HOME | POLITICS | SPORTS | LIFE | SCI/TECH | OPEDS | HELPFUL TIPS
|
Jan. 11, 2007 The government again has come to the rescue of big business. First it was keeping secret the meetings between George Bush and his cronies in the oil industry, concerning the nation’s energy policy. Now The National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration has chosen to keep classified safety records of American automakers. According to reports, these records include consumer complaints (8 million), warranty payouts (more than 138 million claims), and field reports with malfunction and performance information (5 million reports). Automakers claim that releasing this safety data would be the equivalent of revealing trade secrets. Opponents argue that such a policy allows manufacturers to hide pertinent safety data from unwary consumers. As if Apple doesn’t have enough problems with the Steve Jobs stock fiasco, now the company is faced with the possibility of an expensive lawsuit, as Cisco claims ownership to the name “i-phone” that Apple allegedly has pirated. Cisco has held the trademark on that name in America for more than a decade, and in fact, have plans to market their own telephone/computer product. However, the overseas trademark is held by several companies, including Apple. Experts say that if the suit is successful, Apple could be forced to turn over all of its profits from i-[hone sales. Apple spokespersons said they believe they have a good chance of winning in litigation. In the stock case, Jobs allegedly received 7.5 million shares of Apple stock in 2001 without approval of the board of directors, which includes Al Gore. The case is currently being investigated by the feds. As if Apple doesn’t have enough problems, they are also being sued (along with Google and Napster), for patent infringement. This case stems from a claim by the now-defunct Intertainment which has a patent on “a business model for offering video content from various providers to consumers over the TV and the Internet).” The patent was applied for in 2001 and granted in 2005, and according to the suit, the three companies being sued have been using the patent without permission. Ahhh, nothing like smell of corporate arrogance, eh? More problems for Jobs: His desire to destroy a mansion he owns, has been thwarted by a group wishing to preserve the home. Jobs says it will cost too much money to restore Speaking of Cisco, they are working with Oakland A’s head honcho on a new ballpark in Fremont, one that will be the most technologically advanced sports facility in the U.S. One of the stadium features will allow fans to upgrade tickets via cellphone and to watch instant replays via their hand-held gadgetry. The stadium will take at least four years to build and will cost a half-billion dollars. Home Depot, Inc. has bestowed upon resigning CEP Bob Nardelli, a $210 million buyout. All of this for overseeing his company’s poor stock performance. You know you’ve screwed up when Congressmen start complaining about the size of your golden parachute. In fact, Barney Frank is working on legislation to give shareholders more say in how outgoing executives are compensated. Yeah, right. “Good luck,” Barney. Mark McGwire does not deserve to be inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame. While being named on a scant 23% of the ballots (75% is required), McGwire will not be joining Cal Ripken (who received the third highest vote) and Tony Gwynn. Speculation is that McGwire’s reluctance to admit to steroid use was the main factor. In my view, the steroid issue is irrelevant. McGwire was a one-dimensional player who was injury-prone, a so-so fielder and had a career batting average of .263. 500 career homeruns is no longer a ticket to the HOF, especially in this day of juiced baseballs, year-round weight training, inferior pitching and smaller ballparks. Barry Bonds is alleged to have had a dirty drug test. Not for steroids, but an amphetamines described by Major League Baseball sources as a “serious stimulant.” Bonds claims the test results are the fault of teammate Mark Sweeney. Sweeney has denied giving Bonds anything. According to some sources, amphetamine is rampant among MLB players. SAD NOTE: Bid a sad farewell to actress Yvonne DeCarlo, who not only starred in The Ten Commandments (as Sephora), but was known to millions as TV matriarch, Lillie Munster, the common sense wife of loveable lunkhead, Herman (played by Fred Gwynne). Her career began in 1941, and for four years she struggled as an uncredited actress, until 1945, when she was credited for her performance in Salome Where She Dances. The movie was considered campy, and told the tale of a dancer who helps an American reporter during the Franco-Prussian war, and attains celebrity after she flees to America. DeCarlo went on to work in TV and films for 55 years, and at the time of her passing was 84 years old. (Source: imdb.com and Videohound’s Golden Movie Retriever, 2007.) ------------ About the author: Timothy N. Stelly, Sr, is a 47-year old author of two novels, Tempest In the Stone, and The Malice of Cain. He is currently editing his poetry manuscripts, Ebony Vistas, and Tales From the Black Side of the Rainbow. He resides with his three youngest children, Dante, Kimberly and Lawrence. website: http://stellbreadO@tripod.com Email: stellbread@yahoo.com Tell a friend about this site! ------------ All articles are EXCLUSIVE to Useless-Knowledge.com and are not allowed to be posted on other websites. ARTICLE THIEVES WILL BE PROSECUTED! |
||||||
|
|
|||||||
|
