In issue 730, a notice was circulated soliciting a letter writing
campaign about the "Clipper Chip" issue in the USA.  I shall refer
you to section 8.1 of the FML FAQ, that states:
 
    1) Articles must be on the subject of ferrets, or of community
       interest to the FML membership.  The latter is somewhat
       nebulous I realize, but it's intended to allow policy
       discussions and "news about FML members".
 
Under no circumstances *whatsoever* should such material as the Clipper
stuff be sent to the FML.  I happen to consult in computer security, am
quite aware of Clipper, and I think I even agree with the campaign.  But
this list is about ferrets, *not* computers, *not* encryption, *not*
privacy.  There are other lists for that.
 
I regret having fallen asleep that night and missed my usual check of the
digest.  Which was also why I missed AALAS announcing itself after having
being on the list for almost three weeks.  I had no way of telling, because
I had no way of knowing what "aalas.org" meant - which was as close as
the subscription message got to identifying themselves.  I am annoyed at
not being told that the FML was going to be rebroadcast by such an organization
without telling me.
 
On the other hand, it seems a trifle odd to me that pet owners and especially
veterinarians would so categorically reject animal testing.  After all, how
many ferrets died to get IMRAB licensed?  Or will die in shedding studies that
we all want so much and are being asked to contribute money to?
 
Whatever.  I'm in a strange mood today.  You wanna see why?  Go see my
posting titled something like "soc.religion.islam/Moderators-advice official
statement" in news.admin.policy/misc/news.groups.
 
And Kurt Browning fell during compulsories.  Damn!
 
And I was presented today with an Excellence/Merit award from Northern
Telecom.  Perhaps the first time a contractor has ever won one.  Just short
of getting an IBM Fellowship...
 
What a day...  At least it wasn't all bad.
 
[Posted in FML issue 0732]