Duroisa.com News Bits
Bouncing around the Web, I've come across some new bits I'd like to share. I'm thinking this is going to be a semi-regular feature here, so if there's something in particular you'd like to see, send me the link!
Brain waves drive man's bionic arm
(CNN) — A man who lost both of his arms in an accident is getting some high-tech help with an innovative artificial limb that controls movements by thought.
Now this is just plain neat. Especially since I have friends working in this field.
Dog DNA reveals man's link with best friend
WASHINGTON (AP) — Man's best friend, in this case a male poodle, is genetically more similar to humans than is the mouse, a more commonly used laboratory animal, according to researchers who have completed the first rough draft sequence of the genes of a dog.
Again, great technology at work. It will be interesting to see where these quicker gene sequencing jobs lead. So far, they've done humans, mice and dogs. Hmm… I think I feel a sci-fi story brewing…
Banned Books Week Celebrates the Freedom to Read
Libraries are at the center of the struggle to preserve everyone's freedom to access a diversity of ideas, information and opinions. Banned Books Week, from September 20 to 27, calls attention to the wealth of creative expression that is stifled when books can be forbidden from library shelves.
I don't believe that I forgot it was banned book week! This whole censorship thing is just plain bad. Especially for us writers and free thinkers. Be sure to keep an eye on how much of your freedom you're letting your legislators take away, there's a new PATRIOT Act on its way.
Screen Gems has made a deal for writer Danny McBride and director Len Wiseman to write a sequel to their hit film Underworld, the second in what is envisioned as a trilogy of vampire vs. werewolf movies, Variety reported. Wiseman has said he would again direct, the trade paper reported.
This little bit of news is not surprising at all. The movie was a good action flick based on a classic concept. It also opened in number one, so I'm sure that helped. Let's just hope the sequel is a good one and not just thrown together to capitalize on the success. Be sure to read my review of Underworld.
Court Awards Expedited Injunction Hearing to White Wolf and Nancy A. Collins in 'Underworld' Suit
Atlanta, GA, 10 September 2003–White Wolf, Inc. and Nancy A. Collins yesterday appeared in court yesterday with their attorneys in an effort to get legal relief from Sony Pictures', Screen Gems' and Lakeshore Entertainment's alleged copyright infringements in their upcoming film Underworld.
Of course, something like this could really get in the way of a sequel. Who knows where court cases could lead. Maybe we could see a resurrection of the long dead (and hastily canceled) Kindred television show... probably not.
Congress Backs Launch of Do-Not-Call List
WASHINGTON Sept. 25 — A united Congress raced through legislation Thursday intended to ensure that the national "do-not-call" list goes into effect as scheduled next week, allowing people to block many unwanted telemarketing sales pitches.
My initial reaction to this little bit of news is "Yay, no more annoying calls." Then I start to think about how this just targets one specific business and don't feel quite so good about it. Do we really want to set a precedent like this?
That's all for now. More later, I'm sure.
