Morning Media Summary
Tech:
WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange rails against Facebook, says it’s a spy tool for US government:
“WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange called Facebook “the most appalling spying machine ever invented” in an interview with Russia Today, pointing to the popular social networking site as one of the top tools for the U.S. to spy on its citizens.”
Google plays ball with carriers to kill tethering apps, violates spirit of the ‘open access’ it bid $4.6B to protect:
“It seems a few American carriers have started working with Google to disable access to tethering apps in the Android Market in recent weeks, ostensibly because they make it easier for users to circumvent the official tethering capabilities offered on many recent smartphones — capabilities that carry a plan surcharge. Sure, it’s a shame that they’re doing it, but from Verizon’s perspective, it’s all about protecting revenue — business as usual. It’s Google’s role in this soap opera that’s a cause for greater concern.”
IP-Address Is Not a Person, BitTorrent Case Judge Says:
“In the last year various copyright holders have sued well over 100,000 alleged file-sharers in the United States alone. The purpose of these lawsuits is to obtain the personal details of the alleged infringers, and use this information to negotiate a settlement offer ranging from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars.”
Global Warming / Environment / Energy:
Prince Charles is an “eco-hypocrite,” film-maker claims:
“After the delights of last week’s royal wedding, back to the day job for Prince Charles, who will be arriving in Washington in the coming days to a full-frontal assault from some of America’s noisiest climate change sceptics.”
Average Gas Price Poised To $4 A Gallon This Week:
“The psychological price-point of $4 a gallon is looming straight ahead, and will likely be hit before the end of the week, based on the rate of recent price escalation.”
Insurance / Gambling:
Iowa House rejects adding casinos to smoking ban:
“The Iowa House on Tuesday rejected efforts to include casinos in the state’s three-year-old ban on indoor smoking.”
Health / Safety:
SALLY PIPES: Obama’s attempt to fix the deficit will wreak havoc on healthcare:
Economics:
Okla. Economy growing in spite of high fuel prices:
“Rising fuel prices haven’t hurt Oklahoma’s growing economy yet, state Treasurer Ken Miller said Tuesday, but he expressed concern about their effect as time goes on.”
Legal:
IP-Address Is Not a Person, BitTorrent Case Judge Says:
“In the last year various copyright holders have sued well over 100,000 alleged file-sharers in the United States alone. The purpose of these lawsuits is to obtain the personal details of the alleged infringers, and use this information to negotiate a settlement offer ranging from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars.”
Labor:
More Shock Video: U of Missouri ‘Labor Studies’ Course Teaches How to Shut Down Non-Union Companies:
“While University of Missouri – Kansas City Professor Judy Ancel has yet to explain her false and misleading defense of classroom statements suggesting violence is an acceptable tactic with an appropriate place in advancing the labor movement, new video reveals Ancel giving students insight into how to put non-union companies out of business. The tactic Ancel recommends to students is based upon deception and designed to burden a non-union company with a costly labor action under false pretenses.”
Transportation/ Land Use:
Rail authority pursuing four track system:
“The California High-Speed Rail Authority is sticking to its plan to pursue