Funny... I went and downloaded Ubuntu and after 4 hrs of ripping various hardware in my server (all the way down to a barebones configuration), I decided to try Vista RC1 since I was redoing the system any way. Worked fine for me. That being said, I'll give linux another chance again....in 4 years.
Regards,
MBC1977,
(US Marine, College Student, and Good Guy!)
I say keep the 'fame and prestige' and just pay me in dollars (euro, pounds, etc.)
One can't go into a supermarket on fame and get free food. Money will however.
Considering that the SINGARS family of radios are very diverse set of radios (PRC-119 being the most common), there are one of two possible scenerios that
could have occured (ranked from unlikely to likely)
Incidentally, this is my opinion and not fact so please do not take this out of context.
1) Israel was using an unsecure net (i.e. plaintext, single channel) - This is probably unlikely because as a fighting force, the Israelis are among
the best, specifically in the areas of tactical security.
2) Somebody lost a CYZ-10 encryption device (along with the physical key) - A CYZ-10 (without getting into specifics) secures the comm for the SINGARS.
If this happened and it was not reported, essentially Israel's ENTIRE theaterwide military operations would have been compromised, until a crypto
change-over (while unlikely), assuming that they did not rollover their crypto on a daily or weekly basis, they would have been totally open to
anybody.
Again, I'm just speculating, but considering how important it is for us when we conduct combat ops, not to lose compromise comms, these are some real
distinct, possiblities.
Regards,
MBC1977,
(US Marine, College Student, and Good Guy!)
hmmm... perhaps, but if this was another company, we would call it being smart.
Seriously, in a battle (Business being a constant war), one does not automatically
field their best man (or woman), unless they are damm sure they are going win, without
challenge or casulty. If you have an any doubts, then you test the waters, first.
Granted MS's cash and IP warchest allow to make such a move, but it took them time to
get there. I remember Windows 1.0 and up to 3.0 it sucked. Same with IE until 5.0
Nobody said business was easy or nice...
Regards,
MBC1977,
(US Marine, College Student, and Good Guy!)
Well as a member of the armed forces, I have to say while I personally think this is a frivolous accessory for an iPod, to each his or her own.
Personally, I'd rather spend the money on some gear to keep my fellow Marines and myself alive when I'm in a combat zone. However, when we have
downtime, it is extremely relaxing to have something to listen to / watch.
lol but a mortar and IED proof iPod case is just kinda 'weird' to me. Seriously, who's gonna go on patrol with their iPod? And if there are
such individuals I'd question their sanity.
Regards,
MBC1977,
(US Marine, College Student, and Good Guy!)
I'll still use the site when the new version is available in IE. Ironically, because of personal preference (i.e. choice). I've tried the latest version's of FF, and Opera and I still think websites look best in IE. I don't knock those who like those browsers, but the way I see it, a standard does not need
an independant group. That may sound lame to some, but I've invested a lot of time and money in building my MS developer skillset. In addition,
seeing as my family, nor my friends, have ever had a major problem with MS software and tools, I don't see to the need to change course...yet.
That being said, I'll keep my copy of FF around and periodically look at Slashdot and other various sites, but to be perfectally honest, I think its
font rendering systems and layout is ugly (too block'ish') for my taste.
Regards,
MBC1977,
(US Marine, College Student, and Good Guy!)
"I just hope someone doesn't appear inside the part they're working on saying that the new part will destroy his universe with exotic particles that don't obey the laws of physics (what? that joke was worth another whirl)"
LOL thanks for the laugh, I actually made home to watch that episode.
Regards,
MBC1977,
(US Marine, College Student, and Good Guy!)
"I find it rather amusing that everyeone *except* the world's biggest software company has managed to get their next generation desktop released prior to 2007"
Hmmm... well lets see, is the world's biggest software company trying to target as many users as possible (considering they are the "world's biggest"
[your words not mine])? I would guess it just might take a while. Wouldn't want to rush anything out the door, ya know.
I find it amusing that the final release isn't out yet and so many people are downing it. I'll wait and use it before I judge, ya know -- keep an OPEN mind.
Regards,
MBC1977,
(US Marine, College Student, and Good Guy!)
Just an observation, (and please bear with me, because I have not attempted to use Linux since 1999)
Two of the gems that helps keeps windows as a de facto standard is (1) ease of use in terms of interface. What I mean is that most computer users
(not including, developers or tech geeks (both of which I include myself), do not want to have learn a new interface (by choice or by circumstance).
Say what you will, but the Windows interface has not changed that much from 3.0 to XP. Basic functionality has stayed consistant throughout the
various windows' lifecycles.
The second gem and this may be the most important, the lack of a steep learning curve. This may sound funny, but its true. MS was not stupid by
including solitare in the system. Most people learn through fun. If you understand how to play solitare, then you can operate basically any windows
application. Sounds simplistic, but it works.
A third gem (I just thought of) is the package vs al la cart method. Linux and Windows reminds me somewhat of a stereo system. Windows is like a
stereo jukebox (built-in speakers, cd player, tape deck, equalizer, am/fm radio, antenna, etc.), while Linux is like an audiophile's dream system, customize it to your heart' content. (a denon CD deck, Sony ES Tape Deck, Kenwood Reciever, etc.)
If you think about it, its true, Linux users
love to tinker and tweak. Most Windows users just want it to work. No questions asked.
Is one better then the other, I think it will depend on the user. For me, I just like my games and such. lol
Regards,
MBC1977,
(US Marine, College Student, and Good Guy!)
Personally, I think this is a great idea. Some software aside, Microsoft has some very talented software
and business people working for them (hate them or not, most company's can only dream of having that
marketshare).
That being said, since I don't see any other company even making the attempt nor do I see the US public
school system changing much, I say kudos to them. Furthermore, I notice a lot of posters saying
this is going to suck and other BS, I would just say, if you are willing to pony up the money or
even better, ***GASP***, teach these children yourselves, then let it be.
Let the first graduates be the litmus test of whether or not this is a good idea. True, past
performance can be an indicator of future performance, but as its a new idea UNTRIED, I think
it deserves it shot.
Regards,
MBC1977,
(US Marine, College Student, and Good Guy!)
"now we're going to have private enterprise try to make a buck or two off of going to space."
Is this a problem? What's wrong with trying to make money by providing a service? Granted the first one's in are going to have to go through growing pains
but that is how innovation begins. Unless you want to go back to the horse and buggy? lol.
Regards,
MBC1977,
(US Marine, College Student, and Good Guy!)
What is your exact intent? Students are going to still miss / skip class (podcast or no podcast). Remember every student learns differently
Though I'm not entirely proud of this, I slept literally through an entire semester of classes (of 20 semester credit hours), both because
I had to commute 2 1/2 hours and because 2 of the professors were that boring in person. That being said I had a tape recorder which allowed
me to record all of my classes (with permission of my professors). I listened to the tapes on the bus and train while I studied going to and from
college, and ended the semester with 3 A's and 2 B+'s.
Now I'm not a genius, but I believe everybody learns differently. An unrestricted podcast may help some of your students actually get better grades.
Granted, like other posters have said you'll have good and bad students in your classes. Students who want to learn will and others will not.
You may want to look at UC Berkeley's approach on iTunes. I attend a different university, but I
suppleiment some of my classes with their free podcasts. Just something to consider.
Regards,
MBC1977,
(US Marine, College Student, and Good Guy!)
So what happens if the artist does not want you to have free reign with their music to put it on any device you wish. Considering they created it,
why should someone who licences not owns (because the artist is the owner, not the listeners who are licencees) have the right to do whatever with it?
Just a curious thought...
Regards,
MBC1977,
(US Marine, College Student, and Good Guy!)
Labels are there to promote and earn revenues for artist's on global scale. Smaller venues may be nice, but if you invest time and money
in something you should be paid for it. Most local artists depend on word-of-mouth promotion. I guess another way to look at it would be to
consider whether the artist is doing it for the money or just love of their chosen genre of music. Either way a person needs to eat, just depends
on whether they would be happy eating at applebees or ciprani's.
Regards,
MBC1977,
(US Marine, College Student, and Good Guy!)
From what I have read, it pretty much boils down to the following, YES I can charge my software and / or source code,
HOWEVER, I have to allow any and everybody the ability to obtain said name software and / or source code for free.
Which effectively KILLS my business of charging for software and / or source code.
The concept of selling services rather than intellectual property just does not really appeal to me, hence the reason
why I avoid GPL software. But to each his or her own.
Regards,
MBC1977,
(US Marine, College Student, and Good Guy!)
While his employers probably will administratively punish and / or fire him, because his actions may save my coastie brothers and sisters
in the long run,I tip my hat off to you. Sometimes you gotta grab life by the horns, to do the right thing.
Regards,
MBC1977,
(US Marine, College Student, and Good Guy!)
Because if it is simliar to an aircraft black box, it will store the trip route via an advanced GPS system, time of departure, route driven
probably via waypoints), speed traveled along given route, and time of arrival. It will be an automatic version of my GPS (in terms of marking
waypoints, etc.
True this is all speculation, but if we don't bring it these concerns now, they will get introduced otherwise.
Regards,
MBC1977,
(US Marine, College Student, and Good Guy!)
Denial of Licence (Due to speeding):
I'm from NYC originally (but anybody drives on a highway will understand), the posted speed limit is 65, yet the flow of traffic is 85 possibly 90.
Of course, if you do follow the posted speed limit, you run the risk of an accident due to the other drivers trying not to hit you, even in the slow lane.
So, you stay in the flow. This occurs over the course of several years, you've never been in an accident. Its time to renew your licence, so you go
to the DMV, where they ask to scan your car's black box (BB). After scanning your BB, you are told you are being denied a licence, or worse you are under
arrest for speeding X amount of times and must pay back fines plus court cost.
Yes I know some will think this is a great idea, but the reality is, with these BB, individual drivers have given up a bit more of their freedom for the
perception (and in some cases a reality) of security. Of course the smart thing would be to design cars with a lower top speed (but then who would
purchase them?)
This is just one possible scenario, but if this goes through, I would not be surprised to see this implemented short thereafter.
I'll close with a thought (though its not mine, but I understand the meaning) those who are willing to sacrifice a little freedom deserve no freedom.
Regards,
MBC1977,
(US Marine, College Student, and Good Guy!)
Whatever happen to, "I made a mistake." (be it though genuine blunder or an action percieved at the time as a good idea.)
It does happen, and crying and screaming for someone's head, makes me think some (not all), "doth protest too much."
Regards,
MBC1977,
(US Marine, College Student, and Good Guy!)
Gotta speak my mind...
on
iPods at War
·
· Score: 3, Interesting
Gents and Ladies,
Regardless of what side of the coin you follow (democrat or republican, liberal or conservative), if you are not putting your
life on the line don't criticize others that do. In addition, as to servicemembers allegedly listening to music or watching videos
illegally, I would ask you to consider the morale factor. If you know you can possibly die at anytime, do you really think that we care
(during our deployment in a hostile country) that the RIAA is going to come after us? Whatever my fellow servicemembers and I need to
maintain our calm in a chaotic situation is what matters plain and simple. Because the simple matter is lives are at stake, namely ours.
Irregardless of whether this war is a good or bad action to undertake.
Another way I'll put is like this: If the RIAA wants to fight terrorism in Iraq before it comes to our shores, I'll gladly hand my M16A4
over to one of the cushy (or pudgy in somecases) lawyers and they can stand post. I don't mind sitting on my ass collecting big checks from
overpaid, overhyped artists (whom the majority can't sing or act anyway). At least I won't harrass dead people's families, college students,
and children. (Not to mention, all that gear hurts my back any damm way).
Regards,
MBC1977
(US Marine, College Student, and Good Guy)
Please note: The following comment is personal and not an official US Marine statement
I have Firefox installed also, but I use IE (yes by choice, because it works for me, and I like the way sites look in it)
That being said, it said 68% of Universities have Firefox installed, but how many of the students ACTUALLY are using it?
Just not seeing how this is news thats all.
Regards,
MBC1977,
(US Marine, College Student, and Good Guy!)
Here are some potential problems I think with an open business (if its modeled like open source),
****Please Note**** While I don't use open source software often, I recognize some of its benefits,
just my preference for proprietory software ****End Note****
1)Too Many Chiefs and Not Enough Indians: Everybody cannot be on equal ground, regardless of their contributions,
due to human innate selfishness. Granted, open source software obviously works (amazingly, I'll grudgingly admit), but
when it comes to money and decisions, you definitely do not want everybody providing their input. Somebody has to lead,
and some has to follow. Leadership by group slows the course / direction of a group (i.e. business) logrithmically.
2)Too Many Chefs In The Kitchen: Similar to the previous opinon, with the following question: have you ever ate
from a resturant or somebody who cooked and added 1 too many spices, well if you have input from everybody that is what will
happen. In an ideal world, everybody would work together (like a hive mind, i.e. ants, bees, etc.), but the reality is everybody
has their own agenda and own goals, on occasion they align, but most of the time, they diverge. Too many goals pursued, will
bring the company to a near standstill. Leaders provide focus and direction.
3)Not All Members Can Be Paid The Same If everybody is paid the same, then what is the incentive? Granted I'm sure some
feel that money should not drive us and that we should all strive to help one another, but lets be honest, we are a long ways from
a Star Trek universe of goodwill. Obviously if you bust your ass in school for 4-8 years to earn a bachelor's or masters degree in
whatever field of expertise that interests you, you are going to want to get paid (unless you think that school bills are trivial), last
time I checked its getting more expensive every year. (To put it another way, should a person who goes to college make as much as a person
from McDonalds or Wal-Mart? (Btw, I have nothing against these workers, I'm just an honest and realistic question.
To close, these are just SOME of the reasons I can think of at this late hour. But it all sums up the same: Everybody wants to be #1.
Regards,
MBC1977,
(US Marine, College Student, and Good Guy!)
There is a real easy solution (for those who have a problem with Google's practices)
1) Use a different search engine: Google (and most businesses) I'm sure will not care what you say until a critical mass
of users using other search engines (or any other product) lose customers. Of course, since they have not changed their
business model or practices since their inception, I don't think that is really going to happen anytime soon.
2) Execute a technological workaround: However that has the drawback of if (and I say if) Google decides to become nasty,
they just ban you from their system, which they could legally do, since you are violating their company policy (which again forces
you to use another search engine, but this time not by choice).
3) Complain: Perhaps they may listen, perhaps they may not, but as a soverign business unless it affects their revenue stream
(which I don't think will happen, as they happen to be one of the best at execution of both their software and business practices)
I don't personally see their revenue slowing down anytime soon.
Last thing about this subject, it is true there is no such thing as a totally secure system, but Google does a pretty good job at what they
do, why hassle them when nothing has happened (not that it won't), but for now let Google run its ship, and just be happy with the service they
provide.
As one reader said earlier... you could use MSN Search.
Regards,
MBC1977,
(US Marine, College Student, and Good Guy!)
Slashdot Mirror
Funny... I went and downloaded Ubuntu and after 4 hrs of ripping various hardware in my server (all the way down to a barebones configuration), I decided to try Vista RC1
since I was redoing the system any way. Worked fine for me. That being said, I'll give linux another chance again....in 4 years.
Regards,
MBC1977,
(US Marine, College Student, and Good Guy!)
I say keep the 'fame and prestige' and just pay me in dollars (euro, pounds, etc.)
One can't go into a supermarket on fame and get free food. Money will however.
Considering that the SINGARS family of radios are very diverse set of radios (PRC-119 being the most common), there are one of two possible scenerios that
could have occured (ranked from unlikely to likely)
Incidentally, this is my opinion and not fact so please do not take this out of context.
1) Israel was using an unsecure net (i.e. plaintext, single channel) - This is probably unlikely because as a fighting force, the Israelis are among
the best, specifically in the areas of tactical security.
2) Somebody lost a CYZ-10 encryption device (along with the physical key) - A CYZ-10 (without getting into specifics) secures the comm for the SINGARS.
If this happened and it was not reported, essentially Israel's ENTIRE theaterwide military operations would have been compromised, until a crypto
change-over (while unlikely), assuming that they did not rollover their crypto on a daily or weekly basis, they would have been totally open to anybody.
Again, I'm just speculating, but considering how important it is for us when we conduct combat ops, not to lose compromise comms, these are some real
distinct, possiblities.
Regards,
MBC1977,
(US Marine, College Student, and Good Guy!)
hmmm... perhaps, but if this was another company, we would call it being smart. Seriously, in a battle (Business being a constant war), one does not automatically field their best man (or woman), unless they are damm sure they are going win, without challenge or casulty. If you have an any doubts, then you test the waters, first.
Granted MS's cash and IP warchest allow to make such a move, but it took them time to get there. I remember Windows 1.0 and up to 3.0 it sucked. Same with IE until 5.0
Nobody said business was easy or nice...
Regards,
MBC1977,
(US Marine, College Student, and Good Guy!)
Well as a member of the armed forces, I have to say while I personally think this is a frivolous accessory for an iPod, to each his or her own.
Personally, I'd rather spend the money on some gear to keep my fellow Marines and myself alive when I'm in a combat zone. However, when we have
downtime, it is extremely relaxing to have something to listen to / watch.
lol but a mortar and IED proof iPod case is just kinda 'weird' to me. Seriously, who's gonna go on patrol with their iPod? And if there are
such individuals I'd question their sanity.
Regards,
MBC1977,
(US Marine, College Student, and Good Guy!)
I'll still use the site when the new version is available in IE. Ironically, because of personal preference (i.e. choice). I've tried the latest version's of FF, and Opera and I still think websites look best in IE. I don't knock those who like those browsers, but the way I see it, a standard does not need an independant group. That may sound lame to some, but I've invested a lot of time and money in building my MS developer skillset. In addition, seeing as my family, nor my friends, have ever had a major problem with MS software and tools, I don't see to the need to change course...yet.
That being said, I'll keep my copy of FF around and periodically look at Slashdot and other various sites, but to be perfectally honest, I think its font rendering systems and layout is ugly (too block'ish') for my taste.
Regards,
MBC1977,
(US Marine, College Student, and Good Guy!)
"I just hope someone doesn't appear inside the part they're working on saying that the new part will destroy his universe with exotic particles that don't obey the laws of physics (what? that joke was worth another whirl)"
LOL thanks for the laugh, I actually made home to watch that episode.
Regards,
MBC1977,
(US Marine, College Student, and Good Guy!)
"I find it rather amusing that everyeone *except* the world's biggest software company has managed to get their next generation desktop released prior to 2007" Hmmm... well lets see, is the world's biggest software company trying to target as many users as possible (considering they are the "world's biggest"
[your words not mine])? I would guess it just might take a while. Wouldn't want to rush anything out the door, ya know.
I find it amusing that the final release isn't out yet and so many people are downing it. I'll wait and use it before I judge, ya know -- keep an OPEN mind.
Regards,
MBC1977,
(US Marine, College Student, and Good Guy!)
Just an observation, (and please bear with me, because I have not attempted to use Linux since 1999)
Two of the gems that helps keeps windows as a de facto standard is (1) ease of use in terms of interface. What I mean is that most computer users
(not including, developers or tech geeks (both of which I include myself), do not want to have learn a new interface (by choice or by circumstance).
Say what you will, but the Windows interface has not changed that much from 3.0 to XP. Basic functionality has stayed consistant throughout the
various windows' lifecycles.
The second gem and this may be the most important, the lack of a steep learning curve. This may sound funny, but its true. MS was not stupid by
including solitare in the system. Most people learn through fun. If you understand how to play solitare, then you can operate basically any windows
application. Sounds simplistic, but it works.
A third gem (I just thought of) is the package vs al la cart method. Linux and Windows reminds me somewhat of a stereo system. Windows is like a
stereo jukebox (built-in speakers, cd player, tape deck, equalizer, am/fm radio, antenna, etc.), while Linux is like an audiophile's dream system, customize
it to your heart' content. (a denon CD deck, Sony ES Tape Deck, Kenwood Reciever, etc.)
If you think about it, its true, Linux users
love to tinker and tweak. Most Windows users just want it to work. No questions asked.
Is one better then the other, I think it will depend on the user. For me, I just like my games and such. lol
Regards,
MBC1977,
(US Marine, College Student, and Good Guy!)
Personally, I think this is a great idea. Some software aside, Microsoft has some very talented software
and business people working for them (hate them or not, most company's can only dream of having that
marketshare).
That being said, since I don't see any other company even making the attempt nor do I see the US public
school system changing much, I say kudos to them. Furthermore, I notice a lot of posters saying
this is going to suck and other BS, I would just say, if you are willing to pony up the money or
even better, ***GASP***, teach these children yourselves, then let it be.
Let the first graduates be the litmus test of whether or not this is a good idea. True, past
performance can be an indicator of future performance, but as its a new idea UNTRIED, I think
it deserves it shot.
Regards,
MBC1977,
(US Marine, College Student, and Good Guy!)
This is great, because personally, I'm tired of advertisements I don't want (i.e Viagra, GetRichQuick,
other assorted unwanted ads. Now if we could adapt this law to work on the physical mailbox, I
would not have keep throwing away junk mail and other stupid stuff, like how many DISH Network offers
does one really need, much less use.
I realise it may they be trying to make a living, but not at the expense of my peace of mind.
Regards,
MBC1977,
(US Marine, College Student, and Good Guy!)
"now we're going to have private enterprise try to make a buck or two off of going to space."
Is this a problem? What's wrong with trying to make money by providing a service? Granted the first one's in are going to have to go through growing pains
but that is how innovation begins. Unless you want to go back to the horse and buggy? lol.
Regards,
MBC1977,
(US Marine, College Student, and Good Guy!)
What is your exact intent? Students are going to still miss / skip class (podcast or no podcast). Remember every student learns differently
Though I'm not entirely proud of this, I slept literally through an entire semester of classes (of 20 semester credit hours), both because
I had to commute 2 1/2 hours and because 2 of the professors were that boring in person. That being said I had a tape recorder which allowed
me to record all of my classes (with permission of my professors). I listened to the tapes on the bus and train while I studied going to and from
college, and ended the semester with 3 A's and 2 B+'s.
Now I'm not a genius, but I believe everybody learns differently. An unrestricted podcast may help some of your students actually get better grades.
Granted, like other posters have said you'll have good and bad students in your classes. Students who want to learn will and others will not.
You may want to look at UC Berkeley's approach on iTunes. I attend a different university, but I
suppleiment some of my classes with their free podcasts. Just something to consider.
Regards,
MBC1977,
(US Marine, College Student, and Good Guy!)
So what happens if the artist does not want you to have free reign with their music to put it on any device you wish. Considering they created it,
why should someone who licences not owns (because the artist is the owner, not the listeners who are licencees) have the right to do whatever with it?
Just a curious thought...
Regards,
MBC1977,
(US Marine, College Student, and Good Guy!)
Labels are there to promote and earn revenues for artist's on global scale. Smaller venues may be nice, but if you invest time and money
in something you should be paid for it. Most local artists depend on word-of-mouth promotion. I guess another way to look at it would be to
consider whether the artist is doing it for the money or just love of their chosen genre of music. Either way a person needs to eat, just depends
on whether they would be happy eating at applebees or ciprani's.
Regards,
MBC1977,
(US Marine, College Student, and Good Guy!)
From what I have read, it pretty much boils down to the following, YES I can charge my software and / or source code,
HOWEVER, I have to allow any and everybody the ability to obtain said name software and / or source code for free.
Which effectively KILLS my business of charging for software and / or source code.
The concept of selling services rather than intellectual property just does not really appeal to me, hence the reason
why I avoid GPL software. But to each his or her own.
Regards,
MBC1977,
(US Marine, College Student, and Good Guy!)
While his employers probably will administratively punish and / or fire him, because his actions may save my coastie brothers and sisters
in the long run,I tip my hat off to you. Sometimes you gotta grab life by the horns, to do the right thing.
Regards,
MBC1977,
(US Marine, College Student, and Good Guy!)
Because if it is simliar to an aircraft black box, it will store the trip route via an advanced GPS system, time of departure, route driven
probably via waypoints), speed traveled along given route, and time of arrival. It will be an automatic version of my GPS (in terms of marking
waypoints, etc.
True this is all speculation, but if we don't bring it these concerns now, they will get introduced otherwise.
Regards,
MBC1977,
(US Marine, College Student, and Good Guy!)
Just one reason why this is bad
Denial of Licence (Due to speeding):
I'm from NYC originally (but anybody drives on a highway will understand), the posted speed limit is 65, yet the flow of traffic is 85 possibly 90.
Of course, if you do follow the posted speed limit, you run the risk of an accident due to the other drivers trying not to hit you, even in the slow lane.
So, you stay in the flow. This occurs over the course of several years, you've never been in an accident. Its time to renew your licence, so you go
to the DMV, where they ask to scan your car's black box (BB). After scanning your BB, you are told you are being denied a licence, or worse you are under
arrest for speeding X amount of times and must pay back fines plus court cost.
Yes I know some will think this is a great idea, but the reality is, with these BB, individual drivers have given up a bit more of their freedom for the
perception (and in some cases a reality) of security. Of course the smart thing would be to design cars with a lower top speed (but then who would
purchase them?)
This is just one possible scenario, but if this goes through, I would not be surprised to see this implemented short thereafter.
I'll close with a thought (though its not mine, but I understand the meaning) those who are willing to sacrifice a little freedom deserve no freedom.
Regards,
MBC1977,
(US Marine, College Student, and Good Guy!)
Whatever happen to, "I made a mistake." (be it though genuine blunder or an action percieved at the time as a good idea.)
It does happen, and crying and screaming for someone's head, makes me think some (not all), "doth protest too much."
Regards,
MBC1977,
(US Marine, College Student, and Good Guy!)
Gents and Ladies,
Regardless of what side of the coin you follow (democrat or republican, liberal or conservative), if you are not putting your
life on the line don't criticize others that do. In addition, as to servicemembers allegedly listening to music or watching videos
illegally, I would ask you to consider the morale factor. If you know you can possibly die at anytime, do you really think that we care
(during our deployment in a hostile country) that the RIAA is going to come after us? Whatever my fellow servicemembers and I need to
maintain our calm in a chaotic situation is what matters plain and simple. Because the simple matter is lives are at stake, namely ours.
Irregardless of whether this war is a good or bad action to undertake.
Another way I'll put is like this: If the RIAA wants to fight terrorism in Iraq before it comes to our shores, I'll gladly hand my M16A4
over to one of the cushy (or pudgy in somecases) lawyers and they can stand post. I don't mind sitting on my ass collecting big checks from
overpaid, overhyped artists (whom the majority can't sing or act anyway). At least I won't harrass dead people's families, college students,
and children. (Not to mention, all that gear hurts my back any damm way).
Regards,
MBC1977
(US Marine, College Student, and Good Guy)
Please note: The following comment is personal and not an official US Marine statement
I have Firefox installed also, but I use IE (yes by choice, because it works for me, and I like the way sites look in it)
That being said, it said 68% of Universities have Firefox installed, but how many of the students ACTUALLY are using it?
Just not seeing how this is news thats all.
Regards,
MBC1977,
(US Marine, College Student, and Good Guy!)
So does Nintendo's "Wii", but until its released and see what it can do, why judge it negatively?
Just a thought...
Regards,
MBC1977,
(US Marine, College Student, and Good Guy!)
Here are some potential problems I think with an open business (if its modeled like open source),
****Please Note**** While I don't use open source software often, I recognize some of its benefits,
just my preference for proprietory software ****End Note****
1)Too Many Chiefs and Not Enough Indians: Everybody cannot be on equal ground, regardless of their contributions,
due to human innate selfishness. Granted, open source software obviously works (amazingly, I'll grudgingly admit), but
when it comes to money and decisions, you definitely do not want everybody providing their input. Somebody has to lead,
and some has to follow. Leadership by group slows the course / direction of a group (i.e. business) logrithmically.
2)Too Many Chefs In The Kitchen: Similar to the previous opinon, with the following question: have you ever ate
from a resturant or somebody who cooked and added 1 too many spices, well if you have input from everybody that is what will
happen. In an ideal world, everybody would work together (like a hive mind, i.e. ants, bees, etc.), but the reality is everybody
has their own agenda and own goals, on occasion they align, but most of the time, they diverge. Too many goals pursued, will
bring the company to a near standstill. Leaders provide focus and direction.
3)Not All Members Can Be Paid The Same If everybody is paid the same, then what is the incentive? Granted I'm sure some
feel that money should not drive us and that we should all strive to help one another, but lets be honest, we are a long ways from
a Star Trek universe of goodwill. Obviously if you bust your ass in school for 4-8 years to earn a bachelor's or masters degree in
whatever field of expertise that interests you, you are going to want to get paid (unless you think that school bills are trivial), last
time I checked its getting more expensive every year. (To put it another way, should a person who goes to college make as much as a person
from McDonalds or Wal-Mart? (Btw, I have nothing against these workers, I'm just an honest and realistic question.
To close, these are just SOME of the reasons I can think of at this late hour. But it all sums up the same: Everybody wants to be #1.
Regards,
MBC1977,
(US Marine, College Student, and Good Guy!)
There is a real easy solution (for those who have a problem with Google's practices)
1) Use a different search engine: Google (and most businesses) I'm sure will not care what you say until a critical mass
of users using other search engines (or any other product) lose customers. Of course, since they have not changed their
business model or practices since their inception, I don't think that is really going to happen anytime soon.
2) Execute a technological workaround: However that has the drawback of if (and I say if) Google decides to become nasty,
they just ban you from their system, which they could legally do, since you are violating their company policy (which again forces
you to use another search engine, but this time not by choice).
3) Complain: Perhaps they may listen, perhaps they may not, but as a soverign business unless it affects their revenue stream
(which I don't think will happen, as they happen to be one of the best at execution of both their software and business practices)
I don't personally see their revenue slowing down anytime soon.
Last thing about this subject, it is true there is no such thing as a totally secure system, but Google does a pretty good job at what they
do, why hassle them when nothing has happened (not that it won't), but for now let Google run its ship, and just be happy with the service they
provide.
As one reader said earlier... you could use MSN Search.
Regards,
MBC1977,
(US Marine, College Student, and Good Guy!)