Morning Media Summary
Tech:
Amazon Rolls Out Instant Streaming for ‘Prime’ Members:
“Amazon.com (AMZN: 180.45, 0.00, 0.00%) on Tuesday announced its highly-rumored video-streaming service for customers subscribing to its Amazon Prime service. Subscribers can now access 5,000 TV shows and movies instantly and commercial-free, according to Amazon.”
Global Warming / Environment / Energy:
George Mason University study figures out what I already knew: Climategate had a major impact on TV Meteorologists:
“This piece of obvious research from George Mason University stems from the fact that almost every TV met takes in the entire newscast before going on the air, and if there was a Climategate related story, they’d see it. Combine that with editors, reporters, and the public makign the TV met the “go to guy” (or gal) for the hows and whys of the story (I can see them asking: what’s paleo proxy records about?) and it adds up to maximum exposure.”
Insurance / Gambling:
Vietnam Bans Online Gaming at Night:
“Starting March 3rd, Vietnam’s Information and Communication Ministry has asked internet service providers to prevent consumers from playing games online in the wee hours of the night. The measure is a temporary fix as the Ministry hopes to fully revise its laws and policies concerning gaming – called the Anti-violent Online Games among Students Program – in the near future. The amount of time that school-age children play online games in Vietnam is a widespread problem, with more than 82% of surveyed students going to internet gaming shops one or more times per week. The latest measure comes as gaming companies such as VinaGame and Vietgame, have refused to keep children from playing their games after 10pm, and that many internet cafes still operate with 200 meters of schools despite the law.”
Health / Safety:
HHS uses Recovery Act money to fund New York City’s anti-obesity campaign:
“If you live in New York City, or have even traveled there recently, chances are you’ve been inundated by anti-obesity ads that are plastered on the city’s buses, subway cars and buildings. But while the New York City government is encouraging its more than 8 million residents to stop being so unhealthy, taxpayers throughout the country are paying for it.”
Economics:
$4 Gasoline? Definitely in California, but Maybe Not for Everyone Else:
“Some traders say $4 a gallon will be a reality in the not-too-distant future, and prices could shoot even higher. But that might be the exception rather than the average in the United States this year unless the Middle East unrest spreads to Saudi Arabia or another major oil producer, according to Thomas Kloza, chief analyst at OPIS.”
Legal:
Federal judge rules for health care law:
“The perfect partisan streak in health care rulings continues, with D.C. federal district judge Gladys Kessler, a Clinton appointee, ruling the Affordable Care Act constitutional. She’s the third Democratic judge to do so; two Republicans have found it unconstitutional. “
Federal Judge Rules Congress Can Regulate “Mental Activity” Under Commerce Clause:
“A federal judge has upheld the national health care law, making it the fifth ruling on the merits of the legal challenges to the individual mandate.”
Labor:
Political Fight Over Unions Escalates:
“The clash between Republicans and unions that caught fire in Wisconsin last week escalated Monday: Labor leaders planned to take their protests to dozens of other capitals and Democrats in a second state considered a walkout to stall bills that would limit union power.”
Ousted SEIU leader files harassment suit:
“Ousted San Francisco labor leader Sal Rosselli has filed a harassment suit against union leadership.”
Transportation/ Land Use:
Use Buses, Not High-Speed Rail:
“In reading the Ledger’s interviews of comments regarding Gov. Rick Scott’s decision to scrap the high-speed-rail boondoggle, you would think all of Florida was disappointed. Let’s take the next step with an idea that will make the high-speed-rail advocates less sad.”