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Slashback: Wireless, Gasoline, Prevarication
It's not a feature, it's a bug.
A representative from Macrovision writes "This statement is being issued to address some concerns that were recently aired on Slashdot with regards to the copy protection of some music CDs, the new Beastie Boys CD in Europe in particular.
Macrovision does NOT install any spyware, shareware, malware or any self-replicating code of any kind onto a user's PC.
When playing a (Macrovision CDS-200) copy-protected CD for the first time, playback software components may be installed, if needed. This software is used to enable the on-disc music player to load an on-screen user interface and to play back the audio. For further information, please contact: cds-info@macrovision.com."
Seems to me that a CD which that requires any software installed for it to be played by a standard CD drive is by definition at least "brokenware," or perhaps "meddleware." What if it's being used in a computer without an operating system supported by these "playback software components"?
Definitional evasion aside, so far CD "copy protection" is mostly about as effective as critics proclaim it to be: ptorrone writes "There has been a lot of talk about the copy protection on the new CD 'Contraband' from Velvet Revolver, but for us we didn't have any problems making MP3s for all our devices despite their efforts to stop us it seems. Here's our story..."
MSN Search pales next to Google, so far. An anonymous reader writes "Reported earlier today here on Slashdot, MSN is preparing a new search engine which is set to knock Google's socks off. However, early results show that not only is the new algorithm lacking enough smarts to knock Google as king, it doesn't even compete with the current MSN algorithm."
Open wide and say "ARRL!" dos4who writes "Well, the ARRL Field Day 2004 results are in, and posted on The The American Radio Relay League website. In the Single Operator High-Power class, congratulations to W5ZN for logging a score well over 600,000!
I had the opportunity to witness the Abbotsford, British Columbia club in action, and it was an awesome experience. Just the sight of all those massive antennae clustered on one field invoked visions of E.T. popping in for a visit."
And william_lorenz writes "Our own group from Ohio made contacts all over the United States and had a great time doing it, camping out in tents and running multiple battery-operated radios and make-shift antennas throughout the day and night. We even played with some Slow Scan TV! What are your stories?"
Seems unlikely it's the only country not to have done so ... bluethundr writes "On the flipside of a story from yesterday the Register reports today: 'Malam Nuhu Ribadu says Nigeria is the only country in the world that has failed to apply special laws or establish dedicated "front offices" to combat the crimes.'"
Are you pumping what you think you're pumping? couch_warrior writes "It was noted in a recent /. inquiry that EPA estimates of mileage vary from real-life experience. While there are several factors that can affect this, one major but often overlooked factor is that the amount of gasoline contained in a supposed 'gallon' varies by up to 10% due to gas pump fraud. Two illustrative stories show localized evidence of this scam, but few states regulate gas pumps effectively. The laws are on the books, but enforcement is typically lax. Cynics might speculate that this is because both the State and the Fed are getting a cut of the illegal proceeds. It is a way for them to increase the tax revenue on fuel, without taking the political hit for raising taxes. A challenge for /. readers -- go buy some gasoline in graduated containers, and check for yourself [avoid 1,5, and 10 gallon sizes; many states use these for testing purposes and the computers inside the pumps 'catch up' temporarily at these intervals]. Persons of conscience might feel motivated to flood their local state weights and measures bureau with complaints (if test results warranted :-)"
Never beam your secrets in a cornfield. bgumm writes "Hot on the heels of the Texas DOT's WiFi stories, here comes one from the corn state, Iowa. The Iowa DOT and an Iowan wireless network company, I-Spot Access, have partnered to offer WiFi at six highway rest stops across the state. USA Today picked up the story, as did the Des Moines Register..."
And for those in a state too backward to have rest-stop WiFi just yet, Porsupah writes "WirelessWeek is reporting that Ricochet has been sold on again; this time, to YDI Wireless. Bay Area readers may fondly remember the company as bringing flat-rate 28.8k wireless connectivity to all of the area several years ago for $30/mo, before expanding aggressively to cover several other major US metropolitan areas, financed by MCI, with a nominal 128kbps service at $75/mo. After bankruptcy, Aerie Networks bought some of the remnants, relaunched in San Diego and Denver, and then.. nothing. What next?"
It's all lies.
From the FlexBeta article:
Microsoft is working on a new search engine algorithm which is supposed to compete with Google, now that they have upped their hotmail storage in responce to Gmail's arrival.
Correct me if I'm wrong, but Hotmail has upgraded neither their free accounts nor their paid accounts as of yet. I'm still stuck at 78%, and I have no more than a few MB of mail in my hotmail account.
If it's not redbook, it's not a CD!
This comment does not necessarily represent the views and opinions of the author.
...always gas up in 10-gallon increments.
I haven't seen the software myself, nor yet found a detailed technical analysis, so I can only speculate beyond that point. But from the descriptions I've seen, I would not doubt that it continues running, even when the CD is not actually playing, using some amount of memory and some small number of CPU cycles. Can you imagine if every audio CD you own installed its own little software in this manner? Personally, I own around 300 CDs, which is not nearly as many as some of my friends. I surely wouldn't want 300 such applications intalled on my system!
...is total and complete FUD. Come on... they searched for "Olympic gold metals." You can't judge the accuracy of the search engine by a query that only finds mistakes. And the number-one Google result for "fastest processor currently available" claimed it to be the Athlon 1.3GHz.
Overall, the biggest problem with the new MSN search seems to be that it doesn't ignore words like "the" and "what" which shouldn't be in your search in the first place. I hate Microsoft and their anticompetitive tactics just as much as the next guy, but how is this article any better?
Karma: Segmentation fault (tried to dereference a null post)
Does anyone think that microsoft may try to capitalize on people's fears of Google having complete access to email and the like? Seems like it might be a good option for them to attempt even though it would be pure hypocrisy.
GroupShares Inc. - A Free and Interactive Stock Market Community
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artlu.net
A challenge for /. readers -- go buy some gasoline in graduated containers, and check for yourself [avoid 1,5, and 10 gallon sizes; many states use these for testing purposes and the computers inside the pumps 'catch up' temporarily at these intervals].
:-)
All right, from now on, whenever I buy gas, I'll make sure to buy exactly 5.000 gallons
I don't want to get ripped off.
Remember the days when Republicans were the party of fiscal responsibility?
seems to be the American way of doing buisness thesedays
How old are you? One?
When I moved back from switzerland where I had a dual ISDN line in 1994 to santa cruz, i got a ricochet modem. It was really wonderful, albeit very slow. I could go up into the hills between my house and UCSC and sit out on the field, something i can't do too efficiently nowadays. It was fun while it lasted!
Assuming this is correct, of course. Also, according to this, copyright protected discs are only banned from using the CDDA logo.
More accurately, "If it's not redbook, it's not CDDA!"
I've ALWAYS wondered whether or not I'm getting a full gallon, or how accurate those pumps are at gas stations. It doesn't really make me feel good to realize my paranoia was right. I mean it's SO easy, and can be done in such a way that's very hard to detect. If I cut 1 ounce on every gallon of gas I pump who is to say I did it and it isn't just the pump which is a bit inaccurate? Not that it matters, but there ought to be a way that our CARS can tell how much gas has been put into them.
"he drew his sword Ringil that glittered like ice... and he wounded Morgoth with seven wounds..."
I go to school in Iowa and my parents live in Texas, so I drive across both states pretty frequently. TxDOT doesn't spend a lot of money on rest stop maintenance, so there may be WiFi, but the bathrooms are nasty. (Iowa rest stops are very nicely outfitted, however, but that's not too surprising, since I-80 is one of the major freight corridors in the US.)
Dance like nobody's watching. Sing like you're in the shower. Fuck like you're being filmed.
That CD protection software doesn't sound like malware, but more like a step behind in programming by using proprietary software. Hopefully one day we can rid ourselves of proprietary things and get to using standards. I bet those CD decryptor programs are Windows-only also. Blargh...
'Yes, firefox is indeed greater than women. Can women block pops up for you? No. Can Firefox show you naked women? Yes.'
For those who travel cheap, a lot of KOAs are also being wired as hot spots. Unfortunately, the access charges tend to be rather steep. I was told at the KOA in Cedar City, Utah that it'd be $3.95 for one hour of access. I get the impression that flat-rate packages are a much better deal, though.
Microsoft delenda est!
That's tracking the user's habits, thus spyware.
I don't think this would hold up in any court anywhere. I think that the company can assume that when you buy a DVD you view it at least one time(s). It isn't spyware unless this information is sent somewhere.
"he drew his sword Ringil that glittered like ice... and he wounded Morgoth with seven wounds..."
EPA estimates of mileage vary from real-life experience
I've noticed this with my hummer. Its EPA highway mileage was 1.5 mpg but with a nice tail wind I can get it up to 1.7!
I think I'd be scared too if I saw a field full of gigantic insects
ahem.
Umm...my milage figures are pretty accurate by my best guesses. It's consistant, and my car actually keeps track of it's milage, both in real time, and over the last 99+ gallons of gas used. It's a pontiac bonneville, but I think quite a few of GM's line has the same features.
The Xbox doesn't recognise all CDs out there - had a Smashmouth single I tried to read on my brothers' xbox and it wouldn't recognise it at all...
;^)
Just pointing this out as the link to the mp3's from Velvet Revolver story made it seem like the Xbox would work with every audio CD.
(and note to the Grammar Nazis - yes, it should be "brothers'" not "brother's" - I have 2 brothers who share the console
Seems to me that a CD which that requires any software installed for it to be played by a standard CD drive is by definition at least "brokenware," or perhaps "meddleware."
Perhaps "muddleware" -- as in I'll keep muddling through it until it works or my computer bursts into flames -- or "muggleware," the stuff that software wizards hate.
Well, at least you didn't say "Grammar Nazi's" or "Grammar Nazis'."
The picture in the Des Moines register is me! ( http://dmregister.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/2 0040630/NEWS08/406300350/1001&lead=1
I was driving out to visit family in Michigan, and stopped at that rest stop & noticed they had free wireless access.
The funny thing is, it didn't work. I could connect to the access point, but I couldn't get beyond that (traceroutes, pings, and any other access stopped at the AP). The photographer called the the iDot people responsible for it, and the telco guys were heading over to fix it, but I didn't stick around.
I like a multitude of search engines, and I find google to be harder and harder to get reviews out of. I've gotten better but so have the google bombers. (although to be honest this effects most search engines.)
,
I have to put a few words in that a sales page won't have (sharpness for lenses saturation for printers etc..) to hunt down the reviews.
Besides google I've been using Teoma
yahoo
About.com (which sometimes is junky but pretty good for some topics
and when looking hard voila.com which despite having to select "world" instead of "france" works well..
And outside of the courts, that definition has nothing to do with the usual use of "spyware" in the computer world. I've never heard anyone suggest that, say, KDE's running kpersonalizer on first startup constitutes "spyware".
What I'm listening to now on Pandora...
I like the old fashioned way of doing it. Just watering down the gas. No gimicky reprogramming of gas pump electronics.
seems to be the American way of doing buisness thesedays
How old are you? One?
I just saw a History Channel show about the gold rush and copper rush in the 1800s. Seems that the smog and toxic fumes produced from smelting was passed off to the town's people as "good for the complexion" of young women.
Yeah, what a load of crap.
"Mommy, my eyes are watering and its hard to breathe!"
"Quiet Johnny, its good for mommy's skin."
-- If we don't stand up for our rights, now, there will be no right to stand up for them later.
Leave your graduated cylinder at home -- It is illegal to pump gas into a non-approved container. A better idea would be to fit a flow meter on the end of the nozzle while you're filling your car. Then you can not only track discrepancies, but you can find out if the pump "makes up for it" at the 5- or 10-gallon mark.
ooops.. I even previewed...
oh well..
On the other side MSN (and also Yahoo) use "soul-sucking" redirect links on the serch results, instead of direct links. That way they track what you click in.
In the aspect of privacy concerns, I prefer choosing not using a particular email service than copy and paste the url of every result im interested in.
And one curiosity: Microsoft seens to put high wheight on links already clicked, I searched (in another browser) the terms Ive searched before in my tests (low used terms) and the ones Ive clicked are now on the top.
What also generated a bizzar effect, one of the sites Ive clicked returned now 11 results (in the first page) and the term Ive search are secundaries on those pages (internal links for the same page).
PS.: Goggle also use redirect links, but in very rare ocassions that I couldnt determine exactly (it have happended to me just a couple of times)
About the quality of the results, its a shame. It couldnt find two informational sites I own (although, in one case, all the resulting pages had links to my site) and in the other case the top results were very shallow (term used once in the middle of the text and the sites werent about the subject) even existing thounsands of sites specifically about the subject.
Google and yahoo find those two sites easily
You'd better know what you're doing, or you're wasting your time. According to the article:
I have a feeling that most "graduated containers" that people have are going to have the same issue. Then again, I imagine that the Slashdot community just might be made up of a slightly higher percentage of scientifically-minded individuals. ;-) So, perhaps a few of you might actually have a realistic chance at accuracy. Just bear in mind that the state is going to be using precisely-calibrated instruments, and know how to use them. You'd best do the same, or you'll just look like an idiot.
It's possible, although I can't be sure, that there was a post between you two. When things get moderated low enough on slashdot, they disappear, and the replies are "reparented," which leads to confusing things like this.
The only issue here is that the gas station can and will call the police on you for pumping gas into an unlicensed container, and if you happen to get away before they do... they already have your license plate, photo, and likely depending on how you paid your name, address and phone number. Anyone see any 2,3,4,6,7,8, or 9 gallon graduated cylinders lately licensed to hold gasoline?
This make sense to me. I have a bad habit of driving around until the red "get gas now" light comes on. I've noticed a difference of plus or minus a gallions in how many gallon I buy when I fill up. Funny thing the mom and pop gass station always takes the least. And Costco takes the most.
It doesn't matter that it is a joke. What matters to the record companies is that you have to take pro-active measures to defeat it (holding down the shift button included). That is the trigger for the anti-circumvention clause in the DMCA, and that is what they will be able to go after you for. Defeating the anti-circumvention device is a crime they can send you to jail for, as they can't get you for a free-use copy for your car mp3 player, and non-free-use copyright infringement isn't exactly up there with murder in the eyes of most judges/juries or the law.
I guess this means if you rip it with GRIP in Linux or with iTunes on the Mac, you're in the clear DMCA wise.....
~.~
I'm a peripheral visionary.
Seems to me that a CD which that [sic] requires any software installed for it to be played by a standard CD drive is by definition at least "brokenware," or perhaps "meddleware." What if it's being used in a computer without an operating system supported by these "playback software components"?
...
... This 'desktop war' is a straw man. Record companies should be fighting the "boot CD" war, and take it to the 'game console' level of ease-of-use ...
What if its a boot CD that comes with its own operating system, and if you want to play it in your computer, you just boot from the CD?
I can see music companies going in this direction; after all they have enjoyed a very lucrative relationship with audio components such as the CD and DVD player, whose sole task (opposed to the PC's multi-tasking) while you are using them is to serve a single task: playing an artists' audio CD.
How long until we see a smash underground 'demo CD' from a rockin' new act that uses vmlinuz and a custom 'record company distro' to play their tunes for you on your PC, single-task use only like... ?
PC's operating system is its strength, and weakness. The fact that anyone can have that processor running any OS they want, at any time, is an often overlooked fact;; music-co's are only suffering at the hands of mp3, because they've ignored the bigger picture: if they come to the table with their own boot CD's, in a way which breaks rules for rock and roll reasons, then suddenly the PC is a PSX2, and its a new world order for music and video artists
I'd quite happily boot my tiBook with a new CD from an artist, if it contained shit and did shit I'd never seen before on my PC, and if there were a way for me to turn off my hard dis (i.e. physically disconnect my USB ram-chip, or something...)
That shouldn't be too hard to do, now
; -- the corruption of government starts with its secrets. a truly free people keep no secrets. --
25gals? Pfft.. My old '91 Dodge D150 with its little 5.2L v8 takes 30something gal's to fill :-/
Ive found that when you "pay at the pump" the pumps stop at $50...you then have to reswipe the card to get more.
I have to return some videotapes...
I've no affiliation with Costco, but how many gallons it takes to fill up until the auto-shutoff is triggered is not necessarily a good indication of whether you are being short-changed. There could easily be a gallon difference in shutoff levels between two gas stations. While filling a gas tank higher does add some risk of it expanding (see other comments about gas expanding up to two percent for a reasonable temperature range) and overflowing, most people drive enough soon after filling up to make the spill risk from thermal expansion a nonissue.
However, mom and pop stores may have determined it was cheaper to give you more gas than it was to try and get the calibration closer and risk fines for dispensing too little. Sort of like bakers giving out 13 instead of a dozen to avoid serious penalties for shortchanging their customers.
An interesting sidenote, this article has encouraged me to buy gas in the morning while it is cool instead of afternoons and has given me another reason (the dispensed fuel is typically hotter than that in the tanks at the gas station) to not visit a gas station right after it has received more fuel from a tanker truck (the primary reason not to fill up at a station that just received more fuel is that sediment in the tank is stirred up).
Pumps do drift in calibration, but they are calibrated to measure at max. output rate into free air, which allows for a certain amount of vapour, bubbling etc. Stick the nozzle in the tank, crack the valve open and fill as slowly as you can stand - the pump now under-reads the delivered quantity, because it is delivering against static pressure.
Try it; I've regularly achieved 7-10% more for free on a whole tankful. That's a big deal here in the UK, at 80p+ /litre - about $5.20/US gallon - and no, I don't feel the least bit bad about cheating the Taxman in this way.
Note that many pump are set to time-out after a few minutes to avoid the potential for being left running onto the forecourt.
As a motorcycle rider I can tell you that the gas coming out of the pump is quite cool on even a hot day.
When riding on a hot day, having a cool gastank between your legs feels really nice.
So the time of day probably doesn't matter all that much, unless there's something else to this that I missed.