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24 Mar 2009 23:33

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Tech: Seriously, this OnLive video game console sounds awesome

  • The powerful subscription-based device uses cloud computing. It’s slightly larger than an iPhone. And way tinier than a breadbox. source
Posted by Ernie Smith • 0 Comments • Permalink

24 Mar 2009 23:12

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Tech: Some creepy-looking guys want to sell you a new game console

They want to sell your kids candy. Candy in the form of a new cloud computing gaming device called OnLive. Hrm. source
Posted by Ernie Smith • 0 Comments • Permalink

24 Mar 2009 22:49

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U.S.: Oh yeah, we heard Obama was on TV tonight

  • It took many years and many failures to lead us here. And it will take many months and many different solutions to lead us out. There are no quick fixes, and there are no silver bullets.
  • President Barack Obama • In a rare prime-time news conference tonight, where he defended his budget, spoke honestly about the challenges the country faces, focused on the economy and those pesky AIG bonuses, discussed a couple of other things (because, remember, the economy is but one problem this country faces), and pre-empted “American Idol.” Sounds like he filled a lot into a single hour. • source
Posted by Ernie Smith • 0 Comments • Permalink

24 Mar 2009 22:34

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Offbeat: If you’re gonna die today, it might as well be by komodo dragon

It’s sad that someone died in Indonesia after a dragon attack. We get that. But they’re awesome! We’d totally let one kill us. source
Posted by Ernie Smith • 0 Comments • Permalink

24 Mar 2009 22:14

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U.S.: Keeping people in prison is really expensive, guys

  • 7.3 million people are currently in prison in the U.S.; no word on whether they’re wearing orange jumpsuits or striped black-and-white getups source
Posted by Ernie Smith • 0 Comments • Permalink

24 Mar 2009 22:00

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Tech, World: Yo China, why are you blocking YouTube?

  • China’s Internet is open enough, but also needs to be regulated by law in order to prevent the spread of harmful information and for national security.
  • Qin Gang • A Chinese Foreign Ministry official, on the Internet, which he says they’re not scared of. Despite this, China blocked video-sharing site YouTube Monday night. Because Chinese people need to be protected from a capella singing of Animal Collective songs. • source
Posted by Ernie Smith • 2 Comments • Permalink

24 Mar 2009 21:52

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World: They’re accused of espionage in North Korea. They’re journalists.

  • And they’re being “treated well.” In case you watch news channel Current TV, you may be familiar with reporter Laura Ling. Ling, along with news editor Euna Lee, is currently being held by North Korea on charges of espionage after accidentally crossing into the country from China on March 17. The U.S. is trying to help them, but in a low-key fashion, because, well, it’s North Korea. And North Korea is trying to do things like launch a satellite into orbit. source
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24 Mar 2009 21:20

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Politics, U.S.: Maryland senator wants to save the newspaper, legislatively

  • About the bill Sen. Benjamin Cardin of Maryland introduced a bill today that would allow newspapers to be treated as nonprofit organizations and get tax breaks. They would not be able to make political endorsements (i.e. opinion sections), but they could report objectively on the news, including political campaigns. Cardin says the loss of journalism “is a real tragedy for communities across the nation and for our democracy.” source
  • About the bill Sen. Benjamin Cardin of Maryland introduced a bill today that would allow newspapers to be treated as nonprofit organizations and get tax breaks. They would not be able to make political endorsements (i.e. opinion sections), but they could report objectively on the news, including political campaigns. Cardin says the loss of journalism “is a real tragedy for communities across the nation and for our democracy.”
  • Why it’s needed In case you haven’t read the tone of this blog when we’re not making fart jokes, this is about journalism and its long-term future. Newspapers are getting closed left and right. Recently, the Ann Arbor News announced that it would fold its print edition, which is a big deal because Ann Arbor, Mich. is a one-paper town. This trend is not good for the economy, it’s not good for local news and it’s not good for the public. source
  • About the bill Sen. Benjamin Cardin of Maryland introduced a bill today that would allow newspapers to be treated as nonprofit organizations and get tax breaks. They would not be able to make political endorsements (i.e. opinion sections), but they could report objectively on the news, including political campaigns. Cardin says the loss of journalism “is a real tragedy for communities across the nation and for our democracy.”
  • Why it’s needed In case you haven’t read the tone of this blog when we’re not making fart jokes, this is about journalism and its long-term future. Newspapers are getting closed left and right. Recently, the Ann Arbor News announced that it would fold its print edition, which is a big deal because Ann Arbor, Mich. is a one-paper town. This trend is not good for the economy, it’s not good for local news and it’s not good for the public.
  • Reactions You can imagine some people like this a lot, while whiny cranks don’t. A sample: “Seriously, after all that the Media has done to this Country, to think that I would want them to survive is asinine. Stop the presses, shutter the doors, fire the editors and let’s all do this online or by word of mouth.” Here’s an editorial statement: People who say things like this are freaking idiots. Even when you say you don’t love them, you know you really do. source
Posted by Ernie Smith • 0 Comments • Permalink

24 Mar 2009 10:52

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Culture: It runs in the family, sadly: Sylvia Plath’s son commits suicide

  • He was a loving brother, a loyal friend to those who knew him and, despite the vagaries that life threw at him, he maintained an almost childlike innocence and enthusiasm for the next project or plan.
  • Frieda Hughes • Sister of Nicholas Hughes and daughter of Sylvia Plath, on Nicholas’ death by suicide in Alaska. Hughes followed in his mother’s infamous footsteps; she gassed herself to death 46 years ago, creating a literary legend in the process. • source
Posted by Ernie Smith • 0 Comments • Permalink

24 Mar 2009 10:45

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Culture: South Park probably has something clever to say about the economy

The show, famous for its quick turnaround time on cultural events, tackles the economic crisis tomorrow night. source
Posted by Ernie Smith • 4 Comments • Permalink
 
 
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