The Big Link

This week's BIG LINK is http://jovittore.blogspot.com/

Another View of BlogNashville

"Mr. Roboto" of Thursday Night Fever billed as: "the blog the nashville media don't want you to know about", offers their take on the BlogNashville Event . Too bad he didn't mention attending (or not attending) the Military Blog session.

Do Counterfeit Goods Really Cost N.C. Jobs?

According to an "investigative" report last night on the 10:00 News (Fox 8 - WGHP), they do. The NC Secretary of Commmerce concurred... counterfeit good cost North Carolina jobs, legitimate retailers money, etc.
As I watched the segment my mind convulsed... this is bull. The logic is flawed on several counts.
1.) Counterfeit goods come from the same countries that some of the legit goods originate. How does that put N.C. jobs in jeapordy? It doesn't. The same offshore companies are producing the same goods they always have. Last time I checked, N.C. does not produce designer handbags within it's borders.
2.) Flea marketeers are legit retailers just like some store at the mall. How is a flea market vendor not a legitimate business? They collect and pay sales tax (for the most part) don't they?
One point the segment made is valid: Legitimate retaliers are hurt. If the "fakes" are exact replicas and the retailer represents the goods as the real thing you have an issue.
But, ultimately isn't it what it's always been... Buyer beware? If it's too good of a deal it probably is.

Exxon Mobil: Wave a wand, save a nickel (or more)

Via the Autoblog:

"ExxonMobil is promoting its wand-waving payment system with a 5-cent per gallon discount to new members for 90 days beginning June 1. The maximum that ExxonMobil will let you save is $20. If you happen to live in one of the five states where it is prohibited by law to "give away" gas (New Jersey, Louisiana, Florida, North Carolina and South Carolina) then you will get a $20 credit on your new Speedpass account. Better than a kick in the rear."

Lottery Scholarships Stripped from N.C. Senate Budget Bill

Was there any other reason FOR the lottery besides giving our State Legislature another blank check? It seems the Senate does not think that lottery funded scholarships is important.

PART XXXI. LOTTERY.
SECTION 31.1.(a) If House Bill 1023, 2005 Regular Session, becomes law, then the title of House Bill 1023, 2005 Regular Session, is amended by deleting the following phrase 'TO FUND COLLEGE AND UNIVERSITY SCHOLARSHIPS,'

Read the whole billSenate Bill 622-Fourth Edition

So Cute: Against the Lack of Strangers' Baby Etiquette

Pipkin makes some good points on honoring the personal space of an infant. Yes, even they are entitled to some space no matter how old you are. You're a stranger. That's enough to freak them out and ruin the family's day.

Gotta be on the defense when in public! Plenty of well intentioned yet, unmannerly folks out there. Tell 'em to back off, nicely of course.


So Cute: Against the Lack of Strangers' Baby Etiquette (www.journeymanwriter.blog-city.com)