May 30, 2003
Marlboros High in One Carcinogen,
Marlboros High in One Carcinogen, Study Says Washington Post: Nation and Politics: "Marlboro cigarettes, the nation's and the world's most popular brand, have considerably higher levels of a potent cancer-causing compound than almost all other cigarettes produced by local tobacco companies around the world."
May 29, 2003
Take on Gates, Kalam tells Indian techies
Take on Gates, Kalam tells Indian techies - The Times of India " PUNE: President A P J Abdul Kalam on Wednesday urged Indian IT professionals to develop and specialise in open source code software rather than use proprietary solutions based on systems such as Microsoft Windows."
May 28, 2003
Microsoft Loses City of Munich
Microsoft Loses City of Munich Deal to Linux In AnandTech Web News "MUNICH (Reuters) - The city of Munich said on Wednesday that it would switch 14,000 computers from Microsoft's Windows operating system to rival Linux"
BBC defies MoD over Iraq
BBC defies MoD over Iraq documentary Guardian Unlimited: Politics: "10.30am: The BBC is refusing to cut footage of the dead bodies of two British soldiers from a documentary about the Iraq war, despite Tony Blair's intervention."
May 27, 2003
Sci Tech News - from ABC News Online 27/05/2003 Europe to launch Galileo space program
Sci Tech News - from ABC News Online 27/05/2003 Europe to launch Galileo space program
meanwhile in the congo MetaFilter:
meanwhile in the congo MetaFilter: ""We can only watch the slaughter, say UN troops" in the Congo - where machetes are turned into weapons of mass destruction - the hobbled UN presses for action , and the US and Major US Media outlets take no notice."
U.S. shift on nuclear arms
U.S. shift on nuclear arms stirs concern IHT: "New authority from Congress gives the Bush administration the flexibility to embark on a new nuclear weapons regimen."
May 25, 2003
Here we go again .
Here we go again . . . MetaFilter: "Pentagon officials are pushing for action they believe could destabilize the government of Iran. Why? Intelligence reports suggesting al Qaeda operatives in Iran played a role in the May 12 suicide bombings in Saudi Arabia. Sound familiar? Time to brush up on Iran's history and change the Q to an N on your No War With Iraq signs?"
Gadget keeps tabs on smoke
Gadget keeps tabs on smoke BBC: Technology: "A gadget that monitors the damage done by passive smoking is being developed by researchers in Dublin."
sign me up scotty
The Disney Doctrine | MetaFilter
The Disney Doctrine MetaFilter: "The Disney Doctrine (see also Team Rodent )"
Jazilla - Mozilla in java
SourceForge.net: Project Info - The Jazilla Project
Mozilla rewritten in java, cause you know - it isn't slow enough *yet*
May 23, 2003
Hold the Presses: Ballmer Sells
Hold the Presses: Ballmer Sells Shares Microsoft Watch from Mary Jo Foley: "Microsoft issued a press release to note that CEO Steve Ballmer sold some unspecified percentage of his holdings, attributing the move to portfolio diversification."
sell ! sell ! he must be on to something!
May 21, 2003
Lego gadgets Gizmodo: " Forget
Lego gadgets Gizmodo: "
Forget that Mac made from Lego bricks that Slashdot was all over the other day. Some guy has used Legos to build all sorts of crazy stuff, like a six-legged robot and some bizarre contraption that can solve a Rubik's cube (pictured at right). Read"
May 20, 2003
Today's most buried headline - DoD misplaces 1000000000000 USD
MetaFilter: "This week's most buried headline could be a real stinker this week for the Pentagon. Apparently over $1 trillion are missing as well as "dozens of tanks, missiles and planes.""
Freely Traded Opinion | MetaFilter
Freely Traded Opinion MetaFilter: "I was wrong. Free market trade policies hurt the poor. 'As leader of the delegation from the United Kingdom [to Seattle in 1999], I was convinced that the expansion of world trade had the potential to bring major benefits to developing countries and would be one of the key means by which world poverty would be tackled... I now believe that this approach is wrong and misguided.'"
Chimps, humans 'should share grouping'
Chimps, humans 'should share grouping' BBC News | Science & Nature: "Chimpanzees are so closely related to humans that they should properly be considered as members of the human family, according to new genetic research."
Life imitates Ximian
May 19, 2003
Microsoft to license Unix code
Microsoft to license Unix code | CNET News.com According to a statement from Microsoft, the company will license SCO's Unix patents and the source code.
US to support anti-smoking treaty
US to support anti-smoking treaty (hopefully) MediaGuardian: "The United States astounded health officials and lobbyists from around the world when it dropped its opposition to the global anti-smoking treaty yesterday, reports Sarah Boseley."
May 18, 2003
Truth is, politicians just can't
Truth is, politicians just can't help lying Guardian Unlimited: Politics: "They prefer to call it being 'economical with the actualité'. But it's official: politicians just can't help telling lies."
Blow the whistle on kiddie porn, get fired
InformationWeek > Ethics > Troubling Discovery > May 12, 2003
May 17, 2003
YEEEEE-HAWWWWW!!! Alarmist? You bet! Ding
Alarmist? You bet! Ding ding ding ding!: ""First they came for the Greens..." Texas' proposed "Animal and Ecological Terrorism Act," which its backers are hoping to extend nationally, is the next step after Patriot Acts I and II. The president of the Center for Constitutional Rights says the legislation criminalizes "basically every environmental and animal-rights organization in the country," which means that if you don't even march with, but send money to any of them, you may be tacitly waiving your 4th-amendment rights. [More inside]" In MetaFilter
Flag-O-Rama: "Flag-O-Rama. If you don't own this stuff, you're probably a terrorist. (Warning: GeoCities)" In MetaFilter
This DVD Will Self-Destruct Wired
This DVD Will Self-Destruct Wired News: "Disney found a way to rent DVDs without needing a system to get the discs back. Using self-destruction technology, Disney will begin 'renting' DVDs this August that become unplayable after two days and do not have to be returned."
Cause you see, there isn't enough plastic in the trash already.
Toxic Substances Put One in
Toxic Substances Put One in Five EU Workers at Risk EU integration: "Environment News Service"
And they don't even count cigarrettes
Dozens killed by Morocco bombs
Dozens killed by Morocco bombs Guardian Unlimited: World: "At least 20 people were killed last night when four blasts shook the Moroccan city of Casablanca. The bombs exploded at a luxury business hotel, a Jewish community centre, a Spanish cultural centre and the Belgian consulate."
May 16, 2003
EU heeds labels' complaints on piracy law
EU heeds labels' complaints on piracy law EU integration: "CNET"
T-Mobile jettisons Microsoft smart phone
T-Mobile jettisons Microsoft smart phone | CNET News.com
You see, getting working devices to people actually mathers in this biz
k5: US Soldier Defies Order, Upholds Principle of Free Speech in Iraq
kuro5hin.org || US Soldier Defies Order, Upholds Principle of Free Speech in Iraq
Robot cleaner hits the shops
Robot cleaner hits the shops BBC News | Technology: "Soon you may never have to push a vacuum around the floor again, as a robot cleaner goes on sale in the UK" Woooohoooo
Extent of UK snooping revealed
Extent of UK snooping revealed BBC News | Technology: "Officials are routinely asking for big amounts of data about what people do online and who they call, say privacy experts."
Microsoft Official Tells of Use
Microsoft Official Tells of Use of Special Fund news.google.com / Scitech: "BRUSSELS, May 15 The head of European operations for Microsoft said today that money from a special fund intended to capture deals with governments and large institutions could be spread throughout Europe. "We have a consistent approach across Europe," ..."
So good MS has to pay people to use it
Israeli incursion in northern Gaza
Israeli incursion in northern Gaza Strip continues; Low expectations from Sharon, Abu Mazen meeting news.google.com / World: "A large number of Israeli troops backed by tanks and helicopters were still sweeping areas of the northern Gaza Strip, a day after an incursion which left five Palestinians dead."
May 15, 2003
Trust conslutants, they know what they are doing!
Shark Tank: But he's feeling a lot more secure now
The truth about Jessica MediaGuardian:
The truth about Jessica MediaGuardian: "Her Iraqi guards had long fled, she was being well cared for - and doctors had already tried to free her. John Kampfner discovers the real story behind a modern American war myth."
The Guardian reteling TheStar.com ? Or a confirming source ?
May 14, 2003
So the iLoo is true
So the iLoo is true Gizmodo: "
It's truly pathetic that we've even dedicated this much time to covering this, but the iLoo is not a hoax. First we report a couple of weeks ago that MSN UK was planning to take the WiFi-enabled portable toilet around to summer music festivals as a marketing gimmick. Then Microsoft insists earlier this week that it was all just an April Fool's Day prank: "We jumped the gun basically yesterday in confirming that it was a hoax, and in fact it was not," said Lisa Gurry, MSN group product manager. "Definitely, we're going to be taking a good look at our communication processes internally."Way to get everyone really sick of your "clever" marketing idea! Nice job!
Read"
Yes, and Palladium is not a threat to users.
Is Palladium Getting a Bad Rap ?
Is Palladium Getting a Bad Rap? Wired News: "Privacy experts warn that Microsoft's Next Generation Secure Computing Base, also known as Palladium, could enable content providers to enforce draconian copyright protections. But a Microsoft representative says don't believe the hype. By Michelle Delio."
"I triple assure you! There are no american infidels in bagdhad!"
May 13, 2003
K5: How to quit smoking cigarettes
kuro5hin.org || How to quit smoking cigarettes
"You could light up a cigarette almost anywhere [...]. All white walls were off-white from the smoke."
"Both my parents smoked, as did everyone else's. I hated it. I suspect, though, that I was addicted to nicotine long before I lit my first cigarette."
"You can never, EVER smoke a cigarette if you quit, any more than a heroin addict can have another shot, a coke addict can have another snort, or an alcoholic can have another drink. You are an addict. That is the nature of addiction."
No iLoo for you Gizmodo:
Gizmodo: "For whatever reason, Microsoft is now claiming that the iLoo, that WiFi-enabled portable toilet MSN UK was supposedly testing at music festivals this summer, is an elaborate April Fool's Day joke. Just a month after April 1st. Very, very clever.
Read"
May 12, 2003
Israel reimposes Gaza travel restrictions
Israel reimposes Gaza travel restrictions
Guardian Unlimited: World: "Israel today sealed off the Gaza Strip as it reimposed travel restrictions lifted yesterday during a visit by the US secretary of state, Colin Powell, to ease the daily life of the Palestinians."
Well, Saddam shot people for less...
MetaFilter: ""We own you, you don't have any legal rights" U.S. Secret Service agents aggressively interrogate two Bay Area high school students after their teacher reports their remarks on President Bush, made during in-class discussion on the war in Iraq, to authorities."
Go Go Freedom of Speech!
When journalists lie, they lose their job. If politicians do it, ...
MediaGuardian: "When journalists lie, they lose their job. If politicians do it, they get to go to war whenever they want, writes John Sutherland."
May 11, 2003
Is There Any Reason To Buy Microsoft Anymore?
Yahoo! News - Is There Any Reason To Buy Microsoft Anymore? Forrester Research says no
All is well in the world, well sorta
India conducts new missile test: "A short-range missile is tested by India, only hours after the completion of a visit to the region by a senior US official."
In BBC News
Powell calls for terrorist disarmament in CNN
Powell pleads for Mid-East peace: "The visiting US secretary of state calls on Israeli and Palestinian leaders to take bold moves towards peace."
In BBC News | Middle East
Bigotry OK for Evangelicals, says Tony
MetaFilter: "In a follow-up to this story posted on MeFi, earlier , the Independent discloses some British developments to the US story of religious groups being given a free reign on bigotry, thanks to a "Christian" leader. Seems that Tony and George are of a like mind on more than one subject."
Rubbish revolt ignites Naples
Rubbish revolt ignites Naples
BBC News | Europe: "Angry Neapolitans have declared war on the mountains of rubbish rotting in their streets."
CSS Zen Garden | MetaFilter
CSS Zen Garden: "CSS Zen and the art of motorcycle website maintainance; a stunning demonstration of what can be accomplished visually through CSS based design."
UN moves to aid besieged Congo compound
UN moves to aid besieged Congo compound
news.google.com / World: "UNITED NATIONS, May 10 (UPI) -- Secretary-General Kofi Annan Saturday called on the Security Council to help prevent further loss of life at the besieged UN compound in Bunia, Congo, where officials counted "10-12 bodies" outside ..."
May 10, 2003
May 09, 2003
The easing of dissent | MetaFilter:
The easing of dissent
MetaFilter: "US quietly eases rules for faith-based groups. The Bush administration has quietly altered regulations for the nation's leading job training program to allow faith-based organizations to use ''sacred literature,'' such as Bibles, in their federally funded programs. Further, the change made by the US Labor Department last month, could allow faith-based groups to use religious books as historical texts. (via dp) "
Trust us! No, Really!
Passport problems could cost Microsoft in AnandTech Web News
Flaw exposes Microsoft ID service: "Microsoft's online ID system has been vulnerable to malicious hackers and thieves for months."
Trust Us: MS Admits Security Gap: "Microsoft says it has fixed a flaw in its Internet Passport service after a Pakistani computer researcher disclosed details of it on the Internet. The breach left 200 million customers vulnerable to hackers and thieves for months and could result in a hefty fine from regulators."
In Wired News
Was your Passport account compromised!!!!: "I knew it I just knew it. I had been very leary of the Microsoft passport service and had opted..."
Isn't it ... welll .. you know
Isn't it ... welll .. you
Gizmodo: " 
Anil Dash spots a rather desperate sign in the window of a Manhattan shop that develops film: I noticed this sign in front of a camera shop here in Manhattan a few weeks ago and remembered to take a picture of it the last time I walked by. "Digital Cameras Can Cause Blindness". It's of course a not-very-funny joke from a shop that develops film images, railing against the changes overtaking their business. They've got other signs up, too, "Digital Cameras Can Cause Stroke" and a host of other maladies, including strokes, sterility, sudden death, and the dreaded "poor quality photos."
Yet another indication of how digital photography is edging out regular film photography and how threatening that is to the entire photography establishment, from Kodak down to independent shop owners. Film isn't going to disappear, but it is going to move into a niche where it'll be used mainly for artistic and professional purposes. Shops like these are either going to have to learn to cater exclusively to that niche or learn to start printing digital photos.
Read"
Eye implant shows promise
BBC News | Technology: "Blind patients given a pioneering retinal implant have managed to receive and decipher pictures sent from a video camera."
independent.co.uk
Money, It's a Gas
EU granted permission to apply US$4 billion sanctions against US
EU integration: "BVOM.com"
May 08, 2003
Can I sue the aliens for my probe trauma? 'Cause I know they did it.
MetaFilter: "Judge, citing al-Qaida-Iraq link, awards $104 million to Sept. 11 families A judge ruled yesterday that lack of evidence should be no barrier to suing people who cannot be found. " The judge wrote that lawyers relied heavily on 'classically hearsay' evidence, including reports that a Sept. 11 hijacker met an Iraqi consul to Prague, Secretary of State Colin Powell's remarks to the United Nations about connections between Iraq and terrorism, and defectors' descriptions of the use of an Iraq camp to train terrorists. " --This would hardly be the first documented example of a court being overtly political, but the judge himself has no problem commenting on how shoddy the case was. " The judge noted that the experts provided few actual facts that Iraq provided support to the terrorists. " --Apparently, the judge had just been waiting for Saddam to cease to be a diplomatically immune head of state before ruling against him. Is the low standard of evidence needed for civil rulings allowing the courts to begin establishing something that the military and intelligence can't? [more inside]"
Former dot-bombers line up for homeland security pork
Former dot-bombers line up for homeland security pork in ArsTechnica
Tech Firms Eye Juicy Contracts: "The Homeland Security Department will spend $9 billion on information technology in the coming fiscal year, and hungry companies can't wait to get a piece of the pie. After several lean years for the industry, the future suddenly looks fat indeed. Noah Shachtman reports from Washington, D.C."
Cold Virus Zaps Brain Tumors
Cold Virus Zaps Brain Tumors
Wired News - Technology: "Scientists have had remarkable success treating brain tumors in mice by injecting them with a genetically altered common cold virus. They hope to start human testing next year."
May 07, 2003
SARS, Penguins and Poincare Fight
SARS, Penguins and Poincare
Fight over Sars virus genes: "Scientists and commercial firms are scrambling to patent the genetic code of the virus thought to be responsible for Sars."
In BBC News | Science & Nature
Bugs come to aid of penguins: "Bacteria are being used to help protect penguins in UK zoos threatened by avian malaria."
The saving of pte Lynch
MetaFilter: "More on the "bullshit the American public" saga. The real saving of Pte Lynch."
MetaFilter: "Did Bush know ?"
MetaFilter: "Did Bush know? An article in today's New York Times (link to mirrored site with no reg. req.) pieces together data that the author claims proves that Bush and his inner circle were well-aware that they were using false "evidence" of Iraqi WMD. Sy Hersh from the New Yorker is also chiming in , as is Salon's Joe Connason and Katha Pollitt of The Nation . A pretty decent subsection of media is finally descending on this story. If Bush or Powell or Rumsfeld are proven to have been knowingly deceitful, will the American public be even half as angry as the rest of the world?"
South Korean Group Sues Microsoft
South Korean Group Sues Microsoft Over Slammer
Power to the People
May 06, 2003
Washington Times: France helped Iraqis escape
France helped Iraqis escape -- The Washington Times
I wonder if they are ready to present the proof to EU courts so that the involved French officials can be punished and the refered passports blacklisted.
Sampaio urges EU to re-establish
Sampaio urges EU to re-establish confidence
EU integration: "Xinhuanet"
May 05, 2003
You simply can't trust French
You simply can't trust French speakers!
MetaFilter: "The new rogue nations: those that care too much about liberties. e.g. Canada"
Wasting the emergency services
Wasting the emergency services' timeMetaFilter: "Communications operator : "Hello police"
Caller: "My wife's left me two salmon sandwiches which was left over from last night...
Depth of Wall Street corruption
Depth of Wall Street corruption exposed
Daily Telegraph: Business News: "A two-year investigation into Wall Street corruption drew to a close yesterday with a $1.
The iLoo
The iLoo
Gizmodo: " This is a new low: MSN UK is creating what Microsoft calls the world's first Internet outhouse, or iLoo, complete with flat-screen plasma display, wireless keyboard and broadband access.
Columbia was beyond help
Columbia was beyond help
news.google.com / Scitech: "US space agency (Nasa) officials say there was probably nothing that could have been done to save the crew of Columbia, even if mission control had fully realised the jeopardy the astronauts were in.
Iraq: Three Weeks After Fall
Iraq: Three Weeks After Fall Of Baghdad, Capital's 'Arab Kitchens' Serving Up Anger, Frustration
Radio Free Europe: "The U.S. invaded Iraq with a promise to liberate the people from Saddam Hussein's cruel rule and provide them with the opportunity to build a better life for themselves in a democratic state. Three weeks have passed since the capital, Baghdad, fell to U.S. troops amid cheering throngs of Iraqis. Saddam is gone, but today only about half of the city has electricity or water, and large-scale aid shipments have yet to arrive. The expectations of ordinary Iraqis have had to be dramatically reduced."