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Digital Transition

The digital TV era officially began at midnight Friday/Saturday, as analog TV signals ended.  The FCC received 300,000 calls on Friday.  I can fully understand any confusion about the transition, since it came upon us suddenly, with very little information from to the government.  Perhaps the government could have delayed the transition, forced TV stations to have messages about the transition on the bottom of the screen every day for an incredibly long amount of time, and given away coupons for a discount on the converter boxes.  If they had taken all those steps, perhaps there would not have been as much confusion.

(sigh)

Many of the calls were questions about how to set up the converter box.  Just a thought, but maybe it would have been a good idea to get the box set up a week or two before the transition date?  I really have a hard time feeling sympathetic for these people.  I’m not sure how anyone could have been unaware of the transition.

Holocaust museum killing

On Wednesday, 88 year old  James von Brunn shot and killed security guard Stephen Tyrone Johns at the US Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington, D.C.  Other security guards returned fire, and von Brunn was shot and remains in critical condition.  von Brunn is a white supremacist who denies the existence of the holocaust and spreads anti-semitic messages on his web site and in his book.

von Brunn served six years in prison after attempting to kidnap members of the Federal Reserve Board in 1981 as a protest of the high intest rates rates of that time.  I guess he didn’t mellow as he got older.

The holocaust occured.  I’m really not sure how people can argue against it.

I’m always a little surprised that so many people pour so much time into spreading hatred.  It seems like such a poor use of the limited resource of time.  ”Spreading hatred” doesn’t crack my list of  favorite things to do in my spare time.

Cat killer

18 year old Tyler Weinman has been arrested for killing 19 cats in south Florida.  Weiman was also charged with 4 counts of burglary – apparently the result of break-ins on his canapping expeditions.  Residents ofthe area have been fearing for the safety of their cats, as cats have been found stolen and have later turned up dead, with their bodies mutilated.  Police have indicated that there are multiple suspects, so we may see other arrests in this case.

I’m not much of a cat person, but nonetheless I find this very appalling.  These cats were harmless pets and did not deserve the die in this manner.

It’s also worth noting that many serial killers tortured animals when they were younger, and they escalated to violence against humans.  This is not to suggest that Mr. Weiman was destined to become a serial killer, as the vast majority of people who torture animals do NOT escalate their activity to homocide.  However, because of the animal cruelty, there is a greater possibility that he would have escalated his activity – particularly since Weiman apparentlt stalked some of the cats.  Needless to say, it’s much better to put a halt to the activity in the earlier stages.

Another bankruptcy filing

Six Flags has filed for chapter 11 bankruptcy.  Six Flags does not expect its visitors to see any changes as it seeks to reorganize its debt load.  Six Flags is attempting to reduce its debt from $1.8 billion to $600 million.  Six Flags  operates 20 theme parks in the US, Canada, and Mexico.  It recorded record profits last year, but has been unable to refinance its debt.  My guess is that there will be a debt-for-equity swap with some creditors.

I really hope that they are able to reach a quick resolution.  Nothing would be sadder than a roller coaster sitting idle.

Kosmo is the founder of The Soap Boxers and writes on a variety of topics, including the Fiction Friday original short stories. You can purchase some of Kosmo's work at the company store. Like Kosmo's writing? You can leave a tip.

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