Free Republic

HOW IT WORKS HIGH-speed Internet access usually comes to homes through one of two wires: a telephone line for D.S.L. subscribers, or a coaxial cable for cable modem users. But an emerging technology known as broadband over power lines, or B.P.L., may soon offer a third wire into homes, channeling high-speed data through a somewhat improbable conduit: an ordinary electrical outlet. B.P.L. is the ultimate in plug-and-play. Users plug a small power line modem into any wall outlet and then connect the modem to a computer with a U.S.B. or Ethernet cable, or through a wireless Wi-Fi connection. The appeal...

At first glance, it might seem like the simple extension of a standard tool in the fight against the bad guys. But in fact, wiretapping Internet phones to monitor criminals and terrorists is costly and complex, and potentially a big burden on new businesses trying to sell the phone service. Earlier this month, the Federal Communications Commission voted unanimously to move forward with rules that would compel the businesses to make it possible for law enforcement agencies to eavesdrop on Internet calls. But developing systems to wiretap calls that travel over high-speed data networks - a task that the companies...

SACRAMENTO – A workers' comp reform deal headed for likely passage today nearly fell apart hours before a key deadline, when Senate Leader John Burton, D-San Francisco, stormed out of the governor's office, barking, "Hey, man, no hard feelings, I can't (expletive) do this." Burton had approached Schwarzenegger on Wednesday morning with a last-minute request from organized labor representatives that employees be able to choose their own doctors for treating on-the-job injuries. Schwarzenegger balked - he preferred his plan, which required employees to select from an employer-approved pool of doctors. Burton said he thought to himself, "'I can't do it...

US forces pour into Liberia with M16s and razor wire By Declan Walsh in Monrovia 15 August 2003 The siege is finally over. American marines landed dramatically in Monrovia yesterday, clearing the way for Nigerian peace-keepers to seize control of the battered city and end a mounting humanitarian crisis. Three days after the pariah President, Charles Taylor, fled into exile, US warplanes and helicopters screamed over Liberia's capital while Nigerian troops were pushing into rebel territory. A giant crowd of dancing and singing Liberians gave them a riotous welcome as they crossed frontline bridges, scenes of the most chaotic fighting...

Kobe's Attorney Pam Mackey will be answering questions..