No, actually, the reason I think that radio sucks is because radio currently does, in fact, suck.
And, to be fair, for the most part, it's always been hard to hear anything decent on the radio. The difference is that, 10 or 15 years ago, in larger markets, the DJs would occasionally play a local band JUST BECAUSE THEY WANTED TO. Not because their corporation wanted to be the first to break a new band on radio, not because the "band was situated to enter the market," but because the DJ like the way the band sounded, and thought the listeners might, too. A good example of this was a local band from Austin called the Asylum Street Spankers. Fun band, does modern riffs off of old-style music, lots of swing, old-style country stuff with titles like "I Was Flannel When Flannel Wasn't Cool" slamming Johnny-come-latelys in various scenes and "Beer" explaining the singers preference of beer over any other drug. Generally fun stuff, well liked by the college crowd in the market. On one of the local stations, an alternative/college rock station, a DJ decided to play one of their songs and was promptly put on the vampire shift, for "playing music not in line with the station format and our corporate strategy." Now, don't misunderstand me, I know that that type of crap happened before the corporations got involved, but it was less frequent. You know why? Because, in order for that DJ to get that song played, he would have had to talk to one person, who could have simply given him a "Yes" or "No" answer, rather than putting in a request to four different departments, clearing it with legal, etc. Ultimately, the reason that radio stations suck these days is that their programming decisions are made less and less by people who love music, and more and more by beancounters and lawyers.
However, opinions vary, and you are welcome to yours. Thank you for some intersting comments on the current state of the music industry. Unfortunately, I simply cannot agree that replacing mom-and-pop radio stations with corporate affiliates is any better than replacing mom-and-pop stores with Wal-Marts. Ultimately, you reach a point where no matter what store you go to, they're all Wal-Marts or Targets or K-Marts, and you have to buy the same crap.
You'll note that AFTRA did not start requiring this until AFTER the American Association of Advertising Agencies started requiring its members to pay additional for their ads being simulcast on the internet. Ultimately, the radio stations are to blame for what's happened to them, due to their own greed. However, as Clear Channel and its ilk are wont to do, they'll pass the screwing on to you! "Damn AFTRA for saying that if you get paid twice for an artist's work that the artist should get paid twice as well. It's all the artists that are making us shut off your internet broadcast, not the radio stations trying to get something for nothing, rather than pay the artists their cut."
Fucking radio corporations. For the record, the reason that you don't hear anything decent on the radio anymore is, for a large part, due to the fact that approximately 90% of radio stations are owned by three companies. For an excellent article on the subjct of why radio currently sucks, check out Pay for Play on Salon.
Um, actually, no I didn't. If you had read my post, I addressed this. I quote:
I choose to ONLY participate in the life sciences group, which includes the cancer research study. Thus far, I have never seen my machine be used for anything outside of that group.
I would say that 80% of the time I've logged on UD has been cancer research related, at least if 10 hours at my machine a day at random times can be considered statistically useful. Oh, and, by the way, IMO I did not, in fact jump to conclusions. Opinions vary.
Additionally, if you've read some of the other posts, you'll realize that the research does not, in fact, go directly to a corp, it goes to a cancer research institute, who may or may not choose to patent it and/or sell it to a corporation. Whether they do or not, I'llsleep better knowing that I've done what I can, no matter how meager that may be, to fight cancer. How bout you?
Gee, it's great that you'd rather "fight the power" than do anything to help find a cure for cancer. Ya know what? I'm willing to cozy up to a corporation if it means taking a shot at finding a cure. Does that mean that some of the time they'll be whoring my computer and connection out for other stuff? Fine, as long as some of the time they're using it to look for a cure, or researching gene therapy, or one of the other things found in the life sciences section of the UD website. Oh, but I guess you didn't take a look at that, did you? No, you were too busy flaming them for being corporate and closed-source and *eek!* trying to make a profit. You know, it's assholes like you that give open-source a bad name, the fanatics that believe that nothing closed is good, and who insist that if someone is profitting from an activity that it must, by nature, be bad.
You disgust me.
Now, for those of you who want an alternate point of view, here goes. I am not affiliated in any way with UD, other than that I run their client from my work machine. I went into this fully understanding that UD is a for-profit group. But guess what? Unlike what Michael says, you CAN pick what groups you participate in. I choose to ONLY participate in the life sciences group, which includes the cancer research study. Thus far, I have never seen my machine be used for anything outside of that group. Ah, but I guess they could be doing it at night when I'm not around, those corporate bastards, right?
Ultimately, your cpu spends a big chunk of time cooling its heels. You can put it to use trying to cure cancer, which benefits everyone. Alternately, have it try to break encryption, which benefits primarily geeks, or look for aliens, which most likely will do not one damned bit of good. It's your call. But Michael? Before you can have righteous indignation, you've got do have a good reason. Your argument that this "redefines philanthropy" is bullshit. Philanthropy is "The effort or inclination to increase the well-being of humankind, as by charitable aid or donations," according to dictionary I had lying around. I choose to donate my cycles to look for a cure for cancer. This is for the betterment of mankind, even if that cure is patented, packaged, and sold by a corporation. The cure still exists, which is a step forward.
At first, I thought Katz had posted this one. It's that damned clueless. The navigation system in Oni, while good, is good for a reason. It's been done before in various forms. Christ, they used that navigation system in Wing Commander I! I'm trying to figure out why they chose to highlight Oni in this case. It's kind of fun, attempting to mix martial arts and guns, but not all that deeply engaging. Deus Ex, above, is much better, IMHO. Of course, that's a little over six months old now! Gasp!
You know, now that I think about it, didn't they use a slightly less robust version of this nav system in Marathon, Bungie's FIRST major release?
As a simpler version, how many of you remember the phone numbers that you have on speed-dial on your primary phone? Now this is just anecdotal, of course, but I've got a friend who started using speed dial a few years ago and quickly added all of his numbers to his primary phone. These days, not only does he have trouble remembering the numbers on the speed dial, he admits that he has more trouble remembering NEW phone numbers as well. As easy as it is to dismiss this out of hand, I'd definitely say it's worthy of further study, even if the results of that indicate that something in your lifestyle is *gasp* detrimental to you.
Let's back up a bit, shall we? I've played various roleplaying games since I was 8, when I started with (surprise) D&D. I still say this movie is utter and complete crap. It's not a matter of failing to understand the background material (how many people had read the X-Men comics before seeing the movie? How many people saw that film?), it's that the filmmakers had their heads firmly lodged in their asses on how to bring the material to the screen. Movies should not require a concordance to watch.
As far as the target audience, who cares that it's for kids? When did "made for kids" suddenly have to equal "utter unwatchable crap for adults?" As much as I hate to admit it, at least Disney usually tries to give a couple of sly asides to parents in their better films. And if you want to take your kids to a good family film, try Iron Giant.
Beyond that, I think it's pretty fucking hypocritical to say that something is made for kids when it's got a PG-13 slapped all over it for violence. Yeah, why don't we just cut out the middle man and have little Billy watch Saving Private Ryan instead?
Um, it's understandable that the FBI seized his property immediately. Not doing so would be utterly incompetent. Let's put it this way: I am the cracker that trashed the Yankees' site. The FBI come to question me, then leave without taking my systems, even though they have a warrant to do so. What's the first thing I do? Trash everything even tangentially associated with the crack on my system. Therefore, even though the guy who sent in the story was not the hacker, the only sensible procedure would be to confiscate the systems, because they believe he could be. Even though he gave them perfectly plausible explanations for his actions, they cannot know for certain.
To put it another way, let's say that I am a detective investigating a homicide. I find fingerprints and other physical evidence aroudn the crime scene. I get a warrant based on this evidence to search a possible suspect's house. When I get there, I question the suspect, who gives me perfectly plausible explanations for the evidence I have found, as well as an alibi that, if it checks out, precludes him from being guilty. However, I also find a handgun of the correct caliber that was used in the crime. Now, if the guy didn't commit the crime and everything checks out, I have no reason to take the weapon. However, if it doesn't, I should take the weapon and have it analyzed. Unfortunately, I will not know until after I have had a chance to check out his story which would be the correct course of action. Therefore, erring on the side of caution, I take the weapon as possible evidence. The police in the posted case, while overzealous if we assume that everything stated by the poster to be true, were in fact acting entirely appropriately if we do not know that his story is true. While it may be distasteful, the only other option is to leave evidence in the hands of those who might have something to gain by tampering with it.
Yes, it's entirely possible, even plausible thath they're paying most of the taxes (although I'd like to see some sources there). The important question, though, is "Should they?"
Ask your average American, and I have little doubt that they'll say "Yes." The reason the rich pay most of the taxes is that they can afford it. Let's say we shift it so that we go to a flat tax rate where everyone pays (for example) 20% taxes. Some guy making 7 figures a year will notice it, but only in the size of house he can afford. On the other hand, someone only barely in the double digits will be able to mark it by the number of meals he can have.
I know this is unbelievably naive, but I wish that people could just be good to each other. Christ, so much of this would be handled if people could look past what kind of car they're going to get this year, and whether it's cooler than the one Bob at work got. If people could see past their own greed, it would be obvious to them that making sure others don't go without is in their own best interest. Unfortunately, history is proven that humanity cannot hear the sound of our own demise until it's too late.
BOLLOCKS TO THAT, I SAY.
Get involved, try to make thing better, vote for the person who will make things better for the most people, even if that means you take one for the team. I hear the train rumbling down the tracks, and I don't want to be strapped to them when it gets here. I don't think any of us do.
It's sorta like you said, but you walk into my house and take something like my remote control and leave, causing me roughly 20$ in damages. Then the state prosecutes you for a felony charges you a 10,000$ fine and throws you in jail for 10 years.
Not quite accurate. What I would more likely get charged on would be multiple misdemeanors, including petty theft (the remote), breaking and entering, trespassing, destruction of private property, and (in some states) use of criminal tools in commission of a crime (using the crowbar for breaking in). All together, the jail time, and possibly the fine, would add up to the same as a low grade felony count. Beyond that, it's more than twenty dollars in damages, after figuring in the amount of time invloved in finding and closing the security holes, as well as possible lawsuits that could be brought (in the second case) against the school for "allowing" objectionable images and phrases to be placed on the web site.
I know a lot of folks are going to defend what was done here as just "showing where there are holes in a system" or "kids just playing around." I'll tell you what, why don't you just give me your address and I'll wander down to your house and see what security holes you have. Oh, it's a deadbolt. Well, with my trusty Cro-bar Mk. 1 , I can get around that. You need a stronger lock. Hrm, still got the other lock on the door. I'll just borrow that key under the mat (hey it's a security hole, and someone needs to show you that) and let myself in. Now, while I'm here, just to show you how easy it was and to show what coulkd happen if someone truly malicious (not me, oh Heavens no, I'm just showing you where there might be problems in your security), I'll trash your stereo or some other nonessential component of your living space and borrow your credit cards.
But I'm not a criminal, oh no. I'm just a more 733+ home security expert than you. You should thank me.
I say that if they've got proof beyond a reasonable doubt here that these little twits should be sent away for a few years to cool their heels. I'm so sick of people going "Well, I mean, I did these same things when I was a kid and I wasn't a criminal." No, you weren't, because there wasn't a law in place before. If you did some of the same things today, you would be. And don't give me the "well, they were just curious, kids are" line. There are plenty of legal ways to learn more about computers and systems security. Hell, do what we did. Have your friends set up a system hey think is secure and try to crack it. Learn. Repeat. But don't try to tell me that these kids aren't little thugs, because they are. Screw 'em, and I hope they get along with their new cellmates.
The last time that blatantly ignoring laws and having them repealed worked on a large scale in America was probably the Prohibition. For Christ's sake, in Texas people still get arrested for sodomy!
Look, I'm all for DeCSS being legal. Hell, I'd love to see the DMCA go down in flames. I think, much like most people here, I'd wager, that it's just another example of corporations beating down civil liberties in the name of progress. But this ain't the way to bring it down. Small acts of civil disobedience, nonviolent protest, these don't work anymore.
Before you say, "But look at what Gandhi and MLK accomplished with nonviolent protest," let me remind you that the main reason that Gandhi's protest worked was that it was a massive PR black-eye for the British empire. No chance of that here, as the corps are pressing as hard on other governemtns, and through media outlets, painting us as outlaws with a wide brush. The civil rights moment worked because they found a way to make it resonate with Joe Verage (no relation).
We haven't done that yet. And as long as we keep sneering at the laws as being outdated, playing up our role as technological rebels, and allowing the media to play us that way in turn, all we're going to cause for the average person is fear and confusion. Have you ever tried to explain the whole DeCSS thing to a non-techie? How often have you been told, "Well, hell, DVD players are cheap now, why don't you just get them at (insert chain store)"
So what's the solution? Hell, I wish I could tell you. Maybe it's time we got smart enough to try to take them on their own terms. Send money to the EFF, write your senator (and not e-mail, half of them can't spell SMTP), interest name artists in the cause. Get the word out through outlets besides the net, no matter how dumbed down you have to make it. I know that's blasphemy to a lot of people here, but it's the simple truth.
Really, is this surprising to anyone? In any organization that is both a) that large and b) almost impossible to get fired from, not seeing massive lapses in security would be more of a surprise. I'm utterly amazed the government got an overall passing grade, especially massive, tecnologically outdate behemoths like the DOE. Add to this the fact that for a while there the federal government was passing out security clearances like Halloween candy, and it's amazing that something weird like the Chinese ending up with American missile te... oh, wait.
"but should the privledge of 100mbit Internet connectivity be given to someone who hasn't 'earned' the privilege of having that type of influence on a public network? "
What a pile of shit. Tell me, oh barkode, what you have done to "earn" broadband access. For that matter, what criteria would you use to determine that? Beyond that, who gets to decide criteria for that?
I'll tell you. NO ONE. You don't get to. I don't get to. The government or the corporations might get to, but god help us if they do.
To put it another way, have you earned your right to vote? How bout your right to a trial? What about making a living wage?
I am so goddamned sick of this "aren't geeks great, we're so much better than everyone else" bullshit that gets bandied about on slashdot and other net forums. Just because you can program or set up a router or administer a server doesn't mean that you've "earned" the right to have broadband. The fact that you are alive, and that it is a technological feasability, and that it is an economic one = it should be possible for anyone to utilize it.
Let's put it another way. Have you earned the use of electricity generated by a power station? Did you have anything to do with any of the technological innovations that make it possible to run a modern power grid? No? But I'd bet you say that it is still your right to have access to it, as long as you're willing to pay for the electricity. Same thing with broadband. I'm not saying that everyone should be given broadband for free (although that would be pretty cool) but it should be available, if it is technologically feasible.
Which brings us back to the original point. One of the questions that you asked was whether it would be technologically feasible to give everyone broadband. The answer is "probably not." However, when it is, I suggest you step the fuck out of the way and let anyone who wants it have it. You are no more 733+ than anyone else. You might be able to configure a router. Can you remove someone's spleen without killing them? Can you operate construction equipment safely? No? Then shut the hell up about "earning" broadband. Let's see how far you get without doctors or construction workers, even those that don't know thing one about how their computers work.
Myabe I missed a meeting here. Since when did we start pinning medals on the chests of those who would break the law for their ideologies, when better alternatives were at hand. And don't give me the "America did it back in 1776" bs either. When the colonies broke away from England, they did it because all otehr avenues had been closed to them. They had petitioned, and sent people over to lobby, and all of this had failed. It was only when all legal attempts had failed that they resorted to violence.
You'll pardon me if I don't stand up and cheer a common vandal with an insular and xenophobic ideology behind him. If he really and truly despised McDonalds, he could have protested, or petitioned his government, or hell, even run for public office. But instead, he chose to be a thug. Hoo-ray.
Of course, that's just my opinion. Jon could be wrong.
Re:Don't put spoilers in the review!
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Calculating God
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The supernova thing is on the back of the jacket for the book. In fact, a chunk of the preview seems to be lifted from the back of the book.
Unfortunately for the world, it's hard to imagine a more poorly equipped society to deal with the Human Genome Project than the U.S.
Allow me to be the first to say...
What a pile of shit.
<sarcasm>Yeah, it's a shame Nazi Germany didn't have this technology first. Or your average tinpot dictator. Or Imperialist England, circa 1880. My god, think of what America might do with that technology! Why it could make life less fair for some people!</sarcasm>
Yeah, it's entirely possible that America and other countries will make bad decisions with the info gleaned from the human genome. Yes, we could end up with some nasty Orwellian future because of it. And, yes, we could also have nuked ourselves and our world into oblivion around 1960. But that didn't happen either. And while there exists in every new technology the potential for disaster, becoming so focused on that potential that we're paralyzed with indecision is a Bad Thing (tm).
Most people wouldn't think twice about opening a snail mail package addressed to them, even if it has not return address on it, and seems somewhat heavy. That's why the unabomber managed to rack up a pretty decent string before being caught. People don't tend to think that bad things will happen to them when they are using tools that they deal with everyday without understanding.
To put it another way, while most people think of themselves as fairly decent drivers, how often in the past week have you been cut off, or had the guy in front of you make a turn without signalling? People get so used to using tools that they become careless; this is compounded if the person doesn't understand how the tool that they are using works, or at least had it drilled into their heads the way to safely use the tool.
It's just a matter of time before people get more careful about opening things they're not sure are safe. I imagine Thag got a lot more careful with fire after watching Thog torch himself.
While I applaud the ingenuity of checking in Australia for black holes, I think they may wish to start with outer space, instead. Still, all those weird-ass animals have to be coming from somewhere.
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No, actually, the reason I think that radio sucks is because radio currently does, in fact, suck.
And, to be fair, for the most part, it's always been hard to hear anything decent on the radio. The difference is that, 10 or 15 years ago, in larger markets, the DJs would occasionally play a local band JUST BECAUSE THEY WANTED TO. Not because their corporation wanted to be the first to break a new band on radio, not because the "band was situated to enter the market," but because the DJ like the way the band sounded, and thought the listeners might, too. A good example of this was a local band from Austin called the Asylum Street Spankers. Fun band, does modern riffs off of old-style music, lots of swing, old-style country stuff with titles like "I Was Flannel When Flannel Wasn't Cool" slamming Johnny-come-latelys in various scenes and "Beer" explaining the singers preference of beer over any other drug. Generally fun stuff, well liked by the college crowd in the market. On one of the local stations, an alternative/college rock station, a DJ decided to play one of their songs and was promptly put on the vampire shift, for "playing music not in line with the station format and our corporate strategy." Now, don't misunderstand me, I know that that type of crap happened before the corporations got involved, but it was less frequent. You know why? Because, in order for that DJ to get that song played, he would have had to talk to one person, who could have simply given him a "Yes" or "No" answer, rather than putting in a request to four different departments, clearing it with legal, etc. Ultimately, the reason that radio stations suck these days is that their programming decisions are made less and less by people who love music, and more and more by beancounters and lawyers.
However, opinions vary, and you are welcome to yours. Thank you for some intersting comments on the current state of the music industry. Unfortunately, I simply cannot agree that replacing mom-and-pop radio stations with corporate affiliates is any better than replacing mom-and-pop stores with Wal-Marts. Ultimately, you reach a point where no matter what store you go to, they're all Wal-Marts or Targets or K-Marts, and you have to buy the same crap.
You'll note that AFTRA did not start requiring this until AFTER the American Association of Advertising Agencies started requiring its members to pay additional for their ads being simulcast on the internet. Ultimately, the radio stations are to blame for what's happened to them, due to their own greed. However, as Clear Channel and its ilk are wont to do, they'll pass the screwing on to you! "Damn AFTRA for saying that if you get paid twice for an artist's work that the artist should get paid twice as well. It's all the artists that are making us shut off your internet broadcast, not the radio stations trying to get something for nothing, rather than pay the artists their cut."
Fucking radio corporations. For the record, the reason that you don't hear anything decent on the radio anymore is, for a large part, due to the fact that approximately 90% of radio stations are owned by three companies. For an excellent article on the subjct of why radio currently sucks, check out Pay for Play on Salon.
Dealt with my own mortality a long time ago, thanks. And, actually, I'm not that bitter anymore. :)
I would say that 80% of the time I've logged on UD has been cancer research related, at least if 10 hours at my machine a day at random times can be considered statistically useful. Oh, and, by the way, IMO I did not, in fact jump to conclusions. Opinions vary.
Additionally, if you've read some of the other posts, you'll realize that the research does not, in fact, go directly to a corp, it goes to a cancer research institute, who may or may not choose to patent it and/or sell it to a corporation. Whether they do or not, I'llsleep better knowing that I've done what I can, no matter how meager that may be, to fight cancer. How bout you?
Yes, they do. I cleared it with the company president first, and there's about a dozen of us here doing it.
You disgust me.
Now, for those of you who want an alternate point of view, here goes. I am not affiliated in any way with UD, other than that I run their client from my work machine. I went into this fully understanding that UD is a for-profit group. But guess what? Unlike what Michael says, you CAN pick what groups you participate in. I choose to ONLY participate in the life sciences group, which includes the cancer research study. Thus far, I have never seen my machine be used for anything outside of that group. Ah, but I guess they could be doing it at night when I'm not around, those corporate bastards, right?
Ultimately, your cpu spends a big chunk of time cooling its heels. You can put it to use trying to cure cancer, which benefits everyone. Alternately, have it try to break encryption, which benefits primarily geeks, or look for aliens, which most likely will do not one damned bit of good. It's your call. But Michael? Before you can have righteous indignation, you've got do have a good reason. Your argument that this "redefines philanthropy" is bullshit. Philanthropy is "The effort or inclination to increase the well-being of humankind, as by charitable aid or donations," according to dictionary I had lying around. I choose to donate my cycles to look for a cure for cancer. This is for the betterment of mankind, even if that cure is patented, packaged, and sold by a corporation. The cure still exists, which is a step forward.
Next time, try thinking before you spew, moron.
At first, I thought Katz had posted this one. It's that damned clueless. The navigation system in Oni, while good, is good for a reason. It's been done before in various forms. Christ, they used that navigation system in Wing Commander I! I'm trying to figure out why they chose to highlight Oni in this case. It's kind of fun, attempting to mix martial arts and guns, but not all that deeply engaging. Deus Ex, above, is much better, IMHO. Of course, that's a little over six months old now! Gasp!
You know, now that I think about it, didn't they use a slightly less robust version of this nav system in Marathon, Bungie's FIRST major release?
As a simpler version, how many of you remember the phone numbers that you have on speed-dial on your primary phone? Now this is just anecdotal, of course, but I've got a friend who started using speed dial a few years ago and quickly added all of his numbers to his primary phone. These days, not only does he have trouble remembering the numbers on the speed dial, he admits that he has more trouble remembering NEW phone numbers as well. As easy as it is to dismiss this out of hand, I'd definitely say it's worthy of further study, even if the results of that indicate that something in your lifestyle is *gasp* detrimental to you.
The movie was SHIT.
Let's back up a bit, shall we? I've played various roleplaying games since I was 8, when I started with (surprise) D&D. I still say this movie is utter and complete crap. It's not a matter of failing to understand the background material (how many people had read the X-Men comics before seeing the movie? How many people saw that film?), it's that the filmmakers had their heads firmly lodged in their asses on how to bring the material to the screen. Movies should not require a concordance to watch.
As far as the target audience, who cares that it's for kids? When did "made for kids" suddenly have to equal "utter unwatchable crap for adults?" As much as I hate to admit it, at least Disney usually tries to give a couple of sly asides to parents in their better films. And if you want to take your kids to a good family film, try Iron Giant.
Beyond that, I think it's pretty fucking hypocritical to say that something is made for kids when it's got a PG-13 slapped all over it for violence. Yeah, why don't we just cut out the middle man and have little Billy watch Saving Private Ryan instead?
USB support is forthcoming.
Bottom of the mail. "This is a piece of satire."
Um, it's understandable that the FBI seized his property immediately. Not doing so would be utterly incompetent. Let's put it this way: I am the cracker that trashed the Yankees' site. The FBI come to question me, then leave without taking my systems, even though they have a warrant to do so. What's the first thing I do? Trash everything even tangentially associated with the crack on my system. Therefore, even though the guy who sent in the story was not the hacker, the only sensible procedure would be to confiscate the systems, because they believe he could be. Even though he gave them perfectly plausible explanations for his actions, they cannot know for certain.
To put it another way, let's say that I am a detective investigating a homicide. I find fingerprints and other physical evidence aroudn the crime scene. I get a warrant based on this evidence to search a possible suspect's house. When I get there, I question the suspect, who gives me perfectly plausible explanations for the evidence I have found, as well as an alibi that, if it checks out, precludes him from being guilty. However, I also find a handgun of the correct caliber that was used in the crime. Now, if the guy didn't commit the crime and everything checks out, I have no reason to take the weapon. However, if it doesn't, I should take the weapon and have it analyzed. Unfortunately, I will not know until after I have had a chance to check out his story which would be the correct course of action. Therefore, erring on the side of caution, I take the weapon as possible evidence. The police in the posted case, while overzealous if we assume that everything stated by the poster to be true, were in fact acting entirely appropriately if we do not know that his story is true. While it may be distasteful, the only other option is to leave evidence in the hands of those who might have something to gain by tampering with it.
Sorry, the headline just made me think of Sinistar.
Yes, it's entirely possible, even plausible thath they're paying most of the taxes (although I'd like to see some sources there). The important question, though, is "Should they?"
Ask your average American, and I have little doubt that they'll say "Yes." The reason the rich pay most of the taxes is that they can afford it. Let's say we shift it so that we go to a flat tax rate where everyone pays (for example) 20% taxes. Some guy making 7 figures a year will notice it, but only in the size of house he can afford. On the other hand, someone only barely in the double digits will be able to mark it by the number of meals he can have.
I know this is unbelievably naive, but I wish that people could just be good to each other. Christ, so much of this would be handled if people could look past what kind of car they're going to get this year, and whether it's cooler than the one Bob at work got. If people could see past their own greed, it would be obvious to them that making sure others don't go without is in their own best interest. Unfortunately, history is proven that humanity cannot hear the sound of our own demise until it's too late.
BOLLOCKS TO THAT, I SAY.
Get involved, try to make thing better, vote for the person who will make things better for the most people, even if that means you take one for the team. I hear the train rumbling down the tracks, and I don't want to be strapped to them when it gets here. I don't think any of us do.
It's sorta like you said, but you walk into my house and take something like my remote control and leave, causing me roughly 20$ in damages. Then the state prosecutes you for a felony charges you a 10,000$ fine and throws you in jail for 10 years.
Not quite accurate. What I would more likely get charged on would be multiple misdemeanors, including petty theft (the remote), breaking and entering, trespassing, destruction of private property, and (in some states) use of criminal tools in commission of a crime (using the crowbar for breaking in). All together, the jail time, and possibly the fine, would add up to the same as a low grade felony count. Beyond that, it's more than twenty dollars in damages, after figuring in the amount of time invloved in finding and closing the security holes, as well as possible lawsuits that could be brought (in the second case) against the school for "allowing" objectionable images and phrases to be placed on the web site.
I know a lot of folks are going to defend what was done here as just "showing where there are holes in a system" or "kids just playing around." I'll tell you what, why don't you just give me your address and I'll wander down to your house and see what security holes you have. Oh, it's a deadbolt. Well, with my trusty Cro-bar Mk. 1 , I can get around that. You need a stronger lock. Hrm, still got the other lock on the door. I'll just borrow that key under the mat (hey it's a security hole, and someone needs to show you that) and let myself in. Now, while I'm here, just to show you how easy it was and to show what coulkd happen if someone truly malicious (not me, oh Heavens no, I'm just showing you where there might be problems in your security), I'll trash your stereo or some other nonessential component of your living space and borrow your credit cards.
But I'm not a criminal, oh no. I'm just a more 733+ home security expert than you. You should thank me.
I say that if they've got proof beyond a reasonable doubt here that these little twits should be sent away for a few years to cool their heels. I'm so sick of people going "Well, I mean, I did these same things when I was a kid and I wasn't a criminal." No, you weren't, because there wasn't a law in place before. If you did some of the same things today, you would be. And don't give me the "well, they were just curious, kids are" line. There are plenty of legal ways to learn more about computers and systems security. Hell, do what we did. Have your friends set up a system hey think is secure and try to crack it. Learn. Repeat. But don't try to tell me that these kids aren't little thugs, because they are. Screw 'em, and I hope they get along with their new cellmates.
...is its firm rip on reality.
The last time that blatantly ignoring laws and having them repealed worked on a large scale in America was probably the Prohibition. For Christ's sake, in Texas people still get arrested for sodomy!
Look, I'm all for DeCSS being legal. Hell, I'd love to see the DMCA go down in flames. I think, much like most people here, I'd wager, that it's just another example of corporations beating down civil liberties in the name of progress. But this ain't the way to bring it down. Small acts of civil disobedience, nonviolent protest, these don't work anymore.
Before you say, "But look at what Gandhi and MLK accomplished with nonviolent protest," let me remind you that the main reason that Gandhi's protest worked was that it was a massive PR black-eye for the British empire. No chance of that here, as the corps are pressing as hard on other governemtns, and through media outlets, painting us as outlaws with a wide brush. The civil rights moment worked because they found a way to make it resonate with Joe Verage (no relation).
We haven't done that yet. And as long as we keep sneering at the laws as being outdated, playing up our role as technological rebels, and allowing the media to play us that way in turn, all we're going to cause for the average person is fear and confusion. Have you ever tried to explain the whole DeCSS thing to a non-techie? How often have you been told, "Well, hell, DVD players are cheap now, why don't you just get them at (insert chain store)"
So what's the solution? Hell, I wish I could tell you. Maybe it's time we got smart enough to try to take them on their own terms. Send money to the EFF, write your senator (and not e-mail, half of them can't spell SMTP), interest name artists in the cause. Get the word out through outlets besides the net, no matter how dumbed down you have to make it. I know that's blasphemy to a lot of people here, but it's the simple truth.
Really, is this surprising to anyone? In any organization that is both a) that large and b) almost impossible to get fired from, not seeing massive lapses in security would be more of a surprise. I'm utterly amazed the government got an overall passing grade, especially massive, tecnologically outdate behemoths like the DOE. Add to this the fact that for a while there the federal government was passing out security clearances like Halloween candy, and it's amazing that something weird like the Chinese ending up with American missile te... oh, wait.
"but should the privledge of 100mbit Internet connectivity be given to someone who hasn't 'earned' the privilege of having that type of influence on a public network? "
What a pile of shit. Tell me, oh barkode, what you have done to "earn" broadband access. For that matter, what criteria would you use to determine that? Beyond that, who gets to decide criteria for that?
I'll tell you. NO ONE. You don't get to. I don't get to. The government or the corporations might get to, but god help us if they do.
To put it another way, have you earned your right to vote? How bout your right to a trial? What about making a living wage?
I am so goddamned sick of this "aren't geeks great, we're so much better than everyone else" bullshit that gets bandied about on slashdot and other net forums. Just because you can program or set up a router or administer a server doesn't mean that you've "earned" the right to have broadband. The fact that you are alive, and that it is a technological feasability, and that it is an economic one = it should be possible for anyone to utilize it.
Let's put it another way. Have you earned the use of electricity generated by a power station? Did you have anything to do with any of the technological innovations that make it possible to run a modern power grid? No? But I'd bet you say that it is still your right to have access to it, as long as you're willing to pay for the electricity. Same thing with broadband. I'm not saying that everyone should be given broadband for free (although that would be pretty cool) but it should be available, if it is technologically feasible.
Which brings us back to the original point. One of the questions that you asked was whether it would be technologically feasible to give everyone broadband. The answer is "probably not." However, when it is, I suggest you step the fuck out of the way and let anyone who wants it have it. You are no more 733+ than anyone else. You might be able to configure a router. Can you remove someone's spleen without killing them? Can you operate construction equipment safely? No? Then shut the hell up about "earning" broadband. Let's see how far you get without doctors or construction workers, even those that don't know thing one about how their computers work.
Ooo! Direct action! How heroic!
Myabe I missed a meeting here. Since when did we start pinning medals on the chests of those who would break the law for their ideologies, when better alternatives were at hand. And don't give me the "America did it back in 1776" bs either. When the colonies broke away from England, they did it because all otehr avenues had been closed to them. They had petitioned, and sent people over to lobby, and all of this had failed. It was only when all legal attempts had failed that they resorted to violence.
You'll pardon me if I don't stand up and cheer a common vandal with an insular and xenophobic ideology behind him. If he really and truly despised McDonalds, he could have protested, or petitioned his government, or hell, even run for public office. But instead, he chose to be a thug. Hoo-ray.
Of course, that's just my opinion. Jon could be wrong.
The supernova thing is on the back of the jacket for the book. In fact, a chunk of the preview seems to be lifted from the back of the book.
Allow me to be the first to say...
What a pile of shit.
<sarcasm>Yeah, it's a shame Nazi Germany didn't have this technology first. Or your average tinpot dictator. Or Imperialist England, circa 1880. My god, think of what America might do with that technology! Why it could make life less fair for some people!</sarcasm>
Yeah, it's entirely possible that America and other countries will make bad decisions with the info gleaned from the human genome. Yes, we could end up with some nasty Orwellian future because of it. And, yes, we could also have nuked ourselves and our world into oblivion around 1960. But that didn't happen either. And while there exists in every new technology the potential for disaster, becoming so focused on that potential that we're paralyzed with indecision is a Bad Thing (tm).
"... and it's about time."
(Caption of a poster in 33 Degrees, a local independent music store)
Most people wouldn't think twice about opening a snail mail package addressed to them, even if it has not return address on it, and seems somewhat heavy. That's why the unabomber managed to rack up a pretty decent string before being caught. People don't tend to think that bad things will happen to them when they are using tools that they deal with everyday without understanding.
To put it another way, while most people think of themselves as fairly decent drivers, how often in the past week have you been cut off, or had the guy in front of you make a turn without signalling? People get so used to using tools that they become careless; this is compounded if the person doesn't understand how the tool that they are using works, or at least had it drilled into their heads the way to safely use the tool.
It's just a matter of time before people get more careful about opening things they're not sure are safe. I imagine Thag got a lot more careful with fire after watching Thog torch himself.
While I applaud the ingenuity of checking in Australia for black holes, I think they may wish to start with outer space, instead. Still, all those weird-ass animals have to be coming from somewhere.