Former President of Italy Outraged at Columbia’s Choice of Speaker

I received this correspondance from my overseas pal, MLJ. I have no idea to the veracity of this but it wouldn’t surprise me in the slightest to learn that our increasingly liberal universities have welcomed people like Iran’s current leader with open arms.

Rome, Italy – September 2007

In protest against the invitation of the president of Iran Mahmuda Ahmadineżada on the New York University Columbia the former president Italian Francesco Cossiga gave back the title of the doctor Honoris Causa of this University. Senator Cossiga wrote that he was indignant organizing the lecture of the Iranian leader by the chancellor of UC, whose he called “a threatening neonazi and a Islamic terrorist”.

The former Italian president reminded in the sharp letter to the rector of the University Columbia that Ahmadinejad expressed the thirst of the destruction of Israel. .

“Regardfully for six millions of murdered Jews whose you – racialists old-fashioned, and today also advocates of Islamic terrorists I – catholic , return admitted me the title of Honoris Cause and I burn the toga which you gave to me” – declared Cossiga.

Its own letter finished with words: “without no respect. Francesco Cossiga”. [Source: Poland]

What’s impressive, if true, is Cossigna’s powerful response. I guess once you’ve retired, you can better speak one’s mind.

Dojo Info 9/30/07

1. Rock Band Officially Priced & Dated
   Whoa there! I didn’t know they were going to make it available for the PS2?!? Now I’ve got some serious contemplation ahead of me.
2. NBC to Offer Free Episode Downloads
   Playing catchup to CBS’s Innertube but that’s fine. This should have been done 4 years back.
3. Five Dads Ride Coast to Coast to Fight Their Kids’ Cancer
   How cool is this?
4. Internet Debate Attracts Over 1M Viewers
   Most viewed topic? Iraq. Number of Democratic candidates who will go on record promising to have our troops out of Iraq by the end of their term (2012)? Zero. Of course, Mr. Spiteful Bill Maher didn’t ask about that.
5. UK vs. UofL set record for ESPN Classic
   Once again we see that Kentucky loves their sports teams—big time!

Here’s Why a Google Phone Won’t Work and Other Thoughts on Advertising in the 21st Century

[Editor: I think that's my longest post title ever. Just don't hold me to it.]

I don’t often editorialize here on the blog. You know it’s mostly, Guitar Hero this, Guitar Hero that, (And no I didn’t toss that in to up my GH keywords), posts about my favorite sporting events with an occasional cool link thrown in for good measure.

But for some reason, I feel pretty confident on this topic. Apparently, the big cell companies are worried that Google’s idea of an ad-driven smart phone will turn their businesses upside down. Here’s why it won’t.

One of the things I learned in college was that the amount of recorded information, and in turn messages, in our world is increasing at an alarming rate. It’s exponential growth. While our human minds are far superior to any computer ever made, they still have their limits in processing data.

We’ve arrived at the point where the number of messages that are being directed at the each of us on a daily basis is more than we can properly process. So what does our mind do without us even knowing it? Simple really. It filters everything out while allowing only specific topic-related messages through. It’s like a massive filter for your email where everything is on the black list and only our personal, approved contacts are allowed to pass.

What does this have to do with Google’s proposed smart phone? With Palm’s new $99 dollar Centro aimed at the broadest of all audiences arriving today, we’re heading towards a day where everyone has a phone that does more than just take calls. But with our lives being ever busier and busier, do we honestly want more distractions not less?

Will anyone say, “Sure, I’m being bombarded by non-stop IM annoyances, loads of email spam and my browsing is being interrupted with interstitials on a regular basis but I’m saving $25 dollars a month.”? I don’t think so.

In fact, I’d be willing to bet my Guitar Hero controller on it.

GH3 for the PC?

So, are you standing in line for that next great game? No, I’m not talking about Halo 3. I’m talking about Guitar Hero 3: Legends of Rock. But this time, on a PC?!?!

For me, this is one game that’s definitely NOT going to be better on a PC, guitar-controller or not. There’s nothing like jumping around in the living room playing Turning Japanese and acting like a complete idiot. I’m not sure I can do that in my desk chair. A version for the Wii makes far more sense. Here’s thorough preview article from Gamespot.

We’re 28 days and counting (check that vid on Amazon!) and I’m so ready!

Dojo Info 9/28/07

1. Mozilla tries Firefox recipe with Thunderbird
   I’m rooting for them to succeed. Anything is better than the Outlook juggernaut.
2. Ferrell Auctions Movie Role for Charity
   Nice idea. Doesn’t cost Ferrell much but his time and should benefit the cancer research folks a great deal.
3. Newsmaker: Economist explains move to virtual world
   Right now there are quite a few virtual worlds, built primarily for gaming interests. But I expect in the next 20 years for that number to be dwarfed. There will be worlds devoted to everything from exploring unknown territories to private clans and cliques. And of course, the hope of a virtual world so rich it encompasses everything in our real world. Right.
4. FAQ: What does the digital-TV switch actually mean?
   Looks like the key line is, “Beginning January 1, 2008, the federal government plans to allow households to apply for up to two $40 vouchers to defray the cost of designated devices.” Make sure to get yours!
5. Smart-phone curse: Lockups and restarts
   So… “smart” phones can lock up? When did this happen? Could it have been, say… when they starting putting a Microsoft operating system on them?!? Hmm…

Halo 3 Sells Like Hotcakes

Sure, I knew Halo 3 would make good money, but I had no idea it would own the single biggest day in entertainment history?!?

The company said that Halo 3, the third and final episode in the hugely popular franchise, netted $170 million in sales in the U.S. in its first day. If true, that would top previous records set by the motion pictures Spider Man 3 and Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.

That’s some serious jack. I doubt it can live up to the hype. In fact, I bet Bioshock gets better reviews.

Romo Is the Next Favre

I’m well aware that Favre isn’t done yet. Who knows when he’ll call it quits. Heck, today he three for 369 yards and 3 TDs in the Packers win over the Chargers. But I’m sitting here watching Tony Romo play the game of football just the same way. He’s running, dodging, throwing crazy passes that should never be attempted and then completing them… he’s a wildman. His passion for the game is so amazingly obvious.

I just wanted to go on the record saying that Tony Romo is the next Brett Favre. There, I said it.

Update: Oh yeah, my fantasy team is getting schlacked. What’s new.

H₂O: Episode 1 ‘Thirsty’

I don’t often broadcast my faith on this blog. For regular readers, I’m guessing you know where I stand. These videos are so well-crafted that I felt I needed to share them. And it doesn’t hurt that I know the talented people involved at our church.

So give them a look. I’d love to hear your thoughts.

Brownback Pushing Life Legislation

This just in from the good folks at the FRC,:

A picture may be worth a thousand words, but Sen. Sam Brownback (R-Kans.) believes that it could also be worth thousands of lives. Yesterday, Brownback, one of the Senate’s biggest pro-life champions, introduced a bill called the Ultrasound Informed Consent Act with co-sponsors Sens. Norm Coleman (Minn.), Jim Inhofe (Okla.), Mel Martinez (Fla.), John Thune (S.D.) and David Vitter (La.). Similar to what several states are debating, this bill would require doctors to perform ultrasounds and share those images with any women considering an abortion. Although no woman would be forced to view the ultrasound, she would have the opportunity to make the most informed decision possible. For that reason, even the most militant pro-abortion senators should lend their support to Brownback’s bill. It’s not just pro-life, it’s pro-woman.

But that doesn’t mean they will, unfortunately. Tell your Senators you support this bill! 4D Ultrasounds would be even more impressive.

Dojo Info 9/18/07

1. From the Halls of Malibu to the Shores of Kennedy
   This is a powerful piece by Coulter which ends: “OK, they knew what Petraeus was going to say. But we knew what the Democrats were going to say. If liberals are not traitors, their only fallback argument at this point is that they’re really stupid.”
2. New Reputation Score Follows You Online
   Sounds like a plan, yet identity theft still looms.
3. Beijing Shows Off New Airport Terminal
   That’s some sweet action baby.
4. Hard Drives Can Survive Fire, Floods
   Never fear, data recall is here!
5. Man Finds Whopping 1-Pound Ginseng Root
   Did you hear about this?!? When I heard Paul Harvey talking about it I nearly swerved off the road.

Kentucky Beats Louisville in Instant Classic

It’s kind of tough to believe. Kentucky actually won a big football game. Then you’ve got to remember that the team they beat lost it in a fashion usually accomplished by the Wildcats.

So when you watch the highlights of the game—Kentucky 40 Louisville 34—just remember back to the LSU loss where we fans thought the game was won and then you’ll understand just how on edge we were during the finals minutes.

Great win by Kentucky!

Nice Job by Papa Siler

Hehe. Wish I had thought of doing that.

Fastest Musicians Vids

I can’t tell you where I found these because it’s not the kind of site I like to promote so instead, I’ll just link up the YouTube clips and you can pick and choose. Enjoy!

• Guinness World Record Todd Taylor Fastest Banjo
  Pretty freakin’ fast!
• WFD – Mike Mangini – World Record (1203 Single Strokes)
  Yeah but… it’s not really musical at this point.
• The fastest harmonica player in the world
  I guess so…
• Possibly Worlds Fastest Piano Player Tim Buie
  Now that’s what I’m talkin’ bout!
• World Record Guitar Speed 2007
  Plus that’s one sweet guitar *uh hmm*
• Fast Hands – Max ZT
  Now that’s pretty slick! Give that boy some props even if some of those notes are off.

Even still, none of these impress me like this guy.

Pro-Choice Now Fine With ‘Pro-Abortion’?

I just noticed this ad at the top of my page and did a double-take. So people are actually looking to buy “Abortion Apparel”?

I’m so depressed.

Dojo Info 9/10/07

1. Sources: Camera confiscated after claims of Pats spying on Jets
   Ahhh Belichick… you dirty mugger…
2. Apple iPod Nano Review
   Slick for sure but how about making it sound better? Speaking of Apple… they’ve sold 1,000,000 iPhones. Zowie!
3. Sept. 11 Memorial to Include WTC Pieces
   What I don’t understand is why it’s taking so long to get the new buildings completed?
4. NBC to Sell New TV Shows on Amazon Unbox
   Convergence is happening, but where’s the interactivity?
5. Wirefly Launches Cell Phone Trade-In Programtory
   Sounds good as it seems the average time of ownership per person is far shorter than the device’s true life expectancy. I know I wish I had a new phone every couple of months.