feeds | grep links > Origin of the Blink Tag, Blocking Political Speech with Copyright, 3D Information Storage, and More

• Origin of the HTML blink tag
  Via Hacker News, I love that this ties back to Lynx, a text based browser I still use from time to time. It is also an excellent example of the odd thought process that often occurs to hackers. It also makes sense that the implementation was original an easter egg, the intent wasn’t to unleash untold eyestrain on the web but have a bit of a laugh. Funny how these unintended consequences arise.
• Senator uses copyright to block opponent’s use of her old web site
  I am reading Netanel’s “Copyright’s Paradox” right now which is all about the fraught tension between free speech and copyright. Slashdot is one of many sources picking this story up today. It may be my current reading material speaking, but this seems like a very clear case of using copyright as a form of prior restraint, not having anything to do with its proper role as the “engine of free expression”.
• Near perfect 3D information storage, in the lab
  Technology Review describes a system for reading and storing information that really does sound rather science fictional. A single bit encoded on a single molecule would seem to be pretty close to perfect density. Initially it is surprising that several developments here come from biography but then you have to wonder if related techniques operate or are instrumental to information processing in living systems.
• Open data analysis framework in the cloud
• Two Turkeys in conflict over Internet blocking
• Army will press charges against alleged WikiLeaks source
• Working towards a standardized power brick for laptops
• Seizure of DNS names of pirate sites by US fails

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