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22 Sep 2009 11:17

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Culture: Will Ferrell’s pro-health insurer PSA will get you to support LOLs

  • This is clever. This “pro”-health-insurer PSA strikes at the heart of the whole debate by “favoring” the health insurance companies who are just trying to make millions of dollars. Funny as heck. One of the best Funny Or Die videos yet.
Posted by Ernie Smith • 0 Comments • Permalink

22 Sep 2009 11:07

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Biz: Daily poll: How much are you willing to pay for news online?

Posted by Ernie Smith • 2 Comments • Permalink

22 Sep 2009 11:00

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Tech: Thick as a brick: Silicon Valley wants to make construction go green

  • We think it is time for a second industrial revolution. … We and dozens of others are trying to create green alternatives for all the things that happen in the building industry.
  • Foundation Capital partner Paul Holland • Discussing Calstar Products, a company that makes “green,” more environmentally-friendly, bricks. The company uses fly ash – otherwise a troublesome pollutant – to make bricks which use 85% fewer greenhouse gases in their creation. The Brick Industry Association – which actually exists – says that they aren’t really bricks and that fly ash may not last nearly as long as regular bricks. • source
Posted by Ernie Smith • 0 Comments • Permalink

22 Sep 2009 10:52

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Biz: The online news micropayments debate begins anew

One one side: Folks like NewsCloud’s Jeff Reifman, who say micropayments can work. On the other: Smart guy Clay Shirky, telling everyone they’re dreaming. source
Posted by Ernie Smith • 0 Comments • Permalink

22 Sep 2009 10:40

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U.S.: Know that terror plot? Yeah. Be careful on the metro train.

  • More suspects are out there. And they could be targeting mass transit. The feds are telling major metro systems across the country to be on their Ps and Qs after the arrest of Najibullah Zazi, who may have been plotting an attack on the New York Subway. CNN is currently reporting that investigators are after a dozen more people. So if you can, carpool. Or take the bus. source
Posted by Ernie Smith • 0 Comments • Permalink

22 Sep 2009 10:25

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Politics: Another ex-prez, Bill Clinton, tackles the Obama racism question

  • If you look at some of the signs, listen some of the rhetoric, there’s no question that’s true. But I believe if he were not an African-American, all the people who were against him on health care who would still be against him. Because they were against me too. He believes that.
  • Former President Bill Clinton • Discussing whether the tone of the health care debate was brought on by racism against Obama. Clinton’s answer is perhaps a bit better than Jimmy Carter’s. He attacks the racism on a general level, but isn’t fooled into thinking that’s the only reason why the Obama administration is getting attacked on health care. • source
Posted by Ernie Smith • 0 Comments • Permalink

22 Sep 2009 10:17

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Biz, U.S.: Good news (kinda): Unemployment could get extended this week

  • six million people were getting unemployment at the end of August; benefits could run out for 1.5 million by the end of the year
  • 13
    weeks     the amount of time congress is discussing bumping up unemployment from the previous level of up to 79 weeks source
Posted by Ernie Smith • 0 Comments • Permalink
 

22 Sep 2009 10:08

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U.S.: Poll: Our country is starting to turn into a nation of jerks

  • 75% of those polled say we’re getting ruder; screw you! source
Posted by Ernie Smith • 0 Comments • Permalink

22 Sep 2009 09:23

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Culture, World: Nigerians say “District 9” makes them look like mongrels

  • I was so angry. They were showing Nigerians as corrupt, eating aliens, saying they have sex with aliens. I could not watch that.
  • Atlanta-based Nigerian native Ken Umeano • Describing his disgust with “District 9,” a sci-fi movie that’s been universally acclaimed for its strong moral center but criticized by some for its depiction of Nigerians. It’s so bad that Nigeria’s banned the movie and wants an apology from Sony Pictures. “‘District 9’ is a work of science fiction, and no offense was intended toward any country or person,” Sony’s PR person shot back, noting that the country initially approved the movie for release. • source
Posted by Ernie Smith • 4 Comments • Permalink

22 Sep 2009 09:11

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Tech, U.S.: Thanks to the FCC, the net neutrality debate’s flaring up again

  • pro Consumer groups very favorable towards the rules. “This is a tremendous day for millions of us who have been clamoring to keep the internet free from discrimination,” said Free Press executive director John Silver.
  • con After the new rules were announced, wireless providers collectively freaked out. So did big cable companies like Comcast. A bunch of Republican congressmen also submitted a bill threatening to cut the FCC’s funding. source
Posted by Ernie Smith • 0 Comments • Permalink
 
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