I had similar lack of knowledge and experience issues back when I first started down the linux/*BSD path, and it can be quite intimidating to a newcomer to *nix-based OSs.
Fortunately, these days it is much easier to get a handle on basic linux and *BSD operation/configuration/etc. There are now many excellent LiveCD distributions out there, including both linux and FreeBSD (FreeSBIE project).
They allow a newcomer to experience an operational, mostly configured system without risking your existing OS and data, and get familiar with it, and most can be installed to a hard drive while saving the configurations that were auto-detected by the LiveCD startup.
There are many flavors of linux LiveCD distributions out there like Knoppix http://www.knoppix.net/ and even "specialty" LiveCDs like P.H.L.A.K.(Professional Hackers Linux Assault Kit) http://www.phlak.org/ or Auditor http://new.remote-exploit.org/index.php/Auditor_ma in and for FreeBSD there is FreeSBIE http://www.freesbie.org/ which gave me my leg-up with the steep part of the learning curve for FreeBSD (the developers at #freesbie on Azzura.net on IRC are helpful and friendly!).
"Wormholes with smooth or classical spacetimes appear to be unstable and fall apart quickly."
Could this be a clue that wormholes are only stable as long as their "perfection" is altered/modulated by data being transferred by some method, so that they are in a constant state of change? Just a thought that occurred to me, I'm not a cosmologist or physicist, etc.
"However, we control our own computers. Therefore, if we fight a war of software, the advantage goes to us."
This also they would like to do away with. Through proposed changes to a "thin-client" type software and entertainment content "subscriber" model to things like NGSCB/Trusted Computing.
Not trying to sound tin-hattish, just pointing out that this idea of removing or limiting general-purpose computers as a consumer item has not been overlooked by those in power.
"Which would you be more concerned about if you're heavily investing large quantities of money into funding the creation, recording, and promotion of music?"
Not arguing anything, but I thought it might be good to point out here that the artist pays for all the recording and promotional costs. Artists usually receive no payment after a recording is made from the recordings' sale until, in the labels' opinion, it's costs have been repaid. There's a very good piece on how things work between labels and artists here:
I've posted this link before when the labels' investment in the artists and recording/distribution has popped up here, but I feel it bears repetition, as too many people outside the industry don't understand how things go down, and might buy into some of the misinformation spread by the RIAA and the labels.
Just wondering if a straight key as was pictured ITFA or a "bug" type of dual-paddle key was used?
This http://www.morsex.com/ghd/gn107.jpg is the sort of key I'm refering to. (Yes, I have sweet memories of nights tuning the S.W. bands, listening with my trusty old Hallicrafters receiver and the hulking Johnson Viking II transmitter and Johnson Thunderbolt final P.A. tubes taking the chill out of the shed, my fingers tapping away at the old military Vibroplex "Lightning Bug" key I'd gotten at the hamfest:) )
A capable operator equipped with a key like that can send ( and with a practiced receiving ear, "hear" the words and phrases just as quickly) an amazing amount of data in a given time. Of course, that also applies to some extent even in the case of the straight key. For a very long time, hand-keyed Morse code was THE high tech transmission mode both for wire telegraph and radio starting with spark-gap.
I've been a linux user for a few years now, and have recently "discovered" FreeBSD through FreeSBIE LiveCD project http://www.freesbie.org/. Up to that time, I had made a couple of install attempts of FreeBSD 5.3 Release with limited success, and had put further exploration on the back burner.
Having finally had a chance to experience (and have a successful harddrive install through the FreeSBIE install scripts) a FreeBSD desktop environment (XFCE4 in the case of FreeSBIE, with Fluxbox being the other choice in FreeSBIE) I've now caught the *BSD bug, and have learned much through having a working FreeBSD desktop environment from which to learn, since for me, it's easier to fix something that you know once worked, and by troubleshooting what went wrong, learn much more about the system than the problem would strictly encompass.
Without that "leg-up" to a functioning FreeBSD install, I might still be using linux only, and not have yet discovered the strengths of the various *BSDs and the opportunity to learn the basics of a new (to me) powerful operating system, with somewhat limited time in my schedule.
I am delighted to find another *BSD-based desktop-oriented distro. I have to disagree with the attitude that "BSD is not meant for the average Joe". BSD is capable of being whatever one needs, that is one of the beauties of it.
Nearly any "server environment" requires trained admins, regardless of the operating system used, since the level of knowledge required is more a function of the application to which it is being applied, as opposed to the "user-friendliness" in this case, IMHO.
As mentioned, it can't but help all of the *BSDs to increase their user base, possibly even kill the/. meme: "netcraft confirms: BSD is dead". Well, one can dream.:)
"Boycotts can be effective, but it's not the greatest idea to make the artists suffer because of the actions of an organization that their record label belongs to."
Perhaps if the choice of an artist to sign with an RIAA-member is made even more unattractive, more artists will start looking for alternate methods and entities to distribute their work. Too many artists still see a big RIAA-label contract as the big payoff, despite horrible contract terms and the current bad publicity.
If the money dries up even further, they might finally overcome this "big-RIAA-label-contract=riches" meme, and start to deprive the RIAA and their labels of cheap fodder.
Btw, I am a linux/FreeBSD-using musician with one CD out and another in the works, so I am sympathetic to musicians/artists. Just not to those that choose to encumber themselves and support, through the power that this grants the RIAA and labels, the further abuse of both consumers and fellow musicians/artists.
The secret is to make them think your dead! Posting from FreeBSD 5.3-RELEASE-p2/Firefox 1.0.3:D
Seriously though, spy/ad/mal-ware can be avoided to a great extent by knowledgeable users and safe browsing habits.
Security issues and vulnerabilities in Windows raises the likelyhood of becoming a victim and raises the level of user competence required to keep a net connected Windows PC usable for a given amount of time.
Both the time involved in user education and the shortened time of usability before cleaning/reformating is necessary increases cost.
These costs, both to individuals and, possibly more importantly, to corporations is IMHO the main driving force for this. It also doesn't hurt Spitzers' image that he's also getting favorable press from the online community as well.
A no-brainer for Spitzer..stomp on these parasites and get kudos from potential campaign contributors both individual and corporate and a ton of name recognition. Not saying his motivations are purely a plan to prep him for a future run for office, but it is convenient for him to be able to do something good and increase his chances at gaining office all in one fell swoop.
"I would add a firewall in there, unless you are running sp2."
Why "..unless you are running sp2."? From what I understand, the firewall in xp is overall not very good, and at that, only blocks incoming connections, not outbound. I would have stopped at "I would add a firewall in there." I'm not trying to be obtuse, as I have never installed/ran xp. My last MS OS was 98SE, and have switched to linux/FreeBSD on all my machines, so I may be wrong on this.
I worked for many years (over 30 years..saw the change to solid-state from vacuum-tubes) as an electronics repair tech on everything from consumer electronics to industrial automation to aircraft avionics.
That said, the number one and two killers of CD/DVD drives in my bench experience are physical shock that knocks the optics out of alignment, and using 'cleaning discs' that also fsck the optics alignment, with dust/smoke residue coming in a distant third.
On some of the older drives, there were also trimmer-adjustments for various parameters in the support cicuitry that could become out of spec due to age and other factors, as well as being barely in-spec from the factory to start with. These trimmers (if they exist) should only be tweaked if you have the proper test equipment (*good* oscilloscope, DMM, frequency counter, signal generator at a minimum) and tech manuals with values and procedures specified, otherwise you'll have junk quickly.
The bargain drives aren't really such a bargain, as the quality of components and initial alignment/adjustment and quality assurance are marginal at best. As has been the trend for some time now with most consumer electronics, it's easier and cheaper to just replace it rather than repair it.
I noticed a few posts mentioning using compressed/canned air cleaning. This is about the best method, but use caution. The pressure of a compressed-air blast at close range to the optic head can damage it also. The actual optic lens assembly floats on extremely fragile, tiny springs, and is very easy to damage with a strong blast of air.
Overall, the best ways to get maximum life out of your CD/DVD drives are to handle them like the fragile devices they are, don't use "cleaning discs", and by whatever method, try to keep dust/smoke/etc. away from the drives.
"I'm guessing that the only real downloads a Wine user would be making are updates for Office, correct? I'm drawing a blank on what else it could be."
Besides updates for MSOffice on WINE/Crossover Office, most users also d/l and install a copy of Internet Explorer and DCOM95, as well as some will even d/l Outlook Express, although I don't/wouldn't bother, as well as WMP, all of which appear in the available installable software list in Crossover Office Setup screen by default, IIRC.
"If you are being harassed by any law enforcement officer, please ask them why the Executive Branch is becoming involved in a civil matter. Alteratively, you can explain that you are gathering photographs for the news outlet "slashdot.org." Furthermore, explain that a copyrighted work, in a public place, can be reproduced for Fair-Use reasons, including the gathering and reporting of news."
When dealing with cops in real life, especially Chicago cops, your best bet is to simply say "Yes Officer, no problem sir." and deal with the situation through a lawsuit. Otherwise, you'll likely be making those explanations to the officers' billy club, then to the piece of pavement you'd find your face being ground into as you are arrested for any number of charges, such as disorderly conduct, obstructing a police officer, and other such charges used where the police want to arrest you, but don't really have anything substantial to charge you with. You cooperate with cops, you argue and explain in court.
"This seems to be the one thing on the list that I could not imagine as being endangered. A/D and D/A converters are essential components in todays digitized world. They are necessary to allow us to view our content in our analog environment while storing and processing it in the digital world. Don't expect these to disappear anytime soon. "
You are correct, A/D and D/A convertors themselves as a function will not disappear. However, the functions can be included on-chip such that there is no anolog "hole" other than the inputs and outputs, with the content control/DRM included on the same piece of silicon.
The commonly referred to scenario I've heard is all A/D-D/A functions would be on proprietary and highly-regulated large-scale "all-in-one" chips (like the 'radio-on-a-chip' with everything on one chip except power, antenna, controls, and speaker(s)), with further regulation banning the manufacture/sale/import/export/use/possesion of unauthorized convertors.
"Copyright covers far more than software, and, well, for software, 5-10 years will still be too long (anyone 'still use Windows 98 or Office 98?). "
Just to point out, I *do* still have a copy of Win98SE that originally came with this machine and a legit copy of Office '97 on one partition (now multiple harddrives, and usually at least 3 different linux distros, including a recent freeBSD 5.3 install). I still use it for gaming and the times when compatibility issues force it, and there's still updates (for now). The 5-10 year limit might still be too long, but not for that example. That is if you favor software patents in the first place.
Seeing as the subject of artist-label relations has come up again, I'll post this link to an excellent piece from a music industry veteran again http://www.negativland.com/albini.html
Personally, being a musician myself, I will not sign with a label as they are now. New means of distribution are growing, and that is truly what they fear. Not possible lost sales due to personal sharing, but the rise of distribution and marketing channels independent of their control. That control is why artists up until now and for some time to come will be at a disadvantage. At least until the alternate channels mature.
Don't usually reply to my own posts, but it's funny to see how the mods take a simple polite and thoughtful reply pointing out that different countries will elect leaders that best reflect their own interests as a troll if it disagrees with their interests and biases. Sort of makes my point, in a sad way. Thanks for the empirical proof.
" Would this be the same Strat from Maxforums, by chance? Haven't been THERE in a while...:("
No, sorry..never even visted there, let alone posted. Although with such apparently refined tastes in both guitars and s/n's, he must be a particularly charming and intelligent fellow, not to mention devilishly good-looking.:-D
"Oh my god, how can be reelected again a patetic monkey such George W. Bush?? I can't believe USA is so stupid. I thought 4 years of global shit was enought to fire that crazy man... But of course USA is different. I hope american people wouldn't suffer too much because of this. The only thing I can assure is that Europe, China and other powerful countries are going to lead in the 21st century. It's a shame, it was a good opportunity for USA to show the world they could do the right thing."
Not to feed the troll, but it needs to be said. What we have done is elect the man of *our* choice to protect *our* interests, the same as the people of any other country with a choice will elect the leader *they* think will protect *their* interests. That the interests of the U.S.A. and that of other countries, many of which aren't exactly our friends in deed, (despite platitudes to the contrary, and some quite vocally and even materially opposed to nearly anything pro-U.S.) differs greatly is to be expected.
Slashdot Mirror
Sorry, the #freesbie IRC channel is on irc.azzurra.org D'OHH!
I had similar lack of knowledge and experience issues back when I first started down the linux/*BSD path, and it can be quite intimidating to a newcomer to *nix-based OSs.
a in and for FreeBSD there is FreeSBIE http://www.freesbie.org/ which gave me my leg-up with the steep part of the learning curve for FreeBSD (the developers at #freesbie on Azzura.net on IRC are helpful and friendly!).
Fortunately, these days it is much easier to get a handle on basic linux and *BSD operation/configuration/etc. There are now many excellent LiveCD distributions out there, including both linux and FreeBSD (FreeSBIE project).
They allow a newcomer to experience an operational, mostly configured system without risking your existing OS and data, and get familiar with it, and most can be installed to a hard drive while saving the configurations that were auto-detected by the LiveCD startup.
There are many flavors of linux LiveCD distributions out there like Knoppix http://www.knoppix.net/ and even "specialty" LiveCDs like P.H.L.A.K.(Professional Hackers Linux Assault Kit) http://www.phlak.org/ or Auditor http://new.remote-exploit.org/index.php/Auditor_m
Good luck, hope that helps!
Strat
"Wormholes with smooth or classical spacetimes appear to be unstable and fall apart quickly."
Could this be a clue that wormholes are only stable as long as their "perfection" is altered/modulated by data being transferred by some method, so that they are in a constant state of change? Just a thought that occurred to me, I'm not a cosmologist or physicist, etc.
Strat
..will I run linux? Can I run a beowulf cluster of me?
"However, we control our own computers. Therefore, if we fight a war of software, the advantage goes to us."
This also they would like to do away with. Through proposed changes to a "thin-client" type software and entertainment content "subscriber" model to things like NGSCB/Trusted Computing.
Not trying to sound tin-hattish, just pointing out that this idea of removing or limiting general-purpose computers as a consumer item has not been overlooked by those in power.
Cheers
Strat
Lando: Wait, we had a deal!!
Vader: I have altered the deal..pray I do not alter it further.
Apparently, the Australian government didn't learn what happens when you make a "deal" with the Empire.
Strat
"Which would you be more concerned about if you're heavily investing large quantities of money into funding the creation, recording, and promotion of music?"
Not arguing anything, but I thought it might be good to point out here that the artist pays for all the recording and promotional costs. Artists usually receive no payment after a recording is made from the recordings' sale until, in the labels' opinion, it's costs have been repaid. There's a very good piece on how things work between labels and artists here:
http://www.negativland.com/albini.html
I've posted this link before when the labels' investment in the artists and recording/distribution has popped up here, but I feel it bears repetition, as too many people outside the industry don't understand how things go down, and might buy into some of the misinformation spread by the RIAA and the labels.
Cheers,
Strat
Just wondering if a straight key as was pictured ITFA or a "bug" type of dual-paddle key was used?
:) )
This http://www.morsex.com/ghd/gn107.jpg is the sort of key I'm refering to. (Yes, I have sweet memories of nights tuning the S.W. bands, listening with my trusty old Hallicrafters receiver and the hulking Johnson Viking II transmitter and Johnson Thunderbolt final P.A. tubes taking the chill out of the shed, my fingers tapping away at the old military Vibroplex "Lightning Bug" key I'd gotten at the hamfest
A capable operator equipped with a key like that can send ( and with a practiced receiving ear, "hear" the words and phrases just as quickly) an amazing amount of data in a given time. Of course, that also applies to some extent even in the case of the straight key. For a very long time, hand-keyed Morse code was THE high tech transmission mode both for wire telegraph and radio starting with spark-gap.
Strat
I've been a linux user for a few years now, and have recently "discovered" FreeBSD through FreeSBIE LiveCD project http://www.freesbie.org/. Up to that time, I had made a couple of install attempts of FreeBSD 5.3 Release with limited success, and had put further exploration on the back burner.
/. meme: "netcraft confirms: BSD is dead". :)
Having finally had a chance to experience (and have a successful harddrive install through the FreeSBIE install scripts) a FreeBSD desktop environment (XFCE4 in the case of FreeSBIE, with Fluxbox being the other choice in FreeSBIE) I've now caught the *BSD bug, and have learned much through having a working FreeBSD desktop environment from which to learn, since for me, it's easier to fix something that you know once worked, and by troubleshooting what went wrong, learn much more about the system than the problem would strictly encompass.
Without that "leg-up" to a functioning FreeBSD install, I might still be using linux only, and not have yet discovered the strengths of the various *BSDs and the opportunity to learn the basics of a new (to me) powerful operating system, with somewhat limited time in my schedule.
I am delighted to find another *BSD-based desktop-oriented distro. I have to disagree with the attitude that "BSD is not meant for the average Joe". BSD is capable of being whatever one needs, that is one of the beauties of it.
Nearly any "server environment" requires trained admins, regardless of the operating system used, since the level of knowledge required is more a function of the application to which it is being applied, as opposed to the "user-friendliness" in this case, IMHO.
As mentioned, it can't but help all of the *BSDs to increase their user base, possibly even kill the
Well, one can dream.
Strat
"Boycotts can be effective, but it's not the greatest idea to make the artists suffer because of the actions of an organization that their record label belongs to."
Perhaps if the choice of an artist to sign with an RIAA-member is made even more unattractive, more artists will start looking for alternate methods and entities to distribute their work. Too many artists still see a big RIAA-label contract as the big payoff, despite horrible contract terms and the current bad publicity.
If the money dries up even further, they might finally overcome this "big-RIAA-label-contract=riches" meme, and start to deprive the RIAA and their labels of cheap fodder.
Btw, I am a linux/FreeBSD-using musician with one CD out and another in the works, so I am sympathetic to musicians/artists. Just not to those that choose to encumber themselves and support, through the power that this grants the RIAA and labels, the further abuse of both consumers and fellow musicians/artists.
Cheers!
Strat
The secret is to make them think your dead! :D
Posting from FreeBSD 5.3-RELEASE-p2/Firefox 1.0.3
Seriously though, spy/ad/mal-ware can be avoided to a great extent by knowledgeable users and safe browsing habits.
Security issues and vulnerabilities in Windows raises the likelyhood of becoming a victim and raises the level of user competence required to keep a net connected Windows PC usable for a given amount of time.
Both the time involved in user education and the shortened time of usability before cleaning/reformating is necessary increases cost.
These costs, both to individuals and, possibly more importantly, to corporations is IMHO the main driving force for this. It also doesn't hurt Spitzers' image that he's also getting favorable press from the online community as well.
A no-brainer for Spitzer..stomp on these parasites and get kudos from potential campaign contributors both individual and corporate and a ton of name recognition. Not saying his motivations are purely a plan to prep him for a future run for office, but it is convenient for him to be able to do something good and increase his chances at gaining office all in one fell swoop.
Cheers!
Strat
"I would add a firewall in there, unless you are running sp2."
Why "..unless you are running sp2."? From what I understand, the firewall in xp is overall not very good, and at that, only blocks incoming connections, not outbound. I would have stopped at "I would add a firewall in there." I'm not trying to be obtuse, as I have never installed/ran xp. My last MS OS was 98SE, and have switched to linux/FreeBSD on all my machines, so I may be wrong on this.
Cheers!
Strat
I worked for many years (over 30 years..saw the change to solid-state from vacuum-tubes) as an electronics repair tech on everything from consumer electronics to industrial automation to aircraft avionics.
That said, the number one and two killers of CD/DVD drives in my bench experience are physical shock that knocks the optics out of alignment, and using 'cleaning discs' that also fsck the optics alignment, with dust/smoke residue coming in a distant third.
On some of the older drives, there were also trimmer-adjustments for various parameters in the support cicuitry that could become out of spec due to age and other factors, as well as being barely in-spec from the factory to start with. These trimmers (if they exist) should only be tweaked if you have the proper test equipment (*good* oscilloscope, DMM, frequency counter, signal generator at a minimum) and tech manuals with values and procedures specified, otherwise you'll have junk quickly.
The bargain drives aren't really such a bargain, as the quality of components and initial alignment/adjustment and quality assurance are marginal at best. As has been the trend for some time now with most consumer electronics, it's easier and cheaper to just replace it rather than repair it.
I noticed a few posts mentioning using compressed/canned air cleaning. This is about the best method, but use caution. The pressure of a compressed-air blast at close range to the optic head can damage it also. The actual optic lens assembly floats on extremely fragile, tiny springs, and is very easy to damage with a strong blast of air.
Overall, the best ways to get maximum life out of your CD/DVD drives are to handle them like the fragile devices they are, don't use "cleaning discs", and by whatever method, try to keep dust/smoke/etc. away from the drives.
Hope that helps.
Strat
"What will the RIAA do about a bunch of little green creatures on Quidnark-37 illegaly twisting to Chubby Checker?"
Quidnarkian 1: Hey! These sure are great tunes!
Quidnarkian 2: Yeah they sure are!
Quidnarkian 1: Let's sit here under the light of the moon and listen!
Quidnarkian 2: That's no moon!! It's the DRM-Star!!!!! AAAAAAAAAGGGGHHHH!!!!! (Planet explodes)
(With apologies to Star Wars fans)
"I'm guessing that the only real downloads a Wine user would be making are updates for Office, correct? I'm drawing a blank on what else it could be."
Besides updates for MSOffice on WINE/Crossover Office, most users also d/l and install a copy of Internet Explorer and DCOM95, as well as some will even d/l Outlook Express, although I don't/wouldn't bother, as well as WMP, all of which appear in the available installable software list in Crossover Office Setup screen by default, IIRC.
Cheers
Strat
"If you are being harassed by any law enforcement officer, please ask them why the Executive Branch is becoming involved in a civil matter. Alteratively, you can explain that you are gathering photographs for the news outlet "slashdot.org." Furthermore, explain that a copyrighted work, in a public place, can be reproduced for Fair-Use reasons, including the gathering and reporting of news."
When dealing with cops in real life, especially Chicago cops, your best bet is to simply say "Yes Officer, no problem sir." and deal with the situation through a lawsuit. Otherwise, you'll likely be making those explanations to the officers' billy club, then to the piece of pavement you'd find your face being ground into as you are arrested for any number of charges, such as disorderly conduct, obstructing a police officer, and other such charges used where the police want to arrest you, but don't really have anything substantial to charge you with. You cooperate with cops, you argue and explain in court.
Strat
Since I haven't seen it posted so far, here's a link to a piece on TCPA/Trusted Computing.
http://www.cl.cam.ac.uk/~rja14/tcpa-faq.html
It has some answers to the questions/issues you address, and is quite a scary read for anyone that values individual freedom. Hope that helps.
Strat
"I have to question any organization that uses as many distortions, untruths and outright lies to make a point. "
You mean like the media companies/groups do regularly, even hiring people to "astroturf" forums like this one?
Strat
"This seems to be the one thing on the list that I could not imagine as being endangered. A/D and D/A converters are essential components in todays digitized world. They are necessary to allow us to view our content in our analog environment while storing and processing it in the digital world. Don't expect these to disappear anytime soon. "
You are correct, A/D and D/A convertors themselves as a function will not disappear. However, the functions can be included on-chip such that there is no anolog "hole" other than the inputs and outputs, with the content control/DRM included on the same piece of silicon.
The commonly referred to scenario I've heard is all A/D-D/A functions would be on proprietary and highly-regulated large-scale "all-in-one" chips (like the 'radio-on-a-chip' with everything on one chip except power, antenna, controls, and speaker(s)), with further regulation banning the manufacture/sale/import/export/use/possesion of unauthorized convertors.
Strat
"Copyright covers far more than software, and, well, for software, 5-10 years will still be too long (anyone 'still use Windows 98 or Office 98?). "
Just to point out, I *do* still have a copy of Win98SE that originally came with this machine and a legit copy of Office '97 on one partition (now multiple harddrives, and usually at least 3 different linux distros, including a recent freeBSD 5.3 install). I still use it for gaming and the times when compatibility issues force it, and there's still updates (for now). The 5-10 year limit might still be too long, but not for that example. That is if you favor software patents in the first place.
Strat
Seeing as the subject of artist-label relations has come up again, I'll post this link to an excellent piece from a music industry veteran again http://www.negativland.com/albini.html
Personally, being a musician myself, I will not sign with a label as they are now. New means of distribution are growing, and that is truly what they fear. Not possible lost sales due to personal sharing, but the rise of distribution and marketing channels independent of their control. That control is why artists up until now and for some time to come will be at a disadvantage. At least until the alternate channels mature.
Strat
"Given how things currently are, I'd rather be with the sharks. Even as bait.
Does that tell you anything?"
That you're a very, erm, "chummy" person?
Thanks, I'll be here all week..try the veal.
Don't usually reply to my own posts, but it's funny to see how the mods take a simple polite and thoughtful reply pointing out that different countries will elect leaders that best reflect their own interests as a troll if it disagrees with their interests and biases. Sort of makes my point, in a sad way. Thanks for the empirical proof.
Cheers
Strat
" Would this be the same Strat from Maxforums, by chance? Haven't been THERE in a while... :("
:-D
No, sorry..never even visted there, let alone posted. Although with such apparently refined tastes in both guitars and s/n's, he must be a particularly charming and intelligent fellow, not to mention devilishly good-looking.
Strat
"Oh my god, how can be reelected again a patetic monkey such George W. Bush?? I can't believe USA is so stupid. I thought 4 years of global shit was enought to fire that crazy man... But of course USA is different. I hope american people wouldn't suffer too much because of this. The only thing I can assure is that Europe, China and other powerful countries are going to lead in the 21st century.
It's a shame, it was a good opportunity for USA to show the world they could do the right thing."
Not to feed the troll, but it needs to be said. What we have done is elect the man of *our* choice to protect *our* interests, the same as the people of any other country with a choice will elect the leader *they* think will protect *their* interests. That the interests of the U.S.A. and that of other countries, many of which aren't exactly our friends in deed, (despite platitudes to the contrary, and some quite vocally and even materially opposed to nearly anything pro-U.S.) differs greatly is to be expected.
Cheers
Strat