Fine, okay, I am glad that Western North Carolina is going to get these data centers. But, are these companies planning on using local talent or importing talent from other areas? I would be happier if these companies planned on hiring local people and providing training opportunities. The reality of this data center boom is that very few of the local residents will realize any benefit beyond low level employment as cleaners or security guards and there will be very few jobs.
USAPA will most likely not do any kind of sick out. I am shocked that they would even mention it because in this case, it is self-defeating. I wonder if these comments were taken out of context by the interviewer. I don't really like how USAPA (US Airways) was singled out. By doing a sick-out, the pilots are only hurting the company when the company is not the enemy this time around, it is TSA. USAPA's efforts would be much better spent using its funds to lobby for the total removal of these machines. As an airport employee, I make everyday an opt-out day as should every pilot, flight attendant, airport employee, and passenger.
Not only can you opt out of a full body scan, but you can also request a private screening room. It is your right! I am an airport employee, I would know.
I think the US has a right to become protectionist. India charges almost a 23% import tax on goods. China engages in currency manipulation. The global economy is a sham where countries such as China, India, Taiwan, and the Phillipines are laughing at us all the way to the bank
It should be noted that these body scanners are unsafe for airport and airline employees. Since we work day in and day out, moving between the concourses and counters, we get even higher doses of backscatter radiation from these devices. I certainly don't want excess doses of radiation. The government will tell you that you get more radiation flying or even being in the sun. Logic will say that the radiation you get from these backscatter machines still counts against your lifetime dose and anyone who truly believes the government needs to go to the bridge-buying auction.
Given the recent corruption in all government levels, I don't feel I can entirely trust manual systems, let alone e-voting. I might warm up to the idea a little bit more if basic things, such as - gasp - an audit trail is added to the e-voting. I never understood how an electronic voting machine would not include auditing facilities.
The movie theatre isn't some government organization - vote with your wallet. Simply boycott the theatres that want to engage in this kind of activity. There are other activities that you can do such as reading, outdoor activities, building up your home theatre, etc. If you don't like this additional surveillance, the best way to make it fail is to simply stop going to the movies altogether. However, most Americans will continue to go despite this. I live in a dessert so I may go to a movie on only the hottest days during the summer. Save for that, there are all kinds of other forms of entertainment to engage in that, cost about the same, yet provide hours of entertainment versus a short film. Additionally, what happens if this system mistakenly identifies a person as having and using recording gear. The first major lawsuit and this surveillance crap will get returned to the manufacturer with refunds demanded.
This is a tough one to have a position on as there are interesting arguments for and against both Google and Microsoft. On one hand, I am none to keen on entrusting data to a third party's (Google) cloud-based system as there exists the potential for Google to abuse this. On the other hand, Google could release information documenting rampant abuse by government thereby providing some transparency and taking some control away from government. This is a thorny issue with no really good solution because if government controls its own mail servers a la Exchange, there exists the opportunity for a rogue official to make emails vanish. It would probably be best to have an independent oversight committee but, even that, creates more cogs in the bureaucracy.
If the TSA wants to make your pat down more humiliating, you have a chance to be even more of a pain in the ass: demand a private screening. It is well within your individual rights to do so. Furthermore, demand that a video camera document the screening so if something untoward happens, you have legal recourse. You have to remember that the TSA are just "security guards" with no more real authority than a civilian. The only TSA employees with real power are the Criminal Investigators (also known as an 1811 after the GS-1811 pay grade.) I have no problem giving an 1811 the respect they deserve, I have friends that are 1811's and they epitomise professional, honest civil servants. They go to rigorous training, have strong formally educated backgrounds in law, science, and procedure.
If your rights are denied and you miss the plane as a result, you do have more than a fighting chance. The ACLU is known to rabidly hate the TSA and itches for a chance to whittle away at their undeserved power. However, when I say be a pain in the ass, I mean be polite but firm and stand your ground. You need to appear like you are the better, more responsible person in the interaction. Don't allow yourselves to be bullied by a screener and don't be afraid to call out a potential abuse. Most importantly, know your rights! You do not have to submit to a body scan. I work in an airport and if I got this x-ray scan every time I pass through security, I might get slow radiation poisoning over several a career.
It sounds like Verizon is giving a back-handed apology. I think Verizon customers would like an honest to god apology and an admission of wrong doing. The public doesn't honestly believe that these errors were invadvertent so why does Verizon pretend as if they do. I fully believe these "errors" in billing were purposeful attempts to gain revenue through deception. The punishment handed down is really only a slap in the face of a billion+ revenue stream.
Going to college has become a giant, legal racket for a lot of people. Professors make a lot of money for "teaching," publishers make tons of money on huge markups and edition changes that may only change a word or two or change the chapter order, and finally the Sallie Mae's of the world make huge money on brokering student loans. Personally, I am sick of it - I went to college and it did precisely dick for me. I got good grades and I am no further ahead than a colleague who did not go at all. In fact, my colleague makes nearly 40K a year more than me. Fuck the publishing companies! Fuck the money-making racket!
That's half of the problem with America - we want it fast and convenient. If the law firm makes money, fine. Personally, I'd rather a more private consultation with my lawyer. I certainly wouldn't want to discuss a criminal case so out in the open.
Ted makes an excellent point. I once needed a tool to synchronise a text file which had transactional profile data. Simply using scp and some shell scripting I was able to achieve this. Only 25 lines of code too. There is a lot to be said for using the tools at hand versus re-inventing the wheel.
The Swedish Government will not grant Assange a resident permit because they are concerned about reprisal from the United States. It is sad that they have to outright deny for reasons of secrecy. It is even more unfortunate that the DoD is so screwed up that it levels an accusing finger at Assange and it turns out that no one was hurt as a result of Wikileaks. Apparently, governments hate it when the people discover the mischief they are up to.
In its letter, the BSA argues that "[I]f the EU adopts a preference for royalty/patent-free specifications, this undermines the incentives that firms have to contribute leading-edge innovations to standardization - resulting in less innovative European specifications, and less competitive European products."
Firms not contributing to standardization will face being irrelevant! Any firm that does not want to contribute to standardization faces less name recognition as well. Had Microsoft opened its Active Directory protocols from the beginning and sought to make it a standard, all kinds of other products with full compatibility would have been produced and Microsoft would be seen as the reference implementation. Microsoft could have charged large amounts of money for developer support and still business would be buying Windows Server products. Now, arguably, Microsoft is winding down - the victim of its own greed. It's days of being a leader have peaked. In fact, Microsoft is now more of a follower and, instead of a highly custom SIP protocol version, Microsoft simply uses the standard.
Sometimes I want to stand out of the way and just watch the patent trolls nuke each other out of existence a la Microsoft-Apple-Motorola. While they are busy squabbling like children in a school yard, the free software movement can take the time to do reverse FUD. The Free Software boulder has already begun rolling full steam ahead and I believe there is little anyone can do to quash it! Even if some of of these lizards manage to get a some new closed stuff standardized, free software will simply write a new, unencumbered protocol. I look at OpenBSD's CARP as an example of free software killing patents!
YouTube became the way for ordinary people to create their own movies, videos, etc and have an outlet for other people to view them. The Kindle and other platforms do much of the same thing but for reading material. Some YouTubers have lucked out big time while others simply enjoy having an outlet to distribute their media. I think people are being harsh on the author of this article. I think the article simply was designed to give people an idea of how to publish when they want to do so. The author makes no promises of riches.
Well, publishing your own eBook is a bit like playing the lottery. You hope to write a book that will make it big much in the same way you hope to buy a lottery ticket that wins the PowerBall or MegaMillions. If you treat it as simply an interesting project and do it solely has a hobby without expectations, writing your own eBook can a rewarding experience. At the very least the act of writing can exercise the brain in a way that daily life cannot provide. I like the fact that Amazon provides the ability for one to self publish and make it practical for a hobby. It does lower the bar for entry into published media.
Slashdot Mirror
Fine, okay, I am glad that Western North Carolina is going to get these data centers. But, are these companies planning on using local talent or importing talent from other areas? I would be happier if these companies planned on hiring local people and providing training opportunities. The reality of this data center boom is that very few of the local residents will realize any benefit beyond low level employment as cleaners or security guards and there will be very few jobs.
Perfect opportunity for a grass roots movement to create another internet. I've often thought about it myself ....
USAPA will most likely not do any kind of sick out. I am shocked that they would even mention it because in this case, it is self-defeating. I wonder if these comments were taken out of context by the interviewer. I don't really like how USAPA (US Airways) was singled out. By doing a sick-out, the pilots are only hurting the company when the company is not the enemy this time around, it is TSA. USAPA's efforts would be much better spent using its funds to lobby for the total removal of these machines. As an airport employee, I make everyday an opt-out day as should every pilot, flight attendant, airport employee, and passenger.
Not only can you opt out of a full body scan, but you can also request a private screening room. It is your right! I am an airport employee, I would know.
Full Body Cavity searches are next. As the agent snaps his rubber glove, "Say hello to my little friend ......"
Soon we'll see headlines, TSA Bans All Passengers From Flying.
That is just very sad. I wonder why the US Corporation does this. Taxes?
I think the US has a right to become protectionist. India charges almost a 23% import tax on goods. China engages in currency manipulation. The global economy is a sham where countries such as China, India, Taiwan, and the Phillipines are laughing at us all the way to the bank
Apparently, some pilots agree with me. See http://www.minyanville.com/dailyfeed/american-airlines-pilots-revolt-against/?camp=syndication&medium=portals&from=yahoo
It should be noted that these body scanners are unsafe for airport and airline employees. Since we work day in and day out, moving between the concourses and counters, we get even higher doses of backscatter radiation from these devices. I certainly don't want excess doses of radiation. The government will tell you that you get more radiation flying or even being in the sun. Logic will say that the radiation you get from these backscatter machines still counts against your lifetime dose and anyone who truly believes the government needs to go to the bridge-buying auction.
Given the recent corruption in all government levels, I don't feel I can entirely trust manual systems, let alone e-voting. I might warm up to the idea a little bit more if basic things, such as - gasp - an audit trail is added to the e-voting. I never understood how an electronic voting machine would not include auditing facilities.
The movie theatre isn't some government organization - vote with your wallet. Simply boycott the theatres that want to engage in this kind of activity. There are other activities that you can do such as reading, outdoor activities, building up your home theatre, etc. If you don't like this additional surveillance, the best way to make it fail is to simply stop going to the movies altogether. However, most Americans will continue to go despite this. I live in a dessert so I may go to a movie on only the hottest days during the summer. Save for that, there are all kinds of other forms of entertainment to engage in that, cost about the same, yet provide hours of entertainment versus a short film. Additionally, what happens if this system mistakenly identifies a person as having and using recording gear. The first major lawsuit and this surveillance crap will get returned to the manufacturer with refunds demanded.
This is a tough one to have a position on as there are interesting arguments for and against both Google and Microsoft. On one hand, I am none to keen on entrusting data to a third party's (Google) cloud-based system as there exists the potential for Google to abuse this. On the other hand, Google could release information documenting rampant abuse by government thereby providing some transparency and taking some control away from government. This is a thorny issue with no really good solution because if government controls its own mail servers a la Exchange, there exists the opportunity for a rogue official to make emails vanish. It would probably be best to have an independent oversight committee but, even that, creates more cogs in the bureaucracy.
From TFA, "TI has long been a supporter of the open source community ........." My ass!
If the TSA wants to make your pat down more humiliating, you have a chance to be even more of a pain in the ass: demand a private screening. It is well within your individual rights to do so. Furthermore, demand that a video camera document the screening so if something untoward happens, you have legal recourse. You have to remember that the TSA are just "security guards" with no more real authority than a civilian. The only TSA employees with real power are the Criminal Investigators (also known as an 1811 after the GS-1811 pay grade.) I have no problem giving an 1811 the respect they deserve, I have friends that are 1811's and they epitomise professional, honest civil servants. They go to rigorous training, have strong formally educated backgrounds in law, science, and procedure.
If your rights are denied and you miss the plane as a result, you do have more than a fighting chance. The ACLU is known to rabidly hate the TSA and itches for a chance to whittle away at their undeserved power. However, when I say be a pain in the ass, I mean be polite but firm and stand your ground. You need to appear like you are the better, more responsible person in the interaction. Don't allow yourselves to be bullied by a screener and don't be afraid to call out a potential abuse. Most importantly, know your rights! You do not have to submit to a body scan. I work in an airport and if I got this x-ray scan every time I pass through security, I might get slow radiation poisoning over several a career.
It sounds like Verizon is giving a back-handed apology. I think Verizon customers would like an honest to god apology and an admission of wrong doing. The public doesn't honestly believe that these errors were invadvertent so why does Verizon pretend as if they do. I fully believe these "errors" in billing were purposeful attempts to gain revenue through deception. The punishment handed down is really only a slap in the face of a billion+ revenue stream.
Going to college has become a giant, legal racket for a lot of people. Professors make a lot of money for "teaching," publishers make tons of money on huge markups and edition changes that may only change a word or two or change the chapter order, and finally the Sallie Mae's of the world make huge money on brokering student loans. Personally, I am sick of it - I went to college and it did precisely dick for me. I got good grades and I am no further ahead than a colleague who did not go at all. In fact, my colleague makes nearly 40K a year more than me. Fuck the publishing companies! Fuck the money-making racket!
Only in America...
That's half of the problem with America - we want it fast and convenient. If the law firm makes money, fine. Personally, I'd rather a more private consultation with my lawyer. I certainly wouldn't want to discuss a criminal case so out in the open.
Yikes, that article quote sounds like something the PHB would say.
Ted makes an excellent point. I once needed a tool to synchronise a text file which had transactional profile data. Simply using scp and some shell scripting I was able to achieve this. Only 25 lines of code too. There is a lot to be said for using the tools at hand versus re-inventing the wheel.
The Swedish Government will not grant Assange a resident permit because they are concerned about reprisal from the United States. It is sad that they have to outright deny for reasons of secrecy. It is even more unfortunate that the DoD is so screwed up that it levels an accusing finger at Assange and it turns out that no one was hurt as a result of Wikileaks. Apparently, governments hate it when the people discover the mischief they are up to.
In its letter, the BSA argues that "[I]f the EU adopts a preference for royalty/patent-free specifications, this undermines the incentives that firms have to contribute leading-edge innovations to standardization - resulting in less innovative European specifications, and less competitive European products."
Firms not contributing to standardization will face being irrelevant! Any firm that does not want to contribute to standardization faces less name recognition as well. Had Microsoft opened its Active Directory protocols from the beginning and sought to make it a standard, all kinds of other products with full compatibility would have been produced and Microsoft would be seen as the reference implementation. Microsoft could have charged large amounts of money for developer support and still business would be buying Windows Server products. Now, arguably, Microsoft is winding down - the victim of its own greed. It's days of being a leader have peaked. In fact, Microsoft is now more of a follower and, instead of a highly custom SIP protocol version, Microsoft simply uses the standard.
Sometimes I want to stand out of the way and just watch the patent trolls nuke each other out of existence a la Microsoft-Apple-Motorola. While they are busy squabbling like children in a school yard, the free software movement can take the time to do reverse FUD. The Free Software boulder has already begun rolling full steam ahead and I believe there is little anyone can do to quash it! Even if some of of these lizards manage to get a some new closed stuff standardized, free software will simply write a new, unencumbered protocol. I look at OpenBSD's CARP as an example of free software killing patents!
YouTube became the way for ordinary people to create their own movies, videos, etc and have an outlet for other people to view them. The Kindle and other platforms do much of the same thing but for reading material. Some YouTubers have lucked out big time while others simply enjoy having an outlet to distribute their media. I think people are being harsh on the author of this article. I think the article simply was designed to give people an idea of how to publish when they want to do so. The author makes no promises of riches.
Well, publishing your own eBook is a bit like playing the lottery. You hope to write a book that will make it big much in the same way you hope to buy a lottery ticket that wins the PowerBall or MegaMillions. If you treat it as simply an interesting project and do it solely has a hobby without expectations, writing your own eBook can a rewarding experience. At the very least the act of writing can exercise the brain in a way that daily life cannot provide. I like the fact that Amazon provides the ability for one to self publish and make it practical for a hobby. It does lower the bar for entry into published media.