I've run into a similar problem with a company recently that is basically a mirror of your problem... I was forced to resign by this company. The company I speak of is AVDS (Automated Voice & Data Solutions) ( http://www.avds.com/ )
I'm not the only one they have forced out, and in this market... Corporations with compromised ethics seem to be able to get away with this sort of behavior. Another guy they forced out is suing them for back pay, unpaid vacation and a few other things (last I heard).
I was forced to resign on Dec 22nd. Just 3 days before Christmas. I'm now penniless, and because of the market the fat-cats have crushed... I'm now finding it impossible to find another job. The sad thing is... AVDS is doing similar things to CUSTOMERS, not just to their employees.
I'm a Certified Interactive Intelligence, Inc. Telephony Engineer. I'm very good at what I do, and the customers I've worked with know it. I think AVDS simply wants to get rid of their top-paid talent to hire newly certified engineers willing to work for less than what us seasoned professionals are willing to accept.
The so-called Technical Support "Manager" (Michael Lavespere) while I was working there is an absolute control freak. Few (if any) of the customers like him, none of my ex-coworkers (from the original company, at least) like him. He has a propensity for lying and deceiving. He spends his entire day reading everyone's emails instead of trying to improve customer (and employee) satisfaction. Working there for the first three months or so was great... I worked from home. I have an entire office set up with several servers of my own that mirrored everything they could do in the office, but with much better results than they could have had with me in the office.
Unfortunately, from what I've experienced and heard from my ex-coworkers... Lavespere isn't the only one like this. Most, if not all, of the upper management are just like him.
I was available 24/7 and frequently received calls from customers directly because they knew that I could resolve their problems quickly. After all, I'd worked with many of them since 2006. I'm going to be writing up a nice long article about the company outlining the juicy details of the inner-workings of AVDS... Hopefully, I'll help someone avoid being put in the same situation I've been put in because of these jokers.
But either way... I feel your pain, just in a different way. Companies with compromised ethics need to be dealt with. Unfortunately, for the average person, it's not possible. We simply can't afford the teams of lawyers required to make these companies pay for their unlawful ways. All we can do is draw them out into the light for what they are and show the world just how corrupt and unethical they are.
There. My rant is done for now... Thanks for the opportunity to share my own experience alongside yours. Good luck with your situation... You're still better off than many of us!
I had similar questions when I was building my file server for use as my media repository and basically everything else (including workstation backups). I use this at home, on my personal network... and it works beautifully.
You'll need Gigabit ethernet to make this work... 100Mb is just too slow. And you'll need a GOOD switch, not some cheap off-brand.
For my media PC, I use BeyondTV. It's basically the same thing as MS's media center, but I like BTV... (Besides, I bought into it long ago!)
My file server uses a Promise TX4310 (4 port hardware RAID) with a 4 drive enclosure that I purchased at Fry's Electronics. With this, I use 4x500GB drives to give me a full 1.5TB worth of space. The enclosure isn't specifically for this card, but seems to work very well... The lights tell me when something is wrong or when there's drive activity, and seems to be hotswap compatible, but I haven't tested the theory.;)
Toss that in with gigabit ethernet and allow your media PC to run locally with a 200GB drive (7200RPM if you're cheap, or preferrably, get a 10k Raptor). Allow your MPC to record locally, but set it up so that when it compresses the shows, it compresses to your file server... If you turn compression off and just use COPY in place of it, it works beautifully.
Set it up so that it does this during off-peak recording hours.
I know the detail is sparse on my post, but I'm writing quickly some basic information about my own setup.
(By the way, using 3 500GB drives won't give you 1.5TB on your array, it'll only give you 1TB. You lose one drive's worth of capacity in a RAID-5 array... Yeah, it sux, but it's necessary)...
The nice thing about this setup is that if you split your systems this way, you now have a dedicated file server on gigabit ethernet that you can store anything on... not just your movies, tv shows and music. You can now use it as a backup system for your media PC as well as your workstations, programs, etc....
Just think of all the marine life that lives in and around the thermal vents on the sea floor... Temperature isn't much of a challenge if you're determined enough!
Apple is actually doing the CONSUMERS a service here by keeping their own DRM locked up tight as a drum. They have the attention of the labels and all the "bad guys" in the game because they simply REFUSE to open their DRM to them. (Horrah Apple!)
What does this accomplish? First, it causes heartburn for the bad guys. I mean, after all... What better way to piss someone off than to say "You can't have it"? If the labels can't have access to it, they can't change it on a whim whenever they feel like it (as they do with everything else if someone breaks their scheme).
Second, it gives us, the consumers, the real voice. By not opening up the DRM and saying to the labels "It's either all or nothing, and you aren't going to control how we do it", they're effectively standing up for us. While it's true that DRM hurts us as consumers, it hurts the labels more by not giving them the control they so much desire. So, in this way, Apple is exerting their leverage in saying "We don't want it, but since you do, you'll have to deal with it on OUR terms, not yours."
So, this just pisses them off. Perhaps Apple thinks by doing so, the labels will grow tired of it and finally wake up to the fact their brick and mortar buildings are burning to the ground around them with their asses planted firmly in the napalm waiting for that spark to blow the whole thing wide open for us... Who knows? Maybe it'll work, maybe it won't.
Although, I think it's going to take more than Apple to crack that shiny titanium ass the labels have. It's going to take ALL of us standing up as one and saying "We're not taking it anymore." We're going to have to REALLY hurt them. The only way we can do that is to not buy ANYTHING they have to offer at all.
Somehow, I just can't see that unition happening... We have the power, we have the control. But we have no concerted effort to put this to an end for ourselves.
I, for one, haven't bought a single CD (or song) for a number of years. At one point, I did buy CD's... Until I got one that was copy protected. Not one CD or song since that day.
Same reason I do, I suppose. Limewire, for instance, defaults to a directory that is automatically shared. I may download files, but that doesn't necessarily mean I WANT to immediately share what I just downloaded.
For that reason, I have a download directory (removed from the share path) and then a different share directory, that way what I download isn't automatically shared.
Not everyone does this... Most folks don't. But I like to make sure the files I share are the genuine article before I let someone else download it. No sense in spreading unverified files if I can take the initiative to validate their quality and authenticity first.
3) A strike against the MPAA, RIAA and any other "law abiding" corporation (who manages to be capable of CREATING those very laws) by targeting the computers that seed the incomplete, misnamed and intentionally infected files and the files on computers that have downloaded from them by users stupid enough to download things under 1kb.
Any smart P2P user changes the default directories to customize their own bitspace so it's easier for the person using the software to find what they've downloaded, not to mention archive on another device or media those files they truly wish to retain.
Ok, I'm sure I'm going to get flamed for this in one way or another, but it's the honest truth. I've never once paid good money for a Microsoft product. Not an OS, not an app. Never. Not even THOUGHT about it. I've PURCHASED the RIGHT to use exactly TWO operating systems in my life. One was MacOS/9, and the other was the Beta of MacOS/X. Those happened when I purchased the clamshell graphite iBook, and I was happy with all of my Apple purchases. Still am...
These days... I no longer have a Mac, unfortunately.... So, I use Ubuntu instead on my laptop... Wonderfully great Linux distro... Those guys sure know what I like to see in a free OS!
Incidentally... My 5G/iPod/60GB Video works wonderfully with Ubuntu and the right apps... Long Live Apple! (and the iPod too)
It's going to be turned into a motorhome... yea, it's going to be wicked.:) The biggest problem I'm going to have I think is finding a SIX point leveling system... no one seems to make anything bigger than 4 point. Guess I'll have to just make it myself! heh. It's actually already registered and inspected... it's "legal" despite being "overlength" for a "single" vehicle... I think I can argue that it's a combination vehicle since it breaks in the middle and has a trailing axle... even though it is the drive axle! HAH!:)
I'm planning on going to Iraq in the next few weeks... so it's going to be put into storage for at least a year. I'm planning on staying there for 3 years though... I've got family that are going to go out and start it up and keep everything circulating for me tho...
I also plan to add in a WVO conversion to it... so when I find WVO to filter up and use, I'll throw that at it for free fuel. I think the gas prices would be better if the gov't wasn't so damn tax-happy about it, and would tap into our own reserves and pump our own oil instead of relying on those idiot OPEC jips. But, that's just mho. Ah well.
Very nice. Looks very similar to mine... But mine isn't a hybrid. Although, I must say that my bus doesn't spew black smoke... Ever. It has a very clean burning engine for its age. Less than 100k miles on a rebuilt 6v92 and about 340k miles on the rest of the bus. It has a couple puffs of white when it first starts up cold... after that... it's clear. I suppose I'm a bit lucky in that respect.
Hehe... Is yours a New Flyer? If so, you must have the new D60 with the beautiful sloped windshield... If I could afford one of those, I'd have it in a heartbeat. These 60 footers actually drive better than 40 and 45 footers I think.
(Imagine this paragraph read by Butters from South Park.)
Uhh, gee whiz, mister. I like my vehicle, but it sure ain't no SUV. No sir! My vehicle is a 60 foot city transit bus that I'm converting to be used as my motorhome! I'd be happy if it got 10 miles to the gallon, but gee whiz... It only gets 5. I'd also be happy if it could get up to 60 miles per hour in under, I dunno, two minutes or less. But you're right, it's not about power, it's about size. And, gee whiz, my bus is sure awful big! It's a good thing I don't take it very far very often or I'd be in some trouble with the EPA, or something.
To everyone who's been wondering if this could be made into a viable project that's a bit sturdier and easier to move around... the answer is yes. I spent a bit of $ on materials to do so, but, I'm satisfied with the results. I've got a 6000 lumen projector on the way... the projector I currently have is more than capable of giving me a 10 foot diagonal nighttime viewing with superb color and contrast.
Here's a link to a picture of my projection panel, you'll have to forgive the location, it's the only hosting I have for this picture right now:
And to answer any questions about cooling, this setup keeps the panel at a "slightly warm to the touch" temperature with my current projector. It'll be interesting to see if cooling becomes an issue with the new projector when it arrives.
Ya know what? This is as absurd as those idiots that come up with the argument that guns should be outlawed because they kill people. The unfortunate, sad truth is that GUNS do not kill people, PEOPLE kill people, guns are just the instrument of their demise.
Just as this, P2P networks are not the CAUSE of this problem, in fact, the software producers, studios, theatres, etc are their own cause for the popularity of P2P networks. If they weren't in such a hurry to rip people off, and offered a product at a price that's reasonable with the product, then people would be less inclined to return the favor of ripping them off. As an end user, why the hell should I pay $3000 for a video encoding software for hobby use, when I can get it for free and give the producer the shaft? It's not like *I* make any money with that $3k piece of software like those bafoons up at the RIAA do, then charge me $7.50 a frelling ticket to see a B movie and then bitch because everyone would rather download it for free because the RIAA should be paying US to see it, not the other way around...
Morons.
I swear, stupid people should just be shot... but only by other stupid people weilding slingshots... oh wait, those would be outlawed too. Tards. Yea, I'm ranting. I'm sick to frelling death of people screaming "I'm being ripped off!" when they're the ones casting stones from the glass house to begin with. As a general rule, people are complete retards. Present company excluded, for the most part.
I use Cashette for my email server. It's free, allows POP access, gives you the ability to activate its systems on other email accounts, and it works by using an authorization system. Basically, if someone isn't on your "authorized" list, then their mail gets put into a special folder. You can either review what's in that folder, or just forget about it. Here's the nifty part... If a spammer REALLY wants to get their message to you, they can pay you for delivery. You set the price, up to $300 for them to get their message to you.
You can get your own account at http://www.cashette.com/
Any store that uses RFID tags can count me as a non-customer. I will not shop or purchase in any store that uses spy gear to monitor me. "Inventory Control"? Bull. That's the same argument the government made about the so-called "Patriot Act". "It'll only be used on terrorists.", yea right. Any more lies you'd like me to blindly swallow? No thanks, I'll eat my cookies without the chips.
I don't buy music CD's. I tend not to download MP3's. There's one source of free music that no one has mentioned yet that I have seen... What happened to the good old RADIO?
Still, DRM is infringing upon our rights of Fair Use. Thus, the reason I do not support the RIAA's bankroll by purchasing CD's, Used or new, or anything else music related. I still think that their "FairPlay" crap should have been named "FoulPlay". But hey, that's just my opinion.
I also don't buy DVD's... But I do go to the cinema. I just can't fit that 40' screen in my little motorhome, and I like big screens.
Look, small personal power plants are not only legal, they're encouraged. I've been researching "Alternative Power" myself, and one site that I've found that is helpful is www.fieldlines.com
They have lots of useful information for creating electricity from various forms of generators, including hydro, solar and wind among other things.
As far as I know, if the structure doesn't alter the flow of water, there's no need for permits, rules, regulations... And ya know what? I wouldn't care if there were.
If I were to do something like this, and it didn't release anything into the environment and posed no risk to anyone or anything... Then hey, I'd do it -- We're taxed enough already, why ASK for more taxation?
Hey, isn't that what the whole "Boston Tea Party" was about? Seems to me we need another party.
How can they enforce laws which invade upon one's privacy? Laws which the Supreme Court has already said are unlawful by their very nature of intrusion?
If I remember correctly, there was a case not too long ago, in which the Supreme Court said something to the effect that, anything that happens behind the doors of your own home (whether physical, or digital) is your right to do or view.
How will the enforce laws which directly contradict this? Could get interesting, indeed.
Even though the post is most likely an April Fools joke, my post was truthful. And, how long before something like this REALLY IS implemented? We've already seen information on the "implantable credit chip". What would the difference be between this article (even if it is a joke), and that subdermal "credit chip"? You could still be tracked by mere proximity. And, how long before newborns are implanted before they're allowed to go home? Most of us were given a "Social Security" number when we were born. What would the difference really be? Instead of carrying identification, you would already be encoded... -Phyrebyrd
Slashdot Mirror
I've run into a similar problem with a company recently that is basically a mirror of your problem... I was forced to resign by this company. The company I speak of is AVDS (Automated Voice & Data Solutions) ( http://www.avds.com/ )
I'm not the only one they have forced out, and in this market... Corporations with compromised ethics seem to be able to get away with this sort of behavior. Another guy they forced out is suing them for back pay, unpaid vacation and a few other things (last I heard).
I was forced to resign on Dec 22nd. Just 3 days before Christmas. I'm now penniless, and because of the market the fat-cats have crushed... I'm now finding it impossible to find another job. The sad thing is... AVDS is doing similar things to CUSTOMERS, not just to their employees.
I'm a Certified Interactive Intelligence, Inc. Telephony Engineer. I'm very good at what I do, and the customers I've worked with know it. I think AVDS simply wants to get rid of their top-paid talent to hire newly certified engineers willing to work for less than what us seasoned professionals are willing to accept.
The so-called Technical Support "Manager" (Michael Lavespere) while I was working there is an absolute control freak. Few (if any) of the customers like him, none of my ex-coworkers (from the original company, at least) like him. He has a propensity for lying and deceiving. He spends his entire day reading everyone's emails instead of trying to improve customer (and employee) satisfaction. Working there for the first three months or so was great... I worked from home. I have an entire office set up with several servers of my own that mirrored everything they could do in the office, but with much better results than they could have had with me in the office.
Unfortunately, from what I've experienced and heard from my ex-coworkers... Lavespere isn't the only one like this. Most, if not all, of the upper management are just like him.
I was available 24/7 and frequently received calls from customers directly because they knew that I could resolve their problems quickly. After all, I'd worked with many of them since 2006. I'm going to be writing up a nice long article about the company outlining the juicy details of the inner-workings of AVDS... Hopefully, I'll help someone avoid being put in the same situation I've been put in because of these jokers.
But either way... I feel your pain, just in a different way. Companies with compromised ethics need to be dealt with. Unfortunately, for the average person, it's not possible. We simply can't afford the teams of lawyers required to make these companies pay for their unlawful ways. All we can do is draw them out into the light for what they are and show the world just how corrupt and unethical they are.
There. My rant is done for now... Thanks for the opportunity to share my own experience alongside yours. Good luck with your situation... You're still better off than many of us!
I was being sarcastic. ;)
Just virtualize it.
Ravengbc,
;)
I had similar questions when I was building my file server for use as my media repository and basically everything else (including workstation backups). I use this at home, on my personal network... and it works beautifully.
You'll need Gigabit ethernet to make this work... 100Mb is just too slow. And you'll need a GOOD switch, not some cheap off-brand.
For my media PC, I use BeyondTV. It's basically the same thing as MS's media center, but I like BTV... (Besides, I bought into it long ago!)
My file server uses a Promise TX4310 (4 port hardware RAID) with a 4 drive enclosure that I purchased at Fry's Electronics. With this, I use 4x500GB drives to give me a full 1.5TB worth of space. The enclosure isn't specifically for this card, but seems to work very well... The lights tell me when something is wrong or when there's drive activity, and seems to be hotswap compatible, but I haven't tested the theory.
Toss that in with gigabit ethernet and allow your media PC to run locally with a 200GB drive (7200RPM if you're cheap, or preferrably, get a 10k Raptor). Allow your MPC to record locally, but set it up so that when it compresses the shows, it compresses to your file server... If you turn compression off and just use COPY in place of it, it works beautifully.
Set it up so that it does this during off-peak recording hours.
I know the detail is sparse on my post, but I'm writing quickly some basic information about my own setup.
(By the way, using 3 500GB drives won't give you 1.5TB on your array, it'll only give you 1TB. You lose one drive's worth of capacity in a RAID-5 array... Yeah, it sux, but it's necessary)...
The nice thing about this setup is that if you split your systems this way, you now have a dedicated file server on gigabit ethernet that you can store anything on... not just your movies, tv shows and music. You can now use it as a backup system for your media PC as well as your workstations, programs, etc....
Just think of all the marine life that lives in and around the thermal vents on the sea floor... Temperature isn't much of a challenge if you're determined enough!
Think about this...
Apple is actually doing the CONSUMERS a service here by keeping their own DRM locked up tight as a drum. They have the attention of the labels and all the "bad guys" in the game because they simply REFUSE to open their DRM to them. (Horrah Apple!)
What does this accomplish? First, it causes heartburn for the bad guys. I mean, after all... What better way to piss someone off than to say "You can't have it"? If the labels can't have access to it, they can't change it on a whim whenever they feel like it (as they do with everything else if someone breaks their scheme).
Second, it gives us, the consumers, the real voice. By not opening up the DRM and saying to the labels "It's either all or nothing, and you aren't going to control how we do it", they're effectively standing up for us. While it's true that DRM hurts us as consumers, it hurts the labels more by not giving them the control they so much desire. So, in this way, Apple is exerting their leverage in saying "We don't want it, but since you do, you'll have to deal with it on OUR terms, not yours."
So, this just pisses them off. Perhaps Apple thinks by doing so, the labels will grow tired of it and finally wake up to the fact their brick and mortar buildings are burning to the ground around them with their asses planted firmly in the napalm waiting for that spark to blow the whole thing wide open for us... Who knows? Maybe it'll work, maybe it won't.
Although, I think it's going to take more than Apple to crack that shiny titanium ass the labels have. It's going to take ALL of us standing up as one and saying "We're not taking it anymore." We're going to have to REALLY hurt them. The only way we can do that is to not buy ANYTHING they have to offer at all.
Somehow, I just can't see that unition happening... We have the power, we have the control. But we have no concerted effort to put this to an end for ourselves.
I, for one, haven't bought a single CD (or song) for a number of years. At one point, I did buy CD's... Until I got one that was copy protected. Not one CD or song since that day.
We need more people to do just that.
Sounds like YADSG (Yet Another Dumb Sims Game): "The Sims: Hot & Wyld"
You obviously haven't seen MythBusters...
Same reason I do, I suppose. Limewire, for instance, defaults to a directory that is automatically shared. I may download files, but that doesn't necessarily mean I WANT to immediately share what I just downloaded.
For that reason, I have a download directory (removed from the share path) and then a different share directory, that way what I download isn't automatically shared.
Not everyone does this... Most folks don't. But I like to make sure the files I share are the genuine article before I let someone else download it. No sense in spreading unverified files if I can take the initiative to validate their quality and authenticity first.
I see an option 3 here.
3) A strike against the MPAA, RIAA and any other "law abiding" corporation (who manages to be capable of CREATING those very laws) by targeting the computers that seed the incomplete, misnamed and intentionally infected files and the files on computers that have downloaded from them by users stupid enough to download things under 1kb.
Any smart P2P user changes the default directories to customize their own bitspace so it's easier for the person using the software to find what they've downloaded, not to mention archive on another device or media those files they truly wish to retain.
Do note that I did say *smart*.
Ok, I'm sure I'm going to get flamed for this in one way or another, but it's the honest truth. I've never once paid good money for a Microsoft product. Not an OS, not an app. Never. Not even THOUGHT about it. I've PURCHASED the RIGHT to use exactly TWO operating systems in my life. One was MacOS/9, and the other was the Beta of MacOS/X. Those happened when I purchased the clamshell graphite iBook, and I was happy with all of my Apple purchases. Still am...
These days... I no longer have a Mac, unfortunately.... So, I use Ubuntu instead on my laptop... Wonderfully great Linux distro... Those guys sure know what I like to see in a free OS!
Incidentally... My 5G/iPod/60GB Video works wonderfully with Ubuntu and the right apps... Long Live Apple! (and the iPod too)
-Phyre
It's going to be turned into a motorhome... yea, it's going to be wicked. :) The biggest problem I'm going to have I think is finding a SIX point leveling system... no one seems to make anything bigger than 4 point. Guess I'll have to just make it myself! heh. It's actually already registered and inspected... it's "legal" despite being "overlength" for a "single" vehicle... I think I can argue that it's a combination vehicle since it breaks in the middle and has a trailing axle... even though it is the drive axle! HAH! :)
I'm planning on going to Iraq in the next few weeks... so it's going to be put into storage for at least a year. I'm planning on staying there for 3 years though... I've got family that are going to go out and start it up and keep everything circulating for me tho...
I also plan to add in a WVO conversion to it... so when I find WVO to filter up and use, I'll throw that at it for free fuel. I think the gas prices would be better if the gov't wasn't so damn tax-happy about it, and would tap into our own reserves and pump our own oil instead of relying on those idiot OPEC jips. But, that's just mho. Ah well.
Cheers!
-Phyre
Very nice. Looks very similar to mine... But mine isn't a hybrid. Although, I must say that my bus doesn't spew black smoke... Ever. It has a very clean burning engine for its age. Less than 100k miles on a rebuilt 6v92 and about 340k miles on the rest of the bus. It has a couple puffs of white when it first starts up cold... after that... it's clear. I suppose I'm a bit lucky in that respect.
-Phyre
Hehe... Is yours a New Flyer? If so, you must have the new D60 with the beautiful sloped windshield... If I could afford one of those, I'd have it in a heartbeat. These 60 footers actually drive better than 40 and 45 footers I think.
-Phyre
(Imagine this paragraph read by Butters from South Park.)
Uhh, gee whiz, mister. I like my vehicle, but it sure ain't no SUV. No sir! My vehicle is a 60 foot city transit bus that I'm converting to be used as my motorhome! I'd be happy if it got 10 miles to the gallon, but gee whiz... It only gets 5. I'd also be happy if it could get up to 60 miles per hour in under, I dunno, two minutes or less. But you're right, it's not about power, it's about size. And, gee whiz, my bus is sure awful big! It's a good thing I don't take it very far very often or I'd be in some trouble with the EPA, or something.
If you think I'm kidding, just check it out!
-Phyre
To everyone who's been wondering if this could be made into a viable project that's a bit sturdier and easier to move around... the answer is yes. I spent a bit of $ on materials to do so, but, I'm satisfied with the results. I've got a 6000 lumen projector on the way... the projector I currently have is more than capable of giving me a 10 foot diagonal nighttime viewing with superb color and contrast.
p anel?full=1
Here's a link to a picture of my projection panel, you'll have to forgive the location, it's the only hosting I have for this picture right now:
http://www.skoolie.net/gallery/Odd_Projects/proj_
And to answer any questions about cooling, this setup keeps the panel at a "slightly warm to the touch" temperature with my current projector. It'll be interesting to see if cooling becomes an issue with the new projector when it arrives.
-Kevin
I also use me@here.com. -Phyre
Ya know what? This is as absurd as those idiots that come up with the argument that guns should be outlawed because they kill people. The unfortunate, sad truth is that GUNS do not kill people, PEOPLE kill people, guns are just the instrument of their demise.
Just as this, P2P networks are not the CAUSE of this problem, in fact, the software producers, studios, theatres, etc are their own cause for the popularity of P2P networks. If they weren't in such a hurry to rip people off, and offered a product at a price that's reasonable with the product, then people would be less inclined to return the favor of ripping them off. As an end user, why the hell should I pay $3000 for a video encoding software for hobby use, when I can get it for free and give the producer the shaft? It's not like *I* make any money with that $3k piece of software like those bafoons up at the RIAA do, then charge me $7.50 a frelling ticket to see a B movie and then bitch because everyone would rather download it for free because the RIAA should be paying US to see it, not the other way around...
Morons.
I swear, stupid people should just be shot... but only by other stupid people weilding slingshots... oh wait, those would be outlawed too. Tards. Yea, I'm ranting. I'm sick to frelling death of people screaming "I'm being ripped off!" when they're the ones casting stones from the glass house to begin with. As a general rule, people are complete retards. Present company excluded, for the most part.
-Phyre
I use Cashette for my email server. It's free, allows POP access, gives you the ability to activate its systems on other email accounts, and it works by using an authorization system. Basically, if someone isn't on your "authorized" list, then their mail gets put into a special folder. You can either review what's in that folder, or just forget about it. Here's the nifty part... If a spammer REALLY wants to get their message to you, they can pay you for delivery. You set the price, up to $300 for them to get their message to you.
You can get your own account at http://www.cashette.com/
Have fun!
-Phyre
Any store that uses RFID tags can count me as a non-customer. I will not shop or purchase in any store that uses spy gear to monitor me. "Inventory Control"? Bull. That's the same argument the government made about the so-called "Patriot Act". "It'll only be used on terrorists.", yea right. Any more lies you'd like me to blindly swallow? No thanks, I'll eat my cookies without the chips.
-Phyre
I don't buy music CD's. I tend not to download MP3's. There's one source of free music that no one has mentioned yet that I have seen... What happened to the good old RADIO?
Still, DRM is infringing upon our rights of Fair Use. Thus, the reason I do not support the RIAA's bankroll by purchasing CD's, Used or new, or anything else music related. I still think that their "FairPlay" crap should have been named "FoulPlay". But hey, that's just my opinion.
I also don't buy DVD's... But I do go to the cinema. I just can't fit that 40' screen in my little motorhome, and I like big screens.
Opinions are like assholes, everyone has one.
-Phyrebyrd
Look, small personal power plants are not only legal, they're encouraged. I've been researching "Alternative Power" myself, and one site that I've found that is helpful is www.fieldlines.com
They have lots of useful information for creating electricity from various forms of generators, including hydro, solar and wind among other things.
As far as I know, if the structure doesn't alter the flow of water, there's no need for permits, rules, regulations... And ya know what? I wouldn't care if there were.
If I were to do something like this, and it didn't release anything into the environment and posed no risk to anyone or anything... Then hey, I'd do it -- We're taxed enough already, why ASK for more taxation?
Hey, isn't that what the whole "Boston Tea Party" was about? Seems to me we need another party.
-Phyre
How can they enforce laws which invade upon one's privacy? Laws which the Supreme Court has already said are unlawful by their very nature of intrusion?
If I remember correctly, there was a case not too long ago, in which the Supreme Court said something to the effect that, anything that happens behind the doors of your own home (whether physical, or digital) is your right to do or view.
How will the enforce laws which directly contradict this? Could get interesting, indeed.
-Phyrebyrd
Even though the post is most likely an April Fools joke, my post was truthful. And, how long before something like this REALLY IS implemented? We've already seen information on the "implantable credit chip". What would the difference be between this article (even if it is a joke), and that subdermal "credit chip"? You could still be tracked by mere proximity. And, how long before newborns are implanted before they're allowed to go home? Most of us were given a "Social Security" number when we were born. What would the difference really be? Instead of carrying identification, you would already be encoded... -Phyrebyrd
When will they force the REST of us who AREN'T homeless to be tracked like our dogs? -Phyrebyrd