The idea of storing computer programs on audio CDs isn’t really that innovative. While this idea is used now-a-days to offer some pretty lame content like videos and biographical data (and easily defated copy-protection), it was used on vynil LPs in the past to offer lame content like Thompson Twins text games.

PBS’s Frontline presents a story on a man who knew about the Al Qaeda threat who left the FBI in the summer of 2001 to take a job as head of security at the World Trade Center. Who do you think helped him land that job? These questions will be asked…but they will only be asked by the craziest people.

Today’s reason: setting a bad example.

Dick Cheney has set a standard in keeping public policy decision-making processes private and stonewalling any legal challenge to Freedom of Information requests. He believes that the processes that affect our economy and environment can be kept a secret. Following in his footsteps the USDA and US Forest Service are refusing to turn over data on the reasons that W threw out forest guidelines drawn up by an independent Committee of Scientists.

The groups had filed a FOIA request for documents pertaining to the decision to scrap the regulations amid concerns that they were tossed out so that more industry-friendly regulations could be crafted by former timber industry lobbyist Mark Rey, appointed by President Bush to oversee the Forest Service as Undersecretary of Agriculture for Natural Resources and Environment. Rey maintained there was not a single document in the Office of the Undersecretary pertaining to this major federal rulemaking process, a response the court deemed “inadequate” and which Defenders of Wildlife President Rodger Schlickeisen called “laughable.” The Forest Service was also reprimanded for being so vague in its reasons for withholding nearly three quarters of the documents requested that neither plaintiffs nor the court could assess whether the withholdings were proper.

I’ll use this opportunity to highlight another complaint I’ve had with this administration: former timber industry lobbyist Mark Rey, appointed by President Bush to oversee the Forest Service. How can the best person to handle mine safety be a former mining executive and the best person to handle national forest interests be a former timber industry lobbyist. So much total bullsh!t.

You gotta love recycled bits as sound art especially when it ‘s based in Microsoft’s most basic sound tool.

Here’s my next prject — a homemade steady-cam for only $14.

Steadycams (or camera stabilizers) are attachtments used to capture smooth looking video even when the camera and camera operator are in motion. The camera operator may walk (or even jog), move through tight hallways and doorways, and even climb up and down stairs without shaking the camera. Unfortunately, professional steadycams cost around $1500. Even the cheap 3rd party ones cost $600+. Not exactly a bargain considering many of us use cameras in that price range. So, I decided to make my own version. It turns out, it only costs $14.

Maybe I’ll get around to building it before the 24 or 48 hour film contests hit Austin.