Jul 31 2006
How often have you used the expression “Internet savvy” to describe a co-worker or customer? Depending on their age or job responsibilities probably more often than not. But if you’ve never subscribed to an RSS feed, don’t know what a del.icio.us tag is, or feel social networking sites are a fad, it’s doubtful you should consider calling anyone Internet savvy.
Jul 28 2006
For years, environmentalists tried to protect Play del Rey’s wetlands from commercial development. But with LA’s shrinking open space and hot real estate market, it was only a matter of time until business won out.
Now it seems someone may have covered up the danger posed by underground methane gas. According to builder’s reps, they have taken extra measures to protect and monitor buildings most exposed to the explosive gas but the public disagrees.
Years ago I asked an MTA worker why the new LA subway system didn’t extend to the beach in Santa Monica. “Too dangerous because of methane gas.” Just wait until the residents of Playa Vista get their latest insurance bill.
Jul 28 2006
It seems like only yesterday I watched Matthew Broderick playing Wargames with the WOPR during a time when we still feared the Soviet Union. That was probably everyone’s first glimpse into the secretive Cold War-era NORAD facility.
Looks like the U.S. military and Space Command is pulling out of the Cheyenne Mountain facility. The military feels “a missile attack from China or Russia is very unlikely” and Space Command is moving its operations to Vandenberg AFB in California. The facility will be placed on “warm standby” in the event it’s needed. Considering the $700M+ upgrades since 9/11 and $250M annual budget, it’s no surprise to hear it’s closing.
Jul 26 2006
I’ve been away for 10 days and hesitantly turning on the computer to read my backlog of e-mail and news. My newsreader grabs a number of feeds from MSNBC.com, one of them entitled “U.S. News” and I’m diligently skimming what I’ve missed. Some of the headlines:
Should I go on? There wasn’t a single story with a happy ending. Not even one about D.C. upholding the gay-marriage ban. Is there nothing happening in all of the U.S. which doesn’t involve a murder?