Have a look at the Sony Ericsson K800i or the Sony Ericcson Walkman W880i:
K800i - decently small size, not the smallest, but still fairly small, though a bit thick due to the improved camera. - Good Mp3 Player (improves when used with the SE Walkman headphoens purchased seperatly). Supports MP3, AAC LC, Realaudio - Bluetooth Stereo Headset Support - 3G UTMS. - 64MB built in memory, + Memory Stick (up to 2 GB I think, though 1GB current). - 3.2 Megapixel Cybershot Autofocus Camera with a real xenon Flash, and best pic modes - RDS FM radio - Video 3G/MP4(320x240 screen) - Decent PDA features (Addresses, Calender, Tasks, Notes, sync with outlook, via cable or blutooth, or to remote SynchML server) - POP/IMAP email with IMAP Push support (similar to blackberry), and up to 5 different profiles/accounts. - and more....
W880i - very thin (thinner than a CD case) and small phone. - Very good "Walkman" Mp3 Player with album art, and visualisations, comes with decent headphones. Supports MP3, AAC LC, Realaudio - Bluetooth Stereo Headset Support - 3G UTMS. - 16MB built in memory, + 1GB Memory Stick (up to 2 GB I think, though 1GB current). - 2 Megapixel Camera - Video 3G/MP4(320x240 screen) - Decent PDA features (Addresses, Calender, Tasks, Notes, sync with outlook, via cable or blutooth, or to remote SynchML server) - POP/IMAP email with IMAP Push support (similar to blackberry), and up to 5 different profiles/accounts. - and more....
the choice goes down to whether you need the better camera, or the smaller size, and better Walkman player.
the iPhone, apart from the memory size, and possibly the interface would have a hard time matching these phones.
I have a very similar setup, I have a iPaq as a PDA/MP3/Video player and a K800i as my main phone.
Depending on my mood/where I am going, I take either both (when I REALLY need a dedicated PDA) or just the K800i, which is also synchronised to my Outlook, and provides very respectable PDA features, as well as full IMAP push support)
For music, depending on my mood (Bass vs Wirefree convenience) I would either use my Sony MDR V300 (for bass) connected to the iPaq, or my Motorola Bluetooth-audio headphones (wirefree) which has a side benefit of also linking to my Phone as a bluetooth headset, automatically cutting the music from the iPaq when a call comes through.
When I dont carry the iPaq, the K800 is more than capable on its own, as an MP3 player/Phone/Video Player (mp4 support)/ PDA/ Faux Blackberry (IMAP4)/ Camera. and can also be used with either the Motorola bluetooth-audio headphones, or the wired headset while also allows the phone to be used as a FM RDS radio. And this phone is quite small too.
Seriously, the K800i is not even advertised as a MP3 phone but is more than capable of being all that.
My sister has done one further, she has replaced her iPod Nano Music player, v3i, and palm Z1 with a single SonyEricsson W880i. She says the Ericcson is only slightly bigger than the iPod Nano (almost as thin though) yet has better sound than the iPod, and she loves the pheon side, as well as the video side.
Considering the size and quality of the W880i (and its also 3G UTMS), I have the feeling the iPhone will have its work cut out, as SonyEricsson has a strong well funded and well advertised market.
The SMART (Mercedes) is a reasonably cheap, small, yet reliable car that is small, and economical, and ideal for commuting. IT seats two, and is actually very spacious inside.
Erm, I have a Diesel Jaguar X-Type (Yes a Diesel Jaguar, I am from the UK)..
Despite its "lower" Horsepower figures, and so on, in the Real World it competes well with Larger Petrol Engines. The main reason? Its Torque is available very low, and remains constant throughout. This is what is needed in the real worl, not nessasarily high RPMs, but sufficient power at ALL RPMs. Most 4 cyl petrol cars I have driven only start providing real Torque at 4000rpm, and peak at about 5500, running out of steam at 7000rpm, increasing cylinder count can improve the point at which the torque arrives, but lowers the overall torque output, compared to a similar displacement, lower cylinder engine.
My Diesel, starts providing torque at 1500 reaching max at 1800/1900, and remaining at that high point up to its max rpm of 4500rpm. Combined with an appropriately built 6 speed Gearbox, It certainly doesn't feel like I am about to run out of RPMs whilst driving.
And all this power, does not come at the expense of fuel economy, I have been able to get nearly 60 Mpg, on a motoway at 60mph, and nearly 75 to 80 mpg in the slipstream of an Articulated Lorry (Semi-Truck for US folks).
MAkes you think, diesel has come a long way since the old days, and is a very popular option here in Europe.
Well IF you have a TV tuner, and you have not paid the License, you are breaking the law. FACT.
You may not AGREE to the Licensing laws, but they are law, and if you break them, you will expect to be prosecuted.
The fact that you can "politely tell the inspector to 'fuck off'" is a method use for GENUINE people who DON'T have a tuner, to not be bugged insistently by the inspector. For example, an inspector can't just continuously bug a person, just because he or she THINKS you have a TV, there is a due process involving getting a warrant, before searching private property. Sure it does make it a little harder to enforce, but it does help prevent abuse by the Agency, or a particular Inspector trying to make his name.
The whole system is ludicrous, outdated and monstrously inefficient. We would be much better served if an independent body determined an appropriate level of funding for the BBC year-on-year, and the money came from general taxation. Highly Hypocritical, here you are, boasting away that you didn't pay for your license, you took advantage of certain "rights" (need for a warrant before a search), in order to not get caught, then talk about the "poor" who cannot get away with it, like you do.
And you wonder why its all inefficient, and pointless, and then later you probably complain when we loose essential freedoms, such as the right to request a warrant, and then before we know it, there will be further privacy implications as the Government tries new invasive stuff, to catch people like you, and make the system efficient.
No, the system would work, if people like YOU don't try to scam it, and instead be honest.
I would not even blink to pay for a non-drm song (preferably Flac, or any other non-lossy, but I will be happy with a well encoded MP3)
I don't have time to deal with CDs these days, as I use a large MP3 player, and converting my CDs takes time.
I do not want to download illegally, nor can i be bothered to go and buy an album for most of the songs I listen to, so simply I just listen on radio. However, given the chance, I would easily buy 10 to 20 tracks a month.
Think of the profits these idiots could make out of me, which they are currently loosing...
Actually, the EU rules on citizenship are relatively recent. I think it was around the mid 80s where we have been able to readily get a job and settle in any EU state on arrival.
The Immigration and settlement rules for UK/Ireland were in effect before the EU relaxation immigration, and actually override the EU rules.
One good example is that the UK still has border controls, unlike other EU countries, which have reduced or eliminated border controls between the countries. But between Ireland and UK it is much less than previously. Indeed, in the past, it was not even required to have a passport to travel between the countries (Now, I think Ireland may ask for some Photo ID on Entry on certain routes, but the UK is less likely, with Irish originated planes often arriving in domestic terminals in Heathrow)
These benefits also apply in the rare cases even now where a person could be a British Citizen, but not a EU citizen, this can be seen on their passport as they will not have the European Union text on the front.
What I find more strange is, these relaxed rules occurred even during times of IRA "problems". Our "forefathers" prided freedom over the need to protect against a minority of "Terrorists". Now, we are heading towards ID cards, etc. hmmm...
Or perhaps what is happening is that we, as a people, are being judged solely by the actions and expressed opinions of our current Administration. You tell me. That would be unfortunate, if true, given how few of us actually agree with our leaders on, well, much of anything.
That is the point I was trying to make. I am sure its pretty much the minority that thought that way. However, the media gave a voice to that minority, and worse, the government aped it (The renaming of "French Fries" to "freedom Fries" in government canteens). AS you said, its the actions of the administration that made people from outside gasp in disbelief.
America is just like any other country in the world, and its a beautiful country, to be honest. I have visited 3 times, and hope to visit again. In fact, I have many times wished to emigrate one day. I have tremendous respect for NASA, and also individuals such as Al Gore.
I am sure it was! but what I was trying to point out was, this "Freedom Fries" thing went beyond just a few people, it was debated in senate, and even official government institutions started doing it. That's what was so unbelievable about it.
Coined with the fact, that the only thing the French did wrong was refuse to go to war on Iraq! A view that seems more reasonable now in hindsight.
Compare that to days before the G8 summit of 2005, when Chirac, Putin, and Schroeder decided to dis British culinary skills, and were caught by a newspaper reporter. Of course we had the media Led by "The Sun", telling the trio were to shove their views. However, government stayed well away from the furore, and stayed diplomatic. In a couple of days, London beat Paris for the Olympic bid, which was a bit of poetic justice.
When people outside America are annoyed with Americans, it isn't the people they are annoyed with, but an administration, who is increasingly looking childish, and immature, in the way they deal with others, and since government allegedly represents the people's views, well you know where I am coming from.
This is the "first past the post, winner takes all" voting system we have, which together with our Monarchy.
Legally, the way it works is that, it is our Monarch (the queen) who appoints her government, and HER prime minister. As a Constitutional Monarch she is bound to represent the views of her citizens, who elect a Party to represent their views. The parties themselves elect a "leader" to lead the party and suggest roles for other members.
The final say though is the Queen, who is the person who actually appoints the ruling party, her Prime Minister, and the actual roles for her government. However, she is also bound to reflect the democratic views of her people/subjects, and virtually always appoints the party elected by the people, the prime minister is the leader elected by the winning party, and the cabinet members suggested by the new prime minister.
She then has the power of creating a new referendum (election) every 4 years, during which she dissolves the government, and selects the next government based on the views of the people.
Australia (Like the British, of which I am one) does NOT hate the Americans.
They are great people, and we can honestly say that they are our friends.
But, only your greatest friends would tell you when you stink. (Of course so would your enemies, but for different reasons)
We just don't like the way we feel that your Politicians, Big Business and media are teaming together and running roughshod over the world's affairs.
Unfortunately a lot of the American People I not aware of the world view, outside their borders, thanks to the Media. They think everyone is against them. I know this as a fact, since many of my American friends who visit the UK, when they see their country from the outside, they can see why there exists antagonism.
Things like the whole "Freedom Fries" incident, may have been cute over in America, but was treated with disbelief over here in the UK. We in the UK, have decades of non-serious Antagonism with the French (though deep down, we do respect them). However, we would never as a whole do that.
I agree that as a nation you mustn't bow down to the actions of a bunch of foolish terrorists who are trying to change you to their twisted views. However, remember not to ignore your friends too, who may just have a point.
The best way to satisfy the both sides of the argument, is to provide a Digitally signed MP3, or watermarked MP3 to the user who purchased the song. The watermark, and/or the digital signature will be "damaged" on an attempt to recode or change format.
The files are still MP3's, and are playable on any system. It can be backed up whole, and will satisfy any fair use clauses.
A file can then be validated as genuine by checking the prescense of the signature/watermark. If the watermark/signature is valid, then it can be checked if the person possessing the file, is the original purchaser.
For those who rip songs froma CD onto their players, and therefore may not have the signature/watermark, they can just present their original CD.
The only issue that needs to be solved is the possibility of "Resale" where a person can re-sell their downloaded track, just like they would resell a CD. The watermark woudl still show the original holder, and coudl cause liability issues with the new purchaser.
"Lord...for a grown adult, for goodness sakes, leave us alone. If someone wants to take themselves out by whatever means, it is our body and our right..."
What if by a result of your actions, you cause injury or even kill others? What if you being an idiot and walking across the road withought looking causes a bus to swerve into another vehicle or cycle, killing that person?
Not wearing seatbelts can be dangerous to others too. The UK government did a television advertising campaign a few years back, showing how a person sitting in the rear seat without seatbelts, can, in an accident be thrown forward crashing into the seat in front of them, seariously injuring or killing the front occupent, even when the front occupant is wearing a seatbelt. The car in the advert was travelling at less than 30 mph.
As such, I demand all rear seat passengers to wear a seatbelt and refuse to drive unless they are buckled up.
Submit Microsoft to the list too (yes I know we like to diss them, but...). I once had a Microsoft Optical Mouse (The very frist model - Intellimouse Explorer Optical).
Had a problem with the cable, about one year after purchase, Call up support (based in Reading UK). Here was the conversation: - (through to a representative within 1 minuite of calling) - Good morning Microsoft Support, how may I help you? - I have a problem with my mouse, it seems like a cable fault? - No problem sir, can i take a name, and a contact phone number? - (gave my name and number, and was given a call ref number) - Sir I am passing you to a technical engineer, to confirm your problem. - Quickly passed through to the appropratie tech, who very quickly agreed it was a cable fault. - then passed through to a returns representative. - She took my name and address, and posted me a new mouse (which arrived the next day) - When asked what I should do with my old mouse, she said, I can either dispose of it myself, or send it back free using the provided addressed bag for recycling. Or, she hinted, if i am technically inclined, I can try and fix the cable, and I will have a spare mouse to use with a laptop, etc!
Very good service, no quibble, and the whole phone call lasted 10 minuites. At no point was I interrogated, and finished with a smile on my face.
Since then, I have always purchased Microsoft Hardware, even at the slight price premium, simply for the knowledge, that if anything goes wrong, it will be fixed!
Ah, I didn't realise your reasons for choosing the S Class, and to be honest, a modern European "large car" is still going to be more efficient than the equivalent SUV, and faster. I still feel that unless you are actually going to use the off road capabilities of a SUV, most people buy them for bragging rights.
The Mercedes B-Class (and even A-Class LWB) gives SUV like space, with superb economy. My dad has a A-Class, which can be turned into a van, by removing the rear and passenger seats.
Over here in Europe where fuel prices are high, manufacturers have come with clever ways to get fuel economy without sacrificing speed, or even space. Recently there has been a resurgence of Estates (known as Station wagons in USA). These estates are not the boxy hearse like affairs of times pasts, but sporty vehicles with heaps of practicality, in fact they are more likely called SportsWagons now.
But yes, here in Europe there is a trend for more economical yet high performance cars, mainly due to high fuel prices. Whilst we find in USA, people still go solely by Engine size, which is no longer a reasonsable measure of performance.
Nothing wrong with buying a luxury car. But its more about wastage, remember that huge car, needs a lot more power to move. Now if the majority of the time, you are driving alone, its a lot of wastage, polluting our environment.
The fact is, you CAN buy a luxury car, and be responsible to the environment too.
I myself Drive a Jaguar X-Type Diesel. Its not as big as your car, but in the same class as the BMW 3 series, or the Merc C-Class.
IT is fast, and classy. it goes 0 to 60 in 8.5secs, which is no Ferrari, but no slouch either.
Yet, does 35mpg at 30mph around town driving (UK), and up to 60mpg on the motorway, combined about 45mpg. Cruising in the slipstream of a lorry at 60mph, gives 80mpg.
And its emissions are low too, costing me less road tax than many other cars in its class.
Not all Jaguars are eight litre gas guzzling monsters!
I have a Jaguar X-Type (2.2l Diesel), and that is a surprisingly economical car, and I pay LESS road tax than smaller petrol cars (In UK you are taxed according to emissions, and this car has very low emissions for its class)
Economy is great. I can cruise at 60mph, and get about 58mpg, 70mph and get 52mpg (or 60mph in the slipstream of a lorry and get nearly 80mpg).
Power, for a 2.2l engine is surprising. on paper, it may not look much, but with a 0-60 in 8.5sec, which is respectable, it actually feels more spirited in action.
The point to be made, you can have style, and economy and reasonable speed.
Tamils have suffered terribly in the years since independence, and organised killing, and rape by groups suspected to be associated or controlled by the Government of Sri Lanka is common.
Although I was born in Sri Lanka, I have lived in the UK since the age of three, having emigrated here since 1979. However, sometimes when I go to Sri Lanka, The fact my passport has my Place of Birth as "Jaffna" I am noticeably treated with suspicion by some people.
The LTTE are seen by many Tamils in Sri Lanka as the only hope for them. In many cases, the LTTE has provided a lot of change in Sri Lanka. However, their overall egalitarian view could cause more issues than solve at this stage. Also the use of killing to achieve the goals is another thing I am a bit objectionable about. This is why they are view by many as terrorists, even though their mandate, and their intentions are Freedom Fighters. Although most of what they do are for self defence, some actions do indeed go far beyond self defence. Certainly the LTTE are NOT on the same scale as Al-Queda, etc.
Yes you are totally correct about the Buddhist Clergy, and certain ultra nationalist factions. A lot of lies and propaganda exist there, were the general populace is hood winkled to believing that Tamils are the cause of every problem.
However, I have many Sinhalese Friends, who are frankly amazing, so maybe now is the time to capitalise on friendships, rather than war. I just feel there is too much bloodshed already, and people have to put behind old prejudices, and actually look forward. I know its not easy, I have been through the heartache of hopes being dashed. Therefore I criticize both the government and the LTTE for not really working hard to capitalising the short lived ceasefire, and showing true leadership rather than rhetoric.
The Problems in Sri Lanka are immense, and rather than tell you everything, I simply invite those who wish to know, to find information, readily available on the Internet from both sides.
One thing for sure, the war back home brings tears to my eyes. Sri Lanka was and in some ways still is a beautiful country, with some very smart educated and intellectual people. Had there not been a war, Sri Lanka would be on a par with Korea and other far east "tigers".
This is Tamil Nadu in INDIA. The Tamil Tigers (LTTE) are a Terrorist Faction, which consists of a minority of Sri Lankans who speak tamil. Same Language, different people, Just like Americans and British, both speak english.
It doesn't JUST apply to the "walkman" branded versions. Even the non walkman branded S700i, and p series have that.... they just didnt support the mass storage interface (u needed a card reader, or the software that comes with the phone).
You forgot to mention, they ALSO support AAC (non drm) as well (I think you need to upload them with the.m4a extension). (Also support mp4 video, with a special profile, and SVG animations, and many more formats). ATRAC is surprisingly NOT supported! lol!
Despite the "sony" part in the name, they are still Ericssons inside:) Which explains the flexibility, as well as the lack of ATRAC:P
Indeed the very similar K750i is only different to the W800i version, thanks to lack of dedicated Music key, and crap headphones (which can be replaced to the better ones that come with the W800i). In fact, interestingly the SonyEriccson phones (when paired to decent headphones, like what is provided with the walkman series) are actually very good MP3 players in their own right.
My Moto V3i also supports MP3s in the same way, but is somewhat more flexible (uses MicroSD, and its "data connector" is just a normal USB MiniB, no need for special cables or drivers, and just appears as a USB mass storage device!)
Slashdot Mirror
Have a look at the Sony Ericsson K800i or the Sony Ericcson Walkman W880i:
K800i
- decently small size, not the smallest, but still fairly small, though a bit thick due to the improved camera.
- Good Mp3 Player (improves when used with the SE Walkman headphoens purchased seperatly). Supports MP3, AAC LC, Realaudio
- Bluetooth Stereo Headset Support
- 3G UTMS.
- 64MB built in memory, + Memory Stick (up to 2 GB I think, though 1GB current).
- 3.2 Megapixel Cybershot Autofocus Camera with a real xenon Flash, and best pic modes
- RDS FM radio
- Video 3G/MP4(320x240 screen)
- Decent PDA features (Addresses, Calender, Tasks, Notes, sync with outlook, via cable or blutooth, or to remote SynchML server)
- POP/IMAP email with IMAP Push support (similar to blackberry), and up to 5 different profiles/accounts.
- and more....
W880i
- very thin (thinner than a CD case) and small phone.
- Very good "Walkman" Mp3 Player with album art, and visualisations, comes with decent headphones. Supports MP3, AAC LC, Realaudio
- Bluetooth Stereo Headset Support
- 3G UTMS.
- 16MB built in memory, + 1GB Memory Stick (up to 2 GB I think, though 1GB current).
- 2 Megapixel Camera
- Video 3G/MP4(320x240 screen)
- Decent PDA features (Addresses, Calender, Tasks, Notes, sync with outlook, via cable or blutooth, or to remote SynchML server)
- POP/IMAP email with IMAP Push support (similar to blackberry), and up to 5 different profiles/accounts.
- and more....
the choice goes down to whether you need the better camera, or the smaller size, and better Walkman player.
the iPhone, apart from the memory size, and possibly the interface would have a hard time matching these phones.
I have a very similar setup, I have a iPaq as a PDA/MP3/Video player and a K800i as my main phone.
Depending on my mood/where I am going, I take either both (when I REALLY need a dedicated PDA) or just the K800i, which is also synchronised to my Outlook, and provides very respectable PDA features, as well as full IMAP push support)
For music, depending on my mood (Bass vs Wirefree convenience) I would either use my Sony MDR V300 (for bass) connected to the iPaq, or my Motorola Bluetooth-audio headphones (wirefree) which has a side benefit of also linking to my Phone as a bluetooth headset, automatically cutting the music from the iPaq when a call comes through.
When I dont carry the iPaq, the K800 is more than capable on its own, as an MP3 player/Phone/Video Player (mp4 support)/ PDA/ Faux Blackberry (IMAP4)/ Camera. and can also be used with either the Motorola bluetooth-audio headphones, or the wired headset while also allows the phone to be used as a FM RDS radio. And this phone is quite small too.
Seriously, the K800i is not even advertised as a MP3 phone but is more than capable of being all that.
My sister has done one further, she has replaced her iPod Nano Music player, v3i, and palm Z1 with a single SonyEricsson W880i. She says the Ericcson is only slightly bigger than the iPod Nano (almost as thin though) yet has better sound than the iPod, and she loves the pheon side, as well as the video side.
Considering the size and quality of the W880i (and its also 3G UTMS), I have the feeling the iPhone will have its work cut out, as SonyEricsson has a strong well funded and well advertised market.
The SMART (Mercedes) is a reasonably cheap, small, yet reliable car that is small, and economical, and ideal for commuting. IT seats two, and is actually very spacious inside.
It can almost park anywhere.
Erm, I have a Diesel Jaguar X-Type (Yes a Diesel Jaguar, I am from the UK)..
Despite its "lower" Horsepower figures, and so on, in the Real World it competes well with Larger Petrol Engines. The main reason? Its Torque is available very low, and remains constant throughout. This is what is needed in the real worl, not nessasarily high RPMs, but sufficient power at ALL RPMs. Most 4 cyl petrol cars I have driven only start providing real Torque at 4000rpm, and peak at about 5500, running out of steam at 7000rpm, increasing cylinder count can improve the point at which the torque arrives, but lowers the overall torque output, compared to a similar displacement, lower cylinder engine.
My Diesel, starts providing torque at 1500 reaching max at 1800/1900, and remaining at that high point up to its max rpm of 4500rpm. Combined with an appropriately built 6 speed Gearbox, It certainly doesn't feel like I am about to run out of RPMs whilst driving.
And all this power, does not come at the expense of fuel economy, I have been able to get nearly 60 Mpg, on a motoway at 60mph, and nearly 75 to 80 mpg in the slipstream of an Articulated Lorry (Semi-Truck for US folks).
MAkes you think, diesel has come a long way since the old days, and is a very popular option here in Europe.
You may not AGREE to the Licensing laws, but they are law, and if you break them, you will expect to be prosecuted.
The fact that you can "politely tell the inspector to 'fuck off'" is a method use for GENUINE people who DON'T have a tuner, to not be bugged insistently by the inspector. For example, an inspector can't just continuously bug a person, just because he or she THINKS you have a TV, there is a due process involving getting a warrant, before searching private property. Sure it does make it a little harder to enforce, but it does help prevent abuse by the Agency, or a particular Inspector trying to make his name. The whole system is ludicrous, outdated and monstrously inefficient. We would be much better served if an independent body determined an appropriate level of funding for the BBC year-on-year, and the money came from general taxation. Highly Hypocritical, here you are, boasting away that you didn't pay for your license, you took advantage of certain "rights" (need for a warrant before a search), in order to not get caught, then talk about the "poor" who cannot get away with it, like you do.
And you wonder why its all inefficient, and pointless, and then later you probably complain when we loose essential freedoms, such as the right to request a warrant, and then before we know it, there will be further privacy implications as the Government tries new invasive stuff, to catch people like you, and make the system efficient.
No, the system would work, if people like YOU don't try to scam it, and instead be honest.
a lot of cars sold in Europe have speed limiters set at 155mph. My jag has one, even though it can technically go faster.
And yes, I tried on a straight track (not on the road), the car woudl refuse to budge beyond 155 on its own power.
Well said,
I would not even blink to pay for a non-drm song (preferably Flac, or any other non-lossy, but I will be happy with a well encoded MP3)
I don't have time to deal with CDs these days, as I use a large MP3 player, and converting my CDs takes time.
I do not want to download illegally, nor can i be bothered to go and buy an album for most of the songs I listen to, so simply I just listen on radio. However, given the chance, I would easily buy 10 to 20 tracks a month.
Think of the profits these idiots could make out of me, which they are currently loosing...
Actually, the EU rules on citizenship are relatively recent. I think it was around the mid 80s where we have been able to readily get a job and settle in any EU state on arrival.
The Immigration and settlement rules for UK/Ireland were in effect before the EU relaxation immigration, and actually override the EU rules.
One good example is that the UK still has border controls, unlike other EU countries, which have reduced or eliminated border controls between the countries. But between Ireland and UK it is much less than previously. Indeed, in the past, it was not even required to have a passport to travel between the countries (Now, I think Ireland may ask for some Photo ID on Entry on certain routes, but the UK is less likely, with Irish originated planes often arriving in domestic terminals in Heathrow)
These benefits also apply in the rare cases even now where a person could be a British Citizen, but not a EU citizen, this can be seen on their passport as they will not have the European Union text on the front.
What I find more strange is, these relaxed rules occurred even during times of IRA "problems". Our "forefathers" prided freedom over the need to protect against a minority of "Terrorists". Now, we are heading towards ID cards, etc. hmmm...
Small nitpick, but even before the EU, you were able to readily emigrate/settle in Ireland (and the Irish were able to settle/immigrate in the UK).
That is the point I was trying to make. I am sure its pretty much the minority that thought that way. However, the media gave a voice to that minority, and worse, the government aped it (The renaming of "French Fries" to "freedom Fries" in government canteens). AS you said, its the actions of the administration that made people from outside gasp in disbelief.
America is just like any other country in the world, and its a beautiful country, to be honest. I have visited 3 times, and hope to visit again. In fact, I have many times wished to emigrate one day. I have tremendous respect for NASA, and also individuals such as Al Gore.
I am sure it was! but what I was trying to point out was, this "Freedom Fries" thing went beyond just a few people, it was debated in senate, and even official government institutions started doing it. That's what was so unbelievable about it.
Coined with the fact, that the only thing the French did wrong was refuse to go to war on Iraq! A view that seems more reasonable now in hindsight.
Compare that to days before the G8 summit of 2005, when Chirac, Putin, and Schroeder decided to dis British culinary skills, and were caught by a newspaper reporter. Of course we had the media Led by "The Sun", telling the trio were to shove their views. However, government stayed well away from the furore, and stayed diplomatic. In a couple of days, London beat Paris for the Olympic bid, which was a bit of poetic justice.
When people outside America are annoyed with Americans, it isn't the people they are annoyed with, but an administration, who is increasingly looking childish, and immature, in the way they deal with others, and since government allegedly represents the people's views, well you know where I am coming from.
We have the same situation here in Britain.
This is the "first past the post, winner takes all" voting system we have, which together with our Monarchy.
Legally, the way it works is that, it is our Monarch (the queen) who appoints her government, and HER prime minister. As a Constitutional Monarch she is bound to represent the views of her citizens, who elect a Party to represent their views. The parties themselves elect a "leader" to lead the party and suggest roles for other members.
The final say though is the Queen, who is the person who actually appoints the ruling party, her Prime Minister, and the actual roles for her government. However, she is also bound to reflect the democratic views of her people/subjects, and virtually always appoints the party elected by the people, the prime minister is the leader elected by the winning party, and the cabinet members suggested by the new prime minister.
She then has the power of creating a new referendum (election) every 4 years, during which she dissolves the government, and selects the next government based on the views of the people.
This is how it works over here.
Australia (Like the British, of which I am one) does NOT hate the Americans.
They are great people, and we can honestly say that they are our friends.
But, only your greatest friends would tell you when you stink. (Of course so would your enemies, but for different reasons)
We just don't like the way we feel that your Politicians, Big Business and media are teaming together and running roughshod over the world's affairs.
Unfortunately a lot of the American People I not aware of the world view, outside their borders, thanks to the Media. They think everyone is against them. I know this as a fact, since many of my American friends who visit the UK, when they see their country from the outside, they can see why there exists antagonism.
Things like the whole "Freedom Fries" incident, may have been cute over in America, but was treated with disbelief over here in the UK. We in the UK, have decades of non-serious Antagonism with the French (though deep down, we do respect them). However, we would never as a whole do that.
I agree that as a nation you mustn't bow down to the actions of a bunch of foolish terrorists who are trying to change you to their twisted views. However, remember not to ignore your friends too, who may just have a point.
God, u owe me a new keyboard!
i am a brit
That is because, in a real relationship there are other things than just plain sex! Both positives and negatives.
Porn are just simple "stroke" media. Reality has more.
The best way to satisfy the both sides of the argument, is to provide a Digitally signed MP3, or watermarked MP3 to the user who purchased the song. The watermark, and/or the digital signature will be "damaged" on an attempt to recode or change format.
The files are still MP3's, and are playable on any system. It can be backed up whole, and will satisfy any fair use clauses.
A file can then be validated as genuine by checking the prescense of the signature/watermark. If the watermark/signature is valid, then it can be checked if the person possessing the file, is the original purchaser.
For those who rip songs froma CD onto their players, and therefore may not have the signature/watermark, they can just present their original CD.
The only issue that needs to be solved is the possibility of "Resale" where a person can re-sell their downloaded track, just like they would resell a CD. The watermark woudl still show the original holder, and coudl cause liability issues with the new purchaser.
Wearign eatbelts is not the cause of people driving rechklessly. Those who WANT to drive recklessly will drive recklessly, seatbelt, or no seatbelt.
"Lord...for a grown adult, for goodness sakes, leave us alone. If someone wants to take themselves out by whatever means, it is our body and our right..."
What if by a result of your actions, you cause injury or even kill others? What if you being an idiot and walking across the road withought looking causes a bus to swerve into another vehicle or cycle, killing that person?
Not wearing seatbelts can be dangerous to others too. The UK government did a television advertising campaign a few years back, showing how a person sitting in the rear seat without seatbelts, can, in an accident be thrown forward crashing into the seat in front of them, seariously injuring or killing the front occupent, even when the front occupant is wearing a seatbelt. The car in the advert was travelling at less than 30 mph.
As such, I demand all rear seat passengers to wear a seatbelt and refuse to drive unless they are buckled up.
Submit Microsoft to the list too (yes I know we like to diss them, but...). I once had a Microsoft Optical Mouse (The very frist model - Intellimouse Explorer Optical).
Had a problem with the cable, about one year after purchase, Call up support (based in Reading UK). Here was the conversation:
- (through to a representative within 1 minuite of calling)
- Good morning Microsoft Support, how may I help you?
- I have a problem with my mouse, it seems like a cable fault?
- No problem sir, can i take a name, and a contact phone number?
- (gave my name and number, and was given a call ref number)
- Sir I am passing you to a technical engineer, to confirm your problem.
- Quickly passed through to the appropratie tech, who very quickly agreed it was a cable fault.
- then passed through to a returns representative.
- She took my name and address, and posted me a new mouse (which arrived the next day)
- When asked what I should do with my old mouse, she said, I can either dispose of it myself, or send it back free using the provided addressed bag for recycling. Or, she hinted, if i am technically inclined, I can try and fix the cable, and I will have a spare mouse to use with a laptop, etc!
Very good service, no quibble, and the whole phone call lasted 10 minuites. At no point was I interrogated, and finished with a smile on my face.
Since then, I have always purchased Microsoft Hardware, even at the slight price premium, simply for the knowledge, that if anything goes wrong, it will be fixed!
Ah, I didn't realise your reasons for choosing the S Class, and to be honest, a modern European "large car" is still going to be more efficient than the equivalent SUV, and faster. I still feel that unless you are actually going to use the off road capabilities of a SUV, most people buy them for bragging rights.
The Mercedes B-Class (and even A-Class LWB) gives SUV like space, with superb economy. My dad has a A-Class, which can be turned into a van, by removing the rear and passenger seats.
Over here in Europe where fuel prices are high, manufacturers have come with clever ways to get fuel economy without sacrificing speed, or even space. Recently there has been a resurgence of Estates (known as Station wagons in USA). These estates are not the boxy hearse like affairs of times pasts, but sporty vehicles with heaps of practicality, in fact they are more likely called SportsWagons now.
But yes, here in Europe there is a trend for more economical yet high performance cars, mainly due to high fuel prices. Whilst we find in USA, people still go solely by Engine size, which is no longer a reasonsable measure of performance.
Ok, I will bite.
Nothing wrong with buying a luxury car. But its more about wastage, remember that huge car, needs a lot more power to move. Now if the majority of the time, you are driving alone, its a lot of wastage, polluting our environment.
The fact is, you CAN buy a luxury car, and be responsible to the environment too.
I myself Drive a Jaguar X-Type Diesel. Its not as big as your car, but in the same class as the BMW 3 series, or the Merc C-Class.
IT is fast, and classy. it goes 0 to 60 in 8.5secs, which is no Ferrari, but no slouch either.
Yet, does 35mpg at 30mph around town driving (UK), and up to 60mpg on the motorway, combined about 45mpg. Cruising in the slipstream of a lorry at 60mph, gives 80mpg.
And its emissions are low too, costing me less road tax than many other cars in its class.
Oh and its one swish car too!
Not all Jaguars are eight litre gas guzzling monsters!
I have a Jaguar X-Type (2.2l Diesel), and that is a surprisingly economical car, and I pay LESS road tax than smaller petrol cars (In UK you are taxed according to emissions, and this car has very low emissions for its class)
Economy is great. I can cruise at 60mph, and get about 58mpg, 70mph and get 52mpg (or 60mph in the slipstream of a lorry and get nearly 80mpg).
Power, for a 2.2l engine is surprising. on paper, it may not look much, but with a 0-60 in 8.5sec, which is respectable, it actually feels more spirited in action.
The point to be made, you can have style, and economy and reasonable speed.
"And so you believe. Who told you ? The chaps who had phantasised WMDs all over the by now destructed place ?"
I am a Tamil, From Sri Lanka.. lets just say I know a bit more than the average person.
Tamils in Sri Lanka have been severely disenfranchised over the years by a few Nationalists.
I was going to write a bit about it, but read up on Black July.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Black_July is a good starting point.
Tamils have suffered terribly in the years since independence, and organised killing, and rape by groups suspected to be associated or controlled by the Government of Sri Lanka is common.
Although I was born in Sri Lanka, I have lived in the UK since the age of three, having emigrated here since 1979. However, sometimes when I go to Sri Lanka, The fact my passport has my Place of Birth as "Jaffna" I am noticeably treated with suspicion by some people.
The LTTE are seen by many Tamils in Sri Lanka as the only hope for them. In many cases, the LTTE has provided a lot of change in Sri Lanka. However, their overall egalitarian view could cause more issues than solve at this stage. Also the use of killing to achieve the goals is another thing I am a bit objectionable about. This is why they are view by many as terrorists, even though their mandate, and their intentions are Freedom Fighters. Although most of what they do are for self defence, some actions do indeed go far beyond self defence. Certainly the LTTE are NOT on the same scale as Al-Queda, etc.
Yes you are totally correct about the Buddhist Clergy, and certain ultra nationalist factions. A lot of lies and propaganda exist there, were the general populace is hood winkled to believing that Tamils are the cause of every problem.
However, I have many Sinhalese Friends, who are frankly amazing, so maybe now is the time to capitalise on friendships, rather than war. I just feel there is too much bloodshed already, and people have to put behind old prejudices, and actually look forward. I know its not easy, I have been through the heartache of hopes being dashed. Therefore I criticize both the government and the LTTE for not really working hard to capitalising the short lived ceasefire, and showing true leadership rather than rhetoric.
The Problems in Sri Lanka are immense, and rather than tell you everything, I simply invite those who wish to know, to find information, readily available on the Internet from both sides.
One thing for sure, the war back home brings tears to my eyes. Sri Lanka was and in some ways still is a beautiful country, with some very smart educated and intellectual people. Had there not been a war, Sri Lanka would be on a par with Korea and other far east "tigers".
This is Tamil Nadu in INDIA. The Tamil Tigers (LTTE) are a Terrorist Faction, which consists of a minority of Sri Lankans who speak tamil. Same Language, different people, Just like Americans and British, both speak english.
It doesn't JUST apply to the "walkman" branded versions. Even the non walkman branded S700i, and p series have that.... they just didnt support the mass storage interface (u needed a card reader, or the software that comes with the phone).
.m4a extension). (Also support mp4 video, with a special profile, and SVG animations, and many more formats). ATRAC is surprisingly NOT supported! lol!
:) Which explains the flexibility, as well as the lack of ATRAC :P
You forgot to mention, they ALSO support AAC (non drm) as well (I think you need to upload them with the
Despite the "sony" part in the name, they are still Ericssons inside
Indeed the very similar K750i is only different to the W800i version, thanks to lack of dedicated Music key, and crap headphones (which can be replaced to the better ones that come with the W800i). In fact, interestingly the SonyEriccson phones (when paired to decent headphones, like what is provided with the walkman series) are actually very good MP3 players in their own right.
My Moto V3i also supports MP3s in the same way, but is somewhat more flexible (uses MicroSD, and its "data connector" is just a normal USB MiniB, no need for special cables or drivers, and just appears as a USB mass storage device!)