Bob Biniak R.I.P.

Bob Biniak was someone I’ve known since I was probably twelve years old. You can read in my DogTown book how we first met–it would not be appropriate to include it here. But as his wife said in her note to some of his personal friends thursday afternoon: “Bobby loves Life and lived more in his short life than many us of can ever imagine to do.” From what I knew of Bob I can attest to this not being an exaggeration or a cliché.

via WHAT THE FUCK HAVE YOU DONE?: Bob “The Bullet” Biniakoriginal Z-BoyBad Ass Mother FuckerR.I.P..

USA PATRIOT Act Renewed Without Any New Civil Liberties Protections

I guess Congress is worried that they need this to protect themselves from us. After watching highlights of the televised healthcare debate on Thursday, I’m beginning to better comprehend the perspective that some of the esteemed members our bicameral legislature feel like they are part of an elite and privileged class that has begun to increasingly fear the masses that are their constituencies.

Well, I guess their little “gated community” is a little bit safer now.

Yesterday evening, the U.S. House of Representatives voted overwhelmingly to renew three expiring provisions of the USA PATRIOT Act, after the Senate abandoned the PATRIOT reform effort and approved the extension by a voice vote on Wednesday night.

via Epic Fail in Congress: USA PATRIOT Act Renewed Without Any New Civil Liberties Protections | Electronic Frontier Foundation.

Parking Operators Owe the City Nearly $100 Million – LAist

As the city explores ways to sell the operation of public parking garages to private companies for 50 years–the city council today unanimously approved a move to further develop these plans–a recent report listing the top debtors reveals that parking operators owe the city close to $100 million in uncollected taxes.

via Parking Operators Owe the City Nearly $100 Million – LAist.