Seriously, who would seriously want to pay monthly for service you can just as easily get otherwise.
TV + HD OTA
Mac Mini + Internet (either streaming or download)
XBox 360 + Netflix
Mac Mini + Hulu
Mac Mini + iTunes
Best part is, it's wife-proof! We watch all the TV we want with substantially fewer commercials. I mean, a 30 second commercial interruption is far better than 5 minutes of commercial interruptions.
My father-in-law does this for the Seattle Parks Department. He still winds up taking a few crisis phone calls. But, he manages to do all the coordination via cell phone and only in an extremely rare occasion does he have to go in himself.
The way I see it, and him, it's very hard to just put in 8 hrs a day. And since you probably aren't paid overtime, being rewarded with a day off for putting in 9 - 9's is pretty nice.
As a game developer myself, Drawn to Life (2007) Lock's Quest (2008), and a student from a 'video game college', I can offer perspective to interested parties.
Any prospective student should know that it is very difficult to break into the gaming industry. Further, they need to ask themselves why they are attending generic college XYZ for video games. Specifically, what does this college offer and what are their job placement statistics? DigiPen regularly has job placement percentages in the high 90s within 6 months of graduation. Might I add that many of our professors have worked in the industry extensively? Who better to lecture on game networking, audio, physics, etc. than someone who has developed on triple A titles on all of the major consoles? I could spend ample time explaining how the first 2 years at DigiPen covers more than most Master's programs elsewhere in the country, but I digress.
The sad fact of the matter is that most collegiate programs do not have the expertise on the bench to be able to ACTUALLY help students get ready for the real world of video game programming. DigiPen graduates are more-often-than-not able to hit the ground running on most any platform or console.
To compound matters worse, real-time interactive simulations (aka video games or other simulators) are some of the most advanced computing that a developer can strive to code. Everything from memory management to networking has to be properly written for games. You are, in a sense, writing an entire OS on top of the underlying console dashboards. Quite a daunting task.
And to add just a bit more, what is it with Computer Science students who believe they can leave a typical college and hit the ground running with that perfect development job? I've spent a decade of internships, part-time jobs, multiple college degrees, etc. to get to the point where I can competently compete for a development job 'fresh out of college'. And yes, that means I was interning back in high school in development-type jobs.
Real video game colleges spend more time on advanced math (the stuff beyond calculus) and physics than discussing the best attack combo for the latest fighting game. Don't get me wrong, we play video games, but that is typically after an 80-120 hour work week writing code until we actually dream out our coding assignments to only wake up at 4 am to rewrite a memory manager, network engine, sound engine, shader, 3d model file format, etc.
Just because isoHunt is in Canada, we can't expect the MPAA not to try and cross the border. I mean, the RIAA has been bad enough about operating in states in the U.S. - why should we expect the MPAA not to do the same?
Interesting to note, the Internet2 just had a string of lawsuits pertaining to students using the service for illegal filesharing.
Will this allow you to fileshare so fast that no one can even track it?? Now that would be interesting!
Seriously though, after reading the article and the miscellaneous links. The numbers were astounding! In comparison to my own broadband, I can get 5 or 6 gigs downloaded in a VERY good day at most. Whereas this network enabled traffic of up to 50 terabytes a DAY! Woot woot! When can I hook up for it?
Hmmm...all of you brought up intriguing thoughts; and yes - I was slightly flamebait;-) But, intentionally - I wanted people to read that and realize that consumers should be much more cautious.
And the intentions of Blockbuster to mislead are truly up for interpretation - under my interpretation, they were slightly (ever so slightly) misleading. BUT, but the consumer could quite easily verify the limitations and restrictions of the NO LATE FEES campaign.
I'm sorry that I don't properly recall the commercials and advertisements regarding this campaign (I don't recall the fine print availability). Yet, I feel that had Blockbuster merely mentioned "Certain Restrictions Apply" and "Store Participation Voluntary, Check Store for Details" -- had Blockbuster made these two short claims, then I feel this entire suit is blown out of proportion.
Yes the consumer has certain rights to information and to not be unduly misled, yet the consumer also has the responsibility to properly determine the contract regarding the sale (or transaction).
You can call me uncompassionate all you like, yet I feel the burden of not-getting-scammed lies squarely on the shoulders of the consumer (provided the restrictions and limitations are readily made available).
While I'm ranting, let's pull an analogy from the HOT COFFEE campaign that most restaraunts try to serve. Coffee is meant to be served HOT, isn't it? Then why do we need a WARNING for such? Furthermore, today I purchased a couple bottles of Dr. Pepper and to my utter surprise, I was given a "WARNING - Bottle Cap is under pressure and may cause bodily harm when opened..." (exact wording is in the recycle bin at school). Point being, I purchased a bottle of soda (which includes carbonated water and flavored syrup) - and I was being warned that the known contents produce a fizz (sometimes strong) that can project the bottle cap. Quite hilarious and unnecessary, IMHO.
Then again, I am adept with literacy and technology. I have applied my mind (a most gracious gift to me) and I daily use it to observe my surroundings. Next thing you know there will be a warning on my Jeep regarding a roll-over hazard at high-speeds and on un-even terrain (wait...it's already there)...
There's always fine print, ALWAYS! Personally, Blockbuster should be able to sue all the consumers who are suing them - on basis that the consumers weren't READING the FULL restrictions.
I always knew of the restrictions - I went in, found out about the No Late Fees and asked what the limitations were - and the EMPLOYEES helped me out! Way to go BLOCKBUSTER! - This is just another case of people trying to get something for nothing...case closed.
ROTFL - seriously, if you're going to email your 25 closest friends - shouldn't you first make sure your virus doesn't directly involve the police coming to their door? Granted, it might be considered a funny prank - but at least make sure you can't be traced as easily as the from: 'Best Friend in Louisianna'.
The FCC regulations have kept me at bay in question in regards to their limitations put upon the technology.
Being fairly savvy in the wifi arena - I have quite often wondered what was legal and what wasn't...so I have done my best to stay within the legal parameters....yet - someone needs to put together a good chart of what certified equipment is 'legally' compatible with what.
Just my humble opinion:) -- oh and yes, that mile and half point to point I just put together has turned out BEAUTIFULLY - email me if you want details! -- let's just say WRT54G omni antennae, WAP54G directional antennae, and sveasoft! works wonders:)
Wow - does that mean we can actually hear and thus potentialy decipher and understand what the martians are saying in their native tongue on the Red Planet?? -- Perhaps we can master the language so that when they come to visit us - we'll understand that they're saying "Don't Feed the Humans" rather than "Eat them!"
I am extrapolating upon the given data - already in America, and the world over - countless thousands to millions of babies are aborted each and every year.
Who's to say that by prolonging life expectancy that we'll stop the abortions too?
Again, I am merely extrapolating upon a given set of data and reasoning with how history has shown itself in the present state of culture.
All I see is that this nanomedicine would pave the way for more intensive euthenasia - by logic of 'purifying' the race.
I'm all up for living longer (more video game time) - but, not at the cost of murdering the young children due to 'overpopulation' or letting the rich and smart and beautiful live while the unwanted die off early (in theirs 70s as compared to their 1100's)...
I personally don't think that humanity in general is responsible or ready to handle this technology - but who knows.
After reading this article - it has led me to analyze the benefits of this versus traditional 802.11x and the application of 4G in the broadband arena.
At a proposed sustained rate of 1G, this technology could revolutionize the Internet as we know it today. And, with more and more bandwidth readily available, there will be better multiplayer games online, as well as streaming on-demand cable-like tv off the Net.
I understand that the technology is proposed for gadgets such as a phone or wristwatch that can also watch HDTV - but imagine a world where everyone has a video-phone conference & everyone also has a 1G up/down broadband connection:)
Indeed - with the vast number of open-source projects out there - there is no legitimate reason why any business should have their WiFi at a security risk.
The community is committed to quality - and most importantly, community. (yeah, yeah - play on words). We work together to make the 802.11x standards as bullet-proof and understood as possible.
Rock on! - Maybe now, we can truly get wifi (high speed) Internet Access out to the millions who can't get cable/dsl access. I live in the country - and thankfully, I live within 5 miles of a WiFi Tower - the new frequencies will certainly help the industry out!
I took Calc I in HS - but took it again in College (I was too...lazy to Ace the AP test - yeah I know...) Anyway, Calc I in College was a breeze (primarily because I was able to understand everything at a much deeper level with taking it before).
Now, like all aspiring programmers - I'm wanting to become a video game programmer - and believe it or not I just might be (www.digipen.edu- I recently got accepted here and start this fall)
Anyway, take a look at their course curriculum - and you'll see that the Article was right on the money - the more Math the better - I'll end up taking Calc I, II, III and Advanced something or other before I'm done with my Bachelor's of Science.
I've seen it coming - why pay more $$ when you get can get better bangs for less $$??
I try to be as savvy as possible concerning my purchases - and I just can't afford to buy a 32 bit Intel chip when I can get a 64 bit AMD chip for comprable costs:)
Wasn't there a movie about this very topic not too long ago?...hmm...I believe it was dubbed Mission Impossible 2.
Point being, haven't we learned any lessons from the movies?!
Create super virus - (and hopefully the corresponding vaccine).
Sell super virus to terrorists - (and act like it got stolen).
Keep vaccine to sell to public when 'Outbreak' occurs (another good movie).
I hope someone can understand the devastation that could arise should this truly happen!
But, if 'Outbreak' does occur or 'Mission Impossible 2' then I'm getting out of the city and heading to the hills!
Slashdot Mirror
Seriously, who would seriously want to pay monthly for service you can just as easily get otherwise. TV + HD OTA Mac Mini + Internet (either streaming or download) XBox 360 + Netflix Mac Mini + Hulu Mac Mini + iTunes Best part is, it's wife-proof! We watch all the TV we want with substantially fewer commercials. I mean, a 30 second commercial interruption is far better than 5 minutes of commercial interruptions.
My father-in-law does this for the Seattle Parks Department. He still winds up taking a few crisis phone calls. But, he manages to do all the coordination via cell phone and only in an extremely rare occasion does he have to go in himself. The way I see it, and him, it's very hard to just put in 8 hrs a day. And since you probably aren't paid overtime, being rewarded with a day off for putting in 9 - 9's is pretty nice.
As a game developer myself, Drawn to Life (2007) Lock's Quest (2008), and a student from a 'video game college', I can offer perspective to interested parties.
Any prospective student should know that it is very difficult to break into the gaming industry. Further, they need to ask themselves why they are attending generic college XYZ for video games. Specifically, what does this college offer and what are their job placement statistics? DigiPen regularly has job placement percentages in the high 90s within 6 months of graduation. Might I add that many of our professors have worked in the industry extensively? Who better to lecture on game networking, audio, physics, etc. than someone who has developed on triple A titles on all of the major consoles? I could spend ample time explaining how the first 2 years at DigiPen covers more than most Master's programs elsewhere in the country, but I digress.
The sad fact of the matter is that most collegiate programs do not have the expertise on the bench to be able to ACTUALLY help students get ready for the real world of video game programming. DigiPen graduates are more-often-than-not able to hit the ground running on most any platform or console.
To compound matters worse, real-time interactive simulations (aka video games or other simulators) are some of the most advanced computing that a developer can strive to code. Everything from memory management to networking has to be properly written for games. You are, in a sense, writing an entire OS on top of the underlying console dashboards. Quite a daunting task.
And to add just a bit more, what is it with Computer Science students who believe they can leave a typical college and hit the ground running with that perfect development job? I've spent a decade of internships, part-time jobs, multiple college degrees, etc. to get to the point where I can competently compete for a development job 'fresh out of college'. And yes, that means I was interning back in high school in development-type jobs.
Real video game colleges spend more time on advanced math (the stuff beyond calculus) and physics than discussing the best attack combo for the latest fighting game. Don't get me wrong, we play video games, but that is typically after an 80-120 hour work week writing code until we actually dream out our coding assignments to only wake up at 4 am to rewrite a memory manager, network engine, sound engine, shader, 3d model file format, etc.
Just because isoHunt is in Canada, we can't expect the MPAA not to try and cross the border. I mean, the RIAA has been bad enough about operating in states in the U.S. - why should we expect the MPAA not to do the same?
*sorry* My post was meant to be 'funny' in that there is currently no way of having an internet connection and data transfer without some type of log.
Interesting to note, the Internet2 just had a string of lawsuits pertaining to students using the service for illegal filesharing.
Will this allow you to fileshare so fast that no one can even track it?? Now that would be interesting!
Seriously though, after reading the article and the miscellaneous links. The numbers were astounding! In comparison to my own broadband, I can get 5 or 6 gigs downloaded in a VERY good day at most. Whereas this network enabled traffic of up to 50 terabytes a DAY! Woot woot! When can I hook up for it?
Hmmm...all of you brought up intriguing thoughts; and yes - I was slightly flamebait ;-) But, intentionally - I wanted people to read that and realize that consumers should be much more cautious.
And the intentions of Blockbuster to mislead are truly up for interpretation - under my interpretation, they were slightly (ever so slightly) misleading. BUT, but the consumer could quite easily verify the limitations and restrictions of the NO LATE FEES campaign.
I'm sorry that I don't properly recall the commercials and advertisements regarding this campaign (I don't recall the fine print availability). Yet, I feel that had Blockbuster merely mentioned "Certain Restrictions Apply" and "Store Participation Voluntary, Check Store for Details" -- had Blockbuster made these two short claims, then I feel this entire suit is blown out of proportion.
Yes the consumer has certain rights to information and to not be unduly misled, yet the consumer also has the responsibility to properly determine the contract regarding the sale (or transaction).
You can call me uncompassionate all you like, yet I feel the burden of not-getting-scammed lies squarely on the shoulders of the consumer (provided the restrictions and limitations are readily made available).
While I'm ranting, let's pull an analogy from the HOT COFFEE campaign that most restaraunts try to serve. Coffee is meant to be served HOT, isn't it? Then why do we need a WARNING for such? Furthermore, today I purchased a couple bottles of Dr. Pepper and to my utter surprise, I was given a "WARNING - Bottle Cap is under pressure and may cause bodily harm when opened..." (exact wording is in the recycle bin at school). Point being, I purchased a bottle of soda (which includes carbonated water and flavored syrup) - and I was being warned that the known contents produce a fizz (sometimes strong) that can project the bottle cap. Quite hilarious and unnecessary, IMHO.
Then again, I am adept with literacy and technology. I have applied my mind (a most gracious gift to me) and I daily use it to observe my surroundings. Next thing you know there will be a warning on my Jeep regarding a roll-over hazard at high-speeds and on un-even terrain (wait...it's already there)...
There's always fine print, ALWAYS! Personally, Blockbuster should be able to sue all the consumers who are suing them - on basis that the consumers weren't READING the FULL restrictions.
I always knew of the restrictions - I went in, found out about the No Late Fees and asked what the limitations were - and the EMPLOYEES helped me out! Way to go BLOCKBUSTER! - This is just another case of people trying to get something for nothing...case closed.
ROTFL - seriously, if you're going to email your 25 closest friends - shouldn't you first make sure your virus doesn't directly involve the police coming to their door? Granted, it might be considered a funny prank - but at least make sure you can't be traced as easily as the from: 'Best Friend in Louisianna'.
The FCC regulations have kept me at bay in question in regards to their limitations put upon the technology.
:) -- oh and yes, that mile and half point to point I just put together has turned out BEAUTIFULLY - email me if you want details! -- let's just say WRT54G omni antennae, WAP54G directional antennae, and sveasoft! works wonders :)
Being fairly savvy in the wifi arena - I have quite often wondered what was legal and what wasn't...so I have done my best to stay within the legal parameters....yet - someone needs to put together a good chart of what certified equipment is 'legally' compatible with what.
Just my humble opinion
Oh yes .... my bad ;-) --- lol, I got hung up on the sounds part and forgot the article said saturn not mars :-P
Wow - does that mean we can actually hear and thus potentialy decipher and understand what the martians are saying in their native tongue on the Red Planet?? -- Perhaps we can master the language so that when they come to visit us - we'll understand that they're saying "Don't Feed the Humans" rather than "Eat them!"
Totally straight out of a sci-fi classic....felt like I was streaming through space at light speed.
Interesting concept on how he altered the waves to be audible for humans - and sped them up so we could actually listen to them in this lifetime.
I am extrapolating upon the given data - already in America, and the world over - countless thousands to millions of babies are aborted each and every year.
Who's to say that by prolonging life expectancy that we'll stop the abortions too?
Again, I am merely extrapolating upon a given set of data and reasoning with how history has shown itself in the present state of culture.
All I see is that this nanomedicine would pave the way for more intensive euthenasia - by logic of 'purifying' the race.
I'm all up for living longer (more video game time) - but, not at the cost of murdering the young children due to 'overpopulation' or letting the rich and smart and beautiful live while the unwanted die off early (in theirs 70s as compared to their 1100's)...
I personally don't think that humanity in general is responsible or ready to handle this technology - but who knows.
After reading this article - it has led me to analyze the benefits of this versus traditional 802.11x and the application of 4G in the broadband arena.
:)
At a proposed sustained rate of 1G, this technology could revolutionize the Internet as we know it today. And, with more and more bandwidth readily available, there will be better multiplayer games online, as well as streaming on-demand cable-like tv off the Net.
I understand that the technology is proposed for gadgets such as a phone or wristwatch that can also watch HDTV - but imagine a world where everyone has a video-phone conference & everyone also has a 1G up/down broadband connection
In a word - WOW.
Indeed - with the vast number of open-source projects out there - there is no legitimate reason why any business should have their WiFi at a security risk.
The community is committed to quality - and most importantly, community. (yeah, yeah - play on words). We work together to make the 802.11x standards as bullet-proof and understood as possible.
Or how about all those cheap dvds, vcds, svcds, etc. on the market overseas??
[sarcasm]Surely the Chinese government is going to convince their piratical culture to switch sides for nationalism.[/sarcasm]
American tourist in Beijing..."You don't have ANY American movies for sale?! What kind of 'Blackmarket' is this??!!"
Rock on! - Maybe now, we can truly get wifi (high speed) Internet Access out to the millions who can't get cable/dsl access. I live in the country - and thankfully, I live within 5 miles of a WiFi Tower - the new frequencies will certainly help the industry out!
I took Calc I in HS - but took it again in College (I was too...lazy to Ace the AP test - yeah I know...) Anyway, Calc I in College was a breeze (primarily because I was able to understand everything at a much deeper level with taking it before).
/two cents
Now, like all aspiring programmers - I'm wanting to become a video game programmer - and believe it or not I just might be (www.digipen.edu- I recently got accepted here and start this fall)
Anyway, take a look at their course curriculum - and you'll see that the Article was right on the money - the more Math the better - I'll end up taking Calc I, II, III and Advanced something or other before I'm done with my Bachelor's of Science.
I was getting tired of all the Microsoft advertisements - 'bout time we heard something from the 'competition'...
I've seen it coming - why pay more $$ when you get can get better bangs for less $$??
:)
I try to be as savvy as possible concerning my purchases - and I just can't afford to buy a 32 bit Intel chip when I can get a 64 bit AMD chip for comprable costs
keeps you thinking...
Wasn't there a movie about this very topic not too long ago?...hmm...I believe it was dubbed Mission Impossible 2.
Point being, haven't we learned any lessons from the movies?!
Create super virus - (and hopefully the corresponding vaccine).
Sell super virus to terrorists - (and act like it got stolen).
Keep vaccine to sell to public when 'Outbreak' occurs (another good movie).
I hope someone can understand the devastation that could arise should this truly happen!
But, if 'Outbreak' does occur or 'Mission Impossible 2' then I'm getting out of the city and heading to the hills!
"This jurry-rigging won't last for long..." -- Scotty
Got that right Scotty! - What's the world coming to?
"Yesterday, the crew observed another small piece of debris floating away from the ISS, apparently of Russian origin."
Looks again like Scotty's got the answer! "She won't take much more of this." -- Scotty
Perhaps, we should just let Scotty fix her..."The warp drive is a hopeless pile of junk." -- Scotty
Then again, here's what NASA's thinking....
"Just a minute, Exec, we're picking up the pieces down here."
*Please note all quotes taken from the articles
Ok, so maybe I did grossly overstate some stuff that I don't know the intrinsic details on...but thought provoking nonetheless.