Recess

The LA Times reports that Congress adjourned for the year without passing all of the copyright-related bills pending: Bills to Thwart Piracy Falter: "In a blow to Hollywood and the major record companies, Congress adjourned for the year Wednesday without beefing up penalties for movie bootlegging and online piracy."

In his new blog, New York Times' technology columnist David Pogue cautions geeks to pay attention to the next Congress: Companies vs. Consumers: "These sweeping, technology-related bills are dangerous stuff; if we don't watch Congress like a hawk, the next thing we know, we won't be allowed to record TV shows or transfer songs from our CD's to our portable music players"