Bush's Playbook: Orwell's '1984'?

TomPaine.com writes:

"As… Bush wages his war against terrorism and moves to create a huge homeland security apparatus, he appears to be borrowing heavily, if not ripping off ideas outright, from George Orwell's 1984, the prophetic novel about a government that controls the masses by spreading propaganda, cracking down on subversive thought and altering history to suit its needs. 1984 was intended as a warning about the evils of totalitarianism -- not a how-to manual... Interesting article [more]

Homeland Insecurity

A write-up of Bruce Schneier's thoughts on security measures, and how most recent measures may reduce security. [more]

To Carole, Jen, Moe and Randall:

This new design is my latest effort to combine content as well as a visually harmonious means of expressing myself through HTML . I chose to feature pictures of the family prominently because you represent a very important part of my life. I am proud that I've had an opportunity to play a major role in the development of this household and I wish to take time to say thanks for the reciprocation.

test test 999

USA Today: Mike and Spike reunite to sell Jordan's line of clothing

Lee has worked with Nike and Jordan as a director-for-hire over the years. But the new assignment marks the first time his shop, which specializes in reaching urban consumers, has won an account from Nike. SpikeDDB beat several other ad agencies to win the business.

"I've been working very hard to do business with Michael. We have a long history," says Lee, chairman and chief creative officer of SpikeDDB, who jokingly refers to himself as "El Maestro" of the agency. The Jordan division's move to hire a shop outside of longtime Nike agency Wieden shows it wants its "autonomy," he says.

Lee "clearly understands the power of our logo — and what Michael brings to the table," says Larry Miller, president of the Jordan division.

"Hermes the robot edged its way into the dark cave, its treads spinning over the dust and small rocks until a boulder appeared in its path. No problem. The tiny machine dropped its side arms, lifted onto and over the boulder, and rolled on, its two cameras sending images to an operator waiting outside. The war in Afghanistan is the first time robots are being used by the U.S. military as tools for combat. Proponents believe sending them into caves, buildings or other dark areas ahead of troops will help prevent U.S. casualties..." [more]

Everyone's looking for ways to beat the heat. I've found that one of the best is to sit in an air conditioned room chilling with your favorite music playing, and a pitcher of ice cold brew within reach.

But of course some of you may have something totally different in mind.


And I'm sure these ladies will agree. Ah ... Life is a beach.

Many people have a vision of jail time for white collar criminals as Club Fed. But times have changed. Convicted CEOs may not find themselves on the set of Oz, but doing time in low security camps is no corporate retreat. {A very interesting article from NY Magazine.}

http://www.newyorkmag.com/page.cfm?page_id=6228

Take me out to the ball game


That's exactly what wifey and I did on Sunday, it was a gorgeous day and a fantastic game. The picture above is in one of the Diamond View suites at Shea stadium in NY.

The Mets made a nice come back after trailing 4-1 entering the seventh, and the rally began with a leadoff bunt single by Rey Ordonez. John Valentin who wasn't even supposed to start in today's game picked up a pair of hits, including the two-run double in the seventh that capped a four-run inning to help lift the Mets to a 6-5 victory over the Reds.

Way to go Mets!

The Salem Witch Museum

She afflicts me! She comes to me at night and torments me! She's a witch!

Words such as these struck terror into the hearts of Salem townspeople in the early spring of 1692 as hysterical young girls called out names.

The Salem Witch Museum brings you there, back to Salem 1692. Visitors are given a dramatic history lesson using stage sets with life-size figures, lighting and a narration - an overview of the Witch Trials of 1692.

Next time I'm in Salem Mass. I will be sure to drop by and check this place out.