Sci Fi Wire -- The News Service of the Sci Fi Channel: "
SCI FI Announces Caprica
SCI FI Channel announced the development of Caprica, a spinoff prequel of its hit Battlestar Galactica, in presentations to advertisers in New York on April 26. Caprica would come from Galactica executive producers Ronald D. Moore and David Eick, writer Remi Aubuchon (24) and NBC Universal Television Studio.
Caprica would take place more than half a century before the events that play out in Battlestar Galactica. The people of the Twelve Colonies are at peace and living in a society not unlike our own, but where high-technology has changed the lives of virtually everyone for the better.
But a startling breakthrough in robotics is about to occur, one that will bring to life the age-old dream of marrying artificial intelligence with a mechanical body to create the first living robot: a Cylon. Following the lives of two families, the Graystones and the Adamas (the family of William Adama, who will one day become the commander of the Battlestar Galactica), Caprica will weave together corporate intrigue, techno-action and sexual politics into television's first science fiction family saga, the channel announced. "
==============================
ok, THAT just sounds cool. The orgin of the Cylons
Thursday, April 27, 2006
Wednesday, April 26, 2006
Slashdot | Internet2 Gets a New Backbone
Slashdot Internet2 Gets a New Backbone: "Internet2 Gets a New Backbone
Posted by ScuttleMonkey on Wednesday April 26, @05:34AM
from the where-and-through-whom dept.
wrong_fuel writes 'A few of you know that Internet2 and NLR (National Lambda Rail) have been in talks for some time regarding a merger of the two networks. Those talks have fallen apart and Internet2's contracts with Qwest communications had already been allowed to lapse. Internet2 has now reached an agreement with an unnamed carrier for its next generation backbone. The new network will likely be named later this year (the old one was referred to as 'Abilene') and current member Universities will be migrated off of Abilene by September 2007.' "
=======================================
my theory? the 'unnamed carrier' is Google. What better way to rip control of the net from Microsoft then by 'owning' the internet?
Posted by ScuttleMonkey on Wednesday April 26, @05:34AM
from the where-and-through-whom dept.
wrong_fuel writes 'A few of you know that Internet2 and NLR (National Lambda Rail) have been in talks for some time regarding a merger of the two networks. Those talks have fallen apart and Internet2's contracts with Qwest communications had already been allowed to lapse. Internet2 has now reached an agreement with an unnamed carrier for its next generation backbone. The new network will likely be named later this year (the old one was referred to as 'Abilene') and current member Universities will be migrated off of Abilene by September 2007.' "
=======================================
my theory? the 'unnamed carrier' is Google. What better way to rip control of the net from Microsoft then by 'owning' the internet?
New Scientist Breaking News - Invention: Apple's all-seeing screen
New Scientist Breaking News - Invention: Apple's all-seeing screen: "Apple's all-seeing screen
We could soon see a new kind of display screen from computer maker Apple – one that simultaneously takes pictures while showing images.
The clever idea is to insert thousands of microscopic image sensors in-between the liquid crystal display cells in the screen. Each sensor captures its own small image, but software stitches these together to create a single, larger picture.
A large LCD screen filled with image sensors would be ideal for videoconferencing, Apple suggests, as participants would always appear to look straight into the 'camera'. The technique could also add a camera function to a cellphone or PDA without wasting space, and light from the screen should help illuminate a subject.
The more sensors there are, the wider and clearer the image. Sketches accompanying the company's patent show as many sensors as liquid crystal cells in a screen. If some of the sensors have different focal lengths, switching between them would make the screen behave like a zoom lens.
Read the full patent, here."
====================================
Now that's just cool.. a monitor with a built in Webcam.
We could soon see a new kind of display screen from computer maker Apple – one that simultaneously takes pictures while showing images.
The clever idea is to insert thousands of microscopic image sensors in-between the liquid crystal display cells in the screen. Each sensor captures its own small image, but software stitches these together to create a single, larger picture.
A large LCD screen filled with image sensors would be ideal for videoconferencing, Apple suggests, as participants would always appear to look straight into the 'camera'. The technique could also add a camera function to a cellphone or PDA without wasting space, and light from the screen should help illuminate a subject.
The more sensors there are, the wider and clearer the image. Sketches accompanying the company's patent show as many sensors as liquid crystal cells in a screen. If some of the sensors have different focal lengths, switching between them would make the screen behave like a zoom lens.
Read the full patent, here."
====================================
Now that's just cool.. a monitor with a built in Webcam.
Monday, April 24, 2006
RIAA Bans Telling Friends About Songs | The Onion - America's Finest News Source
RIAA Bans Telling Friends About Songs
LOS ANGELES—The Recording Industry Association of America announced Tuesday that it will be taking legal action against anyone discovered telling friends, acquaintances, or associates about new songs, artists, or albums. "We are merely exercising our right to defend our intellectual properties from unauthorized peer-to-peer notification of the existence of copyrighted material," a press release signed by RIAA anti-piracy director Brad Buckles read. "We will aggressively prosecute those individuals who attempt to pirate our property by generating 'buzz' about any proprietary music, movies, or software, or enjoy same in the company of anyone other than themselves." RIAA attorneys said they were also looking into the legality of word-of-mouth "favorites-sharing" sites, such as coffee shops, universities, and living rooms.
LOS ANGELES—The Recording Industry Association of America announced Tuesday that it will be taking legal action against anyone discovered telling friends, acquaintances, or associates about new songs, artists, or albums. "We are merely exercising our right to defend our intellectual properties from unauthorized peer-to-peer notification of the existence of copyrighted material," a press release signed by RIAA anti-piracy director Brad Buckles read. "We will aggressively prosecute those individuals who attempt to pirate our property by generating 'buzz' about any proprietary music, movies, or software, or enjoy same in the company of anyone other than themselves." RIAA attorneys said they were also looking into the legality of word-of-mouth "favorites-sharing" sites, such as coffee shops, universities, and living rooms.
Congress readies broad new digital copyright bill | CNET News.com
For the last few years, a coalition of technology companies, academics and computer programmers has been trying to persuade Congress to scale back the Digital Millennium Copyright Act. Now Congress is preparing to do precisely the opposite. A proposed copyright law seen by CNET News.com would expand the DMCA's restrictions on software that can bypass copy protections and grant federal police more wiretapping and enforcement powers.
The draft legislation, created by the Bush administration and backed by Rep. Lamar Smith, already enjoys the support of large copyright holders such as the Recording Industry Association of America. Smith is the chairman of the U.S. House of Representatives subcommittee that oversees intellectual-property law.
=================================================
Come on people, Why do we let morons make the laws? People that have NO idea how the industry works, and above that.. groups of companys like the RIAA? Really, I don't trust the RIAA to pass a law about how to poop, let alone 'fixing' any problems with the DMCA, which I believe is the problem from the beginning.
thank about it: "[The updates to the DMCA would] create a new federal crime of just trying to commit copyright infringement. Such willful attempts at piracy, even if they fail, could be punished by up to 10 years in prison. "
10 years. 10 YEARS for nothing more then copying a CD, video game, movie, tv show, book, art work. and we ALL know how the RIAA likes to sue people (that don't even have computers) and adding more 'power' to the DMCA will give them even more legal ground to stand on. It's nothing more then a ploy to not only allow the RIAA to sue people faster and with more legal ground, but also to allow the Bush Administration to SPY on you and me.
Isn't America free? Arn't we free to think, feel, do what we wish with in reason? Why do I need 'big brother' to spy on me because of a couple of bad apples in the mix?
Here's the hand basket for the world's trip to hell.
The draft legislation, created by the Bush administration and backed by Rep. Lamar Smith, already enjoys the support of large copyright holders such as the Recording Industry Association of America. Smith is the chairman of the U.S. House of Representatives subcommittee that oversees intellectual-property law.
=================================================
Come on people, Why do we let morons make the laws? People that have NO idea how the industry works, and above that.. groups of companys like the RIAA? Really, I don't trust the RIAA to pass a law about how to poop, let alone 'fixing' any problems with the DMCA, which I believe is the problem from the beginning.
thank about it: "[The updates to the DMCA would] create a new federal crime of just trying to commit copyright infringement. Such willful attempts at piracy, even if they fail, could be punished by up to 10 years in prison. "
10 years. 10 YEARS for nothing more then copying a CD, video game, movie, tv show, book, art work. and we ALL know how the RIAA likes to sue people (that don't even have computers) and adding more 'power' to the DMCA will give them even more legal ground to stand on. It's nothing more then a ploy to not only allow the RIAA to sue people faster and with more legal ground, but also to allow the Bush Administration to SPY on you and me.
Isn't America free? Arn't we free to think, feel, do what we wish with in reason? Why do I need 'big brother' to spy on me because of a couple of bad apples in the mix?
Here's the hand basket for the world's trip to hell.
Welcome! - Bay Area Segway Enthusiasts Group
Welcome! - Bay Area Segway Enthusiasts Group: "We've reached the one year 'anniversary' of Segway HT Polo. What started out as a lark has turned into a really fun way to get together and a good alternate use for the Segway HT. Interest in the game has really grown since we started playing. We've received a lot of media attention as well as groups from around the world interested in forming their own teams. To commemorate 1 year we put together a video of one of our recent matches. Take a look at it here (10.6MB). Compared with this (3.5MB) you can see some real improvement.For more information about Segway HT Polo please visit SegwayHTPolo.com.
Techdirt: Did Music Labels Lie To The Justice Department On Digital Downloads?
Techdirt: Did Music Labels Lie To The Justice Department On Digital Downloads?:
"Did Music Labels Lie To The Justice Department On Digital Downloads?
TechDirt gives a nice small read about some information that has come to light about how EMI and Universal might have lied to the DOJ.. Hmm.. interesting..
===========================================================
Snippit:
This story involves quite a bit of ancient (in internet terms) history how ever there is a second (still ongoing) case, with new evidence has been filed that suggests both EMI and Universal may have lied to the DOJ when both were being investigated concerning MusicNet and PressPlay. The evidence suggests that the two services were guaranteed to get the best prices for music and used consultants to share information that shouldn't have been shared (normally called collusion). These facts were apparently hidden from investigators. It's not clear what impact this would have either way -- but the judge in the case has ordered both labels to turn over documents concerning this hidden info, including stuff that would normally be protected by attorney-client privilege, under the belief that the labels used their attorneys for illegal purposes to hide info. Yes, everyone must be shocked to hear yet another story of record labels breaking the law -- just as our elected officials rush to give those labels more protection for their failing business models.
=====================================================================
Sounds like the RIAA is still playing the game of do what I say not as I do.
"Did Music Labels Lie To The Justice Department On Digital Downloads?
TechDirt gives a nice small read about some information that has come to light about how EMI and Universal might have lied to the DOJ.. Hmm.. interesting..
===========================================================
Snippit:
This story involves quite a bit of ancient (in internet terms) history how ever there is a second (still ongoing) case, with new evidence has been filed that suggests both EMI and Universal may have lied to the DOJ when both were being investigated concerning MusicNet and PressPlay. The evidence suggests that the two services were guaranteed to get the best prices for music and used consultants to share information that shouldn't have been shared (normally called collusion). These facts were apparently hidden from investigators. It's not clear what impact this would have either way -- but the judge in the case has ordered both labels to turn over documents concerning this hidden info, including stuff that would normally be protected by attorney-client privilege, under the belief that the labels used their attorneys for illegal purposes to hide info. Yes, everyone must be shocked to hear yet another story of record labels breaking the law -- just as our elected officials rush to give those labels more protection for their failing business models.
=====================================================================
Sounds like the RIAA is still playing the game of do what I say not as I do.
Tuesday, April 18, 2006
An 'acoustic' guitar with automatic tuning | News.blog | CNET News.com
An 'acoustic' guitar with automatic tuning News.blog CNET News.com: "An 'acoustic' guitar with automatic tuning
April 18, 2006 6:39 AM PDT
Our Jan. 11 story about the Performer self-tuning system for solid-body electric guitars focused on how the device was developed and how it works. But it also included the observation, offered by the Performer's inventor, Neil Skinn, that most requests for automatic tuners come from acoustic-instrument players, not from electric-guitar players"
=============================================
[Read more at the link]
Wow, this is just cool!! and Auto tuning Guitar!!
April 18, 2006 6:39 AM PDT
Our Jan. 11 story about the Performer self-tuning system for solid-body electric guitars focused on how the device was developed and how it works. But it also included the observation, offered by the Performer's inventor, Neil Skinn, that most requests for automatic tuners come from acoustic-instrument players, not from electric-guitar players"
=============================================
[Read more at the link]
Wow, this is just cool!! and Auto tuning Guitar!!
Friday, April 14, 2006
Best Buy's 'Geek Squad' Accused of Pirating Software
Thursday, April 13, 2006
"AUSTIN, Texas — A Texas software company sued Best Buy Co. Inc. (BBY) in federal court on Tuesday, alleging that the nation's largest consumer electronics retailer was using unlicensed versions of its diagnostic equipment."
======================
hmm.. Duh? How many companies have I worked for that didnt' have at least one piece of software that wasn't licensed correctly... and think about it.. home computers.. broadband.. and a nice little FTP site.
how EASY would it be to just rip music/graphics/ or worse yet.. just install a Trogen on the machine to 'fix' to allow the geek access to the machine at any time?
"AUSTIN, Texas — A Texas software company sued Best Buy Co. Inc. (BBY) in federal court on Tuesday, alleging that the nation's largest consumer electronics retailer was using unlicensed versions of its diagnostic equipment."
======================
hmm.. Duh? How many companies have I worked for that didnt' have at least one piece of software that wasn't licensed correctly... and think about it.. home computers.. broadband.. and a nice little FTP site.
how EASY would it be to just rip music/graphics/ or worse yet.. just install a Trogen on the machine to 'fix' to allow the geek access to the machine at any time?
Wednesday, April 12, 2006
Oddly Enough News Article | Reuters.com
Oddly Enough News Article Reuters.com:
"You can come back when you just have a cat...
Wed Apr 12, 2006 01:49 PM ET
JOHANNESBURG (Reuters) - A South African judge on Wednesday barred a dissatisfied customer from entering any Absa bank branch after his pet snakes bit one person when he released them inside the headquarters of the country's largest bank. Absa had requested the restraining order against Jan Abel Manamela, who released five poisonous Puff adder snakes at the bank's Johannesburg headquarters in 2004, the South African Press Association (SAPA) said. Manamela was sentenced to three years in prison following the incident but was released on parole in February. Manamela had accused Absa of defrauding him after it sold his pickup truck following what it said was his failure to pay off a loan.
He later threatened to blow up the bank, demanded payment of 10 million rand ($1.6 million) and eventually released what he described as his 'pet' snakes in the bank, SAPA said.
Judge Eben Jordaan's order forbade Manamela from contacting, threatening or molesting Absa employees, customers and attorneys and bars him from entering any bank office or branch, SAPA said.
© Reuters 2006. All Rights Reserved. "
===========================
What is up with stupid people?! LOL!
"You can come back when you just have a cat...
Wed Apr 12, 2006 01:49 PM ET
JOHANNESBURG (Reuters) - A South African judge on Wednesday barred a dissatisfied customer from entering any Absa bank branch after his pet snakes bit one person when he released them inside the headquarters of the country's largest bank. Absa had requested the restraining order against Jan Abel Manamela, who released five poisonous Puff adder snakes at the bank's Johannesburg headquarters in 2004, the South African Press Association (SAPA) said. Manamela was sentenced to three years in prison following the incident but was released on parole in February. Manamela had accused Absa of defrauding him after it sold his pickup truck following what it said was his failure to pay off a loan.
He later threatened to blow up the bank, demanded payment of 10 million rand ($1.6 million) and eventually released what he described as his 'pet' snakes in the bank, SAPA said.
Judge Eben Jordaan's order forbade Manamela from contacting, threatening or molesting Absa employees, customers and attorneys and bars him from entering any bank office or branch, SAPA said.
© Reuters 2006. All Rights Reserved. "
===========================
What is up with stupid people?! LOL!
Tuesday, April 11, 2006
From the PogoTips Department...
"This is real cool tip for people who use notepad to write down any info on a day to day basis...
In Notepad
* Create a blank text file with .LOG as the first line of the file, followed by a carriage return. [ Enter ]
* Save and close the file.
* Double-click the file to open it and notice that Notepad appends the current date and time to the end of the file and places the
cursor on the next line.
* Type your notes and then save and close the file.
Each time you open the file, Notepad repeats the process, appending the time and date to the end of the file and placing the cursor below it
It simply serves as a virtual diary ! "
In Notepad
* Create a blank text file with .LOG as the first line of the file, followed by a carriage return. [ Enter ]
* Save and close the file.
* Double-click the file to open it and notice that Notepad appends the current date and time to the end of the file and places the
cursor on the next line.
* Type your notes and then save and close the file.
Each time you open the file, Notepad repeats the process, appending the time and date to the end of the file and placing the cursor below it
It simply serves as a virtual diary ! "
Friday, April 07, 2006
Toilet Lid Sink A Sink in the Top of your Toilet
Cool Tool: Toilet Lid Sink:
"Toilet Lid Sink A Sink in the Top of your Toilet
You already know why it's good! -- Jeff Hoover
[After you flush the toilet, incoming water cycles up through the sink before going down to refill the toilet tank. Water is used twice: Once for hand washing, and a second time for the next flush. -- CP]
Toilet Lid Sink - $89
Available from Real Goods
Manufacturer not listed.
========================================
Well if you can get past the point of 'toliet water is nasty' even if you havn't used it, it's not a bad idea.. though might work better as a pet watering system then for hand washing, and not good for drinking unless the water is being pumped up from somewhere OTHER then then the back of the toliet.. THAT's nasty..
Thursday, April 06, 2006
Teens Arrested After Posting Incriminating Video To MySpace
Techdirt: Teens Arrested After Posting Incriminating Video To MySpace:
Once again, MySpace proves to be a friend of law and order. Two teenagers have been arrested after posting a video of themselves firebombing an abandoned airplane hanger to the site. It seems that while many fear the site could be a haven for criminals and predators, it's proving to be a place where scofflaws publicly expose their misdeeds. In fact, this could be the fulfillment of Jay Walker's vision for an online neighborhood watch. It's not clear if anyone thinks their pages are actually private. Surely they realize how easy it is to sign up and look at other people's profiles. Then again, if you're looking for yet another data point to explain why MySpace has lapped the field in the social networking space, it may have something to do with the perception that it is a private clubhouse that outsiders wouldn't get, or don't know about. Again, we can't help but wonder what happens when the MySpace generation runs for office. "
============================================
How STUPID can people get??! Not only that thinking about fire bombing anything is a good idea.. but then FILM it.. ok, that's stupid enough.. but then think they where 'cool' enough to POST TO THE INTERNET?! ON MYSPACE?! WTF, mate!!
OMG! just.. *Sigh* Is this was the human race is turning into? a bunch of stupid morons that breed?
Once again, MySpace proves to be a friend of law and order. Two teenagers have been arrested after posting a video of themselves firebombing an abandoned airplane hanger to the site. It seems that while many fear the site could be a haven for criminals and predators, it's proving to be a place where scofflaws publicly expose their misdeeds. In fact, this could be the fulfillment of Jay Walker's vision for an online neighborhood watch. It's not clear if anyone thinks their pages are actually private. Surely they realize how easy it is to sign up and look at other people's profiles. Then again, if you're looking for yet another data point to explain why MySpace has lapped the field in the social networking space, it may have something to do with the perception that it is a private clubhouse that outsiders wouldn't get, or don't know about. Again, we can't help but wonder what happens when the MySpace generation runs for office. "
============================================
How STUPID can people get??! Not only that thinking about fire bombing anything is a good idea.. but then FILM it.. ok, that's stupid enough.. but then think they where 'cool' enough to POST TO THE INTERNET?! ON MYSPACE?! WTF, mate!!
OMG! just.. *Sigh* Is this was the human race is turning into? a bunch of stupid morons that breed?
Wednesday, April 05, 2006
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