Shell game

I saw a “pulic” notice in the N&O’s classifieds today (link may not work as N&O web stuff is sometimes broken). It involves a minor change in the license for WRVA-FM 100.7, a.k.a. “The River.”

I generally don’t pay much attention to these things but this ad stood out its sheer length. Here’s the most interesting part (my emphasis):

The general partner of Capstar TX Limited Partnership is AMFM Shamrock Texas Inc., and its limited partner is Capstar Radio Operating Company. AMFM Shamrock Texas is a wholly owned subsidiary of Capstar Radio Operating Company, which is a wholly owned subsidiary of AMFM Texas Broadcasting, L.P. The general partner of AMFM Texas Broadcasting, L.P. is AMFM Broadcasting, Inc., and its limited partner is AMFM Texas, LLC, which is a wholly owned subsidiary of AMFM Broadcasting, Inc., which is wholly owned by AMFM Radio Group, Inc., which is wholly owned by AMFM Operating, Inc., which is wholly owned by Capstar Broadcasting Partners, Inc., which is wholly owned by AMFM Holdings, Inc., which is wholly owned by AMFM Inc., which is wholly owned by Clear Channel Communications.

Got that? Think the taxman does? Anyone still doubt that lawyers have ruined the entertainment industry?

NC IT job openings drop 30%

Ugh:

Job openings fell by nearly a third in November from the previous month to just over 2,000, according to the latest “IT Jobs Survey” from the North Carolina Technology Association and SkillProof, a national IT talent management and recruiting firm.

With 2,010 openings, the total is just over half the jobs available a year ago (3,910) and far fewer than those posted in November 2006 (4,450).

Taxing drivers by the mile

The N&O says that with gas-tax “revenues” plummeting, North Carolina General Assembly is considering taxing drivers by the mile. This is a brilliant idea, but not for raising “revenue.” I can think of no better way to show someone the folly of her long commute than by hitting her in the pocketbook.

If drivers begin to pay by the mile, I guarantee you they will drive less. This is healthier for the driver, the city’s sprawl problem, and the environment.

What its not healthy for is the state’s “revenues.”