I'm not real sure how this applies but Russia did allow a diplomat with diplomatic immunity to be tried in Washington DC after he killed someone while drunk driving. He was tried, convicted, and spent time in a US prison. Eventually, he was allowed to return to Russia before his sentence ended and then served time there. If I remember correctly, he didn't end up serving the entire sentence handed down by the US court but, US citizens usually don't either. If they can suspend his diplomatic immunity can they suspend this guy's constitutional rights? It seems the Russians, in general, do whatever the hell they want to their citizens regardless of what their rights "should" be.
"I'll subscribe to Slashdot when I see a month without a dupe, a typo, or an article the editors didn't read."
Duuuude(ette), I love you're sig.
If'n we's evar get to dat point, hell will haved freezed ovar solid like. That's would be da teh bomb tho. Its a goal were noone can loose.:) I think it takes more effort to write like a moron than to write as a I normally do! Really, your points about dupes and articles not read by editors hit a sore point with me. Typos I can forgive...to a certain point, but usage (lose and loose, it's and its, their and their and they're, etc.) cause my blood pressure to rise through the roof. One day I'll be found dead in front of my computer with a Slashdot article titled, "Teh best new Micro$oft OS evar. Buy it now or be a looser".
"Maybe, but in that case I think the media themselves would be the "weapon of mass destruction" rather than the actual explosive device." "For example: In the 1930's a radio broadcast of H.G. Well's "War of the Worlds" book caused panic in Manhatten also. I think it would be universally agreed that in that case it was the radio station (i.e. the media) rather than the book (i.e. the device) which was to blame for the panic. I think the same would apply in any situation regarding a dirty bomb."
I agree completely! Do you think that modern day terrorists are so stupid that they can't/won't use the media? So who is to blame? The media for following their usual course or the terrorists for knowing the media's usual course and exploiting it for their end purposes? If H.G. had grasped the possibility of the panic that was to be created, do you think he would have done that broadcast? No fucking way!!! He wanted to entertain, not panic the populace. Terrorists have the opposite view! They want to terrify. Therefore, they use every avenue available and they are smart enough to use the media to their advantage. That's why videos of Americans/other allies with their heads being sawed off, IED attacks, and sniper attacks are available on the internet. You can't blame the media and if a dirty bomb was used, you can't necessarily blame the media for covering/hyping it. It was the terrorists who took that step.
Like I said..."If security guards are bought, they can get some off site."
I'm not talking about terrorists. I'm saying that security guards who are willing to grow pot on site might very well be bought to get nuke materials off site....and your link sucked. No abstract? I have to buy the fucking book to know what you're trying to say?
Here's what I'm saying...my dad has worked on nuke sites for years. He says that the security guards can get shit on site or off site at will. Who cares if it is actually dangerous as a bomb. The public perception, along with the media spin, will keep the folks who work in that area away. Therefore, the same effect as if it was really a danger.
"The media love their scare stories stating that a dirty bomb would cause such destruction but it is totally at odds with all the research which basically shows that the most lethal part of a dirty bomb is the conventional explosives themselves. It would marginally increase radiation levels, but considering people don't tend to grow food in the middle of cities this would not really do much harm. In no way is it a "weapon of mass destruction"."
Let's say a dirty bomb is used in Manhattan or downtown Washington DC. Do you think that folks will go back to work in that vicinity after our much trusted government officials say, "It's okay, there's no danger."? I quite agree that the actual danger is minimal. However, public perception (read ignorance) will prevent anyone from going back there anytime soon. The sheeple listen to the "media" and their "scare stories", not the researchers that show "the most lethal part of a dirty bomb is the conventional explosives". That has the same effect as mass destruction.
"As for it being as easy to sell nuclear waste as it is to grow pot at a nuclear plant - bullshit. Do you know how quickly even a couple hundred grams of missing material would be caught at an american plant with all the audits?"
If security guards are bought, they can get some off site. My dad has worked at several nuke plants so I think I have some insight on the matter. You don't state why you think it's bullshit that a couple of hundred grams might not be missed. There are an awful lot of used fuel rods being stored on site at plants, do you think they count them every day?
"It's funny how CD/DVD burning software is the one that doesn't work. I remember when I upgraded to Windows 2000 (it might have been xp), and none of the CD Burning programs I had worked anymore. Do they have to change the way CD burning works with every new version? Is there a reasonable explanation why CD burning programs always end up broken?"
"The idea that terrorists could obtain nuclear weapons grade material and then actually use it to create a thermo-nuclear device is absurd."
I'll bite... Creating a "thermo-nuclear" device is not the only way to create a weapon of mass destruction. Dirty bombs are certainly a threat. Making x blocks of a critically important city center unlivable is certainly mass destruction. There is a fair amount of nuclear waste being stored on site at nuke plants. If the security guards at a nuke plant can grow lots of pot on site for money then they can sell nuclear waste too. A security supervisor and guards were charged and convicted of growing pot on the grounds of a nuke plant in Maryland.
"Actually, part of that 1997 license also said neither service could prevent someone from making a device that received BOTH services. But no one has done it yet. I for one would welcome a new XM/Sirius/FM/AM one-device overlord. Until then... I'll stick with XM."
Fantastic point! Choice is a great equalizer. Let the market decide if the merger is desirable. If both XM and Sirius were available in one device the market could decide by sheer number of those that subscribe to both as to whether the merger should be allowed. If both are subscribed to by x number of folks, it would be obvious if the merger should be allowed. No decision necessary by government fiat. As an even bigger plus, you get AM and FM in the same device.
"Actually, there's really not a lot of exclusivity between the two services."
Respectfully, I think the statement above argues for the merger, not against. Also, I think the FCC really blew it when they initially allowed this service and mandated that no mergers would be allowed from the get go. With only two services going in as startups on a brand new technology being released to the public, you are almost guaranteeing that one will fail eventually. It might be a different story if there had been a couple more besides XM and Sirius from the starting gate.
"Having an accountant do my taxes is great for getting my taxes done this year I agree. But it doesn't teach me enough about the process to help me make decisions throughout the following year."
Change accountants! A good accountant can spend a little time looking over your previous taxes and asking you some questions in order to suggest to you strategies that will help you for this year...and should be available for quick questions throughout the year at no charge.
"Plus to use an accountant I have to assemble all my documentation myself anyway (all the taxable records) which is a major part of the tax effort - once I got all my papers the rest is not so bad."
No, no, no! Assembling the documentation is the easy part. The hard part is knowing all of the rules and loopholes that help you pay the least tax possible.
Disclaimer: I am not an accountant. My sole reason for recommending an accountant is to help you navigate the chaos of the US tax system to your benefit. A complete overhaul or major change of the US tax system is long overdue.
"The transmission of a paper via email is no different than the transmission of a paper via postal mail. The constitution plainly and clearly provides protection for this, and it is simply a question of whether the courts will acknowledge this now, or come to their senses later."
I agree heartily and I think courts are acknowledging this already. Of course, you most likely will need a very good (expensive) lawyer, after the fact, to prove your rights have been violated.
As long as the guvmint stays out of my home or anywhere else I have a reasonable expectation of privacy, they can record all they want. I LIKE red light cameras. I LIKE the idea that someone mugging me after an ATM visit might get caught because there are cameras covering the street. Surveillance cameras, public and those used by businesses have become an integral part of getting bad people caught and just as importantly, convicted.
"From the posting: They're also planning on implimenting a program of streetcorner video cameras,... and a spell checker to provide correct spelling for Slashdot posts."
You beat me to it...I just got home from being out and about all day. I check out Slashdot to see what's going on and damn if "implimenting" didn't just reach out and grab me. Folks, can we take a little time and effort to try and appear educated and intelligent? I'm not talking about the occasional typo, slang, or grammatical errors in posts. I'm talking about the actual fucking story looking like it was written by a functional illiterate! I really don't get it. My Firefox has spell check built in. If your browser doesn't, you can copy and paste using you favorite word processor. Can you feel my exasperation? Go ahead and mod me as flamebait, troll, or off topic if you wish but, the devil is often in the details. Just imagine what this misspelling looks like to a first time visitor to Slashdot. "Nothing to see here, move on."/rant off
"Have an accountant do your taxes. They're cross platform, less error prone, and in many cases charge about the same price as popular tax prep software costs."
As complicated as the US tax code is, this is the BEST advice for anyone above the poverty level. It is also why our tax code will not be reformed. There are way too many accountants out there who make too much money on handling taxes, and they support the candidates who will keep the status quo. Tax reform is very much needed in the US. I lean towards a flat tax or national sales tax.
"Microsoft has a much larger user base in my opinion"
That's not opinion. That's fact.
"Some people are totally embracing Vista and Office 2007 (I have to admit I liked some things in Office 2007, notably the hover preview)."
Most businesses will embrace Vista and Office 2007. MS is very well entrenched. The fact you found something to like is a compliment to MS. Give credit where it is due. They ARE constantly improving. Here's the bigger issue... MS OS and apps are expensive and TRY to lock their users into expensive upgrades. Linux and Open Office and other open source OS/apps do not try to evilly keep you a slave to their products. Their attitude is more "here's what we've got, suggest improvement or move on...we don't care because those who like us will stay and help us improve.".
What's really funny is that "squirt" has been used in multiple sci-fi's to ACTUALLY transmit data. I'm sure Heinlein used it and I'm also just as sure I've seen it used by other authors.
I've been using Open Office for a while now and I'm very happy with it. My wife uses MS Office 2003 and she is very happy with it. We share files back and forth regularly with absolutely no problems. The biggest issue I see is that Open Office apps are significantly slower in opening closing and the same for opening or saving actual files. I can say for certain that the law firm users I used to support would HATE Open Office based on that fact alone. Another issue might be a lack of an acceptable substitute for Outlook. Then again, based on cost savings, the partners might very find that Open Office is a good way to go as long as the email issue could be resolved.
"And indeed your lack of customs knowledge astounds me."
My point has nothing to do with customs law.
"If I order a gun from you (assuming you were in the US, though I doubt it from the flamebait at the end of your posting), the responsibility for knowing the appropriate local legislation of import and posession of that item lies with me, not you."
Actually, it doesn't matter in the mind of the law as to WHO "should" have knowledge of the law. Ignorance of the law is no excuse. As per my example, I'm a US resident who sold and shipped a weapon that was illegal in the recipient's country. Maybe I followed my local law as far as customs and export but I broke the importation and customs law of the recipient's country. If I show up in that country I certainly could expect to be arrested for violating their law...illegal importation of a firearm. It matters naught that I followed my own country's law.
I see a parallel for internet content. If I provide content/service to a country where that content/service is illegal, then I sure as hell could be arrested if I show up in that country.
As an aside, I am from the US. I chose to flame that moron with a slang term they would understand, considering they are obviously a rectal orifice of tremendous proportion, lacking wisdom, and from the UK. To you I say, with respect, thank you for an intelligent and thoughtful reply. Because you showed intelligence, wisdom, and respect, I've tried to reply in the same manner. If I were to call you a name, it would be...peer...maybe even friend.
Your lack of logic astounds me. If I sell you a gun legally in the US and you choose to take it somewhere you know possession of that gun is illegal, YOU take that risk. If I sell you a gun through the mail from somewhere it is legal to do so, to somewhere it is illegal, and then I choose to go to that same country where it is illegal, I would expect to possibly be arrested.
By the way, learn to type, or spell, or something to make yourself more intelligible...fucking chav...
"In case you didn't notice, the site's based outside of the US, which means the crime's not being committed within the US."
If a person, IN the US, is violating US law by accessing the site based outside of the US, then the person enabling that violation of US law will certainly be considered to also be violating US law. The primary violation is being committed in the US by the person accessing the site. The secondary violation is by the person outside of the country providing the content, at least as a conspirator. Drug dealers in South America are considered criminals for providing drugs to countries where drugs are illegal. What is the difference? Name one country that won't treat that as a violation of their laws. See my post above relating to child porn.
Slashdot Mirror
I'm not real sure how this applies but Russia did allow a diplomat with diplomatic immunity to be tried in Washington DC after he killed someone while drunk driving. He was tried, convicted, and spent time in a US prison. Eventually, he was allowed to return to Russia before his sentence ended and then served time there. If I remember correctly, he didn't end up serving the entire sentence handed down by the US court but, US citizens usually don't either. If they can suspend his diplomatic immunity can they suspend this guy's constitutional rights? It seems the Russians, in general, do whatever the hell they want to their citizens regardless of what their rights "should" be.
"I'll subscribe to Slashdot when I see a month without a dupe, a typo, or an article the editors didn't read."
:) I think it takes more effort to write like a moron than to write as a I normally do! Really, your points about dupes and articles not read by editors hit a sore point with me. Typos I can forgive...to a certain point, but usage (lose and loose, it's and its, their and their and they're, etc.) cause my blood pressure to rise through the roof. One day I'll be found dead in front of my computer with a Slashdot article titled, "Teh best new Micro$oft OS evar. Buy it now or be a looser".
Duuuude(ette), I love you're sig.
If'n we's evar get to dat point, hell will haved freezed ovar solid like. That's would be da teh bomb tho. Its a goal were noone can loose.
"Maybe, but in that case I think the media themselves would be the "weapon of mass destruction" rather than the actual explosive device."
"For example: In the 1930's a radio broadcast of H.G. Well's "War of the Worlds" book caused panic in Manhatten also. I think it would be universally agreed that in that case it was the radio station (i.e. the media) rather than the book (i.e. the device) which was to blame for the panic. I think the same would apply in any situation regarding a dirty bomb."
I agree completely! Do you think that modern day terrorists are so stupid that they can't/won't use the media? So who is to blame? The media for following their usual course or the terrorists for knowing the media's usual course and exploiting it for their end purposes? If H.G. had grasped the possibility of the panic that was to be created, do you think he would have done that broadcast? No fucking way!!! He wanted to entertain, not panic the populace. Terrorists have the opposite view! They want to terrify. Therefore, they use every avenue available and they are smart enough to use the media to their advantage. That's why videos of Americans/other allies with their heads being sawed off, IED attacks, and sniper attacks are available on the internet. You can't blame the media and if a dirty bomb was used, you can't necessarily blame the media for covering/hyping it. It was the terrorists who took that step.
Like I said..."If security guards are bought, they can get some off site."
...and your link sucked. No abstract? I have to buy the fucking book to know what you're trying to say?
I'm not talking about terrorists. I'm saying that security guards who are willing to grow pot on site might very well be bought to get nuke materials off site.
Here's what I'm saying...my dad has worked on nuke sites for years. He says that the security guards can get shit on site or off site at will. Who cares if it is actually dangerous as a bomb. The public perception, along with the media spin, will keep the folks who work in that area away. Therefore, the same effect as if it was really a danger.
"The media love their scare stories stating that a dirty bomb would cause such destruction but it is totally at odds with all the research which basically shows that the most lethal part of a dirty bomb is the conventional explosives themselves. It would marginally increase radiation levels, but considering people don't tend to grow food in the middle of cities this would not really do much harm. In no way is it a "weapon of mass destruction"."
Let's say a dirty bomb is used in Manhattan or downtown Washington DC. Do you think that folks will go back to work in that vicinity after our much trusted government officials say, "It's okay, there's no danger."? I quite agree that the actual danger is minimal. However, public perception (read ignorance) will prevent anyone from going back there anytime soon. The sheeple listen to the "media" and their "scare stories", not the researchers that show "the most lethal part of a dirty bomb is the conventional explosives". That has the same effect as mass destruction.
"As for it being as easy to sell nuclear waste as it is to grow pot at a nuclear plant - bullshit. Do you know how quickly even a couple hundred grams of missing material would be caught at an american plant with all the audits?"
If security guards are bought, they can get some off site. My dad has worked at several nuke plants so I think I have some insight on the matter. You don't state why you think it's bullshit that a couple of hundred grams might not be missed. There are an awful lot of used fuel rods being stored on site at plants, do you think they count them every day?
"It's funny how CD/DVD burning software is the one that doesn't work. I remember when I upgraded to Windows 2000 (it might have been xp), and none of the CD Burning programs I had worked anymore. Do they have to change the way CD burning works with every new version? Is there a reasonable explanation why CD burning programs always end up broken?"
DRM
"The idea that terrorists could obtain nuclear weapons grade material and then actually use it to create a thermo-nuclear device is absurd."
I'll bite... Creating a "thermo-nuclear" device is not the only way to create a weapon of mass destruction. Dirty bombs are certainly a threat. Making x blocks of a critically important city center unlivable is certainly mass destruction. There is a fair amount of nuclear waste being stored on site at nuke plants. If the security guards at a nuke plant can grow lots of pot on site for money then they can sell nuclear waste too. A security supervisor and guards were charged and convicted of growing pot on the grounds of a nuke plant in Maryland.
"Actually, part of that 1997 license also said neither service could prevent someone from making a device that received BOTH services. But no one has done it yet. I for one would welcome a new XM/Sirius/FM/AM one-device overlord. Until then... I'll stick with XM."
Fantastic point! Choice is a great equalizer. Let the market decide if the merger is desirable. If both XM and Sirius were available in one device the market could decide by sheer number of those that subscribe to both as to whether the merger should be allowed. If both are subscribed to by x number of folks, it would be obvious if the merger should be allowed. No decision necessary by government fiat. As an even bigger plus, you get AM and FM in the same device.
"Actually, there's really not a lot of exclusivity between the two services."
Respectfully, I think the statement above argues for the merger, not against. Also, I think the FCC really blew it when they initially allowed this service and mandated that no mergers would be allowed from the get go. With only two services going in as startups on a brand new technology being released to the public, you are almost guaranteeing that one will fail eventually. It might be a different story if there had been a couple more besides XM and Sirius from the starting gate.
"Having an accountant do my taxes is great for getting my taxes done this year I agree. But it doesn't teach me enough about the process to help me make decisions throughout the following year."
Change accountants! A good accountant can spend a little time looking over your previous taxes and asking you some questions in order to suggest to you strategies that will help you for this year...and should be available for quick questions throughout the year at no charge.
"Plus to use an accountant I have to assemble all my documentation myself anyway (all the taxable records) which is a major part of the tax effort - once I got all my papers the rest is not so bad."
No, no, no! Assembling the documentation is the easy part. The hard part is knowing all of the rules and loopholes that help you pay the least tax possible.
Disclaimer: I am not an accountant. My sole reason for recommending an accountant is to help you navigate the chaos of the US tax system to your benefit. A complete overhaul or major change of the US tax system is long overdue.
"The transmission of a paper via email is no different than the transmission of a paper via postal mail. The constitution plainly and clearly provides protection for this, and it is simply a question of whether the courts will acknowledge this now, or come to their senses later."
I agree heartily and I think courts are acknowledging this already. Of course, you most likely will need a very good (expensive) lawyer, after the fact, to prove your rights have been violated.
As long as the guvmint stays out of my home or anywhere else I have a reasonable expectation of privacy, they can record all they want. I LIKE red light cameras. I LIKE the idea that someone mugging me after an ATM visit might get caught because there are cameras covering the street. Surveillance cameras, public and those used by businesses have become an integral part of getting bad people caught and just as importantly, convicted.
"okay try this in a week you are seen on camera in
1 chemical supply store
2 a hardware store
3 a gun store
4 "with" a person of interest
So on the basis of this "evidence" during a sweep you get given a ticket to Gitmo as being part of a terrorist plot"
Well, that's an awful lot of coincidences isn't it? That's why I spread out my suspicious activities over months, if not years.
Yeah, and ironically...some of us should use preview more and reread what we just wrote.
:P
"you can copy and paste using you favorite word processor"
Yes, it should be "your". That's karma rearing it's ugly head for my rant.
"From the posting: They're also planning on implimenting a program of streetcorner video cameras, ... and a spell checker to provide correct spelling for Slashdot posts."
/rant off
You beat me to it...I just got home from being out and about all day. I check out Slashdot to see what's going on and damn if "implimenting" didn't just reach out and grab me. Folks, can we take a little time and effort to try and appear educated and intelligent? I'm not talking about the occasional typo, slang, or grammatical errors in posts. I'm talking about the actual fucking story looking like it was written by a functional illiterate! I really don't get it. My Firefox has spell check built in. If your browser doesn't, you can copy and paste using you favorite word processor. Can you feel my exasperation? Go ahead and mod me as flamebait, troll, or off topic if you wish but, the devil is often in the details. Just imagine what this misspelling looks like to a first time visitor to Slashdot. "Nothing to see here, move on."
"Have an accountant do your taxes. They're cross platform, less error prone, and in many cases charge about the same price as popular tax prep software costs."
As complicated as the US tax code is, this is the BEST advice for anyone above the poverty level. It is also why our tax code will not be reformed. There are way too many accountants out there who make too much money on handling taxes, and they support the candidates who will keep the status quo. Tax reform is very much needed in the US. I lean towards a flat tax or national sales tax.
"Microsoft has a much larger user base in my opinion"
That's not opinion. That's fact.
"Some people are totally embracing Vista and Office 2007 (I have to admit I liked some things in Office 2007, notably the hover preview)."
Most businesses will embrace Vista and Office 2007. MS is very well entrenched. The fact you found something to like is a compliment to MS. Give credit where it is due. They ARE constantly improving. Here's the bigger issue... MS OS and apps are expensive and TRY to lock their users into expensive upgrades. Linux and Open Office and other open source OS/apps do not try to evilly keep you a slave to their products. Their attitude is more "here's what we've got, suggest improvement or move on...we don't care because those who like us will stay and help us improve.".
What's really funny is that "squirt" has been used in multiple sci-fi's to ACTUALLY transmit data. I'm sure Heinlein used it and I'm also just as sure I've seen it used by other authors.
I've been using Open Office for a while now and I'm very happy with it. My wife uses MS Office 2003 and she is very happy with it. We share files back and forth regularly with absolutely no problems. The biggest issue I see is that Open Office apps are significantly slower in opening closing and the same for opening or saving actual files. I can say for certain that the law firm users I used to support would HATE Open Office based on that fact alone. Another issue might be a lack of an acceptable substitute for Outlook. Then again, based on cost savings, the partners might very find that Open Office is a good way to go as long as the email issue could be resolved.
Great citation. Thank you and I bow to your obvious greater knowledge than that of the parent. Mod the fucker down!!!
"And indeed your lack of customs knowledge astounds me."
My point has nothing to do with customs law.
"If I order a gun from you (assuming you were in the US, though I doubt it from the flamebait at the end of your posting), the responsibility for knowing the appropriate local legislation of import and posession of that item lies with me, not you."
Actually, it doesn't matter in the mind of the law as to WHO "should" have knowledge of the law. Ignorance of the law is no excuse. As per my example, I'm a US resident who sold and shipped a weapon that was illegal in the recipient's country. Maybe I followed my local law as far as customs and export but I broke the importation and customs law of the recipient's country. If I show up in that country I certainly could expect to be arrested for violating their law...illegal importation of a firearm. It matters naught that I followed my own country's law.
I see a parallel for internet content. If I provide content/service to a country where that content/service is illegal, then I sure as hell could be arrested if I show up in that country.
As an aside, I am from the US. I chose to flame that moron with a slang term they would understand, considering they are obviously a rectal orifice of tremendous proportion, lacking wisdom, and from the UK. To you I say, with respect, thank you for an intelligent and thoughtful reply. Because you showed intelligence, wisdom, and respect, I've tried to reply in the same manner. If I were to call you a name, it would be...peer...maybe even friend.
What if you come into the jurisdiction? Are you able to be arrested then? That's where I was pointing.
Your lack of logic astounds me. If I sell you a gun legally in the US and you choose to take it somewhere you know possession of that gun is illegal, YOU take that risk. If I sell you a gun through the mail from somewhere it is legal to do so, to somewhere it is illegal, and then I choose to go to that same country where it is illegal, I would expect to possibly be arrested.
By the way, learn to type, or spell, or something to make yourself more intelligible...fucking chav...
"In case you didn't notice, the site's based outside of the US, which means the crime's not being committed within the US."
If a person, IN the US, is violating US law by accessing the site based outside of the US, then the person enabling that violation of US law will certainly be considered to also be violating US law. The primary violation is being committed in the US by the person accessing the site. The secondary violation is by the person outside of the country providing the content, at least as a conspirator. Drug dealers in South America are considered criminals for providing drugs to countries where drugs are illegal. What is the difference? Name one country that won't treat that as a violation of their laws. See my post above relating to child porn.