Given the way many on Wall St approach Capitalism, it could be argued that they are very religious. Similar on the Communist side where actions are taken to the extreme and no other viewpoint is accepted. When one begins to worship an economic system, it gets more and more like religious Dogma, not free will.
Indeed, I could imagine AQ thinking "What is the sacrifice of a few thousand for the greater glory of Isam and the destruction of the Western imperial powers".
AQ gets the US to bomb Syria, Russia flips and fires on our Destroyers and planes (they are after all allies of Syria), we then need to retaliate for Russia attacking our assets and the whole time a bunch of pissant little terrorists sit back and watch the wonder they wrought with just a few well placed bombs. Normally I reserve this for when I read Clancy Novels, but sadly it seems to close to reality to ignore.
I'll be clear, that article was a bunch of bullshit. Unnamed sources, conflicting stories, over the top innuendos that come together to to a good job of discrediting the man, thus his motive and his data. The story is a hack job of low hanging dfruit to get other media outlets an opportunity to shape or spin the idea that Mr. Snowden was not acting in the greater interests of the People, but was really "working for the Russians".
" because Havana, under pressure from Washington, said it would not allow the plane to land."
Are you serious. Cube caving to pressure from the United States? That is laughable. Russia maybe, the US...right
"All I can say is that I have absolutely no idea about this," Ho said. "I was only his legal adviser and was not fully involved in his dealings." This from the local legal representative in Hong Kong. A person whom I would think likes to keep tabs on his very high profile client. Then this completely worthless statement
"A spokeswoman for the consulate in Hong Kong would neither confirm nor comment on the report.". So that lends what to the the legitimacy of the story? Nothing, but it does what it always intends, casts doubt. "What are they hiding, he really must have been there otherwise they'd say he was not".
The marketing department for the NSA and the US government is really starting to ramp up the spin. "Mr. Snowden must be a spy, he ran right to the communists.". "Mr. Snowden is a traitor for releasing secrets to our Russian enemies". Mr. Snowden is a terrorist because he helped them communicate better in secret" and the sad thing is the majority of the US (And world) population will buy the story hook line and sinker.
Then on the other side, even my supposed thoughtful reporting NPR station put out anotehr fluff piece, this time about the NSA LOVEINT activities. The two reporters made it seem like a joke, a trivial action taken by so "oh so naughty" analysts instead of what it was, a sever breach of privacy; an act that would put an average citizen in jail under arrest. The NSA violated the privacy rights of American citizens and it is reported as "shame on you, don't do that again"...sigh.
As a final point to the spin, Congress, coming back from break will not be able to investigate any violations to the Constitution by the NSA for the American public was just made aware the the Government "miscalculated" when we need to raise the debt ceiling and it needs to happen soon...let the hilarity begin. If that is not enough the President wants to shoot exploding objects into Syria which certainly means the media will be quite focused on anything but the NSA travails.
Right now, everything said about Syria is close to a dup for Iraq before the war. Obama, the man who voted against action in Iraq now ponders whether to attack Syria. If Assad bombed his own people with gas then he is despicable, disgusting, and immoral and worthy to be brought to justice for war crimes and crime against humanity. Syria, like this article is just a tool to divert attention away from the systematic destruction of privacy in this country. Sad times. Sad times.
If I just held my hand out for an extended period I could see that effect. However, when I work I am not always having my hands on the mouse or keyboard. They move on off, they rest. What I would envision using this technology is people using gestures to "draw", "move", "shape" then rest as they look at the change. Sculpture artists certain have the arms/hands extended for long periods working art, painters also come to mind as people who use gestures to perform their craft and I don't sense they are effected by this gorilla arm issue.
I don't see Holographic programming coming to a cubicle near me any time soon, but the idea of designing something with one hands moving away from the body seems to have been a round a long time.
But it is possible that he ate and drank before going to the airport. He may have had a nice meal, he might have drank some water at some point along the way. So sure, after relieving himself he may have been able to wait, but the 18 hours was in addition to the initial time spent waiting. In fact we don't have a clear idea how long the really took for we don't know when it started. Also, 18 hours and he did not sleep? He never mentioned sleep, even in passing like "At some point I slept for a few hours in those 18" See, to much detail in one sense, way to little in another. Also, if he was kept awake for 18 hours then that is even more close to torture. Let's do some critical thinking before blind acceptance.
Okay, that line was not as well formed as I would have liked. You are correct and I contradicted myself a bit without realizing. It just strikes me that there is a lot of looking the other way in some areas of crime versus others. The FBI can create a sting to capture a would be bomber (is that allowed), but they can't or wont do the same to catch a potential white collar criminal?
... Do you expect massive media organizations to be owned by some poverty line stricken schmuck in South Dakota living in the middle of the woods with no job?
No. I am uncomfortable that they are owned by big corporations. I am troubled that over time this country ignored the process that tied Journalism to corporate profits so that today *only* people with massive amounts of money control the dissemination of news. The rest of your comment is specious and lacking in value.
Exactly, which is why I am surprised the parent got marked as troll. It is a reasonable question and statement. There was one thing that bothered me (and I did RTFA), at one point is states he was held for 18 hours and never got a chance to drink water (or eat). What I did not hear him say was that he needed to go to the bathroom
I sat back down and waited some more. Another time, I looked up and noticed that a different officer was guarding the door. By this time, I hadn’t had any food or water in almost eighteen hours.
now 18 hours is a long time to go without food and water, but I would also think a very long time to go without taking a bathroom break. Had he gone to the bathroom he could at least then been able to get some water. No mention of being denied the chance to relieve himself, no comment about how hard it was to "hold it in" till he was done. To be denied that basic right could be construed as torture and I think any good lawyer would be all over that bit of information. Newspapers would be headlining "Hindu Held and Tortured by TSA". Instead was can only assume he can really hold his water and shit for a very long time.
Someone just got their 15 minutes of fame in a very sad way.
I think he would be classified as a victim, not a witness and there is no corroboration to the story. Another post talked about collecting information on this story, but it is hard to do since there are no "facts" to back this up. If this had happened to me, as a victim I would put in there things like the date it happened, the flight number, a name or two. Things that could be checked out if someone choose to do so. That is why I see this is a story and one that is getting the wrong attention for it is being treated as real when it seems more fiction.
Thank you, again someone today voiced my thoughts. I think it was when he mentions the wink that I confirmed my own suspicions. After all the time, this is a detail he remembers, but he cannot recall to state the names of even one of the figures who questioned him? It was an somewhat entertaining story and an editor at/. turned it into a huge troll.
No fan of what is happening to this country, certainly no fan to agencies like the TSA, but it galls me that someone would play upon our emotions to try and get attention using a false story. Given that there are enough true ones floating around that can be corroborated, it would be great for this one to fade away. Now, if our protagonist wishes to post his text messages to his friends? If he wishes to publicly name names? If he wishes to fight this in court (for it seems obvious his rights were violated when the TSA agent "took" his bag and would not let him leave) then its a story that should be on page one.
Did was listen to the same report? She did an excellent job within some narrow confine of a fluff piece about the retiring of an FBI agent, but it was little on substance and great PR for Muller and the "new" FBI. On one level I really don't give a shit about some top level official retiring unless there is some substance, something news worthy, otherwise her piece was just a variation on the introduction some other inbred official was giving in the background of her report. "Blue blazer, kackie pants...blah blah blah...like he was some ordinary guy when Mr. Muller was far from ordinary.
How about she asked "Mr. Muller, as you retire from the FBI, do you feel that government officials are above the law or can break the law in order to enforce other parts of the law?" "Mr. Muller, the FBI has done a good job of stopping most bombings in the country, (though Boston seemed to be missed), what effort has the FBI made under your watch to bring those who destroyed thousands of lives in potentially illegal trade actions to justice. Do you stay awake at night thinking about the thousands of people made homeless, lives ruined at the hands of white collar criminals?" "Have you talked to the families of people who committed suicide, because some executive broke the law and foreclosed on homes with no oversight or review?"
Now those would be questions worthy to listen too for a response.
You mirrored my thoughts so well I wanted to thank you for expressing them. Just this morning I am listening to an NPR article where the NPR "reporter" interviewed Mr. Muller, soon to be retired head of the FBI. Generally it was a fluff piece, but what started to bother me was when they talked about 9/11 and how the FBI, Federal Bureau of Investigation, was now tasked with protecting our country from *terrorist* and acting *preemptively*. Really? I thought, When did Investigation turn in to Surveillance (aka FBS).
So Mr. Muller tells us that instead of focusing on small things like white collar crime and violent crime he now needs to focus on an incredibly small group of people who pale compared to the terrorism Bankers, Hedge Fund managers, and other white collar criminals have committed against the people of this country. He even states, "We only have some much money so we spend it chasing bad guys with bombs that we cannot catch till after they explode"...well, my interpretation of he banal comment.
Normally I am not a conspiracy type of person, but I cannot help, but wonder that after 9/11 as all of our law enforcement is now shifted to l;ook for bad guys in the desert, laws like Glass-Segal are repealed, Wall Street investment brings this country (and the world) almost to the point of ruin, and the FBI was unable to investigate, because they were spending so much time looking for terrorists. Good timing.
My final thought as I listened to the end of this fluff was that the NPR reporter was just another tool to be used in a propaganda machine. She didn't ask or talk about why the FBI felt white collar crime was less important, she did not ask or push questions about unwarranted surveillance an d the FBI's role, and she certainly did not act like a reporter; she acted like a prop for a show. Very disappointing. I fear that investigative journalism is all but buried as Corporations hold more control of media centers. Ask the hard questions and soon you are shut out of access and the talking heads still get face time from the toodies trotted out by primary Media conglomerates.
Fox - Owned by Rupert Murdoch (and branched in many countries) ABC - Owned by Walt Disney Corp NBC - Owned by General Electric CBS - Viacom, but ( Predecessor firms of Viacom include Gulf+Western, which later became Paramount Communications Inc., and Westinghouse Electric Corporation. CNN - Time Warner
Iit is amazing how only 4 major conglomerates control, TV, Radio, Print, and more and more Internet media to the point where most of the content was absorb comes from only these four sources..
In a country that championed the idea of the 4th Estate, it has been supplanted by a Jim Taylor machine so vast it may not be brought down. Even NPR, my bastion of good reporting now seems to be losing ground. (sigh)
Clearly it was not the lack of eyes, nose and mouth, but the dark suits that made them stand out. To me, they looked like normal government agents whom are trained to have the people not pay attention to their features. This way they later cannot be identified in any court room.
Out of all the comments you really came to the heart of it. Between Congress signing "pledges" that run contrary to their oath, Presidents ignoring the Constitution, and the Supreme court becoming "Creative" with their rulings...how can it be corrected. Voting is not the best option any more for it cannot be trusted. WHat other option is left for "The People"?
I can see it now, a multitude of/.ers downloading, installing then running the program, playing with probe settings to the point where the whole Internet (yes, more then just Web) is brought down by the/. effect
It is nice to see I am not the only one to recognize this pattern. I chuckle at all the market speak buzz words that surround "new" technology, but is in fact, a rehashed version of the same old stuff (I cut my teeth on a smaller cousin around the same time). As I have had to re-invent myself three times over I keep getting asked questions like "what language do your write in?" or "What experience do you have in developing applications?" Really? I've coded in languages I've now forgotten and written more "apps" then I can remember and yet I am asked "What experience do I have...." (sigh).
I sometimes hope the singularity will come soon so I can retire (who needs programmers anymore) and take care of horses. Till then I remain on the marry go round.
mayhap the Parent is considering local taxes. In theory a company is paying into the local infrastructure through property taxes or other such taxes. Alas, said municipalities tend to throw out the water, the baby, and the wash tub to get a company like Google or Apple to move (or stay). I figure they (the local politicians) think that with more local employees (paying taxes) it will offset the give away. It could be an interesting study to see if relaxing local tax burden (or regulations) on a company actually increases revenue with increased employment.
On the other hand, The same companies can just as quickly drop the employee base, thus causing a drag on the local economy as folks start to struggle to pay their own taxes or they move away. I also feel that the employees pay much more in federal the local taxes. so 20K goes to the IRS, but how much of that 20K comes back to the local area.
I agree with everything you say and as a long time member of/. have seen this type of discussion slosh around enough times to mainly just ignore the "that does not belong here" argument. Having dabbled in Reddit and drifting through other commentary sections (slate/HuffPo) I find the comments, as a whole, here on/. to be the most rewarding.
What that said, I do disagree about the Fox new bit. 99.99% of the time I avoid links to fox news pages for it tands to be hyperbolic nonsense. In this case I found the article quite fascinating and the general idea worth discussion. In today's world, what is the definition of a soldier? Did the founding father's mean a literal (military) definition or a more broad (Authoritarian) view. In these hallowed pages we have discussed far more esoteric new items and "Nerds" is not confined to science. There can be law nerds as well.
I also think that the article its self is disturbing in the trend that is being set by local governments. If we can get more into a talk about the 4th, just because it relates to computers, but the deeper discussion is really about Citizen rights, in the case of the 3rd it has a similar taste. A man refuses the local Gendarmes (police, soldiers?) access to his private home and instead of respecting his right, either in the 4th (right to privacy) or the 3rd (no quartering) they instead harass and arrest him. Patterns are being set that frankly start to concern me for it is a thin line that separates the America of the Constitution and an America that looks more like Egypt. That line is the respect of the People and the Laws that protect them. For me, that is News That Matters.
I checked out the sketch2Photo site...Amazing! To think you can draw an idea, present it to this program and out pops a photo?
To get this out, I am in agreement that there should be no patent award to Bill. When I read the summary my first thought was "This is the beginning of the end to imagination". I feel their "idea" diminishes the requirement that children learn to use their imagination, to create a place, scene, or person and Bill's idea would jsut take any effort away.
What I see in a program like S2P as a tool in exercising imagination. A kid could draw a Unicorn playing with a Bear by a lake and this program puts depth to the effort. The only concern I would have is that something like this could impact Art. Not sure how, but I get this feeling it changes what is Art and what is the creative process.
According to their web site, that is not completely true
The Solatube 160 DSe provides the ultimate in energy-efficient daylighting. Delivering natural light to spaces up to 200 sq. ft., it is designed to minimize heat loss in extremely cold climates and heat gain in extremely warm climates. As a result, this product has earned an Energy Star rating.
Everything I see about them is that they are no worse then a window/skylight and perhaps better on heat exchange. The residential model seem more for small areas and I have a @ 800sqft room I'd love to light up so it may be cost prohibative, but a pretty good product overall.
I disagree with this thought. NSA, emails, PRISM...these can be esoteric ideas to people who do not live in or around a digital world. For those who don't use these systems all the time, who can't grasp what an email is, a text message, or how "open" a broadband call can be there is a need to put the issue into a context they can connect with at first.
The use of Michelle's diary is more inflammatory, I agree, but an analogy that makes it personal would do much to put into context how important this topic is to all American citizens. So what I might say is
Every American citizen has a right to privacy as guaranteed by the 4th amendment of the Constitution. The NSA, a government agency sworn to uphold the constitution, is spying on all Americans whether they have committed a crime or not. It is like if you have a diary or journal and you keep it locked. It does not matter what is inside, it is your private writing. Some stranger figures a way to open that book and can read what you wrote without your permission. The NSA has read your diary and what ever you wrote in there can now be made public and everyone can read it. Do you still want the NSA to be allowed to do this even if you have not committed any crime? That is why it is very important for them to not only get permission, but do so in a way that is accountable to the law, the 4th amendment.
(or words to that effect). I don't like the view that most American's are stupid, 4th grade level zombies without the ability to understand issues. That's insulting to people. I have come to accept that people (myself included) do sometimes need an abstract idea put into concrete terms first so it is relatable to experience. Once they "get it" then the extension into other more esoteric thoughts can occur.
agreed. Perhaps I was being somewhat fanciful. The cgi Elysium reminded me of Ring World (albeit in a very small scale). Perhaps in another life time I'll see that Ring World (or Helix from Eric Brown). What bugs me is that We use a Hollywood movie premise (a bad one in my view) to discuss a very cool idea. The story premise sucks, because it shows the worst of what humanity can be, not the best. I'd rather see what we can do when we all work together.
Slashdot Mirror
"Economic systems are not religions."
: a cause, principle, or system of beliefs held to with ardor and faith
From Merriam-Webster
Given the way many on Wall St approach Capitalism, it could be argued that they are very religious. Similar on the Communist side where actions are taken to the extreme and no other viewpoint is accepted. When one begins to worship an economic system, it gets more and more like religious Dogma, not free will.
Indeed, I could imagine AQ thinking "What is the sacrifice of a few thousand for the greater glory of Isam and the destruction of the Western imperial powers".
AQ gets the US to bomb Syria, Russia flips and fires on our Destroyers and planes (they are after all allies of Syria), we then need to retaliate for Russia attacking our assets and the whole time a bunch of pissant little terrorists sit back and watch the wonder they wrought with just a few well placed bombs. Normally I reserve this for when I read Clancy Novels, but sadly it seems to close to reality to ignore.
I'll be clear, that article was a bunch of bullshit. Unnamed sources, conflicting stories, over the top innuendos that come together to to a good job of discrediting the man, thus his motive and his data. The story is a hack job of low hanging dfruit to get other media outlets an opportunity to shape or spin the idea that Mr. Snowden was not acting in the greater interests of the People, but was really "working for the Russians".
" because Havana, under pressure from Washington, said it would not allow the plane to land."
Are you serious. Cube caving to pressure from the United States? That is laughable. Russia maybe, the US...right
"All I can say is that I have absolutely no idea about this," Ho said. "I was only his legal adviser and was not fully involved in his dealings." This from the local legal representative in Hong Kong. A person whom I would think likes to keep tabs on his very high profile client. Then this completely worthless statement
"A spokeswoman for the consulate in Hong Kong would neither confirm nor comment on the report.". So that lends what to the the legitimacy of the story? Nothing, but it does what it always intends, casts doubt. "What are they hiding, he really must have been there otherwise they'd say he was not".
The marketing department for the NSA and the US government is really starting to ramp up the spin. "Mr. Snowden must be a spy, he ran right to the communists.". "Mr. Snowden is a traitor for releasing secrets to our Russian enemies". Mr. Snowden is a terrorist because he helped them communicate better in secret" and the sad thing is the majority of the US (And world) population will buy the story hook line and sinker.
Then on the other side, even my supposed thoughtful reporting NPR station put out anotehr fluff piece, this time about the NSA LOVEINT activities. The two reporters made it seem like a joke, a trivial action taken by so "oh so naughty" analysts instead of what it was, a sever breach of privacy; an act that would put an average citizen in jail under arrest. The NSA violated the privacy rights of American citizens and it is reported as "shame on you, don't do that again"...sigh.
As a final point to the spin, Congress, coming back from break will not be able to investigate any violations to the Constitution by the NSA for the American public was just made aware the the Government "miscalculated" when we need to raise the debt ceiling and it needs to happen soon...let the hilarity begin. If that is not enough the President wants to shoot exploding objects into Syria which certainly means the media will be quite focused on anything but the NSA travails.
Right now, everything said about Syria is close to a dup for Iraq before the war. Obama, the man who voted against action in Iraq now ponders whether to attack Syria. If Assad bombed his own people with gas then he is despicable, disgusting, and immoral and worthy to be brought to justice for war crimes and crime against humanity. Syria, like this article is just a tool to divert attention away from the systematic destruction of privacy in this country. Sad times. Sad times.
If I just held my hand out for an extended period I could see that effect. However, when I work I am not always having my hands on the mouse or keyboard. They move on off, they rest. What I would envision using this technology is people using gestures to "draw", "move", "shape" then rest as they look at the change. Sculpture artists certain have the arms/hands extended for long periods working art, painters also come to mind as people who use gestures to perform their craft and I don't sense they are effected by this gorilla arm issue.
I don't see Holographic programming coming to a cubicle near me any time soon, but the idea of designing something with one hands moving away from the body seems to have been a round a long time.
Nothing like a small slap to wake up my reality mode...
4) Ask my own questions, get cut off from further questions, and possibly get fired.
I wanted add that as a viable choice, but not one I'd first consider. I feel it would be a blending of 1 & 3 with more leaning towards one.
4 would be true to journalism in what I feel is its roots.
But it is possible that he ate and drank before going to the airport. He may have had a nice meal, he might have drank some water at some point along the way. So sure, after relieving himself he may have been able to wait, but the 18 hours was in addition to the initial time spent waiting. In fact we don't have a clear idea how long the really took for we don't know when it started. Also, 18 hours and he did not sleep? He never mentioned sleep, even in passing like "At some point I slept for a few hours in those 18" See, to much detail in one sense, way to little in another. Also, if he was kept awake for 18 hours then that is even more close to torture. Let's do some critical thinking before blind acceptance.
Okay, that line was not as well formed as I would have liked. You are correct and I contradicted myself a bit without realizing. It just strikes me that there is a lot of looking the other way in some areas of crime versus others. The FBI can create a sting to capture a would be bomber (is that allowed), but they can't or wont do the same to catch a potential white collar criminal?
... Do you expect massive media organizations to be owned by some poverty line stricken schmuck in South Dakota living in the middle of the woods with no job?
No. I am uncomfortable that they are owned by big corporations. I am troubled that over time this country ignored the process that tied Journalism to corporate profits so that today *only* people with massive amounts of money control the dissemination of news. The rest of your comment is specious and lacking in value.
Exactly, which is why I am surprised the parent got marked as troll. It is a reasonable question and statement. There was one thing that bothered me (and I did RTFA), at one point is states he was held for 18 hours and never got a chance to drink water (or eat). What I did not hear him say was that he needed to go to the bathroom
I sat back down and waited some more. Another time, I looked up and noticed that a different officer was guarding the door. By this time, I hadn’t had any food or water in almost eighteen hours.
now 18 hours is a long time to go without food and water, but I would also think a very long time to go without taking a bathroom break. Had he gone to the bathroom he could at least then been able to get some water. No mention of being denied the chance to relieve himself, no comment about how hard it was to "hold it in" till he was done. To be denied that basic right could be construed as torture and I think any good lawyer would be all over that bit of information. Newspapers would be headlining "Hindu Held and Tortured by TSA". Instead was can only assume he can really hold his water and shit for a very long time.
Someone just got their 15 minutes of fame in a very sad way.
I think he would be classified as a victim, not a witness and there is no corroboration to the story. Another post talked about collecting information on this story, but it is hard to do since there are no "facts" to back this up. If this had happened to me, as a victim I would put in there things like the date it happened, the flight number, a name or two. Things that could be checked out if someone choose to do so. That is why I see this is a story and one that is getting the wrong attention for it is being treated as real when it seems more fiction.
Thank you, again someone today voiced my thoughts. I think it was when he mentions the wink that I confirmed my own suspicions. After all the time, this is a detail he remembers, but he cannot recall to state the names of even one of the figures who questioned him? It was an somewhat entertaining story and an editor at /. turned it into a huge troll.
No fan of what is happening to this country, certainly no fan to agencies like the TSA, but it galls me that someone would play upon our emotions to try and get attention using a false story. Given that there are enough true ones floating around that can be corroborated, it would be great for this one to fade away. Now, if our protagonist wishes to post his text messages to his friends? If he wishes to publicly name names? If he wishes to fight this in court (for it seems obvious his rights were violated when the TSA agent "took" his bag and would not let him leave) then its a story that should be on page one.
Okay...got it...a little slow today. An Excellent job indeed.
Did was listen to the same report? She did an excellent job within some narrow confine of a fluff piece about the retiring of an FBI agent, but it was little on substance and great PR for Muller and the "new" FBI. On one level I really don't give a shit about some top level official retiring unless there is some substance, something news worthy, otherwise her piece was just a variation on the introduction some other inbred official was giving in the background of her report. "Blue blazer, kackie pants...blah blah blah...like he was some ordinary guy when Mr. Muller was far from ordinary.
How about she asked "Mr. Muller, as you retire from the FBI, do you feel that government officials are above the law or can break the law in order to enforce other parts of the law?" "Mr. Muller, the FBI has done a good job of stopping most bombings in the country, (though Boston seemed to be missed), what effort has the FBI made under your watch to bring those who destroyed thousands of lives in potentially illegal trade actions to justice. Do you stay awake at night thinking about the thousands of people made homeless, lives ruined at the hands of white collar criminals?" "Have you talked to the families of people who committed suicide, because some executive broke the law and foreclosed on homes with no oversight or review?"
Now those would be questions worthy to listen too for a response.
You mirrored my thoughts so well I wanted to thank you for expressing them. Just this morning I am listening to an NPR article where the NPR "reporter" interviewed Mr. Muller, soon to be retired head of the FBI. Generally it was a fluff piece, but what started to bother me was when they talked about 9/11 and how the FBI, Federal Bureau of Investigation, was now tasked with protecting our country from *terrorist* and acting *preemptively*. Really? I thought, When did Investigation turn in to Surveillance (aka FBS).
So Mr. Muller tells us that instead of focusing on small things like white collar crime and violent crime he now needs to focus on an incredibly small group of people who pale compared to the terrorism Bankers, Hedge Fund managers, and other white collar criminals have committed against the people of this country. He even states, "We only have some much money so we spend it chasing bad guys with bombs that we cannot catch till after they explode"...well, my interpretation of he banal comment.
Normally I am not a conspiracy type of person, but I cannot help, but wonder that after 9/11 as all of our law enforcement is now shifted to l;ook for bad guys in the desert, laws like Glass-Segal are repealed, Wall Street investment brings this country (and the world) almost to the point of ruin, and the FBI was unable to investigate, because they were spending so much time looking for terrorists. Good timing.
My final thought as I listened to the end of this fluff was that the NPR reporter was just another tool to be used in a propaganda machine. She didn't ask or talk about why the FBI felt white collar crime was less important, she did not ask or push questions about unwarranted surveillance an d the FBI's role, and she certainly did not act like a reporter; she acted like a prop for a show. Very disappointing. I fear that investigative journalism is all but buried as Corporations hold more control of media centers. Ask the hard questions and soon you are shut out of access and the talking heads still get face time from the toodies trotted out by primary Media conglomerates.
Fox - Owned by Rupert Murdoch (and branched in many countries)
ABC - Owned by Walt Disney Corp
NBC - Owned by General Electric
CBS - Viacom, but ( Predecessor firms of Viacom include Gulf+Western, which later became Paramount Communications Inc., and Westinghouse Electric Corporation.
CNN - Time Warner
Iit is amazing how only 4 major conglomerates control, TV, Radio, Print, and more and more Internet media to the point where most of the content was absorb comes from only these four sources..
In a country that championed the idea of the 4th Estate, it has been supplanted by a Jim Taylor machine so vast it may not be brought down. Even NPR, my bastion of good reporting now seems to be losing ground. (sigh)
"FACELESS ALIENS SPOTTED AT HIGH PROFILE EVENTS"
Clearly it was not the lack of eyes, nose and mouth, but the dark suits that made them stand out. To me, they looked like normal government agents whom are trained to have the people not pay attention to their features. This way they later cannot be identified in any court room.
They could try the HuffPo Vaccine though on this crowd it may not be strong enough to cure...just contain.
Out of all the comments you really came to the heart of it. Between Congress signing "pledges" that run contrary to their oath, Presidents ignoring the Constitution, and the Supreme court becoming "Creative" with their rulings...how can it be corrected. Voting is not the best option any more for it cannot be trusted. WHat other option is left for "The People"?
I can see it now, a multitude of /.ers downloading, installing then running the program, playing with probe settings to the point where the whole Internet (yes, more then just Web) is brought down by the /. effect
It is nice to see I am not the only one to recognize this pattern. I chuckle at all the market speak buzz words that surround "new" technology, but is in fact, a rehashed version of the same old stuff (I cut my teeth on a smaller cousin around the same time). As I have had to re-invent myself three times over I keep getting asked questions like "what language do your write in?" or "What experience do you have in developing applications?" Really? I've coded in languages I've now forgotten and written more "apps" then I can remember and yet I am asked "What experience do I have...." (sigh).
I sometimes hope the singularity will come soon so I can retire (who needs programmers anymore) and take care of horses. Till then I remain on the marry go round.
mayhap the Parent is considering local taxes. In theory a company is paying into the local infrastructure through property taxes or other such taxes. Alas, said municipalities tend to throw out the water, the baby, and the wash tub to get a company like Google or Apple to move (or stay). I figure they (the local politicians) think that with more local employees (paying taxes) it will offset the give away. It could be an interesting study to see if relaxing local tax burden (or regulations) on a company actually increases revenue with increased employment.
On the other hand, The same companies can just as quickly drop the employee base, thus causing a drag on the local economy as folks start to struggle to pay their own taxes or they move away. I also feel that the employees pay much more in federal the local taxes. so 20K goes to the IRS, but how much of that 20K comes back to the local area.
I agree with everything you say and as a long time member of /. have seen this type of discussion slosh around enough times to mainly just ignore the "that does not belong here" argument. Having dabbled in Reddit and drifting through other commentary sections (slate/HuffPo) I find the comments, as a whole, here on /. to be the most rewarding.
What that said, I do disagree about the Fox new bit. 99.99% of the time I avoid links to fox news pages for it tands to be hyperbolic nonsense. In this case I found the article quite fascinating and the general idea worth discussion. In today's world, what is the definition of a soldier? Did the founding father's mean a literal (military) definition or a more broad (Authoritarian) view. In these hallowed pages we have discussed far more esoteric new items and "Nerds" is not confined to science. There can be law nerds as well.
I also think that the article its self is disturbing in the trend that is being set by local governments. If we can get more into a talk about the 4th, just because it relates to computers, but the deeper discussion is really about Citizen rights, in the case of the 3rd it has a similar taste. A man refuses the local Gendarmes (police, soldiers?) access to his private home and instead of respecting his right, either in the 4th (right to privacy) or the 3rd (no quartering) they instead harass and arrest him. Patterns are being set that frankly start to concern me for it is a thin line that separates the America of the Constitution and an America that looks more like Egypt. That line is the respect of the People and the Laws that protect them. For me, that is News That Matters.
I checked out the sketch2Photo site...Amazing! To think you can draw an idea, present it to this program and out pops a photo?
To get this out, I am in agreement that there should be no patent award to Bill. When I read the summary my first thought was "This is the beginning of the end to imagination". I feel their "idea" diminishes the requirement that children learn to use their imagination, to create a place, scene, or person and Bill's idea would jsut take any effort away.
What I see in a program like S2P as a tool in exercising imagination. A kid could draw a Unicorn playing with a Bear by a lake and this program puts depth to the effort. The only concern I would have is that something like this could impact Art. Not sure how, but I get this feeling it changes what is Art and what is the creative process.
According to their web site, that is not completely true
The Solatube 160 DSe provides the ultimate in energy-efficient daylighting. Delivering natural light to spaces up to 200 sq. ft., it is designed to minimize heat loss in extremely cold climates and heat gain in extremely warm climates. As a result, this product has earned an Energy Star rating.
Everything I see about them is that they are no worse then a window/skylight and perhaps better on heat exchange. The residential model seem more for small areas and I have a @ 800sqft room I'd love to light up so it may be cost prohibative, but a pretty good product overall.
I disagree with this thought. NSA, emails, PRISM...these can be esoteric ideas to people who do not live in or around a digital world. For those who don't use these systems all the time, who can't grasp what an email is, a text message, or how "open" a broadband call can be there is a need to put the issue into a context they can connect with at first.
The use of Michelle's diary is more inflammatory, I agree, but an analogy that makes it personal would do much to put into context how important this topic is to all American citizens. So what I might say is
Every American citizen has a right to privacy as guaranteed by the 4th amendment of the Constitution. The NSA, a government agency sworn to uphold the constitution, is spying on all Americans whether they have committed a crime or not. It is like if you have a diary or journal and you keep it locked. It does not matter what is inside, it is your private writing. Some stranger figures a way to open that book and can read what you wrote without your permission. The NSA has read your diary and what ever you wrote in there can now be made public and everyone can read it. Do you still want the NSA to be allowed to do this even if you have not committed any crime? That is why it is very important for them to not only get permission, but do so in a way that is accountable to the law, the 4th amendment.
(or words to that effect).
I don't like the view that most American's are stupid, 4th grade level zombies without the ability to understand issues. That's insulting to people. I have come to accept that people (myself included) do sometimes need an abstract idea put into concrete terms first so it is relatable to experience. Once they "get it" then the extension into other more esoteric thoughts can occur.
agreed. Perhaps I was being somewhat fanciful. The cgi Elysium reminded me of Ring World (albeit in a very small scale). Perhaps in another life time I'll see that Ring World (or Helix from Eric Brown). What bugs me is that We use a Hollywood movie premise (a bad one in my view) to discuss a very cool idea. The story premise sucks, because it shows the worst of what humanity can be, not the best. I'd rather see what we can do when we all work together.