Required Reading

In addition to many technology-oriented blogs, Google now maintains a public policy blog. Director of Public Policy and Government Affairs, Andrew McLaughlin, maintains the beast although others at Google contribute to it. McLauglin writes:

At the beginning of 2005, I was Google’s lone public policy guy. Today, there’s a bigger – and growing – team of us scattered around the world, working on issues like privacy, child online safety, copyright and trademark protection, content regulation, reform of the patent system, and broadband policy. These issues are fundamental to the future of the Internet (and of the individuals it empowers), and are increasingly prominent on the agendas of policymakers worldwide.

Bully for Google. The links, as shown in the thumb image, align with McLauglin’s stated issues. However, McLauglin should expand his views and links to include competition because competition is always prominent on the agendas of policymakers.

Inflation and Beauty

Inflation like beauty remains in the eye of the beholder and skin deep. The Labor Department reports core inflation, which excludes the cost of food and energy, rose .1% or .001 in May. The June 16, 2007, edition of the Wall Street Journal referred to this rate as “meager.” Although the Journal may see inflation through rose colored glasses or (more likely) beer goggles, an ugly step sister lurks underneath that .1% skin.

Mule Kicks a Winner

“How’s Your Drink” remains the only thing worth reading in the Wall Street Journal’s Saturday edition. The column’s author, Eric Felten, mixes two of my favorite topics: history and alcohol. A few weeks ago, Eric tackled the the Moscow Mule. How was the Moscow Mule? Delicious.

More Jingle Jangle in Your Pocket

Congress finally raised the minimum wage, and President George W. Bush said he would sign the bill. The minimum wage moves from $5.15 an hour to $7.25 an hour. By raising the wage floor, hourly workers will see their wages rise. For example, a worker who earns $7 an hour now, or $2 above the minimum wage will see their wages increase to keep pace.