10. November, 2003 - Well, there it is, then

Patriot Act does not violate rights, state official says. Oh. Well, then it must be okay then. Oh wait… [Minnesota Department of Public Safety’s homeland security and emergency management deputy director, Jeff] Luther said the Patriot Act is misinterpreted. He said the government does not have time to monitor each citizen’s actions. The point is not that they have time to monitor everything, but that they have the ablility to do so, and without having to go through procedures that might curb abuses. At the moment, we’re told Trust me. I’m from the government, and I’m here to help. which I just don’t buy.
The first National Bush in 2004 Supporter Meetup Day is tomororow at the Park Tavern on Louisiana in St. Louis Park. Sheesh, they coulda picked a venue where it’s actually possible to talk. [instapundit]
Hop-On is going to be selling disposable cell-phones. I can’t find a price, but they’ll come with 60 minutes of time, and when it’s empty, you can either throw it away or take it back for your $5 deposit.
Virginia tech has built the world’s 3rd fastest super computer in record time at the astonishingly low price of $5.2 million. It’s made from 1100 dual processor Mac G5s and was built by students. Labor costs? About 700 pizzas and a lot of Mountain Dew. [jim]
Spammers Can Run but They Can’t Hide profiles Steve Linford, who runs spamhaus.org. He’s continuing to fight the battle against spam, but it’s getting tougher all the time.