Viruses catch up to the Mac This is from CNN.com
"Ferris said he warned Apple of the vulnerabilities in January and February and that the company has yet to patch the holes, prompting him to compare the Cupertino-based computer maker to Microsoft three years ago, when the world's largest software company was criticized for being slow to respond to weaknesses in its products.
'They didn't know how to deal with security, and I think Apple is in the same situation now,' said Ferris, himself a Mac user."
Monday, May 01, 2006
Sunday, April 30, 2006
Is Jeff Fisher the next Titan to go?
With the latest word that Steve McNair is going to be traded or released, one has to wonder what is going on over at the Titan's---on the administration side.
Clearly, Coach Fisher and Norm Chow preferred Matt Lienart over Vince Young. Almost every post draft interview indicated that the decision was split. Here are a couple of quotes:
Reese acknowledged the decision wasn't unanimous in the draft room, but he said everyone was in agreement that Young has a chance to be special.
"I know Coach Chow and Coach Fisher did everything they could to get me, but obviously there were some differences in that organization,'' Leinart told reporters in Arizona. "They went with who they thought was best.''
And, now, the word is that Fisher said that the McNair trade or release is "unlikely". Remember when McNair was asked to leave the training camp when Fisher was out of town visiting potential draft prospects?
All of this reeks of something going amuck. Fisher will never come out and say anything, but all indications are that he has a short leash---I'd say this year to at least have a winning season or to show some definite improvements.
My thoughts are that Fisher backed McNair way too long and was his outspoken supporter despite the obvious. Bud Adams and Floyd Rees are running this team and Fisher will be the next to go if the Titan's don't turn the ship around this upcoming season.
Clearly, Coach Fisher and Norm Chow preferred Matt Lienart over Vince Young. Almost every post draft interview indicated that the decision was split. Here are a couple of quotes:
Reese acknowledged the decision wasn't unanimous in the draft room, but he said everyone was in agreement that Young has a chance to be special.
"I know Coach Chow and Coach Fisher did everything they could to get me, but obviously there were some differences in that organization,'' Leinart told reporters in Arizona. "They went with who they thought was best.''
And, now, the word is that Fisher said that the McNair trade or release is "unlikely". Remember when McNair was asked to leave the training camp when Fisher was out of town visiting potential draft prospects?
All of this reeks of something going amuck. Fisher will never come out and say anything, but all indications are that he has a short leash---I'd say this year to at least have a winning season or to show some definite improvements.
My thoughts are that Fisher backed McNair way too long and was his outspoken supporter despite the obvious. Bud Adams and Floyd Rees are running this team and Fisher will be the next to go if the Titan's don't turn the ship around this upcoming season.
Friday, April 28, 2006
Pre-Draft First Round Pick for the Titans
I cannot remember an NFL draft causing so much interest for even the most casual fan of the Tennessee Titans.
My gut tells me Vince Young is the pick. His style is more like the Titans, even with his unusual side arm motion. He's big, physical and is a playmaker who lives on the edge, just the way McNair did in his prime.
Having said that, I can see the Titans picking Lienart as well, just because of the Norm Chow connection. But Norm may not be around forever.
We'll know this time tomorrow. Surely Reggie Bush won't be around for the 3rd pick.
My gut tells me Vince Young is the pick. His style is more like the Titans, even with his unusual side arm motion. He's big, physical and is a playmaker who lives on the edge, just the way McNair did in his prime.
Having said that, I can see the Titans picking Lienart as well, just because of the Norm Chow connection. But Norm may not be around forever.
We'll know this time tomorrow. Surely Reggie Bush won't be around for the 3rd pick.
Thursday, April 27, 2006
Bleet, plus, Tennessean RSS Feed UPDATE
I'm coining a new term, BLEET, to describe the Blog Elite, formerly known as the blogleet. This is a term that describes, as you might imagine, the biggest and bestest bloggers.
Rex Hammock of Rexblog fame is certainly a charter member of the BLEET, a place that maybe one day in the far distant future I might ascend. Rex took the time to inform me that only one particular RSS Feed from the Tennessean is bad, and of course, it's the one I was using. So, I stand corrected and extend my apologies to the TNSN.. Here is what Rex says below:
The tennessean RSS feeds work for me -- I subscribe to the news
headlines and the sports one. however, the "headlines" thing suc**.
I'll post something tomorrow.
rex
here's the URL to the "top news" feed that works for me:
http://tennessean.com/apps/pbcs.dll/section?category=RSS05&mime=xml
Thanks Rex and thanks for the plug the other day for my half marathon run for the Michael J. Fox Foundation. We have raised over $5000 for the Michael J. Fox Foundation and the cure for Parkinson's.
Rex Hammock of Rexblog fame is certainly a charter member of the BLEET, a place that maybe one day in the far distant future I might ascend. Rex took the time to inform me that only one particular RSS Feed from the Tennessean is bad, and of course, it's the one I was using. So, I stand corrected and extend my apologies to the TNSN.. Here is what Rex says below:
The tennessean RSS feeds work for me -- I subscribe to the news
headlines and the sports one. however, the "headlines" thing suc**.
I'll post something tomorrow.
rex
here's the URL to the "top news" feed that works for me:
http://tennessean.com/apps/pbcs.dll/section?category=RSS05&mime=xml
Thanks Rex and thanks for the plug the other day for my half marathon run for the Michael J. Fox Foundation. We have raised over $5000 for the Michael J. Fox Foundation and the cure for Parkinson's.
Wednesday, April 26, 2006
Welcome to Carbon Leaf's Official Website
Welcome to Carbon Leaf's Official Website
This is a most amazing band. Sharon (my better half) and I went to see them at the Exit/In the other night. We had not been there in 20 years. Someone called Sharon "maam" as we wondered through the crowd. We laughed. We were so entertained. This band mixes so many different forms of music from rock to bluegrass to fusion. Highly recommended.
This is a most amazing band. Sharon (my better half) and I went to see them at the Exit/In the other night. We had not been there in 20 years. Someone called Sharon "maam" as we wondered through the crowd. We laughed. We were so entertained. This band mixes so many different forms of music from rock to bluegrass to fusion. Highly recommended.
Tennessean RSS Feed is Terrible
SEC names new football officials coordinator - Nashville, Tennessee - Thursday, 04/20/06 - Tennessean.com
It's now Thursday, April 27th (or almost). The most recent posting on the Tennessean's RSS feed is from Thurdsay, April 20th. 7 days ago. That is pitiful. I have noticed for some time that of all the major media, the Tennessean has the worst and most inconsistent RSS feed of any media I follow. I don't follow that many feeds, maybe 50. Compare that to the BlogLeet (blog elite) people who probably follow 200 or more daily feeds--they have the same problem. The Tennessean continues to be challenged with updating their RSS feeds. What is even more annoying is that they don't summarize what is in the corresponding post. If you have an RSS reader, you know what I mean, if you don't, you should get one. Thanks to Rex Hammock for briefly telling me one day that I needed one, and then backing that up on his blog a few times. He has helped many bloggers. Maybe he can use his media contacts to get to the TNSN RSS person to get them off their duffs.
It's now Thursday, April 27th (or almost). The most recent posting on the Tennessean's RSS feed is from Thurdsay, April 20th. 7 days ago. That is pitiful. I have noticed for some time that of all the major media, the Tennessean has the worst and most inconsistent RSS feed of any media I follow. I don't follow that many feeds, maybe 50. Compare that to the BlogLeet (blog elite) people who probably follow 200 or more daily feeds--they have the same problem. The Tennessean continues to be challenged with updating their RSS feeds. What is even more annoying is that they don't summarize what is in the corresponding post. If you have an RSS reader, you know what I mean, if you don't, you should get one. Thanks to Rex Hammock for briefly telling me one day that I needed one, and then backing that up on his blog a few times. He has helped many bloggers. Maybe he can use his media contacts to get to the TNSN RSS person to get them off their duffs.
Bush Blizzard?
Tony Snow named White House Press Secretary From USA Today Blogs
Tony Snow joins John Snow (Treasury Secretary) in the Bush White House. But, according to multiple sources, John Snow is probably on his way out.
I can "dig" it. That's pretty bad. Sorry.
Tony Snow joins John Snow (Treasury Secretary) in the Bush White House. But, according to multiple sources, John Snow is probably on his way out.
I can "dig" it. That's pretty bad. Sorry.
Monday, April 24, 2006
Bonds hints Aaron's record might be out of reach
Bonds hints Aaron's record might be out of reach
From ESPN..
All I can say is --LET'S HOPE SO! And I hope Bud Selig steps in and puts an asterik by his name when he breaks Babe Ruth's record.
There is going to be a major media frenzy as Bonds approaches the Babe's record in just a few short days/weeks. Bonds is at 709 now, and 715 will probably fall before Memorial Day if not sooner.
Let's face it, Bonds cheated. There were no such drugs around when the Babe hit all of his 714 home runs. Ditto Roger Maris when he hit 61 or 62 (can't remember which) in one season back in the 60's.
Like everyone else, I was mesmerized when Sammy Sosa and Mark McGuire battled it out that year to overcome Maris and to set a single season record.
Looking back, it does not take a rocket scientist to realize both of those guys were human freaks--all juiced up and bulked up like Popeye on spinach. Would that it were a simple organic substance like a vegetable that those guys took.
Why is the baseball management being so coy over Bonds, McGuire and Sosa? Why does it take a congressional investigation and free lance writers to dig up the dirt?
Is it just me, or what? When Babe Ruth's record goes down, it will be a crying shame for Major League Baseball, and for the honor and tradition the sport once held for all Americans.
Let's hope Barry Bonds means it below when he says below that his body won't allow him to break Aaron's record of 755. And in the mean time, where is Bud Selig on all of this?
"As long as I'm healthy, I want to give it a try,' Bonds has said.
Now, the man who stands only five homers from Babe Ruth's career 714 and 46 from Aaron's record 755 believes his body will not allow him to catch the home run king.
'Heck no,' Bonds told MLB.com when asked if he still had a chance to catch Aaron.
"
From ESPN..
All I can say is --LET'S HOPE SO! And I hope Bud Selig steps in and puts an asterik by his name when he breaks Babe Ruth's record.
There is going to be a major media frenzy as Bonds approaches the Babe's record in just a few short days/weeks. Bonds is at 709 now, and 715 will probably fall before Memorial Day if not sooner.
Let's face it, Bonds cheated. There were no such drugs around when the Babe hit all of his 714 home runs. Ditto Roger Maris when he hit 61 or 62 (can't remember which) in one season back in the 60's.
Like everyone else, I was mesmerized when Sammy Sosa and Mark McGuire battled it out that year to overcome Maris and to set a single season record.
Looking back, it does not take a rocket scientist to realize both of those guys were human freaks--all juiced up and bulked up like Popeye on spinach. Would that it were a simple organic substance like a vegetable that those guys took.
Why is the baseball management being so coy over Bonds, McGuire and Sosa? Why does it take a congressional investigation and free lance writers to dig up the dirt?
Is it just me, or what? When Babe Ruth's record goes down, it will be a crying shame for Major League Baseball, and for the honor and tradition the sport once held for all Americans.
Let's hope Barry Bonds means it below when he says below that his body won't allow him to break Aaron's record of 755. And in the mean time, where is Bud Selig on all of this?
"As long as I'm healthy, I want to give it a try,' Bonds has said.
Now, the man who stands only five homers from Babe Ruth's career 714 and 46 from Aaron's record 755 believes his body will not allow him to catch the home run king.
'Heck no,' Bonds told MLB.com when asked if he still had a chance to catch Aaron.
"
Sunday, April 23, 2006
The Importance of Ophelia Ford's Ouster
Inside Baseball
This is a new column by Matthew White from the Tennessee Political Blog called Inside Baseball (for reasons unknown to me). In any event, it's the first thing I've read from a credible source of the real implications of the Senate vote last week to void the election of Ophelia Ford.
Basically, the state legislature has to stand up to the Federal Courts, and for this reason alone, the precedence has been set now that our state elected leaders have a true separation of powers as opposed to the court system intervening when there is a dispute amongst the political factions.
Very interesting reading, and I have quoted below for your convenience so you really don't have link to the article by White. However, if you do, he also handicaps the 23rd Senate District race (Jim Bryson's seat). Oh yes, I agree with White also on the fact that Ophelia Ford has gained so much publicity over her challenge, that she is a shoe-in if she would just shut up and get back to Memphis and plan for the next election.
"The State Senate finally voided Ophelia Ford's election to that body in a convincing bipartisan vote. This is an important moment in Tennessee political history and not for the reasons you might think, namely the Ford family finally getting caught with their hand in the cookie jar.
A federal judge blocked a similar vote in January despite the Senate's explicit constitutional authority to overturn the election. It is important for the Tennessee Legislature to stand up to federal courts that have been governing the state by fiat. It has happened with prisons, education, healthcare, children's services and election law, among others. There are few agencies of state government that aren't under some form of federal court order. If federal courts want to stand in the way of the legislature's legitimate constitutional functions, then let them enforce the order.
More important than that is the dilution of votes that are attendant to voter fraud. People who go to the trouble to cast an informed ballot deserve to have their full vote counted. When an illegal vote is cast, by a living person or otherwise, every other vote is cheapened. If we are to have 'one man/woman, one vote' as we should, only living, breathing residents of the district should have their votes counted.
Ophelia Ford has not seen the last of the State Senate. If she's smart, she'll drop this charade and win her election - honestly - in November and continue on in the family business.
This is a new column by Matthew White from the Tennessee Political Blog called Inside Baseball (for reasons unknown to me). In any event, it's the first thing I've read from a credible source of the real implications of the Senate vote last week to void the election of Ophelia Ford.
Basically, the state legislature has to stand up to the Federal Courts, and for this reason alone, the precedence has been set now that our state elected leaders have a true separation of powers as opposed to the court system intervening when there is a dispute amongst the political factions.
Very interesting reading, and I have quoted below for your convenience so you really don't have link to the article by White. However, if you do, he also handicaps the 23rd Senate District race (Jim Bryson's seat). Oh yes, I agree with White also on the fact that Ophelia Ford has gained so much publicity over her challenge, that she is a shoe-in if she would just shut up and get back to Memphis and plan for the next election.
"The State Senate finally voided Ophelia Ford's election to that body in a convincing bipartisan vote. This is an important moment in Tennessee political history and not for the reasons you might think, namely the Ford family finally getting caught with their hand in the cookie jar.
A federal judge blocked a similar vote in January despite the Senate's explicit constitutional authority to overturn the election. It is important for the Tennessee Legislature to stand up to federal courts that have been governing the state by fiat. It has happened with prisons, education, healthcare, children's services and election law, among others. There are few agencies of state government that aren't under some form of federal court order. If federal courts want to stand in the way of the legislature's legitimate constitutional functions, then let them enforce the order.
More important than that is the dilution of votes that are attendant to voter fraud. People who go to the trouble to cast an informed ballot deserve to have their full vote counted. When an illegal vote is cast, by a living person or otherwise, every other vote is cheapened. If we are to have 'one man/woman, one vote' as we should, only living, breathing residents of the district should have their votes counted.
Ophelia Ford has not seen the last of the State Senate. If she's smart, she'll drop this charade and win her election - honestly - in November and continue on in the family business.
Friday, April 21, 2006
A Tour of Microsoft's Mac Lab
David Weiss: A Tour of Microsoft's Mac Lab
Thanks to Rex Hammock, of Rexblog fame, Nashville's best and most prolific blogger, for this reference and post.
The link is a tour of Microsoft's Mac Lab from David Weiss. It's a most interesting and reassuring web tour. Reassuring because one can see the reverence that our oft-times nemesis, the windows geeks, have for our beloved Mac. Or at least this section of the company--(albeit miniscule section of Microsoft land).
A nice tour down memory lane plus a whole bunch of Mac Mini's --and the feeling that there are some really solid solid Mac folks up there in Washington State.
Ahhh...just think back to the days when there was no such thing as an IPOD, and it was us against the world......those times were nice weren't they--in a way? Now that Apple (the company) is hot, you kind of relish the complete underdog role we used to enjoy. I'm not really sure I really like having Apple on top of the digital music world to tell you the truth.
Anyway, this link sort of softens my opinion of the Seattle guys a great deal--these folks in the MBU as they call it--the Mac Business Unit at Microsoft.
Thanks Rex (and thanks Julia, whoever you are).
Thanks to Rex Hammock, of Rexblog fame, Nashville's best and most prolific blogger, for this reference and post.
The link is a tour of Microsoft's Mac Lab from David Weiss. It's a most interesting and reassuring web tour. Reassuring because one can see the reverence that our oft-times nemesis, the windows geeks, have for our beloved Mac. Or at least this section of the company--(albeit miniscule section of Microsoft land).
A nice tour down memory lane plus a whole bunch of Mac Mini's --and the feeling that there are some really solid solid Mac folks up there in Washington State.
Ahhh...just think back to the days when there was no such thing as an IPOD, and it was us against the world......those times were nice weren't they--in a way? Now that Apple (the company) is hot, you kind of relish the complete underdog role we used to enjoy. I'm not really sure I really like having Apple on top of the digital music world to tell you the truth.
Anyway, this link sort of softens my opinion of the Seattle guys a great deal--these folks in the MBU as they call it--the Mac Business Unit at Microsoft.
Thanks Rex (and thanks Julia, whoever you are).
Thursday, April 20, 2006
Favre: McNair 'doesn't deserve' treatment he's getting
Favre: McNair 'doesn't deserve' treatment he's getting
It's pretty much a universal thought and one that I agree with as well---that whoever made this decision to bar McNair from the Titans complex, (and we all know who it was)---made a terrible PR goof. We were warned that Bud Adams could be an SOB, and certainly look no further than the Houston TX media to find countless examples of such during his tenure as the Oilers' owner.
If you look back as to the timing of this event, it was obvious that the decision came from the top. Fisher and Reese were on the West Coast during the USC "Pro Day" taking a look at Reggie Bush and Co. Or, should I say Matt Lienart and Co. Anyway, the lowly trainer was the one that delivered the news to McNair to take a hike. What class.
At least I think Reese and Fisher have a little more than that. Maybe not much more, but you could tell that they were uncomfortable with the decision overall upon their return. Now the fall out continues with this quote and article (ESPN.com gets the credit)
"All of the things he has done for that team,' the Packers QB said Thursday. 'He really has been the face of that team for the last 10 or 11 years, the one bright spot really. To be treated that way I think is really unfair. He doesn't deserve it ... It is not right.'
Which reminds me, did you see the City Paper article (I'm starting to like this hard hitting little print paper much more lately) yesterday? Sorry, I'm too lazy right now to link to it, but the essence of the article was that both Lienart and Vince Young got the impression that if either were selected by the Titans, that they would be playing this fall. Makes me think that the Titans are going to go with Billy Volek as starter, then work in whichever one we get by mid October or so. My money is on the bet that McNair has seen his last days as a Titan. I know it's a business, but it could have been handled so much more wisely. Favre has been given so much latitude up in Packers' country. They have handled his situation so much more sagaciously (wow, great word, no?)
It's pretty much a universal thought and one that I agree with as well---that whoever made this decision to bar McNair from the Titans complex, (and we all know who it was)---made a terrible PR goof. We were warned that Bud Adams could be an SOB, and certainly look no further than the Houston TX media to find countless examples of such during his tenure as the Oilers' owner.
If you look back as to the timing of this event, it was obvious that the decision came from the top. Fisher and Reese were on the West Coast during the USC "Pro Day" taking a look at Reggie Bush and Co. Or, should I say Matt Lienart and Co. Anyway, the lowly trainer was the one that delivered the news to McNair to take a hike. What class.
At least I think Reese and Fisher have a little more than that. Maybe not much more, but you could tell that they were uncomfortable with the decision overall upon their return. Now the fall out continues with this quote and article (ESPN.com gets the credit)
"All of the things he has done for that team,' the Packers QB said Thursday. 'He really has been the face of that team for the last 10 or 11 years, the one bright spot really. To be treated that way I think is really unfair. He doesn't deserve it ... It is not right.'
Which reminds me, did you see the City Paper article (I'm starting to like this hard hitting little print paper much more lately) yesterday? Sorry, I'm too lazy right now to link to it, but the essence of the article was that both Lienart and Vince Young got the impression that if either were selected by the Titans, that they would be playing this fall. Makes me think that the Titans are going to go with Billy Volek as starter, then work in whichever one we get by mid October or so. My money is on the bet that McNair has seen his last days as a Titan. I know it's a business, but it could have been handled so much more wisely. Favre has been given so much latitude up in Packers' country. They have handled his situation so much more sagaciously (wow, great word, no?)
The Return of Lance Armstrong
Armstrong plans to run N.Y. Marathon in November
Lance Armstrong told The Associated Press on Wednesday that he plans to compete in the New York City Marathon on Nov. 5.
This guy is a beast!
From Espn.com
Lance Armstrong told The Associated Press on Wednesday that he plans to compete in the New York City Marathon on Nov. 5.
This guy is a beast!
From Espn.com
Wednesday, April 19, 2006
Thelma Harper
...has become what she probably never meant to be---the consummate politician that puts ego before common sense. No politico that I've ever watched intends for this to happen--but they get caught up in the "system" and the "process". She is probably right now trying to decide how best to defend herself and how to justify the nay vote on the Jack Daniel's Musuem in downtown Nashville . It's probably time for her to take a hard look in the mirror. Just read these quotes below from the City Paper:
Harper said she was upset that she wasn’t asked to be the first sponsor of the bill before it was introduced. Instead, Brown-Forman asked Sen. Jim Tracy (R-Shelbyville), whose district contains the Jack Daniel’s Distillery in Lynchburg, to sponsor the bill.
“When you deal with people who have no respect for where you are, you know, it makes it difficult,” Harper said. “But the main thing is [Brown-Forman has] no respect for our position.
“You can have a museum and all of those other things, and I can sponsor it, but we don’t need someone from Shelbyville sponsoring the bill that’s here,” she added. “It’s proper protocol … when they come into my business district, I should be allowed to represent my businesses. That’s what I’ve done all along.”
Have you ever read a more ridiculous "inside" quote of how legislation gets done and how these people perceive themselves? Thelma Harper thinks downtown Nashville is "her" business district--the whole thing, the whole area that is---and that---(chest protruding, chest beating) nothing gets done without her front and center approval. You know, at one time in my life, I thought about politics. Then I realized one day how absolutely low life these people are and how super big their egos are. Oh yes, they can talk real well, and they can smile and they can wear big hats, but when it comes right down to it--it's ego plain and simple. And if they are elected, particularly into the city council and into the state rep positions, they become so absorbed in their titles and the process, that they lose site of the big picture.
Still think I'm being too hard on Thelma? Okay, then read this:
Tracy said lobbyists from Bass, Berry & Sims PLC, of which Brown-Forman is a client, asked Harper to co-sponsor the bill with Tracy. But Harper said she did not want to play “second fiddle.”
Pretty much proves how big her ego has become.
Thelma puts off a great Easter Egg Hunt every year, but that's about it. She has ridden the wave of popularity to the point of being too big for her own britches as the old cliche goes.
Just think how she could have co-sponsored this bill and how she could have been out front and positive about bringing new alternatives to downtown Nashville tourism and how she could have enamored the pro business and pro tourism people. These people would have possibly thought about sending her donations and thought about her upward movement into higher political positions. But no, her ego got hurt, and she voted against the bill because she was not the sponsor---Who cares how good the museum would have been for the city and our tourists. It's all about Thelma.
The Jack Daniel's Museum in downtown Nashville would be a great addition to our city and would add a great deal of diversity to our tourism offerings. How this can be defeated (as currently proposed) by a dentally challenged state senator who must have a hat closet bigger than my garage is just a sad commentary on her power.
Harper said she was upset that she wasn’t asked to be the first sponsor of the bill before it was introduced. Instead, Brown-Forman asked Sen. Jim Tracy (R-Shelbyville), whose district contains the Jack Daniel’s Distillery in Lynchburg, to sponsor the bill.
“When you deal with people who have no respect for where you are, you know, it makes it difficult,” Harper said. “But the main thing is [Brown-Forman has] no respect for our position.
“You can have a museum and all of those other things, and I can sponsor it, but we don’t need someone from Shelbyville sponsoring the bill that’s here,” she added. “It’s proper protocol … when they come into my business district, I should be allowed to represent my businesses. That’s what I’ve done all along.”
Have you ever read a more ridiculous "inside" quote of how legislation gets done and how these people perceive themselves? Thelma Harper thinks downtown Nashville is "her" business district--the whole thing, the whole area that is---and that---(chest protruding, chest beating) nothing gets done without her front and center approval. You know, at one time in my life, I thought about politics. Then I realized one day how absolutely low life these people are and how super big their egos are. Oh yes, they can talk real well, and they can smile and they can wear big hats, but when it comes right down to it--it's ego plain and simple. And if they are elected, particularly into the city council and into the state rep positions, they become so absorbed in their titles and the process, that they lose site of the big picture.
Still think I'm being too hard on Thelma? Okay, then read this:
Tracy said lobbyists from Bass, Berry & Sims PLC, of which Brown-Forman is a client, asked Harper to co-sponsor the bill with Tracy. But Harper said she did not want to play “second fiddle.”
Pretty much proves how big her ego has become.
Thelma puts off a great Easter Egg Hunt every year, but that's about it. She has ridden the wave of popularity to the point of being too big for her own britches as the old cliche goes.
Just think how she could have co-sponsored this bill and how she could have been out front and positive about bringing new alternatives to downtown Nashville tourism and how she could have enamored the pro business and pro tourism people. These people would have possibly thought about sending her donations and thought about her upward movement into higher political positions. But no, her ego got hurt, and she voted against the bill because she was not the sponsor---Who cares how good the museum would have been for the city and our tourists. It's all about Thelma.
The Jack Daniel's Museum in downtown Nashville would be a great addition to our city and would add a great deal of diversity to our tourism offerings. How this can be defeated (as currently proposed) by a dentally challenged state senator who must have a hat closet bigger than my garage is just a sad commentary on her power.
Buried Deep in the Wall Street Jounal on Monday..
....I would link to the site but it's paid and I'm not even a member either.
But there was this article on Monday, April 17th in the print edition which I'm just getting around to posting about, that was entitled "Rumseld's Tight Grip on U. S. Military Appears to be Weakening". It was a front page piece that chronicles the fact that the military brass is definitely up to their necks with the leadership style of Rummy.
In any event, the article continued off the front page and onto page A-10. About 2 paragraphs down, this morsel of information appears, and I'm quoting:
Despite the administration's oft-stated pledge to democratize the Middle East, the military's U. S. Central Command, which oversees troops in the region, has a somewhat different emphasis. It's top priority is to help existing governments in the region beef up their security to provide a "protective shield" against Al Quaeda, officers say. In most cases, that means increasing intelligence-sharing with non-democratic regimes, providing more counter terrorism training and participating in exercises with their militaries. The hope is that once the regimes become more secure, power will slowy devolve to their people.
Also in the Pacific, senior military officers are pushing for more exchanges with the Chinese military, despite contrary urges from Mr. Rumsfeld. Such exchanges were reduced in teh early days of the administration, as Mr. Rumsfeld came into office--as he was determined to pare military to military engagement and to get tough with China.
So, there you have it folks. We have the top military generals working behind the administration's back, and if you believe Tim Russert, we have in effect, a military coup taking shape amongst the leadership. Perhaps he is being overly dramatic. But, I'm telling you the policies of Rummy and I guess ultimately George Bush 43 are not working in the military's eye in terms of "nation building". We cannot build a democratic government in Iraq any more than we can will away Fidel Castro from Cuba. Let the people live the way they want to live, and let the people have a freaking dictator if they want to. But, we can work with most governments, and we can show them ways that they can be secure and ways they can thwart Al Quaeda. We can topple governments if we want to, but we better make damn sure that we know what to do after we topple governments. Saber rattling is good to an extent, but overthowing governments and trying to instill a U. S. type democracy in under 2-3 years or even 10 years is ludicrous.
And the military brass agrees.
But there was this article on Monday, April 17th in the print edition which I'm just getting around to posting about, that was entitled "Rumseld's Tight Grip on U. S. Military Appears to be Weakening". It was a front page piece that chronicles the fact that the military brass is definitely up to their necks with the leadership style of Rummy.
In any event, the article continued off the front page and onto page A-10. About 2 paragraphs down, this morsel of information appears, and I'm quoting:
Despite the administration's oft-stated pledge to democratize the Middle East, the military's U. S. Central Command, which oversees troops in the region, has a somewhat different emphasis. It's top priority is to help existing governments in the region beef up their security to provide a "protective shield" against Al Quaeda, officers say. In most cases, that means increasing intelligence-sharing with non-democratic regimes, providing more counter terrorism training and participating in exercises with their militaries. The hope is that once the regimes become more secure, power will slowy devolve to their people.
Also in the Pacific, senior military officers are pushing for more exchanges with the Chinese military, despite contrary urges from Mr. Rumsfeld. Such exchanges were reduced in teh early days of the administration, as Mr. Rumsfeld came into office--as he was determined to pare military to military engagement and to get tough with China.
So, there you have it folks. We have the top military generals working behind the administration's back, and if you believe Tim Russert, we have in effect, a military coup taking shape amongst the leadership. Perhaps he is being overly dramatic. But, I'm telling you the policies of Rummy and I guess ultimately George Bush 43 are not working in the military's eye in terms of "nation building". We cannot build a democratic government in Iraq any more than we can will away Fidel Castro from Cuba. Let the people live the way they want to live, and let the people have a freaking dictator if they want to. But, we can work with most governments, and we can show them ways that they can be secure and ways they can thwart Al Quaeda. We can topple governments if we want to, but we better make damn sure that we know what to do after we topple governments. Saber rattling is good to an extent, but overthowing governments and trying to instill a U. S. type democracy in under 2-3 years or even 10 years is ludicrous.
And the military brass agrees.
Tuesday, April 18, 2006
Dear Mr. President
Dear President Bush:
I'm about to plan a little trip with my family and extended family,and I would like to ask you to assist me. I'm going to walk across the border from the U.S. into Mexico, and I need to make a few arrangements. I know you can help with this.
I plan to skip all the legal stuff like visas, passports, immigration quotas and laws. I'm sure they handle those things the same way we do here.
So, would you mind telling President Vicente Fox, that I'm on my way over? Please let him know that I will be expecting the following:
1. Free medical care for my entire family.
2. English-speaking government bureaucrats for all services I might need, whether I use them or not.
3. All government forms need to be printed in English.
4. I want my kids to be taught by English-speaking teachers.
5. Schools need to include classes on American culture and history.
6. I want my kids to see the American flag flying on the top of the flag pole at their school with the Mexican flag flying lower down.
7. Please plan to feed my kids at school for both breakfast and lunch.
8. I will need a local Mexican driver's license so I can get easy access to government services.
9. I do not plan to have any car insurance, and I won't make any effort to learn local traffic laws.
10. In case one of the Mexican police officers does not get the memo from President Fox to leave me alone, please be sure that all police officers speak English.
11. I plan to fly the U.S. flag from my house top, put flag decals on my car, and have a gigantic celebration on July 4th. I do not want any complaints or negative comments from the locals.
12. I would also like to have a nice job without paying any taxes, and don't enforce any labor laws or tax laws.
13. Please tell all the people in the country to be extremely nice and never say a critical word about me, or about the strain I might place on the economy.
I know this is an easy request because we already do all these things for all the people who come to the U.S. from Mexico. I am sure that President Fox won't mind returning the favor if you ask him nicely.
Thank you so much for your kind help.
(NOTE---this was taken from a general e mail I received ---author unknown, but for clarification purposes, I did not write this, but agree with the satire premise)
I'm about to plan a little trip with my family and extended family,and I would like to ask you to assist me. I'm going to walk across the border from the U.S. into Mexico, and I need to make a few arrangements. I know you can help with this.
I plan to skip all the legal stuff like visas, passports, immigration quotas and laws. I'm sure they handle those things the same way we do here.
So, would you mind telling President Vicente Fox, that I'm on my way over? Please let him know that I will be expecting the following:
1. Free medical care for my entire family.
2. English-speaking government bureaucrats for all services I might need, whether I use them or not.
3. All government forms need to be printed in English.
4. I want my kids to be taught by English-speaking teachers.
5. Schools need to include classes on American culture and history.
6. I want my kids to see the American flag flying on the top of the flag pole at their school with the Mexican flag flying lower down.
7. Please plan to feed my kids at school for both breakfast and lunch.
8. I will need a local Mexican driver's license so I can get easy access to government services.
9. I do not plan to have any car insurance, and I won't make any effort to learn local traffic laws.
10. In case one of the Mexican police officers does not get the memo from President Fox to leave me alone, please be sure that all police officers speak English.
11. I plan to fly the U.S. flag from my house top, put flag decals on my car, and have a gigantic celebration on July 4th. I do not want any complaints or negative comments from the locals.
12. I would also like to have a nice job without paying any taxes, and don't enforce any labor laws or tax laws.
13. Please tell all the people in the country to be extremely nice and never say a critical word about me, or about the strain I might place on the economy.
I know this is an easy request because we already do all these things for all the people who come to the U.S. from Mexico. I am sure that President Fox won't mind returning the favor if you ask him nicely.
Thank you so much for your kind help.
(NOTE---this was taken from a general e mail I received ---author unknown, but for clarification purposes, I did not write this, but agree with the satire premise)
Thursday, April 13, 2006
The Latest on the (Opry) Mills Corp.
Chron.com | Mills Corp. Gets Default Waivers
From the Houston Chronicle (for some reason).
Looks like the Mills Corp. is working through it's issues, but it seems more and more likely that a sale of the company will be the most probable outcome. The Fidelity Corp. dumped 11 million shares on the market this week, and has completely exited this company from it's mutual funds portfolios.
"Real estate investment trust Mills Corp. said Wednesday its banks agreed to waive defaults through the end of this year, and the company has refinanced the mortgage on one of its outlet malls.
Mills said it is also working to get additional default waivers under construction loans for outlet malls in Pittsburgh, Cincinnati, St. Louis and Georgia.
The announcement comes as Mills explores a possible sale of the company and faces an investigation into its accounting practices. Mills is also restating several years of earnings."
From the Houston Chronicle (for some reason).
Looks like the Mills Corp. is working through it's issues, but it seems more and more likely that a sale of the company will be the most probable outcome. The Fidelity Corp. dumped 11 million shares on the market this week, and has completely exited this company from it's mutual funds portfolios.
"Real estate investment trust Mills Corp. said Wednesday its banks agreed to waive defaults through the end of this year, and the company has refinanced the mortgage on one of its outlet malls.
Mills said it is also working to get additional default waivers under construction loans for outlet malls in Pittsburgh, Cincinnati, St. Louis and Georgia.
The announcement comes as Mills explores a possible sale of the company and faces an investigation into its accounting practices. Mills is also restating several years of earnings."
Wednesday, April 12, 2006
Retired US Iraq general (plus this blogger) demands Rumsfeld resign
Retired US Iraq general demands Rumsfeld resign
This article is from Reuter's (above)
I totally agree with the comments below and with the article referenced. We need a fresh start in the Pentagon, and we cannot wait until the next Presidential cycle in 2008. Rumsfeld needs to go. He has failed since the "end of the war" declaration.
He succeeded in toppling Sadam, but after that, he has been a complete failure, as have any and all policies coming out of the Pentagon with respect to rebuilding IRAQ.
We need new leadership, fresh ideas, and a strategy that wins the support of all of the factions in IRAQ, as well as the American people. What is going on now is a farce, because we take 2 steps forward and then 3 steps back. Read this article and these quotes about which, I totally and completely agree.
"He defined success in the war as 'setting the Iraqi people up for self-reliance with their form of representative government that takes into account tribal, ethnic and religious differences that have always defined Iraqi society.'
'Iraqis, frankly, in my experience, do not understand democracy. Nor do they understand their responsibilities for a free society,' Batiste said.
This (above) is the essence of the problem. These people in IRAQ have been exposed to tribal thinking and tribal conflicts for centuries. For a democracy to work, there has to be a common bond, a common ground from which to rise up and to succeed in building a new life together, from which goods and services are produced, then sold, and from which a general respect for one another is acheived.
This is not inherent in the make up of IRAQ society in general. It takes many many years to achieve this, not 2 or 3, but 25-50 or 100 years.
We have to start all over. Rumsfeld did his duty, but it is time for him to go.
This article is from Reuter's (above)
I totally agree with the comments below and with the article referenced. We need a fresh start in the Pentagon, and we cannot wait until the next Presidential cycle in 2008. Rumsfeld needs to go. He has failed since the "end of the war" declaration.
He succeeded in toppling Sadam, but after that, he has been a complete failure, as have any and all policies coming out of the Pentagon with respect to rebuilding IRAQ.
We need new leadership, fresh ideas, and a strategy that wins the support of all of the factions in IRAQ, as well as the American people. What is going on now is a farce, because we take 2 steps forward and then 3 steps back. Read this article and these quotes about which, I totally and completely agree.
"He defined success in the war as 'setting the Iraqi people up for self-reliance with their form of representative government that takes into account tribal, ethnic and religious differences that have always defined Iraqi society.'
'Iraqis, frankly, in my experience, do not understand democracy. Nor do they understand their responsibilities for a free society,' Batiste said.
This (above) is the essence of the problem. These people in IRAQ have been exposed to tribal thinking and tribal conflicts for centuries. For a democracy to work, there has to be a common bond, a common ground from which to rise up and to succeed in building a new life together, from which goods and services are produced, then sold, and from which a general respect for one another is acheived.
This is not inherent in the make up of IRAQ society in general. It takes many many years to achieve this, not 2 or 3, but 25-50 or 100 years.
We have to start all over. Rumsfeld did his duty, but it is time for him to go.
Electric Cars coming back
Autopia
(actually, I never knew there were "in" )
Electric Cars on Comeback Trail
Now Playing: Electric Light Orchestra
Topic: Electric Vehicles
A Canadian startup will begin selling electric vehicles in the North America this summer. The FeelGoodCars ZENN is an urban vehicle with a 25 mph maximum speed and range of 30 miles.
The base model of the ZENN will cost under $10K, and is expected to be available in dealerships in many states, according to FeelGoodCars CEO Ian Clifford.
bes.
If Rod Stewart can have a successful comeback, why not EVs? As gas prices continue their inevitable upward churn, plugging in a vehicle with cheap electricity becomes more and more attractive.
(actually, I never knew there were "in" )
Electric Cars on Comeback Trail
Now Playing: Electric Light Orchestra
Topic: Electric Vehicles
A Canadian startup will begin selling electric vehicles in the North America this summer. The FeelGoodCars ZENN is an urban vehicle with a 25 mph maximum speed and range of 30 miles.
The base model of the ZENN will cost under $10K, and is expected to be available in dealerships in many states, according to FeelGoodCars CEO Ian Clifford.
bes.
If Rod Stewart can have a successful comeback, why not EVs? As gas prices continue their inevitable upward churn, plugging in a vehicle with cheap electricity becomes more and more attractive.
Paul Griffin--One of the greatest guys who hates publicity
An iNiche Market FROM TN BUSINESS
"Paul Griffin might have a reason or two to be quiet about his business. Fourteen years ago, the inventor and electrical engineer founded a company in Nashville that made adapters for Apple Macintosh computers, making them work with PC monitors. Since then, the mom-and-pop business, which at some point employed only a handful of people at its Elm Hill Pike warehouse, grew to one of the world’s largest makers of peripheral products for all things Mac.
So why is Paul Griffin shying away from publicity? First off, his business is closely held and sales appear to be going through the roof (to the tune of some $80 million last year, according to people familiar with the company). If the numbers are good, who needs publicity?
Take iPod. Since the portable players were introduced in 2001, Apple Computer has sold 42.2 million of them, barely keeping up with surging demand. Last year alone, iPods accounted for one-third of Apple’s sales. If digital players are hot, their accessories proved to be at least equally attractive to gadget lovers. But Apple makes few accessories on its own, and leaves much of the job to third-party manufacturers and vendors. That’s where Griffin comes in. Some of Griffin’s most popular products, such as AirBase, iTrip and radio Shark, retail in the range of $39.99 and $69.99.
And competition is fierce. In 2004, Griffin sued its former vice president of marketing Andrew Green after he took a job at DLO in a similar role. Green had worked for Griffin between 2002 and 2004, and participated in the design of iTrip, one of Griffin’s most successful products. DLO’s parent Netalog later sued Griffin for patent infringement.
But legal maneuvering is not the only reason Griffin might be disinclined to talk. Independent makers of Apple’s peripheral paraphernalia seem ripe for consolidation, and Paul Griffin and his brain trust at Griffin may just want to fly under the radar, at least for the time being. One Apple analyst, Shaw Wu of California-based American Technology Research, says it’s about time somebody got bought.
With its slick products and robust growth, Griffin Technology certainly presents a tempting target.
(NOTE FROM MO---Paul Griffin still wears jeans to the office, drives an average car, and lives in an average neighborhood. In short, he has not lost his identity in the face of what is- quite staggering success. Paul may be a bit over protective about his success, but he is easily in my book the most succesful business person in Nashville--and could quite literally be a Nashville business celebrity if he so chose to do so. He is a genius and a great guy at the same time. Now, we just need to get him to get interested in philanthropic or big time marketing activities---Perhaps the Griffin Entertainment Center (we could still call it the GEC), or maybe Paul will be solicited now for charitable donations for worthy causes he finds interesting. Whatever happens, it's great to have a new super successful business person in Nashville.
"Paul Griffin might have a reason or two to be quiet about his business. Fourteen years ago, the inventor and electrical engineer founded a company in Nashville that made adapters for Apple Macintosh computers, making them work with PC monitors. Since then, the mom-and-pop business, which at some point employed only a handful of people at its Elm Hill Pike warehouse, grew to one of the world’s largest makers of peripheral products for all things Mac.
So why is Paul Griffin shying away from publicity? First off, his business is closely held and sales appear to be going through the roof (to the tune of some $80 million last year, according to people familiar with the company). If the numbers are good, who needs publicity?
Take iPod. Since the portable players were introduced in 2001, Apple Computer has sold 42.2 million of them, barely keeping up with surging demand. Last year alone, iPods accounted for one-third of Apple’s sales. If digital players are hot, their accessories proved to be at least equally attractive to gadget lovers. But Apple makes few accessories on its own, and leaves much of the job to third-party manufacturers and vendors. That’s where Griffin comes in. Some of Griffin’s most popular products, such as AirBase, iTrip and radio Shark, retail in the range of $39.99 and $69.99.
And competition is fierce. In 2004, Griffin sued its former vice president of marketing Andrew Green after he took a job at DLO in a similar role. Green had worked for Griffin between 2002 and 2004, and participated in the design of iTrip, one of Griffin’s most successful products. DLO’s parent Netalog later sued Griffin for patent infringement.
But legal maneuvering is not the only reason Griffin might be disinclined to talk. Independent makers of Apple’s peripheral paraphernalia seem ripe for consolidation, and Paul Griffin and his brain trust at Griffin may just want to fly under the radar, at least for the time being. One Apple analyst, Shaw Wu of California-based American Technology Research, says it’s about time somebody got bought.
With its slick products and robust growth, Griffin Technology certainly presents a tempting target.
(NOTE FROM MO---Paul Griffin still wears jeans to the office, drives an average car, and lives in an average neighborhood. In short, he has not lost his identity in the face of what is- quite staggering success. Paul may be a bit over protective about his success, but he is easily in my book the most succesful business person in Nashville--and could quite literally be a Nashville business celebrity if he so chose to do so. He is a genius and a great guy at the same time. Now, we just need to get him to get interested in philanthropic or big time marketing activities---Perhaps the Griffin Entertainment Center (we could still call it the GEC), or maybe Paul will be solicited now for charitable donations for worthy causes he finds interesting. Whatever happens, it's great to have a new super successful business person in Nashville.
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