Yeah because what we really need are more people in the prison system that are non-violent offenders and who we can only assume have actually hurt profits of these software companies. You are supporting the idea that they pay back money that was "STOLEN" (caps added for emphasis) which leads me to believe you think the people downloading this stuff would have legally purchased it if they couldn't get it 'free'. How RIAA of you:) We can all rest comfortably now because prison is going to prevent them from ever being nasty, thieving pirates and they'll be well-adjusted, productive citizens when they get out. What ever happened to reconciliation anyway? And it's software companies that put those security measures in place, not pirates. Whatever their reasons and however well-grounded they seem at face value, to me it's similar to a government cracking down on civil liberties to fight Evil Terrorists(TM). Hard to imagine, I know...
Because, as we all know, there would never be any abuse of this system by those in power and only people who 'deserved' to be castrated or have their children removed from their homes would. Just like all the other great child-services in this country. Sorry, but trimming the branches of a tree that's rotten to the core really doesn't do much good:) What we would really see is the eventual erosion of rights for parents based on race, class, and gender. If you don't believe that, take a look around at every other institution in our society.
Now, the idea that recidivism is responsible for these insanely high numbers is not althogether true. Over the past few decades we've experienced record numbers of new convicts. Yes, recidivism is a problem with unbelievably high numbers, but it simply does not account for the massive increase in prison population. With longer sentances, and no real data to back this up I'm curious where you got that idea. If you have some info I'd love to see it. This kid should not serve as a shining example for anyone. He should face his community, realize there are real people with real issues with what he's done. Not the so-called 'Justice System', in which few have real faith anymore. Oh, wait, he probably has no community to speak of! "doing things that put them there" How about being poor or black? Does that count? I just don't understand the mentality of people who support a system so blindly, when it is obviously so skewed towards those with money and power. Maybe I do understand it but I really don't want to accept that folks are so apathetic. Trying to tell me that convicts have opportunities to make positive change is beyond preposterous. The culture surrounding them simply does not allow for this, even if you want to believe it does. Never spent any time locked up, huh? These facilites do not encourage change, pal. They thrive on maintaining the status quo, keeping the numbers up. These institutions are nothing without control. Racism, sexism, hate, and personal power trips are some of the tools in which this is achieved. That's not to say it cannot happen, but please don't be so niave about life in a cell. The idea that this guy should be disenfranchised from his family, friends, and life is simply old, tired and fear-induced thinking, IMO. But then again, I think living a lifestyle like Hilton is criminal by it's very essence, so we obviously have a stand off.
Correct according to some. Certainly not all. Less everyday, I would guess.
The tools are absolutely NOT there for him to 'recover'. Where did you hear that? We have consistantly removed funding for programs to help convicted criminals reintigrate into society. The reality is that kids like this are acting out in accordance with the ideals and 'morals' that are bestowed upon him from this society. I disagree that the fact that we have over two and a half million people incarcerated is meaningless. It speaks volumes!
I believe my point is actually reinforced by what you are thinking about Katrina. These people are reacting. Reacting to the society which consitantly ignores, locks up and abuses them. Most of these people probably know someone in prison, or who has been in prison (see: Angola. Friggin modern slavery at its best). Considering the crimes being committed by so many of the ruling elite, it must be hard for them to not think they are going to jail simply because they are poor and black. There's really no debating that the system is inherently racist and class-based, and these facts really shouldn't be ignored, regardless of the person or crime in question.
The fact that this guy has the nerve to do what he did is horrible. He needs SOMETHING to help move him onto the straight and narrow. Community work and involvement, education, etc. These are the tools that are so strong no prison walls can rival them. Whether you want it to be or not, people like this are the responsiblity of this society. Being responsible does not equal locking folks up for things like this. It equals doing every possible thing we can to help him make the right choices. You think a cell will do that? I'll tell you from experience, it will not.
But I respect your opinion anyway.
I'm saddened to see this kind of attitude still exists. What will it take for people to understand that locking someone up in the current prison system (juvie or adult) does nothing at all to benefit society (at least not in the long run, arguably not even in the short term), but serves to fortify the massive problems with overcrowding, unjust and racist punishment, and the complete and utter lack of anything remotely resembling rehabilitation? How many laws have 'you' broken this year? From what you have written here, it seems you really could care less about this kids future and trying to get him on the right path in life, whatever that may be. That line of thinking, I think, is the saddest bit about it all... It's niave to believe that many young men haven't done something equally as dispicable. Should we lock the entire country up?
Maybe because at some point in your life you just might be the '1' in 1 out of 130 people who will go to jail in the "Land of the Free" during their lifetime. If you are implying that the fact this idiot kid deserves 11 months locked up for this then I suggest you take a much deeper look into the so-called Justice System in this country... The idea of putting someone in a cell for almost a year for something like this certainly could be considered 'Unusual', if not 'Cruel'. What ever happened to trying to help the misguided youth instead of simply trying (however fruitlesly) to punish them?
Well, considering you have about a one in 145 chance of becoming an inmate in the U.S. and that 2.2 million of your fellow citizens are already locked up, I'd say it might just be your business in the future...
Sure, it's laughable to some people. Namely, big-time capatalists who see money as the meaning of life. Believe it or not, it IS possible to create systems where trade, not cash, are successfull methods of getting food, shelter, and other goods (not that these exist in many solid forms today, and certainly not in America). This also builds strong community, something I see capatalism destroying day by day. Something you are perpetuating with your bitter apathy. You see, just because you say it's inane, and just because you say THIS IS THE WAY THINGS ARE really just shows how little you are willing to do to make some positive changes. In my little world, it's people like you -- money grubbing capatalist swine -- who are the real problem, not only in the world of technology, but in every aspect of maninstream culture. You won't change my mind and I certainly won't change yours with my dogma:), but the reality is that some people don't live just for money and 'stuff'. Some people want to "spread the love, give away your work for free, and make the world a better place". Laugh all you want, to the bank in fact. It's easy to laugh at those who have different ideals than yours while wallowing in a pool of self-serving ignorance, isn't it? I don't know much about karma, but I do believe that people who live like greedy pigs will have their day of reckoning. Most likely with themselves.
So you are making a definitive statement: "...the reality is that anything you give them is abused." What you just said to me is that every single inmate in prison will take advantage things, however illegal, given the chance. Therefore we should never give them the chance. Not even a piece of chewing gum. As long as they are locked up. Because they are criminals. You call yourself 'liberal'? Sheesh. I guess this is a great time for me to distance myself from labels like 'conservative' and 'liberal' cause what you say is the epitamy of what's sometimes called the 'tough-love' dogma of corrections. I call it "ignorant and fear-ridden" myself, but it's all subjective I suppose. Who the hell are you to pass judgement on over two million people who are currently involved in the United States Prison Industrial Complex? As a corrections officer, I'm hopefull you've had the opportunity to talk to some of the Cons in your facility (I guess that would be "inmate" to you) and have since then made a decision to make anonymous statements on the internet about the charactor of each and every one of them. I'm sure these statements are a benefit to those folks locked up in your prison, and will help move them in a positive direction in society. I have such hope for the institution of corrections when those in control of our prisoners express no hope or alternatives, only blanket statements regarding the corruption, untrustworthiness, and just plain swarthiness of every prisoner sitting in a cell right now. When you talk about the abuses these people would inflict on society using the internet, I wonder what criteria you are holding them to. Do you mean using public boards to make blurry, hollow remarks regarding the state of millions of people, while hiding behind some weak title(am I really hearing this stuff from a Corrections Officer?). A title that certainly holds no real history in the actual rehabilitaion of prisoners. Typically, I think we find a cycle of abuse, ranging from psychological to physical, in the discussion of corrections officers vs. prisoners. It's hard for me to see past the fact that it's your job to keep these people in line, quiet, and ultimately find that they make it through their sentances without stirring up trouble. Let's not forget how much it benefits YOU if prisoners CAN'T have access to the internet. The implied idea that you're a open minded, progressive dude who happens to be a corrections officer and cons are where he draws the line is kinda silly. You see, many people have committed crimes, are not in prison, and do not abuse the internet. Many people have never broken the law (are there really that many?) and DO abuse the net. Some people in prison would abuse the privilage. Some would not. Some corrections officers would make comments that reflect a percieved negative aspect towards people in prison (over 80% of these for non-violent crimes). Another would make a statement regarding the possibilities of using technology to potentially rehabilitate or train prisoners. Maybe give them an opportunity to learn something positive and keep up on important, ever-changing job skills. I'm fully aware how difficult it is to find employement in the tech industry as an ex-con. It can be done, with hard work and open-minded people. And OMFG! you really don't have to rip someone off or abuse the privilages they give you. Your statement is sooo last century.
I gotta say that in some strange way, I agree with you both. America has more 'freedom' than NK. America has more fattening food than NK. America has less censorship than NK. However. I would venture to say that the opinion "Americans are generally ignorant and stupid" comes from a myriad of reasons, not because some people have had too much freedom or make off the cuff remarks about Bush. More likely, the concept that the US is in fact, an empire frightens people, especially those who have suffered at the hands of the US military. Empires breed hordes of stupid people. I see lots of education in the US, but not lots of knowledge. Big difference. The concept that we need to bomb this world into oblivion for the sake of freedom and safety is so sick and twisted I don't even know how to respond. People really try (and succeed in their own minds) to justify war. I find, however, that most of the time it comes full circle to one thing : Religion (who would Jesus bomb?). Yes, NK has it bad. I don;t think anyone would agrue that. I cannot imagine what living there must be like. But then again, I wake up every day in America and realize that WE are Big Brother. There need not be speculation any longer. It's a reality. One important fact that gets overlooked in all these rants about how free the US is is that we have more people in prison that any other country in the world. You may have missed it, but I sure haven't. Our freedoms are being eroded. Blame it on other countries and terrorists (RRRUUUUUN!!!) if you want, but I'm here to tell you that this is misplaced blame. WE ARE TO BLAME. We let it happen every day. Paranoid? Perhaps. I've spent some time locked up, and that'll do it to ya. Keeps me on my toes. All I know is, this country is just as 'evil' (whatever that means) as any other. The American way of life will seep into every other country in this world, for good or ill, whether they like it or not. That is sooo not cool.
Anyone know if this would work for cd check? I'm almost afraid to try at this point seeing as folks are getting banned for using nocd cracks. Sad to see paying customers penalized for something like that. This is the first game I've purchased in a while and if this trend continues, will probably be the last. Not the last, however, that I play. Not to say 'Valve/Steam did this so I'm reverting to piracy', but it's pretty frustrating.
I could care less if i get modded down for this but I just finished some research about Alberto Gonzales (the guy replacing Ashcroft) and shit damn was I bummed...Your post had me on the floor brother. Nice one.
Or (from a software engineering standpoint) have them actually program the games themselves. I've found (in my own experience) game programming and the study of game programming to be one of the best methods for learning to program. Granted, this is far from a tried and true technique (AFAIN), but game programming can be an easy way to introduce differenet languages to children.
1.It keeps them interested longer than 'hello world!'.
2.It has interactive, intensive beta-testing (there's always that guy that plays just to find bugs).
3.Someone will try and modify it and cheat, therefore revealing yet undiscovered bugs/exploits.
Though these things are all kinda common to standard application development, I think the younger folks find it a bit more accessible.
This comes from someone who doesn't program for a living, but does enjoy the occassional weekend of hair-pulling and bug-hunting.
Due to the fact that so many corporations (American Express, Merrill Lynch, GE, Shearson Lehman, Etc) in the US either directly or indirectly make a profit off of the Prison Industry, it is extremely difficult to get mention of much scandal out from behind bars. Also, I would imagine it would be easier (at least at the time of said abuse) to get a camera in Abu Ghraib than in a US prison and into a segregation cell where much of the abuse takes place. And you didn't even mention INS lockups! I can't even imagine...But if you are interested try reading this book: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/0 520 239423/qid=1099847168/sr=8-1/ref=pd_csp_1/102-9360 843-2040902?v=glance&s=books&n=507846
Poor sap. He has three accounts. That's right. Pays for three seperate accounts, spends LOTS of bucks buying weapons, scrolls etc. on ebay, and even payed for three months on another account to try and hook me into it. I played the game when it was first released, but since they patched the cool die-in-someones-house-get-ressed-loot-their-stuff bug it got kinda dull, IMO:) He plays every night at least three hours straight. If he misses a night he gets depressed and call in sick to work. Sometimes he'll call me to talk about his expoits. Oddly enough, he quit drinking almost exactly the same time he started playing the game. UO is almost the only thing he uses his computer for, besides email and ebay. He upgrades once a year. Guess I can;t complain there as he donates his old one to FreeGeek, a local non-profit. If this ain't addiction, I don't know what is.
With profits up in the corrections industry I'd venture to guess that TB will only grow right along with the Prison Industrial Complex. At the current rate of growth (in the US alone) we are looking at approx. 6,000,000 prisoners by 2020. That's a very modest figure, BTW. From first-hand experience, TB is in love with prison. Most often, prisoners are either unable to get the medical assistance they need, especially when they are released (see: Punishment is profitable, reform is not). Others are simply uneducated regarding the risks they face when infected or the dangers they pose to others. Some simply don't give a shit, considering they're locked up in a cage year after year most likely (80% of the time) for a non-violent offense. TB is nothing new to prison. More prisoners==more TB.
Musta hit the 'any key' earlier when I posted as AC. Sorry. I'm gonna repost and face the wrath of moderation, considering how strongly I feel about this: My new reality TV show. 'CellBoss 2004'. Not only will we be able to vote over the internet to give rapists and child abusers more time, but we can vote naughty/ugly/unpopular cons straight into segregation! Imagine the possibilities regarding aliances!
Joking aside, as someone who has spent significant time locked up, I find the idea of a webcam monitoring convicts quite disgusting. The simple fact of the matter is (IMHO) that this will do nothing but undermine what little integrity these guys have. Whether or not it might make things 'safer' is silly to me, considering the faulty foundation the Prison Industrial Complex is based on. This alongside of the fact that people in these holding cells are NOT necessarily guilty. The more we trivialize things like prison -- this indirectly relates to the COPS television show (ever seen a white collar criminal arrested?) -- the more people will ignore that America has the highest recorded rate of incarceration in the world and that 80% of those in prison are in for non-violent crimes.
I work at Powells, a massive bookstore in Oregon. Some of us make light over the fact that we are slowly becoming an extremely corporate entity, and that we are reaching a horrid level of 'Barnes & Nobelization'. At this point someone always chimes in and makes a joke about how we will soon have automated bookstore employees, and maybe a drive-through window. Not so funny anymore. I have to admit that this sounds cool. I just wonder what this thing would do with the masses of people who come in and say "Yeah, I'm looking for that big red book...You know, the one that was mentioned on the radio this morning...I think it has 'God' in the title..." Hehe. Good luck. I can't tell you how many times people come in and have no clue about the book they want, they have some concept of maybe the size, or the approx. year, or maybe simply a small bit of the plot. I don't think the communication that takes place between a knowledgeable book geek and a person looking for just that right book can ever be fully replaced.
Cause then he'd have to bog the series down with the underlining plot of a bunch of white people committing genocide on native inhabitants. But really, this is perhaps the greatest sci-fi series ever made. It also gives some hope that MAYBE in the future not everyone will have to be a member of some Federation to survive, difficult as that may be. Not to compare, but Star Trek always scared me, with that crazy hierarchical militaristic approach. Reminds me of Starship Troopers (the book) where to have a voice you needed to be in the military. Yikes.
Great. While we are at it, let's institute a police state, just in case. How far are you willing to let things like this go before it hits home? How about soldiers on the street corner to keep the peace? I mean, unless you are doing something wrong, you have nothing to worry about, right? Maybe you can't see it, but it's all the little things like this that eventually add up to an erosion of freedoms.
Considering the roving bands of terrorists that have taken hold of Americas freedoms. We'll catch those bastards before they have a chance to go through with another attack. Hurray! Thanks Big Brother. I hope those cameras come to my town sooner rather than later. Free at last! Free at last!
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Yeah because what we really need are more people in the prison system that are non-violent offenders and who we can only assume have actually hurt profits of these software companies. You are supporting the idea that they pay back money that was "STOLEN" (caps added for emphasis) which leads me to believe you think the people downloading this stuff would have legally purchased it if they couldn't get it 'free'. How RIAA of you:)
We can all rest comfortably now because prison is going to prevent them from ever being nasty, thieving pirates and they'll be well-adjusted, productive citizens when they get out. What ever happened to reconciliation anyway?
And it's software companies that put those security measures in place, not pirates. Whatever their reasons and however well-grounded they seem at face value, to me it's similar to a government cracking down on civil liberties to fight Evil Terrorists(TM). Hard to imagine, I know...
Because, as we all know, there would never be any abuse of this system by those in power and only people who 'deserved' to be castrated or have their children removed from their homes would. Just like all the other great child-services in this country. Sorry, but trimming the branches of a tree that's rotten to the core really doesn't do much good:)
What we would really see is the eventual erosion of rights for parents based on race, class, and gender. If you don't believe that, take a look around at every other institution in our society.
"...music theft..." I didn't realize it was theft. For some reason I thought it was copyright infringement. Good post though and I do agree with you.
Actually, my stats may have been a bit out of date. Here's another take on it :
http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/bjs/abstract/llgsfp.htm
Now, the idea that recidivism is responsible for these insanely high numbers is not althogether true. Over the past few decades we've experienced record numbers of new convicts. Yes, recidivism is a problem with unbelievably high numbers, but it simply does not account for the massive increase in prison population. With longer sentances, and no real data to back this up I'm curious where you got that idea. If you have some info I'd love to see it. This kid should not serve as a shining example for anyone. He should face his community, realize there are real people with real issues with what he's done. Not the so-called 'Justice System', in which few have real faith anymore. Oh, wait, he probably has no community to speak of!
"doing things that put them there"
How about being poor or black? Does that count?
I just don't understand the mentality of people who support a system so blindly, when it is obviously so skewed towards those with money and power. Maybe I do understand it but I really don't want to accept that folks are so apathetic. Trying to tell me that convicts have opportunities to make positive change is beyond preposterous. The culture surrounding them simply does not allow for this, even if you want to believe it does. Never spent any time locked up, huh? These facilites do not encourage change, pal. They thrive on maintaining the status quo, keeping the numbers up. These institutions are nothing without control. Racism, sexism, hate, and personal power trips are some of the tools in which this is achieved. That's not to say it cannot happen, but please don't be so niave about life in a cell.
The idea that this guy should be disenfranchised from his family, friends, and life is simply old, tired and fear-induced thinking, IMO.
But then again, I think living a lifestyle like Hilton is criminal by it's very essence, so we obviously have a stand off.
Correct according to some. Certainly not all. Less everyday, I would guess. The tools are absolutely NOT there for him to 'recover'. Where did you hear that? We have consistantly removed funding for programs to help convicted criminals reintigrate into society. The reality is that kids like this are acting out in accordance with the ideals and 'morals' that are bestowed upon him from this society. I disagree that the fact that we have over two and a half million people incarcerated is meaningless. It speaks volumes! I believe my point is actually reinforced by what you are thinking about Katrina. These people are reacting. Reacting to the society which consitantly ignores, locks up and abuses them. Most of these people probably know someone in prison, or who has been in prison (see: Angola. Friggin modern slavery at its best). Considering the crimes being committed by so many of the ruling elite, it must be hard for them to not think they are going to jail simply because they are poor and black. There's really no debating that the system is inherently racist and class-based, and these facts really shouldn't be ignored, regardless of the person or crime in question. The fact that this guy has the nerve to do what he did is horrible. He needs SOMETHING to help move him onto the straight and narrow. Community work and involvement, education, etc. These are the tools that are so strong no prison walls can rival them. Whether you want it to be or not, people like this are the responsiblity of this society. Being responsible does not equal locking folks up for things like this. It equals doing every possible thing we can to help him make the right choices. You think a cell will do that? I'll tell you from experience, it will not. But I respect your opinion anyway.
I'm saddened to see this kind of attitude still exists. What will it take for people to understand that locking someone up in the current prison system (juvie or adult) does nothing at all to benefit society (at least not in the long run, arguably not even in the short term), but serves to fortify the massive problems with overcrowding, unjust and racist punishment, and the complete and utter lack of anything remotely resembling rehabilitation?
How many laws have 'you' broken this year?
From what you have written here, it seems you really could care less about this kids future and trying to get him on the right path in life, whatever that may be. That line of thinking, I think, is the saddest bit about it all...
It's niave to believe that many young men haven't done something equally as dispicable. Should we lock the entire country up?
Actually, now that I think about that idea..:)
Maybe because at some point in your life you just might be the '1' in 1 out of 130 people who will go to jail in the "Land of the Free" during their lifetime.
If you are implying that the fact this idiot kid deserves 11 months locked up for this then I suggest you take a much deeper look into the so-called Justice System in this country...
The idea of putting someone in a cell for almost a year for something like this certainly could be considered 'Unusual', if not 'Cruel'. What ever happened to trying to help the misguided youth instead of simply trying (however fruitlesly) to punish them?
(I think it was wrong of him to do it, BTW)
I didn't read past this :
"b) try to make all war seem evil."
I was hoping you could explain to us what war it is exactly that is 'Good(TM)'?
Well, considering you have about a one in 145 chance of becoming an inmate in the U.S. and that 2.2 million of your fellow citizens are already locked up, I'd say it might just be your business in the future...
Indeed.
Sure, it's laughable to some people. Namely, big-time capatalists who see money as the meaning of life. Believe it or not, it IS possible to create systems where trade, not cash, are successfull methods of getting food, shelter, and other goods (not that these exist in many solid forms today, and certainly not in America). This also builds strong community, something I see capatalism destroying day by day. Something you are perpetuating with your bitter apathy.
You see, just because you say it's inane, and just because you say THIS IS THE WAY THINGS ARE really just shows how little you are willing to do to make some positive changes. In my little world, it's people like you -- money grubbing capatalist swine -- who are the real problem, not only in the world of technology, but in every aspect of maninstream culture. You won't change my mind and I certainly won't change yours with my dogma:), but the reality is that some people don't live just for money and 'stuff'. Some people want to "spread the love, give away your work for free, and make the world a better place". Laugh all you want, to the bank in fact. It's easy to laugh at those who have different ideals than yours while wallowing in a pool of self-serving ignorance, isn't it?
I don't know much about karma, but I do believe that people who live like greedy pigs will have their day of reckoning. Most likely with themselves.
Stay rich, brother!
So you are making a definitive statement :
"...the reality is that anything you give them is abused."
What you just said to me is that every single inmate in prison will take advantage things, however illegal, given the chance. Therefore we should never give them the chance. Not even a piece of chewing gum. As long as they are locked up. Because they are criminals.
You call yourself 'liberal'? Sheesh. I guess this is a great time for me to distance myself from labels like 'conservative' and 'liberal' cause what you say is the epitamy of what's sometimes called the 'tough-love' dogma of corrections. I call it "ignorant and fear-ridden" myself, but it's all subjective I suppose.
Who the hell are you to pass judgement on over two million people who are currently involved in the United States Prison Industrial Complex?
As a corrections officer, I'm hopefull you've had the opportunity to talk to some of the Cons in your facility (I guess that would be "inmate" to you) and have since then made a decision to make anonymous statements on the internet about the charactor of each and every one of them. I'm sure these statements are a benefit to those folks locked up in your prison, and will help move them in a positive direction in society.
I have such hope for the institution of corrections when those in control of our prisoners express no hope or alternatives, only blanket statements regarding the corruption, untrustworthiness, and just plain swarthiness of every prisoner sitting in a cell right now.
When you talk about the abuses these people would inflict on society using the internet, I wonder what criteria you are holding them to. Do you mean using public boards to make blurry, hollow remarks regarding the state of millions of people, while hiding behind some weak title(am I really hearing this stuff from a Corrections Officer?). A title that certainly holds no real history in the actual rehabilitaion of prisoners. Typically, I think we find a cycle of abuse, ranging from psychological to physical, in the discussion of corrections officers vs. prisoners. It's hard for me to see past the fact that it's your job to keep these people in line, quiet, and ultimately find that they make it through their sentances without stirring up trouble. Let's not forget how much it benefits YOU if prisoners CAN'T have access to the internet. The implied idea that you're a open minded, progressive dude who happens to be a corrections officer and cons are where he draws the line is kinda silly.
You see, many people have committed crimes, are not in prison, and do not abuse the internet. Many people have never broken the law (are there really that many?) and DO abuse the net. Some people in prison would abuse the privilage. Some would not.
Some corrections officers would make comments that reflect a percieved negative aspect towards people in prison (over 80% of these for non-violent crimes). Another would make a statement regarding the possibilities of using technology to potentially rehabilitate or train prisoners. Maybe give them an opportunity to learn something positive and keep up on important, ever-changing job skills. I'm fully aware how difficult it is to find employement in the tech industry as an ex-con. It can be done, with hard work and open-minded people. And OMFG! you really don't have to rip someone off or abuse the privilages they give you.
Your statement is sooo last century.
I work at Powells Books in Oregon and we will stock it. Both the Portland (the Powells Techinical Store) and Beaverton stores will carry it.
I gotta say that in some strange way, I agree with you both. America has more 'freedom' than NK. America has more fattening food than NK. America has less censorship than NK.
However.
I would venture to say that the opinion "Americans are generally ignorant and stupid" comes from a myriad of reasons, not because some people have had too much freedom or make off the cuff remarks about Bush. More likely, the concept that the US is in fact, an empire frightens people, especially those who have suffered at the hands of the US military. Empires breed hordes of stupid people. I see lots of education in the US, but not lots of knowledge. Big difference. The concept that we need to bomb this world into oblivion for the sake of freedom and safety is so sick and twisted I don't even know how to respond. People really try (and succeed in their own minds) to justify war. I find, however, that most of the time it comes full circle to one thing : Religion (who would Jesus bomb?).
Yes, NK has it bad. I don;t think anyone would agrue that. I cannot imagine what living there must be like. But then again, I wake up every day in America and realize that WE are Big Brother. There need not be speculation any longer. It's a reality. One important fact that gets overlooked in all these rants about how free the US is is that we have more people in prison that any other country in the world. You may have missed it, but I sure haven't. Our freedoms are being eroded. Blame it on other countries and terrorists (RRRUUUUUN!!!) if you want, but I'm here to tell you that this is misplaced blame. WE ARE TO BLAME. We let it happen every day. Paranoid? Perhaps. I've spent some time locked up, and that'll do it to ya. Keeps me on my toes.
All I know is, this country is just as 'evil' (whatever that means) as any other. The American way of life will seep into every other country in this world, for good or ill, whether they like it or not.
That is sooo not cool.
Anyone know if this would work for cd check? I'm almost afraid to try at this point seeing as folks are getting banned for using nocd cracks. Sad to see paying customers penalized for something like that. This is the first game I've purchased in a while and if this trend continues, will probably be the last. Not the last, however, that I play. Not to say 'Valve/Steam did this so I'm reverting to piracy', but it's pretty frustrating.
I could care less if i get modded down for this but I just finished some research about Alberto Gonzales (the guy replacing Ashcroft) and shit damn was I bummed...Your post had me on the floor brother. Nice one.
Or (from a software engineering standpoint) have them actually program the games themselves. I've found (in my own experience) game programming and the study of game programming to be one of the best methods for learning to program. Granted, this is far from a tried and true technique (AFAIN), but game programming can be an easy way to introduce differenet languages to children. 1.It keeps them interested longer than 'hello world!'. 2.It has interactive, intensive beta-testing (there's always that guy that plays just to find bugs). 3.Someone will try and modify it and cheat, therefore revealing yet undiscovered bugs/exploits. Though these things are all kinda common to standard application development, I think the younger folks find it a bit more accessible. This comes from someone who doesn't program for a living, but does enjoy the occassional weekend of hair-pulling and bug-hunting.
Due to the fact that so many corporations (American Express, Merrill Lynch, GE, Shearson Lehman, Etc) in the US either directly or indirectly make a profit off of the Prison Industry, it is extremely difficult to get mention of much scandal out from behind bars. Also, I would imagine it would be easier (at least at the time of said abuse) to get a camera in Abu Ghraib than in a US prison and into a segregation cell where much of the abuse takes place. :0 520 239423/qid=1099847168/sr=8-1/ref=pd_csp_1/102-9360 843-2040902?v=glance&s=books&n=507846
And you didn't even mention INS lockups!
I can't even imagine...But if you are interested try reading this book
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/
Poor sap. He has three accounts. That's right. Pays for three seperate accounts, spends LOTS of bucks buying weapons, scrolls etc. on ebay, and even payed for three months on another account to try and hook me into it. I played the game when it was first released, but since they patched the cool die-in-someones-house-get-ressed-loot-their-stuff bug it got kinda dull, IMO:) He plays every night at least three hours straight. If he misses a night he gets depressed and call in sick to work. Sometimes he'll call me to talk about his expoits. Oddly enough, he quit drinking almost exactly the same time he started playing the game. UO is almost the only thing he uses his computer for, besides email and ebay. He upgrades once a year. Guess I can;t complain there as he donates his old one to FreeGeek, a local non-profit. If this ain't addiction, I don't know what is.
With profits up in the corrections industry I'd venture to guess that TB will only grow right along with the Prison Industrial Complex. At the current rate of growth (in the US alone) we are looking at approx. 6,000,000 prisoners by 2020. That's a very modest figure, BTW.
From first-hand experience, TB is in love with prison. Most often, prisoners are either unable to get the medical assistance they need, especially when they are released (see: Punishment is profitable, reform is not). Others are simply uneducated regarding the risks they face when infected or the dangers they pose to others. Some simply don't give a shit, considering they're locked up in a cage year after year most likely (80% of the time) for a non-violent offense. TB is nothing new to prison. More prisoners==more TB.
Musta hit the 'any key' earlier when I posted as AC. Sorry. I'm gonna repost and face the wrath of moderation, considering how strongly I feel about this :
My new reality TV show.
'CellBoss 2004'. Not only will we be able to vote over the internet to give rapists and child abusers more time, but we can vote naughty/ugly/unpopular cons straight into segregation! Imagine the possibilities regarding aliances!
Joking aside, as someone who has spent significant time locked up, I find the idea of a webcam monitoring convicts quite disgusting. The simple fact of the matter is (IMHO) that this will do nothing but undermine what little integrity these guys have. Whether or not it might make things 'safer' is silly to me, considering the faulty foundation the Prison Industrial Complex is based on. This alongside of the fact that people in these holding cells are NOT necessarily guilty. The more we trivialize things like prison -- this indirectly relates to the COPS television show (ever seen a white collar criminal arrested?) -- the more people will ignore that America has the highest recorded rate of incarceration in the world and that 80% of those in prison are in for non-violent crimes.
I work at Powells, a massive bookstore in Oregon. Some of us make light over the fact that we are slowly becoming an extremely corporate entity, and that we are reaching a horrid level of 'Barnes & Nobelization'. At this point someone always chimes in and makes a joke about how we will soon have automated bookstore employees, and maybe a drive-through window. Not so funny anymore.
I have to admit that this sounds cool. I just wonder what this thing would do with the masses of people who come in and say "Yeah, I'm looking for that big red book...You know, the one that was mentioned on the radio this morning...I think it has 'God' in the title..." Hehe. Good luck. I can't tell you how many times people come in and have no clue about the book they want, they have some concept of maybe the size, or the approx. year, or maybe simply a small bit of the plot. I don't think the communication that takes place between a knowledgeable book geek and a person looking for just that right book can ever be fully replaced.
Cause then he'd have to bog the series down with the underlining plot of a bunch of white people committing genocide on native inhabitants.
But really, this is perhaps the greatest sci-fi series ever made. It also gives some hope that MAYBE in the future not everyone will have to be a member of some Federation to survive, difficult as that may be. Not to compare, but Star Trek always scared me, with that crazy hierarchical militaristic approach. Reminds me of Starship Troopers (the book) where to have a voice you needed to be in the military. Yikes.
Great. While we are at it, let's institute a police state, just in case. How far are you willing to let things like this go before it hits home? How about soldiers on the street corner to keep the peace? I mean, unless you are doing something wrong, you have nothing to worry about, right? Maybe you can't see it, but it's all the little things like this that eventually add up to an erosion of freedoms.
Considering the roving bands of terrorists that have taken hold of Americas freedoms. We'll catch those bastards before they have a chance to go through with another attack. Hurray! Thanks Big Brother. I hope those cameras come to my town sooner rather than later.
Free at last! Free at last!