The BBC reports (March 31, not April 1) on findings that neutrinos have mass! If correct (the data seem to be at the edge of our ability to measure) then that is double plus ungood for the Standard Model, helpfully summarized by the BBC in this little chart:
In other science news, evidence that cell phones do cause cancer.
Renee Asher of the SEIU is distributing the following statement which takes a gloomy view of the otherwise secret talks going on at UM:
Statement of Clara Vargas
Janitor Representative, University of Miami
Friday, March 31, 2006LET US DECIDE
I am disappointed today that we did not make more progress. I had high hopes for a settlement when the meeting was set.
But I knew we were in for a tough time today before I ever stepped into the meeting. UNICCO’s combative post this morning on their campaign web site universitytruth.com made it clear that they are not interested in listening to us, or what we have to say. Our message is clear, “Let us Decide,” what kind of vote to have.
There are more than 168 of us on strike now, and we are more committed than ever. By joining together we have already won a safer workplace, health benefits and better pay, and a seat at the table with the university and UNICCO.
I hope that when we meet again Tuesday, UNICCO will be prepared to hear us, and the university will be prepared to back us.
Anyone who thought one meeting was going to resolve this was dreaming…
Meanwhile, the talks will continue this week. Can’t hurt.
This is dated March 31, so it’s not an April Fool’s joke:
EFF: Breaking News: The Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) filed a motion for a preliminary injunction in its class-action lawsuit against AT&T today. However, much of the evidence that was to be included in the motionas well as the legal arguments based on that evidencewas held back temporarily at the request of the Department of Justice (DOJ). While the government is not a party to the case, DOJ attorneys told EFF that even providing the evidence under seal to the courta well-established procedure that prohibits public access and permits only the judge and the litigants to see the evidencemight not be sufficient security.
EFF’s motion seeks to stop AT&T from violating the law and the privacy of its customers by disclosing to the government the contents of its customers’ communications, as part of the National Security Agency’s (NSA’s) massive and illegal program to wiretap and data-mine Americans’ communications. The motion was supported by a number of internal AT&T documents that the government now claims might include classified information.
(This is.)
Linkorama.
China Buys Google (great web redesign at Slashdot!)
Orley Lobel argues that there isn't enough hierarchy in law schools. (I think she's serious.)
Internet as
Iraq, hell in a handbasket
Use Google Maps to track Zombies in your area
A star is born (perhaps).
He sounds like David Duke, and he’s coming to a Republican Presidential primary near you. If there were any moderate Republican candidates, you might expect this guy to suck air out of the right and open a space for a centrist. But do they exist? (Cf. Sadly No reads LGF so you don’t have to.)
It seems that the parties to the talks are keeping this confidential so far.
Have I mentioned how mean-spirited and contemptible the official UNICCO strike blog is is both tone and content? Here’s the latest screed,
With the deadline looming on its 30-day recognition strike, the SEIU has to end its picketing, chanting and tub-thumping today and the few striking workers have to come back to work. Meanwhile, a meeting between all the parties called for by UM President Donna Shalala will convene soon and we expect the message in that gathering will be clear: Let em vote. The union really has no alternative except to try and bolster more support among students, but they will soon be departing for summer vacation. Its over. I feel kind of sorry for the students whose heads have been filled with union mush. But, hey, students and protests used to go hand in hand and its actually good to see students seriously engaged in something other than keg parties. And, its the last chance they get to stick it to the man before they become the man.
(The “university truth” blog has neither links to individual items, nor does it allow comments, so that link will only take you to a category; look for today’s entry, currently at the top.)
Some colleagues of mine have also noted that the site — especially the main UNICCO page’s link to it — uses colors, type and language in a way meant to evoke the official UM pages. I’m doubtful that this is actually a trademark violation as I think the likelihood of confusion is low; that said there might be an initial interest confusion claim based on this item,
I mention this not because I think trademark law should be used to stomp UNICCO’s advocacy, and I don’t, but rather because it’s somewhat surprising that UM’s trademark lawyers, normally quite protective of the University’s rights, don’t seem to have sent a cease and desist letter which I would presume would be immediately complied with by UNICCO, whose customer they are. Just something to think about when UM touts its neutrality…
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