If I remember correctly, Cantwell is an ex-exec of RealNetworks. That would put her in the same corner as the record companies and DMCA lovers. Real has enough clout to get the rights to produce DVD software.
I understand what you're talking about. However, if the record/media companies own all of the networks, etc. what gives you the idea that they will ALLOW anti-DMCA types to play campaign ads on their stations? It's free speech, remember - they can put any voice forward that they wish - and that voice will slowly become more and more an echo of their corporate line.
Thanks for the link. So, let me get this straight - if you hand a politician $1000 to vote for a bill, that's bribery. But if you throw a huge party, including expensive food, champagne and whatever else - that's lobbying.
Ok, what the hell just happened? After posting the previous message, I went back to check out the story about Trent Lott killing a vote in committee today. But the posting was GONE. I then went 'Back' and refreshed, adn it was there? But the URL is http://yro.slashdot.org/
Am I just getting paranoid or is Slashdot being censored? Please, someone explain.
While I believe there are a few more cases pending that seek to gut it, I think we may have to get used to living with the DMCA. It's unfortunate, but this is what happens when you live in a society that is ruled by the media industry. With only a few companies controlling 90% of the TV stations and two or three firms taking control of the radio, it's going to take some serious lobbying to stop these types of bills passing. The Internet is the only thing standing between the media giants and their utter control of free speech. If something isn't done to curb this, we may find ourselves in a society not run by a single 'big-brother' State, but instead run by a few giant media groups. Not that they couldn't - at that point - purchase the State, with all of the media at there disposal, they could do anything. And most people would go along with it, because they saw it on TV. I can just here my parents and grandparents now - "Well, so-and-so on channel 2 said it was a good idea. And then I heard the same on channel 7 - and then the newspaper endorsed the idea. So, it must be the way to go..."
My wife works at Starbucks and they are always hiring. They are also always trying to get new management types and pay pretty well for food service (my wife makes $11.50/hr). Tell them you are looking to change career paths. They are usually so desperate for good employees (they try to stand above the average fast-food joint) that they probably won't care if you interest is not 100% sincere. I was actually going to apply, but I landed a contract right before I was forced to.
...something coming from the Dems that we can support. Now, I know Rep. Lampson has an agenda (bringing the pork home), but I vote the we begin contacting our Reps and Senators and try to get this thing pushed through. Only with a serious show of geek support will this thing survive.
----
PS:
It'll be dead before it hits the House floor. Some idiot-fool will try to stick an anti-abortion or anti-missle defense rider to it and it will die in committee. Sorry, I'm a little cynical these days.
I'm sure it's all off-shore. Harder to track that way. Not that the government doesn't have the ability to find out, they just tend to 'look the other way'.
I think someone needs to spend a little more time outside of Georgia...
FYI: I've been to Georgia, I've lived in Europe and I know the quality-of-life differences between them. If you are talking education, K-12 is at least twice as good (if you can measure it that way) in Europe. Have you seen any recent math test scores of Belium/Flemish or Canadians or the Dutch vs. the US? If you haven't, why don't you check it out HERE. I'm sure you realize these countries are all very 'socialist'. If you don't like that study, take a look at a different one HERE. It demonstrates that, while our amount spent (GDP terms) is higher than that found in several other countries (Germany), we do much worse than those 'socialist' countries. Now, if I remember correctly, Georgia doesn't rank much above the middle in US comparisons. Oh, yea, most of these countries have universal health coverage...
I have a titanium wedding ring. I got it because, well, it's cool and because I thought it would last forever. While it still looks good after 8 months, but it did scratch after the first week when I scraped it across some stainless steel. The scratch may only be in the polish though. Anyway, if someone wants to know, it cost about $200. I probably got screwed - damn weddings.
...but it's possible. However, I'm of the opinion the 'big boys' (M$, AOL, DISNEY, etc) will spend so much money, time, and effort trying to control the internet that nothing will be so streamlined (as the article seems to suggest). Hell, it's even possible one will get the other convicted AND punished for being a predatory monopoly...
I'm not a programmer, nor am I in the computer/tech industry, but even I have been able to program in Python without too much problem. As the other reply states, Python is easy. Not fast but easy. And, if speed is needed, you can always prototype with Python and add the speed later.
I somewhat enjoyed the garbled Bavarian. I found it amusing.
I heard about the stadium. It's going to be placed further up noth, isn't it? Past Garching-Hochbruch on the 6-line? I lived up there, at Studentenstadt Freimann. That's where the bar was. On the roof of one of the dorm-towers. It was a pretty kick-ass place, with a view of the city and the whole bit. When there was foehn, you could even see the mountains to the south. The bar isn't there anymore. They were beginning a remodel of the building the last time I was there and had to remove the bar. They may be finished by now, since that was almost 2 years ago, but who knows. It was a big job since the buildings hadn't been renovated since they were built in the 50's. There are some good bars there still. They are all on the roofs or underground. If you find someone who knows the area, have them take you. It's a student 'city' but if you like that atmosphere, it can kick ass. Ohh, and the beer is cheaper since we didn't have to pay taxes. An Augustiner was 2,80 when I was there (that's marks).
So, you're American? Or?
Regensberg is a great town. Been there several times.
I lived in Munich for a year and Augustiner was my favorite also - by far. Oddly enough, Augustiner is the only major Munich beer I can't get over here. I have to settle for Spaten or Weihenstephan or one of the others. Gosh, I want to go back. Anyway, I realize a Mass is what the Bayerisch call the krug - and thanks for the insight into the Stein thing. I never made the connection. I actually went to school when I was there and ran a bar (a student-run thing, I was the manager). How's Munich, anyway? I haven't been back for nearly two years.
Just as any good politician does - unfortunately - you must play to the Senator's emotions - and more importantly, the emotions of his staff. He is a Democrat, but probably a pretty conservative one - coming from Florida. From my experience as a lowly intern for a senator, this is what I suggest:
Find out more about this technical advisor. Has he/she always been 'with' the senator or did he/she come from a corporate background? Use this information to help frame your argument. For example, if the advisor has always worked for the government/senator then he/she is probably inclined to be more of the 'socially conscious' type. Using this as an aide, make the argument that this is not good policy - it is a ploy by the 'Disney' corporate culture to push off onto society the potentially high monetary and political costs of copy-protection. (I personally hate the idea of copy protection, but it is within the rights of the companies to employ this, as long as it is clearly labeled on CDs, etc. They don't want to do this because customers hate it. For this reason, they are seeking protection behind the law.)
If the advisor and senator are somewhat more conservative - coming from a corporate background, make the argument that it is the obligation of the industry to satisfy the will of the market - not the government's obligation to alter the market for the industry. Also mention the chip industry's opposition to the idea - and the increased costs consumers will have to shoulder. It could be argued that innovation will be hindered. Would you purchase a new system if you knew a copy-protection chip were installed in it? I wouldn't.
Finally, Florida - if I remember correctly - is still one of the states fighting M$. In this case, make it a point to bring up the subject of open-source software and how this legislation could seriously harm its development. When writing my Senators and Congressman (California, unfortunately), I made it a point to bring up the fact that my one-man-shop must run open-source software because of the cost associated with M$ products. This legislation could force me to adopt M$ platforms, decreasing my income and making it harder for me to do business.
Well, I'm a leftist myself - but not the type you are talking about. In theory, I think the government should have more control over broadband. I actually think the government (not a single jurisdiction like the feds or a state, but many cities and counties) should own the broadband backbone. HOWEVER - this government is no longer about the people, nor for the people. It's about corporations and a lust for power. In this political environment, I'm a libertarian - even though I hate to say it. If the government could only be different...
You seem to be quite well informed on the workings of Oktoberfest. From Munich? You know, the thing that bothers me is that they call beer krugs 'steins'. Where did they ever come up with this name? It must have been some ignorant US military personel stationed in Germany after WWII.
What worries me is the prospect of the entertainment industry having more of a say in the PUC than a regular Joe. We've already seen too much support of CBDTPA from the congressional delegation - how much power will Disney et al. have over DSL now?
...and out of that comment, you realized I'm insensitive to the pain felt in NY, DC, and PA?
No, I'm not insensitive to the tragedy, but the time has come that we begin to discuss the reasons these type of things happen. Why do so many billions of people hate us? Even our allies are annoyed with us most of the time. Why? Is it just jealousy - as some think? Or is it something else? Do you have an answer?
God bless America, and Britain, and Germany, and France, and Afghanistan, and China, and Russia, and...
Maybe it's just me and the sites I visit, but the internet offers such a better range of information. For this reason, I think subsidizing the internet is much more beneficial to the whole population...unless you wanted to control the population with so-called info-tainment.
You could argue that this subsidy (not all subsidies - such as farm subsidies - are a good idea) will actually help to spur economic development, which helps a much wider population than is affected by the installation of the broadband itself.
Allowing a company to put in fiber, etc only creates a situation where you have to deal with a for-profit 'natural'-monopoly. Allow the cities and states to own the backbone - as long as they open the line to many (more than 3) firms - and you will have the happy situation whereby consumers get the service - if they want it - and the installation/maintenance pays for itself. This is the same situation that arises in many cities today. Telephone companies pay a service fee (although the feds began to allow monopolies - we know how that turned out).
Slashdot Mirror
If I remember correctly, Cantwell is an ex-exec of RealNetworks. That would put her in the same corner as the record companies and DMCA lovers. Real has enough clout to get the rights to produce DVD software.
I understand what you're talking about. However, if the record/media companies own all of the networks, etc. what gives you the idea that they will ALLOW anti-DMCA types to play campaign ads on their stations? It's free speech, remember - they can put any voice forward that they wish - and that voice will slowly become more and more an echo of their corporate line.
Thanks for the link. So, let me get this straight - if you hand a politician $1000 to vote for a bill, that's bribery. But if you throw a huge party, including expensive food, champagne and whatever else - that's lobbying.
This shit has to stop!
Ok, what the hell just happened? After posting the previous message, I went back to check out the story about Trent Lott killing a vote in committee today. But the posting was GONE. I then went 'Back' and refreshed, adn it was there? But the URL is http://yro.slashdot.org/
Am I just getting paranoid or is Slashdot being censored? Please, someone explain.
While I believe there are a few more cases pending that seek to gut it, I think we may have to get used to living with the DMCA. It's unfortunate, but this is what happens when you live in a society that is ruled by the media industry. With only a few companies controlling 90% of the TV stations and two or three firms taking control of the radio, it's going to take some serious lobbying to stop these types of bills passing. The Internet is the only thing standing between the media giants and their utter control of free speech. If something isn't done to curb this, we may find ourselves in a society not run by a single 'big-brother' State, but instead run by a few giant media groups. Not that they couldn't - at that point - purchase the State, with all of the media at there disposal, they could do anything. And most people would go along with it, because they saw it on TV. I can just here my parents and grandparents now - "Well, so-and-so on channel 2 said it was a good idea. And then I heard the same on channel 7 - and then the newspaper endorsed the idea. So, it must be the way to go..."
My wife works at Starbucks and they are always hiring. They are also always trying to get new management types and pay pretty well for food service (my wife makes $11.50/hr). Tell them you are looking to change career paths. They are usually so desperate for good employees (they try to stand above the average fast-food joint) that they probably won't care if you interest is not 100% sincere. I was actually going to apply, but I landed a contract right before I was forced to.
Good luck
...something coming from the Dems that we can support. Now, I know Rep. Lampson has an agenda (bringing the pork home), but I vote the we begin contacting our Reps and Senators and try to get this thing pushed through. Only with a serious show of geek support will this thing survive.
----
PS:
It'll be dead before it hits the House floor. Some idiot-fool will try to stick an anti-abortion or anti-missle defense rider to it and it will die in committee. Sorry, I'm a little cynical these days.
I'm sure it's all off-shore. Harder to track that way. Not that the government doesn't have the ability to find out, they just tend to 'look the other way'.
I wonder if anyone has checked Microsoft's checking account for any recent 'transactions' with the guy who was to testify.
For M$, anyhting can be bought.
I think someone needs to spend a little more time outside of Georgia... FYI: I've been to Georgia, I've lived in Europe and I know the quality-of-life differences between them. If you are talking education, K-12 is at least twice as good (if you can measure it that way) in Europe. Have you seen any recent math test scores of Belium/Flemish or Canadians or the Dutch vs. the US? If you haven't, why don't you check it out HERE. I'm sure you realize these countries are all very 'socialist'. If you don't like that study, take a look at a different one HERE. It demonstrates that, while our amount spent (GDP terms) is higher than that found in several other countries (Germany), we do much worse than those 'socialist' countries. Now, if I remember correctly, Georgia doesn't rank much above the middle in US comparisons. Oh, yea, most of these countries have universal health coverage...
I have a titanium wedding ring. I got it because, well, it's cool and because I thought it would last forever. While it still looks good after 8 months, but it did scratch after the first week when I scraped it across some stainless steel. The scratch may only be in the polish though. Anyway, if someone wants to know, it cost about $200. I probably got screwed - damn weddings.
...but it's possible. However, I'm of the opinion the 'big boys' (M$, AOL, DISNEY, etc) will spend so much money, time, and effort trying to control the internet that nothing will be so streamlined (as the article seems to suggest). Hell, it's even possible one will get the other convicted AND punished for being a predatory monopoly...
So is my dream.
I'm not a programmer, nor am I in the computer/tech industry, but even I have been able to program in Python without too much problem. As the other reply states, Python is easy. Not fast but easy. And, if speed is needed, you can always prototype with Python and add the speed later.
Just my 2-cents.
I somewhat enjoyed the garbled Bavarian. I found it amusing.
I heard about the stadium. It's going to be placed further up noth, isn't it? Past Garching-Hochbruch on the 6-line? I lived up there, at Studentenstadt Freimann. That's where the bar was. On the roof of one of the dorm-towers. It was a pretty kick-ass place, with a view of the city and the whole bit. When there was foehn, you could even see the mountains to the south. The bar isn't there anymore. They were beginning a remodel of the building the last time I was there and had to remove the bar. They may be finished by now, since that was almost 2 years ago, but who knows. It was a big job since the buildings hadn't been renovated since they were built in the 50's. There are some good bars there still. They are all on the roofs or underground. If you find someone who knows the area, have them take you. It's a student 'city' but if you like that atmosphere, it can kick ass. Ohh, and the beer is cheaper since we didn't have to pay taxes. An Augustiner was 2,80 when I was there (that's marks).
So, you're American? Or?
Regensberg is a great town. Been there several times.
You American?
I lived in Munich for a year and Augustiner was my favorite also - by far. Oddly enough, Augustiner is the only major Munich beer I can't get over here. I have to settle for Spaten or Weihenstephan or one of the others. Gosh, I want to go back. Anyway, I realize a Mass is what the Bayerisch call the krug - and thanks for the insight into the Stein thing. I never made the connection. I actually went to school when I was there and ran a bar (a student-run thing, I was the manager). How's Munich, anyway? I haven't been back for nearly two years.
Tschuss
Just as any good politician does - unfortunately - you must play to the Senator's emotions - and more importantly, the emotions of his staff. He is a Democrat, but probably a pretty conservative one - coming from Florida. From my experience as a lowly intern for a senator, this is what I suggest:
Find out more about this technical advisor. Has he/she always been 'with' the senator or did he/she come from a corporate background? Use this information to help frame your argument. For example, if the advisor has always worked for the government/senator then he/she is probably inclined to be more of the 'socially conscious' type. Using this as an aide, make the argument that this is not good policy - it is a ploy by the 'Disney' corporate culture to push off onto society the potentially high monetary and political costs of copy-protection. (I personally hate the idea of copy protection, but it is within the rights of the companies to employ this, as long as it is clearly labeled on CDs, etc. They don't want to do this because customers hate it. For this reason, they are seeking protection behind the law.)
If the advisor and senator are somewhat more conservative - coming from a corporate background, make the argument that it is the obligation of the industry to satisfy the will of the market - not the government's obligation to alter the market for the industry. Also mention the chip industry's opposition to the idea - and the increased costs consumers will have to shoulder. It could be argued that innovation will be hindered. Would you purchase a new system if you knew a copy-protection chip were installed in it? I wouldn't.
Finally, Florida - if I remember correctly - is still one of the states fighting M$. In this case, make it a point to bring up the subject of open-source software and how this legislation could seriously harm its development. When writing my Senators and Congressman (California, unfortunately), I made it a point to bring up the fact that my one-man-shop must run open-source software because of the cost associated with M$ products. This legislation could force me to adopt M$ platforms, decreasing my income and making it harder for me to do business.
Hope this helps.
Well, I'm a leftist myself - but not the type you are talking about. In theory, I think the government should have more control over broadband. I actually think the government (not a single jurisdiction like the feds or a state, but many cities and counties) should own the broadband backbone. HOWEVER - this government is no longer about the people, nor for the people. It's about corporations and a lust for power. In this political environment, I'm a libertarian - even though I hate to say it. If the government could only be different...
You seem to be quite well informed on the workings of Oktoberfest. From Munich? You know, the thing that bothers me is that they call beer krugs 'steins'. Where did they ever come up with this name? It must have been some ignorant US military personel stationed in Germany after WWII.
What worries me is the prospect of the entertainment industry having more of a say in the PUC than a regular Joe. We've already seen too much support of CBDTPA from the congressional delegation - how much power will Disney et al. have over DSL now?
...and out of that comment, you realized I'm insensitive to the pain felt in NY, DC, and PA?
...
No, I'm not insensitive to the tragedy, but the time has come that we begin to discuss the reasons these type of things happen. Why do so many billions of people hate us? Even our allies are annoyed with us most of the time. Why? Is it just jealousy - as some think? Or is it something else? Do you have an answer?
God bless America, and Britain, and Germany, and France, and Afghanistan, and China, and Russia, and
afraid of a little political discourse?
...globalism was simply G.W.Bush's recent realization that there are actual people outside of Texas.
Maybe it's just me and the sites I visit, but the internet offers such a better range of information. For this reason, I think subsidizing the internet is much more beneficial to the whole population...unless you wanted to control the population with so-called info-tainment.
You could argue that this subsidy (not all subsidies - such as farm subsidies - are a good idea) will actually help to spur economic development, which helps a much wider population than is affected by the installation of the broadband itself.
Allowing a company to put in fiber, etc only creates a situation where you have to deal with a for-profit 'natural'-monopoly. Allow the cities and states to own the backbone - as long as they open the line to many (more than 3) firms - and you will have the happy situation whereby consumers get the service - if they want it - and the installation/maintenance pays for itself. This is the same situation that arises in many cities today. Telephone companies pay a service fee (although the feds began to allow monopolies - we know how that turned out).