Interesting to see the Big Telco jousting with their competitors. Unfortunately, we Madisonians are a long way away from fiber to the home, something Verizon is installing in many markets.
Category: Culture
“Meet the New Boss, Same as the Old Boss”
WSJ: “After more than a decade of Republican rule in Washington, Democratic lobbyists have a lot to celebrate. Just a week after Election Day, they are getting promotions and signing up new clients.”
NYT: “Democratic lobbyists are fielding calls from pharmaceutical companies, the oil and gas industry and military companies, all of which had grown accustomed to patronizing Republicans, as the environment in Washington abruptly shifts.”
More Controversy Over Web Tracking Cookies
Specifically, the groups want the FTC to require advertisers to alert consumers when tracking cookies and other such files are present on sites, and then let consumers choose whether they are willing to be monitored. “Most consumers have no idea of the extensive system of online data collection and targeted marketing that has evolved,” says Chester. “They need to know that data is being collected about their viewing, that data is being sent back to a computer based on their tastes…there needs to be an opt in.” Some companies that specialize in behavioral advertising are already getting the message.
The complaint says Microsoft (MSFT) and TACODA, the largest behavioral targeting ad network, are among companies that use behavioral targeting without sufficiently alerting Web surfers. A Microsoft representative didn’t return a call seeking comment. TACODA says it plans to be more upfront about targeting practices.
Madison #5 in US in % of “Exurban” Population!
Alan Berube, Audrey Singer, Jill H. Wilson, and William H. Frey of [1.5MB PDF] The Brookings Institution:
- Madison 2000 Census Population: 501,774
- Total Exurban Population: 110,127
- Percentage Exurban: 21.9%
Cold Temperatures and the Onset of Winter
Talking with a Texan friend this morning and bemoaning the chilly temperatures on the way he used a great colloquial expression:
“Jim, we don’t have to shovel sunshine here.”
Indeed.
Politics & Philly Cheese Steaks
The Philly cheese steak is serious business. Ordering etiquette must be adhered to. Customers must state their preferred type of cheese and whether onions will or will not (“wit” or “witout”) be added. John Kerry, when campaigning for president in 2004 in Philadelphia, botched it badly, asking for Swiss cheese instead of the more traditional Cheez Whiz, a processed cheese spread. Even provolone or American cheese would have been better. George Bush ordered “Whiz wit” like a local.
Great Example of “Citizen Journalism”
Amazon Patent Reform Timeline and Jeff Bezo’s interaction with Tim O’Reilly.
The Prince
When historians search for a paradigmatic figure who embodied America’s old, pre-9/11 relationship with the Arab world, an obvious candidate will be Saudi Arabia’s swaggering ambassador to Washington from 1983 to 2005, Prince Bandar bin Sultan. He was the Gatsby of foreign affairs: entertaining Washington’s elite at his mansion overlooking the Potomac; exchanging secret favors with a string of presidents from Ronald Reagan to George W. Bush; lobbying for Saudi weapons purchases so effectively that he trounced even AIPAC, the pro-Israel lobby group; operating as a deniable arm of the CIA in covert operations around the world.
“The Only Thing”
The Madison Rep’s New Play Festival: The Only Thing by Eric Simonson, based on David Maraniss’ excellent “When Pride Still Mattered“.
Simonson’s approach to Lombardi is clever and interesting. There’s another reading Saturday evening, 11/11/2006 @ 7:00p.m. GO!