Apple Tablet?

Speculation about a possible table-style computer from Apple consistently fails to recognize the technology that has been the main driver for all of the current generation's electronic toys: DISPLAYS!

Look at what's "in the bushes:" micro-projectors - small enough to fit in a cell phone, thin-flexible OLEDs, auto-stereoscopic panels for 3D viewing without glasses, transparent "see-through" displays, wearable displays... And that consider the potential for very low power screens using technology that is just beginning to appear in electronic book readers.

Prof Gates

If the professor and "leading black intellectual" is as smart as his credentials he would have realized that the cops were trying to do their jobs to protect life & property. They could have helped him with his door problem and probably would have if he had given them a chance.

It annoys me that he would play the victim role because of his race. He's just another citizen, Time to move on.

Do we need another space program?

This is a no-brainer for me: of course we need to continue a program of space exploration. But we also need to make a stronger case to differentiate "research" from "development."

We need to have a constant space research program that will help define the feasibility of specific space-related proposals.

These will emerge over time, as we try to manage issues with over-population, disposal of nuclear waste, and perhaps other projects that could not or should not be carried out on earth.

We need to remember the contributions made by project Apollo to manufacturing and material science, as well as being a token of victory in the "space race."

And we shouldn't forget that we will not remain a major world power if we are skunked by other countries' space programs.

AARP & junk phone calls

I pay dues to AARP. That gives them the right to count my support in matters where AARP takes a position on behalf of its members. If I don't like their position I will complain to them or drop my membership.

BUT. I do not expect to be asked by AARP to make an individual "call to my congresspeople" to support the same causes that AARP is supporting. They already have my vote. I don't need to be counted twice and I definitely don't need AARP's messages on my answering machine.

Control of Maine newspapers moves closer to Maine

I see by today's news that several Maine newspapers are being sold by their owner in Seattle to an investor in Pittsburgh.

Is this a light at the end of the tunnel? Could a combination of Craig's List and economic hard times mean that local newspapers might return to local ownership, adjusting their business model to modern communications?

OK. Pittsburgh is a long way from Maine. But it's a lot more local than Seattle.

http://www.bizjournals.com/seattle/stories/2009/06/15/daily16.html

Maybe the "Right" needs to adopt a sports metaphor...

We (the people) are the team.

The President is the Coach, with a staff of specialists.

The Coach calls the plays and the team executes as well as it can. If the plays are wrong, we fail, and there soon will be a new coach, and most of the staff will be replaced, too.

There are risks beyond simply failing. We can be injured. Maybe the plays demand more than we can accomplish, or perhaps they subject us to longer term damage.

But without risk there's no reward. The alternative is to forfeit.

The "Right" is part of the team, too.

Cross Generational Social Networks

I'm not enough of a scholar to do justice to this topic. But someone should stir this pot:

When people get together face to face there is a chance to adjust one's tone and vocabulary to insure that the intended recipient "gets it." Offending someone is usually not intended. Private conversations provide some protection, and if an "eavesdropper" is offended, so what.

Not the same on "social" networks. Language and attitude that works among 20-somethings may be upsetting and offensive to older generations.

Instead of self-censorship to protect those who might be offended, people should have the option of communicating in an area where trespassers would be required to accept responsibility for what they listen to. Grandma shouldn't have to be worry about being surprised by nasty-sounding comments from someone one third of her age - but she shouldn't be permitted to enter these "dangerous" areas without some warning and assumption of risk. After all, that's what porn sites have to do...

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