Witness the Copyright Gap in its full majesty. In the UK, Digital Radio has been live at the BBC for about three years now. As the BBC says, ?Digital Audio Broadcasting gives you far greater station choice, better reception & clarity of sound with no re-tuning.?
Yet meanwhile, in the country that invented both the radio station and the transistor, digital radio is stuck. Among other problems, the FCC is contending with the RIAA?s arguments that, absent proper controls, digital radio would be ?the perfect storm? for the music industry. Digital radio, the RIAA believes, must be prevented from causing the ?enormous damage wrought by peer-to-peer piracy.? On Monday, the RIAA filed a new letter reiterating that the ?threat? from digital radio is ?real and imminent.?
Press Corps Wretched Behavior – Athens!
John Crumpacker on bad press behavior in Athens.
Community Pools – Minnesota
For years the old neighborhood pool was the best place to cool off on hot summer days. But across the region, cities have had to close those old pools because of expensive repairs and declining attendance. In a day of air conditioners and cable TV, pools don’t serve as community gathering places much anymore. But now city leaders are trying to attract a new generation of swimmers and splashers with more exciting pools.
Lileks on the “Age du Merde”
James Lileks fears a “catastrophic fashion meltdown”, not seen since the 1970’s:
“Does this make you want to spend money? No, didn’t think so. Sell your Marshall Field’s stock. The fools are back in charge.”
WSJ on Bud Selig
The Wisconsin State Journal Editorial page says that it’s time for a new baseball commissioner. No doubt, he should have left long ago. Additional background.
America, Afghanistan & Pakistan
Steve Coll’s excellent book, Ghost Wars, is featured on NPR’s All Things Considered this week.
Organic Farmers
Stephanie Hemphill discusses the growing demand for organic food and the implications for farmers:
People are choosing organic food in a big way. Sales of organic food have been increasing steadily. You’d think having more demand for your product would be great. But for people who grow organic food, it’s a mixed blessing. When you can’t supply as much as the customer wants, it can be difficult. Some farmers are trying creative ways to fill the demand.
Big “O” on American Basketball
NPR’s Robert Siegel talks with NBA legend Oscar Robertson about the future of American basketball and if individual skill, rather than team cooperation, is detrimental to the sport
Indoor Air Quality
These days, the air inside many homes is more polluted than the air outside. That’s because everything from pets to gas appliances to paint and cleaning products contributes to indoor air pollution. Most homes contain an alarming number of chemicals, and modern homes are built so tightly that they tend to trap the bad air inside.
Stunning Volcano VR Scene: Reunion Island
Romuald shot a beautiful VR scene of an erupting volcano, from the air via an ultra light.