I would be calling Verizon and threatening to turn them in to the appropriate authorities (state Attorney General?) if they didn't allow Phone Company X to setup my service.
IIRC, they're supposed to allow other providers access to the lines (with certain restrictions).
I had something similar happen several years ago. I wanted DSL through a third party (FreeDSL, remember them?). I setup an account and they said it would be a while before they could verify whether or not my line was suitable (they had to contact BellSouth). FreeDSL called me and said I couldn't get their service. Ok, whatever.
I logged onto BellSouth's website where I entered my phone number to see if I was eligible for their expensive-ass DSL service. Voila! I can get BellSouth! How freakin' convenient!
I called BellSouth and told them of the discrepency. Magically, FreeDSL called me the next day and said my service would be setup soon, which it was.
Sometimes, you've just gotta be creative with the fuckers.
I don't know about others, but I don't particularly like the idea of having an "all-in-one" provider.
Inevitably, a company offering more than one service begins to prioritize (by choice or necessity). Example: AT&T Broadband (now Comcast) offering digital phone service, cable TV, and cable internet. When you call them for service telephone problems automatically get priority.
After that, regular cable service gets attention, but at a much slower rate.
Third, they won't even talk to you about internet; you have to call a totally separate phone number and speak with a tech that's not even in your area of the country. If they have to schedule a service visit (hope you can wait a week) it gets passed back to AT&T/Comcast.
I can only imagine if my mobile phone service was with them.
I also don't like the idea of having a single link to provide me with every connection to the outside world, but if different companies could "share" the line for my service it wouldn't be so bad.
I am aware of a medium called "film" which takes millions of dollars and the MPAA to get distributed
Says who? Every heard of independent films?
NOBODY FORCED YOU TO WATCH IT
True. I went to the site and downloaded the intro, which I watched. The whole time I was hoping this was just a ploy to get me to say "Man, there wasn't much content in that...I guess I'll have to watch Chapter 1 to find out more!" Consequently, I downloaded and began to watch Chapter 1.
After sitting through 5-10 minutes of crap flash and psychobabble, I decided I'd had enough.
It's not like I don't like deeply introspective animation/movies, but this stuff moves slower than anything I've ever seen. Besides, the flash is really poor quality. I could probably handle one or the other, but not both.
Look, I commend anyone who has the time and patience to manufacture 24 espisodes of this, especially if the last 23 are as boring as the first. But there's a reason why I will pay to see movies and true animation - they're quality works that I enjoy watching!
DC spends more per capita on education than any of the 50 states in the country, yet consistently scores at the very bottom. Atlanta is in a similar situation.
Money is not the answer. Recognizing the fact that we have stupid bureaucrats, parents, and teachers (along with the NEA), and doing something about it, is the answer.
Inner-city families need to pay attention and take ownership of their communities, including their schools. And having more money to throw in the pit won't solve all their problems.
I'm a Bush supporter, but I agree with the opinion that we should be doing something about the atrocities in Africa.
Actually, we should have done something a long time ago. Both parties are to blame for the inaction that resulted in thousands (millions?) dying in Africa, many civilian.
In fact, all countries of the world should have taken action long ago.
Clinton who is a moderate had several plans which created jobs.
Look, I really don't want to get into a Clinton/Bush flame war, but I can't let this one go.
I would submit that Clinton's plans or action/inaction had very, very little to do with the economic boom of the 90s. The internet/tech explosion, among other cyclical economic factors, are what caused the boom.
That's not to say that a given president has nothing to do with the economy. I just think it gets severely overplayed, especially with the multitude of things that contribute to an overall economy in a free market system.
And you're using the UN as a barometer? Oh my gawd!
IMNSHO, the UN has become one of the most useless organizations on the planet.
Everyone is clammering for the US to help out in Liberia (which I agree, something should be done). Currently, the UN has *ahem* troops *ahem* in Uganda, scene of one of the most bloody and horrible wars in recent history. Unfortunately for the citizens of Uganda, the UN "troops" must witness a live act of brutality against citizens in order to fire their weapons.
What a fucking waste. And let's not get started about the former Yugoslavia...
Actually, "necessary medical care" is already covered for those that can't afford it by Medicaid and Medicare. Also, a hospital ER can't turn you away if you have a life-threatening problem.
As for education, money isn't the answer. The answer is finding a solution to dumb bureaucrats, teachers, and parents.
I guess it'll eventually come to a point where teachers and parents can say "Johnny, that's ok if you don't do well in school. The government will cover everything if you don't succeed - indefinite welfare, all medical, indefinite unemployment, etc. But at least our school system has plenty of money so the NEA won't have to make the teachers go on strike this year."
Get yourself into reasonable shape, and grab hold of the first woman who lets you put your dick in her.
IMHO, this is extremely bad advice. Guys (self included) are usually waaay too overwhelmed with their first lay to think about other characteristics of the female.
I know if I had grabbed hold of my first, I would be very, very miserable today.
Just because someone wants to pursue creative endeavors or scholastic work doesn't mean they aren't concerned about others. In fact, many a genius throughout history was doing work that ended up benefitting mankind.
The idea of "feeling well and being happy" doesn't mean the same thing for everyone.
Some want a half-acre with a white picket fence, wife, and kids.
Some want a half-acre of rainforest to study unknown species.
Some want a half-acre to build a wondrous architectural piece.
You get the point. Don't down others for thier aspirations because they differ with yours.
While reading posts in this thread, I had Winamp playing randomly in the background. These lyrics are from the Rush song "The Spirit of Radio":
Begin the day
With a friendly voice
A companion, unobtrusive
Plays that song that's so elusive
And the magic music makes your morning mood
Off on your way
Hit the open road
There is magic at your fingers
For the Spirit ever lingers
Undemanding contact
In your happy solitude
Invisible airwaves
Crackle with life
Bright antennae bristle
With the energy
Emotional feedback
On a timeless wavelength
Bearing a gift beyond price --- Almost free...
All this machinery
Making modern music
Can still be open-hearted
Not so coldly charted
It's really just a question
Of your honesty
One likes to believe
In the freedom of music
But glittering prizes
And endless compromises
Shatter the illusion
Of integrity
"For the words of the profits
Are written on the studio wall,
Concert hall ---
Echoes with the sounds...
Of salesmen."
Slashdot Mirror
IIRC, they're supposed to allow other providers access to the lines (with certain restrictions).
I had something similar happen several years ago. I wanted DSL through a third party (FreeDSL, remember them?). I setup an account and they said it would be a while before they could verify whether or not my line was suitable (they had to contact BellSouth). FreeDSL called me and said I couldn't get their service. Ok, whatever.
I logged onto BellSouth's website where I entered my phone number to see if I was eligible for their expensive-ass DSL service. Voila! I can get BellSouth! How freakin' convenient!
I called BellSouth and told them of the discrepency. Magically, FreeDSL called me the next day and said my service would be setup soon, which it was.
Sometimes, you've just gotta be creative with the fuckers.
Inevitably, a company offering more than one service begins to prioritize (by choice or necessity). Example: AT&T Broadband (now Comcast) offering digital phone service, cable TV, and cable internet. When you call them for service telephone problems automatically get priority.
After that, regular cable service gets attention, but at a much slower rate.
Third, they won't even talk to you about internet; you have to call a totally separate phone number and speak with a tech that's not even in your area of the country. If they have to schedule a service visit (hope you can wait a week) it gets passed back to AT&T/Comcast.
I can only imagine if my mobile phone service was with them.
I also don't like the idea of having a single link to provide me with every connection to the outside world, but if different companies could "share" the line for my service it wouldn't be so bad.
What's up with this? Watch too much Game Show Network lately? Long for the days of the academic bowl in high school?
It's old. And it doesn't make you look any more intelligent to add pseudo-sound effects. Just post what you know and be done with it.
(Mod me down, I really don't care. I had to say that.)
Says who? Every heard of independent films?
NOBODY FORCED YOU TO WATCH IT
True. I went to the site and downloaded the intro, which I watched. The whole time I was hoping this was just a ploy to get me to say "Man, there wasn't much content in that...I guess I'll have to watch Chapter 1 to find out more!" Consequently, I downloaded and began to watch Chapter 1.
After sitting through 5-10 minutes of crap flash and psychobabble, I decided I'd had enough.
It's not like I don't like deeply introspective animation/movies, but this stuff moves slower than anything I've ever seen. Besides, the flash is really poor quality. I could probably handle one or the other, but not both.
Look, I commend anyone who has the time and patience to manufacture 24 espisodes of this, especially if the last 23 are as boring as the first. But there's a reason why I will pay to see movies and true animation - they're quality works that I enjoy watching!
I would like to know where in the tax code this rule can be found.
Take a look.
Try reading this or this or this .
Interest is the only thing that would be taxed. In the case of Bill Gates, though, his money comes from income, which is taxed.
Money is not the answer. Recognizing the fact that we have stupid bureaucrats, parents, and teachers (along with the NEA), and doing something about it, is the answer.
Inner-city families need to pay attention and take ownership of their communities, including their schools. And having more money to throw in the pit won't solve all their problems.
Learn how the tax system works before you comment.
Teach me, oh great one, oh purveyor of IRS tax law! How do we know you know what you're talking about?
Actually, we should have done something a long time ago. Both parties are to blame for the inaction that resulted in thousands (millions?) dying in Africa, many civilian.
In fact, all countries of the world should have taken action long ago.
I can only guess you meant to refer to large corporations, like M$.
Totally losing your own national identity so that Libya can head the UN Human Rights Commission is another.
Look, I really don't want to get into a Clinton/Bush flame war, but I can't let this one go.
I would submit that Clinton's plans or action/inaction had very, very little to do with the economic boom of the 90s. The internet/tech explosion, among other cyclical economic factors, are what caused the boom.
That's not to say that a given president has nothing to do with the economy. I just think it gets severely overplayed, especially with the multitude of things that contribute to an overall economy in a free market system.
Seriously, outside of your own political leanings, how is this insightful?
As someone else pointed out earlier, you obviously didn't catch the Tim Russert interview with Howard Dean several weeks ago.
I don't think "grounded" is the operative word here.
IMNSHO, the UN has become one of the most useless organizations on the planet.
Everyone is clammering for the US to help out in Liberia (which I agree, something should be done). Currently, the UN has *ahem* troops *ahem* in Uganda, scene of one of the most bloody and horrible wars in recent history. Unfortunately for the citizens of Uganda, the UN "troops" must witness a live act of brutality against citizens in order to fire their weapons.
What a fucking waste. And let's not get started about the former Yugoslavia...
As for education, money isn't the answer. The answer is finding a solution to dumb bureaucrats, teachers, and parents.
I guess it'll eventually come to a point where teachers and parents can say "Johnny, that's ok if you don't do well in school. The government will cover everything if you don't succeed - indefinite welfare, all medical, indefinite unemployment, etc. But at least our school system has plenty of money so the NEA won't have to make the teachers go on strike this year."
Mod parent up, ye /. promoters of free speech and truth in advertising!
IMHO, this is extremely bad advice. Guys (self included) are usually waaay too overwhelmed with their first lay to think about other characteristics of the female.
I know if I had grabbed hold of my first, I would be very, very miserable today.
demo9orgon, have you considered a writing career?
Just because someone wants to pursue creative endeavors or scholastic work doesn't mean they aren't concerned about others. In fact, many a genius throughout history was doing work that ended up benefitting mankind.
The idea of "feeling well and being happy" doesn't mean the same thing for everyone.
Some want a half-acre with a white picket fence, wife, and kids.
Some want a half-acre of rainforest to study unknown species.
Some want a half-acre to build a wondrous architectural piece.
You get the point. Don't down others for thier aspirations because they differ with yours.
With a friendly voice
A companion, unobtrusive
Plays that song that's so elusive
And the magic music makes your morning mood
Off on your way
Hit the open road
There is magic at your fingers
For the Spirit ever lingers
Undemanding contact
In your happy solitude
Invisible airwaves
Crackle with life
Bright antennae bristle
With the energy
Emotional feedback
On a timeless wavelength
Bearing a gift beyond price ---
Almost free...
All this machinery
Making modern music
Can still be open-hearted
Not so coldly charted
It's really just a question
Of your honesty
One likes to believe
In the freedom of music
But glittering prizes
And endless compromises
Shatter the illusion
Of integrity
"For the words of the profits
Are written on the studio wall,
Concert hall ---
Echoes with the sounds...
Of salesmen."
Someone replying to my post suggested using this site, but it doesn't appear to support "major label" acts (from what I can tell).
Indiana and Illinois do share a border.