News & Media
When is malpractice a good thing?
Well, never. But, in the case of JK Rowling’s outing as the real “Robert Galbraith,” perhaps it had a sliver lining? Rowling wrote a story under the Galbraith pseudonym. But, Rowling’s lawyers screwed the pigeon. Chris Gossage, an entertainment lawyer and partner at the law firm Russells, was apparently showing off when he told his wife’s best friend in a
Buzz Aldrin held a "secret" religious ceremony on the moon
Even as an atheist, with a strong belief in the separation of church and state (and a wish that people all over the world would shake off the yoke of superstition), I think this is a pretty cool story. Buzz Aldrin decided to hold his own private communion ceremony in the LEM before walking on the moon. Aldrin silently read
Elizabeth Warren Kicks Ass
Why am I proud to be a Masshole? Because Massholes elected this chick.
Rich people are assholes… scientifically proven?
No, really, watch this. [youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IuqGrz-Y_Lc#at=38]
More thoughts on the Rolling Stone cover photo
My post on the Rolling Stone portrayal of Tsarnev has, to say the least, generated a bit of an emotional response. Much of it positive, but there’s certainly a fair amount of disagreement. I think the problem that some people have with the cover is that it has a tendency to humanize Tsarnev. On that cover, you see him as
Say what you want about North Korea
But its propaganda arm seems to have hit it right on the head in this film about American celebrity and consumerism. [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Irw7SRv-l44] H/T: Rushie UPDATE: It seems that I was fooled. This is not from North Korea. This was created by Slavko Martinov – and seems to be a parody/commentary. Source. Fuckin’ Rushie.
An excuse to dip your testicles in someone's drink
You can taste with your balls! (Source) [youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=vrmZAXezkhA]
In Which I Learn Enterprise Rent-a-Car is Unethical
I rented a car from Enterprise. DC issued a speeding ticket to that vehicle, claiming it was going 43 mph in a 30 mph zone. Fine: $110. Because it is a rental, the citation went to Enterprise, which did not bother to investigate or contest the citation. They then gave me notice of the citation and a deadline to contest
You get the journalism you deserve, Boston
I’m usually pretty proud to be from Massachusetts. Cradle of Liberty, great education system, almost no country music… Massachusetts is supposed to be one of the places that helps pull the center of the national intellectual curve up a bit. Nevertheless, once and a while, I have an epic facepalm that makes me realize that the place can be wicked
"The Irrationality of Giving Up This Much Liberty to Fight Terror"
Conor Friersdorf breaks it down here. It does make you wonder why we’ll cast the Constitution aside to prevent a statistically insignificant event, meanwhile we’ll let far greater (and preventable) threats continue unchecked.
"Your Papers Please" hits Bob Dylan
Bob Dylan went for a walk in Long Branch, New Jersey. An old white guy walking around a hispanic neighborhood looked “suspicious,” so a cop demanded to see his ID. When he couldn’t produce it, she detained him until his story checked out. (source)
Stupid Comments Should Not Result in Charges
Heard of Justin Carter? (See, e.g., http://www.cnn.com/2013/07/03/tech/social-media/facebook-teen-jail) Apparently, he made a stupid sarcastic comment attempting to joke about shooting up some kids and eating their hearts. It isn’t a real threat against any identifiable person–it even contained an “lol j/k” disclaimer. Yet, the constitutional schoars at the Comal County TX District Attorney’s office (http://www.co.comal.tx.us/cda/index.htm) have kept him in jail for four
What do you get a 100 year old woman for her birthday?
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OV-M-83Yr4k#at=63]
Las Vegas City Life: "Free Speech Just Got Freer in Nevada"
Las Vegas City Life coverage on Nevada’s new anti-SLAPP law, here.
Germany limits piracy penalties
Germany has limited individual piracy penalties to about $1,300 a pop. (source). On one side, I think that’s a reasonable penalty for stealing a song or a movie. On the other hand, it isn’t if there are procedural hurdles to actually being able to enforce even that low amount. I don’t know German civil procedure, so no idea on that.
Kids these days…. (students destroy NSA recruiters)
This audio is 12 minutes long. I usually don’t have 12 spare minutes to listen to audio recordings unless someone is paying me to do so. I got sucked into this, and it was some of the most uplifting 12 minutes I’ve had in recent years. University of Wisconsin students showed up to an NSA recruiting session and verbally kicked
Third Amendment Case in Nevada! (updated)
A federal lawsuit filed against the Henderson, NV police department raises Third Amendment issues! How exciting! In the case, Anthony Mitchell and his family sued the City of Henderson and its Police Chief Jutta Chambers, Officers Garret Poiner, Ronald Feola, Ramona Walls, Angela Walker, and Christopher Worley, and City of North Las Vegas and its Police Chief Joseph Chronister, in
Las Vegas CityLife on the New Nevada Anti SLAPP Statute
Getting the word out.
Remember the good ol days?
[youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=0wL9Li0f1Po]
This should not be news…
But it is… its news that a member of congress swore in without using a religious text… she used the Constitution. (source) What a novel idea.