Rants and Ramblings: random commentary about culture, media, politics, technology and whatnot.

links for 2008-08-27

• AT&T Launches New Data Plans for iPhone Users Roaming Abroad | Bits | New York Times
  Bleh … and I'm still peeved about having to pay extra for text messaging, when I already pay for unlimited data. With the price gouging on international data charges, I'm almost afraid to take the phone out of the country.
  (tags: iphone)
• The Lego Minifig Turns 30 | Geekdad | Wired.com
  "On August 25, 1978, the Lego minifigure was born. This was a hugely important transition for Lego. For many years they sold sets allowing builders to create cars or buildings, but something was missing — a human element. The minifig gave them that humanity, and very quickly it became an iconic symbol of the company second only to the brick itself."
  (tags: toys legos)
• ASU's cash-infused Cronkite journalism school in elite company | The Arizona Republic
  Go Sun Devils: "As of Monday, the day the technologically stunning Cronkite building opens in downtown Phoenix, ASU's J-school will rank 'in the top five in the nation,' says the dean of the college, Christopher Callahan. 'Look at the faculty. Look at the facilities. It's not about the money, but look at the investment from national foundations — $18 million in three years. Medill … Columbia … Missouri. I think that we're in that conversation now. And our goal is to make it the [best] journalism school in the country.'"
  (tags: asu education college journalism via:romenesko)
• Going to the End of the Line | NYTimes.com
  "For those subway riders who get off before the last stop — almost everyone — the end is just a sign on the train. What's there, anyway? It turns out there is often mystery, lonesomeness and beauty. Explore through photographs and video below."
  (tags: publictransit photography interactive via:rpongsaj)