The violence in Libya was indeed pre-planned, that's not evidence that the violence across the Muslim world was!? You're taking that incident too far.
I fully support the freedom of expression, and I have no interest in Saudi Arabia's suggestion. You however have to give credit where credit is due. That silly movie created a spontaneous reaction across the Muslim world which is far more than simply Libya!
I almost forgot the most interesting counter-argument to your joke! If the world experiences a major catastrophe where agriculture is severely affected it probably would be quite useful to be able to reach the Svalbard Global Seed Vault, hehe.
Try finding the seed bank without GPS and keeping an eye out for the very hungry polar bears that roam there!
Interestingly they control satellites from Svalbard, not the other way around:)
Kongsberg Satellite Services operates both SvalSat in Norway's Arctic regions and TrollSat at the Norwegian Antarctic base on the opposite pole. It is the largest commercial ground station in the world. The first customer was NASA, which uses it for its EOS satellites, NEN and SLR. The European, Japanese and Indian Space Agencies also use it extensively. The business idea for Svalbard satellite station is to provide cost-effective services to polar satellite operators.
The SvalSat system is used for Near real-time (NRT) Maritime Situational Awareness services, including vessel detection and oil spill monitoring, and producing images on demand from Earth using data acquired by satellites in orbit. With stations near both poles and at mid-latitudes, KSAT can access satellites at many positions in orbit and download almost any conceivable mix of data from them.
NASA's Satellite Laser Ranging network (SLR) is a fundamental measurement technique used to support both national and international programs in Earth dynamics, ocean and ice surface altimetry, navigation, and positioning. SLR utilizes a global network of stations [including Svalbard] to measure distances by bouncing very short pulses of laser light off special reflectors installed on satellites orbiting the earth, and also left on the Moon by the Apollo astronauts and Soviet rovers. By accurately timing the round-trip time of flight of these pulses, distances can be computed and precise orbits determined. This data is then used to acquire fundamental information about the geophysical processes of the Earth and the Earth-Moon system.
To supply NASA, United States Department of Defense, NOAA, ESA and others with this data they even laid a dedicated submarine cable to Svalbard from mainland Norway (1400 km).
This isn't a case of gaining the EU's permission simply for show, it's all about keeping the European Union's inner market open and competitive. This is the core mission of the EU(!) Free and unhindered trade amongst the members. It's a two-way street.
If the British government(s) want to spend their money on rural broadband, that's just great, but they can't simply hand the money to their own preferred partners (BT). That would be illegal state subsidies. There has to be free and open competition for the contracts!
That's all there is to this case. All the other EU member states have the exact same scrutiny from Brussels, where equally eager British representatives are watching out for their own interests.
The real issue however is the fact that such subsidies would be illegal even without the EU. I'm pretty sure it would run afoul of the World Trade Organization (WTO). I will just mention the Boeing and Airbus cases.
Even within the EU's economic area (EEA), as per your original comment, includes countries that are not members of the EU itself. The same laws apply in the whole EEA-region.
It is in fact amongst this group of countries you will the few registrars that [still] require a local entity. I see now that there are very few left...
NORID of Norway's requirements are as follows:
Main requirements To register a domain name within.no, you need to: - have a local presence in Norway - be an organization. At present this is defined as being one of certain forms of organization registered in the Brønnøysund Register Centre - ensure that the domain is technically operative
This does not apply to all European countries, there are still European countries that require that you have a local corporation and registration number to apply for domains [under the national TLD]. I assume you're wrongly using EU as a synonym for all of Europe(?)
The EU only requires that you don't put barriers in place, in any form, that hinder inter-European trade. French and Italian TLDs require a European address, but nothing beyond that.
Thanks for replying, it's an interesting subject and I welcome opposing views.
Are rats poor models? I'm not sure if they are in this case, as it's not my area, but almost all human genes known to be associated with diseases have counterparts in the rat genome, confirming that the rat is an excellent model for many areas of medical research.
There are reasons for why we sequenced the rat and mice genome after decoding the [complete] human genome.
While I won't claim the fact that the United States is the "fattest" country in the world is evidence for any link between HFCS and obesity it's certainly worth noting. Whatever is to blame it's having a large-scale impact. Technically the US is 3rd place in 2012 behind two insignificant, micro-nations where the Pacific Islander population is genetically predisposed to obesity, diabetes etc.
That's unfair, it's not a "non-issue". There is some hysteria as usual, but there are valid reasons for avoiding HFCS. It's not just another sugar, but it does depend on who you listen to. I'm by no means a fanatic, but I have read my fair share of research on the subject. According to research from one the world's most prestigious Universities, Princeton;
"A Princeton University research team has demonstrated that all sweeteners are not equal when it comes to weight gain: Rats with access to high-fructose corn syrup gained significantly more weight than those with access to table sugar, even when their overall caloric intake was the same. "
"These rats aren't just getting fat; they're demonstrating characteristics of obesity, including substantial increases in abdominal fat and circulating triglycerides," said Princeton graduate student Miriam Bocarsly."
"Rats on a diet rich in high-fructose corn syrup showed characteristic signs of a dangerous condition known in humans as the metabolic syndrome, including abnormal weight gain, significant increases in circulating triglycerides and augmented fat deposition, especially visceral fat around the belly.
The central issue being the amount of adipose tissue (fat around the belly).
Adipose tissue or body fat is loose connective tissue composed of adipocytes. It is technically composed of roughly only 80% fat; fat in its solitary state exists in the liver and muscles. Adipose tissue is derived from lipoblasts. Its main role is to store energy in the form of lipids, although it also cushions and insulates the body.
Far from hormonally inert, adipose tissue has in recent years been recognized as a major endocrine organ, as it produces hormones such as leptin, estrogen, resistin, and the cytokine TNF. Moreover, adipose tissue can affect other organ systems of the body and may lead to disease. Obesity or being overweight in humans and most animals does not depend on body weight, but on the amount of body fat—to be specific, adipose tissue.
However I did read a recent report from Harvard (2012) that stated there was no difference in how the human body digested sugars (HFCS or not). The case is certainly not clear, but I do not want to be a "guinea pig" to increase some corporation's profit.
Hello neighbour! Wie geht's? Sometimes I think we should have national flag icons next to our usernames:) I much prefer my Norwegian Lutefisk anyway, that Surströmming can stay in Sweden, hehe;)
The problem is obviously spreading and becoming class based, so we're likely to see the same sort of problems here in Europe eventually. It is scary to imagine a future where people only know supermarket "ready meals". Food prices may be higher here where I live, but at least it's produced in my country to acceptable standards. I can only hope that you, the members of the EU, manage to keep the American GM foods and their additives out of your/our products. Tschüß!
Yes, it's very interesting, I only have a laymans understanding of the subject(s) involved. My degrees are all in other areas.
What I have understood however is that the genetic component may be far more important than the diet itself for individuals. The Mediterranean diet may only work well for people with [that or] similar genetic makeup and/or environmental conditions (climate, eating patterns, etc). Consuming butter heavy, low carb diets (Ketogenic) has recently become a fad here in Scandinavia. It even lead to a butter "shortage" before Christmas due to our agricultural policy (protectionist/self-sufficiency).
From what I have read and seen a lot of industrial food products in the US may have everything from trans-fats, [traces of] anti-biotics and growth hormones and frequently contains High Fructose Corn Syrup (HFCS). The variation of products with corn derivatives is incredible, from beer to dry-wall! We know long-term consumption of HFCS leads to abnormal increases in body fat, especially in the abdomen, and a rise in circulating blood fats (triglycerides).
That's why I'm thankful that HFCS is not common in food products here in Scandinavia, even our [non-light] sodas use real sugar. It may be part of the obesity problem, in addition to the lack of exercise.
I remember reading one particularly interesting [American] study on the effects of poor nutrition, lack of healthy alternative food sources and polluted natural environments on the urban poor, and how it effectively locked them in poverty, poor health, low education, unemployment and crime. A cycle that is very hard to break. Think of all the money save and problems we could avoid in health care, welfare and crime prevention!
No, it doesn't exactly, if you see my second post, it goes into detail about the possible causes for why and how Indians and other Asians differ from European ethnic populations.
I'm no expert in this field I do however remember the recent BBC documentary on the subject which I believe discussed the fact that the typical diet was in fact leading to similar health problems without the outward appearance of obesity. How this relates to rice I'm not certain I can remember. There were not only dietary, but also genetic differences (see below).
If I remember correctly a lot of Indian children were in fact born underweight at birth, but also so-called "thin-fat", without the outward appearance of such problems. They don't appear to be obese on the outside, but their insides were remarkably similar to Western diabetes sufferers. The dietary conditions later in life leads to weight increase and stronger symptoms of the disease/condition.
See the document I linked to for more information:
India is bracing for a massive surge in type 2 diabetes, with credible estimates putting the number of sufferers in the next 20 years at more than 100 million.
It is a frightening phenomenon that threatens to overwhelm the country's health system, according to a leading diabetes specialist in India.Between them, India and China now have more than half of the world's type 2 diabetics.
That's both true and just part of the whole truth.
While it may be legally required in the EU, it may also be required in the EEA (EU+3). Even then it is often applied in all of the European countries (EU/EEA/non-EU), it's easier for companies that way (see Facebook).
No, it also applies in the countries that are part of the European Economic Area (EEA). That's the EU and most of EFTA. We're a few small countries, but we're not members of the EU. The FTA means the same laws apply within the EEA (27+3).
The Egyptian government has publically stated that they don't hold the US government or its people responsible. That's quite something! They directed their anger at the people who "abused" (sic.) freedom of speech.
They also said they would take measures against violent protests, and the Brotherhood seems to have directed their people to the mosques and peaceful protests. It obviously didn't stop others or wasn't the whole truth.
To quote the US administration; Egypt might not be our ally, but they're not our enemy either. It's good that two states can have an adult relationship. Especially in these times.
Freedom of expression is guaranteed by domestic law and international treaty in every European country. What "free speech" entails differs from country to country (see Germany and Nazi symbols).
The penalty in this French case did not include termination or suspension of his Internet access.
Other countries in Europe like Finland and Estonia, both EU members, have found Internet access to be a basic human right protected by law. Usually this idea spreads from one country to the next over time [within the European Union] and the domestic and/or supra-national courts (eqv. or similar to "federal").
Article 10 of the European Convention on Human Rights provides the right to freedom of expression, subject to certain restrictions that are "in accordance with law" and "necessary in a democratic society". This right includes the freedom to hold opinions, and to receive and impart information and ideas.
By treaty and domestic law every country in Europe has the presumption of innocence.
Article 6 of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) offers a definition of the presumption of innocence, in the sense of the right to a fair trial. The case law of the European Court of Human Rights indicates that an accused should not be declared guilty until a court has established his or her guilt, and that pre-trial detention should be the exception rather than the rule.
Is your comparison fair? I don't work with hardware, so I claim no expertise here, but a quick shopping list shows:
- $549 at NewEgg for one AMD Opteron 6262 HE Interlagos 1.6GHz 16-Core Server Processor - 4 x $549 = $2196 for just the CPUs? - £2500 (GBP) ~ $4047 (USD) - $4047 - $2196 = $1851
Is it really that much cheaper or better for their purpose? They're not looking for power/$ ratios. Clearly you would have a few Dollars left over to buy the other required parts for your server.
Please keep Purchasing Power Parity (PPP) in mind. Prices in the UK are not the same as in the US, simply using currency exchange rates does not give a meaningful comparison.
Wow, what an interesting opinion, is it based on facts and actual knowledge of law? Do you have a Scandinavian or other European law degree? I do.
The only source for claims that Sweden will extradite him is from Assange's own supporters. I have read their blogs filled with non-legal opinion pieces.
I'm sorry to say this, but it is quite evident that is your brain that is "fucked" up. I hope you find some actual arguments for your next reply.
Sweden has not indicated it will extradite him! What is your source for that claim?! His supporters claim this, but the UK is far more likely to do so.
Sweden and every other European country is obligated by human rights laws to refrain from extraditing to the US [or any other country] if there's even the possibility of the death penalty. The same applies if they cannot be guaranteed basic human rights as defined by the ECHR.
In several cases Scandinavian countries have refused to extradite, American or native citizens, to the US on grounds such as the horrible prison conditions in the US. You draw a very strange picture of Sweden, but do you actually know it? Having studied law in this region, and knowing the European Human Rights Convention acts as a guarantee in both Sweden and the UK I fail to see the validity of your point.
Have a look at some of the wonderful articles that rank above national European court systems. If the UK or Sweden wanted to extradite, Assange could have them overruled by the European Court of Human Rights:
What evidence do you have to support your rather strange claims about Scandinavian law? Your claims are not in line with books or scholars on the subject. What are your credentials?
As a Scandinavian lawyer I have to disagree with your frankly unfounded claims on the basis of our legal history. Our law is built on the foundations of both Roman (Code Civil) and German (BGB) law. If that's not solid and strong then nothing is! Most countries in the world have similar foundations - with the exception of the former British colonies and some Muslim countries (mixed).
In modern times our laws have absolutely been constantly maintained and expanded with new laws from both national, regional and European sources. You do realize all the Scandinavian countries are subject to both the Council of Europe and EU law (either directly or indirectly)? According to most ratings, reviews and analysis human rights are better protected in Scandinavia than in the UK or US.
You are either ignorant or lying when you claim that Sweden or any other Scandinavian country would extradite a person to the US more easily. The US has been denied their own citizens on the basis that even US prisons are not satisfactory in terms of human rights according to our courts! The threat of the death penalty means a whole lot more to civilized countries where it's already illegal. It's also illegal under our laws to extradite if there's even the slightest chance that he could receive capital punishment! I can refer you to countless cases and verdicts.
Slashdot Mirror
The violence in Libya was indeed pre-planned, that's not evidence that the violence across the Muslim world was!? You're taking that incident too far.
I fully support the freedom of expression, and I have no interest in Saudi Arabia's suggestion. You however have to give credit where credit is due. That silly movie created a spontaneous reaction across the Muslim world which is far more than simply Libya!
I almost forgot the most interesting counter-argument to your joke! If the world experiences a major catastrophe where agriculture is severely affected it probably would be quite useful to be able to reach the Svalbard Global Seed Vault, hehe.
Try finding the seed bank without GPS and keeping an eye out for the very hungry polar bears that roam there!
Interestingly they control satellites from Svalbard, not the other way around :)
Kongsberg Satellite Services operates both SvalSat in Norway's Arctic regions and TrollSat at the Norwegian Antarctic base on the opposite pole. It is the largest commercial ground station in the world. The first customer was NASA, which uses it for its EOS satellites, NEN and SLR. The European, Japanese and Indian Space Agencies also use it extensively. The business idea for Svalbard satellite station is to provide cost-effective services to polar satellite operators.
The SvalSat system is used for Near real-time (NRT) Maritime Situational Awareness services, including vessel detection and oil spill monitoring, and producing images on demand from Earth using data acquired by satellites in orbit. With stations near both poles and at mid-latitudes, KSAT can access satellites at many positions in orbit and download almost any conceivable mix of data from them.
NASA's Satellite Laser Ranging network (SLR) is a fundamental measurement technique used to support both national and international programs in Earth dynamics, ocean and ice surface altimetry, navigation, and positioning. SLR utilizes a global network of stations [including Svalbard] to measure distances by bouncing very short pulses of laser light off special reflectors installed on satellites orbiting the earth, and also left on the Moon by the Apollo astronauts and Soviet rovers. By accurately timing the round-trip time of flight of these pulses, distances can be computed and precise orbits determined. This data is then used to acquire fundamental information about the geophysical processes of the Earth and the Earth-Moon system.
To supply NASA, United States Department of Defense, NOAA, ESA and others with this data they even laid a dedicated submarine cable to Svalbard from mainland Norway (1400 km).
This isn't a case of gaining the EU's permission simply for show, it's all about keeping the European Union's inner market open and competitive. This is the core mission of the EU(!) Free and unhindered trade amongst the members. It's a two-way street.
If the British government(s) want to spend their money on rural broadband, that's just great, but they can't simply hand the money to their own preferred partners (BT). That would be illegal state subsidies. There has to be free and open competition for the contracts!
That's all there is to this case. All the other EU member states have the exact same scrutiny from Brussels, where equally eager British representatives are watching out for their own interests.
The real issue however is the fact that such subsidies would be illegal even without the EU. I'm pretty sure it would run afoul of the World Trade Organization (WTO). I will just mention the Boeing and Airbus cases.
Even within the EU's economic area (EEA), as per your original comment, includes countries that are not members of the EU itself. The same laws apply in the whole EEA-region.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Supranational_European_Bodies.png
It is in fact amongst this group of countries you will the few registrars that [still] require a local entity. I see now that there are very few left...
NORID of Norway's requirements are as follows:
Main requirements .no, you need to:
To register a domain name within
- have a local presence in Norway
- be an organization. At present this is defined as being one of certain forms of organization registered in the Brønnøysund Register Centre
- ensure that the domain is technically operative
http://www.norid.no/regelverk/index.en.html
This does not apply to all European countries, there are still European countries that require that you have a local corporation and registration number to apply for domains [under the national TLD]. I assume you're wrongly using EU as a synonym for all of Europe(?)
The EU only requires that you don't put barriers in place, in any form, that hinder inter-European trade. French and Italian TLDs require a European address, but nothing beyond that.
Thanks for replying, it's an interesting subject and I welcome opposing views.
Are rats poor models? I'm not sure if they are in this case, as it's not my area, but almost all human genes known to be associated with diseases have counterparts in the rat genome, confirming that the rat is an excellent model for many areas of medical research.
There are reasons for why we sequenced the rat and mice genome after decoding the [complete] human genome.
While I won't claim the fact that the United States is the "fattest" country in the world is evidence for any link between HFCS and obesity it's certainly worth noting. Whatever is to blame it's having a large-scale impact. Technically the US is 3rd place in 2012 behind two insignificant, micro-nations where the Pacific Islander population is genetically predisposed to obesity, diabetes etc.
That's unfair, it's not a "non-issue". There is some hysteria as usual, but there are valid reasons for avoiding HFCS. It's not just another sugar, but it does depend on who you listen to. I'm by no means a fanatic, but I have read my fair share of research on the subject. According to research from one the world's most prestigious Universities, Princeton;
"A Princeton University research team has demonstrated that all sweeteners are not equal when it comes to weight gain: Rats with access to high-fructose corn syrup gained significantly more weight than those with access to table sugar, even when their overall caloric intake was the same. "
"These rats aren't just getting fat; they're demonstrating characteristics of obesity, including substantial increases in abdominal fat and circulating triglycerides," said Princeton graduate student Miriam Bocarsly."
"Rats on a diet rich in high-fructose corn syrup showed characteristic signs of a dangerous condition known in humans as the metabolic syndrome, including abnormal weight gain, significant increases in circulating triglycerides and augmented fat deposition, especially visceral fat around the belly.
The central issue being the amount of adipose tissue (fat around the belly).
Adipose tissue or body fat is loose connective tissue composed of adipocytes. It is technically composed of roughly only 80% fat; fat in its solitary state exists in the liver and muscles. Adipose tissue is derived from lipoblasts. Its main role is to store energy in the form of lipids, although it also cushions and insulates the body.
Far from hormonally inert, adipose tissue has in recent years been recognized as a major endocrine organ, as it produces hormones such as leptin, estrogen, resistin, and the cytokine TNF. Moreover, adipose tissue can affect other organ systems of the body and may lead to disease. Obesity or being overweight in humans and most animals does not depend on body weight, but on the amount of body fat—to be specific, adipose tissue.
However I did read a recent report from Harvard (2012) that stated there was no difference in how the human body digested sugars (HFCS or not). The case is certainly not clear, but I do not want to be a "guinea pig" to increase some corporation's profit.
Sources:
http://www.princeton.edu/main/news/archive/S26/91/22K07/
http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/scientists-conclude-high-fructose-corn-syrup-should-not-be-blamed-for-obesity-170179136.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adipose_tissue
Hello neighbour! Wie geht's? Sometimes I think we should have national flag icons next to our usernames :) I much prefer my Norwegian Lutefisk anyway, that Surströmming can stay in Sweden, hehe ;)
The problem is obviously spreading and becoming class based, so we're likely to see the same sort of problems here in Europe eventually. It is scary to imagine a future where people only know supermarket "ready meals". Food prices may be higher here where I live, but at least it's produced in my country to acceptable standards. I can only hope that you, the members of the EU, manage to keep the American GM foods and their additives out of your/our products. Tschüß!
http://www.visitnorway.com/en/What-to-do/Food-and-drink/Popular-Christmas-food-in-Norway/
Yes, it's very interesting, I only have a laymans understanding of the subject(s) involved. My degrees are all in other areas.
What I have understood however is that the genetic component may be far more important than the diet itself for individuals. The Mediterranean diet may only work well for people with [that or] similar genetic makeup and/or environmental conditions (climate, eating patterns, etc). Consuming butter heavy, low carb diets (Ketogenic) has recently become a fad here in Scandinavia. It even lead to a butter "shortage" before Christmas due to our agricultural policy (protectionist/self-sufficiency).
From what I have read and seen a lot of industrial food products in the US may have everything from trans-fats, [traces of] anti-biotics and growth hormones and frequently contains High Fructose Corn Syrup (HFCS). The variation of products with corn derivatives is incredible, from beer to dry-wall! We know long-term consumption of HFCS leads to abnormal increases in body fat, especially in the abdomen, and a rise in circulating blood fats (triglycerides).
That's why I'm thankful that HFCS is not common in food products here in Scandinavia, even our [non-light] sodas use real sugar. It may be part of the obesity problem, in addition to the lack of exercise.
I remember reading one particularly interesting [American] study on the effects of poor nutrition, lack of healthy alternative food sources and polluted natural environments on the urban poor, and how it effectively locked them in poverty, poor health, low education, unemployment and crime. A cycle that is very hard to break. Think of all the money save and problems we could avoid in health care, welfare and crime prevention!
No, it doesn't exactly, if you see my second post, it goes into detail about the possible causes for why and how Indians and other Asians differ from European ethnic populations.
I'm no expert in this field I do however remember the recent BBC documentary on the subject which I believe discussed the fact that the typical diet was in fact leading to similar health problems without the outward appearance of obesity. How this relates to rice I'm not certain I can remember. There were not only dietary, but also genetic differences (see below).
If I remember correctly a lot of Indian children were in fact born underweight at birth, but also so-called "thin-fat", without the outward appearance of such problems. They don't appear to be obese on the outside, but their insides were remarkably similar to Western diabetes sufferers. The dietary conditions later in life leads to weight increase and stronger symptoms of the disease/condition.
See the document I linked to for more information:
http://www.rcuk.ac.uk/documents/india/CYajnik.pdf
I will also add that the BBC showed an interesting documentary a short while ago about the cause(s) and effects on the "Thin-Fat Indian".
This document by Prof C.S. Yajnik MD, FRCP is very detailed in its analysis of the genetics differences between Indians and European ethnic people:
http://www.rcuk.ac.uk/documents/india/CYajnik.pdf
India is bracing for a massive surge in type 2 diabetes, with credible estimates putting the number of sufferers in the next 20 years at more than 100 million.
It is a frightening phenomenon that threatens to overwhelm the country's health system, according to a leading diabetes specialist in India.Between them, India and China now have more than half of the world's type 2 diabetics.
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-07-23/obesity-produces-diabetes-epidemic-in-india/4148616
That's both true and just part of the whole truth.
While it may be legally required in the EU, it may also be required in the EEA (EU+3). Even then it is often applied in all of the European countries (EU/EEA/non-EU), it's easier for companies that way (see Facebook).
No, it also applies in the countries that are part of the European Economic Area (EEA). That's the EU and most of EFTA. We're a few small countries, but we're not members of the EU. The FTA means the same laws apply within the EEA (27+3).
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/European_Economic_Area
Hear, hear!
The Egyptian government has publically stated that they don't hold the US government or its people responsible. That's quite something! They directed their anger at the people who "abused" (sic.) freedom of speech.
They also said they would take measures against violent protests, and the Brotherhood seems to have directed their people to the mosques and peaceful protests. It obviously didn't stop others or wasn't the whole truth.
To quote the US administration; Egypt might not be our ally, but they're not our enemy either. It's good that two states can have an adult relationship. Especially in these times.
I don't think you see anything at all, it's quite plain that you have no legal background.
I personally know both Italian lawyers and police officers (Bologna). Checkmate.
I also seriously doubt you know the French or Italian legal systems. Thanks for 'playing', you failed miserably.
Freedom of expression is guaranteed by domestic law and international treaty in every European country. What "free speech" entails differs from country to country (see Germany and Nazi symbols).
The penalty in this French case did not include termination or suspension of his Internet access.
Other countries in Europe like Finland and Estonia, both EU members, have found Internet access to be a basic human right protected by law. Usually this idea spreads from one country to the next over time [within the European Union] and the domestic and/or supra-national courts (eqv. or similar to "federal").
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/8548190.stm
Article 10 of the European Convention on Human Rights provides the right to freedom of expression, subject to certain restrictions that are "in accordance with law" and "necessary in a democratic society". This right includes the freedom to hold opinions, and to receive and impart information and ideas.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Article_10_of_the_European_Convention_on_Human_Rights
By treaty and domestic law every country in Europe has the presumption of innocence.
Article 6 of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) offers a definition of the presumption of innocence, in the sense of the right to a fair trial. The case law of the European Court of Human Rights indicates that an accused should not be declared guilty until a court has established his or her guilt, and that pre-trial detention should be the exception rather than the rule.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/European_Convention_on_Human_Rights#Article_6_-_fair_trial
Is your comparison fair? I don't work with hardware, so I claim no expertise here, but a quick shopping list shows:
- $549 at NewEgg for one AMD Opteron 6262 HE Interlagos 1.6GHz 16-Core Server Processor
- 4 x $549 = $2196 for just the CPUs?
- £2500 (GBP) ~ $4047 (USD)
- $4047 - $2196 = $1851
Is it really that much cheaper or better for their purpose? They're not looking for power/$ ratios. Clearly you would have a few Dollars left over to buy the other required parts for your server.
Please keep Purchasing Power Parity (PPP) in mind. Prices in the UK are not the same as in the US, simply using currency exchange rates does not give a meaningful comparison.
Wow, what an interesting opinion, is it based on facts and actual knowledge of law? Do you have a Scandinavian or other European law degree? I do.
The only source for claims that Sweden will extradite him is from Assange's own supporters. I have read their blogs filled with non-legal opinion pieces.
I'm sorry to say this, but it is quite evident that is your brain that is "fucked" up. I hope you find some actual arguments for your next reply.
Sweden has not indicated it will extradite him! What is your source for that claim?! His supporters claim this, but the UK is far more likely to do so.
Sweden and every other European country is obligated by human rights laws to refrain from extraditing to the US [or any other country] if there's even the possibility of the death penalty. The same applies if they cannot be guaranteed basic human rights as defined by the ECHR.
In several cases Scandinavian countries have refused to extradite, American or native citizens, to the US on grounds such as the horrible prison conditions in the US. You draw a very strange picture of Sweden, but do you actually know it? Having studied law in this region, and knowing the European Human Rights Convention acts as a guarantee in both Sweden and the UK I fail to see the validity of your point.
Have a look at some of the wonderful articles that rank above national European court systems. If the UK or Sweden wanted to extradite, Assange could have them overruled by the European Court of Human Rights:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/European_Convention_on_Human_Rights#Article_6_-_fair_trial
What evidence do you have to support your rather strange claims about Scandinavian law? Your claims are not in line with books or scholars on the subject. What are your credentials?
As a Scandinavian lawyer I have to disagree with your frankly unfounded claims on the basis of our legal history. Our law is built on the foundations of both Roman (Code Civil) and German (BGB) law. If that's not solid and strong then nothing is! Most countries in the world have similar foundations - with the exception of the former British colonies and some Muslim countries (mixed).
In modern times our laws have absolutely been constantly maintained and expanded with new laws from both national, regional and European sources. You do realize all the Scandinavian countries are subject to both the Council of Europe and EU law (either directly or indirectly)? According to most ratings, reviews and analysis human rights are better protected in Scandinavia than in the UK or US.
You are either ignorant or lying when you claim that Sweden or any other Scandinavian country would extradite a person to the US more easily. The US has been denied their own citizens on the basis that even US prisons are not satisfactory in terms of human rights according to our courts! The threat of the death penalty means a whole lot more to civilized countries where it's already illegal. It's also illegal under our laws to extradite if there's even the slightest chance that he could receive capital punishment! I can refer you to countless cases and verdicts.
You really need to watch this video, it explains the difference between the United Kingdom, Great Britain and England.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rNu8XDBSn10