25 Jun 2004
Rocket Hobbyists Dropping Hobby

Sacrificing science for safety. With our endless wars on concepts (terror, drugs, poverty) I'm afraid that this is rapidly becoming the metaphor of our times.

Since 9/11, the feds have imposed a lot of hoops for hobby rocketeers to jump through, including background checks and visits by federal agents. For many, it's just not worth it. By Daniel Terdiman.

(link) [Wired News]

00:00 /Technology | 0 comments | permanent link

Tobacco control style tactics needed to fight obesity epidemic

Thirty years ago, I had a rather heated argument with my step-father over marijuana. He was, of course, adamantly opposed to any "drugs", and would loudly proclaim this while sucking down a beer and smoking a cigarette.

I told him that by letting the government control "drugs" now, we were essentially giving them carte blanche to regulate tobacco, and that someday, he'd be buying his smokes from the same source I used for mine.

Kenny died in 1994, but the year before, we revisted this subject, and he actually apologized, and acknowledged that I had been right. He speculated himself, at that time, that the next great target of the "war on fun" (his words) would be either sugar or fat.

I agreed with him, and we were right.

Global strategies similar to those used against the tobacco industry are needed to tackle the obesity epidemic, argue researchers in this week's BMJ. Diets across the globe are being shaped by a concentrated and global food industry that is fiercely resisting public health attempts to promote healthy eating, write the authors. The food industry tactics are similar to those used by the tobacco industry -- supplying misinformation, use of supposedly conflicting evidence, and hiding negative data.

(link) [Science Blog - Science News Stories]

00:00 /Politics | 0 comments | permanent link

Hoosiers get free access to online software

Well, it's not everyday that Hoosiers get a mention on CNet! Unfortunately, this particular piece of shit requires Windows ... I wonder how much M$ paid the state for this one?

Indiana residents can access applications, personal files online using free,state-supplied software tools.

(link) [CNET News.com]

00:00 /Technology | 0 comments | permanent link

Corporate Web servers infecting visitors' PCs

Only if you use IE on Winodws...:

Meanwhile, the average Internet surfer is left with few options. Windows users could download an alternate browser, such as Mozilla or Opera, and Mac users are not in danger.

Do it: download Mozilla.

Web surfers beware: Programs that control PC users' systems are spreading via compromised Web sites.

(link) [CNET News.com]

00:00 /Technology | 1 comment | permanent link