Thursday, December 21, 2006

Software patents == evil Dave Winer: "The process whereby RSS came to be so powerful was one of building out both ends of the technology, supply and demand, and putting some currency on the network, and hoping it boots up. In the case of RSS as a transport for blog posts and news articles, it did, and the two pieces were Radio UserLand's blogging tool, Radio UserLand's aggregator, and a few early blogs, including Scripting News (the currency). It also worked in a similar manner, eventually, for podcasting. "Today I received a link to a patent granted to Microsoft, where they claim to have invented all this stuff. Presumably they're eventually going to charge us to use it. This should be denounced by everyone who has contributed anything to the success of RSS." Update: Dave Winer: "Re Microsoft's patent on RSS applications, apparently it's not a grant of a patent, but a patent application." "2008 pres" 1:18:38 PM

At least tomorrow the days start getting longer We're digging out here in Denver. Lots of traffic on the main drags. They're fine. Denver Public Works, RTD, CDOT and a few private operators like Regis University are the heroes of the day. Up here on Berkeley Hill once you get to one of the thoroughfares it's pretty much clear sailing, except for no place to park most everywhere you go. Safeway and Kings were open earlier. You can get gas at 7-11 at I-70 and Pecos. Sheridan, Tennyson, Lowell, Federal, W. 52nd, W. 50th, W. 46th, W. 44th, and W. 38th are all moving well, as is I-70. "colorado water" 12:53:07 PM

Holiday blizzard 2006 It's getting light out now so we're heading out soon for some photos of the neighborhood. Meanwhile, click on the thumbnail for the current satellite picture of the storm. "colorado water" 7:24:38 AM

Iraq 70% of americans disapprove of President Bush's handling of the war in Iraq, according to a recent CNN Poll quoted by Polling Report. Thanks to Mathew Gross for the link. He writes, "The surge goes both ways." "2008 pres" 7:07:20 AM

? for president? Political Wire: "According to a new CNN poll, Democrats appear to hold an advantage at this point for 2008 presidential campaign, with 52% of respondents saying 'they would either definitely vote for a Democrat or are leaning in that direction. Thirty-two percent said they were leaning toward the GOP or would definitely cast their ballots for a Republican candidate. Thirteen percent said they were not leaning toward either party.'" "2008 pres" 6:55:11 AM

Gilmore for president? Political Wire: "Former Virginia Gov. James Gilmore (R) 'announced today that he would form a committee to explore a presidential bid in 2008,' reports the New York Times. 'While Mr. Gilmore is not particularly well-known nationally, he and his associates argued that there might be a path here for a little-known candidate who could corral support of the party's critically important conservative wing.' Said Gilmore: 'A void exists. There is just no conservative right now who can mount a national campaign.'" "2008 pres" 6:53:42 AM

American Whitewater recruiting paddlers for interbasin compact committees The Paddling Instructor News online is running an article about American Whitewater's recruitment of paddlers to join Colorado's Water Roundtables to represent the industry. From the article, "SWSI Phase II created the Interbasin Compact Committee (IBCC) was created. The IBCC organizes nine additional roundtables to meet and negotiate diverting water between basins. Critical decisions will be made within these roundtables that will determine whether many rivers and streams in Colorado have sufficient flows for paddling and other river recreation, fish, wildlife, local economic benefits, and municipal needs. Currently the paddling community is unrepresented or underrepresented on these roundtables. American Whitewater is seeking paddlers willing to thoughtfully represent the paddling community and AW on these roudtables." "colorado water" 6:41:56 AM

Feds to appeal Black Canyon decision? The Montrose Daily Press has more details about the feds possible appeal of the recent decision on stream flow in Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. From the article, "The federal government reserved its right Monday to appeal a U.S. District Court ruling that set aside a settlement in a water rights dispute involving the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. While not an actual appeal, the notice to the U.S. District Court for Colorado reserves the federal government's right to appeal a decision by federal district court judge in September to set aside a 2003 agreement between the state of Colorado and the U.S. Department of the Interior. The 2003 agreement would have given the national park a priority date of 2003 and pegged its base flows at roughly 300 cubic feet per second through the park. The High Country Citizens' Alliance, Trout Unlimited and the Western Colorado Congress along with several other groups sued the federal government over the 2003 agreement. Wyoming District Court Judge Clarence Brimmer ruled that the federal government had unlawfully delegated responsibility to the state in striking the agreement. He also held that the federal government had unlawfully disposed of federal property without Congressional authorization." "colorado water" 6:28:56 AM

Holiday blizzard 2006 It looks like Coyote Gulch will have the day off work, at least as far as the usual day job. Looking out this morning there are two to three foot drifts in front of our garage. We're thinking that moving enough snow to get the Jeep out will be a lot of work in it's own right. We measured 20 inches of snow on the south side of the house last night, and it kept snowing and blowing most of the night. We're in North Denver near Regis University. At this time there is zero vehicle traffic. 6:18:32 AM

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