Wednesday, May 21, 2003

New Name of Pentagon Data Sweep Focuses on Terror Saying they are worried about Americans' privacy, Pentagon officials announced in a report today that they were changing the name of a projected system to mine databases for information to help catch terrorists to Terrorist Information Awareness from Total Information Awareness. The officials said the name was changed because the earlier version created a false impression that system was being created "for developing dossiers on U.S. citizens." So let me get this straight, it was the name Total Information Awareness that created a false impression that the department was up to no good.  Not the rumours that it would be a clearinghouse for all personal data on anyone and everyone it deemed "terrorist."  But under PATRIOT, they can investigate you without that designation, so we're not fooled by a stupid name change of the structure in charge of collecting and storing and doing who knows what with your personal data. Are we? Laura 6:36:08 PM    comment [] Bye, bye Buffy!  (spoilers ahead) I'm gonna miss you.  I've been weepy all day relating the finale to my co-workers, and anyone else who would listen.  The show was a masterpiece.  The funnys were really funny, the sadness was really sad, and the whole thing ended with the assertion that there's a little bit of Buffy in every girl.  Each character got their own defining moment, which pleased me; Anya and the nerd's exchange was sweet and the bunny reference was hysterical.  Although I believe her death, and Spike's as well, adhered to the rules of the Buffy Universe - only the Scoobies are forever - I was sad to see her go.  Anya provided some of the most hilarious moments during her tenure, and some of the more poignant scenes that still have the power to move me.  Her ranting against the senselessness of death after Buffy's mom suffered an aneurysm was heartbreaking, even more so when you remember she used to be a vengence demon who killed people in horrible ways for centuries.  She had a child's anger at the way a loved one can suddenly just be gone mixed with the knowledge of what it means to be gone.  As a human, death is the one thing she couldn't be matter-of-fact about; that, and bunnies.  But the best part was Willow's final spell.  And she got to be the white witch for just a few seconds, which tells her that she now has the ability to harness her powers and no longer has to be afraid that she'll lose her soul to the dark side again.  With that epiphany of empowerment, her spell explodes around the world, empowering all would-be slayers with the knowledge of their own strength.  From the tomboy in little league gear squaring her shoulders as she steps up to the plate, to the cowering girl that determinedly grabs the arm of the person about to slap her, girl power spreads around the world.  I felt it almost physically as I burst into tears at the simplicity and the scope of the message.  How many young women were watching last night, how many girls who looked up to Buffy, grew up with her, felt that whoosh and said to themselves, "I have a part of Buffy in me."   I hope there were lots and lots.  And I hope they realize that while they're sad to see her go, it was time.  Besides, they don't need Buffy anymore for vicarious action.  Buffy lives in us all, and it's a good thing too, because it's time to kick some ass. Laura 5:22:25 PM    comment []

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