August 2005

NYT: In the commercial, Snoop pulls up in a Dodge truck and, as he emerges, Mr. Iacocca says “nice ride.” Snoop begins to let forth in his inimitable linguistics, a trademark of Mr. Broadus, as the two men go for a ride in the golf cart: Snoop: “Thank you Mocha Cocca. Chrysler and Jeep came up on beaucoup awards and Dodge trucks last as long as the D-O-double gizzle. Plus, I got the hook up nephew, for sure.” Iacocca, looking…

Ed: I figured that this whole Slate/Wikipedia thing would blow over by the end of the week, and it has, pretty much. The discussion as to whether or not I deserve a Wikipedia entry is still ongoing, but has died down a bit. Before the week is up, however, I wanted to post a really weird bit of email that I received: John Stamey of New York State writes: I’m sorry, but I think I missed something in your story.…

WashPost: To Bush and his advisers, that criticism fundamentally misunderstands his Texas sojourns. Those who think he does not remain in command, aides say, do not understand the modern presidency or Bush’s own work habits. At the ranch, White House officials say, Bush continues to receive daily national security briefings, sign documents, hold teleconferences with aides and military commanders, and even meet with foreign leaders. And from the president’s point of view, the long Texas stints are the best way…

Ed: Ok, here’s my idea for the next Slate explainer. How do you start a bloodless coup? Really, do you just waltz in and say, “Ok, I’m taking over.” and all the mindless lackeys look up from their desk and say: “Yeah, ok.” AP: NOUAKCHOTT, Mauritania (AP) – A military junta overthrew Mauritania’s U.S.-allied president while he was abroad Wednesday, prompting celebrations in this oil-rich Islamic nation that looked increasingly to the West amid alleged threats from al-Qaida linked militants.…

by Cyrus Farivar 02:00 AM Aug. 03, 2005 PT Wired News Last week, a group of Philadelphia bloggers banded together to get national media attention for a young mother who had been missing from home since the middle of July. The group was frustrated that the disappearance of Latoyia Figueroa, 24, who is five months pregnant, did not get national press, though her case is similar to other widely covered disappearances like those of Natalee Holloway and Laci Peterson. The…

Here’s my interview with “The Afternoon Show with Brian Smith” from an hour ago. “The Afternoon Show with Brian Smith” WICC 600 AM Bridgeport, CT August 2 2005 [2 MB (8:44) 32 kbps]

Here’s my interview with Adler On Line from earlier today. “Adler On Line” CJOB 68 Winnipeg August 2 2005 [1.5 MB (6:39) 32 kbps]

If you want to follow the Wikipedia nonsense that’s been following me since this the Slate piece was printed, check these entries. Otherwise, enjoy, and feel free to email me.

Cyrus, I have never responded to or written in a blog, so here goes. I think that what is happening with your Wikipedia entry is fantastic. First of all, I loved your article on Slate even before I discovered the arguments surrounding it. Those who are mad at you for exposing them are fools; if everyone who discovered a prank in progress played along, there would be no pranks. ThatÕs the point: pranks are difficult to do right. The ÒgreenlightingÓ…

I will be on “The Afternoon Show with Brian Smith” on WICC 600 AM Brigeport, CT today at 2:06 pm Pacific talking about the greenlighting hoax, my Slate piece, and the Wikipedia bruhaha.