Archive for the ‘media’ Category
our brief affair with representative democracy »
Monday, May 9th, 2011
Over the weekend, I had the pleasure of spending time with my parents. They were on the way back homeward after a long road trip, part of which was spent in colonial Williamsburg.
This is noteworthy for two reasons. First, did you know we were once colonies? That whole thing with Will and Kate (or, you know, Wite) makes a lot more sense.
Second, it was mentioned that, before our Revolution, only nobility could vote. I vaguely remembered this but, having been reminded, it’s fun to see how we’ve come full circle. (more…)
paywall FAIL, part two »
Friday, March 18th, 2011
Remember when the New York Times had a paywall? (It was 2007, why would you?) A lovely time, full of broken links and the ubiquitous sign-in screen. The Grey Lady was sort of a bitch, no?
Now that wall’s coming back. Just because it didn’t worked before doesn’t mean it won’t now, right? They’ve learned their lessons, I’m sure. (Spoiler: nope.)
Do read the full list of details, but essentially there are three subscription options based on your device. You can view twenty articles each month, or five from Google or other sources, before that mocking sign-in screen appears. (more…)
always buy version two »
Thursday, March 3rd, 2011
There’s a general rule of thumb among the iFolk. Only fanboys buy the first version; wait until version two.
The less bleeding edge among them laugh. A friend recently noted: “They do it on purpose, you can bet that 2nd generation is already designed by the time the 1st one is released.”
I’m not here to defend those who preorder, wait in line, or order the newest release on the day of release (co—DC—ugh) but they exist for a reason. Fanboys’ consumptive irrationality maintains Apple’s follow-up sales and ridiculous margins.
The slower iFolk should thank them. (more…)
Wisconsin’s a symptom »
Tuesday, February 22nd, 2011
The protests and the uproar are nonsense. That’s sad, right? I mean, DEMOCRACY!! and the PEOPLE and whatever?
Early last November, a highly conservative, mostly elderly crowd, made their way to vote across the nation. There was no uproar, no shipping of pizzas from all over the world for volunteers and no schools closed.
On that day, the events of the past weeks were set. A mass of uninformed ideologues took to the streets, single file. In an orderly fashion, the battle was won without signs, chants or sleeping bags. (more…)
2011 Oscar Predictions »
Sunday, February 20th, 2011
So, the posts are thin here at the Chasm but I couldn’t let next week’s show go by without putting in my few cents (one less than last year). Below are my picks, the likely winners and a few comments. You can look back at my predictions over the last four years here. Nominees are here. There should be a follow-up eventually. (more…)