a standard 4.0-liter V6
engine. The NV2500 HD will
have a choice of the V6 engine or
a 5.6-liter V8. The NV3500 HD
will come standard with the V8.
All engines are matched with a
five-speed automatic
transmission. Both standard and
high-roof models will be offered.
Other features include full rear
doors, water-repellent cloth seats,
mounting points in the cargo area,
and a lockable center console to
keep files or store a laptop.
The Nissan NV is similar in size
Perrish Cox Could Face Life Sentence for Sexual Assault
FanHouse Staff (FanHouse
Main)
Submitted at 12/15/2010 7:47:00 AM
Filed under: Broncos Perrish Cox
could face life in prison if
convicted of sexual assault
charges filed last week, according
to a portion of the case unsealed
by a Douglas County judge.
Products/ Sports/ 53
Cliff Lee 'excited' to be
back with Philadelphia
Phillies, Roy Halladay
'overjoyed' with signing
Carol Mangis (Consumer quality but also for things like Jerry Crasnick (ESPN.com)
Reports) how well the camera takes Submitted at 12/15/2010 11:27:19 AM
Submitted at 12/15/2010 8:06:42 AM pictures and how easy it is to text.
This "in the labs" video takes you Updated: December 15, 2010,
CR Video: How we test smart inside our phone lab to see how 12:27 PM ET
phones we do it. Last year, the Philadelphia
We use our smart phones for so For more buying advice, visit the Phillies traded away Cliff Lee,
much more than making calls. cell phone and service guide at stunning both the baseball world
They let us surf the Web on the Consumer Reports Online, and and Lee himself. This year the
to the Dodge Sprinter, which will go; keep our appointments at check our Ratings for the most Phillies rocked the free agency
be its main competitor. The Ford hand; serve as portable gaming current smart phones (available to market by reacquiring Lee, who
Transit Connect, which will be devices, cameras, and MP3 subscribers). once envisioned himself retiring a
offered in an electric version in players; and help us keep in touch —Carol Mangis Subscribe now! Phillie.
the coming weeks, is a bit smaller. with friends, family, and work S u b s c r i b e t o "Obviously I wanted to be back,"
The NV is manufactured at colleagues via texting, social ConsumerReports.org for expert Lee told a Philadelphia-area
Nissan’s Canton, MS assembly networking, and e-mail. So testing Ratings, buying advice and television affiliate Tuesday night.
facility and will be sold at select new phones has necessarily r e l i a b i l i t y o n h u n d r e d s o f "I'm here, so I'm excited and
Nissan Commercial dealers become a lot more involved than products. Update your feed ready to get this deal finalized and
starting in the spring of 2011. it once was. preferences be back with the Phillies." Stark:
— Liza Barth Subscribe now! Consumer Reports tests for Can You Beat Four Aces?
S u b s c r i b e t o typical features such as sound The Phillies' rotation of Lee,
ConsumerReports.org for expert Halladay, Oswalt and Hamels has
Ratings, buying advice and left only one thing to be said by
reliability on hundreds of rivals: "Oh ... my ... God." Story
products. Update your feed "I enjoyed my time in Seattle. I
preferences CLIFF page 54
While most details of the case complaint on Oct. 28 and, after an State, but character concerns
remain sealed, the charges against investigation, presented a case to caused him to fall to Denver in
Cox are Class 3 and 4 felonies, the District Attorney, leading to the fifth round. He was suspended
which carry a sentence of two charges and an arrest warrant. for his final college game due to
years to life in prison. The classes After being released on bail, Cox curfew violations and fined by the
of felonies involve a helpless played in the Broncos' loss to the Broncos in September for making
victim. Cardinals Sunday. a throat-slash gesture at Matt
Cox, the Broncos rookie Cox was considered one of the Hasselbeck.
cornerback, was arrested earlier allegation dating back to October. best cornerback prospects in the
this month on a sexual assault Lone Tree police responded to a 2010 draft out of Oklahoma
54
CLIFF
continued from page 53
enjoyed my time in Texas," Lee
said in his first public comments
since news of the deal broke
Monday night. "Looking back,
I'm kind of glad I had the chance
to go back to the World Series. I
had a great time in Texas. I got to
play close to home. It was a lot of
fun. But now I'm back here and
I'm looking forward to it."
A guaranteed $120 million deal
also helps to smooth over any
hard feelings. The Phillies
announced Lee's signing on
Wednesday and will hold a news
conference later in the day.
He will wear the No. 33.
The Phillies strayed from their
general guideline for pitchers
Monday when they reached
agreement with Lee on the five-
year deal, with a vesting option
for a sixth year.
Just a year ago, the Phillies held
firm to the same principle in
signing Roy Halladay to a three-
year, $60 million extension with a
vesting option year for $20
million more. At the time,
Philadelphia management cited
the old Pat Gillick directive about
refraining from deals of more than
three guaranteed years to pitchers.
Anyone who thinks the disparity
in contracts might be the source of
jealousy or friction in the
Philadelphia clubhouse apparently
doesn't know Roy Halladay very
well.
Halladay, reached Tuesday
through his agent, Greg Landry,
told ESPN.com that he's looking
forward to pitching with Lee and
is "totally excited and pumped up"
about the newest addition to the
Philadelphia staff.
"Roy used the word 'overjoyed,' "
said Landry, Halladay's
representative at Creative Artists
Agency. The Herd with Colin
Cowherd
Phillies SS Jimmy Rollins reacts
to Philadelphia's signing of Cliff
Lee. Rollins also shares his
thoughts on Jayson Werth, Derek
Jeter and more.
More Podcasts »
Lee, 32, turned down substantial
offers from the New York
Yankees and Texas Rangers to
reach agreement with the Phillies.
His contract includes a $12.5
million buyout along with a $27.5
million option that vests if he
pitches 200 innings in 2015 or
400 innings during the 2014-2015
seasons, sources said. If Lee
pitches the maximum six years, he
will earn a total of $135 million.
While larger deals were on the
table for Lee, he chose to take less
cash to return to Philadelphia.
"That's the most I've ever seen a
player walk away from," former
Mets general manager Omar
Minaya said. "It's unprecedented."
Lee said he saw no drawbacks in
returning to Philadelphia, though
he couldn't put his finger on one
overarching reason.
"I don't know, just the team, the
atmosphere, the environment, the
fans, the city. I mean, there's a lot
of things," Lee explained. "My
family enjoyed it here. The
pitching staff. There's a lot of pros
and not many cons when you start
weighing things out."
"Players seem to like living here,"
Phillies chairman Bill Giles said
earlier Tuesday. "There's nice
housing -- and not as expensive as
some other places if you want to
buy or rent. The schools are good.
I think our front office and
manager and coaches have a good
reputation around baseball right
now as being good people." Bank
On Great Phillies Pitching
Phillies starting pitchers Roy
Halladay, Cliff Lee and Roy
Oswalt all boast ERAs of 2.52 or
lower at Citizens Bank Park.
Best Career ERA
Starter at Citizens Bank Park*
powered by
Lee is expected to take his
physical exam Wednesday in
Philadelphia and a press
conference could take place later
in the day.
Two league sources said the
Phillies talked to Halladay before
making their guaranteed five-year
offer to Lee, and that Halladay
gave the idea his blessing.
Halladay and Lee will team with
Roy Oswalt and Cole Hamels to
give Philadelphia the most
formidable starting rotation in
baseball and one of the best in
recent memory. The four starters
have a combined career winning
percentage of .636 (481-275) and
have made 13 All-Star
appearances.
But is this the best rotation ever?
"Potentially, you know it could
be, but it's also a little premature
to say that," Lee said. "You have
to let things play out, you have to
let those things happen.
Obviously health is a huge part of
that, guys continuing to do what's
become the norm. If we do that,
it's arguable, but like you say, you
gotta go out there and do it first,
so time will tell on that."
Halladay was one of several
Phillies players to react positively
to the return of Lee, who pitched
for Philadelphia in the second half
of the 2009 season before leaving
town in a trade with Seattle
Mariners last December. The
Mariners dealt Lee to Texas in
July, and Lee helped pitch the
Rangers to the World Series.
E-reader News Edition
Phillies shortstop Jimmy Rollins
told ESPN Radio's Colin Cowherd
that he learned about the Lee
signing in a text message from his
mother late Monday night. Rollins
made his wife turn off a video of
"The Young and The Restless" so
he could confirm the news on
ESPN. Then he sent a text
message to Philadelphia general
manager Ruben Amaro Jr. with
his reaction.
"I said, 'Wow,' " Rollins said. "I
picked up my phone and texted
Ruben and said, 'Boy, you're
sneaky.' "
Jerry Crasnick is a senior
baseball writer for ESPN.com.
Information from The Associated
Press was used in this report.
This entry passed through the
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E-reader News Edition Sports/ 55

Sources: Chicago Bulls concerned by New York Giants' Steve

Joakim Noah's hand injury Smith done for year due
Nick Friedell (ESPN.com)
Submitted at 12/15/2010 10:42:42 AM
ESPNChicago.com Bulls blog
The latest news from Bulls
reporter Nick Friedell. Blog
problems, they play," Thibodeau
said. "If they go through
shootaround and there are
to knee injury
Ohm Youngmisuk (ESPN.com) been a hamstring or that type of
Updated: December 15, 2010, When asked specifically if there problems then they sit. If that's the
11:42 AM ET By Nick Friedell was any structural damage, Noah case then the next guy steps up Submitted at 12/15/2010 10:52:36 AM injury."
ESPNChicago.com said: "I'm not sure yet. We'll find and he does the job. " Smith had 48 receptions for 529
Archive Updated: December 15, 2010, yards and three touchdowns after
out [Wednesday night]." Noah signed a five-year
TORONTO -- Chicago Bulls Noah originally hurt the thumb in 1 1 : 5 2 A M E T B y O h m making the Pro Bowl the previous
extension worth close to $60
center Joakim Noah is expected to a 96-85 win over the Sacramento Youngmisuk season.
million before the season. If he
play Wednesday against the Kings on Nov. 27. After the game ESPNNewYork.com Meanwhile, No. 3 receiver Mario
misses an extended period of time
Toronto Raptors despite ongoing he began wearing a taped wrap Archive Manningham suffered a hip flexor
it would be a big blow to the
issues with his right hand. EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. -- injury against the Vikings on
over it, but he tweaked it again Bulls, who go into Wednesday's
The Bulls are concerned there Dec. 4 in a 119-116 win over the The New York Giants' lineup has Monday.
game atop the Central Division
may be ligament damage in his Houston Rockets. suffered yet another massive blow " H e d o e s h a v e a n i s s u e , "
with a 15-8 record.
right thumb, according to sources "He's got a couple things going with wide receiver Steve Smith Coughlin said of Manningham.
Noah is averaging 14 points and
familiar with the situation. Bulls on," Bulls coach Tom Thibodeau having to undergo season-ending "Hopefully he will make progress
12 rebounds.
general manager Gar Forman told said. "Basically all the big guys in knee surgery. and hopefully he will be able to
Nick Friedell covers the Bulls for
E S P N C h i c a g o . c o m b e f o r e the league go through this where Smith underwent an MRI to his go [in practice] tomorrow."
ESPNChicago.com and ESPN
W e d n e s d a y m o r n i n g ' s their hands are constantly being left knee on Tuesday. The Giants The Giants placed linebacker
1000.
shootaround that the Bulls are still raked, and it's hard to recover announced that he suffered an Clint Sintim on injured reserve
This entry passed through the
evaluating the situation and Noah from it because it continues to articular cartilage injury, the result Wednesday with a torn anterior
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will be re-examined once he happen when you're rebounding of him being awkwardly tackled cruciate ligament and signed
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on someone else's site, please read
If an examination reveals the and they're trying to strip. His over the Vikings. Giants blog roster. The Giants also added
our FAQ page at fivefilters.org/
need for surgery, he would most shooting hand is nicked up." Looking for more information on linebacker Kenny Ingram to the
content-only/faq.php
likely be out a minimum of eight Derrick Rose is expected to play Big Blue? ESPNNewYork.com p r a c t i c e s q u a d a n d w a i v e d
Five Filters featured site: So,
weeks. has you covered. Blog defensive tackle Joe Joseph.
against the Raptors after spraining Why is Wikileaks a Good Thing
When asked Wednesday about his right hand against the Indiana Giants Center Ohm Youngmisuk covers the
Again?.
his thumb, Noah responded: Pacers on Monday. Smith's surgery has not been Giants for ESPNNewYork.com.
"We're still evaluating to see "If [Rose and Noah] go through scheduled yet. He had just You can follow him on Twitter.
w h a t ' s w r o n g w i t h i t . " shootaround and there aren't any returned from a four-game layoff This entry passed through the
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Steve. First news was it may have
56 Sports/ Featured/ Gaming/ E-reader News Edition

Terrell Owens Puts Michael Vick: 'I Would Love'

Blame on Coaches, to Be a Dog Owner Again
FanHouse Staff (FanHouse
Main)
Owner for Bengals' Woes Submitted at 12/15/2010 9:45:00 AM
'The Brothers Mario'
FanHouse Newswire
(FanHouse Main) Filed under: Eagles Michael Vick machinima brings the
Submitted at 12/15/2010 5:00:00 AM
can't ever own another dog, Mushroom Kingdom to
banned by the judge who Liberty City
sentenced him on dogfighting
Filed under: Bengals, NFL Griffin McElroy (Joystiq)
charges. But as Vick continues his
Coaching CINCINNATI (AP) --
redemption tour, turning public Submitted at 12/15/2010 12:40:00 PM
Receiver Terrell Owens says the
sentiment back on his side while
Cincinnati Bengals' lousy season Usually, we balk at fan-made
leading the Eagles toward the
is the result of underachieving creations that take innocent,
playoff and garnering MVP talk,
"from the top down," and he classic game characters and put
he says he misses being a dog
particularly points a finger at the care, and my love, and my passion them in mature scenarios. That's
owner.
coaches. for animals." not the case with this GTA IV
"I would love to get another dog
Teammate Chad Ochocinco Since being released from prison, machinima, The Brothers Mario--
in the future," he said in an
asked Owens during "The T.Ocho Vick has spoken numerous times n o t b e c a u s e i t ' s e s p e c i a l l y
Owens has been diplomatic for interview. "I think it would be a
Show" on Versus cable network about his past transgressions and hilarious, mind you, but because
most of the season, which quickly big step for me in the
Tuesday night why he thinks the done volunteer work. it's actually, unbelievably badass.
spiraled out of control. He had rehabilitation process. I think just
team is 2-11. Continue reading'The Brothers
only one catch for 22 yards during to have a pet in my household and
"I think there's underachieving Mario' machinima brings the
a 23-7 defeat in Pittsburgh on to show people that I genuinely
from the top down," Owens said. Mushroom Kingdom to Liberty
Sunday that was Cincinnati's 10th
"You start with the owner, you
start with the coaches. And
straight, matching the franchise
record for consecutive losses in a
Attn people using my JSON City
'The Brothers Mario' machinima
obviously we as players, we are a (Scripting News) the JSON River stuff, he said this brings the Mushroom Kingdom to
season.
product of what the coaches are was exactly what he needed. Liberty City originally appeared
In the past couple of weeks, Submitted at 12/14/2010 7:13:38 PM
coaching us throughout the course I'm thinking we might want to on Joystiq on Wed, 15 Dec 2010
Owens has implied that the
of the week. I ' m h e a d - d o w n o n t h e start a mail list for this stuff, so 12:40:00 EST. Please see our
Bengals are getting out-coached
"Of course, we have to go out
a n d n o t m a k i n g v e r y g o o d wikiriver.org project right now, that all communication doesn't terms for use of feeds.
there and play the game. But in
adjustments to opposing defenses. but this howto was published have to go through me. We're at Permalink| Email this| Comments
order for us to do what we're
His comments on Tuesday were today by by Martin Duffy at the point now where there's been
allowed to do at the best of our martimedia, and I wanted to be enough uptake that it would
his most pointed yet.
abilities, the coaches have to put sure you all saw it. probably help.
the players in the best position." http://martimedia.blogspot.com/ And thanks to Martin for helping
2010/12/river-of-news-consuming the JSON guys!
-jsonp-data-feed.html PS: Wikiriver.org also has a
When I sent a pointer to a friend JSON version, of course.
who was head-scratching through
E-reader News Edition Gaming/ Food/ 57

Call of Duty: Black Ops gets major patch, PS3
gamers suffer connection issues
Griffin McElroy (Joystiq)
Submitted at 12/15/2010 12:20:00 PM
Treyarch recently gave its
blockbuster shooter Call of Duty:
Black Ops its biggest booster shot
to date on Xbox 360 and PS3,
adding some neat new
functionality while initiating some
oft-requested server stability fixes
and various gameplay tweaks.
The biggest changes include: the
addition of over 400 new
Contracts (perfect for folks who
are still on that paper chase); the
new option to play offline with AI
practice dummies; split-screen
multiplayer; and a new "Dolly
Cam" for the game's Theater
Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light exploring
mode, giving machinma-makers a
bit more cinematographic
flexibility.
Unfortunately, not every player
seems to be a fan of the update so
far -- a growing thread on the
game's official forums is filled
with complaints from PS3 owners
who say the patch has worsened
freezing, crashing and other
connectivity issues that have
plagued their console's version of
the game since launch. Treyarch
has stated that it's constantly
working on fixes for the game, so
if you're suffering from the PS3
networking blues, you might want
to add your voice to the pile. For
now, check out the full, super
esoteric list of changes from the
new patch posted after the break.
Continue reading Call of Duty:
Black Ops gets major patch, PS3
gamers suffer connection issues
Call of Duty: Black Ops gets
major patch, PS3 gamers suffer
connection issues originally
appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 15
Dec 2010 12:20:00 EST. Please
see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink| Email this| Comments
Clean Eating
During the
Holidays
(Cooking Light: Editor's Picks)
You don’t have to give up eating
“clean” just because it’s the
holidays. Many of your favorite
special-occasion treats can be
“cleaned up” simply by swapping
whole grains for refined ones,
choosing low-fat dairy products,
and using minimally processed
sugars like honey or dehydrated
cane juice sugar over granulated
white or brown. Even if you do
splurge on a few items, be smart
and don’t overindulge. Follow
these nine tips and you can eat
well, feel great, and celebrate the
season without feeling guilty or
deprived.
Read More: Seven Principles of

iDevices tomorrow Clean Eating Next Search Out

Healthy Offerings
This entry passed through the
Ben Gilbert (Joystiq) version -- we've asked Crystal Full-Text RSS service — if this is
Submitted at 12/15/2010 11:45:00 AM Dynamics to clarify. your content and you're reading it
Lara and Totec's now mobile on someone else's site, please read
New Zealand's iTunes App Store adventure will be available to our FAQ page at fivefilters.org/
revealed Lara Croft and the North Americans starting content-only/faq.php
Guardian of Light for the iPhone, tomorrow morning at 12:01AM Five Filters featured site: So,
iPod Touch and iPad well before EST. Why is Wikileaks a Good Thing
the game's official announcement Gallery: Lara Croft and the Again?.
in North America -- a tweet from Guardian of Light (iPhone/iPad)
Crystal Dynamic's global brand Lara Croft and the Guardian of
director Karl Stewart soon after Light exploring iDevices
P l a y S t a t i o n N e t w o r k g a m e options will be at your disposal.
confirmed its veracity. The game tomorrow originally appeared on
released to critical fanfare earlier As far as the recently released
will arrive tomorrow for $6.99 Joystiq on Wed, 15 Dec 2010
this year. DLC for the game is concerned,
(iPhone) and $9.99 (iPad), and its 11:45:00 EST. Please see our
Two-player co-op is included, however, it's not clear whether or
content is said to be unchanged terms for use of feeds.
and both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth not it'll end up on the App Store
from the Xbox Live Arcade and Permalink| Email this| Comments
58 Politics/ E-reader News Edition

Unhappiness Among Democrats Pushes Approval Rating for

Congress to New Low
Bruce Drake (Politics Daily) adults, not just registered voters.
Submitted at 12/15/2010 11:08:00 AM Despite these bleak numbers,
Gallup predicted better days
Contributing Editor During the ahead for denizens of the Hill.
Great Economic Meltdown of "The prospects for a recovery in
2008, when each day brought a Congress' approval ratings in the
big new plunge in the stock short term appear good, based on
market, the question on what Gallup has measured in the
everyone's minds was "How low past when control of Congress
can it go?" changed hands," the pollster said.
The same could have been asked "Gallup documented a 10-point
the last few years about the increase in Congress' approval
public's opinion of Congress. rating from December 1994 to
Now, a new Gallup poll January 1995 after the
conducted Dec. 10-12 says that Republicans officially took
the job approval rating that control of the House and Senate
Americans give their lawmakers after the 1994 midterm elections.
is the worst in more than 30 years There was a larger 14-point
of its surveys. increase in congressional approval
Only 13 percent of Americans ratings after the Democrats' [took]
approve of the job Congress is control of Congress in January
doing -- eclipsing the previous Republican leaders, or Democrats didn't change much. 2002. A Washington Post/ABC 2007."
low of 14 percent in July 2008, "frustrated" with lawmakers in A New York Times/CBS News News poll conducted Oct. 25-28, Follow Poll Watch on Twitter
during the brunt of the recession - their party who oppose the deal. poll conducted Oct. 21-26 among also among registered voters, had Visit the Poll Watch Home Page
- while a whopping 83 percent (While many Democrats on registered voters showed 76 74 percent disapproving of the job and see all the latest polls in one
d i s a p p r o v e . T h e l a s t t i m e Capitol Hill may not like the deal, percent disapproving of the lawmakers were doing (with 58 place
Congress was in positive territory other polls this week showed performance of Congress while 14 percent "strongly" disapproving) This entry passed through the
by a big margin in Gallup's broad bipartisan support among percent approved. In the history of while 23 percent approved. The Full-Text RSS service — if this is
surveys was in 2001, when 56 the public at large.) this poll, Congress has been at a disapproval rating for Congress your content and you're reading it
percent approved of the job it was Gallup based its analysis on the 30 percent approval rate or lower was over 70 percent in each of the on someone else's site, please read
doing. fact that approval of Congress since March 2009, and had edged Post/ABC polls this year, and our FAQ page at fivefilters.org/
Gallup speculates that the among Democrats dropped from over 20 percent only three times peaked in the last poll before the content-only/faq.php
approval numbers may have been 29 percent in November to 16 since January in the 11 surveys election. The last time Congress Five Filters featured site: So,
driven down by Democrats who percent in the latest survey, while conducted this year. The last time was in positive territory in this Why is Wikileaks a Good Thing
oppose the tax deal that President the disapproval rates among Congress notched a 50 percent poll was 2002. Again?.
O b a m a n e g o t i a t e d w i t h independents and Republicans approval mark was February, Gallup's survey sample was all
E-reader News Edition Politics/ 59

Obama Urges Passage of Tax-Cut Deal, Pledges to

Work with Business Community
Alex Wagner (Politics Daily) promote rather than undermine
Submitted at 12/15/2010 9:16:00 AM growth, ideas that will help
encourage businesses to invest in
White House Correspondent As America and American jobs at a
the Senate headed toward a final time when they're holding nearly
vote on the tax-cut package he 2 trillion dollars on their books."
helped negotiate with Republican Speaking again to the criticism he
leaders, President Obama has received in recent weeks for
reiterated his commitment his compromise with the GOP,
Wednesday to working both Obama suggested he would
across the aisle and alongside the continue to take politically
business community to address challenging positions in order to
the country's short- and long-term turn the country's economy
economic woes. around. "We know the path that
Of the Bush tax-cut compromise will lead to economic success," he
-- a solution that has won Obama said. "The only question is
much criticism from House for our economy. We can't afford was scheduled to meet with whether we will take it. Whether
Democrats and others in his to let it fall victim to either delay c h a i r m e n a n d C E O s f r o m we have the political will to do
liberal base-- he said, "I am or defeat." companies including Motorola,
the work. I'm committed to taking
absolutely convinced that this tax Acknowledging that the tax-cut Cisco, American Express,
that path. I know America's
cut plan, while not perfect, will p a c k a g e w a s a s h o r t - t e r m H o n e y w e l l , U P S , G e n e r a l business leaders are as well."
grow our economy and create jobs incentive to spur economic Electric, DuPont, Eli Lilly, Dow This entry passed through the
in the private sector." recovery, the president outlined Chemical, Boeing, PepsiCo, Intel,
Full-Text RSS service — if this is
In his statement to reporters, the his priorities to encourage long- Comcast and Google. your content and you're reading it
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different aspects of this plan to i n v e s t m e n t i n A m e r i c a n ideas from these businesses our FAQ page at fivefilters.org/
which members of Congress on infrastructure and innovation, leaders that will help us not only content-only/faq.php
both sides of the aisle object. increasing trade and exports, climb out of the recession but Five Filters featured site: So,
That's the nature of compromise. tackling the federal deficit, and s e i z e t h e p r o m i s e o f t h i s Why is Wikileaks a Good Thing
But we worked hard to negotiate developing better ties with the moment," he said. "Ideas about Again?.
an agreement that's a win for business community. tax reform, ideas about a balanced
middle-class families and a win Following his remarks, Obama approach to regulation that will
60 Politics/ Technology/ E-reader News Edition

WikiLeaks Suspect a 'Hero'? Berkeley, Palin, Romney vs.

Calif., Council Puts Off Vote Huckabee, Newt on Tax
Tom Diemer (Politics Daily)
Submitted at 12/15/2010 10:04:00 AM Cut Bill watch it and to consider it in the
future, and if we feel it's
appropriate to us to make some
situation was not a reach for the
Berkeley lawmakers. In the past,
the city across the bay from San (Newsmax - Inside Cover) The argument points to a
Correspondent The famously statement, we'll bring it back to Francisco has long been a hotbed
liberal city of Berkeley, Calif., has our council." The resolution at of student activism (at the Submitted at 12/15/2010 6:03:38 AM potential rift within the GOP as
indefinitely postponed voting on a t h i s p o i n t , B a t e s s a i d , i s University of California, the party assumes more power.
resolution declaring the soldier "premature. This is going to be a Wednesday, 15 Dec 2010 12:03 “Republicans are under pressure
Berkeley), including anti-war
suspected of providing classified long debate." PM from the Tea Party movement and
protests. In 2006, the city
documents to the WikiLeaks Thyme S. Siegel, a member of Sarah Palin and Mitt Romney say some other conservatives to reject
approved a ballot issue calling on
website a "hero." vote it down. Mike Huckabee, the compromise tax bill,” The
Berkeley Peace and Justice the U.S. House of Representatives
Army Pfc. Bradley Manning, 23, C o m m i s s i o n , t o l d K T V U Newt Gingrich and Tim Pawlenty N e w Y o r k T i m e s r e p o r t s ,
to impeach President Bush and
was arrested in May and charged television that the Manning matter say pass it. The big tax-cut “potentially complicating its
Vice President Cheney.
w i t h i l l e g a l l y d o w n l o a d i n g was a "drain" on the council's c l o s e o u t o f 2 0 1 0 , w h i c h passage and highlighting how the
Follow Tom Diemer on Twitter
classified information while resources. "They have a fiscal Washington appears ready to Republican party is likely to face
http://twitter.com/tomdiemer
working with an intelligence unit. crisis to deal with. Hello!" But the approve, has officially divided the a persistent rightward push when
Filed Under: George W. Bush,
He faces a possible court martial chairwoman of the commission, Republicans most likely to run for it takes control of the House next
Bush Administration, House,
but has not been formally charged W e n d y K e n i n , a r g u e d t h a t president in 2012, the Wall Street month.”
Dick Cheney, Crime, National
regarding the recent spate of Manning provided an "amazing Journal reports. © Newsmax. All rights reserved.
Security, Culture, Video, Liberals,
WikiLeaks postings of State service" to the country so citizens Romney called the bipartisan This entry passed through the
Military, WikiLeaks, Iraq
Department cables and war "can make informed decisions deal to extend Bush-era tax cuts Full-Text RSS service — if this is
This entry passed through the
documents. “disappointing” in a USA Today your content and you're reading it
about war and how it affects our Full-Text RSS service — if this is
In Berkeley, the City Council troops around the world." op-ed this week, citing the on someone else's site, please read
your content and you're reading it
apparently decided to wait for Manning was born in Oklahoma, temporary nature of the cuts and our FAQ page at fivefilters.org/
on someone else's site, please read
more legal clarity before deeming but has also lived in Wales, part the certainty of more deficits. content-only/faq.php
our FAQ page at fivefilters.org/
Manning a hero. The council of the United Kingdom. He has Huckabee, in an e-mail, praised it Five Filters featured site: So,
content-only/faq.php
voted 8-0 to table its Manning b e e n a c c u s e d o f p r o v i d i n g as “better than leaving businesses Why is Wikileaks a Good Thing
Five Filters featured site: So,
resolution after several hours of WikiLeaks with a classified video in complete limbo over the tax Again?.
Why is Wikileaks a Good Thing
debate Tuesday night . "We don't purporting to show U.S. forces in rates.”
Again?.
even know if he [was the leaker]," a deadly helicopter attack on
Mayor Tom Bates said, according civilians in Baghdad in 2007.
to CNN. ". . . We are willing to Weighing in on Manning's

Google launches Chrome for a Cause drive, donates for each tab
opened until the 19th
Richard Lawler (Engadget) right now. [Thanks, Josh] Dec 2010 12:31:00 EDT. Please
Submitted at 12/15/2010 12:31:00 PM Check the source link for an Google launches Chrome for a see our terms for use of feeds.
extension that will allow you to Cause drive, donates for each tab Permalink| Chrome for a Cause|
Google is clearly not aware of donate to a charity of your choice opened until the 19th originally Email this| Comments
how many tabs we have open based on how many tabs you open each day. appeared on Engadget on Wed, 15
E-reader News Edition Politics/ 61

Obama Now Warming to Congress Approval Hits

Lobbyists Low of 13 Percent
(Newsmax - Inside Cover) (Newsmax - Inside Cover)
Submitted at 12/15/2010 6:19:46 AM Submitted at 12/15/2010 5:12:08 AM

Wednesday, 15 Dec 2010 12:19 Wednesday, 15 Dec 2010 11:12

PM AM
A huge mid-term election defeat Republicans’ massive victory in
has a way of injecting humility mid-term elections gave a pretty
into a governing party. So it’s no good idea of the public’s low
surprise that the Obama esteem for Congress. A new
administration is now starting to Gallup poll confirms that view. It
make nice with big-time shows that a record low 13 Congress is doing. Gallup
week, EPA decided to ask for surveyed 1,019 adults Dec. 10-12.
lobbyists, as The Hill reports. percent of the American public
more than a year’s worth of time The margin of error is plus or
“For example, Donna Harman, approve of the job Congress is
to re-propose the regulation. ‘The minus 4 percentage points.
president and CEO of the doing, while 83 percent
outreach is usually going one © Newsmax. All rights reserved.
American Forest & Paper disapprove, Politico reports.
way, and that’s from me,’ Harman This entry passed through the
Association, was surprised to The lowest previous approval
says. ‘Most of the time it is me Full-Text RSS service — if this is
receive a phone call from Bob rating for Congress in a previous
calling them, not the other way your content and you're reading it
Perciasepe, deputy administrator Gallup survey was 14 percent in
around.’” on someone else's site, please read
for the Environmental Protection July 2008. Among Democrats, 16
© Newsmax. All rights reserved. our FAQ page at fivefilters.org/
Agency (EPA), last week,” the percent approve of Congress,
This entry passed through the content-only/faq.php
news service states. down from 29 percent in
Full-Text RSS service — if this is Five Filters featured site: So,
“She said the EPA official November. Republicans are even
your content and you're reading it Why is Wikileaks a Good Thing
thanked her for the way her trade less enthusiastic, with a mere 7
on someone else's site, please read Again?.
group handled itself during a percent approving of the job
our FAQ page at fivefilters.org/
contentious rulemaking process
content-only/faq.php
that would have imposed tough
Five Filters featured site: So,
new pollution controls on
Why is Wikileaks a Good Thing
industrial boilers — a huge
Again?.
concern for her member
companies in the paper and wood
manufacturing business. Last
62 Health/
5 Bad Habits You Can Kick Right Now
(Mensfitness.com)
Submitted at 12/15/2010 4:00:00 AM
by Holly C. Corbett| Print Article|
Email to Friend 1. The habit: A
Diet Soda Addiction
If you can't get through the day
without a diet soda fix, you may
be hooked on the caffeine. "There
is about as much caffeine in one
can of [diet soda] as there is in a
shot of espresso," says David J.
Clayton, MD; author of The
Healthy Guide to Unhealthy
Living. Having a few cans a day
could leave you feeling high, and
then low when you come down
from the caffeine buzz." Besides
triggering major dips in energy,
reaching for cans as a pick-me-up
makes it tougher to fall asleep in
the normal 30-minute range come
bedtime. Plus, the acidity in soda
can damage tooth enamel if
sipped daily.
Lessen the impact: Limit your
diet sodas to one a day, and don't
drink any after 2 p.m. to keep the
caffeine from interfering with
your sleep patterns. Try rinsing
your mouth with water after
drinking soda to reduce the effects
of its enamel-eroding acidity. 2.
The habit: Popping Sleeping Pills
"Many people take over-the-
counter sleep aids that are a
combination of painkillers and
antihistamines, such as Tylenol
PM or Advil PM," says Dr.
Clayton. "If you're a healthy
person who wants occasional help
falling asleep, there's no need for
the painkillers." Acetaminophens
such as Tylenol can damage liver
if taken long-term, and is even
more damaging if you've had
alcohol, since the liver has to
work over-time to metabolize all
those toxins. A common cause of
ulcers is regularly popping
ibruprofen, such as Advil, because
it affects your stomach lining.
Lessen the impact: If you you're
going to take something to help
you sleep, try Benadryl instead of
an OTC painkiller and sleep aid
combination. The antihistamine
ingredients minus the painkillers
will help you snooze with less risk
of liver damage or stomach
irritation. Just be sure to take a
dose one to three hours before you
plan on hitting the sack, because it
takes longer to take effect than
say, Tylenol PM. 3. The habit:
Being a Weekend Warrior
Research shows that having
about seven alcoholic drinks a
week lowers your risk of diabetes
and cardiovascular disease. But
what if you abstain all week and
guzzle six glasses on a Friday
night? "The safest amount of
alcohol to imbibe is about two
drinks a day for men," says Dr.
Clayton. "Binge drinking raises
blood pressure, which offsets any
of the cardiovascular benefits of
of wine with dinner (pinot noir is
high in resveratrol, an antioxidant
linked with heart health and anti-
aging) or a beer, but just don't
have the entire bottle or six-pack.
If you're at happy hour or a party,
try adding seltzer water to your
wine. Or, for every cocktail or
beer you have, also drink a seltzer
and lime so you automatically
imbibe less. 4. The habit: Having
Artificial Sugars
Adding artificial sweeteners to
your coffee or snacking on sugar-
free energy bars packed with
sugar substitutes tend to prompt
you to eat more calories later on.
Why? They may make you
hungrier because your body
expects calories when it tastes
something sweet, and sends
hunger signals to your brain. That
makes you want to keep noshing
until your body gets those
expected calories, says Dr.
Clayton.
Lessen the impact: When empty
calories in fake sugars might
boost your appetite, so keep
healthy snacks on hand, such as
apples with packets of heart-
healthy almond butter. It'll help
moderate drinking." Moreover, prevent you from raiding the
h e a v y d r i n k i n g z a p s y o u r vending machine for candy and
thiamine (B1) reserves, which is chips. 5. The habit: Bumming a
needed for a healthy nervous Cigarette
system, and raises your risk of If you don't buy packs, but you
breast cancer. bum one or two cigarettes from
Lessen the impact: Enjoy a glass friends on the weekend, you're
E-reader News Edition
still doing body damage. "Just one
puff causes the same immediate
harmful effects to the lungs as
long-term smoking, such as
constriction of your airways and
paralysis of the tiny hairs that help
filter toxins," says Dr. Clayton.
Lessen the impact: Your body
has a remarkable ability to heal
itself, and once you quit smoking
it takes about seven to 10 years
for your risk of lung and other
diseases to match those of non-
smokers. Identify your triggers,
such as a certain co-worker who
smokes or being around alcohol,
and arm yourself with gum, beef
jerky or whatever you can chew to
keep your mouth occupied. Your
lungs will thank you tomorrow.
Related articles:
Change Your "Fat" Habits
Five Energy-Zapping Foods
Foods That Give You A Health
Do-Over
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more]
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Again?.
E-reader News Edition Health/ 63

Green Chili Cheeseburger

(Mensfitness.com) season each burger on both sides
Submitted at 12/15/2010 3:00:00 AM with the salt and pepper. Cook the
burgers until golden brown on
| Print Article| Email to Friend both sides and cooked to medium,
THE TOPPINGS about 8 minutes. During the last
Green Chile Relish 20 seconds of cooking, top each
burger with a slice of cheese and
• 1 medium poblano chile, let melt.
roasted, peeled, seeded, and thinly 3.) Place the burgers on the buns
sliced and top each with a few
• 2 Hatch chilies, roasted, peeled, tablespoons of the green chile
seeded, and thinly sliced relish, pickled onions, and tortilla
• 1 serrano chile, roasted, peeled, chips.
seeded, and thinly sliced Nutritional Breakdown
• 1 tbsp honey Per serving
• 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil Calories: 534
• 3 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro Protein: 38 g
• Kosher salt and freshly ground Carbs: 30 g
black pepper, to taste Fat: 27 g
Fiber: 1 g
12 Days of
Combine the chilies, vinegar,
honey, olive oil, and cilantro in a
Serves 4 Related articles:
Recipe: California Burger Stressmas
bowl, and season with salt and America's Best Burger Joints (Mensfitness.com)
pepper. Let sit at room Gourmet Burgers: Take your Submitted at 12/15/2010 2:00:00 AM
temperature for at least 30 burger to the next level with these
minutes before serving. The relish exotic picks by Lauren Barack| Print Article|
Remove from heat and let cool for cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
can be made one day in advance,
10 minutes. Put the onions in a • 4 whole-wheat hamburger buns, [on Facebook, Digg, Reddit and Email to Friend Pages 1| 2| 3| 4| 5|
but bring to room temperature more] 6| 7| 8| 9| 10| 11| 12
medium bowl, pour the vinegar split and lightly toasted
before using. Pickled Red Onions
over, cover, and refrigerate for at • 8 baked blue or yellow tortilla This entry passed through the It's the season of giving, but
least 4 hours, up to 48 hours chips, coarsely crushed Full-Text RSS service — if this is you're just about ready to give up.
• 1 1/2 cups red wine vinegar your content and you're reading it Time and money demands from
before serving.
• 1/4 cup water
THE BURGER 1.) Heat a griddle or large saute on someone else's site, please read your family (you forgot to buy
• 2 tbsp sugar
pan over high heat. Add the oil our FAQ page at fivefilters.org/ Aunt Edna's gift, schmuck), work
• 1 tbsp kosher salt
• 1 tbsp canola oil and let heat until it begins to content-only/faq.php (late nights finishing that year-end
• 1 small red onion, peeled, Five Filters featured site: So, report, "Paper Clips: A Company-
• 1 1/2 lbs 90/10 ground beef shimmer.
halved, and thinly sliced
• Salt and freshly ground black 2.) Shape the ground beef with Why is Wikileaks a Good Thing Wide Assessment"), significant
pepper, to taste your hands into 4 round patties Again?. woman ("Can't you carol with me
Bring vinegar, water, sugar, and at the nursing home, you selfish
• 4 paper-thin slices white about 1 1/2 inches thick and
salt to a boil in a small saucepan. bastard?"), and the social scene (
another eggnog hangover) can
reduce even a triathlete to an over
-weight, debt-ridden wreck. Here,
DAYS page 64
64 Politics-Right/ Social Media/
DAYS
continued from page 63
then, is MF's present to you: a
survival guide — 12 ways to
prevail over the harrowing
holidays. 1.) It's OK to be Scrooge
It's Christmas Eve and you're
racing the clock to score your
final shopping items before the
buzzer. Because you've waited
until the last minute, you'll take
anything — and thus you've
tossed your budget to the north
wind, piling even more debt onto
your already wheezing credit
cards. What's this? MF got in
touch with the Ghost of Stressmas
Past — who will give you
clearance to press the redo button
on your holiday shopping. "I got
one thing to say," says the Ghost.
"Talk to the people with whom
you'll exchange presents and
establish gift-giving parameters.
You won't look like a frickin'
Philippe Karsenty Proves Mohammed
Al-Dura Fraud
Jamie Glazov (FrontPage
Magazine » FrontPage)
Submitted at 12/14/2010 10:42:49 PM
Welcome to the premiere of
FrontPage Close-Up with Jamie
Glazov, a new video series of
provocative interviews with the
leading thinkers and
newsmakers of our time. Our first
interview is with a hero of our
modern era — Philippe Karsenty,
the French media analyst who broadcasting staged footage of Leading scholar of Islam, Robert
exposed the Mohammed Al-Dura Israeli soldiers allegedly killing a Spencer.
Fraud, which involved France 1 2 - y e a r - o l d
2, a French television network,
cheapskate for buying your mom
a dish towel if you set a price
limit for the whole family. There's
nothing wrong with putting coal
in people's stockings if you all
agree to it beforehand."
Game Plan: Play Secret Santa
with your group — this way, each
person has to buy only one gift
instead of six or more. You can
also initiate a spending limit —
say, $25 per person. "Don't spend
more than one week of your net
salary on holiday gifts," says
David Bach, author of The
Automatic Millionaire. "Problem
is, most people spend three or
four weeks'." One clan that Bach
counseled spent $6,000 on
presents for a single Christmas —
and they already owed a
combined $30,000 on credit cards.
Counsels Bach: "Don't go lobster
P a l e s t i n i a n , And many more. . . .
Mohammed al-Dura, during a
E-reader News Edition
shopping on a tuna-fish budget."
Innovative Charity:
Bonus: Start your gift hunting at
least a month before the holiday Google “Chrome for a
rush to prevent a last-minute
spending frenzy.
Next Read More > Pages 1| 2| 3|
Cause” Extension
4| 5| 6| 7| 8| 9| 10| 11| 12 Charlie White (Mashable!)
[on Facebook, Digg, Reddit and Submitted at 12/15/2010 11:50:16 AM
more]
This entry passed through the Google’s making it easy for users
Full-Text RSS service — if this is to support their favorite charitable
your content and you're reading it causes with a new extension for
on someone else's site, please read the company’s Chrome browser,
our FAQ page at fivefilters.org/ and it won’t cost users a cent.
content-only/faq.php Chrome for a Cause is now
Five Filters featured site: So, available on the Chrome Web
Why is Wikileaks a Good Thing Store — available for free
Again?. installation with a single click.
Install this extension on the
Chrome for a Cause extension.
Chrome Browser, and each tab
Even better than giving away free
opens results in Google
Wi-Fi on airplanes for the
contributing to a worthy cause. At
holidays, this is the perfect way to
the end of each day, users choose
further that “don’t be evil”
to which charity they’d like to
mantra, help people in need, and
contribute. Included choices are
The Nature Conservancy, charity:
water, Doctors Without Borders,
make users feel good. Everyone
wins.
More About: Browsers, charity,
Un Techo para mi País(which
constructs transitional housing for
chrome, Chrome for a Cause,
Don't Be Evil, extensions,
gun battle in Gaza in 2000. We impoverished families) and Room Google, Worthy Causes
have run Part I, Part II, Part III to Read. For more Social Good coverage:
and Part IV in our previous As users work within the Google • Follow Mashable Social Good
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• Become a Fan on Facebook
Stay tuned for upcoming guests: they’ve opened displays on the
• Subscribe to the Social Good
World-renowned thriller writer, browser’s toolbar. We’re trying it channel
Andrew Klavan. here, and there’s definitely a
• Download our free apps for
Courageous Muslim Reformer, warm and fuzzy feeling every Android, iPhone and iPad
Raheel Raza. time we open another tab. Support
Radical-in-Chief author, Stanley this worthy cause by installing the
Kurtz.
E-reader News Edition
Elite Guilt Begat Obamacare
Submitted at 12/15/2010 3:00:26 AM
It’s all part of The Pathology of
the Elites, says Michael Knox
Beran.
M ichael Knox Beran, a frequent
contributor to National Review
and National Review Online, is
the author of a number of books,
including The Last Patrician, on
Robert Kennedy, and Jefferson’s
Demons. Beran is the author of
the new book Pathology of the
Elites, which he discusses with
NRO’s Kathryn Jean Lopez here.
KATHRYN JEAN LOPEZ:
What’s so pathological about
elites?
MICHAEL KNOX BERAN:
Elites become pathological when
they mask their will to power with
a philosophy of social pity. Lionel
Trilling said of a character in
Henry James’s novel The Princess
Casamassima -- an American-
born woman who marries into the
European nobility and becomes a
social reformer -- that she “is the
very embodiment of the modern
will which masks itself in virtue,
making itself appear harmless, the
will that hates itself and finds its
manifestations guilty and is able
to exist only if it operates in the
name of virtue.” What Trilling is
saying is that the ostensibly
beneficent policies of the elite
reformer very often conceal an
instinct to coerce. “Some paradox
of our nature leads us,” Trilling
says, “when once we have made
our fellow men the objects of our
enlightened interest, to go on to
make them objects of our pity,
then of our wisdom, ultimately of
our coercion.”
#ad# LOPEZ: Who is to blame for
it?
BERAN: Not who, but what:
human infirmity. Our fallen and
imperfect nature is certainly the
root of the problem. But where
human nature is concerned, too
many of our elites are in denial.
Edmund Wilson once observed
that the “sincere reactionaries”
from Dr. Johnson to Dostoevsky
are beset by a “vision of human
sin.” The progressive reformer, by
contrast, finds in his vision of a
better world what he thinks is an
escape from the imperfections of
his nature: He has “evolved a
psychological mechanism which
enables him to turn moral
judgments against himself into
moral judgments against society.”
The elites who would save the
world with social legislation are
conscious only of a magnificent
generosity of intention: In
believing their motives to be pure,
they have erected utopias in their
hearts, Potemkin villages in their
minds -- specious constructions
that allow them to feel good about
themselves and to disavow the
harmful consequences of their
policies. Trilling’s point is that the
social imagination makes the
moral masquerade easier to
accomplish than it was in the past.
By reducing people to a mass of
social groups and types, social
policy obscures their individual
humanity and turns them into
statistics.
LOPEZ: How far along is this
social revolution of theirs?
BERAN: Hannah Arendt warned
that intrusive social policies might
yet “reduce man as a whole, in all
his activities, to the level of a
conditioned and behaving
animal.” She foresaw a world in
which elite social technicians
would impose behavioral norms
on people through “innumerable
and various rules” -- bureaucratic
harnesses intended to “normalize”
men and women, to compel them
to “behave,” and to punish their
“spontaneous action or
outstanding achievement.” We are
a long way from the Pavlovian
nightmare Arendt envisioned, in
which a servile population springs
reflexively to the bells of the
social state. But the ever-growing
number of rules, regulations, pat-
downs, filings, and taxes to which
we are subject is becoming an
obstacle to the full and free
development of human
individuality.
“Almost all the projects of the
social reformers in these days,”
John Stuart Mill wrote in 1855,
“are really liberticide-- Comte
particularly so.” Mill’s words are
as true now as they were then.
One of the tasks of the
conservative today must be to
convince people that many of the
beneficent ends which elite
reformers seek to attain through
coercive legislation can be better
achieved by policies that leave the
initiative to act and the freedom to
choose to the individual.
#page# LOPEZ: Is Barack Obama
one of them?
BERAN: Trilling said that
liberalism makes “its alliances
only when it thinks it catches the
scent of Utopia in parties and
government, the odor of sanctity
in men.” The program of secular
redemption many of today’s elites
have embraced requires a secular
saint. Give President Obama this
much: In his campaign for the
White House, he played the part
of regenerative healer to
perfection. Thus the now
notorious Fourth Eclogue rhetoric
with which candidate Obama
hailed his victory over Hillary
Clinton in the Democratic
primaries -- what he called the
moment “when we began to
provide care for the sick and good
jobs to the jobless,” when “the
rise of the oceans began to slow
and our planet began to heal.”
#ad#It is evident that those who
seized so eagerly on this patently
spurious redemption rhetoric
suffer from a kind of unrequited
spiritual passion. In their
discontent they are driven to seek
an unsatisfactory relief in what
Abraham Lincoln called “
political religion” -- a cult of a
leader or a legislative program, an
idolatry of the flesh or of nature
itself. “Thou, Nature, art my
goddess,” Edmund says in King
Lear: “to thy law / My services
are bound.” In promising to heal
the planet, Obama adroitly posed
as a priest of nature. This ersatz
religion is the ark in which the
elite sufferer confides his dream
of regeneration and with which he
tries to fill up the void in his life,
Politics-Right/ 65
an emptiness which even the
choicer forms of Epicureanism
cannot fill. Our elites were among
the first to anoint the president a
secular redeemer, yet even as we
deplore their blindness, we ought
to look charitably upon souls
desperate enough to seek
consolation in such strange gods.
Theirs is an approach that leads
inevitably (in Whittaker
Chambers’s words) to “intolerable
shallowness of thought combined
with incalculable mischief in
action.”
LOPEZ: How much are the
Kennedys to blame?
BERAN: President Kennedy was
sufficiently open-minded to know
that individual initiative can
achieve certain ends (such as
economic growth) better than
coercive statism. Hence his
decision to “release,” as he put it,
impounded dollars in the form of
tax cuts. And yet when Kennedy
read, in The New Yorker, Dwight
Macdonald’s review of the
socialist Michael Harrington’s
book The Other America, he
began at once to make plans for
what became the “War on
Poverty,” a classic example of
pathological elitism that ended up
doing more harm than good. In
my book I argue that it would
have been vastly better had
reformers attempted to revive, at
the local level, the old civic-
pastoral traditions of the West,
traditions which created a first-
rate charitable culture that was
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continued from page 65
voluntary in nature and rooted in
the knowledge of particular
people and conditions. This civic-
pastoral culture, although it was
overwhelmed by the great
expansion of commerce that
began in the 18th century, was the
source of a pastoral care superior
to the remedial bureaucracies of
the social state. But the elites have
no interest in the voluntarist
approach, for such an approach
would deprive them of control.
LOPEZ: Does elite hypocrisy
matter -- on an issue like school
choice, for instance?
BERAN: In hypocrisy there is
hope. When President Obama
sends his daughters to a fancy
private school, not the local
government-run institution, he
implicitly confesses that the
policies he would impose on the
rest of us don’t work.
LOPEZ: How has elitism
affected teachers and thus hurt
students?
BERAN: The theory of education
that has long been propounded by
the education establishment is
founded, the critic Paul Goodman
observed, on John Dewey’s belief
that children are “human social
animals” who must be
“socialized” and “adjusted to the
social group.” Once the
Deweyesque seed -- Goodman
described its essence as student
“participation and self-rule,”
“group therapy as a means of
solidarity,” and “permissiveness
in all animal behavior and
interpersonal expression” -- was
planted in the American
classroom, education ceased to be
a process of helping young minds
discover the best that is within
them through exposure to “the
best that has been thought and
said in the world.” The emphasis
on the socialization of the young,
and on the merging of their
identities in that of the social
pack, has led to the deposition of
the moral and cultural element in
education. As a result, public
schools grow ever more culturally
vacuous and ever less capable of
engaging what Trilling called the
“deep places” of the imagination.
One cannot realize the educational
aspiration of Pindar -- “Become
what you are” -- if one’s humanity
is being constantly submerged in
one’s animal nature and in the
group-think of the social pack.
#page#At the same time, as I try
to show in the book, the education
establishment that dictates
contemporary teaching dogma has
transformed Emerson’s idea of
self-reliance into a therapeutic
philosophy of self-esteem. The
teacher who today shrinks from
challenging his students because
he is afraid to injure their self-
esteem is not a compassionate
figure; there is, in his failure to
hold his students to his own
private standards, a frigid pity,
and a secret contempt. Yet it is
not easy to see how teachers who
have been trained under the
modern system -- one that too
often encourages them to look
upon their students not as unique
individuals but as social types --
can do much better.
#ad#Teachers today practice their
craft in a highly centralized
system that inhibits the
development of sympathetic
insight. Anyone who has tried to
fit his personality into the mould
of such a system knows how
difficult it is to keep intact even
his consciousness of his own
humanity. Only by an effort of
will can he bring himself to see
that the human raw material he is
charged with processing has also
its unique potential.
LOPEZ: Was the health-care
legislation signed into law in
March purely about the false
compassion of elitism?
BERAN: If white guilt helped
elect President Obama, elite guilt
helped enact the health-care law.
The tragedy of Obamacare is that
there are better ways to
accomplish an end that just about
everybody favors -- better medical
care for all -- than coercive, statist
ones. Price controls have never
yet led to an abundance of the
product subject to them.
LOPEZ: Are elites always bad?
BERAN: No, and indeed José
Ortega y Gasset argued in The
Revolt of the Masses that many of
the troubles of the modern period
can be traced to the decline of
what he called “directing
minorities” -- that is, intelligent
elites. The difficulty which any
elite (whether aristocratic or
meritocratic) confronts is the
corrupting effect of power. The
difficulty for our contemporary
liberal elites is all the greater
because, as Trilling shows, they
have used a philosophy of social
pity to conceal their desire for
power even from themselves. In
contrast to the older and enduring
moral and spiritual traditions of
the West, the social imagination
has developed no protocols for the
examination of conscience. Now,
of course, no discipline of
humility, however elaborate, can
wholly prevent offenses, which
“must needs come.” Still, the old
protocols, so intimately connected
with the development of the moral
imagination of the West, are
superior to such safeguards as the
social imagination has evolved.
LOPEZ: Can the elites develop
new moral protocols to foster self-
knowledge and prevent hubris and
overreaching?
BERAN: Trilling thought that
one could find a substitute for the
older, God-grounded morality in
what he called the “moral
realism” of art and more
especially of the novel. “For our
time,” he wrote in The Liberal
Imagination, “the most effective
agent of the moral imagination
has been the novel of the last two
hundred years.#...#[Its] greatness
and its practical usefulness lay in
its unremitting work of involving
the reader himself in the moral
life, inviting him to put his own
motives under examination,
suggesting that reality is not as his
conventional education has led
him to see it.” Yet in the
seminaries where so many of our
elites are trained, it is no longer
respectable to derive moral
illumination from art. Trilling
himself showed how liberal critics
were converting art into an
adjunct of the social imagination.
He pointed to thinkers who, like
E-reader News Edition
the critic V. L. Parrington,
classified works of art in the light
of their creators’ sense of “social
responsibility.” Such thinkers,
Trilling said, supposed that Henry
James would have been a better
novelist if his books had been
“pleas for co-operatives, labor
unions, better housing, and more
equitable taxation.” The tendency
to interpret works of art in terms
of social categories is if anything
more widespread today than it
was in Trilling’s time. In the
modern university works of art
are too often studied, not for the
light they throw on the moral
imagination, but for the degree to
which their creators evince a
sense of ethnic or racial or sexual
grievance.
#page# LOPEZ: Are the elites’
ideas always bad? Are their
intentions always good?
BERAN: The ideas of our elites
are likely to be bad, and their
intention dubious, as long as they
confuse pity with compassion.
Hannah Arendt illuminated the
distinction between pity and
compassion when she drew
attention, in her book On
Revolution, to a theme in
Dostoevsky’s The Brothers
Karamazov. Arendt described
how the novelist, in the story of
the Grand Inquisitor, contrasted
the loving compassion of Jesus
with the eloquent but disastrous
pity of the Inquisitor:
#ad#
For compassion, to be stricken
with the suffering of someone else
ELITE page 68
E-reader News Edition
Two Californias
Submitted at 12/15/2010 11:00:35 AM
Abandoned farms, Third World
living conditions, pervasive public
assistance -- welcome to the once-
thriving Central Valley.
T he last three weeks I have
traveled about, taking the pulse of
the more forgotten areas of central
California. I wanted to witness,
even if superficially, what is
happening to a state that has the
highest sales and income taxes,
the most lavish entitlements, the
near-worst public schools (based
on federal test scores), and the
largest number of illegal aliens in
the nation, along with an
overregulated private sector, a
stagnant and shrinking
manufacturing base, and an elite
environmental ethos that restricts
commerce and productivity
without curbing consumption.
#ad#During this unscientific
experiment, three times a week I
rode a bike on a 20-mile trip over
various rural roads in
southwestern Fresno County. I
also drove my car over to the
coast to work, on various routes
through towns like San Joaquin,
Mendota, and Firebaugh. And
near my home I have been
driving, shopping, and touring by
intent the rather segregated and
impoverished areas of Caruthers,
Fowler, Laton, Orange Cove,
Parlier, and Selma. My own
farmhouse is now in an area of
abject poverty and almost no
ethnic diversity; the closest
elementary school (my alma
mater, two miles away) is 94
percent Hispanic and 1 percent
white, and well below federal
testing norms in math and
English.
Here are some general
observations about what I saw
(other than that the rural roads of
California are fast turning into
rubble, poorly maintained and
reverting to what I remember
seeing long ago in the rural
South). First, remember that these
areas are the ground zero, so to
speak, of 20 years of illegal
immigration. There has been a
general depression in farming --
to such an extent that the 20- to-
100-acre tree and vine farmer, the
erstwhile backbone of the old
rural California, for all practical
purposes has ceased to exist.
On the western side of the
Central Valley, the effects of
arbitrary cutoffs in federal
irrigation water have idled tens of
thousands of acres of prime
agricultural land, leaving
thousands unemployed.
Manufacturing plants in the towns
in these areas -- which used to
make harvesters, hydraulic lifts,
trailers, food-processing
equipment -- have largely shut
down; their production has been
shipped off overseas or south of
the border. Agriculture itself --
from almonds to raisins -- has
increasingly become corporatized
and mechanized, cutting by half
the number of farm workers
needed. So unemployment runs
somewhere between 15 and 20
percent.
Many of the rural trailer-house
compounds I saw appear to the
naked eye no different from what
I have seen in the Third World.
There is a Caribbean look to the
junked cars, electric wires
crisscrossing between various
outbuildings, plastic tarps
substituting for replacement
shingles, lean-tos cobbled
together as auxiliary housing, pit
bulls unleashed, and geese, goats,
and chickens roaming around the
yards. The public hears about all
sorts of tough California
regulations that stymie business --
rigid zoning laws, strict building
codes, constant inspections -- but
apparently none of that applies
out here.
It is almost as if the more
California regulates, the more it
does not regulate. Its public
employees prefer to go after
misdemeanors in the upscale areas
to justify our expensive oversight
industry, while ignoring the
felonies in the downtrodden areas,
which are becoming feral and
beyond the ability of any
inspector to do anything but feel
irrelevant. But in the regulators’
defense, where would one get the
money to redo an ad hoc trailer
park with a spider web of illegal
bare wires?
Many of the rented-out rural
shacks and stationary Winnebagos
are on former small farms -- the
vineyards overgrown with weeds,
or torn out with the ground lying
fallow. I pass on the cultural
consequences to communities
from the loss of thousands of
small farming families. I don’t
think I can remember another
time when so many acres in the
eastern part of the valley have
gone out of production, even
though farm prices have recently
rebounded. Apparently it is
simply not worth the gamble of
investing $7,000 to $10,000 an
acre in a new orchard or vineyard.
What an anomaly -- with
suddenly soaring farm prices, still
we have thousands of acres in the
world’s richest agricultural belt,
with available water on the east
side of the valley and plentiful
labor, gone idle or in disuse. Is
credit frozen? Are there simply no
more farmers? Are the schools so
bad as to scare away potential
agricultural entrepreneurs? Or are
we all terrified by the national
debt and uncertain future?
#page#California coastal elites
may worry about the oxygen
content of water available to a
three-inch smelt in the
Sacramento–San Joaquin River
Delta, but they seem to have no
interest in the epidemic dumping
of trash, furniture, and often toxic
substances throughout
California’s rural hinterland.
Yesterday, for example, I rode my
bike by a stopped van just as the
occupants tossed seven plastic
bags of raw refuse onto the side of
the road. I rode up near their
bumper and said in my broken
Spanish not to throw garbage onto
the public road. But there were
three of them, and one of me. So I
was lucky to be sworn at only. I
note in passing that I would not
drive into Mexico and, as a guest,
Politics-Right/ 67
dare to pull over and throw seven
bags of trash into the environment
of my host.
#ad#In fact, trash piles are
commonplace out here --
composed of everything from half
-empty paint cans and children’s
plastic toys to diapers and moldy
food. I have never seen a rural
sheriff cite a litterer, or witnessed
state EPA workers cleaning up
these unauthorized wastelands. So
I would suggest to Bay Area
scientists that the environment is
taking a much harder beating
down here in central California
than it is in the Delta. Perhaps
before we cut off more irrigation
water to the west side of the
valley, we might invest some
green dollars into cleaning up the
unsightly and sometimes
dangerous garbage that now litters
the outskirts of our rural
communities.
We hear about the tough small-
business regulations that have
driven residents out of the state, at
the rate of 2,000 to 3,000 a week.
But from my unscientific
observations these past weeks, it
seems rather easy to open a small
business in California without any
oversight at all, or at least what I
might call a “counter business.” I
counted eleven mobile hot-
kitchen trucks that simply park by
the side of the road, spread about
some plastic chairs, pull down a
tarp canopy, and, presto, become
mini-restaurants. There are no
“facilities” such as toilets or
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continued from page 66
as though it were contagious, and
pity, to be sorry without being
touched in the flesh, are not only
not the same, they may not even
be related. Compassion, by its
very nature, cannot be touched off
by the sufferings of a whole class
or a people, or, least of all,
mankind as a whole. It cannot
reach out farther than what is
suffered by one person and still
remain what it is supposed to be,
co-suffering. Its strength hinges
on the strength of passion itself,
which, in contrast to reason, can
comprehend only the particular,
but has no notion of the general
and no capacity for
generalization. The sin of the
Grand Inquisitor was that he, like
Robespierre, was “attracted
toward les hommes faibles,” not
only because such attraction was
indistinguishable from lust for
power, but also because he had
depersonalized the sufferers,
lumped them together into an
aggregate -- the people toujours
malheureux, the suffering masses,
et cetera. To Dostoevski, the sign
of Jesus’s divinity clearly was his
ability to have compassion with
all men in their singularity, that is,
without lumping them together
into some such entity as one
suffering mankind. The greatness
of the story, apart from its
theological implications, lies in
that we are made to feel how false
the idealistic, high-flown phrases
of the most exquisite pity sound
the moment they are confronted
with compassion.
Pity, Arendt argued, is a concern
for the misery of another
unprompted by intimacy with, or
love for, the sufferer.
Compassion, by contrast, is a love
directed “towards specific
suffering” and concentrates on
“particular persons.” It can be
exercised only by individuals or
small groups, not by agencies or
bureaus. Pity, Arendt wrote, “may
be the perversion of compassion.”
Because the pitier “is not stricken
in the flesh,” because he keeps his
“sentimental distance,” he has
often shown “a greater capacity
for cruelty” than the confessedly
cruel.
David Hume said that pity was a
“counterfeited” love. It is the false
compassion that results when men
exercise their kindness by
committee: It is the look in the
eyes of the welfare clerk or the
public-housing official. In his
1995 book The Revolt of the
Elites, Christopher Lasch argued
that the philosophy of “social
democracy” favored by so much
of the modern elite -- a
philosophy that would expand
“the state’s custodial and tutelary
functions” -- degrades “both the
victims, who are reduced to
objects of pity, and their would-be
benefactors, who find it easier to
pity their fellow citizens than to
hold them up to impersonal
standards, attainment of which
would entitle them to respect.”
To be pitied by another man is to
stand humiliated before him;
however well-intentioned
programs grounded in pity may
be, they always end by laying low
their intended beneficiaries. Pity
does not lead to a flourishing in
the pitied, though it may provoke
their resentment, even their rage;
the act of pitying is always a kind
of strength condescending to
weakness. Love awakens; pity
oppresses.
#page# LOPEZ: Who is the
ultimate anti-elite?
BERAN: The founders of the
Republic. They were, certainly, an
elite; but they were an elite gifted
with self-knowledge, and they
created a constitutional system
designed to frustrate the human
will to power. Their system of
checks and balances has preserved
Americans’ liberties and at the
same time allowed men like
Lincoln to rise into greatness --
men who lacked elite credentials
and would not have gotten very
far under the elitist regimes of the
Old World. The question today is
whether we can prevent the wreck
of the founders’ labors and
restrain the Leviathan of the
administrative state.
#ad#As a result of the mandarin
revolution over which our elites
have presided, too much
discretionary authority has been
confided to unelected regulators
and unaccountable quasi-public
bodies (like Fannie Mae and
Freddie Mac), and too much purse
-string power has been vested in
robo-laws that automatically
trigger expenditures of public
funds and steadily increase the
size and scope of the government.
It is sobering to reflect that overall
government spending in the
United States, which accounted
for less than 7 percent of the gross
domestic product in 1903, was
estimated in 2009 to account for
as much as 43 percent of GDP.
LOPEZ: Is Sarah Palin’s
popularity a response to the
“pathology of the elites”?
BERAN: Richard Cohen said in
the Washington Post the other day
that the Left “has long thought
that there ought to be some
connection between intelligence
or learning and the right to
govern.” How nice it must be to
belong to that good-thinking
mutual-admiration society that so
forthrightly opposes its
opponents’ faith in government by
the stupid! For Cohen, the
connection between intelligence
and the right to govern is
sufficiently attested in President
Obama’s case by the fact that he
and his wife have been
“accredited by no less than four
Ivy League institutions -- Harvard
twice and Princeton and
Columbia, once each.” Res ipsa
loquitur, as we elitists might say.
Sarah Palin infuriates the elites
because she has not only
questioned their system of
accreditation, she has identified
their moral “spinelessness”
precisely with the elite training
they have received, and has in
particular questioned the moral
value of an “elite Ivy League
education.” Palin is saying
essentially what Trilling said 60
years ago when he argued that the
“educated class” of his day,
however accomplished it might
have been, was morally
unintelligent. Your garden-variety
elitist will put up with this sort of
criticism from Lionel Trilling, but
E-reader News Edition
not from Sarah Palin. They
despise the folksy candor that has
made her a popular figure in much
of the rest of the country.
LOPEZ: Is there such a thing as
being too uncritically anti-elite?
BERAN: The Yahoo in Swift’s
book is uncritically anti-elite: He
tramples down the oats and
grasses of the Houyhnhnm, who is
his superior in wisdom and virtue.
We must all deplore that. The
problem is this: It is not easy to
say, at any given moment in time,
who the truly elite are, of whom
the real aristoi-- the wisest, the
best, and the most virtuous among
us -- is composed. Cohen
supposes that one can tell who the
truly elite are by their academical
credentials. Schopenhauer would,
I think, have begged to differ.
Swift’s formula, though
admittedly imperfect, remains
better than most. When the truly
elect soul appears in the world,
“you may know him by this sign,
that the dunces are in confederacy
against him.”
LOPEZ: Can the Tea Party stop
the elites?
BERAN: Only if the Tea Partiers
find a way to break through the
elites’ Praetorian Guard, the
public-sector unions.
LOPEZ: Are some elites more
amusing than others?
BERAN: It was fun to see Bono
arrive in Australia for a concert
with a fleet of 747s.
— Kathryn Jean Lopez is an
editor-at-large of National Review
Online. Interview
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washrooms. But I do frequently
see lard trails on the isolated roads
I bike on, where trucks apparently
have simply opened their draining
tanks and sped on, leaving a slick
of cooking fats and oils. Crows
and ground squirrels love them;
they can be seen from a distance
mysteriously occupied in the
middle of the road.
At crossroads, peddlers in a
counter-California economy sell
almost anything. Here is what I
noticed at an intersection on the
west side last week: shovels,
rakes, hoes, gas pumps,
lawnmowers, edgers, blowers,
jackets, gloves, and caps. The
merchandise was all new. I doubt
whether in high-tax California
sales taxes or income taxes were
paid on any of these stop-and-go
transactions.
In two supermarkets 50 miles
apart, I was the only one in line
who did not pay with a social-
service plastic card (gone are the
days when “food stamps” were
embarrassing bulky coupons). But
I did not see any relationship
between the use of the card and
poverty as we once knew it: The
electrical appurtenances owned by
the user and the car into which the
groceries were loaded were
indistinguishable from those of
the upper middle class.
By that I mean that most
consumers drove late-model
Camrys, Accords, or Tauruses,
had iPhones, Bluetooths, or
BlackBerries, and bought
everything in the store with public
-assistance credit. This seemed a
world apart from the trailers I had
just ridden by the day before. I
don’t editorialize here on the logic
or morality of any of this, but I
note only that there are vast
numbers of people who
apparently are not working, are on
public food assistance, and enjoy
the technological veneer of the
middle class. California has a
consumer market surely, but often
no apparent source of income.
Does the $40 million a day
supplement to unemployment
benefits from Washington explain
some of this?
#page#Do diversity concerns, as
in lack of diversity, work both
ways? Over a hundred-mile
stretch, when I stopped in San
Joaquin for a bottled water, or
drove through Orange Cove, or
got gas in Parlier, or went to a
corner market in southwestern
Selma, my home town, I was the
only non-Hispanic -- there were
no Asians, no blacks, no other
whites. We may speak of the
richness of “diversity,” but those
who cherish that ideal simply
have no idea that there are now
countless inland communities that
have become near-apartheid
societies, where Spanish is the
first language, the schools are not
at all diverse, and the federal and
state governments are either the
main employers or at least the
chief sources of income --
whether through emergency
rooms, rural health clinics, public
schools, or social-service offices.
An observer from Mars might
conclude that our elites and
masses have given up on the ideal
of integration and assimilation,
perhaps in the wake of the arrival
of 11 to 15 million illegal aliens.
#ad#Again, I do not editorialize,
but I note these vast
transformations over the last 20
years that are the paradoxical
wages of unchecked illegal
immigration from Mexico, a vast
expansion of California’s
entitlements and taxes, the flight
of the upper middle class out of
state, the deliberate effort not to
tap natural resources, the
downsizing in manufacturing and
agriculture, and the departure of
whites, blacks, and Asians from
many of these small towns to
more racially diverse and upscale
areas of California.
Fresno’s California State
University campus is embroiled in
controversy over the student body
president’s announcing that he is
an illegal alien, with all the
requisite protests in favor of the
DREAM Act. I won’t comment
on the legislation per se, but again
only note the anomaly. I taught at
CSUF for 21 years. I think it fair
to say that the predominant theme
of the Chicano and Latin
American Studies program’s
sizable curriculum was a fuzzy
American culpability. By that I
mean that students in those
classes heard of the sins of
America more often than its
attractions. In my home town,
Mexican flag decals on car
windows are far more common
than their American counterparts.
I note this because hundreds of
students here illegally are now
terrified of being deported to
Mexico. I can understand that,
given the chaos in Mexico and
their own long residency in the
United States. But here is what
still confuses me: If one were to
consider the classes that deal with
Mexico at the university, or the
visible displays of national
chauvinism, then one might
conclude that Mexico is a far
more attractive and moral place
than the United States.
So there is a surreal nature to
these protests: something like,
“Please do not send me back to
the culture I nostalgically praise;
please let me stay in the culture
that I ignore or deprecate.” I think
the DREAM Act protestors might
have been far more successful in
winning public opinion had they
stopped blaming the U.S. for
suggesting that they might have to
leave at some point, and instead
explained why, in fact, they want
to stay. What it is about America
that makes a youth of 21 go on a
hunger strike or demonstrate to be
allowed to remain in this country
rather than return to the place of
his birth?
I think I know the answer to this
paradox. Missing entirely in the
above description is the attitude of
the host, which by any historical
standard can only be termed
“indifferent.” California does not
care whether one broke the law to
arrive here or continues to break it
by staying. It asks nothing of the
illegal immigrant -- no
proficiency in English, no
acquaintance with American
history and values, no proof of
income, no record of education or
skills. It does provide all the
69
public assistance that it can afford
(and more that it borrows for),
and apparently waives
enforcement of most of
California’s burdensome
regulations and civic statutes that
increasingly have plagued
productive citizens to the point of
driving them out. How odd that
we overregulate those who are
citizens and have capital to the
point of banishing them from the
state, but do not regulate those
who are aliens and without capital
to the point of encouraging
millions more to follow in their
footsteps. How odd -- to
paraphrase what Critias once said
of ancient Sparta -- that California
is at once both the nation's most
unfree and most free state, the
most repressed and the wildest.
Hundreds of thousands sense all
that and vote accordingly with
their feet, both into and out of
California -- and the result is a
sort of social, cultural, economic,
and political time-bomb, whose
ticks are getting louder.
— NRO contributor Victor Davis
Hanson is a senior fellow at the
Hoover Institution, the editor of
Makers of Ancient Strategy: From
the Persian Wars to the Fall of
Rome, and the author of The
Father of Us All: War and
History, Ancient and Modern.
Victor Davis Hanson
70 Politics-Right/ E-reader News Edition

No Labels, No Debate
Submitted at 12/15/2010 3:00:31 AM
the Daily Beast. about it further, she added, “I’m create an online database of pork, to move into the mainstream -- to
“Welcome to our Woodstock of writing an op-ed for the state er, infrastructure projects. See help ex-convicts stay out of jail.
“ N o L a b e l s ” i s a p a r t y o f democracy,” announced Mark paper.” what a little civility can do? (In a city where the recidivism
parliamentarians. McKinnon, a former adviser to Yvette Simpson, a third-party #ad#Yes, No Labels is a party of rate is 62 percent, the NPRI has
‘I don’t really know what will Pres. George W. Bush. “We want candidate for Cincinnati’s city parliamentarians. Its members seen only 10 percent of its
come out of it,” an attendee told to create a vehicle to amplify your council, stressed that her effort emphasized process, not policy -- participants return to crime.)
me at the founders’ meeting of voices.” wasn’t about “issues, but ways we probably because they expected a Recall that welfare reform was
“No Labels” on Monday. “But it But whose voices were they? solve problems.” Like civil process would result in once far outside the cozy middle
sounds good.” Those of the cool, civil centrists - transparency, for instance. liberal policy. Or at least in liberal of urban-policy thought -- it was
And thus a movement was born. - people who just want politicians LaTarro Traylor, a law student politicians. In the afternoon, an idea supported mainly by
Or so the founders of this “social to play nice. Jonathan Cowan, from Grand Rapids, made a Dylan Ratigan, the MSNBC host, “heartless” Republicans.
welfare advocacy organization” president of the moderate think similar point. “I’m tired of moderated a panel that included Conservatives had fought tooth
w o u l d h a v e u s t h i n k . O n e tank Third Way, outlined the entering debates focusing on our outgoing Florida governor Charlie and nail for decades before they
thousand people crammed into the group’s objectives later in the differences. We should focus on Crist and Delaware congressman were able to reform open-ended
Alfred Lerner Hall at Columbia conference. “We want to use the our similarities,” she told me. On Michael Castle, both of whom lost welfare -- and then they had to
University to take part in the same tools that the Left and the education, for example, we should in Republican primaries. The listen to Democratic senator
founding festivities: the speeches, R i g h t u s e ” t o p r o m o t e start from the recognition that we panel bemoaned the influence of Daniel Patrick Moynihan predict
the panels, the testimonials. They moderation, he said. In 2011, No all want good schools for our “party bosses” who had corrupted that the reform would result in
were “Democrats, Republicans Labels hopes to sign up 1 million children. When I added that our political system, which inner-city children “sleeping on
a n d I n d e p e n d e n t s ” - - t h e i r members, who will fulfill its Democrats and Republicans rejected such upstanding grates.” History has shown the
declaration read -- who believed mission by “monitoring the three seemed to agree -- to be building gentlemen as Crist and Castle. A critics of welfare reform to be
t h a t “ h y p e r - p a r t i s a n s h i p i s c’s: cosponsors, common ground, consensus -- that teachers’ unions curious complaint, considering wrong, and an idea once
destroying our politics” and that and civility.” Did legislators had become too powerful, Traylor that Crist and Castle were their considered beyond the pale has
we must “put the issues and c o s p o n s o r b i l l s w r i t t e n b y politely rejoined, “Well, there’s party bosses’ preferred candidates proven to be excellent policy --
what’s best for the nation first.” members of the opposite party? no need to beat on teachers’ in the midterm elections, until reducing child poverty and
Whatever that means. Did they seek “common ground” unions.” voters decided otherwise. intergenerational dependency
#ad#That morning, the founders with their opponents? And, #page#The people in the audience The conference wasn’t a total across all races. It’s a good thing
spoke as if they were doing through it all, were they civil? were more sympathetic characters washout. Newark mayor Cory welfare reformers didn’t listen to
something important, even if it Besides discouraging incivility, than the ones onstage. The Booker, a Democrat, gave a the polite, civil centrists.
was unclear what exactly they however, it was uncertain what speakers were a parade of rousing speech in which he There may be such a thing as
were doing. “They said it couldn’t their purpose was -- or how they sanctimonious moderates, who discussed -- in greater detail than good, principled moderation. But
be done,” Nancy Jacobson, a intended to achieve it. What told of their storied legislative anyone else -- his work with No Labels does not give voice to
former finance chair for Sen. constituted “common ground” or achievements. Democratic conservatives on gun policy, it. Instead, it aims to replace the
Evan Bayh (D., Ind.), told the “common-sense solutions”? congressman Bruce Braley of enterprise zones, and prisoner- rough and tumble of political
crowd. “I’ve never seen more Indeed, even the attendees Iowa, for instance, had sponsored reentry programs. He even praised debate with a consensus -- one
interest for any project I’ve noticed the conference’s want of a law requiring the government to the Manhattan Institute, a right-of that is predetermined, impervious
worked for.” content. “I don’t see people write in plain English. Mayor -center think tank. to criticism, and insidiously
“This is the way change always building consensus,” Mica Ward, Antonio Villaraigosa of Los Booker’s brew of moderation is liberal.
begins in America,” said William a federal contractor from Denver, Angeles, when he was speaker of telling. He is working with MI on — Brian Bolduc is a William F.
Galston, a former domestic-policy told me. When asked how No the California Assembly, forced the Newark Prisoner Reentry Buckley Fellow at the National
adviser to President Clinton, Labels would build consensus, Republicans to sit with Initiative, which applies the Review Institute. Brian Bolduc
“from the bottom up.” she responded -- with a knowing Democrats. And Sen. Kirsten lesson learned from welfare
“This is a rebellious project,” nod of the head -- “I’m hoping to Gillibrand (D., N.Y.) worked with reform -- that holding a job is the
added John Avlon, a columnist for learn that today.” After thinking Sen. Tom Coburn (R., Okla.) to best way for those on the margins
E-reader News Edition
How WikiLeaks Exposed Obama’s Incompetence
Arnold Ahlert (FrontPage
Magazine » FrontPage)
Submitted at 12/14/2010 10:44:47 PM
The latest Wikileaks document
dump has revealed many things,
but few are more daunting than
the Obama administration’s
determination to cling to
assumptions about worldwide
terror and its perpetrators, as
opposed to dealing with the
reality of what’s actually
occurring. In fairness to Mr.
Obama, some of these
assumptions long pre-date his
term in office. For example, it is
no secret that several previous
administrations have been
involved in a Palestinian-Israeli
“peace process” that has resulted
abundance of process and
precious little in the way of peace.
Yet this current release reveals
that Mr. Obama is either
incredibly naive, or, more likely,
the victim of one of the oldest self
-inflicted political “diseases” in
existence: the triumph of ideology
over reality.
Underscoring this view of the
president is his reaction to the
Wikileaks fiasco itself. “While I
was concerned the exposure of
sensitive information from the
battlefield that can endanger
people and operations, the fact is
that these documents do not
reveal any interest not yet been
exposed during a public debate
about the war in Afghanistan,”
said president Obama–back in
July, before the current trove of
documents was made public.
With regard to this latest release,
the president has been
conspicuously silent regarding the
new documents. Perhaps he
thought Secretary of State Hillary
Clinton’s assertion that “this
disclosure is not just an attack on
America, it’s an attack on the
international community” was
sufficient. Or perhaps, as former
U.N Ambassador John Bolton
asserts, “this sustained, collective
inaction exemplifies the Obama
administration’s all-too-common
attitude towards threats to
America’s international interests.
The president, unlike the long line
of his predecessors since Franklin
Roosevelt, simply does not put
national security at the centre of
his political priorities.”
What do the documents reveal?
First and foremost, might be the
idea that the definition of word
“ally” has been stretched to its
breaking point. A classified
memo written by Hillary Clinton
revealed that with respect to our
“ally” Saudi Arabia, terrorist
donors in that country ”constitute
the most significant source of
funding to Sunni terrorist groups
worldwide.” That would be the
same Saudi Arabia, which
according to testimony
by Undersecretary of the Treasury
for Financial and Terrorism
Intelligence, Stuart Levey
on October 6, 2009 before Senate
Banking Committee, is sending
terrorist funding “to Iraq, to South
-East Asia and to any other place
where there are terrorists…”
It is also the same Saudi
Politics-Right/ 71
previous administrations have
bought into the idea that the
“peace process” is an all-purpose
panacea for defusing terrorist
ambitions.
Yet the ongoing friction between
the Israelis and the Palestinians
can hardly explain the
proliferation of terrorist groups far
beyond the scope of the Middle
East. As Yoram Ettinger reveals
in a column for Ynetnews.com,
the Wikileak documents reveal
that “Muslim terrorists operate
along the joint border of Brazil,
Paraguay and Argentina, as well
as in San Paulo, Foz do Iguacu
and Parana, Brazil. Independent
of Israel’s policies and existence,
A r a b i a w i t h w h o m t h i s p r e s i d e n t O b a m a a p p r o v e d the Lashkar-E-Taiba, Jaish-E-
a d m i n i s t r a t i o n i s c u r r e n t l y another $7.5 billion dollars in aid Mohammed and other Islamic
negotiating a $60 billion arms to Paksitan, tripling the previous terrorist organizations –operating
sale. level. It also committed itself to w i t h t h e b a c k i n g o f
Our other major “ally” in the an additional five years of aid Pakistan–target India. Moreover,
Middle East? Pakistan. Yet the which co-author of the bill, Sen. Lashkar-E-Taiba expands its
nation which harbors the likely John Kerry (D-Mass.), claimed presence in Pakistan–where it
command-and-control center of al would ”build a relationship with c o l l a b o r a t e s w i t h t h e I n t e r
Qaeda in its North Waziristan the people to show that what we Services Intelligence–Sri Lanka
region is reportedly unmoved, as want is a relationship that meets and Nepal in order to intensify
the cables reveal, by the United their interests and needs.” terrorism in India.”
States’ “deep concerns about the Perhaps Mr. Kerry should be One would be hard-pressed to
safety and security of Pakistan’s m o r e c o n c e r n e d w i t h a conclude that such organizations
nuclear weapons.” This ever- relationship that meets our would turn their jihadist swords
increasing nuclear stockpile could interests and needs. into plowshares if the Israeli-
be obtained by terrorists taking Another prominent assumption Palestinian conflict were resolved.
advantage of what the cables which takes a hit is the Obama Such a naive assumption is
characterized as an “increasingly administration’s continuing underscored by perhaps the most
u n s t a b l e ” c o u n t r y . I n a n determination to pin the hopes of important revelation of the
interview with the BBC, Pakistani undermining the advance of Wikileaks release: the Arabian
High Commissioner to the UK, Islamic terror on securing a “two- Peninsula’s contempt and fear of
Wajid Shamsul Hasan, claimed state solution” between the I s r a e l a p p a r e n t l y p a l e s i n
that such weapons ”are the dearest Israelis and the Palestinians. To comparison to that which is
assets that we have and we’ll not be fair, such an assumption has
allow anything to fall into any been around far longer than Mr. HOW page 72
adventurer’s hands.” In October, Obama’s term in office. Several
72 Politics-Right/ E-reader News Edition
HOW
Anybody but Steele continued from page 71

engendered by the possibility of a

Submitted at 12/15/2010 3:00:42 AM
His engaging manner on TV was voting members of Congress, zero big night despite the RNC, not nuclear-armed Iran. Leaders there,
one of his attractions as a electoral votes, and a population because of it. notably Saudi King Abdullah and
S ay what you will about him -- chairman two years ago. It roughly the size of Scranton’s. The party -- and the country -- King Hamad bin Isa al Khalifa of
Michael Steele plays by nobody quickly went sour. Steele doesn’t Steele has claimed credit for the can’t afford to hope for another Bahrain, have privately begged
else’s rules. He shocked the have the discipline of a party historic midterm victories, but political bailout in 2012, a cycle the Untied State to take military
political world on Monday night operative. Whether it was lashing believing that he substantially that will be even more important action against the nation they
by announcing he’d run for out at Rush Limbaugh or calling contributed to Republican than 2010. Republicans will be consider the primary threat to
reelection as chairman of the Afghanistan “a war of Obama’s successes is no less delusional looking to defend, consolidate, their well-being. London-based
Republican National Committee. choosing,” his gaffes distracted than Nancy Pelosi believing that and expand legislative gains, and Arabic newspaper, Elaph,
We admire his pluck, but not his f r o m t h e w o r k a t h a n d . she didn’t. In his resignation not just President Obama’s highlighted the concerns of Saudi
judgment. It’s time for someone Meanwhile, the $20,000-apiece letter, RNC political director agenda, but the president himself, Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar
else to run the RNC. corporate speeches, the Regnery Gentry Collins -- now a candidate will be on the ballot. It is thus and the UAE, much of which
Steele is an infectiously likeable book, and the accompanying for the chairmanship himself -- crucial that every GOP institution centers around Iranian attempts to
guy with an inspiring personal media plugs all gave Steele, fairly painted a devastating picture of be running on all cylinders. For penetrate their security and
story. The adopted son of a or not, the whiff of the political the fundraising mismanagement at all the Herculean work of the intelligence agencies, as well as
laundress and a truck driver who profiteer. the committee. The RNC raised outside groups, there are certain their ongoing suspicion as to the
credits his bootstrapping mother Likewise, his tactical choices $284 million for the mid-terms in tasks for which only the party true nature of Iran’s nuclear
and Ronald Reagan with leading seemed at times driven as much 2002 and $243 million in 2006, a committee is suited, given its program. Yet at a recently
him to the GOP, Steele became by personal exigencies as by party far better performance than the ability to coordinate with state concluded summit of the Gulf
one of the first in his family to priorities. In September, with roughly $170 million for this parties. If nothing else, the subpar Cooperation Council in Abu
attend college, and spent years at midterms kicking into high gear cycle. The party’s neglect of big reputation the RNC has earned Dhabi, the public facade was re-
t h e C a t h o l i c s e m i n a r y o f and every piece of data indicating donors and its reliance on mass under Steele’s leadership will erected: the closing statement of
Villanova before leaving to that Republicans could make solicitations of small donors make it impossible for the the meeting “reiterated Arab
pursue a career in law and public substantial incursions into key meant it spent a lot to raise this committee to work at its optimum. support for Iran’s right to a
service that would see him blue districts, where was Steele? smaller amount of money. Steele’s poor performance as peaceful nuclear program.”
b e c o m e t h e f i r s t A f r i c a n Speechifying and fundraising in This left it to third-party chairman has had one fortunate
American to hold statewide office Guam-- no doubt in part because conservative groups to close the side effect -- it has created a
in Maryland and the first to chair the party committeemen of Guam money gap and expand the field robust field of alternatives. It
t h e R e p u b l i c a n N a t i o n a l and other U.S. territories in the of seats in play. Even so, the gives us no pleasure to say this,
Committee. Pacific and Caribbean broke RNC’s anemic grassroots but none of them would be worse
#ad#We don’t doubt he will heavily for Steele in 2008. A mobilization and voter-turnout than Steele, and we believe any of
continue to be an asset to the similar calculus could explain efforts -- the kind of “ground them would be better. Someone
party and to the conservative why Steele sent $20,000 from his game” that pushed Obama across else deserves a chance at the top
cause in any number of ways, but state parties’ budget to the the finish line in 2008 -- almost of the RNC. The Editors
he has turned out to be ill suited to Commonwealth of the Northern certainly cost Republicans seats.
the RNC job. Marianas Islands, which has no No, Republican candidates had a
ELITE
continued from page 68
E-reader News Edition
This Bill of Rights Day, Celebrate the Whole Constitution
Julia Shaw (The Foundry:
Conservative Policy News.)
Submitted at 12/15/2010 10:00:42 AM
Posted December 15th, 2010 at
11:00am in First Principles Print
This Post
Many Americans praise the first
ten amendments to our
Constitution, collectively called
the Bill of Rights, as providing
the true protection of our liberty.
But if the Bill of Rights had not
been added on December 15,
1791 (which we now celebrate as
Bill of Rights Day), would our
fundamental liberties still be
protected? Would the original
Constitution be enough to guard
our liberty?
A bill of rights was controversial
during the ratification debates
over the Constitution. The Anti-
Federalists made it their rallying
cry. Many founders, though,
rejected the inclusion of a bill of
rights in the Constitution. In
Federalist 84, Alexander
Hamilton argued that a bill of
rights was, at best, unnecessary to
guard liberty and, at worst, an
invitation to federal overreach.
Bills of rights are “stipulations
between kings and their subjects,
abridgements of prerogative in
favor of privilege, reservations of
rights not surrendered to the
prince.”
But the Constitution is not a
bargain between subjects and
kings. It is a document of limited,
enumerated powers, forming the
architecture of our liberty. “We
the people” vest each branch of
government with specific powers.
In Article I, Congress receives
“powers herein granted” —not
legislative power over everything
and anything. Nowhere in the
Constitution have “we the people”
given Congress power to regulate
speech or religion, or to police the
states generally. Hamilton
concludes: “it is evident,
therefore, that, according to their
primitive signification, [bills of
rights] have no application to
constitutions, professedly founded
upon the power of the people and
executed by their immediate
representatives and servants.”
Hamilton’s larger objection to
bills of rights, though, is that they
“would afford a colorable pretext
to claim more [powers] than were
granted.” After all, he asks “why
declare that things shall not be
done which there is no power to
do?” Hamilton’s words echo
Madison’s concerns in Federalist
48 that legislatures in particular
are prone to seek additional
Politics-Right/ 73
the Constitution is to protect
rights that stem not from the
government but from the people
themselves, and the powers of the
national government are limited to
those delegated to it by the
people.”
The Bill of Rights is not the
entire Constitution and ought not
to be praised at the expense of the
Articles of the Constitution,
which establish the institutions
and processes necessary to guard
against tyranny and secure
individual liberty. The
Constitution itself is the chief
guard of our liberties and is more
important than any amendment.
This Bill of Rights Day, then, let’s
powers. Though a bill of rights proposals. But Hamilton’s fears of c e l e b r a t e t h e w h o l e
may be framed as limits on legislative overreach, with or C o n s t i t u t i o n — n o t j u s t t h e
legislative power, it tacitly without Constitutional support, a m e n d m e n t s .
introduces new areas of authority were not unfounded. Do you have New Common
and federal reach. Ultimately, the Constitution was Sense? Sign up today!
Indeed, we see that Congress’s ratified and the First Congress This entry passed through the
ambition is still a problem for amended it to include the Bill of Full-Text RSS service — if this is
limited government. Long before Rights. But Hamilton’s argument your content and you're reading it
Obamacare, Congress showed no was not completely ignored. As on someone else's site, please read
r e s t r a i n t i n i t s l e g i s l a t i o n , Matthew Spalding explains in A our FAQ page at fivefilters.org/
addressing everything from light Citizen’s Introduction to the content-only/faq.php
bulbs to orchids. True, Congress Declaration of Independence and Five Filters featured site: So,
may not rely on the Constitution’s the Constitution, the Ninth and Why is Wikileaks a Good Thing
first ten amendments ( or point to T e n t h A m e n d m e n t s b r i e f l y Again?.
any other provision for that encapsulate the two-fold theory of
matter) to support its outlandish the Constitution: “the purpose of
74 Politics-Right/
William T. Hathaway: Sabotaging the U.S. Military
for “Peace”
Ryan Mauro (FrontPage
Magazine » FrontPage)
Submitted at 12/14/2010 10:43:53 PM
If the claims of former Green
Beret William T. Hathaway are
true, then a new group of “peace”
activists are trying to disable the
U.S. military through sabotage.
The agenda of this group isn’t
limited to opposing war, though,
as they ultimately want a
revolution against the government
and capitalism. And to make
matters worse, Hathaway’s
preaching isn’t limited to the far-
left extremist fringe, as he is an
adjunct professor of American
Studies at the University of
Oldenburg in Germany.
“Being peaceful doesn’t mean
obeying a violent government,
they say. They are helping
soldiers to desert, destroying
computer systems, trashing
recruiting offices, burning
military equipment, and
sabotaging defense contractors,”
Hathaway says of this new group
of activists. These are not
spontaneous acts of dissidence but
a coordinated effort that involves
“working underground in secret
cells to undermine the U.S.
military empire.”
Other acts of “protest” this group
allegedly carries out include the
sabotage of recruiting and ROTC
offices by cutting telephone and
electric wires, undermining
military-related research at
universities and smaller acts like
E-reader News Edition
when she says, “Even fanatics like
al-Qaeda aren’t really aggressors.
They’re fighting a defensive war.”
Hathaway confirmed to FrontPage
that he agreed with the student,
saying “Their [Al-Qaeda]
violence is miniscule compared to
ours” and called their struggle a
“defensive war.” Did High Taxes
Terrorist groups are given a light
treatment while U.S. soldiers are Help Phillies
portrayed as ignorant barbarians
bringing misery to all of mankind. Land Cliff Lee?
Another portion of the book is Paul Winfree (The Foundry:
about a high school teacher Conservative Policy News.)
named Judy Davis who, Submitted at 12/15/2010 11:00:46 AM
Hathaway claims, was fired and
“blacklisted” for teaching that Posted December 15th, 2010 at
the slashing of tires, theft of mail U.S. military are fundamentally
U.S. foreign policy provokes 12:00pm in Entitlements Print
and putting glue into door locks. evil. His work is an attack on the
terrorism. This Post
Chapter eight of his book, Radical integrity of all loyal servicemen.
In one of the more strange ideas Many baseball fans and sports
Peace, is about a young woman Chapter three consists of a
put forth by Hathaway, he argues writers woke up yesterday
whose friend is disabled after discussion with a homosexual
that sexuality is responsible for morning scratching their heads to
serving in Iraq and reacts by refugee from Afghanistan who
war-mongering. “Understanding Cliff Lee’s decision to turn down
breaking the window of a military a r g u e s i n f a v o r o f m o r a l
the effects that our culturally a deal worth$154 million over 7
recruiting office with a rock. equivalency between the U.S.
imposed gender roles have on us years with the New York Yankees
Chapter ten is about a man code- Army and the Taliban, for
is crucial to understanding why to join the Philadelphia Phillies
named “Trucker” who destroys example. Chapter 11 is about how
we go to war. One attraction of for a mere$120 million over 5
government property, specifically a peace activist was assaulted by
war is that it is a substitute for years. As ESPN columnist Jayson
by setting fire to military vehicles. soldiers, causing her to decide to
eroticism; it is the ultimate sexual Stark put it,“Does anyone out
All is permissible as long as the start “subverting from within” by
perversion,” he says. This is part there remember anything like this
attacks do not cause bodily harm. becoming a military chaplain.
of an overall anti-male, radical — a player who’d been portrayed
When FrontPage contacted Another chapter consists of a talk
feminist message that blames as being obsessed with getting
Hathaway, he denied that he with an Iraqi student whose
fathers as the “spear carriers of every possible dollar out there,
supported sabotage. “I understand brother is in Iran developing
patriarchy.” One disturbing who then decided he didn’t really
the despair that drives them to it, missiles to destroy American
element of the book is about a need, like, 30 million of those
and I don’t condemn them for it, military aircraft, motivated by the
romance between a mother and dollars after all? Unbelievable.”
but property destruction is not for abuses committed against their
her son who has come back from Although it’s possible that Mr.
me,” he said. family by American soldiers.
war, offering it as a lesson in Lee was inspired by the season of
Hathaway and his colleagues’ Unsurprisingly, Hathaway refers
breaking this patriarchal
motivation comes from a belief to him as a “resistance fighter.”
dictatorship on society. DID page 75
that capitalism and especially the The student is not challenged
E-reader News Edition
DID
continued from page 74
giving, he is more likely driven by
his pocketbook than anything
else. You could mention, of
course, that the average annual
salary associated with the
Philadelphia contract comes out to
$2 million more per year than
what the Yankees were offering,
but that still leaves over $30
million on the table in New York.
But this isn’t the whole story, as
Cliff Lee stands to pay
considerably less in taxes by
going to Philadelphia rather than
New York. Here’s the math:
The top marginal income tax rate
in New York is among the highest
in the nation, coming close to 7
percent. In addition, New York
City imposes its own income tax
on residents that tops out at over 3
percent on incomes over $60,000.
On the other hand, Pennsylvania
has a flat income tax of just over 3
percent, while Philadelphia
assesses no special income tax on
its residents. These differences are
meaningful for most taxpayers,
but are especially so for someone
who stands to make as much as
Cliff Lee.
In an average year playing for the
Phillies, Cliff Lee will make $24
million and pay about $8.8
million in federal income and
payroll taxes, as well as about
$737,000 in state taxes. That
comes out to about $14.4 million
per year in after tax income or
$71.9 million over 5 years. If Lee
had gone to New York, he would
have made $22 million and paid
about $7.6 million in federal
income and payroll taxes, about
$1.5 million in state taxes, and
just over $800,000 in New York
City taxes (if living in the city).
That translates into $12.0 million
in after tax income per year, $60.2
million over 5 years, and $84.3
over 7 years.*
What this means is that the
difference between the Phillies
and Yankees contracts isn’t $34
million, but is rather $12.4 million
or $6.2 million per year for what
would have been years 6 and 7
under the Yankees contract.
Therefore, Lee may be betting
that when his contract expires
after 5 years with the Phillies, he
may be able to secure another
contract worth at least this much
in after tax income (perhaps back
in Texas, where there’s no state
income tax?).
Of course, this is only
speculation. However, it’s
important to realize that
individuals regularly make
decisions about where and how
much to work based on their
potential income after taxes are
taken out. This is especially true
for the most talented, productive
and highly paid, as the cost
associated with one choice over
another is likely to be greater.
*Federal and state income and
FICA taxes were estimated using
the National Bureau of Economic
Research’s TAXSIM program.
New York City taxes were
estimated by the author without
the help of a tax model. The
federal income tax calculations
assume a top marginal rate of 35
percent. If the top marginal rate is
allowed to increase next year, this
will change the estimates a bit.
These estimates also assume that
Cliff Lee files as an individual
and pays all the taxes on his
salary as a resident of either
Pennsylvania or New York.
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Social Media/ 75
China Launches
Communist Version of
Twitter
Charlie White (Mashable!)
Submitted at 12/15/2010 11:18:45 AM
China launched a state-
sponsored, Twitter-like service
called Red Microblog
Wednesday, the first step in a plan
for local governments to master
new media.
Beyond its superficial
characteristics, Twitter users
wouldn’t recognize China’s new
microblogging service. Its first
the online activities of its
posts are mostly party-line
population, users of this new “Red
cheerleading, extolling the virtues
Twitter” are certain to be tightly
of Chairman Mao and tweeting
monitored. Perhaps the
philosophical ideas that would be
government’s desire for total
more at home at a self-help
control has something to do with
seminar than a Twitter feed.
the difficulty in signing up for the
For example:
service.
“Those who go with the flow are
Image courtesy of The Telegraph
forever going up and down in the
More About: china, Communism,
waves; only those who go against
Red Microblog, Red Twitter,
the wind fearing no hardship, can
twitter
reach the other side fast.”
For more Social Media coverage:
“I really like the words by
• Follow Mashable Social Media
Chairman Mao [Zedong] that
on Twitter
‘The world is ours; we should
• Become a Fan on Facebook
work together.’ “
• Subscribe to the Social Media
The nascent service ran into a
channel
technical glitch on its first day, as
• Download our free apps for
new member registration wasn’t
Android, iPhone and iPad
working yet. Given the Chinese
government’s close supervision of
76 Politics-Right/ E-reader News Edition

No Hope for Michael Steele

Rich Trzupek (FrontPage causes. Handed this depressing
Magazine » FrontPage) scenario, Steele tried to rebrand
Submitted at 12/14/2010 10:45:29 PM the party, employing what one
might call the Cadillac strategy.
It’s an odd turn of events when a In the 90s, the Cadillac division
party makes historic gains in of General Motors appeared to be How the Grinch Stole
Congress, as the GOP did in 2010, dying, with sales slipping because Mexico’s U.S.-Grown
but the leader of that party stands a new generation of buyers
little chance of winning re- viewed the brand as old, stogy
Christmas Trees—Again!
election. Yet, that is exactly the and irrelevant. Your grandfather Jim Roberts (The Foundry:
situation that Republican National drove a Caddy. The young and the Conservative Policy News.)
Committee chairman Michael hip did not. In response, Cadillac Submitted at 12/15/2010 10:30:20 AM
Steele finds himself in as the 168 embarked on a radical change of
members of the RNC prepare to course, rebranding itself as a Posted December 15th, 2010 at
elect their next leader in January. company that produced vehicles 11:30am in American Leadership
Steele faces five declared that were cool and edgy. Sales Print This Post
challengers, along with four or soared and today, it’s not your When the Mexican government
five others who might enter the grandfather who drives an imposed punitive tariffs last year
fray. With a solid group of Escalade, but rappers and movie on $2.4 billion in American
supporters in the RNC that products the average Mexican
One cannot discount Steele’s ride while forces beyond his stars.
numbers no more than forty, citizen may not have noticed. But
fundraising efforts and his Get control swept the election toward This is the model that Steele tried
Steele faces an extremely difficult to follow. He wanted to be no more. Try finding a U.S.-
Out The Vote program when one its inevitable conclusion.
battle. While it’s undeniable that grown Christmas tree in Mexico
considers the GOP’s remarkable When Steele was elected RNC outspoken and brash, pushing the
Steele is responsible for some City this week. They are scarce
gains in 2010. As welcome as chairman in 2009, Republican envelope in hopes of appealing to
positive changes within the party, since Mexico’s usual suppliers of
those efforts were, the November fortunes were at an all time low. a new generation of voters. He
his negatives are widely perceived holiday evergreens, growers in the
tsunami would not have happened The Bush years left the party in reveled in outlandish, over the top
to far outweigh his positives. The States California and Oregon,
without the suicidal leftist policies disarray with Democrats in behavior, like the infamous and
GOP needs to build upon the have been priced out of the
that Obama, Pelosi, and Reid control of the White House and embarrassing photos he posed for
gains it made in 2010 to generate market by a 20 percent tariff.
championed, and without the both chambers of Congress. Many with RNC interns. As part of his
momentum going into 2012. The Oregon potato growers and
grassroots energy that the Tea i n t h e m a i n s t r e a m m e d i a over-the-top behavior, he offered
combination of Steele’s edgy Washington pear exporters are
P a r t y m o v e m e n t f u e l e d . eulogized the GOP, declaring that L o u i s i a n a G o v e r n o r B o b b y
showmanship and shameless self- also singing the Christmas blues.
Considered in that context, it would be henceforth nothing Jindal“slum love” and said the
promotion make many in the No partridges in American-grown
Michael Steele didn’t steer the more than a minority party Republican party needed a hip-
party wonder if he is the right guy pear trees for Mexico this year.
Republican Party toward victory doomed to champion special hop makeover, so that it could
to lead Republicans to victory in The Mexican government levied
in 2010 so much as he hitched a interests and limited, regional appeal to everyone, including
the next election. “one armed midgets.” those tariffs in a completely
transparent manner because of
U.S. policy to keep a small
number of well-inspected
Mexican trucks off the U.S. roads
and void a deal previously struck
under the North American Free

HOW page 77
E-reader News Edition
HOW
continued from page 76
Trade Agreement.
Heritage Senior Policy Analyst
Ray Walser confirmed the
shortage last week during a visit
to Mexico’s capital. Mexican
buyers are having to settle for
homegrown trees. Last year the
situation was so bad that Oregon
Christmas tree growers ended up
burning their unsold trees.
This year, as the grinches in the
Obama Administration (and their
Teamster Union supporters)
continued to drag their feet on
settling the dispute, the trees were
not even cut. Maybe the
Mexicans can send Cindy Loo
Hoo to the White House to plead
their case!
A better solution, however,
would be for the Obama
Administration to make a New
Hacker Web Design:
Words of Wisdom for
Building Great Apps
Jolie O'Dell (Mashable!)
Submitted at 12/15/2010 11:30:50 AM
The Web Development Series is
supported by Rackspace, the
better way to do hosting. Learn
more about Rackspace’s hosting
solutions here.
David Kadavy’s upcoming book
concerns a topic of great interest
to us and to many of our
developer and entrepreneur
friends: design for hackers.
His blog posts geared for folks
Year’s resolution to follow
Heritage’s longstanding
recommendation, resolve the
dispute by restoring funding to the
“Mexican Truck Pilot Program,”
and then expand it and make it
permanent.
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HACKER page 78
Social Media/ 77
Posterous Goes After Private Networks
With New Groups Feature
Jennifer Van Grove (Mashable!) instead of pivoting around blog
Submitted at 12/15/2010 11:06:29 AM posts. Of course, group blog
owners can convert their sites to
Posterous is today launching a the new Posterous Groups should
new Groups feature that channels they so choose.
the startup’s early days as an e- So far, we quite like what we’ve
mail-centric service. Posterous seen of the new product. Still,
Groups aims to give everyday Posterous’s answer to groups will
web users the ability to turn e- directly compete with group
mail lists into groups. offerings from Facebook, the
The product seeks to challenge growing number of sites that
group products by Yahoo, Google position themselves as social
and even Facebook with networks for private sharing and
by default. Anyone who
something simpler and more even the new crop of mobile
participates in the group can then
accessible to the average e-mail group startups like GroupMe and
add to the group — text, video,
user. “People want really Fast Society. We’re certainly
photos, music and most other file
powerful e-mail lists,” says CEO curious to see which approach
types — simply by sending an e-
Sachin Agarwal, “so we built the users gravitate toward in the
mail to the group address.
greatest e-mail list product.” months ahead.
Comments, of course, can be sent
Though the new feature was built Along with today’s news, the
via e-mail and all participants can
from scratch to satisfy the needs
of private networks, Posterous
optionally get instant notifications
for these responses.
startup is also releasing an
application for Android. It’s said
Groups works just as you’d to include basic features for
expect a new product from this
team to work.
The optional web component to
the Groups product is very
updating Posterous sites, but will
eventually be on par with the
impressive, should you wish to
You can set up a new group —
no account required — simply by
sending an e-mail to
use it. For Group owners, they can
manage user privileges, add
existing app for iPhone. Grab the
app by scanning the QR code
below.
members to groups and create
newgroup@posterous.com and More About: email, groups,
new pages. Everyone else can
using the subject line to specify a posterous, posterous groups,
check out Group content, sorted
name for your group. In the body, startup
by activity and not by date, post
you can dump all the e-mail For more Startups coverage:
new updates and add comments.
addresses of people you want to • Follow Mashable Startups on
The content and communication-
add to your group, in any format, Twitter
focused interface makes the
and Posterous will parse out all • Become a Fan on Facebook
Groups experience all the more
the names from the e-mails and • Subscribe to the Startups
engaging.
send recipients an automatic channel
Posterous has long had the ability
notification. • Download our free apps for
for users to create and manage
Once you’ve done that, Posterous Android, iPhone and iPad
group blogs, but Groups is better
will reply with information on
designed for multi-party
how to set the group URL and e-
communication around content
mail address; groups are private
78
HACKER
continued from page 77
building quick-and-dirty web apps
have been hits with the Hacker
News community; he dispenses
sound advice for technically
minded designers who need to do
a good job and do it quickly.
He spoke with us via e-mail this
week about the needs and pain
points of would-be (or must-be)
designers in the world of web
development. Keep an eye on his
blog for updates about his book,
Design for Hackers: Reverse-
Engineering Beauty, to be
published by John Wiley & Sons.
What’s one fundamental
principle of design that you think
most hackers are wont to
overlook?
I think many people, when
consciously attempting to create a
design, will worry too much about
certain details that don’t matter
that much.
For example, some people worry
an awful lot about font choice,
when really, you can get a wide
variety of moods and feelings
from just a few fonts. The fact
that there are so many fonts
available just confuses and
distracts them.
The hard — and more important
— part is differentiating chunks
of information into a clear
hierarchy, and mastering the use
of proximity, size, and font
weight in establishing this
hierarchy is far more challenging
and impactful than figuring out
the exact font to use.
Do you think it’s more necessary
now than it was 5 or 10 years ago
for hackers to know about and be
able to do their own design work?
Absolutely, and I think that’s
why there seems to be an
explosion of interest in design
within the hacker community.
Hackers are becoming more
business savvy and recognizing
that good design is an important
part of running a successful
business. …Many hackers are
finding that teams as small as one
can start a startup. Everything
goes faster, with less friction and
with more clear vision if different
skills can be consolidated into one
individual.
Design is a critical tool in getting
customers to trust your business,
but when you’re starting with
little or no money, you need to get
decent design for next to nothing.
So what are you to do?
Good designers are hard to find,
expensive and one more person in
your development process is just
added friction. If you’re a single
founder/hacker, you’ve taught
yourself everything else about
running your business, so why not
learn how to design and take care
of that until you can afford
someone more specialized?
The problem with that is you
can’t solve design issues with a
couple of Google searches like
you can with programming issues.
I strongly believe that the
overarching trend is toward
everyone learning how to
design… Now that everyone can
publish, everyone needs to learn
to design in order to communicate
clearly.
What’s one example of great
hacker-created design — perhaps
something that works better than
its maker intended?
The first thing that comes to
mind is Craigslist. It has been
cleaned up a small amount, but in
many ways it’s really hideous. It’s
been wildly successful because it
addresses a huge pain point.
Additionally, the unpolished
aesthetic expresses the fact that its
a community-driven site that’s
extremely modest, commercially.
I think many designers overlook
the economics of design: that
perfect design just isn’t
economically feasible or
necessary in every situation. I
know when I was in design
school, myself and my fellow self
-righteous design students would
rip on the poor design of
something as simple as a lost dog
poster, without even thinking
about the economics of it. It all
depends upon where the product
lies within its landscape.
With Craigslist, the power of the
democratization of information
transfer superceded the need for
beautiful design. As design savvy
spreads throughout the
population, however, the standard
will be raised.
Is there anything that you like or
that you find refreshing or
amusing about how the typical
hacker approaches design?
The thing I like most about
working with technically minded
people is that they understand the
medium of the web: the whole
concept of structured information,
the practical limitations of CSS-
based layout, SEO best-practices,
etc.
The lack of this knowledge
always frustrated me when
working in advertising or the print
design world. You still see it
today, designers who were trained
on print, trying to cram their
design vision without regard for
the spirit of the medium.
Design is — and always will be
— about the transfer of
information, and I haven’t met
many designers whom that really
excites: the fact that if you design
something in harmony with the
medium and use SEO best
practices, your message will reach
more of the people who are
looking for it. Aldus Manutius
rolls over in his grave every time
a designer throws up a web page
straight from Photoshop’s “Save
for Web….”
Another thing I like about
working with hackers is that they
tend not to obsess over
inconsequential details… If
you’re just launching a product
and don’t have huge distribution,
it won’t make any difference to
your business whether that
photograph is half an inch to the
left or not. You have bigger, more
mission-critical things to worry
about.
What’s a common mistake
hackers make when throwing
together UIs for their
applications?
The biggest oversight I see
amongst hackers and designers
alike is lack of consideration for
the relationship between the
chunks of information and the
white space around it.
If I have a header that is 16px,
and below it is a subhead that is
E-reader News Edition
9px, there should be some
rationality to the amount of white
space I have between them —
maybe there should be 9px since
that’s the height of the subhead.
There should also be some
rationality in the margin to the left
of that information.
A lot of times, information is just
haphazardly set on the page —
lots of things that are just too
close together, and it just doesn’t
look right. As a result, people start
using crutches like color shifts
and ornamentation (such as a
horizontal rule) when
consideration for geometric
relationships between elements
and white space can go a long
way in making things look nice
and clean. Series supported by
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The Web Development Series is
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Tumblr
HACKER page 79
E-reader News Edition Daily Word/ Technology/ 79
HACKER
continued from page 78

- 10 Tools for Getting Web Design on Twitter

Design Feedback
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localcelebrity.
More About: david kadavy,
design, design for hackers,
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For more Dev & Design
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IRS employee uses Outlook rules to
• Become a Fan on Facebook
• Subscribe to the Dev & Design intercept boss's e-mails, convicted of
channel
• Download our free apps for
Android, iPhone and iPad
wiretapping
Tim Stevens (Engadget) making a copy, and indeed that
Submitted at 12/15/2010 12:52:00 PM was Szymuszkiewicz's argument,
but any Exchange admin will tell
Here's an interesting question for you that Outlook rules are
you: if you set up a rule in executed on the server, not at the
Microsoft Outlook to forward client, meaning those e-mails
messages from one account to were indeed being intercepted.

Luke 1:30-33 (12-15-10) another, and you do it without the

knowledge of the owner of the
account you're forwarding from,
Szymuszkiewicz was convicted of
wiretapping but seems to have
avoided a harsh sentence, with 18
(Verse of the Day) descriptions by becoming human. are you intercepting or merely
months probation being handed
Submitted at 12/15/2010 2:00:00 AM But this flood of names and copying mail? It may seem like a
down. A light punishment for
descriptions helps us find Jesus as m o o t p o i n t , b u t f o r D a v i d
rule was discovered and, wouldn't wiretapping, but a heavy one for
The angel said to [Mary], "Do our Savior in every trial and
Szymuszkiewicz, a former IRS you know it, he was in trouble. diddling menus in Outlook.
not be afraid, you have found blessing of life. Jesus is Savior for
w o r k e r , i t ' s a n i m p o r t a n t The only question now: whether IRS employee uses Outlook rules
favor with God. You will be with all seasons. My Prayer... Holy and
distinction. David was afraid of to charge him under the Wiretap to intercept boss's e-mails,
child and give birth to a son, and Almighty Father, I thank you for
being fired after his license was Act for intercepting messages or c o n v i c t e d o f w i r e t a p p i n g
you are to give him the name all the ways Jesus is described and
suspended for drunk driving (he the Stored Communications Act originally appeared on Engadget
Jesus. He will be great and will be all the names he is given. They
needed to drive to the homes of for merely copying of them. on Wed, 15 Dec 2010 12:52:00
called the Son of the Most High. help me see the breadth of his
delinquent taxpayers), so he So, what was your answer to the EDT. Please see our terms for use
The Lord God will give him the nature and the depth of his
secretly set up this rule on his question above? You might be of feeds. Permalink| ars technica|
throne of his father David, and he character. Please bless me that I
boss's machine to see what the tempted to say he was simply Email this| Comments
will reign over the house of Jacob may always find a dimension of
world was saying about him. The
forever." Jesus' ministry or a name or
— Luke 1:30-33(NIV) Thoughts description of Jesus to help
on Today's Verse... Jesus is sustain me, when I walk through
identified by many names stated the shadows of doubt caused by
or implied in the four Gospels the evil one. Help me, O Father,
(Matthew, Mark, Luke, John). t o s e e J e s u s a n d n o t m y
Notice how Jesus is identified in preoccupations and biases so that
just this one passage: child, son, when he comes again, I will know
Jesus, great, Son of the Most him, and he me. Through the
High, King, son of David, and glorious name of the Savior I
leader of Israel (Jacob). Jesus pray. Amen.
exhausts all descriptions, and yet
chose to be limited to imperfect
80 Technology/ E-reader News Edition

Google TV gets a major update with new Netflix, movable Dual

View, Android remote app support
Richard Lawler (Engadget)
Submitted at 12/15/2010 11:44:00 AM
The first update for the Google
TV platform since its release is
now available on Logitech and
Sony devices, and takes major
strides towards addressing issues
we pointed out in our review. The
antiquated Netflix app is now
sporting a new HTML5 based UI
that resembles the one seen on the
PlayStation 3, while Dual View
has addressed one of our biggest
complaints by allowing users to
move and resize the video
window at will. Another major
upgrade is support for an Android
remote app arriving today with
iPhone version "coming soon."
The last major update should be
appreciated by Kevin Bacon
stalkers enthusiasts with a new
info page for movies that pulls in
plenty of relevant information and
availability online and from the
listings all on one page. Our Sony
Google TV had the 218 MB
update downloaded and ready to
install when we turned it on that
also promised a few other updates
on top of Google's as seen above.
We'll check back in a moment to
see how things are working -- no
word from Google yet on any
progress breaking down the walls
networks have put up around their
streaming content -- peep the
updated Dual View and a video of
the new remote control app after
the break.
Continue reading Google TV gets
a major update with new Netflix,
movable Dual View, Android
remote app support
Google TV gets a major update
with new Netflix, movable Dual
View, Android remote app
support originally appeared on
Engadget on Wed, 15 Dec 2010
11:44:00 EDT. Please see our
terms for use of feeds. Permalink
The New TV Republic| Official
Google TV Blog, BLogitech|
Email this| Comments

MetroPCS brings its LTE network to

Boston, Sacramento, and New York
City
Chris Ziegler (Engadget)
Submitted at 12/15/2010 12:10:00 PM
Regional carrier MetroPCS is
ticking three more checkboxes
today as it keeps pushing its
ongoing LTE network rollout, and
they're big ones: on top of
Sacramento, they've added Boston
and none other than New York
City. That makes the carrier
second to launch LTE in the Big
Apple -- Verizon's already there --
but you can't take away from the
fact that MetroPCS beat the big
guys with their first live
with a next-gen USB stick, you're
still going to have to head to
Verizon anyway. Follow the
break for the full press release.
Continue reading MetroPCS
brings its LTE network to Boston,
Sacramento, and New York City
MetroPCS brings its LTE
network to Boston, Sacramento,
and New York City originally
commercial markets by several appeared on Engadget on Wed, 15
months. As for hardware, it's the Dec 2010 12:10:00 EDT. Please
same as usual: the Samsung Craft see our terms for use of feeds.
dumbphone is your only option, Permalink| | Email this|
which means that if you're Comments
looking to blaze on your notebook