Sure an individual's vote doesn't matter much by itself, but it does matter. A good citizen stays up with current events, and never discourages a voter. Some try to encourage voting by claiming it's importance, however I've learned that many seem to think that it matters more than it does, and when their choice fails, they get discouraged. They (and you) behave like a fair weather fan for a sports team, I on the other hand value my country and it's election process more than simple athletic contest.
Does it really matter which group of rich fuckers that don't actually give a shit about the people is in office?
All political parties have people who are idealistic, and people who are opportunist. The vast majority of people really are a mixture of the two, and one doesn't have to be rich to be an opportunist. Like the poor man who votes Republican, because they lower taxes on the rich, and he fancies himself as being wealthy 'someday'. Personally, I see the Democratic Party as the more idealistic of the two major parties, and I attempt to support it when it's ideas meet mine. Seemly, unlike most Republican pundits, I do not "carry the water" and when it doesn't match my values, I say it, and move on. Anyone who thinks that politicians needs to be expressly perfect, should try to apply that to other areas of their life, as I am certain that they will find it a failing activity.
there is only one place where one needs to show up in order to make a change... I think you mean the grassy knoll.
Assassinations of political leaders is a very messy business, I certainly do not mean that. Likely, it's just your way of being 'funny', but do yourself a favor, stick to 'knock-knock' jokes.
I'm talking about things like poor precincts in florida flipping a switch that caused the scan-tron machines to silently accept and discard mismarked ballots rather than rejecting them, whereas in richer, whiter places, it was set to reject them.
One of the greatest threats to democracy is voter fraud, and it happens, sorry. Stores, banks, homes and even cars have people who break laws to exploit their resources. By your reasoning, you should avoid all of them, good luck on that. Personally, I just try to eliminate voter fraud when I can, and encourage others to do so as well. Seems a lot easier than scrapping democracy altogether.
I'm older than most of the users on this site, and I'm mature enough to acknowledge problems without whining about them incessantly. Also, in life, it helps to be generally positive.
When American voters fed up with big government and voted in a Republican in 2000, they didn't get the change they wanted.
If you have ever believed that voting Republican was really a vote for smaller government, I've got a bridge to nowhere to sell you.
And since the 2006 midterms, when American voters fed up with war, paranoia, and moralism in government voted in Democrats, they haven't gotten that changed
4 months and we aren't out of Iraq yet, how shameful. Considering that congress only controls spending, and that the Constitution doesn't explicitly give them the right to end a war, the only effective way to get our troops out is to either attach timetables to a spending bill (done), and/or Impeach the President (they are working on it, but it needs more public support, and we need to get rid of Cheney first)
If you want sweeping landslide changes in this country, I'd suggest moving under a hillside in Southern California, as our government tends to be more stable than that For the most part it is a good thing, but sometimes it sucks. However, that's life, get used to it.
And when American voters in 1892 realized Of course, in 1892 the voters were all white land owning males, and it took over 100 years for women to be assured of their right to vote. Change does happen, but it will never be quick or sweeping enough for some. However never say that a vote doesn't matter at all, but one should keep in mind that an ordinary individual vote only matters a little. A strong, focused, well heard voice can make a real difference, if it can be heard above the pseudo-intellectual crap, which only seems to drag real change to a crawl.
It doesn't.It just gives some armchair rebels a chance to feel good about themselves by 'supporting' their cause without having to go through the inconvenience of facing confrontation or rebuttal. In this country, and many others, there is only one place where one needs to show up in order to make a change (granted it's often not be a big change, but a change never the less), that is, of course, the voting booth.
You really don't know *anything* about musician's lives, do you?
And you don't really know *anything* about responding to a very general prediction. I wasn't even saying, " and that is how it should be".
I suspect that my comment touched a nerve with you. Perhaps you are a musician(as you say in other comments), maybe you even earn a living as a recording artist. If so, good for you. Personally, I'm the kind of guy who *loves* live music, there is something about the energy and intimacy of music performed in person by someone who really does live for it. Some artists because of stage fright, or the nature of their productions, will find it (even more) difficult to put food on the table, and while that is sad, I'm inclined to believe (really perhaps it's a hope) that those who are willing an able to perform live would be more able to create a fan base with freer access to music.
As a career, I see it in the same light as 'professional athlete', many, many people wish to do it, but most (and even many with real talent) fail at their attempts to achieve that dream. While I don't know any professional athletes, I do however know a number of professional musicians. Several of my 'old buddies' could even be described as 'journeymen' of the music industry, and would have a hard time building careers outside of it. The truth is that few people in music have jobs which enable them to retire at age 25, and there is no guarantee that one's work will be consistent. I feel that a career in music can be more difficult than most, and it might not be right, but it is very difficult to fight reality (and I have the scars to prove it).
Out of curiosity, have you ever been a professional musician?
Actually, no I am not, nor have I ever been a non-professional musician. Is it your assertion that only a professional musician can express an opinion on the music industry? I fail to understand how it would make my simple, general prediction wrong.
2. Workstations - Windows Server 2003 Terminal Services Server. Then you don't care about what their workstations are like and the environment is manageable so you have no backup headaches.
So you think that running Terminal services over some random cable/DSL/fois/Dial-up line to some random colo is a good idea, and tossing in Voip on the connection at the same time. hmm, interesting.
Is that your carefully considered choice for an all-remote office, or just the solution you give everybody?.
What the article submitter really needs are fat-daddy laptops, so that they can all meet at a Starbuck's once a week. Some may just consider reimbursing their employees for individual own purchases. The real question is: do you co-lo your mail server, or use something on the net? Don't forget service contracts on those laptops, and you might consider keeping a loaner handy. 'Off site' file storage almost certainly would be important as well, I would even suggest using a CVS or Subversion server for simple working file storage.
Sure, but if that's true why is it such a hostile work environment?
Simple answer: because they are scared.
Many who gained 'management' titles during the 'dot com era' would call tech support if their computer was unplugged by the cleaning crew, others came in from comfy mainframe positions where the technology changed at a very slow pace . These people don't know the technology, and have only been able to manage projects by inflating the budget, or leaning on the young programmers (overtime, etc). Also, they completely lack understanding the work which is being done by their direct reports, making accurate planning and measurement impossible. Also, coders who started with the internet boom and are intimately familiar with the technologies are finally getting into management.
It's a lot of pressure for them, add to that the fact that many of the 50 yo+ boomers just purchased a McMansion with little money down and a fresh 30 year mortgage. Now upper management wants to know why a 'simple' project takes a million dollar budget and rather than chance angering someone who could fire them, they would rather just lean on the people who report to them. A short term solution at best, but hey, that's what gets them though the quarter.
Who cares if it's popular? If it solves your problem, use it. Key word is 'if'. Also only 'if' one designs the contract perfectly, and only 'if' one is able to test it to perfection.
A good business analyst..., A good architect, There are a lot of people with pieces of paper from a school that are terrible at these things, and they muddle along leaving wreckage behind them. But that doesn't dismiss the value of having someone competent in those roles when you can find them.
So very true, but I (generally) haven't seen it. The problem is that people think that one can 'graduate' with the knowledge they need to produce good results. The last module that I worked specked out by a power-point presentation from the business analyst, and when we insisted on 'use cases' the 'architect' started poorly (from our template), and got worse with every function. Sorry, but it takes real experience and insight to properly design a system, the the best never think that they got it perfect. People have a tendency to confuse bluster and arrogance with ability and experience.
Agreed fully, but I'll add one half-drunk observation:
Fucking Business analysts are bull-shit artists who don't know objects, nor functions if they got smacked in the heads with them. 90% of the time they bill is a complete waste of company money. Also, 60% of 'Architects' fall into the same category.
Where'd they get the cocaine? Well, since studies have shown that up to 4 out of 5 circulated bills have traces of cocaine, I'd say that it was fairly easy. However, before you try to smoke your $50s, the amount per bill is very small (16 micrograms).
but is there a real need for mass-produced mass spectrometers? Never get ripped off buying blow again! Yeah!
Also, the next cop who busts me might find it useful for testing my 'stash' without destroying it. Farmers could do soil tests out in the field. Ambulance crews could use it for quick diagnosis. A school could have one to transfer between the science classes. And of course Homeland security will buy these by the dozen (* as long as there is a couple good Republican donors on the company's board)
We need to nip this in the bud, before they learn to ride horses, shoot guns, speak english and hunt humans for sport.
But if they do, I for one welcome our new simian overlords, and I wish to remind you that as a programmer, I am fatty and full of cholesterol.
If the cell provides saw business benefit in opening their network, they would do so. A licensed oligopoly will be resistant to change.
who am I to MANDATE to these sovereign owners any sorts of conditions Do they have sovereign rights over the public airwaves? I often wonder why people who claim 'free market' sentiments most often just seem to support the status quo. In reality they should be biding for the right to use the public airwaves in an open market every couple of years, just to maintain the best price for that limited resource. A true 'free market' would do that. While that would lead to the best valuation, and would allow new companies to start offering cell phone service, it would also lead to wide spread outages, constant 'churn', and likely higher prices for consumers (new equipment, higher spectrum costs, constant deployments etc). Sure telecomm manufacturers would flourish, but I don't think that it would be better overall.
In reality we are not talking about allowing the free market to exist, but debating the point at which the free market begins. Personally, I say "let Skype enter the cell phone provider market". It seems to work for local phone service, electric, natural gas, garbage collection, and many other public services, why not cellular?
While it is a 'nice' check list for the corporate guy trying to get a handle on the major issues, it boils down to "Ways to confirm that you are a spammer, or a fool", rather than being 'mistaken' for anything.
Ignoring "unsubscribe" requests.
sending email to people who tell you not to do it anymore makes you a spammer
List "repurposing."
Selling email addresses to other business, makes you a spammer.
Providing unclear privacy checkbox instructions, and ignoring users' responses
Ingoring user email preferences makes you a spammer
Losing track of internal desktop and server machines that can be used against you
Losing track of systems shows you are a fool
Not keeping databases and address lists up to date
A two-fer both a spammer and a fool!
Having vulnerable mailer forms on your Website
Poor coding shows you are a fool, in particular as this is an old old trick
but I still find/.'s collective opinion of the Republican party amusing.
You don't have to go any father than talk radio or Fox news to see daily exercise of the over sized counter weight of republican slander of the Democratic party, hell, it's even a long standing talking point to mis-pronounce it.
I find it amusing that whenever someone on this board 'stands up' for the Republican party, they always insist that they are, and forever have been independent, or Libertarian. I cannot recall one person on any discussion who claims to be an active loyal Republican. Anyone with an well used account want to stand up and admit not only being Republican, but an active supporter of at least their party leadership if not the Bush administration?
I try not to feel that my own tastes are particularly meritorious or cool or particularly important for anyone besides myself, but it's hard not to attach your ego to something you work hard at (like being an opera singer in my case).
I'm happy for you that you have the dedication and natural talent for such an honorable vocation, but what did you work hard at? Perhaps you mean your comment itself? Hey, it's Slashdot, most of the time we reply to comments not to give a rub on the tummy to the parent poster, but to counter facts, press for more information, or give a little push where we (at least at posting time) believe a little ribbing is justified. Sometimes we go farther than that, which is only occasionally justified. You decided to overly broaden your comment to include discussion on your opinion on your 'pop culture' preferences.
Seriously, though, I think it's the whole concept of "cool" and self-promotion that's causing so many problems when we try to have this kind of dialogue. [selected quote from your dialogue...]
Most of the people out there with iPods probably think Family Guy is hilarious (and original!), and wouldn't get half the jokes on South Park, let alone watch C-SPAN for more than 5 minutes. I despise Myspace more than any other currently prevalent cultural phenomenon, though.
I don't have an iPod, but much like your idea of a typical iPod owner, I don't like to watch 'C-SPAN' (way too boring, but I'm glad it's there), I love the 'Family Guy', and I have a 'My Space' account (in fact I just started it a couple of days ago, nothing lamer than joining something after people start poking at it). However I may redeem myself in your eyes, as there are few jokes on 'South Park' I don't get (and usually before the punch line), but then again I can't stand 'The Office' (IMHO the most overrated show on TV).
[more from your original comment]
What I see most in popular culture, and I hope this isn't just me - is a lack of originality:...
Lack of originality is a commonly voiced complaint, implying that you might be the first to notice could likely be called disingenuous. Besides, how is a movie or song remake any different than a new run for an old play, or for that matter an opera. Perhaps it's the 'live' part; like a cover band playing a favorite tune, might be ok, but if they record it and play the song on the radio it's not? I'm sorry, I'm not familiar with your rules, so I'm just guessing.
Likely you'll learn over time that people like, what people like, sometimes you'll agree with them, and other time you will wonder why. If you are able to figure out why something is popular, and are able to appreciate their point of view, if not their opinion, you will have a better understanding of humanity, and that's 'a good thing'.
Right now, people in the consumer smart phone market will be at least tempted to hold out and wait for the iPhone. That's me, my old Razor is showing it's age, and my contract is up soon, I was looking at the Blackjack, but now that the iPhone is coming, I'll wait. I only hope that they will find a way to squeeze in full G3 network speed into it before launch, I'm half tempted to wait 6 extra months, as I feel that is the worst thing it's lacking (a mini SD slot would be nice too).
Whine about other people's taste, complain constantly about fashion trends, and pretend like you know what's 'really cool'. Fads come and fads go, but putting others down for following them has always remained 'cool'.
No they are not. It may require a small amount of skill and knowledge (MSCE, anyone?), or a subpoena, but its is not actually hard.
Really? are you sure? First of all, the MCSE tests have virtually NOTHING to do with email servers, SMTP, or POP (unless it's changed significantly over the last 10 years). Secondly, if you have ever set up an mail server you would know how easy it is to mis configure one as an open relay (it used to be the default). Third, if you have read Slashdot for more than a week you would know about the zombie networks and their tendencies to be used for spam.
In any case, stock scams are particularly easy to trace, since the perp has to have a financial connection with someone already holding the stock or involved in trading it.
Why? No the 'perp' doesn't have to have a financial connection. Sure, old fashioned 'pump-and-dumps' like the Boiler Room involved dozens if not hundred of people, large capitol outlays, and for it to be worthwhile they needed to control a relatively large chunk of a small company's stock. Thanks to the internet that has changed, now all you need to do is to contact a zombie network operator (I hear it's fairly easy on some IRC servers), pay them some money. Hopefully a few hours later that under performing stock which you've held for too long is picking up steam. Some might even stage the email so that a couple of marks hit the stock first, just so that they look like a fool who got lucky and sold early.
I bet real money that the number of [perps] is in single figures, and that at least one of the decision makers is US resident, even if the typist was off-shore
Yes, I'm sure that you have bet real money on it. As any examination of my postings will tell one, I am not a 'fan' of the current administration, but there really isn't much they can do about this problem. I am sorry if you've lost money to them, but anyone who trades in stock based on obvious spam is really getting what they deserve.
Old fashioned 'pump and dump' scams were fairly easy to track, as they would go after the brokers who pushed the stock, and then it was a simple task to just follow the money. As we all know emails can be awfully hard to trace back to their creator.
I used to wonder why people would fall for such scams, 'how could they fall for these things time and time again?'. Well, a couple of years back I was having a conversation with a woman who was distressed that an 'old friend' of her husband had contacted him again. Apparently, this guy has sold (taken) her husband on a variety of pyramid schemes, 'mlm's, and many other 'get rich quick plans. Later, ss nicely as possible I confronted him on 'why' he let this happen. He was a little angry with me, but without any hesitation, he told me that 'one day it will pay off' That day I learned a little something about some people's nature. He knew that these were scams, but he worked them anyways. To the best of my knowledge, he wasn't a crook, and he never approached me with those affairs. So I'm guess that he had hoped that if he just participated, someone else would do the dirty work which would make him rich.
I suspect that the reason why these latest 'pump-and-dump' scams seem to work (otherwise why would you be seeing so much of it), is not action by those easily duped, but by those who hope that they could exploit the 'opportunity'.
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Sure an individual's vote doesn't matter much by itself, but it does matter. A good citizen stays up with current events, and never discourages a voter. Some try to encourage voting by claiming it's importance, however I've learned that many seem to think that it matters more than it does, and when their choice fails, they get discouraged. They (and you) behave like a fair weather fan for a sports team, I on the other hand value my country and it's election process more than simple athletic contest.
Does it really matter which group of rich fuckers that don't actually give a shit about the people is in office?All political parties have people who are idealistic, and people who are opportunist. The vast majority of people really are a mixture of the two, and one doesn't have to be rich to be an opportunist. Like the poor man who votes Republican, because they lower taxes on the rich, and he fancies himself as being wealthy 'someday'. Personally, I see the Democratic Party as the more idealistic of the two major parties, and I attempt to support it when it's ideas meet mine. Seemly, unlike most Republican pundits, I do not "carry the water" and when it doesn't match my values, I say it, and move on. Anyone who thinks that politicians needs to be expressly perfect, should try to apply that to other areas of their life, as I am certain that they will find it a failing activity.
there is only one place where one needs to show up in order to make a change... I think you mean the grassy knoll.Assassinations of political leaders is a very messy business, I certainly do not mean that. Likely, it's just your way of being 'funny', but do yourself a favor, stick to 'knock-knock' jokes.
I'm talking about things like poor precincts in florida flipping a switch that caused the scan-tron machines to silently accept and discard mismarked ballots rather than rejecting them, whereas in richer, whiter places, it was set to reject them.One of the greatest threats to democracy is voter fraud, and it happens, sorry. Stores, banks, homes and even cars have people who break laws to exploit their resources. By your reasoning, you should avoid all of them, good luck on that. Personally, I just try to eliminate voter fraud when I can, and encourage others to do so as well. Seems a lot easier than scrapping democracy altogether.
I'm older than most of the users on this site, and I'm mature enough to acknowledge problems without whining about them incessantly. Also, in life, it helps to be generally positive.
If you have ever believed that voting Republican was really a vote for smaller government, I've got a bridge to nowhere to sell you.
And since the 2006 midterms, when American voters fed up with war, paranoia, and moralism in government voted in Democrats, they haven't gotten that changed4 months and we aren't out of Iraq yet, how shameful. Considering that congress only controls spending, and that the Constitution doesn't explicitly give them the right to end a war, the only effective way to get our troops out is to either attach timetables to a spending bill (done), and/or Impeach the President (they are working on it, but it needs more public support, and we need to get rid of Cheney first)
If you want sweeping landslide changes in this country, I'd suggest moving under a hillside in Southern California, as our government tends to be more stable than that For the most part it is a good thing, but sometimes it sucks. However, that's life, get used to it.
And when American voters in 1892 realized Of course, in 1892 the voters were all white land owning males, and it took over 100 years for women to be assured of their right to vote. Change does happen, but it will never be quick or sweeping enough for some. However never say that a vote doesn't matter at all, but one should keep in mind that an ordinary individual vote only matters a little. A strong, focused, well heard voice can make a real difference, if it can be heard above the pseudo-intellectual crap, which only seems to drag real change to a crawl.And you don't really know *anything* about responding to a very general prediction. I wasn't even saying, " and that is how it should be".
I suspect that my comment touched a nerve with you. Perhaps you are a musician(as you say in other comments), maybe you even earn a living as a recording artist. If so, good for you. Personally, I'm the kind of guy who *loves* live music, there is something about the energy and intimacy of music performed in person by someone who really does live for it. Some artists because of stage fright, or the nature of their productions, will find it (even more) difficult to put food on the table, and while that is sad, I'm inclined to believe (really perhaps it's a hope) that those who are willing an able to perform live would be more able to create a fan base with freer access to music.
As a career, I see it in the same light as 'professional athlete', many, many people wish to do it, but most (and even many with real talent) fail at their attempts to achieve that dream. While I don't know any professional athletes, I do however know a number of professional musicians. Several of my 'old buddies' could even be described as 'journeymen' of the music industry, and would have a hard time building careers outside of it. The truth is that few people in music have jobs which enable them to retire at age 25, and there is no guarantee that one's work will be consistent. I feel that a career in music can be more difficult than most, and it might not be right, but it is very difficult to fight reality (and I have the scars to prove it).
Actually, no I am not, nor have I ever been a non-professional musician. Is it your assertion that only a professional musician can express an opinion on the music industry? I fail to understand how it would make my simple, general prediction wrong.
Only recording artists will be hurt over the long run. Those who are willing to sing for their dinner will do well.
So you think that running Terminal services over some random cable/DSL/fois/Dial-up line to some random colo is a good idea, and tossing in Voip on the connection at the same time. hmm, interesting.
Is that your carefully considered choice for an all-remote office, or just the solution you give everybody?.
What the article submitter really needs are fat-daddy laptops, so that they can all meet at a Starbuck's once a week. Some may just consider reimbursing their employees for individual own purchases. The real question is: do you co-lo your mail server, or use something on the net? Don't forget service contracts on those laptops, and you might consider keeping a loaner handy. 'Off site' file storage almost certainly would be important as well, I would even suggest using a CVS or Subversion server for simple working file storage.
Simple answer: because they are scared.
Many who gained 'management' titles during the 'dot com era' would call tech support if their computer was unplugged by the cleaning crew, others came in from comfy mainframe positions where the technology changed at a very slow pace . These people don't know the technology, and have only been able to manage projects by inflating the budget, or leaning on the young programmers (overtime, etc). Also, they completely lack understanding the work which is being done by their direct reports, making accurate planning and measurement impossible. Also, coders who started with the internet boom and are intimately familiar with the technologies are finally getting into management.
It's a lot of pressure for them, add to that the fact that many of the 50 yo+ boomers just purchased a McMansion with little money down and a fresh 30 year mortgage. Now upper management wants to know why a 'simple' project takes a million dollar budget and rather than chance angering someone who could fire them, they would rather just lean on the people who report to them. A short term solution at best, but hey, that's what gets them though the quarter.
So very true, but I (generally) haven't seen it. The problem is that people think that one can 'graduate' with the knowledge they need to produce good results. The last module that I worked specked out by a power-point presentation from the business analyst, and when we insisted on 'use cases' the 'architect' started poorly (from our template), and got worse with every function. Sorry, but it takes real experience and insight to properly design a system, the the best never think that they got it perfect. People have a tendency to confuse bluster and arrogance with ability and experience.
Agreed fully, but I'll add one half-drunk observation: Fucking Business analysts are bull-shit artists who don't know objects, nor functions if they got smacked in the heads with them. 90% of the time they bill is a complete waste of company money. Also, 60% of 'Architects' fall into the same category.
Also, the next cop who busts me might find it useful for testing my 'stash' without destroying it. Farmers could do soil tests out in the field. Ambulance crews could use it for quick diagnosis. A school could have one to transfer between the science classes. And of course Homeland security will buy these by the dozen (* as long as there is a couple good Republican donors on the company's board)
We need to nip this in the bud, before they learn to ride horses, shoot guns, speak english and hunt humans for sport. But if they do, I for one welcome our new simian overlords, and I wish to remind you that as a programmer, I am fatty and full of cholesterol.
In reality we are not talking about allowing the free market to exist, but debating the point at which the free market begins. Personally, I say "let Skype enter the cell phone provider market". It seems to work for local phone service, electric, natural gas, garbage collection, and many other public services, why not cellular?
sending email to people who tell you not to do it anymore makes you a spammer
Selling email addresses to other business, makes you a spammer.
Ingoring user email preferences makes you a spammer
Losing track of systems shows you are a fool
A two-fer both a spammer and a fool!
Poor coding shows you are a fool, in particular as this is an old old trick
"lie down with dogs wake up with fleas"
You don't have to go any father than talk radio or Fox news to see daily exercise of the over sized counter weight of republican slander of the Democratic party, hell, it's even a long standing talking point to mis-pronounce it.
I find it amusing that whenever someone on this board 'stands up' for the Republican party, they always insist that they are, and forever have been independent, or Libertarian. I cannot recall one person on any discussion who claims to be an active loyal Republican. Anyone with an well used account want to stand up and admit not only being Republican, but an active supporter of at least their party leadership if not the Bush administration?
I'm happy for you that you have the dedication and natural talent for such an honorable vocation, but what did you work hard at? Perhaps you mean your comment itself? Hey, it's Slashdot, most of the time we reply to comments not to give a rub on the tummy to the parent poster, but to counter facts, press for more information, or give a little push where we (at least at posting time) believe a little ribbing is justified. Sometimes we go farther than that, which is only occasionally justified. You decided to overly broaden your comment to include discussion on your opinion on your 'pop culture' preferences.
Seriously, though, I think it's the whole concept of "cool" and self-promotion that's causing so many problems when we try to have this kind of dialogue.[selected quote from your dialogue...] Most of the people out there with iPods probably think Family Guy is hilarious (and original!), and wouldn't get half the jokes on South Park, let alone watch C-SPAN for more than 5 minutes. I despise Myspace more than any other currently prevalent cultural phenomenon, though.
I don't have an iPod, but much like your idea of a typical iPod owner, I don't like to watch 'C-SPAN' (way too boring, but I'm glad it's there), I love the 'Family Guy', and I have a 'My Space' account (in fact I just started it a couple of days ago, nothing lamer than joining something after people start poking at it). However I may redeem myself in your eyes, as there are few jokes on 'South Park' I don't get (and usually before the punch line), but then again I can't stand 'The Office' (IMHO the most overrated show on TV).
[more from your original comment]What I see most in popular culture, and I hope this isn't just me - is a lack of originality:...
Lack of originality is a commonly voiced complaint, implying that you might be the first to notice could likely be called disingenuous. Besides, how is a movie or song remake any different than a new run for an old play, or for that matter an opera. Perhaps it's the 'live' part; like a cover band playing a favorite tune, might be ok, but if they record it and play the song on the radio it's not? I'm sorry, I'm not familiar with your rules, so I'm just guessing.
Likely you'll learn over time that people like, what people like, sometimes you'll agree with them, and other time you will wonder why. If you are able to figure out why something is popular, and are able to appreciate their point of view, if not their opinion, you will have a better understanding of humanity, and that's 'a good thing'.
Whine about other people's taste, complain constantly about fashion trends, and pretend like you know what's 'really cool'. Fads come and fads go, but putting others down for following them has always remained 'cool'.
Really? are you sure? First of all, the MCSE tests have virtually NOTHING to do with email servers, SMTP, or POP (unless it's changed significantly over the last 10 years). Secondly, if you have ever set up an mail server you would know how easy it is to mis configure one as an open relay (it used to be the default). Third, if you have read Slashdot for more than a week you would know about the zombie networks and their tendencies to be used for spam.
In any case, stock scams are particularly easy to trace, since the perp has to have a financial connection with someone already holding the stock or involved in trading it.Why? No the 'perp' doesn't have to have a financial connection. Sure, old fashioned 'pump-and-dumps' like the Boiler Room involved dozens if not hundred of people, large capitol outlays, and for it to be worthwhile they needed to control a relatively large chunk of a small company's stock. Thanks to the internet that has changed, now all you need to do is to contact a zombie network operator (I hear it's fairly easy on some IRC servers), pay them some money. Hopefully a few hours later that under performing stock which you've held for too long is picking up steam. Some might even stage the email so that a couple of marks hit the stock first, just so that they look like a fool who got lucky and sold early.
I bet real money that the number of [perps] is in single figures, and that at least one of the decision makers is US resident, even if the typist was off-shoreYes, I'm sure that you have bet real money on it. As any examination of my postings will tell one, I am not a 'fan' of the current administration, but there really isn't much they can do about this problem. I am sorry if you've lost money to them, but anyone who trades in stock based on obvious spam is really getting what they deserve.
So someone convicted for holding a person up for $20 dollars should only get 17 minutes in jail?
Old fashioned 'pump and dump' scams were fairly easy to track, as they would go after the brokers who pushed the stock, and then it was a simple task to just follow the money. As we all know emails can be awfully hard to trace back to their creator.
I used to wonder why people would fall for such scams, 'how could they fall for these things time and time again?'. Well, a couple of years back I was having a conversation with a woman who was distressed that an 'old friend' of her husband had contacted him again. Apparently, this guy has sold (taken) her husband on a variety of pyramid schemes, 'mlm's, and many other 'get rich quick plans. Later, ss nicely as possible I confronted him on 'why' he let this happen. He was a little angry with me, but without any hesitation, he told me that 'one day it will pay off' That day I learned a little something about some people's nature. He knew that these were scams, but he worked them anyways. To the best of my knowledge, he wasn't a crook, and he never approached me with those affairs. So I'm guess that he had hoped that if he just participated, someone else would do the dirty work which would make him rich.
I suspect that the reason why these latest 'pump-and-dump' scams seem to work (otherwise why would you be seeing so much of it), is not action by those easily duped, but by those who hope that they could exploit the 'opportunity'.
or within the ruling party of a 'democratic' government. I suspect that many of them are now switching from 'Republican' to 'Democrat'.