I'm an American but lived 10 years in Mexico. Mexicans don't come north because there's no water in Mexico to irrigate. They come north because regardless of water, they can earn 10 times as much in the U.S. That is completely unrelated to water.
There are other reasons Mexicans go north as well. Like NAFTA, in part because of NAFTA US agribusinesses can grow corn and other produce then sale them in Mexico. And because of the massive farm subsidies the government gives to these businesses they are able to sale the produce cheaper in Mexico than Mexican farmers can make growing produce. This drives many farmers off their land and some migrate north. Or to the cities and this drives those already in the cities north. I bet if either Mexico were allowed to impose an import tax on US produce so Mexican farmers could work on a level field, or if the US were to stop the billions of dollars in agricultural subsidies the immigration of "illegal aliens" would become a trickel if not stop.
Aquifers in the US are sinking (some with alarming speed).
As with the Ogallala Aquifer. At Black Mesa, on the Hopi and Navajo reseravtion in Arizona Peaboby Coal was pumping out millions of gallons of water that was used to make a slurry to pump the coal mined at Black Mesa to a power generation plant in Nevada. It was only recently that this stopped, because the Mojave Power Generation station was forced to close. It was either close or make expensive pollution upgrades to the plant. Falling aquifers is a big problem in China and India as well with water being pumped out much faster than it can be replaced. This is happening all over the world.
Just look at the real technical values of the BMW showcase. You'll see that hydrogen makes little sense as a means of energy transport and storage.
That really depends on location. There's at least one place where hydrogen makes a lot of sense, Iceland, where it is gaining strength. Because of Iceland's volcano they are able to economically generate hydrogen and are able to use it locally. Many public transportation buses and some commercial and private vehicles use hydrogen for fuel. Elsewhere, as in the US, there is ongoing research in using algae to produce hydrogen. Using methods like this hydrogen could be produced locally in many places which then leaves storage as a concern, however some tyme back I read about some research in using nanotubes to build storage tanks.
FYI, the BSCS&E is a significantly harder program than the B.Arts in CS program. While we were taking extra physics and EE courses, the CS people were taking French, Theatre,
You can be in a science program and still take French and Theatre. While working on a BSCE I took 1 1/2 years of French; 1 of both German and Theatre; and 1/2 year of ASL, American Sign Language, and biology. Also because only two more classes each were required for minors in physics and math I had planned on taking them as well. Some of my friends called me a professional student.
Charging the cost of the bullet to the family is only a reasonable extension of that principle.
Nah, charging the person executed is the only reasonable thing unless the family committed the crime. Of course the dead can't pay themself but if they had any assets then the cost could be deducted from the assets. However in China people didn't have assets as the state owned all real property.
Of course, the issue of a government murdering a person looks completely insane to me, but that is another issue.
It seems ironic to me for the government to tell people not to kill then kills people itself.
The music studios are capitalist to a degree but they are most certainly unenlightened capitalists.
Most of these people aren't capitalists at all, instead they are the Corporate Aristocracy Thomas Jefferson warned of. A true capitalist, who believes in the freemarket, wouldn't support either patents or copyrights. Adam Smith, the "Father of Capitalism", didn't believe in either of these artifically constructed government granted monopolies.
When choosing a turntable I'd avoid the cheapo plastic fantastic models like unto the plague. Look for a shop that sells the Project or Rega brands.
I wouldn't get just any turntable as most aren't really that good. There's one website I saw, though I've lost the link, that has turntables with laser styli. Not contacting the vinyl it doesn't wearout vinyl like needles do, but I wonder how well the acostics are and if the ouput is analogue and, or digital. I'd rather both, analogue could be plugged into a preamp and the digital output can be plugged into the sound card on a computer.
For open reel, do be careful what you get, I agree. I lucked into a Pioneer RT-701 in working condition, but a good model in need of a refurbishment is a good investment. Check out http://www.audiokarma.org/ [audiokarma.org] for some great people with a vast amount of knowledge on the subject, who are good people who won't talk down to you. Excellent resource.
The reel to reel I used to have was an Akia quadrasonic I got in Germany, but I've been looking at Tascam decks. I think one might be too expensive for me though. For a preamp, I've been thinking maybe of building one myself. Unfortunately it's been year since I've worked with electronics, however I want to get back into it and build a ham, shortwave, radio then get my license.
As for software, there's lots about, and the hunt is a lot of fun. Jazz records are supposed to be extremely rare, but I found a fellow (who has subsequently become a close friend) who owns just about every jazz record released since 1949!
For software I'll have to do some research before I get any. For all I know Apple's Garageband may be all I'd need, hopefully within a week or two I'll be ordering a Macbook Pro. If not then something for Linux. Jazz, ah I love jazz. I like and listen to other generas though, Blues, Classical, Country, Reggae, and Rock amoung others.
Its amazing how we've come to accept that vinyl is truly dead and that one can't find the hardware or software anywhere. Ever.
When in fact it's better than ever. New releases are pressed all the time, often with better sound quality than in the past. Heavy vinyl (180-200 grams), pure, quiet vinyl and all. You can get everything from Diana Krall to Britney Spears to modern punk to all analog rereleases of past greats. Also, don't forget that there's literally megatonnes of used vinyl. See the link below for the ultimate resource of which pressings are the best, how to take care of your vinyl, etc.
Oh, like I said I have seen new turntables in stores lately. There's also some music shops within walking distance of where I live that sale lps but I don't know if any of them are new albums or if they are used. I'd get one of the new turntables with usb if I knew I could get a steady stream of new vinyl albums I like. Maybe one or more of the links you provided will list where I can get new records. Ah, the second one did. I think I'm in love, I see they have Carlos Santana, , and Neil Young amoung others. Oh great terrific, they also have Norah Jones, however they didn't have either BTO or Billie Holliday. Maybe I'll find another place that has them. So I guess I'll be getting one of those new turntables I've seen. Now if only I could find a local place that has reel-to-reel tape decks and the reels, I'd be uncomfortable ordering one online.
I had to say it because I honestly don't know their intentions. I agree that they historically have not been interested in consumer rights nor consumer costs. However, their goal in this case, IMO, appears to be to increase sales by reducing piracy as a result of reducing consumer costs. As a result, even though it wasn't their intention, such a move could benefit both the consumer and the music industry.
The RIAA doens't need to reduce the royalties they pay to songwriters to cutdown or reduce piracy, all they need to do is reduce prices. Going from, say 4% royalty payments to 3% only means songwriters earn less while the RIAA members make more money as the prices won't be reduced.
However, the RIAA acknowledging of this could just be a publicity stunt to show that they are trying to adapt to piracy when in fact they are only interested in screwing over the smaller independent artists to benefit the larger record companies. It could be that reduced royalties do not result in lower CD/digital music costs in which case I don't believe reducing royalties is useful.
I don't think this has anything to do with the RIAA trying to do the right thing, the prices will stay the same so they'll just pocket more money.
I loved reading Pournell's column "Chaos Manor" in the print edition of "Byte magazine". I also liked Steve Ciarcia's "Circuit Cellar", but at least he has his own magazine now. Now if only it was still in print.
Why not scrap the whole concept of copyright on music and replace it full out with a mandatory point-of-sale/broadcast royalty?
Who's going to collect, aggrigate, then distribute this royalty? And who's going to make sure specific artists are going to properly compensated? Another government bureaucracy? Isn't that socialistic? Or something like the RIAA?
My father plays percussion in one of the worlds leading orchestras. Growing up I was exposed to and learned to enjoy orchestral music; I still do to this day. There is a lot of it out there, but most of the time the major orchestras play a small repertoire; Beethoven, Mozart, Mahler, etc.
Do you know if he ever played Igor Stravinski's "Firebird Suite"? I'd love to have been there when it opened in Paris. Like how some called Elvis's music "decadent and immoral" the Firebird Suite" was called that as well.
Unfortunately (in my opinion), Britney Spears, 50 Cent, Snoop Dog, etc. are all considered artists in society right now. That doesn't matter though; Nobody is holding me captive and forcing me to listen to their product.
With only a couple of exceptions I don't listen to new singers or groups. Actually I don't listen to music much at all but the newest performers I can name I like are Norah Jones and Neko Case.
When you say artists, I think you're talking about sculptors, architects and painters. Our english language has a word for people who make music: musicians
If I recal correctly, Franklin once brought a 13-year-old prostitute to one of the constitutional conventions, despite objections from Hamilton.
Now I hadn't heard of this, though it doens't supprize me Hamilton wold have a disagreement with Franklin. Hamilton supported a strong federal government whereas Franklin believe the states should have more power.
If you listen to any of the Everest releases from that period, which were recorded on 35mm tape, on either (properly cleaned) vinyl or the commercially available, prerecorded open-reel tape, you will know what I mean. You'd probably also chuck out your digital music collection in disgust.
Yeap, I loved my vinyl albums and reel to reel tape deck. The first tyme I played a new record I'd record it on reel to reel tape then I'd play the tape. Sound quality was best on a turntable with a new stylus though the vinyl did wearout, so I'd use tapes to listen to, and reel to reel was better than either 8 track or cassette. Boy do I miss the setup I used to have.
For my part, I rarely listen to digital music - it's open reel or vinyl for me.
Though I have some cds I rarely listen to music. Now if vinyl albums were sold again I'd probably listen more. I've heard 45 singles are being released, and I've seen turntables with usb ports in stores. But I haven't seen any with 33, 45, and 78 rpm settings. And yes, I've listened and bought all three speed records though mostly 33 rpm.
To a starving artist, the cost of studio and engineering time can be prohibitive
Ah but artists don't need a full blown studio. Everything needed for a home studio is available from reel to reel tape decks and equalizers or mixers to software. Tascam is one place equipment can be bought. The problem would be having someone who knows how to use the equipment, but a "sound engineer" should be available in many places.
Falcon, I am very sorry to hear that you lost a friend
Thanks.
b) Accept the horrible truth that some people will die from guns, others will trip down stairs, and yet others will spontaneously combust this year. No amount of control or supervision can stop this. The only way to mitigate these risks is education, which is an imperfect solution.
I prefer b, above.
Just as soon as hemp is legal again, you, me, George Washington and Thomas Jefferson should hang out and order a pizza. I hear Tommy's stuff is so good that he once lost it completely, and gave in to the "jungle fever".
Ah, TJ, Thomas Jefferson, was a big supporter of hemp. He once wrote that farmers should be required to grow hemp, however he never followed through with proposing such a law because he knew such a law woud violate farmers rights. He also invented and patented a gin mill, much like cotton mills, to make threads, cloth, from hemp. And he wrote the Declaration of Independence on paper made from hemp.
Jungle fever? With Sally? Thomas Jefferson was a contradiction. Though he owned slaves he was against slavery, and in early drafts of the DOI he included blacks and women as having the same rights as men. Eventually this was dropped because others of the Founding Fathers believed in slavery and would never go along with the DOI if it contained these rights for all.
I would of thought most Slashdotters would prefer to protect their home with either a few Tesla coils or Prism towers. A Mammoth tank left behind can be advisable when your away base-raping however the airfield should normally be able to take care of any surprise threats.
I'd rather have the extra income from renting it out.
There are more than enough horror stories surrounding the "absentee landlord" scenario.
What if there really are major repairs that need to be made?
Or, more to the point, what happens if you get troublesome tenants? What if they don't pay or keep the property in good condition?
Easy to handle, hire a property management company. The going rate for one is about 5%, using round numbers, if rent is $1000 the rate is $50 which leaves $950 in your pocket. As for horror stories there are some for vacant houses as well, I'd bet there are more of them for vacant building than there are for rented ones. Not only that but you also have additional income.
Better than paying someone else to house sit, rent the house. Instead of having an expense you get an added income. If you're worried about not being there while renting the house out, then hire a property management company. Or you could get some realty companies manage the property. And they aren't that expensive, the going rate is around 5% of the rent. Odf course you'll still have to pay for any repairs but even then the managers cannhire and work with whoever does the repair work. Another possibility is to House swap. This is where you find someone where you're going to who wants to go where you are. You live in their house while they live in yours.
Slashdot Mirror
I'm an American but lived 10 years in Mexico. Mexicans don't come north because there's no water in Mexico to irrigate. They come north because regardless of water, they can earn 10 times as much in the U.S. That is completely unrelated to water.
There are other reasons Mexicans go north as well. Like NAFTA, in part because of NAFTA US agribusinesses can grow corn and other produce then sale them in Mexico. And because of the massive farm subsidies the government gives to these businesses they are able to sale the produce cheaper in Mexico than Mexican farmers can make growing produce. This drives many farmers off their land and some migrate north. Or to the cities and this drives those already in the cities north. I bet if either Mexico were allowed to impose an import tax on US produce so Mexican farmers could work on a level field, or if the US were to stop the billions of dollars in agricultural subsidies the immigration of "illegal aliens" would become a trickel if not stop.
FalconAquifers in the US are sinking (some with alarming speed).
As with the Ogallala Aquifer. At Black Mesa, on the Hopi and Navajo reseravtion in Arizona Peaboby Coal was pumping out millions of gallons of water that was used to make a slurry to pump the coal mined at Black Mesa to a power generation plant in Nevada. It was only recently that this stopped, because the Mojave Power Generation station was forced to close. It was either close or make expensive pollution upgrades to the plant. Falling aquifers is a big problem in China and India as well with water being pumped out much faster than it can be replaced. This is happening all over the world.
FalconJust look at the real technical values of the BMW showcase. You'll see that hydrogen makes little sense as a means of energy transport and storage.
That really depends on location. There's at least one place where hydrogen makes a lot of sense, Iceland, where it is gaining strength. Because of Iceland's volcano they are able to economically generate hydrogen and are able to use it locally. Many public transportation buses and some commercial and private vehicles use hydrogen for fuel. Elsewhere, as in the US, there is ongoing research in using algae to produce hydrogen. Using methods like this hydrogen could be produced locally in many places which then leaves storage as a concern, however some tyme back I read about some research in using nanotubes to build storage tanks.
FalconFYI, the BSCS&E is a significantly harder program than the B.Arts in CS program. While we were taking extra physics and EE courses, the CS people were taking French, Theatre,
You can be in a science program and still take French and Theatre. While working on a BSCE I took 1 1/2 years of French; 1 of both German and Theatre; and 1/2 year of ASL, American Sign Language, and biology. Also because only two more classes each were required for minors in physics and math I had planned on taking them as well. Some of my friends called me a professional student.
FalconCharging the cost of the bullet to the family is only a reasonable extension of that principle.
Nah, charging the person executed is the only reasonable thing unless the family committed the crime. Of course the dead can't pay themself but if they had any assets then the cost could be deducted from the assets. However in China people didn't have assets as the state owned all real property.
Of course, the issue of a government murdering a person looks completely insane to me, but that is another issue.
It seems ironic to me for the government to tell people not to kill then kills people itself.
FalconThe music studios are capitalist to a degree but they are most certainly unenlightened capitalists.
Most of these people aren't capitalists at all, instead they are the Corporate Aristocracy Thomas Jefferson warned of. A true capitalist, who believes in the freemarket, wouldn't support either patents or copyrights. Adam Smith, the "Father of Capitalism", didn't believe in either of these artifically constructed government granted monopolies.
FalconWhen choosing a turntable I'd avoid the cheapo plastic fantastic models like unto the plague. Look for a shop that sells the Project or Rega brands.
I wouldn't get just any turntable as most aren't really that good. There's one website I saw, though I've lost the link, that has turntables with laser styli. Not contacting the vinyl it doesn't wearout vinyl like needles do, but I wonder how well the acostics are and if the ouput is analogue and, or digital. I'd rather both, analogue could be plugged into a preamp and the digital output can be plugged into the sound card on a computer.
For open reel, do be careful what you get, I agree. I lucked into a Pioneer RT-701 in working condition, but a good model in need of a refurbishment is a good investment. Check out http://www.audiokarma.org/ [audiokarma.org] for some great people with a vast amount of knowledge on the subject, who are good people who won't talk down to you. Excellent resource.
The reel to reel I used to have was an Akia quadrasonic I got in Germany, but I've been looking at Tascam decks. I think one might be too expensive for me though. For a preamp, I've been thinking maybe of building one myself. Unfortunately it's been year since I've worked with electronics, however I want to get back into it and build a ham, shortwave, radio then get my license.
As for software, there's lots about, and the hunt is a lot of fun. Jazz records are supposed to be extremely rare, but I found a fellow (who has subsequently become a close friend) who owns just about every jazz record released since 1949!
For software I'll have to do some research before I get any. For all I know Apple's Garageband may be all I'd need, hopefully within a week or two I'll be ordering a Macbook Pro. If not then something for Linux. Jazz, ah I love jazz. I like and listen to other generas though, Blues, Classical, Country, Reggae, and Rock amoung others.
FalconIts amazing how we've come to accept that vinyl is truly dead and that one can't find the hardware or software anywhere. Ever.
When in fact it's better than ever. New releases are pressed all the time, often with better sound quality than in the past. Heavy vinyl (180-200 grams), pure, quiet vinyl and all. You can get everything from Diana Krall to Britney Spears to modern punk to all analog rereleases of past greats. Also, don't forget that there's literally megatonnes of used vinyl. See the link below for the ultimate resource of which pressings are the best, how to take care of your vinyl, etc.
Oh, like I said I have seen new turntables in stores lately. There's also some music shops within walking distance of where I live that sale lps but I don't know if any of them are new albums or if they are used. I'd get one of the new turntables with usb if I knew I could get a steady stream of new vinyl albums I like. Maybe one or more of the links you provided will list where I can get new records. Ah, the second one did. I think I'm in love, I see they have Carlos Santana, , and Neil Young amoung others. Oh great terrific, they also have Norah Jones, however they didn't have either BTO or Billie Holliday. Maybe I'll find another place that has them. So I guess I'll be getting one of those new turntables I've seen. Now if only I could find a local place that has reel-to-reel tape decks and the reels, I'd be uncomfortable ordering one online.
Falcon"Now shut the fuck up and get out of my courtroom before I have you all shot"
I know there's a Soviet Russia joke in here somewhere, but it's not coming to me.
You can make it a ChiCom joke by adding, "then I'll bill your family the cost of the bullet."
FalconI had to say it because I honestly don't know their intentions. I agree that they historically have not been interested in consumer rights nor consumer costs. However, their goal in this case, IMO, appears to be to increase sales by reducing piracy as a result of reducing consumer costs. As a result, even though it wasn't their intention, such a move could benefit both the consumer and the music industry.
The RIAA doens't need to reduce the royalties they pay to songwriters to cutdown or reduce piracy, all they need to do is reduce prices. Going from, say 4% royalty payments to 3% only means songwriters earn less while the RIAA members make more money as the prices won't be reduced.
FalconHowever, the RIAA acknowledging of this could just be a publicity stunt to show that they are trying to adapt to piracy when in fact they are only interested in screwing over the smaller independent artists to benefit the larger record companies. It could be that reduced royalties do not result in lower CD/digital music costs in which case I don't believe reducing royalties is useful.
I don't think this has anything to do with the RIAA trying to do the right thing, the prices will stay the same so they'll just pocket more money.
FalconI loved reading Pournell's column "Chaos Manor" in the print edition of "Byte magazine". I also liked Steve Ciarcia's "Circuit Cellar", but at least he has his own magazine now. Now if only it was still in print.
FalconWhy not scrap the whole concept of copyright on music and replace it full out with a mandatory point-of-sale/broadcast royalty?
Who's going to collect, aggrigate, then distribute this royalty? And who's going to make sure specific artists are going to properly compensated? Another government bureaucracy? Isn't that socialistic? Or something like the RIAA?
FalconMy father plays percussion in one of the worlds leading orchestras. Growing up I was exposed to and learned to enjoy orchestral music; I still do to this day. There is a lot of it out there, but most of the time the major orchestras play a small repertoire; Beethoven, Mozart, Mahler, etc.
Do you know if he ever played Igor Stravinski's "Firebird Suite"? I'd love to have been there when it opened in Paris. Like how some called Elvis's music "decadent and immoral" the Firebird Suite" was called that as well.
Unfortunately (in my opinion), Britney Spears, 50 Cent, Snoop Dog, etc. are all considered artists in society right now. That doesn't matter though; Nobody is holding me captive and forcing me to listen to their product.
With only a couple of exceptions I don't listen to new singers or groups. Actually I don't listen to music much at all but the newest performers I can name I like are Norah Jones and Neko Case.
FalconPerhaps you should have said... Songwriting is a form of arwork. Not all songwriters are artists.
Because that would be wrong. Whether you appreciate their art or not, it's still artwork.
Ah but the same can be said of painters and other artists previously mentioned.
FalconWhen you say artists, I think you're talking about sculptors, architects and painters. Our english language has a word for people who make music: musicians
Ah, musicians are artists, specifically Performing Artists.
FalconPournelle's Iron Law of Bureaucracy
Jerry Pournelle, as in Chaos Manor?
FalconIf I recal correctly, Franklin once brought a 13-year-old prostitute to one of the constitutional conventions, despite objections from Hamilton.
Now I hadn't heard of this, though it doens't supprize me Hamilton wold have a disagreement with Franklin. Hamilton supported a strong federal government whereas Franklin believe the states should have more power.
FalconIf you listen to any of the Everest releases from that period, which were recorded on 35mm tape, on either (properly cleaned) vinyl or the commercially available, prerecorded open-reel tape, you will know what I mean. You'd probably also chuck out your digital music collection in disgust.
Yeap, I loved my vinyl albums and reel to reel tape deck. The first tyme I played a new record I'd record it on reel to reel tape then I'd play the tape. Sound quality was best on a turntable with a new stylus though the vinyl did wearout, so I'd use tapes to listen to, and reel to reel was better than either 8 track or cassette. Boy do I miss the setup I used to have.
For my part, I rarely listen to digital music - it's open reel or vinyl for me.
Though I have some cds I rarely listen to music. Now if vinyl albums were sold again I'd probably listen more. I've heard 45 singles are being released, and I've seen turntables with usb ports in stores. But I haven't seen any with 33, 45, and 78 rpm settings. And yes, I've listened and bought all three speed records though mostly 33 rpm.
FalconTo a starving artist, the cost of studio and engineering time can be prohibitive
Ah but artists don't need a full blown studio. Everything needed for a home studio is available from reel to reel tape decks and equalizers or mixers to software. Tascam is one place equipment can be bought. The problem would be having someone who knows how to use the equipment, but a "sound engineer" should be available in many places.
FalconFalcon, I am very sorry to hear that you lost a friend
Thanks.
b) Accept the horrible truth that some people will die from guns, others will trip down stairs, and yet others will spontaneously combust this year. No amount of control or supervision can stop this. The only way to mitigate these risks is education, which is an imperfect solution.
I prefer b, above.
Just as soon as hemp is legal again, you, me, George Washington and Thomas Jefferson should hang out and order a pizza. I hear Tommy's stuff is so good that he once lost it completely, and gave in to the "jungle fever".
Ah, TJ, Thomas Jefferson, was a big supporter of hemp. He once wrote that farmers should be required to grow hemp, however he never followed through with proposing such a law because he knew such a law woud violate farmers rights. He also invented and patented a gin mill, much like cotton mills, to make threads, cloth, from hemp. And he wrote the Declaration of Independence on paper made from hemp.
Jungle fever? With Sally? Thomas Jefferson was a contradiction. Though he owned slaves he was against slavery, and in early drafts of the DOI he included blacks and women as having the same rights as men. Eventually this was dropped because others of the Founding Fathers believed in slavery and would never go along with the DOI if it contained these rights for all.
FalconI would of thought most Slashdotters would prefer to protect their home with either a few Tesla coils or Prism towers. A Mammoth tank left behind can be advisable when your away base-raping however the airfield should normally be able to take care of any surprise threats.
I'd rather have the extra income from renting it out.
FalconThere are more than enough horror stories surrounding the "absentee landlord" scenario.
What if there really are major repairs that need to be made?
Or, more to the point, what happens if you get troublesome tenants? What if they don't pay or keep the property in good condition?
Easy to handle, hire a property management company. The going rate for one is about 5%, using round numbers, if rent is $1000 the rate is $50 which leaves $950 in your pocket. As for horror stories there are some for vacant houses as well, I'd bet there are more of them for vacant building than there are for rented ones. Not only that but you also have additional income.
FalconBetter than paying someone else to house sit, rent the house. Instead of having an expense you get an added income. If you're worried about not being there while renting the house out, then hire a property management company. Or you could get some realty companies manage the property. And they aren't that expensive, the going rate is around 5% of the rent. Odf course you'll still have to pay for any repairs but even then the managers cannhire and work with whoever does the repair work. Another possibility is to House swap. This is where you find someone where you're going to who wants to go where you are. You live in their house while they live in yours.
FalconSo, just rent your house out for a few months. Let the tenants phone you if there are any issues.
That's the best idea, the owner should rent the house for the period of tyme they are gone.
Falcon