RSM EJECT /PFZIP100

I think I like this better in Trebuchet than Verdana. Anybody feel strongly the other way? Anybody reading on a system that doesn’t have either one of them?

BoingBoing today linked to an archive of piano rolls which had been scanned in and converted to MIDI. If you search the descriptions for “p/b Rachman”, you can find MIDI files that faithfully reproduce Rachmaninoff’s playing. The one I’m listening to now was recorded on an Ampico reproducing piano, rather than a more-limited player piano, so you get the dynamics and attacks pretty much as he originally played them.

I just sent the following message to Rep. Jay Inslee regarding the new passport rules. It’s not my best writing, but I’m in a rush to get to work.

Dear Rep. Inslee,

I am writing to express my opposition to the new DHS rules that require a passport to travel to Canada. I have long been happy that I could be an international traveller just by hopping in my car and driving for a couple of hours, and it deeply distresses me that this change is being made.

As you recall, before 9/11 an Al-Qaida member was caught trying to bring explosives from Canada to Seattle. If existing security was sufficient to protect us then, why is the increased security at the borders not sufficient now? It certainly wouldn’t have stopped the 9/11 hijackers who came into the US on tourist visas.

On the other hand, if it isn’t sufficient to protect us, why is it going to be 2008 before the rules come into effect? If it’s that dangerous, close the borders tomorrow — but I honestly don’t believe that it is.

This rule has a dangerous feel to me of “because we can, and because we say so.” This isn’t the way to make policy, and I hope you will do all in your power to change it.

Thank you.