Alexandra Billings has a moving account of the early days of the AIDS pandemic here in America: At a time when the mere threat of avian flu or SARS can set off a coast-to-coast panic--and prompt the federal government to draw up contingency plans and stockpile medicines--it's hard to imagine that the national response to the emergence of AIDS ranged from indifference to … [Read more...] about 25 Years of HIV
Am I What They Warned You About?
In my continuing attempts to reach out to our nation's youth ('cause, you know, they're the future) I've decided to sign up for AOL Instant Messenger, or just AIM as it's called these days. If I'm signed into AIM right now, and I'm not away from my PC, you should see a message near the top of the right-hand column that looks something like this: AIM id Windypundit is now … [Read more...] about Am I What They Warned You About?
Jack’s Long Day Comes to an End
(You know, I can't believe I didn't have a Television Department until now. How could I not have realized the importance of having a Television Department?) Spoilers for the 24 season finale after the jump. … [Read more...] about Jack’s Long Day Comes to an End
My Computer, My Software
Somehow, the Federal Communications Commission thinks it has the authority to tell every American what software they are or are not allowed to run on their computers. According to the three-page document, to preserve the openness that characterizes today's Internet, "consumers are entitled to run applications and use services of their choice, subject to the needs of law … [Read more...] about My Computer, My Software
Why Your Taxes are Hard to Prepare
Last year, the California government had a really great idea. (No, that's not the start of a joke.) Many California taxpayers have income only from regular employment and don't have any unusual deductions. This means that their state income taxes can be calculated entirely from the payroll data already in the state's tax database. As part of a pilot program, California sent … [Read more...] about Why Your Taxes are Hard to Prepare