Morning Media Summary
Tech:
WikiLeaks switches to Swiss domain after attacks:
“WikiLeaks was forced Friday to switch over to a Swiss domain name, wikileaks.ch, after a new round of hacker attacks on its system prompted its American domain name provider to withdraw service.”
Google Cops To “Street View” Trespassing:
“Google has admitted that it trespassed on the property of a Pittsburgh-area family when one of its “Street View” cars photographed their home, but the search giant is only paying damages of $1 for its online intrusion.”
Time to Shut Down the FCC:
“It’s time to close the Federal Communications Commission. This week, FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski gave a speech outlining his push for net neutrality, the absurd notion that the Internet should be “open and free” when in fact it’s quite expensive to build. Net neutrality will straitjacket the U.S. economy’s single most important driver of productivity and transformation.”
Google Promises Stricter Copyright Enforcement:
“Google on Thursday unveiled an updated copyright plan, pledging to respond to takedown requests in a more timely manner and focus more intensely on expelling infringing content from its products.”
Microsoft quietly invests in IBM emulator TurboHercules:
“Continuing its low-key crusade for greater mainframe openness (or less IBM dominance of that market), Microsoft has invested an undisclosed amount of money in mainframe emulator provider TurboHercules, said the Paris company.”
Global Warming / Environment / Energy:
Van Jones: Burning Oil is Like “Burning Kittens”:
“Video”
Sea Level Could Rise in South, Fall in North:
“Climate change is expected to cause sea levels to rise — at least in some parts of the world. Elsewhere, the level of the ocean will actually fall. Scientists are trying to get a better picture of the complex phenomenon, which also depends on a host of natural factors.”
EPA’s 40th Anniversary no cause to celebrate:
“On Thursday, December 2, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) turned 40 years old — a major milestone in the life of an agency that resulted from President Richard Nixon’s vision to protect the nation’s environment. Established in 1970 by executive order, the EPA now regulates everything from pesticides, to water, to the air itself and has grown to over 18,000 full-time employees.”
GM Confirms, Yes We’re Losing Money on Every Volt We Build:
“Doug Parks, vehicle line executive for the 2011 Chevrolet Volt, GM’s range-extended electric vehicle, confirmed Tuesday that the company loses money on every Volt it sells.”
Insurance / Gambling:
AG office tells cops: Enforce new gaming law:
“The North Carolina Attorney General’s Office has told law enforcement across the state they can enforce the majority of a law that makes Internet sweepstakes gaming illegal.
The office also filed an appeal Thursday to a judge’s order that allows some gaming.”
Health / Safety:
What Happened to U.S. Health Care Costs?:
“Tyler Cowen points to an intriguing graph:”
Child Nutrition Bill Backed by Michelle Obama Heads to President for Signing:
“The House on Thursday passed a child nutrition bill that contains elements crucial to First Lady Michelle Obama’s “Let’s Move!” anti-childhood obesity drive launched last February.”
Economics:
Delaying Tax Vote Could Crash Stock Market:
“Failure by Congress to extend the Bush tax cuts, especially locking in the 15 percent capital gains tax rate, will spark a stock market sell off starting December 15 as investors move to lock in gains at a lower rate than the 20 percent it would jump to next year, warn analysts. [See who gets the most money from the financial industry.]”
Heating Bill Assistance Funds Quickly Depleted:
“A Marietta nonprofit group that helps people pay energy bills was forced to turn away dozens of people after it ran out of funding.”
Camden City Council Approves Massive Police And Fire Layoffs:
“Camden City Council, as expected, voted Thursday to lay off almost 400 workers, half of them police officers and firefighters, to bridge a $26.5 million deficit.”
Legal:
Feds Warrantlessly Tracking Americans’ Credit Cards in Real Time:
“Federal law enforcement agencies have been tracking Americans in real-time using credit cards, loyalty cards and travel reservations without getting a court order, a new document released under a government sunshine request shows.”
Labor:
Deficit plan short on votes as ex-SEIU head announces opposition:
“Five members of the President Obama’s debt commission have announced their opposition to their chairman’s proposal, likely dooming a Friday vote to defeat.”
Transportation/ Land Use:
China’s newest high-speed train at 486 kilometres per hour:
“China’s newest high-speed train – the “CRH380A” – broke the world record for the fastest passenger-capable train on Friday during an operational test, the Chinese Ministry of Railroads claimed on Friday.”