Yahoo! News - U.S. Troops Use Confiscated Iraqi AK-47s
This is just plain wrong -- it seems that there's not enough rifles to go around because we're using armored tank battalions for hand-to-hand combat.
This boils down to one of two things: either a) we are not properly equiping the soldiers that are over there, or b) we're sending the wrong set of soldiers to do the job that's needed. If it's a, then we're sending soldiers over to stand in front of bullets without guns -- and that's one of the most sickening things I can think of anyone doing. And if it's b, then we either need to send the right set of troops or properly equip the wrong set and make do.
If we're going to send them, let's send them WITH RIFLES. So they can DEFEND THEMSELVES.
CNN.com - Singer Bobby Brown arrested - Aug. 23, 2003
Ok, Bobby Brown was arrested in Alpharetta, GA -- right where my parents live. Where was I today? In Alpharetta, visiting my parents. One of the first musicians I actively followed as a kid? New Edition, with Bobby Brown (I was 8, 9, something like that. Taste came later). Song I happened to hear as I was going up to visit the parents? "Every Little Step".
Yep, it's more than just a coincidence. I can feel it.
NPR : U.S. Says 'Hi' to Young Arabs
Everything I see about this magazine is about as creepy as it gets: in many ways, it's propoganda. In other ways, it's aimed at openness and acceptance. So, is it a good thing or a bad thing?
NPR : A Chat with 'Weird Al' Yankovic
Interesting interview with Weird Al Yankovic, talking about music and the process of making parodies. It's an interesting take on a process I've been asking myself about lately: writing comedic takes on current genres. How does one go about it, what is it about, etc.
Some fun with Flashmobs from defective yeti & BoingBoing, and Andy Ihnatko has an interesting take on Fair and Balanced: Bear and Valanced.
Smile, it's Thursday.
Da Vinci's Notebook: Online A Cappella Product
I got lucky enough to take a little time out and go see these guys on Saturday. Excellent acapella band, and funny as heck. Definitley pick up their CDs; start with their last one, Brontosaurus -- it's definitely their best, and they're really good. They're also friends with Moxy Fruvous and Eddie From Ohio, two other folk-music-based-and-very-funny groups. All three are worth a look, definitely.
Hey; no entries this last week, and I apologize. Lots going on in the world, but I'm kind of heads down. Specifically, I'm getting ready for Small Press Expo in a couple of weeks.
I'll attempt to post some interesting stuff as I'm going, so you're not too bored. :)
Wired News: New Security Woes for E-Vote Firm
Same company that had the problems with a wide-open FTP server -- this time, though, someone hacked into their secure web site and got their internal discussion list, software bug database and other software.
These jokers are defintiely not secure.
BBC - h2g2 - How To Understand Statistics via Ars Technica
Fun with statistics on a Friday! The best quote:
Common sense can cloud statistical results. For instance, a technology firm discovered that 40% of all sick days were taken on a Friday or a Monday. They immediately clamped down on sick leave before they realised their mistake. Forty per cent represents two days out of a five day working week and therefore is a normal spread, rather than a reflection of swathes of feckless opportunists trying to extend their weekends.
Thank god no one said that 100% of sick days are taken during the work week. We might have had no sick days ever again.