| IT Who Needs Due Process? Senate Passes Spy Bill
U.S. Senate to telecoms -- I'll scratch your back, if you scratch mine. Telecoms and many in the federal Executive branch seemed quite content with the increased usage of warrantless phone surveillance, which some people feel violates Americans' legal rights. The telecoms received large paychecks for every wiretap put in place; Comcast's rate was a modest $1,000 per tap. Meanwhile, politicians are happy because they were able to extend their surveillance programs as planned. The program may toss due process out the window, but, in their opinion, that is a necessary loss to deal with today's troubled world. Then all of a sudden the good times ended, when a few members of Congress demanded telecom's spy records for hearings on the legality of the program. The phone companies refused, and all of a sudden, their dirty laundry was aired to the public. The public exposure opened the NSA and telecoms up to legal action from civil liberties groups and citizens. Sure enough, the Electronic Frontier Foundation filed for a class action lawsuit for the warrantless eavesdropping practices. Such a lawsuit could cost telecoms and the U.S.
Ball from Bonds' 762nd homer to be sold
Harmon knows how much the ball can help the family. David Sutton is back in the hospital as he battles cancer. "For them, it's a fairy tale come true," Harmon said. Jameson Sutton has already pledged at least half of the ball's proceeds to his parents. "I just want to help my family," he said. "I'll pay his medical bills, for their house, whatever. I gladly will." The auction house also handled the sale of Bonds' record-breaking home run ball No. 756, which went for $752,467. David Kohler, the president of SCP Auctions, said he's already had people say they'll pay up to $1 million for Sutton's baseball. Earlier in the week, local businessman Gregory Anderson made an offer of $15,000 for the ball. He said he'll take part in the upcoming auction, but doesn't know if he'd bid over $100,000.
Beem celebrates his heroic victory. (Allsport)
Two police officers in Ayr, Scotland will be having a little chuckle to themselves following Rich Beem's amazing USPGA triumph on Sunday. Three years ago Beem crossed the Atlantic to play in his first Open Championship at Carnoustie. Making the most of his trip to the `home of golf', Beem and caddie Steve Duplantis stopped off at Turnberry where, in some style, they acquainted themselves with the local brew. Staggering out of the pub, Beem and Duplantis climbed into their rental truck and, after an hour of trying to sober up, lost patience and decided to drive home. Unfortunately two of Ayr's finest had followed them out and duly pounced. Beem, who was caught at the wheel, was taken to the local police station and later fined and told not to drive in Scotland for 18 months.
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