Daily Archives: Dec. 23, 2006

Open thread

Dec. 23, 20061:05 a.m.

By Phillip Brownlee | Filed under Open thread | Comments (106)

Immigration raids a questionable use of resources

Dec. 23, 20061:03 a.m.

Were last week’s federal raids on Swift meatpacking plants, involving more than 1,000 federal agents in six states, meaningful action toward fixing the nation’s broken immigration system? The Wall Street Journal editorial board thinks not: “1,000 federal agents that could have been focused on potential terrorists or other dangerous threats were instead focused on a meatpacking company that hires thousands of willing unskilled workers and pays them more than twice the minimum wage with full health benefits after six months. How’s that for government efficiency?”
Posted by Rhonda Holman

By Phillip Brownlee | Filed under Immigration | Comments (130)

Internet provides end run around censors

Dec. 23, 20061:02 a.m.

In what could become a common occurrence, “Saturday Night Live” posted online a skit from last week’s show that it had to bleep many times during the televised broadcast. It is a song parody about two boy-band singers (including Justin Timberlake) who give their male anatomy as a present, the New York Times reported. Within days of being posted, millions of people watched the uncensored video. Other network shows are sure to follow.
Posted by Phillip Brownlee

By Phillip Brownlee | Filed under Television | Comments (19)

At one airline, you are now free to annoy others

Dec. 23, 20061:01 a.m.

Another sign of civilization unraveling around us: Starting in January, Emirates airline is scheduled to become the first to allow in-flight use of cell phones.
It’s only a matter of time before U.S. carriers follow suit; the FAA is now reviewing its increasingly dubious concern that cell traffic might somehow interfere with flight systems.
“Whether people like it or not, in-flight cell phone use is going to become a reality,” said Chris McGinnis, editor of Expedia Travel Trendwatch.
This despite a recent poll indicating that a majority of business travelers oppose the idea.
I’m no business traveler, but I’m with them on this one. Isn’t flying onerous enough without the guy behind you shouting nonstop into his cell phone?
Posted by Dave Knadler

By Phillip Brownlee | Filed under American life | Comments (17)

Roberts tried pulling cable strings

Dec. 23, 20061:00 a.m.

Pat Roberts has been busy chairing the Senate Intelligence Committee, but not too swamped to intervene on behalf of frustrated Kansas State University fans. The Kansas Republican called NFL commissioner Roger Goodell and urged him to allow Kansans to be able to watch K-State play in the Texas Bowl on Dec. 28 on the NFL Network without having to buy the channel or upgrade their cable system, ABC News reported. “Every Kansan should be able to cheer on their team, be it the Wildcats, the Jayhawks or the Shockers,” Roberts said. “K-State fans should not be kept from watching the Texas Bowl just because they subscribe to a particular cable company.”
Posted by Phillip Brownlee

By Phillip Brownlee | Filed under Kansas delegation | Comments (6)