Time to Stop Buying Dell Computers

If these allegations are true then I might have bought my last Dell Computer.

Dell, along with many other manufacturers of PCs, used capacitors produced by Nichicon, a Japanese electronics giant. According to court documents [PDF] in the suit against Dell brought by a major customer, Nichicon sold faulty capacitors, a key motherboard component, that leaked and failed with alarming regularity -- and Dell knew it.

In his excellent piece in the New York Times this week, reporter Ashlee Vance refers to an internal study by Dell that predicted its Optiplex line of business computers containing Nichicon capacitors were expected to have a failure rate of 97 percent over three years.

If they went ahead and used these capacitors knowing full well that they would fail and then covered it up then they join Sony in my product dustbin. This is especially bad when it comes to a computer since I know how bad people take it when their computers die.

I have bought an HP Netbook and I am very much enjoying it so far. I was thinking of upgrading my desktop so I can take advantage of Virtualization Technology and I was looking at the Dells. I can now stop and look at the HPs and Acers now instead. I don't buy things from companies that attempt to defraud their customers.

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Steele commits Own Goal on Afghanistan Comments

I have to level out criticism when it is due and GOP Chairman Michael Steele needs some history lessons himself.

"If he's such a student of history, has he not understood that, you know, that's the one thing you don't do is engage in a land war in Afghanistan? All right? Because everyone who's tried, over a thousand years of history, has failed," Steele said. "And there are reasons for that. There are other ways to engage in Afghanistan."

I wouldn't call the British holding Afghanistan from 1839 - 1919 a failure. If not for WW1 I would be willing to bet the Brits would have still been able to hold Afghanistan for many more years after 1919. They fought 3 major wars against the Afghan people and one 2 out of 3. They were eventually removed but you cannot say that controlling Afghanistan for 80 years was some sort of disastrous failure.

In any case that defeatist talk should not come out of any top official in the GOP and Steele should really look at stepping down. I mean he is taking the same tract as the Dems did when it was Bush's failed war. Now that Obama has taken possession of the war by sending an additional 30,000 troops the GOP needs to support their commander in chief.

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Sumo Betting Scandal Makes the US News

Yup and they just might cancel the upcoming Nagoya Basho as well. In fact NHK might not even show the match if they do decide to go ahead with it.

Japan's public broadcasting network, NHK, added to the sport's woes Friday by announcing it might drop coverage of the event. The network said it had received 8,200 public comments, only about 10 percent of which supported going ahead with airing the Nagoya Basho.

"We will wait until after the Sumo Association announces its measures and decide what to do after that," said NHK spokesman Yuichiro Ishii. "We will weigh viewers' opinion about whether it should be shown."

That would be the only time in the postwar era where a tournament was canceled. It all started with a blackmail scheme by Ozeki Kotomitsuki.



The latest scandal began May 20 when a weekly magazine claimed that senior wrestler Kotomitsuki was being blackmailed over his gambling debts. Ironically, the source of Kotomitsuki's troubles appears to have been his winnings: Having complained to his bookmaker about not receiving 5 million yen ($55,000) in payments on bets, he was approached by a mob-connected ex-wrestler who extorted 3.5 million yen in hush money. The mobster is alleged to have demanded a further 100 million yen ($1.1 million), which Kotomitsuki refused to pay.

That is why if you have to bet you do it with Vegas gambling houses and not mob controlled bookmaker. Or if you have to bet then do it through a trusted friend or associate and not directly to the bookmakers. If Kotomitsuki was smart he would have just told one of his fan club people that he can trust to handle all the bets with him including the money transfers. Actually what he should have done is not bet on baseball in the first place since he knows he would get into trouble if he did.

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Russian Spies Use Pretty Wimpy Methods Techwise

You would think the successors to the mighty KGB would be a little better at transmitting Top Secret data.

The FBI said that one of the suspects, Anna Chapman, would go to a coffee shop in Manhattan on Wednesdays and set up her laptop. A little while later, a minivan the FBI knew was used by a Russian official would drive by. To the naked eye, there was no contact between them.

But the FBI said it figured out that Chapman's computer was set to link wirelessly to a laptop in the minivan, using a standard, built-in Wi-Fi chip. In the short time the computers were close, they could transfer encrypted files between each other.

The agency figured this out with commercial Wi-Fi analysis software, not with something from Q's lab.

Yup she just connected to a regular wireless network sent out by a Russian official from a minivan. No secret networks or hidden drop sites or anything like that. Hell, even sending coded messages in the newspaper to a hidden drop box would have been harder to crack.

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Google Buys Travel Software Company

That sound you heard was the screams of frustration coming from Orbitz, Expedia and Priceline.

Google Inc. plans to buy travel technology company ITA Software Inc. in a $700 million deal that would provide the Internet search leader with more comprehensive information about airline flights.

The all-cash deal announced Thursday could signal Google's intention to mount a challenge to other online travel services such as Expedia and Orbitz.

I wonder if they are going to start selling airline tickets as well in a Google Travel Service sort of thing? I bet some airlines would hate it because it would let people search for the lowest fares using Google search technology. Although the idea that the airlines could pay Google for better placement above their rivals might make them feel better. The idea that you could book your flight right from Google sounds pretty good as well. All they need is Google Bank and they can handle everything.

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Maradona Throws Fuel on the Germany vs. Argentina Match

It is just like the coke-sniffing prince of World Cup assholes.

Diego Maradona is Argentina�s irascible coach and former mega-star player. He had gotten word that German player Bastian Schweinsteiger was complaining about Argentina�s tactics with the referees, the behavior of their fans and, of course, the dirty acts that went down during a brawl following Germany�s 2006 World Cup penalty kick victory.

So Maradona stared into a Fox Sports camera on Thursday and with a mock German accent asked:

�What�s the matter Schweinsteiger? Are you nerrrvoushhh?�

I really hope Germany kicks the crap out of Argentina so we can see the Hand of Cocaine sniffing and crying on the sidelines after the game. Maybe he will pull a Woody Hayes and punch a German player so he gets banned from the sport for life.

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The Revamped Wonder Woman: I Don't Like It

I'm sure they wanted to make some changes but this is going too far.

You can almost hear the fanboys screaming. But, according to a popular blog from CNN, there is a reason for the switch. Writer J. Michael Straczynski, who is taking over writing the comic, commented on a DC Comics blog post, "I wanted to toughen her up, and give her a modern sensibility." She's been saving the world for 69 years. If you ask us, it's only fair that she finally treat herself to some new threads.

Here is a look at the "revamped" Wonder Woman. I don't like the jacket at all it looks like it is strait out of the 80s. I have to say that the gauntlets and the belt are kind of cool. I really hate the stirrup pants and goofy looking gold things on her feet. What was wrong with just giving her a Greek style skirt and maybe sandals? She is an Amazon Warrior after all.

At least they kept her powers since I can see she still has her magic lasso. In any case I give the new look 6 months until they switch it back. That is about as long as people could stomach Superman's blue/red lighting costume changes before they freaked out.

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Germans Want to Ditch the Euro

I guess they are tired of funding the right for some Greek guy to retire at 50 at full wages and then riot and murder people when the government runs out of money.

A majority of Germans wants to scrap the euro and bring back the old currency, the deutschemark, according to a new poll published on Tuesday.

The Ipsos survey showed 51 per cent of people in Europe's top economy wanted their beloved deutschemark back, with 30 per cent wanting to keep the euro. The remainder was undecided.

I guess it is better then the Germans calling for the return of the Reichsmark (which was the currency during WW2)

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Cramer Says "Short Obama!"

Well at least Cramer has finally come to the realization that Obama does not understand the stock market, probably doesn't like it much, or care about people's 401Ks. The talk of suspending BPs dividend should have taught Cramer as much.

His administration is proving to be the champion for those who don't own stocks and perhaps never will. Or, worse, he thinks that the average working person saves in CDs -- is he unaware of the 25-year campaign by all to have retirement savings and college tuitions paid for by now-tattered stock portfolios?

I point all of this out because when I say this market is going nowhere, I think it is going nowhere because of Washington, not corporate America, not the public sector, not the private sector. The companies we have heard from this week are brimming with cash, with the Jabils setting the tone of terrific earnings and the Apples setting the tone of worldwide dominance.

The problem is that Apple might overreach and thus fall under the justice department, anti-trust regulators, or just White House people who think that "Apple is too big and should be forced to share the wealth." The

White House is reflexively anti-business because they look at them as fat cat capitalists and not people that employ 1000s of people and need to employ 1000s more for there to be a recovery. So of course he pushes Card Check and tries to kill jobs through drilling moratoriums because he thinks fat cat capitalists are the only people hurt.

The only good thing is that November will make him even more powerless since he can no longer push any of his agenda. Also when the legislative and executive branches are held by different parties there is like a 12% move upward in the stock market.

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Rolling Stone Backstabbed McChrystal?: The White House Conspiracy Edition

It was interesting to read that the Generals aides actually said much of this stuff on the record. It turns out that it might not have been.

McChrystal still hasn't spoken publicly, but the Washington Post now reports that his Afghan war command conducted its own review and believes the general was "betrayed" by freelance journalist Michael Hastings.

A senior military official told the Post's Karen DeYoung that "sessions were off-the-record and intended to give" Hastings perspective on how the team operated. The official, who isn't willing to speak on the record, said there was no evidence that the "salacious political quotes" in Hastings' profile were made during on-the-record interviews.

Could it have been a hit piece to get McChrystal removed? The conspiracy theory zone in my brain immediately targeted the Obama White House as the people behind it. Here is the quick overview:

1. The White House sees that Afghanistan is falling apart and has heard rumors about McChrystal "going it alone" and talking trash behind their back. The notoriously thin-skinned White House goes into "Chicago Way" mode. Being that they are too weak in leadership department (and lacking proper cause) to just boot McChrystal they think of a "cunning plan"

2. They contact Rolling Stone who is probably deep in their pocket due to their shared ideologies and won't flip on them if there is blowback. Rolling Stone sends out a rabid anti-war reporter who's job is to dig up some dirt.

3. McChrystal foolishly lets this guy in on their "off the record" sessions. Sure enough the rumors are true. The military men have been bad-mouthing the civilians. (This seems to be the case in just about every war in recorded history where generals have to work side-by-side with civilians on a rebuilding task.) These aides figure that their boozy opinions won't make it on the record but that is not the "Chicago Way."

4. A hit piece is written and suddenly Obama is so angry he can spit. (I would love to see that same anger when they are gunning down Iranian protesters, but oh well)

5. He then calls McChrystal in for a little Kabuki song and dance and the General is shown the door. Suddenly Obama looks like the fearless leader removing his war-time General after "insubordination." This is in stunning contrast to his bumbling, stumbling, and lack of any sort of leadership during the BP Oil Spill. Nice timing that.

6. They then stick in the guy that won the Iraq war (who they probably should have gone with in the first place) to solve Afghanistan so they can get out of there and not look like wimps or quitters in the toss-up states come 2012.

Here is some advice for General Petraeus:

You need to seriously watch your back when, let's say, a Newsweek, NPR, CNN or New York Times reporter starts to nose around and asks for " some strictly off-the-record candor." Simply say "everyone attached to the White House Afghanistan team in any way is like a lion in the desert out here. We can't have enough of their valuable service. They are doing Lords own work" while posting an MP with a sidearm to protect the valuable reporter at all times. Then instruct your aides to answer all questions in slightly accented Pashtun. If it is a reporter from Rolling Stone assign 2 MPs.

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Kellogg's Cereals Might Make you Sick

I wonder what is in the packaging that would make people ill?

Kellogg Co. is voluntarily recalling about 28 million boxes of Apple Jacks, Corn Pops, Froot Loops and Honey Smacks cereals because an unusual smell and flavor from the packages' liners could make people ill, the company said Friday.

Kellogg said about 20 people complained about the cereals, including five who reported nausea and vomiting. The company said the potential for serious health problems is low.

Consumers reported the cereal smelled or tasted waxy or like metal or soap. Company spokeswoman J. Adaire Putnam said some described it as tasting stale.

Nothing like a bowl of waxy crap that tasted like metal or soap when you first wake up. Good thing I eat Rice Crispies but I did enjoy Corn Pops when I was a kid.

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Harry Potter Says "You Are Too Fat to Ride this Ride!"

It seems that the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando has some pretty strict entry requirements especially to Americans in this day and age.

The ride, "Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey," employs individual restraints to keep each guest tucked in to his or her seat, but the restraints aren't large enough to accommodate heavier riders.

Universal seems to have anticipated this issue, stationing staff "wizards" and test-seats along the line and at the entrance to Forbidden Journey. Riders test their ability to fit in the seats, as well as the restraint (which must click three times to be deemed safe and for the potential rider to be allowed into the attraction).

One good thing is that it is motivating people to lose some weight.

One Harry Potter fan who was unable to ride "Forbidden Journey" when his seat test yielded only two clicks of the restraint, is turning the incident into a personal motivational challenge. Banks Lee, who says he's 6'2? and approximately 310 lbs, has decided to diet and exercise until he can get on the ride (and hopes to continue his quest even after meeting that goal.) He's even started a blog: Banks Lee and the Three Clicks: My Journey to Fit on an Enchanted Bench, where the Orlando resident is documenting the long walks and sensible diet that he hopes will lead to a ride on "The Forbidden Journey."

Well, I hope he is doing more then walks and a diet since it would be pretty hard to get down from 310 to the normal weight for a 6'2" guy which is 175. I wonder what he needs to weigh to get on the ride though?

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Relations "Reset" with the Ruskis

Not like we didn't give them even more of the house since suddenly we are backing their WTO bid:

Obama gave Russia perhaps the biggest gift it could have wanted from the meetings: an unqualified, hearty plug for Moscow's ascension to the World Trade Organization. Russia has long wanted membership but U.S. support in the past has come with conditions.

"Russia belongs in the WTO," Obama said as the two leaders stood side-by-side in the East Room after several hours of meetings � including an impromptu trip to a nearby burger joint for lunch.

I'm not sure what we got in return for this but it doesn't sound like much. I guess we can start looking forward to more Russian exports hitting our market in the near future.

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Drilling Ban Will Not Continue While the Government Appeals

It seems that the White Houses bid to kill a bunch of Gulf Coast jobs is failing every way it could.

After striking down the moratorium on Tuesday, a federal judge in New Orleans rejected an administration request to allow the six-month ban to stand while the government appeals his decision.

Judge Martin Feldman issued a brief order denying the stay request, pointing to his previous ruling that criticized the ban as arbitrary, too far-reaching and not justified given the impact on thousands of oil industry workers and communities.

I love how they are trying to tar Judge Feldman by saying he owns oil stocks. That charge can be leveled on just about everyone in the US who owns any sort of Growth or Income mutual fund. That means in to the White House the judgment of nearly every American investor is suspect when it comes to oil. Too bad they don't care about the 50K+ oil field workers that won't be drawing a paycheck due to government interference.

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McChrystal Canned by Obama

I guess this all goes to show you that you keep your mouth shut around Rolling Stone.

Obama said bluntly that Gen. Stanley McChrystal's scornful remarks about administration officials represent conduct that "undermines the civilian control of the military that is at the core of our democratic system." He ousted the commander after a face to face meeting in the Oval Office and named Petraeus, the Central Command chief who was McChrystal's direct boss, to step in.

Now the White House should sack the civilian Afghanistan team too and have Petraeus start fresh. I think he can get the job done since he pretty much won the Iraqi war. Now if he can win in Afghanistan too we might be thinking about calling him President Petraeus in a few years. I think Petraeus' first general order should be to bar all Rolling Stone reporters from Afghanistan on pain of imprisonment.

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