Sunday, June 14, 2009

A little humor John Dvorak is a technology writer whom I've followed for probably 25 years. Even met him once. I took a product to PC Magazine's Editor's Day. He and Jim Seymore came by my spot at the table, looked at the product, sniffed, and walked on. I started working on my resume in the hotel room... Anyway, for the humor of the week, this from Dvorak Uncensored (more examples on his site): Stupid things people tell their travel agents (here's just a small sample to whet your appetite): A tourist at a top African game lodge overlooking a waterhole, who spotted a visibly aroused elephant, complained that the sight of this rampant beast ruined his honeymoon by making him feel âo[ogonek]inadequateâo[caron]. âo[ogonek]My fiancé and I booked a twin-bedded room but we were placed in a double-bedded room. We now hold you responsible for the fact that I find myself pregnant. This would not have happened if you had put us in the room that we booked.âo[caron] 4:01:47 PM    comment []

Public Service Announcement Many, if not most, readers of this blog probably harbor cynical feelings about the U.S. Congress. Actually, is it cynical if it's true? I hold no position (at this time) on the health care debate other than some common sense things such as--it's too expensive and it finances the system mostly on the backs of employers many of whom can't afford the insurance any more than their employees can. However, I do support an organization called Change Congress. It was founded by law school professor and author Lawrence Lessig. The idea is to trace the influence of big donations to Congresspeople. The reason for the health care aside is CC's latest campaign. It is focusing on Congresspeople who are suddenly changing their positions on issues just after receiving huge campaign donations--in the case below, $1.5 million. How much is your Congressman's vote worth? (Mine isn't worth much because it's a "safe" district. Hasn't had a Democrat or even a serious challenger in my entire lifetime. But I suppose even he could be bought.) The organization is making an honest effort to be grassroots driven. You, yes you, can make your voice heard. If you care about such things, get involved--or quit complainin'. From the latest enewsletter: After my Tuesday email about U.S. Sen. Ben Nelson's (D-NE) special interest contributions, and our successful campaign that shifted his position on President Obama's public health care option, Change Congress supporters chipped in $6,956 to help us hold more politicians accountable. Just in time, too. In the 72 hours since that email, Sen. Mary Landrieu (D-LA) said she opposes the public option after previously supporting it. She's received over $1.5 million from the same health and insurance interests Nelson did! 3:57:21 PM    comment []