Madison Schools Budget Updates

Quite a few interesting articles on the Madison School Districts 308M+ budget are available at www.schoolinfosystem.org

  • Board Member Ruth Robarts offers many useful suggestions, including the rather obvious improvement: drive budget decisions based on academic achievement and curriculum.
  • The current process includes the discussion of “cuts” without prior to the presentation & review of an actual budget!
  • Rob Hernandez writes about the potential loss of 60 coaching jobs.
  • Get involved: Learn about the issues and communicate your ideas. MMSD budget hearing 5.13.2004 @ 5:00P.M. Email the Board of Education: comments@madison.k12.wi.us

Narche jangi – or – War Rugs


Ang?lica Pence writes about Afghan War Rugs:

Narche jangi, or so-called “war rugs,” emerged in Afghanistan more than two decades ago during the Soviet occupation, when the Baluchi tribe began weaving the iconography of warfare — Kalashnikov rifles, jets, helicopters and hand grenades — into their textiles.
The rugs have since taken on the very modern imagery of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks and the ensuing war in Afghanistan. Much of the imagery is copied from television news reports and aerial propaganda leaflets dropped by the thousands across Afghanistan by U.S. armed forces. The most controversial depict jetliners crashing into the World Trade Center, or tiny black silhouettes plummeting from the smoking twin towers. And to the surprise of some, the divisive folk art has gained a considerable, almost cult-like following in North America.

Lessig Congressional Testimony on Copyright Extremism

Professor Lessig goes to Washington to testify about Congressman Rick Boucher’s Digital Media Consumer Rights Act [pdf].
This is one issue you should support. Contact Tammy Baldwin and tell her you support Boucher’s bill.
This is what happens when the public sleeps…. Support the EFF.
Yet another reason to get involved: Security expert Bruce Schneier writes: Curb electronic surveillance abuses, as technological monitoring grows more prevalent, court supervision is crucial