We continue to fall behind true broadband adoption, with Australians soon to receive 8 to 20mbps service.
Monthly Archives: February 2005
More on Milwaukee’s vote gaps
Greg Borowski continues to dig into Milwaukee’s November, 2004 voting problems. “17 wards have at least 100 more votes than voters; 2 miss by over 500”
Wisconsin’s Top Lobbyists: 2003-2004
Wispolitics summarizes the top Wisconsin Lobbyists. Weac (teacher’s union) is #1 at 1.46M, WMC is #2 at 1.25M.
EFF: Is Big Brother Watching the Internet Without a Warrant?
The EFF filed a FOIA request yesterday with the FBI and other offices of the US DOJ regarding expanded powers granted by the USA PATRIOT Act. The EFF is making the request in an attempt to find out whether or not Section 216 is being used to monitor web browsing without a warrant. The DOJ has already stated they can collect email and IP addresses, but has not been forthcoming on the subject of URL addresses. It seems the EFF is seeking any documentation to confirm such activity is taking place. One can only hope the automated FOIA search doesn’t produce any false negatives or cost the EFF $372,999.”
SBC & AT&T: A Merger of Disappointment with Disaster?
What happens if you merge a disappointment with a disaster?
You get SBC-AT&T.
In most corporate mergers, the shareholders of at least one company rejoice. But it’s hard to find a clear winner in the proposed acquisition of AT&T by SBC Communications.
AT&T, the nation’s once-proud phone monopoly, is a shadow of its former self. It lost $6.1 billion last year, and its sales have shrunk for five consecutive years as it has shed most of its operations except for business services. Its stock has fallen by almost 72 percent during the past five years.
I have a hard time seeing much good coming from this, other than a more concentrated lobby machine which ultimately works against the public…
Ivey takes a look at Madison (Verona’s) Epic Systems
Mike Ivey takes a useful look at Madison’s quiet technology giant (I don’t think there’s really any competition in the local tech sector), Epic Systems:
The company remains privately held by its employees – shares are repurchased when anyone leaves – and maintains it has no intention of ever making a public stock offering. The share price has gone from $14 in 1996 to over $100 today, making Faulkner one of the most successful, if not wealthiest, businesswomen in the state.
Still, Faulkner rarely grants interviews, doesn’t schmooze with the local tech crowd and has no intention of changing her approach. Faulkner has said the focus should always remain on the company and its mission to serve patients.
Software is a difficult business. Judy Faulkner and everyone at Epic deserve a great deal of credit for their success. Having said that, this next step is a big one, filled with sharks. I wish them well!
K-12 Sports: Friday Night Lights
I just finished reading Bissinger’s Friday Night Lights.
The bestselling story of life in the football-driven town of Odessa, Texas, explores how the town’s passion for the team inspires–and sometimes shatters–the young men who wear the Panther uniform.
Having lived in Texas some years ago, Bissinger presents a very accurate picture of Texas High School Football. Read David Bernhardt’s thoughts on K-12 sports for another perspective.