I never thought I'd say this, but I'm glad there is a Krystal near my home in Nashville. It's the one at the 70/100 split between Belle Meade and Bellevue.
We lost power last night during that fierce storm, and it's still off on Friday morning. We used our candles, flashlights, and gas stove, and did not have any problems really.
This morning I was beginning to have have internet withdrawals, plus I was waiting on a couple of business e mails. What to do, what to do...? I did not want to head down to Panerra Bread, my first thought. I had to be on the "other" side of town.
So, I dropped the oldest off at school and then headed back to the "neighborhood" Krystal. So, here I am blogging away in the parking lot, because I just don't want to be tempted to order hash browns, and all the artery clogging stuff they serve inside.
But I will head inside and get some java in a few.
The signal is clear, the signal is strong, so this is good. Krystal Hot Spot! Only in the 21st century!
Friday, March 10, 2006
Newspapers May Get Look At Future if Knight Sells
But key to the future valuation of newspapers is how fully and swiftly they embrace the Internet, said Colby Atwood, vice president of Borrell Associates Inc., a media research and consulting firm. (from the Washington Post)
"Symbolic of the woes afflicting the newspaper business, Knight Ridder put itself up for sale in November in response to pressure from shareholders to lift its stock price. Like other publishers, Knight Ridder has battled rising newsprint prices and falling circulation. Readers in recent years have migrated to other media for news, including the Internet."
"Symbolic of the woes afflicting the newspaper business, Knight Ridder put itself up for sale in November in response to pressure from shareholders to lift its stock price. Like other publishers, Knight Ridder has battled rising newsprint prices and falling circulation. Readers in recent years have migrated to other media for news, including the Internet."
Thursday, March 09, 2006
Iran remarks 'provocative' - U. S.
CNN.com - I don't mean to be turning this blog into an all political blog, with a Middle East bent: but that's where all the interesting news seems to be these days. At least to me. I think there is so much happening in the Middle East these days that the entire world is changing right before our eyes. Ironically, the determining factors of how we live out the rest of our lives---are being played out right now and in the next few years over there. If Russia lines up with Iran and Hammas, we're set for a major diplomatic struggle against US, Israel, and Iraq (assuming we maintain control).. The first stop is the United Nations, and we all know their track record of maintaining peace amongst the world's factions.
The article quoted is from CNN World.
"After weeks of talks and diplomatic maneuvering over the crisis, the international community Wednesday moved one step closer to taking action against Iran."
The article quoted is from CNN World.
"After weeks of talks and diplomatic maneuvering over the crisis, the international community Wednesday moved one step closer to taking action against Iran."
Wednesday, March 08, 2006
Clinton Says New York, but Money Hints at '08 - New York Times
This New Yorkk Times article says it all, Hillary will be a candidate in 2008 for the big enchilada
"Already, the Clinton finance team has amassed more cash than any other potential Democratic presidential candidate, $17.1 million, underscoring what many Democrats say is the tactical edge that Mrs. Clinton has going into 2008, with an experienced and well-financed campaign.
But as important, Mrs. Clinton's finance team appears determined to build such a big bank account and to develop relationships with many of the party's top fund-raisers in an effort to make it harder for potential rivals to compete in 2008, Democrats closely monitoring the Clinton camp's efforts say."
"Already, the Clinton finance team has amassed more cash than any other potential Democratic presidential candidate, $17.1 million, underscoring what many Democrats say is the tactical edge that Mrs. Clinton has going into 2008, with an experienced and well-financed campaign.
But as important, Mrs. Clinton's finance team appears determined to build such a big bank account and to develop relationships with many of the party's top fund-raisers in an effort to make it harder for potential rivals to compete in 2008, Democrats closely monitoring the Clinton camp's efforts say."
The Mac OS is safe after all
| Mac OS X Hacker Challenge Ends Early
From MacSlash
If "professional" hackers can't hack into the Mac OS via a Mac Mini, it's safe to say that yes, Virginia, we are all safe from those scoundrels. (there was an earlier post about the Mac OS being manipulated last week by a virus, but details were sketchy).
Quoting from MacSlash-
Remarkably, the server held up well under those assaults (this is a Mini, remember!), and not only served that traffic, but deflected over 4000 ssh login attempts and any number of scanning tools. Do we call this a success? Ummm... I'm going to go with a yes.
From MacSlash
If "professional" hackers can't hack into the Mac OS via a Mac Mini, it's safe to say that yes, Virginia, we are all safe from those scoundrels. (there was an earlier post about the Mac OS being manipulated last week by a virus, but details were sketchy).
Quoting from MacSlash-
Remarkably, the server held up well under those assaults (this is a Mini, remember!), and not only served that traffic, but deflected over 4000 ssh login attempts and any number of scanning tools. Do we call this a success? Ummm... I'm going to go with a yes.
Tuesday, March 07, 2006
I can't believe there is a puff piece on Bob Schieffer much less the CBS Evening New
But of course, it is from the Washington Post
Do people still watch this show?
Television's Aging Rock Star
"If you were casting about for a hot personality to juice up a struggling news show, a white-haired man of 69 would probably not jump to the top of the list. But a year after Schieffer was tapped as a temporary replacement for Dan Rather, he has loosened the collar on a buttoned-up newscast and made modest progress in winning back viewers."
Do people still watch this show?
Television's Aging Rock Star
"If you were casting about for a hot personality to juice up a struggling news show, a white-haired man of 69 would probably not jump to the top of the list. But a year after Schieffer was tapped as a temporary replacement for Dan Rather, he has loosened the collar on a buttoned-up newscast and made modest progress in winning back viewers."
Russian/ U.S. relations take Chill Pill
Here we go again--Rift developing between Russia and U. S. From Reuter's
"The top diplomats from Russia and the United States exposed their countries' widening rift on Tuesday, publicly airing disagreements over how to curb Iran's nuclear programs and other issues, such as trade and democracy."
Looks like Secretary of State Condaleezaa Rice and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov "exchanged complaints" about the other's policies.
In diplomatic terms, this is pretty big news. Normally, these things can be smoothed over behind closed doors. If they become public, as we are learning, then it could mean that Russia is leaning towards supporting Iran with nuclear weapons, and supporting Hammas in Palestine. This is definitely worrying the Bush administration.
I am also learning through blogging that Reuter's runs some stories that can be a bit on the dicey side---in other words, articles such as this one plus the one on Civil War in Iraq are not seen in major U. S. Media sources. Reuter's is definitely anti-Bush anti-American in my brief tenure of observing such differences between media reports.
"The top diplomats from Russia and the United States exposed their countries' widening rift on Tuesday, publicly airing disagreements over how to curb Iran's nuclear programs and other issues, such as trade and democracy."
Looks like Secretary of State Condaleezaa Rice and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov "exchanged complaints" about the other's policies.
In diplomatic terms, this is pretty big news. Normally, these things can be smoothed over behind closed doors. If they become public, as we are learning, then it could mean that Russia is leaning towards supporting Iran with nuclear weapons, and supporting Hammas in Palestine. This is definitely worrying the Bush administration.
I am also learning through blogging that Reuter's runs some stories that can be a bit on the dicey side---in other words, articles such as this one plus the one on Civil War in Iraq are not seen in major U. S. Media sources. Reuter's is definitely anti-Bush anti-American in my brief tenure of observing such differences between media reports.
U. S. envoy warns of Civil War in Iraq
Rumsfeld says claims of Civil War are exaggerated. Of course, this is the same guy that said we would be welcomed to scenes of wild jubilation in the streets: "U.S. Ambassador to Iraq Zalmay Khalilzad told The Los Angeles Times that the toppling of Saddam Hussein opened a 'Pandora's box' of ethnic and sectarian tensions that could lead to a full-blown civil war.
He seemed to contradict what Gen. Peter Pace, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said Sunday on NBC's Meet the Press.
The Washington Post wrote today that its polling indicates most Americans think a civil war is likely."
He seemed to contradict what Gen. Peter Pace, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said Sunday on NBC's Meet the Press.
The Washington Post wrote today that its polling indicates most Americans think a civil war is likely."
Monday, March 06, 2006
Runaway Bride Bobbleheads--I wish all of these types of stories turned out like this
Hockey Fans Go Nuts for Runaway Bride Bobbleheads From Fox News
"The bobblehead features a generic woman's face, with a veil over her head, a sweat shirt that says 'I [heart] Duluth,' a pair of running shoes labeled 'Adios' instead of Adidas and a picture of the state of Georgia on the back."
This was one of the most captivating "real life drama" stories of 2005. We were in Duluth, Ga right after she came back home and the whole truth came out about her flying the coop. She was the hottest topic all over this community just southest of Atlanta. One of the newest statements that I hear these days is "It's all Good'. Can't say that I'm real hip, but it seems the hip crowd uses that statment a great deal. It seems an appropriate time here to use that term---It's all Good----! She is safe, was never harmed, maybe a bit psycho, but she can get treatment for that--and now, the bobblehead!
"The bobblehead features a generic woman's face, with a veil over her head, a sweat shirt that says 'I [heart] Duluth,' a pair of running shoes labeled 'Adios' instead of Adidas and a picture of the state of Georgia on the back."
This was one of the most captivating "real life drama" stories of 2005. We were in Duluth, Ga right after she came back home and the whole truth came out about her flying the coop. She was the hottest topic all over this community just southest of Atlanta. One of the newest statements that I hear these days is "It's all Good'. Can't say that I'm real hip, but it seems the hip crowd uses that statment a great deal. It seems an appropriate time here to use that term---It's all Good----! She is safe, was never harmed, maybe a bit psycho, but she can get treatment for that--and now, the bobblehead!
Adobe Photoshop Product Manager Says 2007 before Intel Switch
Adobe Photoshop Product Manager Speaks from MacSlash
"Don't look for a shining ray of light here: Adobe Photoshop product manager John Nack has gone on record about his company's efforts in moving their flagship product to Intel. With some of the more mature apps, like Photoshop, Illustrator, it's a really big project, and there's a lot of work to move the code from Code Warrior over into Xcode, get that compiling, and then get that compiling on Mactel. So it's something where it's a long process. I wish we could do it faster. He goes on to explain how closely they're working with Apple to make it happen. But still, no firm dates, and no dispelling the math that we're looking at 2007, most likely."
"Don't look for a shining ray of light here: Adobe Photoshop product manager John Nack has gone on record about his company's efforts in moving their flagship product to Intel. With some of the more mature apps, like Photoshop, Illustrator, it's a really big project, and there's a lot of work to move the code from Code Warrior over into Xcode, get that compiling, and then get that compiling on Mactel. So it's something where it's a long process. I wish we could do it faster. He goes on to explain how closely they're working with Apple to make it happen. But still, no firm dates, and no dispelling the math that we're looking at 2007, most likely."
Two Vols suspended, charged with possession of crack
Anthony Passley and Jordan Smith charged with possession of crack
Fortunately for Vol fans, these guys don't play a great deal of basketball. However, this is publicity that we don't need. Passley came over with Pearl from Milwaukee-Wisconsin.
Fortunately for Vol fans, these guys don't play a great deal of basketball. However, this is publicity that we don't need. Passley came over with Pearl from Milwaukee-Wisconsin.
Sunday, March 05, 2006
The BAT&TMAN TOWER
AT&T to buy BellSouth for $67 billion:
"After spending millions of dollars to rebrand AT&T Wireless Services Inc. stores as Cingular stores and hundreds of millions of dollars more on marketing the new Cingular after its $41 billion acquisition of AT&T Wireless in October 2004, Cingular will now become AT&T if the merger with BellSouth is completed.
The BellSouth name also would be absorbed in the deal.
“It’s going to be confusing,” said industry analyst Jeff Kagan. “This is the reinvention of the telecommunications industry.
Confusing. You can bet on it. What a fascinating story, though. The tele-communications industry has alwasy been fascinating to me since the early days of Bernie Ebbers (with all of his Nashville connections via Diana Day, etc) plus just the fact that LDDS (remember them, this is the precursor of MCI , after Worldcom) grew up down here in the South before the oh-so-well-known crash. Before the bad stuff happened, the New York analysts were scratching their heads over the incredible returns that Bernie and Co (by that time MCI) was posting on the Street. By the way, how in the heck did Bernie Ebbers get convicted of a crime and yet, Richard Scrushy is running around preaching in Birmingham? This makes no sense to me, b/c he is guilty as hell, but back to topic....No one could understand how MCI was doing a 20% return and then, there was AT&T (they were all in the same copper long distance business) returning about 7-8% at the time. Totally perplexing to management and analysts at the time--Same business, same rates, how could AT&T be losing so much margin??? Those numbers single handedly forced Michael Armstrong (then CEO of AT&T) to venture outside of t/c and start buying cable companies amongst other things to lift his bottom line. What a disaster. Little did he realize that MCI was cooking the books. AT&T almost went under. I suppose their is justice in the business world every now and then with this announcement today, although management and ownership (back to confusing) has changed quite dramatically. But, the good ole' guy, AT&T, is now back in big big way. We'll miss our downtown Nashville BellSouth tower , but it will be re-branded to reflect the acquisition.
Welcome back AT&T! Just treat our Nashville Bell South folks with care!
"After spending millions of dollars to rebrand AT&T Wireless Services Inc. stores as Cingular stores and hundreds of millions of dollars more on marketing the new Cingular after its $41 billion acquisition of AT&T Wireless in October 2004, Cingular will now become AT&T if the merger with BellSouth is completed.
The BellSouth name also would be absorbed in the deal.
“It’s going to be confusing,” said industry analyst Jeff Kagan. “This is the reinvention of the telecommunications industry.
Confusing. You can bet on it. What a fascinating story, though. The tele-communications industry has alwasy been fascinating to me since the early days of Bernie Ebbers (with all of his Nashville connections via Diana Day, etc) plus just the fact that LDDS (remember them, this is the precursor of MCI , after Worldcom) grew up down here in the South before the oh-so-well-known crash. Before the bad stuff happened, the New York analysts were scratching their heads over the incredible returns that Bernie and Co (by that time MCI) was posting on the Street. By the way, how in the heck did Bernie Ebbers get convicted of a crime and yet, Richard Scrushy is running around preaching in Birmingham? This makes no sense to me, b/c he is guilty as hell, but back to topic....No one could understand how MCI was doing a 20% return and then, there was AT&T (they were all in the same copper long distance business) returning about 7-8% at the time. Totally perplexing to management and analysts at the time--Same business, same rates, how could AT&T be losing so much margin??? Those numbers single handedly forced Michael Armstrong (then CEO of AT&T) to venture outside of t/c and start buying cable companies amongst other things to lift his bottom line. What a disaster. Little did he realize that MCI was cooking the books. AT&T almost went under. I suppose their is justice in the business world every now and then with this announcement today, although management and ownership (back to confusing) has changed quite dramatically. But, the good ole' guy, AT&T, is now back in big big way. We'll miss our downtown Nashville BellSouth tower , but it will be re-branded to reflect the acquisition.
Welcome back AT&T! Just treat our Nashville Bell South folks with care!
Thanks for the weekend release--sure to miss Prime Time
Associated Press clarifies what Bush was told about levee breaches in New Orleans.
Clearly, President Bush was in the loop and did not flippantly dis-regard the situation in New Orleans as was surmised or as was the intention of the Bush bashing party last week by the media.
Clearly, President Bush was in the loop and did not flippantly dis-regard the situation in New Orleans as was surmised or as was the intention of the Bush bashing party last week by the media.
Tropical Storm In March?
Click on this link (from USA TODAY)
... and you can see the satellite image of the storm that is just north of Cuba. No further strengthening is expected, but this is a highly unusual occurrence.
... and you can see the satellite image of the storm that is just north of Cuba. No further strengthening is expected, but this is a highly unusual occurrence.
Dung Pressure Makes Gas
Wired News:
That is indeed the headline of this article. Well, maybe a little editorialism, but not a great deal. 'Nuff said..
That is indeed the headline of this article. Well, maybe a little editorialism, but not a great deal. 'Nuff said..
Thursday, March 02, 2006
Rich Karlgaard talks about the New Media in 2006
This post by Rich Karlgaard of Forbes on his blog talks about how we citizens no longer want to stand by and consume media, but rather, we want to "create media".
My friend and Godfather of Nashville bloggers, Rex Hammock of Rexblog.com fame who is an inspiration to us all, has blogged about this many times---and that is, the fact that the media is in a new era, one that is embraced by some orginzations, but not others. But it goes beyond the traditional media right down to where you work in your office every day----Rex has continually articulated for every organization, however large or small, to blog, and/ or to empower people within a business or non profit to open up and to express themselves in some way, shape or form--not privately, but publicly. This is the new media. This is how communication is happening. At every door step, around every corner, in every town.
What scares the beJesus out of the traditional media cronies is that they don't know what to make of this, and they are trying to make sense of it right now, just like the rest of us!
My friend and Godfather of Nashville bloggers, Rex Hammock of Rexblog.com fame who is an inspiration to us all, has blogged about this many times---and that is, the fact that the media is in a new era, one that is embraced by some orginzations, but not others. But it goes beyond the traditional media right down to where you work in your office every day----Rex has continually articulated for every organization, however large or small, to blog, and/ or to empower people within a business or non profit to open up and to express themselves in some way, shape or form--not privately, but publicly. This is the new media. This is how communication is happening. At every door step, around every corner, in every town.
What scares the beJesus out of the traditional media cronies is that they don't know what to make of this, and they are trying to make sense of it right now, just like the rest of us!
The Brokeback Effect
Japanese Manufacturer sells out of first production of Men's Girdles : "'Men are getting so much more fashion conscious these days that they're starting to pay attention to the lines of their body and their silhouette, just like women,' said a spokeswoman at Triumph International Japan, a leading underwear firm." --Reuter's
Still Thinking about Buying a Florida Condo?
This year's hurricane season could match the record breaking destruction caused by storms in 2005, the United Nations warned. (Reuter's)
In 2005, an unprecedented 27 tropical storms, 15 of which became full-blown hurricanes, battered Central America and the U.S. Gulf coast, killing more than 3,000 people and causing tens of billions of dollars in damage.
'We have reason to fear that 2006 could be as bad as 2005,' Jan Egeland, the undersecretary general for humanitarian affairs who coordinates U.N. emergency relief, told Reuters on Wednesday.
Please consider the source here--the United Nations. They really don't know jackshit. I'd wait for the professor from Colorado State, Dr. Gray who is usually right on target. His final predictions usually come out in early to mid April for the upcoming storm season.
In 2005, an unprecedented 27 tropical storms, 15 of which became full-blown hurricanes, battered Central America and the U.S. Gulf coast, killing more than 3,000 people and causing tens of billions of dollars in damage.
'We have reason to fear that 2006 could be as bad as 2005,' Jan Egeland, the undersecretary general for humanitarian affairs who coordinates U.N. emergency relief, told Reuters on Wednesday.
Please consider the source here--the United Nations. They really don't know jackshit. I'd wait for the professor from Colorado State, Dr. Gray who is usually right on target. His final predictions usually come out in early to mid April for the upcoming storm season.
McNair will be back (as if there were much doubt)
Move by team assures QB McNair a Titan in 2006
From ESPN--
But, this article makes it clear that next year will be his last year as far as I can tell. This leads me to believe that the Titans will move to draft a quarterback with our first round pick. This could be Vince Young (most likely) or possibly Jay Cutler.
This article was posted around 1 pm today (thursday). This is something the Tennessean, or a local radio show should have broken, or received some advance notice on earlier today.
From ESPN--
But, this article makes it clear that next year will be his last year as far as I can tell. This leads me to believe that the Titans will move to draft a quarterback with our first round pick. This could be Vince Young (most likely) or possibly Jay Cutler.
This article was posted around 1 pm today (thursday). This is something the Tennessean, or a local radio show should have broken, or received some advance notice on earlier today.
Wednesday, March 01, 2006
Risk Free Investing?
Fed Official Warns of Changes--Washington Post
A top Federal Reserve official warned yesterday that the U.S. financial system is evolving faster than the ability of investors, lenders and regulators to evaluate and manage the risks involved.
Sounds to me like he is sounding an alarm that does not need to be sounded. Most people who invest realize that there are no guarantees. Wait. I forgot about the trial lawyers. They are always out to blame somebody, and then, if successful, they then capture 99% of the "settlement", then distribute what paltry sum remains to the actual people who lost the money in the first place. But, I digress. Here is quote that sums it all up-
Geithner said recent financial innovations have helped the economy absorb various financial shocks, "but they have not eliminated risk." He added, "They have not eliminated the possibility of failure of a major financial intermediary. And they cannot fully insulate the broader financial system from the effects of such a failure."
Again, there are no guarantees.
A top Federal Reserve official warned yesterday that the U.S. financial system is evolving faster than the ability of investors, lenders and regulators to evaluate and manage the risks involved.
Sounds to me like he is sounding an alarm that does not need to be sounded. Most people who invest realize that there are no guarantees. Wait. I forgot about the trial lawyers. They are always out to blame somebody, and then, if successful, they then capture 99% of the "settlement", then distribute what paltry sum remains to the actual people who lost the money in the first place. But, I digress. Here is quote that sums it all up-
Geithner said recent financial innovations have helped the economy absorb various financial shocks, "but they have not eliminated risk." He added, "They have not eliminated the possibility of failure of a major financial intermediary. And they cannot fully insulate the broader financial system from the effects of such a failure."
Again, there are no guarantees.
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