They're creating an army of Mouse-men to take over the world. An army of millions that will scurry out of rural corn fields and take over America.
Fortunately I am almost finished designing a giant trap that will prey on the one weakness they neglected to genetically correct, Sweet, sweet, cheese.
For that purpose I can understand choosing MD. But for casual listening, what most people are looking for, the format doesn't offer a lot of advantages, or any that I know of.
Net-MD is too little too late. It will never compete with MP3 players here in the US, because it is an inferior product. This player offers more features, than any NetMD player as well as a lower price tag. You may trade off in size, but if that's what you're after, a Nomad Zen or iPod offers more features than a NetMD player for a lower price tag.
Why would anyone pay $350 for a NetMD player that has lower capacity and a proprietary format, not to mention all of the DRM.
Claiming that it's the consumer's fault they're in trouble is bullshit. The can easily save their own asses.
1. Stop charging more than the DVD costs for two people to see the movie in the theatre. And I don't mean raise DVD prices either. There is no reason it should cost more than 10$ for two people to see a movie, or more than 8 for that matter.
2. Stop paying Julia Roberts and Arnold Schwartzniger 40 million to be in a movie. Easy.
3. Make movies worth seeing and not these overhyped pieces of garbage like the last two star wars have been. In most cases a movie CAN wait, I've got better things to do.
For now I'm more than happy to watch DVD's on my 53" widescreen in the privacy of my own house. I don't have to worry about people moving past me because they bought the 72oz soda, or a bawling child. If Hollywood doesn't like that, fix their problems, don't make it out like this is my fault.
So confession time, I still don't think Phantom Menace was that bad. If you mentally filter out every sequence that Jar Jar is on the scene, and maybe the midochlorians, and trim that Pod Race scene down, there's a good movie in there. Not great. Just not sucksville.
If the first movie hadn't sucked so bad, it wouldn't have sucked? Wow.
Ass End, AK isn't a good example. If one or two local stations go out of bidness, whoopie. Most small towns don't have Television anyway, and a place like Ass End Sounds to be would probably only have one station if it had any.
Let's look at Omaha, NE. ~#75 market in the nation, 2 years from now when there are 125-150 local networks available Via satellite, covering just about every reasonable sized market in the country. Do the Omaha stations hurt because people have a choice of stations? Very doubtful. In fact I bet they flourish. In addition to the people in the area, thousands who were from the area at one time would likely pick the channels up to keep up with local news. This would be the same for most other small markets out there.
The guys who will suffer are the cable companies (they deserve it, after they've gaffed us for so many years). Satellite will become a more legitimate competitor, and with more bandwith, no worry about your location, and superior choice, will knock out cable.
The cable companies want to at least keep the playing field level by keeping these stupid laws around. I for one wouldn't shed a tear if I never had to see a bloody COX truck, box, or office in my life.
When looking at what a plane would do to a structure similar to a nuke plant, it doesn't make any sense to compare what happened at the WTC. The major damage was not caused directly by the impact, but the resulting fire which melted the support beams.
In the situation of a nuclear plant, you'd have a situation much more like that of the Pentagon, where the damage was much less severe.
I wonder how many of the comments that were against the settlement were looking for a harsher settlement as opposed to the number of those thinking no action or less action should be taken. At first glance the numbers seem to indicate that twice as many people think there should have been harsher punishment, but the actual content of those comments could be different.
But.NET is actually a pretty well thought out and designed plan. If you take off the blinders and look at it,.NET really makes sense.
What should open source do? Should it push forward a political agenda, or strive to provide people with the best possible products? Personally I could care less about RMS' agenda. To me open source is about options, and I applaud Miguel for working to provide people another option.
Palm sat back while Pocket PC came in and introduced high(er) res displays, more storage, more generic expandability (through CF), and the ability to do things like play MP3's.
The average person goes into Compusa looking at these devices, and the Pocket PC machines just stand out better. They've got more memory, are more colorful, and faster processors. Whether or not all this is neccessary is moot, it's a percieved deficit on the palm side.
I've been shocked that palm hasn't reacted to this. Sony has, and the new Clie machines are very cool, but palm has been stagnating for quite a while.
The other issue is writing to the ipod database. Simply slapping songs on the iPod won't allow them to play. The database has to be populated, On macs this is done by iTunes.
It is true, it just isn't completely electronic. I was involved in an accident out of state recently, and before I was released, they had to call my state to verify my ID, and check for any outstanding warrants or what-not. The difference in doing this manually, or electronically is a matter of convienience, and a matter of taxpayer funds. Had I been issued a ticket, and not shown up for court, or didn't pay a fine, a warrant would have been issued, and my state would have been notified. If I my ID was ever ran in a third state, they would be aware of the warrant as well.
The fact that a national ID exists, or will exist, isn't so much the problem, it's how it will be used. I don't have much of an issue with other states being able to find any outstanding warrants on myself or anyone else, what concerns me is how private companies will come to use a national ID.
Private companies have done very bad things with our social security numbers. Federal agencies are regulated somewhat by the Privacy Act of 1974, and if you are aware of your rights, in most cases you do not have to disclose your SSN. (Unfortunately few people are aware of their rights, so there certainly is gross misuse). Private companies don't have to abide by these rules, and although you can walk, you can also be denied service.
Right now, at least in my state, if I want someone's drivers license #, I can make a request to obtain it through the DMV. You can't call the IRS and ask for their SSN.
That's all the article talked about. They aren't talking about video. So this is nothing new, except for the fact it's on a DVD player, not a MP3 portable.
Did you even read the article? If you had you probably would had read the first paragraph which said:
"Microsoft Corp. plans to announce today that four DVD makers will incorporate its Windows Media Audio technology into their players, enabling consumers to play CDs and DVDs they compiled using that technology."
So, like some DVD players can play MP3 CD's, some will be able to play WMA CD's. Not be able to show CD's and DVD's with WMV's on them. Big deal.
The fellow who submitted this must be in denial. "is it possible that gaming has become a real addiction?" Well, yes, and if you read the article it puts it in pretty certain terms.
In the final analysis, almost anything can be called an addiction if it routinely interrupts life's basic components, including school, work and relationships, he said. The important thing is balance. So align your chakras -- and remember, it's just a game.
So, I'm guessing the submitter is looking for affirmation from fellow gamers that it's not an addiction, etc. My advice, if you find yourself playing games for hours on end, leaving work or school early to play games (this includes playing them while you work), or spending more time playing a game than interacting with people you probably have some sort of addiction.
Find something else to do for a couple hours out of the day. Maybe exercise. Maybe read a book. Hell, take up drinking and go to a bar. Leave the game alone a while just to make sure that there's not something else out there you're missing.
Gaming seems to be a rather unfulfilling addiction. Sure, it doesn't physcially harm you (except for maybe RSI), but there's not the added chemical side-effects of the additiction you get from alcohol, nicotine, or narcotics. If I'm going to sink time and money into an addiction... I had better get a buzz.
Slashdot Mirror
They're creating an army of Mouse-men to take over the world. An army of millions that will scurry out of rural corn fields and take over America.
Fortunately I am almost finished designing a giant trap that will prey on the one weakness they neglected to genetically correct, Sweet, sweet, cheese.
As well as shift-mousewheel to navigate history...
Probably many more incorrect ones in there as well.
Only thing that Mozilla does that IE doesn't that bothers me is PNG and MNG support. I really wish IE would clear those two up.
For that purpose I can understand choosing MD. But for casual listening, what most people are looking for, the format doesn't offer a lot of advantages, or any that I know of.
Net-MD is too little too late. It will never compete with MP3 players here in the US, because it is an inferior product. This player offers more features, than any NetMD player as well as a lower price tag. You may trade off in size, but if that's what you're after, a Nomad Zen or iPod offers more features than a NetMD player for a lower price tag.
Why would anyone pay $350 for a NetMD player that has lower capacity and a proprietary format, not to mention all of the DRM.
Claiming that it's the consumer's fault they're in trouble is bullshit. The can easily save their own asses.
1. Stop charging more than the DVD costs for two people to see the movie in the theatre. And I don't mean raise DVD prices either. There is no reason it should cost more than 10$ for two people to see a movie, or more than 8 for that matter.
2. Stop paying Julia Roberts and Arnold Schwartzniger 40 million to be in a movie. Easy.
3. Make movies worth seeing and not these overhyped pieces of garbage like the last two star wars have been. In most cases a movie CAN wait, I've got better things to do.
For now I'm more than happy to watch DVD's on my 53" widescreen in the privacy of my own house. I don't have to worry about people moving past me because they bought the 72oz soda, or a bawling child. If Hollywood doesn't like that, fix their problems, don't make it out like this is my fault.
Yeah, jsmith893784@aol.com is really easy for people to remember and they don't want to lose that.
#2 frequently mentions #1. Pepsi mentions Coke, Burger King mentions McDonalds. #1 chooses to ignore #2 in most instances.
MSNBC:
Said Linux has made great strides in the server arena - TRUE
Said Linux has not made a noticable impact on the desktop market - TRUE
Said Linux user apps are improving - TRUE
Slasdot:
Said MSNBC reported Linux is dead - FALSE
Said Article gave Linux as little credit as possible - FALSE
So confession time, I still don't think Phantom Menace was that bad. If you mentally filter out every sequence that Jar Jar is on the scene, and maybe the midochlorians, and trim that Pod Race scene down, there's a good movie in there. Not great. Just not sucksville.
If the first movie hadn't sucked so bad, it wouldn't have sucked? Wow.
What does this have to do with me... Please let me know.
According to the article, IE and Netscape will be affected...
Boycott the people who have this type of crap on their sites.
Ass End, AK isn't a good example. If one or two local stations go out of bidness, whoopie. Most small towns don't have Television anyway, and a place like Ass End Sounds to be would probably only have one station if it had any.
Let's look at Omaha, NE. ~#75 market in the nation, 2 years from now when there are 125-150 local networks available Via satellite, covering just about every reasonable sized market in the country. Do the Omaha stations hurt because people have a choice of stations? Very doubtful. In fact I bet they flourish. In addition to the people in the area, thousands who were from the area at one time would likely pick the channels up to keep up with local news. This would be the same for most other small markets out there.
The guys who will suffer are the cable companies (they deserve it, after they've gaffed us for so many years). Satellite will become a more legitimate competitor, and with more bandwith, no worry about your location, and superior choice, will knock out cable.
The cable companies want to at least keep the playing field level by keeping these stupid laws around. I for one wouldn't shed a tear if I never had to see a bloody COX truck, box, or office in my life.
When looking at what a plane would do to a structure similar to a nuke plant, it doesn't make any sense to compare what happened at the WTC. The major damage was not caused directly by the impact, but the resulting fire which melted the support beams.
In the situation of a nuclear plant, you'd have a situation much more like that of the Pentagon, where the damage was much less severe.
Yeah, but Apple does every thing first. And as any Apple zealot will tell you, if it isn't an apple it just isn't good enough...
Of course I'd do the same if I was constantly ripped off by a company charging a premium for sub-standard harware, that looks soooo pretty...
I wonder how many of the comments that were against the settlement were looking for a harsher settlement as opposed to the number of those thinking no action or less action should be taken. At first glance the numbers seem to indicate that twice as many people think there should have been harsher punishment, but the actual content of those comments could be different.
But .NET is actually a pretty well thought out and designed plan. If you take off the blinders and look at it, .NET really makes sense.
What should open source do? Should it push forward a political agenda, or strive to provide people with the best possible products? Personally I could care less about RMS' agenda. To me open source is about options, and I applaud Miguel for working to provide people another option.
Bingo.
Palm sat back while Pocket PC came in and introduced high(er) res displays, more storage, more generic expandability (through CF), and the ability to do things like play MP3's.
The average person goes into Compusa looking at these devices, and the Pocket PC machines just stand out better. They've got more memory, are more colorful, and faster processors. Whether or not all this is neccessary is moot, it's a percieved deficit on the palm side.
I've been shocked that palm hasn't reacted to this. Sony has, and the new Clie machines are very cool, but palm has been stagnating for quite a while.
The other issue is writing to the ipod database. Simply slapping songs on the iPod won't allow them to play. The database has to be populated, On macs this is done by iTunes.
It is true, it just isn't completely electronic. I was involved in an accident out of state recently, and before I was released, they had to call my state to verify my ID, and check for any outstanding warrants or what-not. The difference in doing this manually, or electronically is a matter of convienience, and a matter of taxpayer funds. Had I been issued a ticket, and not shown up for court, or didn't pay a fine, a warrant would have been issued, and my state would have been notified. If I my ID was ever ran in a third state, they would be aware of the warrant as well.
The fact that a national ID exists, or will exist, isn't so much the problem, it's how it will be used. I don't have much of an issue with other states being able to find any outstanding warrants on myself or anyone else, what concerns me is how private companies will come to use a national ID.
Private companies have done very bad things with our social security numbers. Federal agencies are regulated somewhat by the Privacy Act of 1974, and if you are aware of your rights, in most cases you do not have to disclose your SSN. (Unfortunately few people are aware of their rights, so there certainly is gross misuse). Private companies don't have to abide by these rules, and although you can walk, you can also be denied service.
Right now, at least in my state, if I want someone's drivers license #, I can make a request to obtain it through the DMV. You can't call the IRS and ask for their SSN.
That's all the article talked about. They aren't talking about video. So this is nothing new, except for the fact it's on a DVD player, not a MP3 portable.
So, like some DVD players can play MP3 CD's, some will be able to play WMA CD's. Not be able to show CD's and DVD's with WMV's on them. Big deal.
Agreed. The thought of slashdotters naked is frightening.
And what's disturbing, is that there's a good chance many of the posters are naked.
And in that case, to me. :p
Strap the PETA folks up with explosives, and guide THEM with the pen lasers.
Sorry, I didn't mention that because I figured it was out of the question for most /.'rs
So, I'm guessing the submitter is looking for affirmation from fellow gamers that it's not an addiction, etc. My advice, if you find yourself playing games for hours on end, leaving work or school early to play games (this includes playing them while you work), or spending more time playing a game than interacting with people you probably have some sort of addiction.
Find something else to do for a couple hours out of the day. Maybe exercise. Maybe read a book. Hell, take up drinking and go to a bar. Leave the game alone a while just to make sure that there's not something else out there you're missing.
Gaming seems to be a rather unfulfilling addiction. Sure, it doesn't physcially harm you (except for maybe RSI), but there's not the added chemical side-effects of the additiction you get from alcohol, nicotine, or narcotics. If I'm going to sink time and money into an addiction... I had better get a buzz.