CNN Censoring Broadcasts

Its kind of funny how a news report tends to upset people. I was watching AC 360 today on CNNj, which is Japan's broadcast arm of CNN. During the 11:00am hour broad cast there was a news report on Baby Gap clothing being made by child slave labor. Then during the 12:00 noon broadcast of the report, they put up a blackout screen saying that the broadcast was being blocked due to copyright issues about 30 seconds into the report.

What gives? Has CNN begun allowing censorship whole scale? Is there Japanese Government interference into the broadcasts and are they blocking other things. Or is this CNN just trying to protect businesses in other countries where they dont have the consumer laws we have in the US.

Either way, it is blatant censorship and really needs to be brought to light. I guess this is just one more thing which adds fuel to the fire of the conspiracy theory folks!

Where's the beef?

That is the question that people were asking Steve Jobs during WWDC this past summer. As an attendee of the popular developers conference, myself and about 5000 other folks were extremely disappointed when Steve choose to say, "You dont need a developers kit for the iPhone!"

This statement by the CEO of Apple, Inc. not only gave the entire conference a start, but made the phrase, "you could hear a pin drop", come to fruition. It was one of the most disappointing announcements in a conference which cost over $1300 USD just to become an attendee not to mention the other $1200 for hotel and flight to San Francisco.

Maybe we have come to expect too much of Apple, but then again, that does not explain the flip flop where Steve is now saying "you do need an SDK". Apparently, Apple is releasing an SDK which will be available sometime around the 1 February 2008 time frame. While I am sure there are those in the Apple community who are jumping for joy, this is one developer who is still miffed at the fact that Steve totally dissed all of the 5000 plus people who paid the $1300 USD per person just to get into WWDC 2007.

All I can say at this point is, "Way to go Steve!" But dont expect my money next year or the year after. I will save it for a new iPod or iMac or something substantial, rather than paying to have my hopes quashed again in San Francisco. Its no wonder, I had to leave my hear there, it got broken!

Don Imus to get 2nd Chance

I saw a report on CNN this morning that Don Imus was close to completing contract negotiations with ABC radio. Too many people think that he doesn't deserve a 2nd chance. Well is that is the case, then 90% of the American population would probably be isolated.

Not only did Don Imus apologize, but then Rev. Sharpton took it upon himself to call for the ouster of the popular radio host. It just makes me wonder, who made Mr. Sharpton the judge for all situations. Also does he really believe that he is so perfect that every thing he says is law?

Don Imus will get his chance, and there will always be those who don't like it. But in my book, I say that there should always be those who dont like it. It keeps the program going and provides talking points.

Marion Jones -- Sprinter, Steroid Baby!

This week, after all of the years of denial, Marion Jones finally admitted that she had used steroids. While she had maintained that she had never used even though her ex-huspand, Shot putter C.J. Hunter had tested positive and been suspended.

Now there is the possibility that others besides her will have to surrender hard earned medals thanks to her selfishness. Who knows what all those poor girls who were on relay teams with her in 2000 are thinking now.

Not only had Marion sued anyone who even hinted at her having used steroids. The fact that she screamed loudly when people pointed fingers must seem prophetic now. Each time she barely escaped, she would almost disappear from sprinting. But now she is back and very likely will be suspended for the 2 years that is normally given to cheats. I just pray for those others who have become entrapped by her. May the committees that govern track and field not take away from their performances.

Family in Space

Back in the early 1970's, Owen Garriott was a member of the NASA astronaut core and was one of the few men to spend time on the Sky Lab Space Station. While this fact may not seem like it is that important, it is when it comes to the next Space Tourist to the International Space Station.

Unfortunately, we all know Richard Garriott at Lord British, the creator of the Ultima series of adventure games. But, according to Space Adventures, Inc., Richard is due to go up on the next Soyuz launch for staff replacement at the Space Station.

This will be the first time that two people from the same family have spent time in space. It is coming around full circle for the garriott's and hopefully it will come full circle for many families in the future. But for now, we have to be happy for these two who will share an uncommon bond.