[back to ambivalent imbroglio]

February 28, 2005

Office Friends:
Video mixes images of the Superfriends w/the audio track from “Office Space.”
Posted by mowabb at 11:47 AM

Our Godless Constitution:
The lesson the President has learned best--and certainly the one that has been the most useful to him--is the axiom that if you repeat a lie often enough, people will believe it. One of his Administration's current favorites is the whopper about America having been founded on Christian principles.
Posted by mowabb at 11:44 AM

Wikimedia Foundation:
Imagine a world in which every person has free access to the sum of all human knowledge. That's what we're doing. And we need your help.
Posted by mowabb at 09:07 AM

February 27, 2005

DCist: Actors With Blogs:
For the next month, actor Matthew McConaughey will be cruising across the country in a Airstream trailor and keeping a blog to chronicle his adventure.
Posted by mowabb at 10:43 PM

Stay of Execution: Googlegripe:
It is not cool how dependent I have become on my Gmail account to manage everything for me.  It's been down now for fifteen or twenty minutes, and I'm paralyzed here at my house when I should be on the road to Boston.
Posted by mowabb at 10:32 PM

GUI Pioneer Raskin Dies at 61:
Jef Raskin was the human-computer interface expert who began the Macintosh project for Apple Computer and was the author of The Humane Interface, which in large part builds on his earlier work with the Canon Cat.
Posted by mowabb at 02:07 PM

Johan van Rooyen: Really Learn Spanish—
Podcaster uses Slapcast.com to help listeners learn to speak Spanish. Cool! See also his blog.
Posted by mowabb at 09:04 AM

February 26, 2005

The International Database of Corporate Commands:
A Corporate Command is an instruction work, a call to action in the form of an imperative: “Just Do It”, “Turn on the Future”, “Live without Limits”, “Tap into great taste”, “Think different”, “Ride the light”. [via Kottke]
Posted by mowabb at 02:07 PM

February 25, 2005

Odeo: Listen, Sync, Create:
Hmm. Don't they know that “odeo” sounds a lot like “odious” and that that's not good? Kind of like Chevy trying to sell the “Nova” in Spanish-speaking countries where “no va” means “no go.” Bad idea. More on Odeo.
Posted by mowabb at 09:17 AM

February 24, 2005

Trailer for “A Scanner Darkly”:
.... , a new animated film by Richard Linklater [via kottke.org]. Based on the novel by Phillip K. Dick. Love that animation technique and aesthetic. I can't wait!
Posted by mowabb at 06:26 AM

Condemn-Nation:
This land was your land, but now it's my land. Dahlia's Dispatches from the Supreme Court. [via Woman of the Law]
Posted by mowabb at 06:03 AM

February 23, 2005

Lawyers protest expanding 'legal document preparers':
The ISBA currently has a lawsuit pending in McHenry County against We The People, alleging the company engaged in the unauthorized practice of law.
Posted by mowabb at 05:30 PM

WisBlawg: Free Abstract Database of Criminal Justice Publications:
NCJRS Abstracts Database is a free resource containing abstracts of publications on criminal justice, including government reports, books, research reports, journal articles, and unpublished research.
Posted by mowabb at 06:50 AM

Trademarked blog name:
A blawg called “May It Please the Court” has apparently trademarked that phrase. I obviously don't understand trademarks b/c this seems ridiculous.
Posted by mowabb at 06:40 AM | TrackBack

beSpacific: Searchable Database of the President's Appointees:
“The President appoints thousands of people to help formulate, enforce, and carry out policies - particularly those outlined in his inaugural address - and budgets that affect us every day. Do you know who these people are?... explore the thousands of appointed positions and learn about the people who hold them.”
Posted by mowabb at 06:30 AM

How to Sell Your Book, CD, or DVD on Amazon:
It's no secret, but here is what I have learned in the last few years about how to get your book, CD or DVD listed on Amazon.
Posted by mowabb at 06:15 AM

February 22, 2005

Google's toolbar and content modification:
The AutoLink feature is the first step down a treacherous slope, that could spell the end of the Web as a publishing environment with integrity, and an environment where commerce can take place.
Posted by mowabb at 03:14 PM

heather powazek champ, print club 2005
I send you a numbered, limited edition print every month, and a big birthday print of your choice! ($50-$100) Cool idea, great photos.
Posted by mowabb at 12:53 PM

Doing kottke.org as a full-time job:
I've met so many nice, good people, formed valued relationships with some of them, traveled to distant lands (and New Jersey), procured jobs & other business opportunities, discovered new interests, music, movies & books, and lots of other stuff, all for putting a little bit of me out there for people to see.
Posted by mowabb at 12:50 PM

Things I Wish My Clients Knew (Part 2):
I wish my clients knew that saying “it's not my m.o.” is not a defense.
Posted by mowabb at 09:33 AM

February 21, 2005

How the world is changing:
While the effect of human activity on the global climate is hotly debated, physical signs of environmental change are all around us.
Posted by mowabb at 08:58 AM

States Seek to Improve Crime Labs:
States are being criticized for continual errors in crime labs that are impacting the outcome of criminal cases. Texas lawmakers want to join other states to strengthen crime labs.
Posted by mowabb at 08:19 AM

Scientists say impact waning under Bush:
The Bush administration is stifling the voice of science, as fewer scientists are heard in policy discussions and money for research and advanced training is cut, according to panelists at a national science meeting.
Posted by mowabb at 08:13 AM

Podcasts Are Here:
The rawness is part of the appeal.
Posted by mowabb at 05:45 AM

February 20, 2005

Scientists: Global warming is real:
Studies looking at the oceans and melting Arctic ice leave no room for doubt that it is getting warmer, people are to blame, and the weather is going to suffer, climate experts have said.
Posted by mowabb at 10:13 AM

Republicans Turn to Blogs to Deliver a Message:
For some time, conservative Republicans have used talk radio shows to help carry their message -- and a GOP view of news events -- to the nation. Now they're using Web logs and bloggers to similar advantage.
Posted by mowabb at 09:57 AM

thisdarkqualm
. . . let me say too a few words about Blogging about politics, which is almost inconceivable to me right now. I'll second that, but I'm too stupid to stop.
Posted by mowabb at 09:33 AM

“Constantine”:
Movie from Hell? Nope, this Keanu Reeves action flick actually rocks -- and so does its star. I can't believe this is getting positive reviews. AR hated it.
Posted by mowabb at 09:25 AM

Apple PowerBook 100: top gadget of all time:
. . . the first portable that didn’t require significant muscle mass to actually port about. This device gets the credit it deserves as the #1 gadget of all time on Mobile PC magazine’s list of Top 100 Gadgets of all time.

Posted by mowabb at 08:55 AM

February 19, 2005

Rumsfeld On the Offensive:
“I am not going to give you a number for it because it's not my business to do intelligent work.”
Posted by mowabb at 12:56 PM

Bush Signs Class-Action Changes Into Law:
President Bush today signed legislation that rewrites the rules for class-action lawsuits, opening a second-term campaign he said was aimed at “ending the lawsuit culture in our country.”
Posted by mowabb at 12:45 PM

Miserable Failure Located:
Interesting: when you search Google Maps for miserable failure in washington dc, the first result will be “President: George W Bush, (202) 456-1414, The White House.”
Posted by mowabb at 12:26 PM

From Blog to Book:
Just a week ago, I discovered BlogBinders.com and signed up with them. Their idea is simple: they will turn your weblog into a printed book. [link via Jose]
Posted by mowabb at 11:04 AM

February 18, 2005

Glorfindel of Gondolin: A Ward Churchill post for Mom:
Sometimes, though, the better part of wisdom is simply not to argue with your mother.
Posted by mowabb at 09:41 PM

February 17, 2005

Saft:
Saft is a Safari plugin to add features like full-screen browsing, searchable bookmarks and history, URL shortcuts, kiosk mode and more.
Posted by mowabb at 09:35 PM

The Clicker: Demystifying the Broadcast Flag
The FCC’s rationale, as twisted as it may be, was that content owners would be more likely to put “the good stuff” on the air if they didn’t fear that perfect digital copies of their content would be spread over the Internet. In turn, consumers would rush to the stores and buy digital televisions. Hey, like I said: “twisted.”
Posted by mowabb at 06:56 PM

Daily Show Covers Blogging:
Recently, Jon Stewart talked about bloggers [MOV]. [Via Waxy.]
Posted by mowabb at 06:45 PM

Apple agrees to stay subpoenas:
Apple today agreed to stay subpoenas against two Mac sites that required the sites to divulge information about their sources.
Posted by mowabb at 05:33 AM

February 16, 2005

Fifty Fantasy & Science Fiction Works That Socialists Should Read:
Those below are chosen not just because of their quality—which though mostly good, is variable—but because the politics they embed (deliberately or not) are of particular interest to socialists.
Posted by mowabb at 11:51 PM

Lawsuit Seeks Release of Detainees:
A group of human rights lawyers has filed a lawsuit seeking the release of more than 500 unnamed terrorism suspects held by the U.S. government at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.
Posted by mowabb at 11:00 PM

JHymn:
Set your iTunes music free • Remove DRM restrictions without loss of sound quality • Convert AAC to high-quality MP3
Posted by mowabb at 11:00 PM

Kyoto Protocol takes effect:
in honor of this day, please visit fuh2 or earth on empty.
Posted by mowabb at 06:29 PM

Wage Peace Bracelets:
Support Peace in Iraq — Wear the Wage Peace Bracelet
Posted by mowabb at 05:22 PM

Not Inconsistent:
What say you my fellow law students? What legal phrase or concept have you added to your rhetorical arsenal?
Posted by mowabb at 12:58 PM

German Shorthaired Pointer Named Top Dog:
Posing like the very symbol of the Westminster Kennel Club, a German shorthaired pointer called Carlee became America's top dog Tuesday night.
Posted by mowabb at 12:43 PM

German Shorthaired Pointer Named Top Dog:
Posing like the very symbol of the Westminster Kennel Club, a German shorthaired pointer called Carlee became America's top dog Tuesday night.
Posted by mowabb at 12:43 PM

February 14, 2005

After Bush Leaves Office, His Budget's Costs Balloon:
Via Famous P, who writes: “This shouldn't really surprise me, but it still takes my breath away to think of the careful thought and effort that went in to screwing over future generations.”
Posted by mowabb at 10:46 PM

February 13, 2005

Westlaw and Mozilla:
I've noticed that I'm unable to access Westlaw via Mozilla Firefox, but I am able to using Microsoft Internet Explorer.
Posted by mowabb at 11:16 PM

Westlaw and Mozilla:
I've noticed that I'm unable to access Westlaw via Mozilla Firefox, but I am able to using Microsoft Internet Explorer.
Posted by mowabb at 11:16 PM

Gideon's Broken Promise:
New ABA report says nation “fails to protect the rights of the nation's poorest.”
Posted by mowabb at 11:43 AM

Why Organizing Is Enough:
Organizing, organizing, organizing is the first step to achieving anything else.
Posted by mowabb at 11:26 AM

Class Action Lawsuit Benefits GW:
The Jacob Burns Community Legal Clinics at The George Washington University Law School is receiving a $2.4 million gift, its largest ever, as the result of a successful class action lawsuit against a Washington, D.C., cable company for charging illegal late fees. [link via JD2B]
Posted by mowabb at 10:19 AM

February 12, 2005

Dean Elected to Head DNC
Democrats elected Howard Dean chairman of their national party on Saturday, casting their lot with a skilled fund-raiser and organizer whose sometimes caustic, blunt comments can lead to controversy.
Posted by mowabb at 03:41 PM

Rocky Mountain Y: Affordable Skiing:
Snow Mountain Ranch in Tabernash, Colo., is the place for a low-key family ski outing at about a third of the cost of better-known resorts. I dream of skiing again...
Posted by mowabb at 03:02 PM

February 11, 2005

Atlantic/Lava Free Music Sampler on iTMS
Get it while you can!
Posted by mowabb at 07:43 AM

Wal-Mart to Close Unionized Shop:
It was something of a big story last September when workers at a Wal-Mart in Jonquiere, Quebec organized the first union at one of the retail outlets in North America. Now Wal-Mart has announced that it will close the store...
Posted by mowabb at 07:35 AM

School Tracks Kids Via Badges and Radio Frequencies
If a school ever did this to my kid, I'd be livid. So why aren't more of the parents at Brittan elementary school, north of Sacramento, making a fuss?
Posted by mowabb at 06:53 AM | TrackBack

10 tips for better blogging:
... some great tips to help you establish a nice lawyer blog...
Posted by mowabb at 06:52 AM | TrackBack

Death to take a holiday in NY?
The New York Times is reporting here that it is now seeming unlikely that New York will re-enact the death penalty after the state's highest court declared the current statute unconstitutional last June in People v. LaValle (background here).
Posted by mowabb at 06:42 AM | TrackBack

The Washington Times' Dubious Connections:
Wonkette points DCist to a new article from the Southern Poverty Law Center showing the connection between The Washington Times and several groups with explicit racist agendas. [see also this bitterly hillarious post from why i hate dc]
Posted by mowabb at 06:17 AM | TrackBack

February 10, 2005

Dean Thanks Supporters at 'Grass-roots Kick-off':
At an event that seemed at times more like a candidate rally than a celebration for achieving a party position, former Vermont Gov. Howard Dean thanked supporters near Union Station today, pledging an unconventional tenure as head of the Democratic Party.
Posted by mowabb at 06:42 AM

Office memo: 'Blogging' can get you bounced:
If you have a job, blog at your own risk - “unless you're writing recipes and about how much you love puppies and kittens,” Ms. Mosteller says.
Posted by mowabb at 05:51 AM

February 09, 2005

DOD Personnel Plan Spurs Protest March
“These new rules will turn good jobs . . . into McJobs, Wal-Mart-type jobs.”
Posted by mowabb at 01:31 PM | TrackBack

French to vote on working hours:
French MPs are set to vote on controversial plans to relax the country's 35-hour working week.
Posted by mowabb at 11:48 AM | TrackBack

Putting Big Back in Government
“President Bush's second-term agenda would expand not only the size of the federal government but also its influence over the lives of millions of Americans by imposing new national restrictions on high schools, court cases and marriages,” the Washington Post reports....
Posted by mowabb at 10:56 AM | TrackBack

Dean of the Dems:
Howard Dean's political comeback is nearly complete: barring something on the level of an intern scandal, the 447 voting members of the Democratic National Committee are expected to overwhelmingly support him as successor to outgoing chief Terry McAuliffe at a meeting on Saturday.
Posted by mowabb at 06:51 AM

Washington State: Can parents monitor children?
Carmen Dixon, the mother of 14-year-old Lacey, was concerned about a phone call Lacey received from her 17-year-old boyfriend Oliver Christensen, so she listened in on another line. Oliver discussed a purse-snatching, and Carmen turned him into police.
Posted by mowabb at 06:46 AM

February 08, 2005

D.C. Parking Police Rake In Cash:
The District last year issued $99 million worth of parking tickets, twice the amount in 1999 when Mayor Anthony A. Williams took office.
Posted by mowabb at 06:33 AM

Everyone else has had more sex than me.
Does anyone else get that feeling? [Flashimation]
Posted by mowabb at 05:48 AM

February 07, 2005

12 of the best sites:
Blogs used to be a minority interest, but technology expert Charles Arthur finds their appeal has grown massively. Here he picks the cream of the crop.
Posted by mowabb at 10:35 PM

Wise Counsel
When the time came to computerize her small firm, she took her own wise counsel — and in spite of conventional wisdom, chose Mac. Today her firm has expanded substantially, from two lawyers to 20, from one office to five. They’re still using Mac exclusively — and have absolutely no intention of turning back.
Posted by mowabb at 09:40 PM

February 06, 2005

Safe Student Bookstrap:
Many school systems throughout the country are prohibiting bags and backpacks due to student safety concerns (i.e. the ability to conceal weapons and contraband in such articles), and are requiring students to find other ways to carry their books. What world is this?
Posted by mowabb at 09:07 AM

February 05, 2005

Car Chase Tech:
“The beautiful part of using the (microwave) energy is that it leaves the suspect in control of the car,” he said. “He can steer, he can brake, he just can't accelerate.” See also here. [via Scripting News]
Posted by mowabb at 10:11 PM

AskJeeves buys Bloglines:
That's the scoop. Ask Jeeves is integrating Bloglines into their search system (it's not yet live on their main site, til Monday as reported). [link via Scripting News]
Posted by mowabb at 09:04 PM

Student's Lawyer Seeks to Dismiss Apple Lawsuit:
Gross, of Gross & Belsky LLP, in San Francisco, believes that First Amendment free-speech rights will trump Apple's arguments in the [Think Secret] case, which was filed in Superior Court in San Jose County, California.
Posted by mowabb at 05:43 AM

February 04, 2005

Why Isn't Everyone On A Mac?
Why the hell do people put up with this? Why is there not some massive revolt, some huge insurrection against Microsoft? Why is there not a huge contingent of furious users stomping up to Seattle with torches and scythes and crowbars, demanding the Windows Frankenstein monster be sacrificed at the altar of decent functionality and an elegant user interface?
Posted by mowabb at 11:41 PM

February 03, 2005

Tool For Thought
I talked in the Times essay about using the tool as a springboard for new ideas and inspiration. Here's what that process looks like in practice. A great use for DevonThink.
Posted by mowabb at 09:44 PM

February 02, 2005

Buck the Animated Deer:
Everything that was so horribly, godawfully wrong with Billy the Bigmouth Bass comes back with a vengeance...
Posted by mowabb at 10:24 PM

How to make a Life Poster:
After posting photos of my apartment a couple weeks ago I got tons of people asking how I made my “Life Poster” . . . . Here are my instructions to create one in about 20-30 min for about $29.
Posted by mowabb at 09:04 PM

Apple debuts faster Powerbooks. . .
. . . with processors running up to 1.67GHz, faster 5,400 rpm hard drives, faster Bluetooth 2.0 networking, AirPort Extreme (802.11g) in all models, more standard memory (512MB) and a faster 8X SuperDrive.
Posted by mowabb at 08:49 PM | TrackBack

February 01, 2005

Rising Price of the American Dream:
The average assessed value of a home in Northern Virginia has roughly doubled since 2000, according to official figures from the region's five largest jurisdictions and estimates based on recent real estate trends...
Posted by mowabb at 10:54 PM

U.S. students say press freedoms go too far:
The survey of 112,003 students finds that 36% believe newspapers should get “government approval” of stories before publishing; 51% say they should be able to publish freely; 13% have no opinion. Kill me now.
Posted by mowabb at 10:21 PM

Newspapers: Open Your Archives
The NYTimes says opening its archives is “so ridiculous as to be laughable.” See also here.
Posted by mowabb at 08:47 PM

iPod America:
“People who never adopt tech gadgets seem to have adopted this one. It looks great and isn't intimidating.”
Posted by mowabb at 08:41 PM


[back to ambivalent imbroglio]