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If somebody commits acts of copyright infringement amounting to a value greater than $1,000 over a period of 180 days, then it becomes a CRIMINAL offense, and that person can be ARRESTED and put in JAIL for it.

Without the content owner even complaining? Can you cite a case? I've never ever heard of that happening, and I don't see how it could happen unless you are suggesting that the government would call me up and say, "You know, we've seen your song being copied a lot on Napster and we assume you don't agree, should we go ahead and take care of him?" I can't imagine that has ever happened or the government would be doing the RIAA's legal work instead of the RIAA.

All professional musicians want to sell their music

"All". Right. Not a single professional musician wants to share their music and be heard for the love of music or so people come to their shows. Not a single one in the whole world. Right, I'll just take your word on that since you obviously speak for all professional musicians. :)

There are more musicians who care about copyright issues and piracy than there are who don't.

You seem pretty dang sure of yourself. Do you have some references (preferably not from the RIAA) that backs that up?

Crack a fucking history book! The atomic pile in the basement at the University of Chicago!

I refer you to the following two links:

The Fist Pile
The hHistory of Nuclear Energy

It was a controlled reaction and it was self-sustaining. Its power WASN'T harnessed.

Don't know what ad hominem means, huh? Here's a quick lesson for you, shitface. Calling a person a name is not an ad hominem attack. It's an insult.

It's both. Here's a definition for you...

ad hominem adj. Appealing to personal considerations rather than to logic or reason.

Indicating that you might not have the qualifications to make an informed opinion is not an ad hominem attack--it's a logical observation entirely material to your ability to make such informed opinion. You calling me a "shitface" is ad hominem, however, since it gets down to "personal considerations" rather than anything that has to do with the issue at hand.

Have a nice day, glad I could help you with the history of nuclear power and the definition of ad hominem. Google is your friend.

That word does not mean what you think it means.

1. An authoritative command.
2. An urgent request: I called the office at the behest of my assistant.

Luna ("moon") is a symbol on many Islamic flags. So, that's why that place has been chosen by Saddam Hussein to hide his MDW ("mass disstruction weapons").

By why not send there some UN inspectors at first? Otherwise there will again be no evidence that MDW was there or not. Well, perhaps Mr. Bush doesn't care about any evidences of MDW anymore, he wants just destroy MDW in every place where he thinks there might be a chance of MDW. Smart guy!

• "To decline to do"

So in your opinion, any company that does not port product X to system Y, is "persistently refusing to release a Y version of product X"...? Strange way of looking at free will and business decisions. Using that definition of "persistent refusal" (which, apparently, means the same as "did not")

It seems that English isn't your first language, so I can understand if this is hard for you. But "did not" is an excellent synonym for refuse. Maybe you're getting into a long argument based on misunderstanding a verb.

Here, I'll give you an example:

"Rui, will you please send me $80?"

Are you going to do it? If not, then you just refused. Now, if I repeat the question one thousand times over three years (as non-Windows gamers did to Valve), you will "persistently refuse". That's exactly what it means. No more, no less.

Just because I didn't give you a 10 point business-plan for how you'll profit by funding my new DVD player doesn't change the fact that you "refused".

Half-Life was released in 1997.

And in 1998, 1999... every year since then. "Platinum Edition", "Game of the Year Edition", "Plutonium Pack", "TFC Edition", "Collector's Edition", "Counterstrike Edition". "OPFOR". "Blueshift". The list goes on and on.

There was a continual stream of releases, they could (and did) add major features to any one of them.

I'm sick of this attitude of certain Linux users

Why did you decide this is about Linux? I mentioned Mac first, and Macintosh support is something Valve announced, but never followed through on. (Note the optimistic comment in there: "things should go much faster since I'll be working with id's Quake engine code which has already been ported to everything in existence." Code licensed from Id software is not the problem!). You seem to think that "refusal" is only possible after performing a business case study. Well, I doubt that press releases like that were sent out without a bean-counter crunching the numbers first.

I never thought Linux was a profitable gaming platform, although it is interesting that all of the other major FPS (Quake3, UT2003, Return to Castle Wolfenstein, and Medal of Honor) have released native Linux versions. Maybe those publishers think there's a market emerging- are they all wrong, but Valve was right?

(The answer to that question is unknowable, and irrelevant to the stupid argument about whether or not Valve "refused")

Phoenix, the bios company, makes an embeddable web browser accessible directly from BIOS. That is why Phoenix, the Mozilla project, had to change its name. FirebirdSQL does not make nor plan to make a web browser.

Firebird, being a generic name and dictionary word, is used by thousands of businesses in all sorts of different markets. It can only be protected as a trademark if use of the mark is liable to cause confusion due to the similarity of the products or services marketed. Mozilla, which is a unique and fabricated moniker, can, IIRC, be protected as a trademark regardless of the similarity or dissimilarity of the products involved.

There is only one Quanta

I like Purity and Archetype as browser names. But Humdinger would be funny, as it's one of those words that sounds vaguely pornographic but isn't. Paragon would also be good. In fact, I think I might change my browser to report itself as Paragon.

More information available here.

Just to point out the stupidity of English class after elementary school:

I'm currently taking advanced sophomore English. We spent 5 damn weeks learning that an oxymoron is a contradiction combined withing two words that when combined contain truth. 5 damn weeks! Now if you head on over to the dictionary you see no mention of any hidden truth.

Granted, I'm biased against English because of its lack of definitive structure, and that it has no universal truth. A grammar rule exists because it is in a textbook. It is in the textbook because it was common usage a century or two ago. So rather than than teach us what's true nowadays, English class is designed to hold language back against change.

ie. people that have grown up being computer literate
That's complete bullcrap. The rest of my generation doesn't know shit about computers beyond basic web browsing and email.

As for you being a racist; the primary advantage of the internet is that people like you don't realize that the person talking to you is of another nationality or race. A drawback is that people can't punch you in the face for basing your life on such a moronic principal.

Apparently, in this 21st century of yours, you've never heard of a rhetorical question.

Voila, mozilla becomes firebird becomes 'zing-unit'.

Even better, there's only one, non-relevant Google result for it. Woot!

Voila, mozilla becomes firebird becomes 'zing-unit'.

Even better, there's only one, non-relevant Google result for it. Woot!

Translucent means that the object behind the material is distorted in some way.. such as darked or discolored.

translucent adj.
Transmitting light but causing sufficient diffusion to prevent perception of distinct images.

In other words, the dictionaries either have nothing whatsoever on the word "hacker" or they understand that a hacker is someone who computes before a hacker is someone who illegally accesses systems.

Dang, I thought you said gelded .

See translucent and transparent.

See translucent and transparent.

Liar? Simplistic definitions are rarely the whole truth.

A couple years ago I would have agreed with you but all languages evolve.

guesstimate
n : an estimate that combines reasoning with guessing [syn: guestimate]
v : estimate based on a calculation

On one hand, suing spammers; on the other, forcing providers to disclose customer activity. It's dancing with the devil.

-sig. Beware of he who would deny you access to information, for in his heart he dreams himself your master.

Gimlet-eyed? Had to go look it up at. What an odd expression, especially given the second definition of gimlet as given by. (It means "having keen vision")

Gimlet-eyed? Had to go look it up at. What an odd expression, especially given the second definition of gimlet as given by. (It means "having keen vision")

> Well, you also have to look at the root meaning of words. Broad and Band.

Actually the term was coined and is meant as one single word.
The oposit is baseband

Also the dictonary agrees with me :}


broadband

adj 1: of or relating to or being a communications network in which the bandwidth can be divided and shared by multiple simultaneous signals (as for voice or data or video) 2: responding to or operating at a wide band of frequencies; "a broadband antenna"

communications - A transmission medium capable of supporting a
wide range of frequencies, typically from audio up to video
frequencies. It can carry multiple signals by dividing the
total capacity of the medium into multiple, independent
bandwidth channels, where each channel operates only on a
specific range of frequencies.


In the case of DSL, its IP and phone.
In the case of cable, its IP and video/audio.

In the case of ISDN, a modem, or a T1, its all Data.
Even a modem is only data OVER a voice medium.. modems use phonelines, which are audio only.
ISDN is the reverse, its voice OVER data. But ISDN is data only. As its T1 and greater (Which is just ISDN as well)

> The solution? require ISPs to list the speed on the front page. but then, they'd
> have to think about reasonable rates... what a phenomenon! Just think if starband
> had to start advertising 256k/128k for ONLY $79/month!!

That however is 100% correct, and companys should have to do this.
Of course that lets them scam people less, so they wont. But heres to hoping with ya :}

> Sorry to disappoint you, but language is not static, and "broadband" has come to
> mean "high capacity." That's just the way it is.

I don't care what it has come to mean to a few people. Those few are wrong. That's just the way it is.

If you plan to redefine a word from what its been since the word was made, atleast have the decency to say so and not expect others to magically understand.

Why even have words if the meanings are totally different and random from person to person? Thats why a language aggrees that a word means one particular thing, then its defined. That is what the dictonary is handy for.

Websters defines broadband as:

broadband

adj 1: of or relating to or being a communications network in which the bandwidth can be divided and shared by multiple simultaneous signals (as for voice or data or video) 2: responding to or operating at a wide band of frequencies; "a broadband antenna"


Other than in the marketing department of US based cable/dsl companys, and thus in their customers imaginations, where else is broadband known to mean anything other than what the dictionary defines it as?

I guess you believe everything you hear on TV or that is forced down your throat from a corporation.

Wow, you do get around, don't you moron? For the benefit of other readers, and because this rude asshole just doesn't get it, here's what he's referring to, which he childisly had to reply to with a particularly shitty reponse, proving he has nothing to add to the debate.

You see, had you taken economics 101 along with business 101 you'd have learned the difference between a socialist system and a free-market, or capitalist system. Here's a shitty Term Paper, as in a few years, when you take grade 10 business studies (if your shitty school offers it), you might just need it.

In a socialist system, everyone enjoys the same level of service, or lack of it. In the case of the USPS (a clearly socialist institute, by definition) this has worked to its advantage, however in the case of other socialist systems, such as the medicare system your neighbours to the North enjoy, it's a serious disadvantage.

Normally, for services that are totally optional, in a free-market, or capitalist society bidding occurrs. Top bids get the job, low bids looks elsewhere until they meet up with someone who can provide them the service they want, normally at the expense of quality, quantity, or both.

Anything more I need to clear up for you before you graduate from primary school? If you would like I can define the terms over 5 letters, in case you have trouble with words like "elsewhere", "quality", and "disadvantage".

My only question, though, is how you ever learned to use a computer, yet were somehow unable to learn even the most basic concepts from our dictionary. Your type will remain a conundrum to me for some time, I'm afraid.

Wow, you do get around, don't you moron? For the benefit of other readers, and because this rude asshole just doesn't get it, here's what he's referring to, which he childisly had to reply to with a particularly shitty reponse, proving he has nothing to add to the debate.

You see, had you taken economics 101 along with business 101 you'd have learned the difference between a socialist system and a free-market, or capitalist system. Here's a shitty Term Paper, as in a few years, when you take grade 10 business studies (if your shitty school offers it), you might just need it.

In a socialist system, everyone enjoys the same level of service, or lack of it. In the case of the USPS (a clearly socialist institute, by definition) this has worked to its advantage, however in the case of other socialist systems, such as the medicare system your neighbours to the North enjoy, it's a serious disadvantage.

Normally, for services that are totally optional, in a free-market, or capitalist society bidding occurrs. Top bids get the job, low bids looks elsewhere until they meet up with someone who can provide them the service they want, normally at the expense of quality, quantity, or both.

Anything more I need to clear up for you before you graduate from primary school? If you would like I can define the terms over 5 letters, in case you have trouble with words like "elsewhere", "quality", and "disadvantage".

My only question, though, is how you ever learned to use a computer, yet were somehow unable to learn even the most basic concepts from our dictionary. Your type will remain a conundrum to me for some time, I'm afraid.

Perhaps you should check a dictionary.

http://dictionary.reference.com/search?q=burglariz e

~Philly

>"Loose" is an adjective.

It is also a verb.

v. loosed, loosing, looses
v. tr.
- To let loose; release: loosed the dogs.
- To make loose; undo: loosed his belt.
- To cast loose; detach: hikers loosing their packs at camp.
- To let fly; discharge: loosed an arrow.
- To release pressure or obligation from; absolve: loosed her from the responsibility.
- To make less strict; relax: a leader's strong authority that was loosed by easy times.

And, amazingly, look at the last definition. Oops! Perhaps it was a grammar, rather than a spelling error.

Do the rest of us a favor who do not see an FBI agent around every corner, stop calling every administrative attempt to restrict a display of objectional art to children censorship.

Definition of censor. The FBI is hardly needed to meet the definition. Also, if that "administrative attempt" is at a public school where children are - by law - required to spend about 1/4 to 1/2 their waking time (during the school year) then they deserve every constitutional protection. Yes, yes, private schools exist. In practice, only so many people can afford that option. Those required to pay for and utilize the public school system have every right to oppose any "administrative attempt".

They are? Damn those dictionary people!

• Fighting a risk of heart disease
• Pleasing the physician
• Complying with social expectations
• Looking more like a movie star
• Experimenting with human engineering
• Adapting to a new lifestyle
• "Feeling better"
• ...

flip.

(See the adjectival sense).

Hope that helps.

Consult, and

Consultant: One who gives expert or professional advice

In other words, it's the consultant's job to give advice. If they're making a bad decision, it's your job to give them advice as to why it is bad, and/or alternate routes.
If they still do not heed the advice... make sure you have something in writing and then your job is done.

Consult, and

Consultant: One who gives expert or professional advice

In other words, it's the consultant's job to give advice. If they're making a bad decision, it's your job to give them advice as to why it is bad, and/or alternate routes.
If they still do not heed the advice... make sure you have something in writing and then your job is done.

Made up my mind about what? All i'm trying to say is that often times people get confused and it's not the best course of action to blindly respond to such queries with "RTFM," or a similarly rude statement. While there is some onus on the users to execute their part of the bargain, idealy, some effort should be made to help the ones who have acted responsibly, but still need help. If you don't want to take the time to figure out who is who, then your user base is better off if you don't bother replying at all. Let someone else do it. I'm having trouble seeing exactly what part of that you are objecting to.....

elisist - someone who believes in rule by an elite group ant: egalitarian (from Wordnet )

This is exactly what I'm talking about. The whole RTFM business is "once you know what you are talking about, you are allowed into our society." One of the earlier posters even mentioned how A'rpi complained because his project was in the control of the linux newbie crowd. How is that not elitism?

And according to American Heritage Dictionary, through Dictionary.com my use of the word "ass" to describe a stupidly self important person is not an expletive.

Shaman

Dystopia, right?

I prefer the term dystopia.

Thanks for the link to the main wired page. I was wondering what this Wired thing was.

Nice job. You just redefined "overrated".

If, "To overrate" means "To rate or value too highly." (And it does), then "overrated" means "rated or valued too highly."

Agreed? He thinks Star Wars is valued too highly by the majority. If it were not valued highly by the majority, then it would not be possible for it to be overrated. His use of the word is completely proper, whether or not you agree.

BTW, some moderator is hilarious. You've been modded underrated.

Not mercurially illegal but stifling competition.

"You keep using that word - I do not think it means what you think it means."

Def. of mercurial

It seems only librarians are able to appreciate the meaning of this:

[The United States]Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.

Fear of prosecution for reading is the corollary to abridging the freedom of speech.

In reading the responses of some of the (probably younger) technophiles here at /. who see the end in libraries and librarians forget that there are people who still *use* libraries for their reading materials, reference and enjoyment. Beware /.ers! You scream when your electronic "rights" of privacy are violated but seem far too quick to sacrifice the rights of those who don't fit in your clique of 'libraries are old school, the web is the only way'. Beware the pendulum of opinion, it swings like the sword: both ways.

Last I checked there were about 85,000 full text books on the web for free. That's less than roughly .02% of all the books ever published.(Correct me if I'm wrong!) I want to go to my library (and web site) and read whatever I like without having the latest incarnation of a Cloaked Big Brother leaning over my shoulder looking for Thought Crimes.

Hey, you dumbass motherfucker, elegy is a word. See here for proof. Don't fucking post if you don't know what the shit you're talking about. Assholes like you are what's wrong with Slashdot. Go back to sucking Taco's cock and stfu. plzdiekthxbye!

> I don't support people shutting down freeways... but those people are not necessarily terrorists.

They're interfering with a public service for the purpose of a political/ideological agenda. That's fairly close to terrorism according to dictionary.com.

You might want to think before you post the next time. According to dictionary.com (which is quoting The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language) the word does exist. See for you yourself

http://dictionary.reference.com/search?q=stealing

Committing a crime? Yes. Stealing? No, in the definition of the word, it is not stealing. I am not taking someone's physical property. There is a difference...

Let's see...I don't have the book in front of me, but a dim recollection seems to bring back:

1) bunches of boys spending all their time together NAKED.
2) The scenes in battle-room or whatever where there would be a ball of boys around one who, after much tension, is ejected (ejaculated?) at the other team.
3) The fact that the aliens are called Buggers. (look down to the slang definition about sodomy.)

Just go ahead and read the book again. It's really quite amazing to notice. And I'm not just saying that because I was an English Major.

• Whether conj.
  
  1. Used in indirect questions to introduce one alternative: We should find out whether the museum is open.