Talk about a great Fantasy flick! The original film blew my mind as a young boy, and basically drew me into the worlds of the Fantasy genre.
First of all, this movie drove home one of the most important points that our society lacks nowsdays: Reading can kick ass. Bastian loved books, having read many of the classics. After stowing away in his school's attic, he was immersed into a world of fantasy and imagination as he followed the adventures of Atreyu, The Rock Biter, The Man and his Racing Snail, the Nighthog and his Stupid Bat, and the Childlike Empress (who is still as hot today as she was then).
And you can't tell me you didn't want your very own Luck Dragon!
This is a flick that has all but been forgotten, and kids today are suffering for it. They're so dilluted in their Telletubbie, Barny the Dinosaur, Dora the Explorer happy fun world that they lack the immagination that TNS brought to the table. They're being overprotected by parents (and politicians) who don't think that fantasy violence is good for them, and the only violent scene in the entire movie is when the Gmork (?sp) and Atreyu did battle! Come on! That's good versus evil, a concept every child should know!
This is a movie that I'll most assuredly be passing on to my "geekspawn" when they come of age, and is a movie that everyone should watch at least once. It's too bad society has all but forgotten this great picture. It's a great lead in for kids to get used to Fantasy ideas, which will lead them to great films like The Princess Bride, Willow, and the LotR Trilogy.
And I'm disappointed that noone else here mentioned it:P Shame shame...
Yep, you're right about Metallica. I haven't bought any of their stuff since the Black Album, but not because of their position on Napster/File Trading (which didn't help get me buying their stuff again for sure). The only reason I brought Metallica up was to illustrate my music tastes versus the tastes that the RIAA member companies would want me to have.
While their music will always rock, their stance on the whole matter is one I don't agree with, either. Yep, they did stab the fans in the back. We made them, now they want to break us. Fuck em. I'll still jam to their tunes, but I'll be damned if I go to another show, buy another CD (or T-Shirt or Video) or actively support them financially.
And since we're on the subject, I checked out your music. Good stuff. Soon, you'll be able to check out mine as well...
The purpose of Copyright Law is to Prevent Non-Copyright Holders From Making Money On Copyrighted Work. File trading doesn't violate this basic concept. As long as someone doesn't try to make money off of a copyrighted work, they're not violating the law.
Now yes, companies will bitch and moan that file trading is costing them money. But they've brought it on themselves by charging too much for their media, not to mention forcing crap media down our throats by controlling what music does and doesn't get released.
I'm a metal/industrial fan. I like Pantera, Biohazard, Megadeth, Metallica, KMFDM/MDFMK, Nine Inch Nails, etc. Yet those aren't marketed by the RIAA member companies. They market Brittany Spears, Justin Timberlake, DMX, Ja Rule, Christina Aguilera, Usher - shit I'd never listen to at all and would never think of buying. They're aiming at a specific market and not looking beyond it to us fringe music fans. We gleefully buy our favorite music from indie labels (yes, I know, Metallica isn't indy, they're on Elektra) and download whatever else we want from P2P services.
Yes, there are some nuts out there who will make CDs, VCDs and DVDs and sell them, thus violating Copyright Law. But for Pete's sake! If we're not making money off of their stuff, leave us the hell alone! The only law we're breaking is the unwritten coporate law that says "If we can't make money, we're going to come and get you." Fuck that.
Finally. A quality film wins Best Animated. Kudos to Miyazaki and the whole crew at Studio Ghilbi for producing yet another masterwork, and finally getting the recognition they deserve here in the States. And for once, my hat's off to the Academy for finally recognizing Anime of any kind in a major catagory. All non-believers bow before the greatness that is Japanese Animated Film.
Bullshit. The whole reason CNN was ousted was because AOL screwed up their internet access (thus keeping them in the stone age), and they were mad that Billionair Ted isn't in charge anymore, allowing the sale of their favorite program. That, of course, would be WCW, sold to it's rival, the WWE, who they don't like thanks to the alliance between Nikolai Volkov and the Iron Sheik, not to mention Sargent Slaughter's 1991 Iraqi Turncoat run.
Seriously though. Fox News is still going strong, along with it's affiliate, Brittain's Sky News. This is one hell of an interesting conflict. Strike, move, Strike, move, BIG FUCKING STRIKE. And all the while, they're trying to keep it so that the Iraqi people know that they are only after Saddam and his military government.
So here's how this is going to work. Saddam, if he's not dead already, will either be ousted or on the run. The opposition will be given control of Iraq, and along with it, Iraq's oil. Humanitarian aid will come in to help the Iraqi people get on their feet. Aid will rebuild Baghdad, and modernize the nation.
In short, the USA will be kissing their asses.
We've been all friendly. And look! You've got this natural resource right here to fuel your economy. And guess what? It just so happens that we'll be buying. Now, since we were so nice, how about dropping the price of that crude? Hmmm?
On Fox News at this monment, they talked about Coalition Forces and when they will be able to say they've achieved their goal. I think we know what Bush and company's goals are. How convenient. Here's some oil, we want it. Oops. It just so happens that country's leader is a flaming asshole with weapons we don't like.
One thing, though. If Dubya does get his way, we all might see a break at the pump. Wouldn't that be nice...
Transcript Of My Last Tech Session With Mom
on
Family Tech Support
·
· Score: 2, Interesting
Mom: Eric? I need your help. Me: There's a surprise. What's wrong now? Mom: This thing is running slow. Can you fix it? Me: Yes, mom, but you're going to have to let me get rid of WindowsXP. This processor isn't designed to handle it, and XP is sucking the life out of it. Mom: But I don't want to get rid of XP. I'll lose all my programs I have installed. Me: Wow, the whole two programs you use. It'll be a cinch to resinstall them. Mom: I don't know. Is this the only way to fix the problem? Me: Yep, the only way. Mom: You'ld better not screw this machine up. Me: If you're so afraid of that, Mom, why the hell did you ask for my help in the first place? Mom: Um... Me: Look. Either we axe XP and install 98SE, or you can just sit here and deal with waiting 5 minutes for your programs to load. Your choice. (walks away) Mom: That's what I get for adopting a smart guy. Alright, do what you have to.
One Hour Later...
Me: Mom, it's fixed. Mom: Where's the green Start Button? Me: Mom, it's not in Windows 98. All Windows' are most certainly not created equal. Each new one sucks more than the last one. And that Green button is just plain nasty looking. Now everything is at least halfway tolerable. Mom: Bring back the green button, Eric. Me: No can do, mom. Only comes with Windows XP. Noticing the pattern yet? (walks away again) Have fun. I reinstalled everything for you, and even reset your accounts for Trillian. You owe me $150 now. (leaves the house)
This is the kind of crap I deal with almost daily. I hate doing tech support for my parents. Hell, my 7 year old niece could solve these problems for them. Sad, isn't it.
I'm a singer in an original band. If you ask me, this would be a great way to get music to the masses. We're already savvy enough to deal with the RIAA, and we also feel that P2P filesharing is a great way to get our music out.
Yes, we own all the copyrights. But we don't mind the music being spread around for free. Four words: Word Of Mouth Advertising. Works wonders for any business. The more people hear it, the more people show up at gigs and buy CDs, T's, etc.
A device like this is a musician's dream. When you want to move music around, you're limited to the capacity of CD-Rs and RW's. Well, us po' musicians, anyway. LOL. But I digress. A device like this would save us a WORLD of trouble. All band members record whatever they work on, passing it back and forth via handheld devices such as this, and their computers at home.
The format to record and compress should be open standard, DRM-free codecs, like anything Vorbis. Since I'm the singer, but also something of a geek, I would much prefer Open Source options. Linux-based onboard OS? We know Sony's at least halfway Linux-friendly. They did put out a PS2 kit...
That'd most certainly be something I'd use. Screw DRM. Oh no, I'm going to pirate my own music! Better stop me before I can! I don't want a whole bunch of encryption crap in my music, just the music codec itself. That's just being a pain in the ass, and you know Microsoft is going to lobby for proprietary control. No, no, a hundred times no. Open Source, DRM-Free.
Oh wait. I'm sorry. Everything I stand for isn't what the RIAA/MPAA/MS want. This technology gives me more freedom, allows me to absorb some of the cost of getting a break, and makes things easier all-around. It lessens their involvment, and thus lessens the amount of bucks they deserve. That's bad, isn't it.
I'm just a dumb, awe-struck-by-the-business musician, what do I know...
This is nothing more than a power grab. Plain and simple. That's the only explaination.
You want to know who's funding Osama bin Laden? Osama himself is. That wacky guy has almost $300 million dollars, and it's all his. He's bankrolling his own operation. We've already proven that his buddies have also been funding him, too. Hardcore militant Arabs are all about one thing: sticking to their guns and ousting technology in favor of hardline Muslim rule. That means oppressing women, forcing their will on people, and keeping things in the stone age. The only two uses they have for technology is A) Keeping Osama alive (he's on kidney dialasys) and B) using it against us to further his agenda.
Microsoft and the MPAA/RIAA are only concerned about two things: losing money, and keeping control over their respective industries.
So, now the media companies are shooting for extra cash added onto PC sales. Granted, this is just in Germany, but let's just assume for a second that it happens here in the US, too.
So, the extra cash spent on the computer goes to the media companies, right? Right. Does this pay for the right to use our computers as media centers? Or, on top of this extra fee, will they still continue to charge excessive sums for their media?
If we're shelling out an extra $13 + 16% (or about $173 on your average $1000 PC), I think that should about cover any media useage on our PCs. Somehow, though, I doubt that it'll stop the media corporations from bitching about losing money.
They need to face the music: They're charging too much for what amounts to 90% crap (Backstreet, *NSuck, Brittany, etc), and people are starting to realize it. Now people have discovered that there are cheaper ways to get the exact music they want, thus not spending cash on the crap the companies want you to buy. So the media companies need a scapegoat to cover their losses. News Flash: Companies lose money every day. They deal with it and adjust. It's called an economy. You can't be a bull all the time. Sure, it'd be great, but that's the nature of the beast. Quit making us pay (over and over again) for what we already own...
We won't see this in the US anytime soon, and the reason why is painfully obvious. Just go to the gas pump and look up at the sign.
Here in Central PA, we're paying almost $1.70/gallon for 87 grade gasoline. It's the worst I've seen as far back as I can remember. And the prices just keep going up, up, up.
Our Commander In Chief is an old Oil man. He comes from the wells of Texas. His VP? Oil man. Secretary of Energy? Oil. See where I'm going with this? Our country is so caught up in the big business of Oil that a feul like Hydrogen has no chance of breaking the surface within a reasonable amount of time.
Where are we focusing our (pointless) war efforts? Where oil is king: The Middle East. War with Middle Eastern countries usually results in OPEC cutting us off a bit, which translates to dollar signs for Oil companies. The less they have, the more they can charge under the laws of supply and demand.
Anybody remember how gas prices got during the 1991 Gulf War? They haven't gotten any better, have they. And we've been at relative peace for almost a decade. Now, with our government all gung-ho about finding bin Laden (how hard _is_ it to find a 6' tall Arab on Dialasys, anyway?!?) and disarming Saddam, we'll be lucky if we see any drop in prices anytime soon.
It's all about what makes the bucks for the bigwigs, folks, and there's no way around it. I for one would like to see alternative feuls like Hydrogen developed and put into use, but the almighty dollar is going to keep that from happening. The only way to change it is to get a third party candidate elected: One that has his head screwed on straight, preferably. But then again, we probably won't see that happening, either...
1) Anyone worried about greasy keypads? We all know how Micky Dees burgers are often dripping with grease. If some inept user were to eat with his laptop open, or even any user trying to type after a meal...
2) Some McDonald's don't want patrons staying for more than a half hour (case in point, McDonald's in the North Side of Pittsburgh). Would that policy be changed if you get an hour of access with an Extra Value Meal?
3) Would they have to change their slogan to "Over 1 Billion Geeks Served?"
And finally, 4) If a ton of geeks started patronizing the place at once, would that created a sort of inverted Slashdot effect?
I like the idea, personally. More power to them ^-^
I don't think I quite understand SCO's position on this whole matter. But, with UnitedLinux slowly crumbling and the nature of Linux, I'm willing to bet that SCO/Caldera might get laughed out of the Linux business.
IMHO, IBM has done a world of good for Linux. My favorite commercial remain's IBM's basketball team ad that featured the Chris Mullin wannabe wearing number 12, and the team owners discussing his role on the team.
"How can we get him to work for peanuts?" "Because he loves the game..."
That's exactly what Linux needed - to get it's name out beyond our little Geeks-Only circle to the masses, both Corporations and the Average Joe/Jane. Now, how did that harm Linux or Linux development? How did that muddy the waters? If you ask me, it rocked the boat in a good way.
Linux has grown by leaps and bounds, from a grassroots OS to a viable option for both business and home use (more the former then the latter). This lawsuit serves no real purpose, IMO. Honestly, I'll just bet that it's an attempt by a faltering SCO to steal some of the thunder that IBM has built for Linux. They just want a piece of the pie.
Final Prediction: SCO's complaint will be thrown out, and Linux will continue moving forward, with or without them.
Is this just a little bit creepy to anyone else? I mean, come on. A whole new face? That's just fucked up.
I suppose it would have it's uses though. Michael Jackson can finally stop having his nose done, ugly girls around the world will finally have hope of getting a date to the prom, President Bush can get himself a face that doesn't look like that of a simpleton, and good ol' Osama can use this as the ultimate way to hide from us.
Wait. Check that last statement. Honestly, how hard is it to find a 6' Arab attatched to a kidney dialysis (?sp) machine?
I can see it now. "Yes doctor, I was thinking of the Clarke Gable look, but then I broke down and decided that I'd like to have the face of Harvey Korman. Can I get his voice, too? I've always wanted to pull off a good Great Gazoo inpression at parties..."
Is this just a little bit creepy to anyone else? I mean, come on. A whole new face? That's just fucked up.
I suppose it would have it's uses though. Michael Jackson can finally stop having his nose done, ugly girls around the world will finally have hope of getting a date to the prom, President Bush can get himself a face that doesn't look like that of a simpleton, and good ol' Osama can use this as the ultimate way to hide from us.
Wait. Check that last statement. Honestly, how hard is it to find a 6' Arab attatched to a kidney dialysis (?sp) machine?
I can see it now. "Yes doctor, I was thinking of the Clarke Gable look, but then I broke down and decided that I'd like to have the face of Harvey Korman. Can I get his voice, too? I've always wanted to pull off a good Great Gazoo inpression at parties..."
Um, hello? I still don't have broadband in rural central Pennsylvania yet. Why the hell are they wiring some place I've only ever heard of three times in my life? And what makes them so damn special anyway? We have our own poverty stricken population to worry about. Where the hell is the Peace Corps on that little subject, eh? Oh yeah, they're walking down a city streat, ignoring a bum's pleas for some spare change so he can go to McGreaseballs to get a burger, the only thing he's had to eat all day.
Fuck reaching out to third world countries. Or at least fuck it until we fix our own domestic problems. Of course, with Bushy boy wanting to drop a few bombs on some backward-ass dictator in the world's biggest sandbox, don't expect any fundage to go to domestic issues anytime soon...
In short, we need to get our own ducks in a row first. Senegal has gone this long without it, they can wait another few years...
Yeah. Right. Communist bastard? Me? Hardly. First of all, I'm a registered Independant. Second of all, Communism in its purest form is a beautiful thing. What makes Communism bad is Human Greed, such as that of your "heroes" Bush and Gates. I do not listen to the influences of Hollywood loosers, I listen to me, myself, and I.
I do think for myself. You, on the other hand, need to grow up and learn proper capitalization, punctuation (in your context, it's easily-influenced), and respect for other's viewpoints, even if you think they're wrong...
Thanks to Cartoon Network, I've been able to finally see the Lupin III TV series. Despite it's dated nature and the modernization of the dub script (tons of modern refferences), I find the show enjoyable, and watch it damn near religiously.
But a live action Lupin movie? And from Hollywood, no less? Has anyone here seen G-Savior?
I think that, because it's Lupin, I'll hold on to a little hope that the fruitcakes in Hollywood won't mangle it, but I'm afraid that my hope is misplaced. They might try a live action "Cogliostro," which wouldn't be bad, but would probably insult the greatness that is Haiyo Miazaki (just like I'll bet they'll snub him at the Oscars).
Another sad option is that they'll try to turn this whole thing into another "Hudson Hawk." They could try to turn it into an action flick (almost making Jigen and Goemon the stars as opposed to Lupin), but then they'd offer the part to not-so-awesome "action stars" like Vin "I Look Good Standing Next To Hot Cars" Diesel or Duane "The Rock" Johnson.
If Hollywood were smart, they'd drop the idea entirely. But they're not smart, they're money hungry, so they'll jump all over it and turn it into overproduced fluff. Still, I have hope that somehow, someway, by some wild twist of fate, Hollywood can overcome it's current stigma and actually make a good flick based on an excellent Anime...
Actually, no, I'm agnostic. Atheists actively try to dismantle religion (in my experience, some may claim otherwise). I just look at it, laugh, and continue dealing with reality. The concept of an all-powerful diety is too far-fetched for me. All I see religion as is easy answers to questions that simply don't have any and a way to calm people's natural fears about death.
Now, if only/. editors would creat a mod catagory for "Overly Judgmental" people...
Next thing you know, they'll just come right out and say "Look, it's our way or the highway." At which point we'll all look at them, laugh, and say "Whatever, chief."
Screw Microsoft and their proprietary methods. Once we get Bushy boy out of office, look for more anti-trust charges to be filed hot on the heels of the European case.
First Post, by the way, that actaully has relevance to the discussion topic. Ain't I slick. LOL
...isn't this the whole reason we have Baby Bells in the first place? Call me crazy, but I remember quite clearly that Ma Bell was cracked into the Babies when it grew too big for it's britches and gobbled up too much of a monopoly. And now we're handing them the keys this time? We're basically saying "Yep, you've got it all, and here's your carte blanche to exploit the living hell out of it."
Call me crazy, but it looks like a rather large catch 22. We'll punish you now by breaking you up, but don't worry, a few decades down the road we'll give you control of something else.
Foul. And not just by the Bells. Our own government is fucking us on this one by allowing it to happen so they can line their own pockets with lobby money. Guess if they can't drum up popular support, they'll pay for this idiotic war somehow...
Slashdot Mirror
One wild flick! Glad someone else remembers it!
Talk about a great Fantasy flick! The original film blew my mind as a young boy, and basically drew me into the worlds of the Fantasy genre.
:P Shame shame...
First of all, this movie drove home one of the most important points that our society lacks nowsdays: Reading can kick ass. Bastian loved books, having read many of the classics. After stowing away in his school's attic, he was immersed into a world of fantasy and imagination as he followed the adventures of Atreyu, The Rock Biter, The Man and his Racing Snail, the Nighthog and his Stupid Bat, and the Childlike Empress (who is still as hot today as she was then).
And you can't tell me you didn't want your very own Luck Dragon!
This is a flick that has all but been forgotten, and kids today are suffering for it. They're so dilluted in their Telletubbie, Barny the Dinosaur, Dora the Explorer happy fun world that they lack the immagination that TNS brought to the table. They're being overprotected by parents (and politicians) who don't think that fantasy violence is good for them, and the only violent scene in the entire movie is when the Gmork (?sp) and Atreyu did battle! Come on! That's good versus evil, a concept every child should know!
This is a movie that I'll most assuredly be passing on to my "geekspawn" when they come of age, and is a movie that everyone should watch at least once. It's too bad society has all but forgotten this great picture. It's a great lead in for kids to get used to Fantasy ideas, which will lead them to great films like The Princess Bride, Willow, and the LotR Trilogy.
And I'm disappointed that noone else here mentioned it
Yep, you're right about Metallica. I haven't bought any of their stuff since the Black Album, but not because of their position on Napster/File Trading (which didn't help get me buying their stuff again for sure). The only reason I brought Metallica up was to illustrate my music tastes versus the tastes that the RIAA member companies would want me to have.
While their music will always rock, their stance on the whole matter is one I don't agree with, either. Yep, they did stab the fans in the back. We made them, now they want to break us. Fuck em. I'll still jam to their tunes, but I'll be damned if I go to another show, buy another CD (or T-Shirt or Video) or actively support them financially.
And since we're on the subject, I checked out your music. Good stuff. Soon, you'll be able to check out mine as well...
How about these:
It Sure As Hell Ain't Microsoft!
Open Source: Spread The Love!
Finally, Something Legal To Trade On KaZaA!
Copy Me, Burn Me, Give Me To Your Friends!
Or, simply: Distribute Freely And Often.
Damnit. This is all getting out of hand.
The purpose of Copyright Law is to Prevent Non-Copyright Holders From Making Money On Copyrighted Work. File trading doesn't violate this basic concept. As long as someone doesn't try to make money off of a copyrighted work, they're not violating the law.
Now yes, companies will bitch and moan that file trading is costing them money. But they've brought it on themselves by charging too much for their media, not to mention forcing crap media down our throats by controlling what music does and doesn't get released.
I'm a metal/industrial fan. I like Pantera, Biohazard, Megadeth, Metallica, KMFDM/MDFMK, Nine Inch Nails, etc. Yet those aren't marketed by the RIAA member companies. They market Brittany Spears, Justin Timberlake, DMX, Ja Rule, Christina Aguilera, Usher - shit I'd never listen to at all and would never think of buying. They're aiming at a specific market and not looking beyond it to us fringe music fans. We gleefully buy our favorite music from indie labels (yes, I know, Metallica isn't indy, they're on Elektra) and download whatever else we want from P2P services.
Yes, there are some nuts out there who will make CDs, VCDs and DVDs and sell them, thus violating Copyright Law. But for Pete's sake! If we're not making money off of their stuff, leave us the hell alone! The only law we're breaking is the unwritten coporate law that says "If we can't make money, we're going to come and get you." Fuck that.
Finally. A quality film wins Best Animated. Kudos to Miyazaki and the whole crew at Studio Ghilbi for producing yet another masterwork, and finally getting the recognition they deserve here in the States. And for once, my hat's off to the Academy for finally recognizing Anime of any kind in a major catagory. All non-believers bow before the greatness that is Japanese Animated Film.
Bullshit. The whole reason CNN was ousted was because AOL screwed up their internet access (thus keeping them in the stone age), and they were mad that Billionair Ted isn't in charge anymore, allowing the sale of their favorite program. That, of course, would be WCW, sold to it's rival, the WWE, who they don't like thanks to the alliance between Nikolai Volkov and the Iron Sheik, not to mention Sargent Slaughter's 1991 Iraqi Turncoat run.
Seriously though. Fox News is still going strong, along with it's affiliate, Brittain's Sky News. This is one hell of an interesting conflict. Strike, move, Strike, move, BIG FUCKING STRIKE. And all the while, they're trying to keep it so that the Iraqi people know that they are only after Saddam and his military government.
So here's how this is going to work. Saddam, if he's not dead already, will either be ousted or on the run. The opposition will be given control of Iraq, and along with it, Iraq's oil. Humanitarian aid will come in to help the Iraqi people get on their feet. Aid will rebuild Baghdad, and modernize the nation.
In short, the USA will be kissing their asses.
We've been all friendly. And look! You've got this natural resource right here to fuel your economy. And guess what? It just so happens that we'll be buying. Now, since we were so nice, how about dropping the price of that crude? Hmmm?
On Fox News at this monment, they talked about Coalition Forces and when they will be able to say they've achieved their goal. I think we know what Bush and company's goals are. How convenient. Here's some oil, we want it. Oops. It just so happens that country's leader is a flaming asshole with weapons we don't like.
One thing, though. If Dubya does get his way, we all might see a break at the pump. Wouldn't that be nice...
Mom: Eric? I need your help.
Me: There's a surprise. What's wrong now?
Mom: This thing is running slow. Can you fix it?
Me: Yes, mom, but you're going to have to let me get rid of WindowsXP. This processor isn't designed to handle it, and XP is sucking the life out of it.
Mom: But I don't want to get rid of XP. I'll lose all my programs I have installed.
Me: Wow, the whole two programs you use. It'll be a cinch to resinstall them.
Mom: I don't know. Is this the only way to fix the problem?
Me: Yep, the only way.
Mom: You'ld better not screw this machine up.
Me: If you're so afraid of that, Mom, why the hell did you ask for my help in the first place?
Mom: Um...
Me: Look. Either we axe XP and install 98SE, or you can just sit here and deal with waiting 5 minutes for your programs to load. Your choice. (walks away)
Mom: That's what I get for adopting a smart guy. Alright, do what you have to.
One Hour Later...
Me: Mom, it's fixed.
Mom: Where's the green Start Button?
Me: Mom, it's not in Windows 98. All Windows' are most certainly not created equal. Each new one sucks more than the last one. And that Green button is just plain nasty looking. Now everything is at least halfway tolerable.
Mom: Bring back the green button, Eric.
Me: No can do, mom. Only comes with Windows XP. Noticing the pattern yet? (walks away again) Have fun. I reinstalled everything for you, and even reset your accounts for Trillian. You owe me $150 now. (leaves the house)
This is the kind of crap I deal with almost daily. I hate doing tech support for my parents. Hell, my 7 year old niece could solve these problems for them. Sad, isn't it.
I'm a singer in an original band. If you ask me, this would be a great way to get music to the masses. We're already savvy enough to deal with the RIAA, and we also feel that P2P filesharing is a great way to get our music out.
Yes, we own all the copyrights. But we don't mind the music being spread around for free. Four words: Word Of Mouth Advertising. Works wonders for any business. The more people hear it, the more people show up at gigs and buy CDs, T's, etc.
A device like this is a musician's dream. When you want to move music around, you're limited to the capacity of CD-Rs and RW's. Well, us po' musicians, anyway. LOL. But I digress. A device like this would save us a WORLD of trouble. All band members record whatever they work on, passing it back and forth via handheld devices such as this, and their computers at home.
The format to record and compress should be open standard, DRM-free codecs, like anything Vorbis. Since I'm the singer, but also something of a geek, I would much prefer Open Source options. Linux-based onboard OS? We know Sony's at least halfway Linux-friendly. They did put out a PS2 kit...
That'd most certainly be something I'd use. Screw DRM. Oh no, I'm going to pirate my own music! Better stop me before I can! I don't want a whole bunch of encryption crap in my music, just the music codec itself. That's just being a pain in the ass, and you know Microsoft is going to lobby for proprietary control. No, no, a hundred times no. Open Source, DRM-Free.
Oh wait. I'm sorry. Everything I stand for isn't what the RIAA/MPAA/MS want. This technology gives me more freedom, allows me to absorb some of the cost of getting a break, and makes things easier all-around. It lessens their involvment, and thus lessens the amount of bucks they deserve. That's bad, isn't it.
I'm just a dumb, awe-struck-by-the-business musician, what do I know...
BULLLLLLLLLLLLSHIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIT!
This is nothing more than a power grab. Plain and simple. That's the only explaination.
You want to know who's funding Osama bin Laden? Osama himself is. That wacky guy has almost $300 million dollars, and it's all his. He's bankrolling his own operation. We've already proven that his buddies have also been funding him, too. Hardcore militant Arabs are all about one thing: sticking to their guns and ousting technology in favor of hardline Muslim rule. That means oppressing women, forcing their will on people, and keeping things in the stone age. The only two uses they have for technology is A) Keeping Osama alive (he's on kidney dialasys) and B) using it against us to further his agenda.
Microsoft and the MPAA/RIAA are only concerned about two things: losing money, and keeping control over their respective industries.
I have only two words for them: Fuck 'em.
So, now the media companies are shooting for extra cash added onto PC sales. Granted, this is just in Germany, but let's just assume for a second that it happens here in the US, too.
So, the extra cash spent on the computer goes to the media companies, right? Right. Does this pay for the right to use our computers as media centers? Or, on top of this extra fee, will they still continue to charge excessive sums for their media?
If we're shelling out an extra $13 + 16% (or about $173 on your average $1000 PC), I think that should about cover any media useage on our PCs. Somehow, though, I doubt that it'll stop the media corporations from bitching about losing money.
They need to face the music: They're charging too much for what amounts to 90% crap (Backstreet, *NSuck, Brittany, etc), and people are starting to realize it. Now people have discovered that there are cheaper ways to get the exact music they want, thus not spending cash on the crap the companies want you to buy. So the media companies need a scapegoat to cover their losses. News Flash: Companies lose money every day. They deal with it and adjust. It's called an economy. You can't be a bull all the time. Sure, it'd be great, but that's the nature of the beast. Quit making us pay (over and over again) for what we already own...
We won't see this in the US anytime soon, and the reason why is painfully obvious. Just go to the gas pump and look up at the sign.
Here in Central PA, we're paying almost $1.70/gallon for 87 grade gasoline. It's the worst I've seen as far back as I can remember. And the prices just keep going up, up, up.
Our Commander In Chief is an old Oil man. He comes from the wells of Texas. His VP? Oil man. Secretary of Energy? Oil. See where I'm going with this? Our country is so caught up in the big business of Oil that a feul like Hydrogen has no chance of breaking the surface within a reasonable amount of time.
Where are we focusing our (pointless) war efforts? Where oil is king: The Middle East. War with Middle Eastern countries usually results in OPEC cutting us off a bit, which translates to dollar signs for Oil companies. The less they have, the more they can charge under the laws of supply and demand.
Anybody remember how gas prices got during the 1991 Gulf War? They haven't gotten any better, have they. And we've been at relative peace for almost a decade. Now, with our government all gung-ho about finding bin Laden (how hard _is_ it to find a 6' tall Arab on Dialasys, anyway?!?) and disarming Saddam, we'll be lucky if we see any drop in prices anytime soon.
It's all about what makes the bucks for the bigwigs, folks, and there's no way around it. I for one would like to see alternative feuls like Hydrogen developed and put into use, but the almighty dollar is going to keep that from happening. The only way to change it is to get a third party candidate elected: One that has his head screwed on straight, preferably. But then again, we probably won't see that happening, either...
Depressing, isn't it...
And there was much rejoicing.
(Weak Cheers)Yay. Hooray. Whoopie. Yahoo. Joy.
With all respects to the Monty Python Crew ^-^
A few things:
1) Anyone worried about greasy keypads? We all know how Micky Dees burgers are often dripping with grease. If some inept user were to eat with his laptop open, or even any user trying to type after a meal...
2) Some McDonald's don't want patrons staying for more than a half hour (case in point, McDonald's in the North Side of Pittsburgh). Would that policy be changed if you get an hour of access with an Extra Value Meal?
3) Would they have to change their slogan to "Over 1 Billion Geeks Served?"
And finally, 4) If a ton of geeks started patronizing the place at once, would that created a sort of inverted Slashdot effect?
I like the idea, personally. More power to them ^-^
I don't think I quite understand SCO's position on this whole matter. But, with UnitedLinux slowly crumbling and the nature of Linux, I'm willing to bet that SCO/Caldera might get laughed out of the Linux business.
IMHO, IBM has done a world of good for Linux. My favorite commercial remain's IBM's basketball team ad that featured the Chris Mullin wannabe wearing number 12, and the team owners discussing his role on the team.
"How can we get him to work for peanuts?"
"Because he loves the game..."
That's exactly what Linux needed - to get it's name out beyond our little Geeks-Only circle to the masses, both Corporations and the Average Joe/Jane. Now, how did that harm Linux or Linux development? How did that muddy the waters? If you ask me, it rocked the boat in a good way.
Linux has grown by leaps and bounds, from a grassroots OS to a viable option for both business and home use (more the former then the latter). This lawsuit serves no real purpose, IMO. Honestly, I'll just bet that it's an attempt by a faltering SCO to steal some of the thunder that IBM has built for Linux. They just want a piece of the pie.
Final Prediction: SCO's complaint will be thrown out, and Linux will continue moving forward, with or without them.
Is this just a little bit creepy to anyone else? I mean, come on. A whole new face? That's just fucked up.
I suppose it would have it's uses though. Michael Jackson can finally stop having his nose done, ugly girls around the world will finally have hope of getting a date to the prom, President Bush can get himself a face that doesn't look like that of a simpleton, and good ol' Osama can use this as the ultimate way to hide from us.
Wait. Check that last statement. Honestly, how hard is it to find a 6' Arab attatched to a kidney dialysis (?sp) machine?
I can see it now. "Yes doctor, I was thinking of the Clarke Gable look, but then I broke down and decided that I'd like to have the face of Harvey Korman. Can I get his voice, too? I've always wanted to pull off a good Great Gazoo inpression at parties..."
I posted in the wrong discussion. Damnit. That's what I get for waking up and trying to be funny...
Is this just a little bit creepy to anyone else? I mean, come on. A whole new face? That's just fucked up.
I suppose it would have it's uses though. Michael Jackson can finally stop having his nose done, ugly girls around the world will finally have hope of getting a date to the prom, President Bush can get himself a face that doesn't look like that of a simpleton, and good ol' Osama can use this as the ultimate way to hide from us.
Wait. Check that last statement. Honestly, how hard is it to find a 6' Arab attatched to a kidney dialysis (?sp) machine?
I can see it now. "Yes doctor, I was thinking of the Clarke Gable look, but then I broke down and decided that I'd like to have the face of Harvey Korman. Can I get his voice, too? I've always wanted to pull off a good Great Gazoo inpression at parties..."
Um, hello? I still don't have broadband in rural central Pennsylvania yet. Why the hell are they wiring some place I've only ever heard of three times in my life? And what makes them so damn special anyway? We have our own poverty stricken population to worry about. Where the hell is the Peace Corps on that little subject, eh? Oh yeah, they're walking down a city streat, ignoring a bum's pleas for some spare change so he can go to McGreaseballs to get a burger, the only thing he's had to eat all day.
Fuck reaching out to third world countries. Or at least fuck it until we fix our own domestic problems. Of course, with Bushy boy wanting to drop a few bombs on some backward-ass dictator in the world's biggest sandbox, don't expect any fundage to go to domestic issues anytime soon...
In short, we need to get our own ducks in a row first. Senegal has gone this long without it, they can wait another few years...
Yeah. Right. Communist bastard? Me? Hardly. First of all, I'm a registered Independant. Second of all, Communism in its purest form is a beautiful thing. What makes Communism bad is Human Greed, such as that of your "heroes" Bush and Gates. I do not listen to the influences of Hollywood loosers, I listen to me, myself, and I.
I do think for myself. You, on the other hand, need to grow up and learn proper capitalization, punctuation (in your context, it's easily-influenced), and respect for other's viewpoints, even if you think they're wrong...
Nah, I liked HH too. Just used it to draw the "Theif Pic" comparison.
Thanks to Cartoon Network, I've been able to finally see the Lupin III TV series. Despite it's dated nature and the modernization of the dub script (tons of modern refferences), I find the show enjoyable, and watch it damn near religiously.
But a live action Lupin movie? And from Hollywood, no less? Has anyone here seen G-Savior?
I think that, because it's Lupin, I'll hold on to a little hope that the fruitcakes in Hollywood won't mangle it, but I'm afraid that my hope is misplaced. They might try a live action "Cogliostro," which wouldn't be bad, but would probably insult the greatness that is Haiyo Miazaki (just like I'll bet they'll snub him at the Oscars).
Another sad option is that they'll try to turn this whole thing into another "Hudson Hawk." They could try to turn it into an action flick (almost making Jigen and Goemon the stars as opposed to Lupin), but then they'd offer the part to not-so-awesome "action stars" like Vin "I Look Good Standing Next To Hot Cars" Diesel or Duane "The Rock" Johnson.
If Hollywood were smart, they'd drop the idea entirely. But they're not smart, they're money hungry, so they'll jump all over it and turn it into overproduced fluff. Still, I have hope that somehow, someway, by some wild twist of fate, Hollywood can overcome it's current stigma and actually make a good flick based on an excellent Anime...
Actually, no, I'm agnostic. Atheists actively try to dismantle religion (in my experience, some may claim otherwise). I just look at it, laugh, and continue dealing with reality. The concept of an all-powerful diety is too far-fetched for me. All I see religion as is easy answers to questions that simply don't have any and a way to calm people's natural fears about death.
/. editors would creat a mod catagory for "Overly Judgmental" people...
Now, if only
Next thing you know, they'll just come right out and say "Look, it's our way or the highway." At which point we'll all look at them, laugh, and say "Whatever, chief."
Screw Microsoft and their proprietary methods. Once we get Bushy boy out of office, look for more anti-trust charges to be filed hot on the heels of the European case.
First Post, by the way, that actaully has relevance to the discussion topic. Ain't I slick. LOL
...isn't this the whole reason we have Baby Bells in the first place? Call me crazy, but I remember quite clearly that Ma Bell was cracked into the Babies when it grew too big for it's britches and gobbled up too much of a monopoly. And now we're handing them the keys this time? We're basically saying "Yep, you've got it all, and here's your carte blanche to exploit the living hell out of it."
Call me crazy, but it looks like a rather large catch 22. We'll punish you now by breaking you up, but don't worry, a few decades down the road we'll give you control of something else.
Foul. And not just by the Bells. Our own government is fucking us on this one by allowing it to happen so they can line their own pockets with lobby money. Guess if they can't drum up popular support, they'll pay for this idiotic war somehow...