While I know, read, or otherwise am acquainted with many people nominated for Weblog Awards, it is nothing more than a popularity contest.  There are no awards for great reporting, creativity, intelligent debate, or any other category in which I would find interest.  It is for that reason that I do not vote, nominate, endorse, or otherwise participate in the awards.  I apologize to those who have asked for my assistance in this regard, but it will not happen.  I would happily reconsider my opinion should they ever represent blogging excellence rather than popularity.

A new mammal species was discovered in Borneo.  This is very exciting as new mammal species are rare finds.

A university in Munich has completed a study which suggests the larger the group of people watching someone in trouble in a public place, the less likely anyone will offer to help.  They call it the bystander effect.  It is really just another example of the human herd mentality, but the study is interesting nonetheless.

We finally have proof that federal air marshals do in fact exist.  I assumed long ago that they were yet another urban legend: always spoken of but never really seen.  Sadly, it was not a terrorist that they killed.

American automobile makers have yet to learn precisely why they all suffer financial woes.  Ford appears to think large cuts are the way to go.  While that may provide temporary relief, it does not solve the problem which remains unaddressed: making high-quality cars which are efficient, reliable, safe, long lasting, innovative, and that retain more value once they are driven off the lot.

Mark is right and wrong.  BellSouth acted in good faith by offering the building to the New Orleans’ city government.  I do not believe they also stipulated that this gesture must somehow obligate the city to them, although they undoubtedly hoped this to be true.  The city implemented its own wireless internet service and made it available to everyone.  They also fall under a state of emergency; this negates the application of laws prohibiting governments from taking such action.  Is the NOLA action wrong?  No.  Should BellSouth rescind their offer which would kick the police back out into the struggling city?  No.  Do I think NOLA once again has acted in bad faith and demonstrated inept political machismo?  Absolutely.

I really like my new laptop.