X-on Cheney . . . no mistake!

Some machines are smarter than some people. Take for example the CNN video machine that placed an "X" over the face of Vice President Dick Cheney during a recently televised speech.
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CNN Apologizes for X on Cheney's Face

By Associated Press
Wed Nov 23, 2005

NEW YORK - CNN has apologized for a "technical malfunction" that briefly flashed a black "X" mark over the face of Vice President Dick Cheney during the network's coverage of a speech on Monday.

The "X" flashed twice, on the air for a total of one-seventh of a second, CNN said Wednesday.
The incident caused a brief sensation on the Web among people suspicious that it was a political commentary. But CNN said some of its machinery had a "momentary glitch" and no human operator was involved.

The "X" is something used by a computer to mark a space where one visual element is to segue into another, and is normally not seen by a viewer. The network likened its appearance to a computer that inexplicably freezes.

"We obviously regret that it happened and are working on the equipment to ensure it is not repeated," the network said in a statement.

Stand Up for Reproductive Rights!

If you live in the Washington, DC area please take note! On Wednesday, November 30, the U.S. Supreme Court will hear Ayotte v. Planned Parenthood, the outcome of which could affect virtually every abortion-related case and statute in the country. This case could eliminate the requirement that abortion restrictions must include protections for women's health.

NARAL Pro-Choice America is organizing a demonstration at the Supreme Court in support of reproductive freedom. It's important that individuals who support a woman's right to safe and legal abortion, and all reproductive services, be present outside the court on that day.

TAKE ACTION!

When: Wednesday, November 30, 8:00 am - 12:00 pm
Where: Supreme Court Building (Metro: Capitol South, Blue & Orange. Union Station, Red.) What: Reproductive Rights Demonstration

Please RSVP to Jon Nowinski at jnowinski@prochoiceamerica.org or 202-530-4174.

Click here to learn about the case.

You know it's bad when . . .

My father spent 30 years working for General Motors in Anderson, Indiana. I remember him telling me that if GM ever went out of business that would mean the country was in trouble. Well, I'm so glad he's not alive to see what is happening today.

GM is weaker than it has ever been, and the country is definitely in trouble. And many of the problems we face are top down. We need new leadership in the White House, in Congress, in state legislatures, in corporate America, in far too many houses of worship, and the list goes on.

Being the optimist I am, I think there is still hope . . . but the American people are going to need to wake up soon!