Beacon Journal | 02/07/2006 | Heading off Chickenpox
This is a disease I'm not sure we really need a vaccine for. Granted I had an extremely light case of chicken pox. My brother probably would have killed for the vaccine with the case he got from me. Same with my one niece who was the last of the 3 (at the time) to get them (over Christmas to boot). They say there was 100 children a year who died from chicken pox (not sure what the population size is). Even if this is just Akron (and I think more like Ohio-wide), it still seems like a pretty low number to pad the drug companies already swelled bottom lines.
Tuesday, February 07, 2006
Monday, February 06, 2006
Beacon Journal | 02/06/2006 | Akron could get new garbage trucks, bins
Beacon Journal | 02/06/2006 | Akron could get new garbage trucks, bins
Although forcing me to spend $50 for trash pick up pisses me off, I am glad to see they will at least give me a discount for doing what I already do - recycling. I like it even more that they are going to punish those who do not recycle with higher trash rates.
Although forcing me to spend $50 for trash pick up pisses me off, I am glad to see they will at least give me a discount for doing what I already do - recycling. I like it even more that they are going to punish those who do not recycle with higher trash rates.
Friday, February 03, 2006
Warm Winter Weather Not Likely to Last - Yahoo! News
Warm Winter Weather Not Likely to Last - Yahoo! News
This may sound weird, but I am happy the colder weather is coming. The last month or so has been right around one of those temperature borders, for me, makes it tough to not only dress but adjust to the weather. I prefer it to get cold and stay cold.
This may sound weird, but I am happy the colder weather is coming. The last month or so has been right around one of those temperature borders, for me, makes it tough to not only dress but adjust to the weather. I prefer it to get cold and stay cold.
Fifth Harry Potter Movie to Start Filming - Yahoo! News
Fifth Harry Potter Movie to Start Filming - Yahoo! News
I have mixed feelings about this. I love that the filming has started on the fifth movie, but at the same time the fifth book was my least favorite to date.
To me not only did the story feel rushed but some of the things done to Harry, in particular, was flat out abusive and I felt the teenage rebelion thing was overplayed.
I have mixed feelings about this. I love that the filming has started on the fifth movie, but at the same time the fifth book was my least favorite to date.
To me not only did the story feel rushed but some of the things done to Harry, in particular, was flat out abusive and I felt the teenage rebelion thing was overplayed.
Tuesday, January 31, 2006
Beacon Journal | 01/31/2006 | Akron quaked, rattled, rolled
Beacon Journal | 01/31/2006 | Akron quaked, rattled, rolled
Ohio, earthquake central? Hard to beleive but apparently we are fairly active EAST of the Mississippi.
I do remember the quake in 1986 - I was actually in a class at the University of Akron. It was an economics class so it woke us all up ;).
Ohio, earthquake central? Hard to beleive but apparently we are fairly active EAST of the Mississippi.
I do remember the quake in 1986 - I was actually in a class at the University of Akron. It was an economics class so it woke us all up ;).
Monday, January 30, 2006
The truth is free
Random Meanderings: I'm not weird. I'm gifted.
I am clearing out some old saved items in Bloglines and thought I would throw this out there. I do not have much time to dig into this site, but maybe someone might find it interesting.
I am clearing out some old saved items in Bloglines and thought I would throw this out there. I do not have much time to dig into this site, but maybe someone might find it interesting.
Hacking NetFlix : Networks Make $1.44 on iTunes Video Downloads
Hacking NetFlix : Networks Make $1.44 on iTunes Video Downloads
Interesting info about how some of this works for those of us not in the industry. I found this from the Hollywood Reporter article interesting as well
The down side of this is that the content owner can make the same amount of money without any real work. Assuming all the costs for the media (art work, etc) and bonus material. This could mean that future DVD releases will have less materials, or they will jack up the costs with the bonus material being an excuse.
Interesting info about how some of this works for those of us not in the industry. I found this from the Hollywood Reporter article interesting as well
The content owners take from downloading is nearly the same that a commercial-fee TV series episode generates from a DVD boxed set, according to Nielsen Entertainment analyst Larry Gerbrandt, who has done the most exhaustive analysis of on-demand program economics to date.
The down side of this is that the content owner can make the same amount of money without any real work. Assuming all the costs for the media (art work, etc) and bonus material. This could mean that future DVD releases will have less materials, or they will jack up the costs with the bonus material being an excuse.
Sunday, January 29, 2006
Beacon Journal | 01/29/2006 | Summit's warning system in place
Beacon Journal | 01/29/2006 | Summit's warning system in place
In interesting warning system. Instead of trying to get TV & Radio stations to broadcast warnings you instead get a phone call. Sounds like a realization - with satelitte options you no longer have to watch local stations. The Beacon Journal has also had a falling in subscribers as well - making it tougher to get out local news.
Also, as the article pointed out, during THE blackout in 2003 there was limited ways to keep people notified as to what was going on.
In interesting warning system. Instead of trying to get TV & Radio stations to broadcast warnings you instead get a phone call. Sounds like a realization - with satelitte options you no longer have to watch local stations. The Beacon Journal has also had a falling in subscribers as well - making it tougher to get out local news.
Also, as the article pointed out, during THE blackout in 2003 there was limited ways to keep people notified as to what was going on.
Friday, January 27, 2006
Coulter Jokes About Poisoning Justice - Yahoo! News
Coulter Jokes About Poisoning Justice - Yahoo! News
If Al Franken or some other liberal person had made a similar comment I bet they would be hanging by their toes outside the White House now. Bet no one even pays attention to this comment by Coulter.
Of course the line "She drew more boos when she said the crack cocaine problem "has pretty much gone away."" shows how out of touch she is.
If Al Franken or some other liberal person had made a similar comment I bet they would be hanging by their toes outside the White House now. Bet no one even pays attention to this comment by Coulter.
Of course the line "She drew more boos when she said the crack cocaine problem "has pretty much gone away."" shows how out of touch she is.
RII & �What would Descartes subscribe to?� | 43 Folders
RII & �What would Descartes subscribe to?� | 43 Folders
I have seen myself in this loop all too often. I really like the quote:
I have seen myself in this loop all too often. I really like the quote:
But sometimes I’m just procrastinating with lightning efficiency.
Thursday, January 26, 2006
Family Of Five Found Alive In Suburbs | The Onion - America's Finest News Source
Family Of Five Found Alive In Suburbs | The Onion - America's Finest News Source
Definately a funny read and well worth it. My thanks to John Andersen for the link. John's site is a great read as well.
It was funny for me to read the article and realize how little I take advantage of my city dwelling. Granted our art museum is currently working out of temporary digs, but they are still showing some stuff. Plus there are still plenty of theater productions, concerts, etc. Granted the Akron Symphony is not internationally known, but 20 odd years ago they were pretty good.
Time to leverage my butt of the couch and get out in the world.
Definately a funny read and well worth it. My thanks to John Andersen for the link. John's site is a great read as well.
It was funny for me to read the article and realize how little I take advantage of my city dwelling. Granted our art museum is currently working out of temporary digs, but they are still showing some stuff. Plus there are still plenty of theater productions, concerts, etc. Granted the Akron Symphony is not internationally known, but 20 odd years ago they were pretty good.
Time to leverage my butt of the couch and get out in the world.
Wednesday, January 25, 2006
RSS feeds | Congress votes database | washingtonpost.com
RSS feeds | Congress votes database | washingtonpost.com
I was cleaning out some saved entries from Bloglines and came across this from Dave Winer. This page is a MUST have page for anyone who is in any way interested in what is going on in D. C.
The next step would be to have similar feeds for state government. City/county government would be nice, but this is where the local newspaper comes into play.
I was cleaning out some saved entries from Bloglines and came across this from Dave Winer. This page is a MUST have page for anyone who is in any way interested in what is going on in D. C.
The next step would be to have similar feeds for state government. City/county government would be nice, but this is where the local newspaper comes into play.
Beacon Journal | 01/25/2006 | Old mill in park coming down
Beacon Journal | 01/25/2006 | Old mill in park coming down
Having seen this factory I have to agree it is a hazard and needs to come down. I do find it ironic that a building with asbestos burned down.
Having seen this factory I have to agree it is a hazard and needs to come down. I do find it ironic that a building with asbestos burned down.
Techdirt:Music Execs Confuse "Choice" With Making You Pay Over And Over Again
Techdirt:Music Execs Confuse "Choice" With Making You Pay Over And Over Again:
This is the most telling sign that main stream media (MSM) don't get it:
Later, a quote from the same guy:
Ummmm, yea, right. I know of few (ok, none) in the tech industry who would argue that we should NOT be able to copy music around our various devices legally. The only reason iTunes has been able to survive without lawsuits is to slap some pretty tight digital rights management (DRM) onto the system that does not allow for this kind of sharing. Trust me - DRM-free downloads would have been much easier for Apple to impliment. MSM insisted on it.
My guess - 75% of us are people who only want to get the music we want and make sure the artist gets fairly compensated. We do NOT want to have to pay for that music over and over again. In the movie Men In Black K (Tommy Lee Jones) talkes about having to by the White album again. All we want to do is avoid having to keep doing that!
BTW I think there are about 15% of people, mostly kids, who would pay for music if they could afford it and 10% who would never pay for music and will always get it illegally. iTunes and other services allow for getting that one song that 15% wants. The other 10% you are stuck with. You will never turn a profit with them anyways. No doubt some of that 10% would be willing to pay an artist directly for their work, so maybe the internet works for them.
This is the most telling sign that main stream media (MSM) don't get it:
"'Without DRM, the explosion in the availability of music via digital channels would not have been possible. The purpose of DRM is not to alienate music fans, it is actually to improve your access to music. There are now at least 10 ways in which you can legally enjoy music - the list includes: ringtone, master ringtone, phone download, phone stream, a-la-carte download, disc, subscription, online stream, UMD music for PlayStation, kiosk and video. Without DRM, these options simply wouldn't be possible.' "
Later, a quote from the same guy:
"I agree with you we'd like nothing more than for you to be able to download or transfer music securely between your phone, your home and work PC, a couple of your players and your home Hi-Fi system, for example. But we don't make the technology, we create the music. It's the technology companies that hold the key to achieving this
Ummmm, yea, right. I know of few (ok, none) in the tech industry who would argue that we should NOT be able to copy music around our various devices legally. The only reason iTunes has been able to survive without lawsuits is to slap some pretty tight digital rights management (DRM) onto the system that does not allow for this kind of sharing. Trust me - DRM-free downloads would have been much easier for Apple to impliment. MSM insisted on it.
My guess - 75% of us are people who only want to get the music we want and make sure the artist gets fairly compensated. We do NOT want to have to pay for that music over and over again. In the movie Men In Black K (Tommy Lee Jones) talkes about having to by the White album again. All we want to do is avoid having to keep doing that!
BTW I think there are about 15% of people, mostly kids, who would pay for music if they could afford it and 10% who would never pay for music and will always get it illegally. iTunes and other services allow for getting that one song that 15% wants. The other 10% you are stuck with. You will never turn a profit with them anyways. No doubt some of that 10% would be willing to pay an artist directly for their work, so maybe the internet works for them.
Tuesday, January 24, 2006
UPN, WB to Combine to Form New Network - Yahoo! News
UPN, WB to Combine to Form New Network - Yahoo! News
This is semi-worrisome. 20% of what I watch is on these channels. I hate to see more consolidation in media.
This is semi-worrisome. 20% of what I watch is on these channels. I hate to see more consolidation in media.
Google Base
Google Base
I have checked on this from time to time to see if anything really sticks out on this.
Google Base seems to be a way to put content on the web if a) you don't have a website and/or b) you want to wrap some meta-data around it.
Option a seems silly to me. You can get a blog site for free which requires NO knowledge to setup and run. Hey, Google has such a site itself. Anyone tech-savvy enough to surf the net can use Blogger.
Option b also seems a little silly. Microformats provide a way to add some meta data. For some of the things, like recipes or want ads, why not create a microformat to facilitate searching?
Looking through some of there posted items you see things like Events & Activities (similar to Upcoming and classifieds like Craigslist.
Now the classified idea is not bad since Craigslist does not cover all cities, but this feels like a "me too" type of service. Google, much like Microsoft or Yahoo, wants to provide ALL your data services. Many of the guys at Off The Hook agree that having that much data concentrated at one spot is not a good idea. I have to agree. Google maybe good about security, but as we have seen recently in the news even some of the best can be compromised. Think about what would happen if someone took your computer. Think about what would happen if someone broke into Google (or any of the others) and got all your personal data.
I have checked on this from time to time to see if anything really sticks out on this.
Google Base seems to be a way to put content on the web if a) you don't have a website and/or b) you want to wrap some meta-data around it.
Option a seems silly to me. You can get a blog site for free which requires NO knowledge to setup and run. Hey, Google has such a site itself. Anyone tech-savvy enough to surf the net can use Blogger.
Option b also seems a little silly. Microformats provide a way to add some meta data. For some of the things, like recipes or want ads, why not create a microformat to facilitate searching?
Looking through some of there posted items you see things like Events & Activities (similar to Upcoming and classifieds like Craigslist.
Now the classified idea is not bad since Craigslist does not cover all cities, but this feels like a "me too" type of service. Google, much like Microsoft or Yahoo, wants to provide ALL your data services. Many of the guys at Off The Hook agree that having that much data concentrated at one spot is not a good idea. I have to agree. Google maybe good about security, but as we have seen recently in the news even some of the best can be compromised. Think about what would happen if someone took your computer. Think about what would happen if someone broke into Google (or any of the others) and got all your personal data.
Beacon Journal | 01/24/2006 | Smoking foes test air in bars
Beacon Journal | 01/24/2006 | Smoking foes test air in bars
An interesting article about the readings of the air in bars, and one reason I hate going to them or anywhere the allows smoking.
I have my 53K wrist band as a reminder about the 53,000 people who die from second hand smoke each year. We know this to be a preventable problem so why not prevent it?
An interesting article about the readings of the air in bars, and one reason I hate going to them or anywhere the allows smoking.
I have my 53K wrist band as a reminder about the 53,000 people who die from second hand smoke each year. We know this to be a preventable problem so why not prevent it?
Monday, January 23, 2006
EFF: New Senate Broadcast Flag Bill Would Freeze Fair Use
EFF: DeepLinks
Big media screams "the sky is falling" and tries to legislate the future.
It is interesting when other industries cry "we're loosing profits" they are told "oh well", but when big media is loosing profits it becomes a need to pass bad legislation. Let me give you a hint - if there is a need to change how media is handled someone will invent it. Just because we pass stupid laws in America does not mean other countries will follow suit. And trust me no amount of trade agreements will smooth this over. We keep this up and people will pull out of those agreements.
Take a look around people - the economy sucks. Gas is estimated to go over $3/gallon again. Guess what happens when gas is that much? People don't spend as much on stuff like CDs or DVDs. We don't go to movie theaters and wait for it on DVD. Many people are not BUYING CDs but instead are RENTING their music through legitimate services like Napster. As has been pointed out many times - why pay $15-$20 for 1 CD when that same amount will let you load up an MP3 player full of different music, and you can keep getting different music all through the month.
We pay $30, $40, $50 or more for cable/satellite TV. Now instead of "13 channels of shit on the TV to choose from" (to quote Pink Floyd) we have 70, 80, 200, or even more channels of shit. With all these choices we do not have to even rent movies or music sometimes - so much stuff is available to the consumer without even having to leave the house.
The problem is with so much spectrum to fill, you tend to get a lot of "lowest common denominator" stuff to fill the gaping void. Problem is - we are tired of it. How many more Britney Spears clones are you going to send our way (who, to me at least, is a clone of Madonna, but I digress)? How many more "reality" shows? I really paid attention to what I want to watch weekly - about 9.5 hours of TV that I REALLY want to watch. Given that 2 of those hours are reruns of shows that I really like that leaves 7.5 hours of original programming a week. One of those shows is Monk (which I download from iTunes now) that is only on 16 weeks a year. The 3 hours that I would consider "prime" TV (8-11) is 21 hours a week. I have 22 stations (including some shop-at-home stuff), which means I have the potential of 462 hours of entertainment a week. If you have one of the local satellite's 150 channel package that is 3150 hours of entertainment. I think I had 65 channels which was 1,365 hours. Of that I found 9.5 hours of entertainment, which is why I am now on the cheaper cable package.
Then there is Netflix. Last I heard they had some 50,000 titles. You local video store may have, what, 5000 titles? 10,000 titles? Netflix can get those little rented titles, like the entire Sundance Film Festival line up, that your local Blockbuster cannot. Yet more choices...
Now enter the internet. Aside from the music services above, ANY musician, video producer, or other content provider can make stuff available to the public. This makes places like CD Baby possible. This opens up the flood gates. You no longer need to go to a big label to get your music/video out - you can market directly to your fans.
And maybe that is the problem. Not only are the middlemen being squeezed out but also the top of the food chain, so to speak. We can find great music (or at least music like what we already have) that is completely independent of the RIAA. We can get movies that are as good as anything put out by MPAA members. We can get radio shows that are as good as anything on the air - terrestrial or satellite. Some for free, some for money, but all not controlled by the powers that be. Face it, every time we spend money on an independent artist we take money out of the pockets of the RIAA/MPAA members. It is all legal, but non-RIAA/MPAA.
Blogging started the wedge to break up main stream media, podcasting got the crack formed, and I think the powers the be see video podcasting (or whatever you want to call it) as splitting the dam wide open. Face it - we don't need "them" any more. So instead of trying to learn the new game they want to make the new game illegal.
Thanks to Todd (I think) over at Geek News Central
Big media screams "the sky is falling" and tries to legislate the future.
It is interesting when other industries cry "we're loosing profits" they are told "oh well", but when big media is loosing profits it becomes a need to pass bad legislation. Let me give you a hint - if there is a need to change how media is handled someone will invent it. Just because we pass stupid laws in America does not mean other countries will follow suit. And trust me no amount of trade agreements will smooth this over. We keep this up and people will pull out of those agreements.
Take a look around people - the economy sucks. Gas is estimated to go over $3/gallon again. Guess what happens when gas is that much? People don't spend as much on stuff like CDs or DVDs. We don't go to movie theaters and wait for it on DVD. Many people are not BUYING CDs but instead are RENTING their music through legitimate services like Napster. As has been pointed out many times - why pay $15-$20 for 1 CD when that same amount will let you load up an MP3 player full of different music, and you can keep getting different music all through the month.
We pay $30, $40, $50 or more for cable/satellite TV. Now instead of "13 channels of shit on the TV to choose from" (to quote Pink Floyd) we have 70, 80, 200, or even more channels of shit. With all these choices we do not have to even rent movies or music sometimes - so much stuff is available to the consumer without even having to leave the house.
The problem is with so much spectrum to fill, you tend to get a lot of "lowest common denominator" stuff to fill the gaping void. Problem is - we are tired of it. How many more Britney Spears clones are you going to send our way (who, to me at least, is a clone of Madonna, but I digress)? How many more "reality" shows? I really paid attention to what I want to watch weekly - about 9.5 hours of TV that I REALLY want to watch. Given that 2 of those hours are reruns of shows that I really like that leaves 7.5 hours of original programming a week. One of those shows is Monk (which I download from iTunes now) that is only on 16 weeks a year. The 3 hours that I would consider "prime" TV (8-11) is 21 hours a week. I have 22 stations (including some shop-at-home stuff), which means I have the potential of 462 hours of entertainment a week. If you have one of the local satellite's 150 channel package that is 3150 hours of entertainment. I think I had 65 channels which was 1,365 hours. Of that I found 9.5 hours of entertainment, which is why I am now on the cheaper cable package.
Then there is Netflix. Last I heard they had some 50,000 titles. You local video store may have, what, 5000 titles? 10,000 titles? Netflix can get those little rented titles, like the entire Sundance Film Festival line up, that your local Blockbuster cannot. Yet more choices...
Now enter the internet. Aside from the music services above, ANY musician, video producer, or other content provider can make stuff available to the public. This makes places like CD Baby possible. This opens up the flood gates. You no longer need to go to a big label to get your music/video out - you can market directly to your fans.
And maybe that is the problem. Not only are the middlemen being squeezed out but also the top of the food chain, so to speak. We can find great music (or at least music like what we already have) that is completely independent of the RIAA. We can get movies that are as good as anything put out by MPAA members. We can get radio shows that are as good as anything on the air - terrestrial or satellite. Some for free, some for money, but all not controlled by the powers that be. Face it, every time we spend money on an independent artist we take money out of the pockets of the RIAA/MPAA members. It is all legal, but non-RIAA/MPAA.
Blogging started the wedge to break up main stream media, podcasting got the crack formed, and I think the powers the be see video podcasting (or whatever you want to call it) as splitting the dam wide open. Face it - we don't need "them" any more. So instead of trying to learn the new game they want to make the new game illegal.
Thanks to Todd (I think) over at Geek News Central
Wednesday, January 18, 2006
Overly geeky story
Mondays is a group of geeks talking about all kinds of things, usually geeky.
A while back Richard Campbell had related a story about Goliath, an old HD. It reminded me of The Story of Mel.
For this episode the broke out the story of Goliath (click on the Story of Goliath link on the page) for anyone who does not want to wade through an hour episode to listen to the story. The story is geeky, but for anyone who wants to hear a description of an early (and I do mean EARLY) hard drive it is worth the 11 minutes the whole story takes. The language is at least PG-13, and I think R so use caution around young kids.
A while back Richard Campbell had related a story about Goliath, an old HD. It reminded me of The Story of Mel.
For this episode the broke out the story of Goliath (click on the Story of Goliath link on the page) for anyone who does not want to wade through an hour episode to listen to the story. The story is geeky, but for anyone who wants to hear a description of an early (and I do mean EARLY) hard drive it is worth the 11 minutes the whole story takes. The language is at least PG-13, and I think R so use caution around young kids.
Beacon Journal | 01/18/2006 | Strickland's wins national attention
Beacon Journal | 01/18/2006 | Strickland's wins national attention
As a long time Strickland's customer this is cool. I live 10 minutes or so from their original location, which is still the best in my opinion.
As a long time Strickland's customer this is cool. I live 10 minutes or so from their original location, which is still the best in my opinion.
Rice: Countries United in Mistrust of Iran - Yahoo! News
Rice: Countries United in Mistrust of Iran - Yahoo! News
Sniff, sniff. Hmmmm... smells like the lead up to Iraq.
Iran may not be the best country to have anything nuclear, but a lot of the rhetoric just reminds me a lot of what lead up to going into Iraq.
Sniff, sniff. Hmmmm... smells like the lead up to Iraq.
Iran may not be the best country to have anything nuclear, but a lot of the rhetoric just reminds me a lot of what lead up to going into Iraq.
Tuesday, January 17, 2006
New Technology Boosts Hard Drive Capacity - Yahoo! News
New Technology Boosts Hard Drive Capacity - Yahoo! News
I hate to say it, but is this a good thing? People already do not manage their hard drive space because space is so cheap it is easier to leave crap on the machine and add a new drive than to really clear out the stuff you are not using.
The Feb 7th issue of PC Magazine talked about 1 terabyte (1024 gigs) drives affordable by the unwashed masses by the end of the year. I realize with music, video, scads of digital pics, email, and eBooks (they have not really caught on but with electronic ink they may) we need more space than in the past. But 1 terabyte? Home servers, OK. High end home systems for people shuffling large amounts of video? Ok. Mom & dad who browse, do email and keep digital photos? Over kill.
Just like when we have to clear out our physical space, we also need to clear out our electronic space periodically.
I hate to say it, but is this a good thing? People already do not manage their hard drive space because space is so cheap it is easier to leave crap on the machine and add a new drive than to really clear out the stuff you are not using.
The Feb 7th issue of PC Magazine talked about 1 terabyte (1024 gigs) drives affordable by the unwashed masses by the end of the year. I realize with music, video, scads of digital pics, email, and eBooks (they have not really caught on but with electronic ink they may) we need more space than in the past. But 1 terabyte? Home servers, OK. High end home systems for people shuffling large amounts of video? Ok. Mom & dad who browse, do email and keep digital photos? Over kill.
Just like when we have to clear out our physical space, we also need to clear out our electronic space periodically.
Google to Buy Radio Ad Company - Yahoo! News
Google to Buy Radio Ad Company - Yahoo! News
An interesting connection. It will be interesting to see how Google's adsense would work on hooking up ads with radio stations.
An interesting connection. It will be interesting to see how Google's adsense would work on hooking up ads with radio stations.
Tuesday, January 10, 2006
More useless laws?
Council listens, then votes for quiet
Let's see, my property is 150 x 50'. If it is more than 80' from my property then it is a violation. Most of my neighbors live withing that stretch. Oh, and by the way, Akron already has an ordinance on the books so this does not apply to you.
After seeing the fiasco of the smoking ban, which did not apply to Akron also, county government is becoming more and more useless by the day. Why do they bother with this kind of crap?
Let's see, my property is 150 x 50'. If it is more than 80' from my property then it is a violation. Most of my neighbors live withing that stretch. Oh, and by the way, Akron already has an ordinance on the books so this does not apply to you.
After seeing the fiasco of the smoking ban, which did not apply to Akron also, county government is becoming more and more useless by the day. Why do they bother with this kind of crap?
I hate MP3 juke boxes
I have decided that I hate my Creative Labs Zen Extra. Ok, normally I LOVE the thing - nice interface, big buttons for fat fingers, and great price. I can even suffer with the lack of a play count on the thing (which would make syncing podcasts a TON simplier).
However I just reloaded a chunk of my music after doing a firmware upgrade. This thing holds 40 gig. I had about 10-12 gig on it, and I have a fair chunk of it to go. Unfortunately I lost a chunk of my ripped music with my hard drive failure last year, which means instead of copying it to my external HD (a Western Digital Passprot USB 40 gig drive) from the Zen I have to re-rip about 50 CDs.
Granted I was warned before hand, and I should have waited to make sure I had everything on my Passport. But given the size of jukeboxes (and they are getting bigger) there should be a way to upgrade the firmware without wiping the drive. Especially for those of us who still have USB 1.1 on our machines.
On a semi-related note - if you have a Creative Labs MP3 player, pick up Notmad Explorer. Yea it costs $25, but I just zipped all my music over quickly, and when you add a directory(ies) it will ask you if you want to create a playlist. Without a playcount this is a great way to get the latest stuff you just added, and makes working with your MP3 player as easy as working with a Windows app. Best $25 I spent on software in a long time.
Technorati Tags: Creative Labs, Music, Notmad Explorer,Toys
However I just reloaded a chunk of my music after doing a firmware upgrade. This thing holds 40 gig. I had about 10-12 gig on it, and I have a fair chunk of it to go. Unfortunately I lost a chunk of my ripped music with my hard drive failure last year, which means instead of copying it to my external HD (a Western Digital Passprot USB 40 gig drive) from the Zen I have to re-rip about 50 CDs.
Granted I was warned before hand, and I should have waited to make sure I had everything on my Passport. But given the size of jukeboxes (and they are getting bigger) there should be a way to upgrade the firmware without wiping the drive. Especially for those of us who still have USB 1.1 on our machines.
On a semi-related note - if you have a Creative Labs MP3 player, pick up Notmad Explorer. Yea it costs $25, but I just zipped all my music over quickly, and when you add a directory(ies) it will ask you if you want to create a playlist. Without a playcount this is a great way to get the latest stuff you just added, and makes working with your MP3 player as easy as working with a Windows app. Best $25 I spent on software in a long time.
Technorati Tags: Creative Labs, Music, Notmad Explorer,Toys
Old Records = Customer Good Will?
NPR : Copyright Laws Severely Limit Availability of Music
That is a telling number. This is why people share music. Here is another quote from the article:
Here is what sucks - there is no LEGAL way to get this music. How many of the people who are trading these old albums would be willing to pay if the music were made available? If people are manually recording these albums into MP3, why couldn't some of these record labels do the same thing (no need to digitally remaster them) and make them available through iTunes or some similar means? I have heard similar problems with stuff released as late as the 80s. No money = no CD and definately to reissue to iTunes.
The record companies complain about piracy, lost sales, blah blah yet they treat their customers like criminals and do not respond to customers' needs. Want to earn some good will? Release some back catalog to MP3. Why not just release some of these old (the pre-1965) recordings to the public domain or creative commons? How much would it cost to have an intern record some of the old records to some kind of loss less format and then convert to MP3? Show your customers you care a little about them.
Technorati: RIAA, MP3
[UPDATE: Fixed the Technorati links]
Over 70% of music recorded before 1965 cannot be purchased legally in the US
That is a telling number. This is why people share music. Here is another quote from the article:
Sound recordings made after 1972 are protected by federal law. Recordings made before that were covered by state and common law copyright. These laws do not have expiration dates. The Library of Congress study found that 84 percent of recordings from before 1965 cannot be reissued without permission from the copyright holder, which is usually the original record label.
Here is what sucks - there is no LEGAL way to get this music. How many of the people who are trading these old albums would be willing to pay if the music were made available? If people are manually recording these albums into MP3, why couldn't some of these record labels do the same thing (no need to digitally remaster them) and make them available through iTunes or some similar means? I have heard similar problems with stuff released as late as the 80s. No money = no CD and definately to reissue to iTunes.
The record companies complain about piracy, lost sales, blah blah yet they treat their customers like criminals and do not respond to customers' needs. Want to earn some good will? Release some back catalog to MP3. Why not just release some of these old (the pre-1965) recordings to the public domain or creative commons? How much would it cost to have an intern record some of the old records to some kind of loss less format and then convert to MP3? Show your customers you care a little about them.
Technorati: RIAA, MP3
[UPDATE: Fixed the Technorati links]
Thursday, January 05, 2006
LibriVox
LibriVox
LibriVox takes Project Gutenberg to audio. A great idea. I have not listened to anything yet, but I have my eye on a few short stories & poems.
LibriVox takes Project Gutenberg to audio. A great idea. I have not listened to anything yet, but I have my eye on a few short stories & poems.
Explaining RSS to the Unwashed Masses
Teen Mag Attenuation
By nat
The original blog entry I found interesting only because it highlights what Nat said in the post, "...magazines are often only 10% relevant to you...". RSS can help you to get the most relevant stuff, and get it quickly.
By nat
The original blog entry I found interesting only because it highlights what Nat said in the post, "...magazines are often only 10% relevant to you...". RSS can help you to get the most relevant stuff, and get it quickly.
Smells like old gym socks
Akron officials unsure how to fix water problems
Now the water problem has gotten a little better, or maybe I am just used to it. Fortunately I run my water through a Britta Filter so at least I do not get the taste.
Now the water problem has gotten a little better, or maybe I am just used to it. Fortunately I run my water through a Britta Filter so at least I do not get the taste.
Wednesday, January 04, 2006
Board Rescinds 'Intelligent Design' Policy - Yahoo! News
Board Rescinds 'Intelligent Design' Policy - Yahoo! News
Overall I have no problem with Intelligent Design - except when you try to pass it off as science. Intelligent Design belongs in a philosophy class, not a science class.
Overall I have no problem with Intelligent Design - except when you try to pass it off as science. Intelligent Design belongs in a philosophy class, not a science class.
"Old School's" Blue Dies - Yahoo! News
"Old School's" Blue Dies - Yahoo!
News
The second recognizable character actor. Quite the resume of parts.
You're my boy, Blue!
News
The second recognizable character actor. Quite the resume of parts.
You're my boy, Blue!
Tuesday, January 03, 2006
Video iPod + Short Run Series = Happy Customers
I was watching i TV which was running both Mysterious Ways and Body & Soul. Mysterious Ways ran for 44 episodes and Body & Soul only aired 8 (a ninth was never aired). I loved both of these series - both were shows I would go out of my way to watch.
Given these shows originally aired on Pax TV (which I think is now i TV based upon the shows on i), and they were some of the worst rated original shows on Pax, I doubt these shows will ever be put out on DVD. Not enough "perceived market" for these shows, based upon their ratings when on the air. Two other shows that I like, and would buy if available, are Tremors: The Series & The Others.
Truth be told, only Tremors: The Series probably has the numbers to warrent a full, proper DVD release. Tremors has a built in cult following. Mysterious Ways could pick up some viewers in DVD release, in my opinion. The other two are more "add to my NetFlix queue" type of series.
However, with the new video iPod and iTunes having TV series, could some of these old series get new life? I know some of the hang up has been music rights, but only 1 of these series might have had expensive music. This would allow for the fans to get the series at a reasonable cost, the owner of the rights would make a little more money with minimal (or no) outlay on their part. I am not an iTunes fan, but I would use it and maybe even buy a video iPod if that would let me have these series.
Given these shows originally aired on Pax TV (which I think is now i TV based upon the shows on i), and they were some of the worst rated original shows on Pax, I doubt these shows will ever be put out on DVD. Not enough "perceived market" for these shows, based upon their ratings when on the air. Two other shows that I like, and would buy if available, are Tremors: The Series & The Others.
Truth be told, only Tremors: The Series probably has the numbers to warrent a full, proper DVD release. Tremors has a built in cult following. Mysterious Ways could pick up some viewers in DVD release, in my opinion. The other two are more "add to my NetFlix queue" type of series.
However, with the new video iPod and iTunes having TV series, could some of these old series get new life? I know some of the hang up has been music rights, but only 1 of these series might have had expensive music. This would allow for the fans to get the series at a reasonable cost, the owner of the rights would make a little more money with minimal (or no) outlay on their part. I am not an iTunes fan, but I would use it and maybe even buy a video iPod if that would let me have these series.
Thursday, December 29, 2005
Beacon Journal | 12/29/2005 | Judge orders Demjanjuk deported
Beacon Journal | 12/29/2005 | Judge orders Demjanjuk deported
This has gotten ridiculous. The man is 85 years old, why not just let him die here in America? I guess if you were a scientist you can stay, but if you are just a factory worker we need to make an example out of you.
This has gotten ridiculous. The man is 85 years old, why not just let him die here in America? I guess if you were a scientist you can stay, but if you are just a factory worker we need to make an example out of you.
Identity Theft (GnomeREPORT)
Identity Theft (GnomeREPORT)
Ok, I figure this true, or at least true enough. I could see someone doing this, particularly a kid. Could this be an argument against evolution?
Ok, I figure this true, or at least true enough. I could see someone doing this, particularly a kid. Could this be an argument against evolution?
UserFriendly 12/29/05
UserFriendly Strip Comments
As a Star Trek fan I found this funny. User Friendly is usually funny anyways, as long as you are something of a geek or involved with the computer industry.
As a Star Trek fan I found this funny. User Friendly is usually funny anyways, as long as you are something of a geek or involved with the computer industry.
Wednesday, December 28, 2005
Spending the day in upgrade hell
The last two days have been spent in upgrade hell at work. I needed to upgrade to Windows XP Pro so I could work from home when needed.
Yesterday was mostly waiting for the IT guys to come and pick up my machine. Instead of just upgrading the OS they have an image of the OS and just copy that over. Some of my stuff got copied over, some did not. The biggest thing that did not get copied over are all the development tools. Over the years we have streamlined the process, but it is still a process.
So after the development environments, servers, obscure Windows bits, various programmer tools, mulitple versions of our own software, 8,000 service pack updates and about 1,000 reboots I am now almost back to where I was. I still have a couple of utilities to get installed, plus I lost some of my drive mappings that I still need to be setup.
Yesterday was mostly waiting for the IT guys to come and pick up my machine. Instead of just upgrading the OS they have an image of the OS and just copy that over. Some of my stuff got copied over, some did not. The biggest thing that did not get copied over are all the development tools. Over the years we have streamlined the process, but it is still a process.
So after the development environments, servers, obscure Windows bits, various programmer tools, mulitple versions of our own software, 8,000 service pack updates and about 1,000 reboots I am now almost back to where I was. I still have a couple of utilities to get installed, plus I lost some of my drive mappings that I still need to be setup.
Monday, December 26, 2005
Character Actor Vincent Schiavelli Dies - Yahoo! News
Character Actor Vincent Schiavelli Dies - Yahoo! News
Schiavelli was a the guy I could never remember his name and I took to refering to him as "the 'This is my train' guy from Ghost'. Everyone has probably seen him in something. He protrayed some interesting characters over the years and has provided me with a lot of entertainment.
Schiavelli was a the guy I could never remember his name and I took to refering to him as "the 'This is my train' guy from Ghost'. Everyone has probably seen him in something. He protrayed some interesting characters over the years and has provided me with a lot of entertainment.
Sunday, December 25, 2005
Happy Holidays!
Just to do my bit to annoy a few people out there ;). The last few days I have been involved in holiday festivities.
Christmas Eve was spent wrapping up my holiday shopping. Saturday is my usual grocery shopping day, so I made the final food buy for our Christmas dinner. Brian got a ham from work, I brought sides and we had a the fixings for a good meal. If it was not for the ham we probably would have just had left overs on Christmas day from Christmas Eve. I also had to get 2 last minute gifts and some food for Christmas Eve. I did my wrapping while watching an disc from Farscape Season 3.
Christmas Eve is when my sister-in-law's family gets together. It is only her and 2 sisters and their kids, which is 2 teenage boys. I get invited since I am alone and my meal would be Taco Bell or McDonalds otherwise. The boys usually go off and play video games, the girls wander between watching videos and listening to the adults, and the adults get to catch up and have some conversation with other adults.
I was having some fun with my one niece - I told her that the plan was I was going to come over about 3, cook dinner, we would eat and THEN we would open gifts. I did not think I human's jaw could hang open that far. I think I even saw a tear in the corner of her eye before I told her I was kidding.
Christmas is spent over at my brother's house. We do the gifts in the morning, let the kids go off and play while the adults sleep in front of the TV. Usually one or more of us get a DVD so we watch it to make sure it is good, especially since we sometimes get used from the local Blockbuster. I picked one up for my brother off of eBay so we really wanted to check it out. We even watched a little football, mostly because it was on. My brother is usually getting ready for work, I'm usually watching DVDs and my sister-in-law was busy with stuff so none of us knew what was on.
So what did I get? An electric griddle & waffle iron. Yea, I know it sounds exciting, but it is something I needed. None of us were exactly flush with cash this year, and I would rather my brother spend his money on the kids than me however I know the kids like to make sure I have something to open on Christmas day. I try to have a list of cheap DVDs or other things that they can get me for either my birthday or Christmas. At least this way I get something I can use and not something I will probably end up getting rid of a year or two down the road.
Christmas Eve was spent wrapping up my holiday shopping. Saturday is my usual grocery shopping day, so I made the final food buy for our Christmas dinner. Brian got a ham from work, I brought sides and we had a the fixings for a good meal. If it was not for the ham we probably would have just had left overs on Christmas day from Christmas Eve. I also had to get 2 last minute gifts and some food for Christmas Eve. I did my wrapping while watching an disc from Farscape Season 3.
Christmas Eve is when my sister-in-law's family gets together. It is only her and 2 sisters and their kids, which is 2 teenage boys. I get invited since I am alone and my meal would be Taco Bell or McDonalds otherwise. The boys usually go off and play video games, the girls wander between watching videos and listening to the adults, and the adults get to catch up and have some conversation with other adults.
I was having some fun with my one niece - I told her that the plan was I was going to come over about 3, cook dinner, we would eat and THEN we would open gifts. I did not think I human's jaw could hang open that far. I think I even saw a tear in the corner of her eye before I told her I was kidding.
Christmas is spent over at my brother's house. We do the gifts in the morning, let the kids go off and play while the adults sleep in front of the TV. Usually one or more of us get a DVD so we watch it to make sure it is good, especially since we sometimes get used from the local Blockbuster. I picked one up for my brother off of eBay so we really wanted to check it out. We even watched a little football, mostly because it was on. My brother is usually getting ready for work, I'm usually watching DVDs and my sister-in-law was busy with stuff so none of us knew what was on.
So what did I get? An electric griddle & waffle iron. Yea, I know it sounds exciting, but it is something I needed. None of us were exactly flush with cash this year, and I would rather my brother spend his money on the kids than me however I know the kids like to make sure I have something to open on Christmas day. I try to have a list of cheap DVDs or other things that they can get me for either my birthday or Christmas. At least this way I get something I can use and not something I will probably end up getting rid of a year or two down the road.
Friday, December 23, 2005
Beacon Journal | 12/23/2005 | Magical ride puts icing on career
Beacon Journal | 12/23/2005 | Magical ride puts icing on career
What is it about the Zamboni? People cheer for it a hockey games, and as Dyer points out many men want to drive one. An interesting read.
What is it about the Zamboni? People cheer for it a hockey games, and as Dyer points out many men want to drive one. An interesting read.
Thursday, December 22, 2005
Technology Helps People Weather NYC Strike - Yahoo! News
Technology Helps People Weather NYC Strike - Yahoo! News
Every year telecommuting gets easier. I would imagine most modern office phone systems would let you setup to automatically forward calls to any number automatically. Blocking your home number while calling a client makes that easy.
Every year telecommuting gets easier. I would imagine most modern office phone systems would let you setup to automatically forward calls to any number automatically. Blocking your home number while calling a client makes that easy.
College Launches Cell Phone Film Contest - Yahoo! News
College Launches Cell Phone Film Contest - Yahoo! News
A cool idea, and possibly even more important with the video iPod coming out.
A cool idea, and possibly even more important with the video iPod coming out.
Double-Mouthed Fish Pulled From Neb. Lake - Yahoo! News
Double-Mouthed Fish Pulled From Neb. Lake - Yahoo! News
Why am I reminded of Blinky, the 3-eyed fish from The Simpsons?
Why am I reminded of Blinky, the 3-eyed fish from The Simpsons?
Wednesday, December 21, 2005
Interesting tidbits from the paper
Mickey Porter in the Akron Beacon Journal gathers random bits of info from many sources for his daily column. Today there were two bits of info that hit me as interesting.
Today Peter Criss of Kiss turned 60. 60. Man. This was just about as bad when I found out a guy from church that was 4 or 5 years older than myself became a grandfather.
However, in a semi-related story, Julio Iglesias Sr. is going to become a father again, at 90! Julio Sr., father of Julio Jr. & grandfather of Enrique, and his wife Ronna Kneit (age 43 BTW) are expecting their second child. For those who may want to keep score, that means Enrique is getting an uncle who is 31 years younger than he is and Julio Jr. is getting a brother who is 63 years younger. I wonder if they are going to share pudding?
Today Peter Criss of Kiss turned 60. 60. Man. This was just about as bad when I found out a guy from church that was 4 or 5 years older than myself became a grandfather.
However, in a semi-related story, Julio Iglesias Sr. is going to become a father again, at 90! Julio Sr., father of Julio Jr. & grandfather of Enrique, and his wife Ronna Kneit (age 43 BTW) are expecting their second child. For those who may want to keep score, that means Enrique is getting an uncle who is 31 years younger than he is and Julio Jr. is getting a brother who is 63 years younger. I wonder if they are going to share pudding?
FDA Warns Maker of Blood-Sugar Monitors - Yahoo! News
FDA Warns Maker of Blood-Sugar Monitors - Yahoo! News
As a programmer I have read extensively on what companies go through to make sure that all the hardware/software is perfect and error free when life is on the line. I find it odd that any company that works in this industry, especially Johnson & Johnson, would not investigate any reports fully because of the potential of law suits.
As a programmer I have read extensively on what companies go through to make sure that all the hardware/software is perfect and error free when life is on the line. I find it odd that any company that works in this industry, especially Johnson & Johnson, would not investigate any reports fully because of the potential of law suits.
Judge Resigns Over Secret Surveillance - Yahoo! News
Judge Resigns Over Secret Surveillance - Yahoo! News
Wow, someone who is really sticking up for what he believes. It is unfortunate that the judge has not come out and just said that is exactly why he quit. Maybe he will clarify this in the coming days.
Wow, someone who is really sticking up for what he believes. It is unfortunate that the judge has not come out and just said that is exactly why he quit. Maybe he will clarify this in the coming days.
Tuesday, December 20, 2005
Happy Birthday!
Happy birthday to me!
Now a lot of people always feel bad for me because I have a birthday so close to Christmas. Now I have to admit it does, to a point, suck. By now people are either partied out OR so swamped they have no real time for one more thing. On the plus side though not everyone gets the whole house decorated for their birthday, plus at least my family tried to make my birthday special so it did not get lost in the rest of the holiday season.
I have to say things were not looking good at the beginning of the day - bad traffic jam, things exploding at work, more bad traffic on the way home.
However in the end, it all worked out. I got my gift from the Secret Santa (and Jill Hoff, if you are reading this, thank you). Since it was my birthday I opened it and got No Plot? No Problem! I think everyone, at some point or another, feels the urge to write a book. Aside from the time, my biggest problem has been coming up with a good idea that would go for the 50,000-60,000 words they recommend for a novel. This will give me an idea on how to get one of my ideas some legs.
Although I got a few cards, this card really stood out. I don't know how JR finds these cards, but they are works of art. Even the card is great.
Now a lot of people always feel bad for me because I have a birthday so close to Christmas. Now I have to admit it does, to a point, suck. By now people are either partied out OR so swamped they have no real time for one more thing. On the plus side though not everyone gets the whole house decorated for their birthday, plus at least my family tried to make my birthday special so it did not get lost in the rest of the holiday season.
I have to say things were not looking good at the beginning of the day - bad traffic jam, things exploding at work, more bad traffic on the way home.
However in the end, it all worked out. I got my gift from the Secret Santa (and Jill Hoff, if you are reading this, thank you). Since it was my birthday I opened it and got No Plot? No Problem! I think everyone, at some point or another, feels the urge to write a book. Aside from the time, my biggest problem has been coming up with a good idea that would go for the 50,000-60,000 words they recommend for a novel. This will give me an idea on how to get one of my ideas some legs.
Although I got a few cards, this card really stood out. I don't know how JR finds these cards, but they are works of art. Even the card is great.
Sunday, December 18, 2005
Where has the time gone?
It just seems like yesterday it was summer, now Christmas is next week. I have yet to put up anything that even remotely resembles a decoration. I did get my annual fruit cake bar, which so far has been my one nod to the holiday season it seems. Seems I am well on my way to becoming a Grinch & a Scrooge.
I am going to try a tree this year. I have a small artificial one from my mom. In the past I have not set one up because of my one cat, who seemed to think the tree made a good target for her to practice her jumping. After setting the tree up everyday, sometimes twice a day, I quit setting one up. However the last few years I have not even put lights around the inside of the windows.
However she has mellowed a bit in the last year or two, so maybe I can get by with a tree. We will see. After this I am going to throw a load of laundry in and then go drag down the tree and some ornaments. I have no idea what is left up there from mom. Most of my ornaments have been broken over the years (damn cat), but I had a few soft ones. I do know I have about 1 billion icicles from mom that I know I cannot use. I have yet to see a cat not eat any icicle it can get its mouth on. Not good for the cat, and not good for your sanity to see an icicle hanging out of your cat's butt.
I am going to try a tree this year. I have a small artificial one from my mom. In the past I have not set one up because of my one cat, who seemed to think the tree made a good target for her to practice her jumping. After setting the tree up everyday, sometimes twice a day, I quit setting one up. However the last few years I have not even put lights around the inside of the windows.
However she has mellowed a bit in the last year or two, so maybe I can get by with a tree. We will see. After this I am going to throw a load of laundry in and then go drag down the tree and some ornaments. I have no idea what is left up there from mom. Most of my ornaments have been broken over the years (damn cat), but I had a few soft ones. I do know I have about 1 billion icicles from mom that I know I cannot use. I have yet to see a cat not eat any icicle it can get its mouth on. Not good for the cat, and not good for your sanity to see an icicle hanging out of your cat's butt.
Thursday, December 15, 2005
Beacon Journal | 12/15/2005 | Goodyear Band gets new life
Beacon Journal | 12/15/2005 | Goodyear Band gets new life
It is cool the band got some new sponsorship, in fact there were 23 offers!
This is the type of thing I would go out to listen to if I knew where they were playing. As a former bandgeek member I like to listen to marches and "old" music sometimes.
The problem, all too often, is finding out about this. Tracking down when certain events are in the Beacon Journal can be tough - should it be with the community events that are done throughout the week? Health events are listed on Tuesday in the Health section. Music is usually in Thursday, but that is mostly clubs and trying to pick through multiple pages of classified-ad sized postings of upcoming events it tough. I found an RSS feed of events, maybe that will help me out some.
It is cool the band got some new sponsorship, in fact there were 23 offers!
This is the type of thing I would go out to listen to if I knew where they were playing. As a former band
The problem, all too often, is finding out about this. Tracking down when certain events are in the Beacon Journal can be tough - should it be with the community events that are done throughout the week? Health events are listed on Tuesday in the Health section. Music is usually in Thursday, but that is mostly clubs and trying to pick through multiple pages of classified-ad sized postings of upcoming events it tough. I found an RSS feed of events, maybe that will help me out some.
Beacon Journal | 12/15/2005 | E-Check stays, but it will be free
Beacon Journal | 12/15/2005 | E-Check stays, but it will be free
No one has liked E Check for various reasons. My biggest problem has been the cost - I would think similar tests could be run that are cheaper. I find it unfortunate that they are using money from the tobacco settlement for this.
Interestingly I was just at E-Check today. I totally brain farted though since I am not due to have a check until NEXT year. Yet again thinking got me in trouble.
No one has liked E Check for various reasons. My biggest problem has been the cost - I would think similar tests could be run that are cheaper. I find it unfortunate that they are using money from the tobacco settlement for this.
Interestingly I was just at E-Check today. I totally brain farted though since I am not due to have a check until NEXT year. Yet again thinking got me in trouble.
An answer to your question SBC
Dear Yahoo SBC,
I heard an ad today that asked "Why would anyone spend over $150 more for Time-Warner Internet?" Well - because you will not provide me with DSL. (I could mention that Time-Warner is faster as well, but that is not my concern here.)
I have been listening for months it seems about how much cheaper you are. And you are - your $16.99/month price is well over half that of what I pay to Earthlink/Time-Warner. I would LOVE to switch. Even switching to the advertised professional price on your website would save me about $240/year.
Even better - I would love to take advantage of your package deal of local (which you already service), long distance (that I do not use), satelitte TV & DSL for $85/month. Right now I pay more to Time Warner for my cable & internet alone. I would not even be too concerned over the mix of channels and the bad reception when there is heavy snow (don't lie to me - I have talked with people who have satelitte and they all say the same thing). I might even consider abandoning Verizon and trying Cinglar to see how much more I could save. Give me the Kool-Aid - I'm ready to drink!
My brother living a block away can get DSL. One block. One stinking block. There is even a school that is a block away that I believe also gets DSL. Wny not me? I would even be willing to pay you to come in and re-wire all the phone lines in my house. Come on, please?
At the very least could you stop teasing me with your ads?
I heard an ad today that asked "Why would anyone spend over $150 more for Time-Warner Internet?" Well - because you will not provide me with DSL. (I could mention that Time-Warner is faster as well, but that is not my concern here.)
I have been listening for months it seems about how much cheaper you are. And you are - your $16.99/month price is well over half that of what I pay to Earthlink/Time-Warner. I would LOVE to switch. Even switching to the advertised professional price on your website would save me about $240/year.
Even better - I would love to take advantage of your package deal of local (which you already service), long distance (that I do not use), satelitte TV & DSL for $85/month. Right now I pay more to Time Warner for my cable & internet alone. I would not even be too concerned over the mix of channels and the bad reception when there is heavy snow (don't lie to me - I have talked with people who have satelitte and they all say the same thing). I might even consider abandoning Verizon and trying Cinglar to see how much more I could save. Give me the Kool-Aid - I'm ready to drink!
My brother living a block away can get DSL. One block. One stinking block. There is even a school that is a block away that I believe also gets DSL. Wny not me? I would even be willing to pay you to come in and re-wire all the phone lines in my house. Come on, please?
At the very least could you stop teasing me with your ads?
Tuesday, December 13, 2005
Beacon Journal | 12/13/2005 | Speeding fines cut
Beacon Journal | 12/13/2005 | Speeding fines cut
Frankly even $35 will be enough to get people to slow down. Given the problems with the program to date it would be best to just get out of it ASAP. Does it really matter if someone is giong 11 MPH over the speed limit at 3 AM around a school? If they want to continue this program they need to seriously examine the program and work more with the company. Not knowing what they are going to do over Christmas break is bad - especially if they do not adjust their speeds and people are getting tickets for doing the speed limit instead of 20.
Frankly even $35 will be enough to get people to slow down. Given the problems with the program to date it would be best to just get out of it ASAP. Does it really matter if someone is giong 11 MPH over the speed limit at 3 AM around a school? If they want to continue this program they need to seriously examine the program and work more with the company. Not knowing what they are going to do over Christmas break is bad - especially if they do not adjust their speeds and people are getting tickets for doing the speed limit instead of 20.
Monday, December 12, 2005
Beacon Journal | 12/12/2005 | It's Jolly to lead tuba show
Beacon Journal | 12/12/2005 | It's Jolly to lead tuba show
I missed it again this year. As a former baritone player (which is part of the tuba family) I have always wanted to play in it, however I have not picked up a horn in 20+ years since graduating high school. Maybe next year.
I missed it again this year. As a former baritone player (which is part of the tuba family) I have always wanted to play in it, however I have not picked up a horn in 20+ years since graduating high school. Maybe next year.
Sunday, December 11, 2005
Beacon Journal | 12/11/2005 | Tags would mark offenders
Beacon Journal | 12/11/2005 | Tags would mark offenders:
Bullshit. As was pointed out later in the article, there is no such thing as security. Period. Given they are talking about loopholes for company cars and, as was pointed out, the car could be registered in someone elses name, the idea of warning citizens is bull. Why don't they do a similar thing for people who have multiple assault convictions? Released murderer has more rights than a one time rapist in Ohio.
I ask again - why do people want to move away?
"The intent isn't to create a scarlet letter, but to warn residents when they come in contact with dangerous offenders with a high recidivism rate, Coughlin said. "
Bullshit. As was pointed out later in the article, there is no such thing as security. Period. Given they are talking about loopholes for company cars and, as was pointed out, the car could be registered in someone elses name, the idea of warning citizens is bull. Why don't they do a similar thing for people who have multiple assault convictions? Released murderer has more rights than a one time rapist in Ohio.
I ask again - why do people want to move away?
Saturday, December 10, 2005
Beacon Journal | 12/10/2005 | Summit orders 148 sex offenders to move
Beacon Journal | 12/10/2005 | Summit orders 148 sex offenders to move
This is one of the problems I have with these kinds of laws. Here is a man who was not even convicted of a crime against a child. Why can't he live within 1000 feet of a school?
This is one of the problems I have with these kinds of laws. Here is a man who was not even convicted of a crime against a child. Why can't he live within 1000 feet of a school?
Friday, December 09, 2005
Watching a blimp get built
Here is a video of them positioning the cockpit on the newest Goodyear blimp. May require a registration to view, but interesting. It does not look like the process has changed that much since the hey day of blimp building.
Having grown up with smelling distance of Goodyear Plant 1 (now the world headquarters) and two grandfathers who worked for Goodyear (at different plants) the Blimp has always been a constant in my life. Even today they use the Wingfoot Lake in Akron to park the Blimps at whenever they are in the area.
Having grown up with smelling distance of Goodyear Plant 1 (now the world headquarters) and two grandfathers who worked for Goodyear (at different plants) the Blimp has always been a constant in my life. Even today they use the Wingfoot Lake in Akron to park the Blimps at whenever they are in the area.
Watch It! Shaq Now Carries a Badge - Yahoo! News
Watch It! Shaq Now Carries a Badge - Yahoo! News
This is an interesting way to give back to the community you live in. I never knew Shaq was a reserve officer before, and he seems to want to help without getting any photo ops. I wonder if the only reason he agreed to the article was to help drum up interest in the reserve officer corp.
I wonder if he will donate his $1/year salary back? It seems odd to pay him that given how much he makes. Reminds me of when Michael Jordan was playing minor league baseball and the coach would give him his per diem for meals. It was something like $20 or $30 dollars.
This is an interesting way to give back to the community you live in. I never knew Shaq was a reserve officer before, and he seems to want to help without getting any photo ops. I wonder if the only reason he agreed to the article was to help drum up interest in the reserve officer corp.
I wonder if he will donate his $1/year salary back? It seems odd to pay him that given how much he makes. Reminds me of when Michael Jordan was playing minor league baseball and the coach would give him his per diem for meals. It was something like $20 or $30 dollars.
Thursday, December 08, 2005
Beacon Journal | 12/08/2005 | Sheriff's snow alerts in plain words now
Beacon Journal | 12/08/2005 | Sheriff's snow alerts in plain words now
It has been awhile since we had any serious driving advisories, but the only one that was important was 3, which is when the cops would arrest you unless you were going to the hospital. I do not remember a 1 or 2 advisory ever being set, or at least announced to the public.
By and large people know what to do when it snows here anyways.
It has been awhile since we had any serious driving advisories, but the only one that was important was 3, which is when the cops would arrest you unless you were going to the hospital. I do not remember a 1 or 2 advisory ever being set, or at least announced to the public.
By and large people know what to do when it snows here anyways.
Wednesday, December 07, 2005
Bertinelli Divorcing Rocker Eddie Van Halen - Yahoo! News
Bertinelli Divorcing Rocker Eddie Van Halen - Yahoo! News
It is odd after 20 years (when they separated) to see a marriage break up. It is even weirder given all the crap that Valerie Bertinelli has put up with over the years. Just one more example of why I quit trying to figure out why people do things.
It is odd after 20 years (when they separated) to see a marriage break up. It is even weirder given all the crap that Valerie Bertinelli has put up with over the years. Just one more example of why I quit trying to figure out why people do things.
Tuesday, December 06, 2005
NBC joining on-demand iPod playlist - Yahoo! News
NBC joining on-demand iPod playlist - Yahoo! News
This would be interesting, particularly the cable station angle. Right now I am looking at dropping my "extended basic" cable because of lack of interest. I would go from 70 channels of crap to 20 channels of crap. My only complaint is loosing SG-1, Monk & Queer Eye for the Straight Guy. Those are the only things I typically watch and I pay over $40/month for that. At $2/episode I could still save money.
Update: This link shows that Monk will be included in the shows on iTunes. No mention of SG-1, and Bravo shows are yet to come which is where Queer Eye is shown.
This would be interesting, particularly the cable station angle. Right now I am looking at dropping my "extended basic" cable because of lack of interest. I would go from 70 channels of crap to 20 channels of crap. My only complaint is loosing SG-1, Monk & Queer Eye for the Straight Guy. Those are the only things I typically watch and I pay over $40/month for that. At $2/episode I could still save money.
Update: This link shows that Monk will be included in the shows on iTunes. No mention of SG-1, and Bravo shows are yet to come which is where Queer Eye is shown.
Monday, December 05, 2005
Beacon Journal | 12/05/2005 | U.S. cities aim to launch ferries to Canada
Beacon Journal | 12/05/2005 | U.S. cities aim to launch ferries to Canada
I am not sure what is at either of the ports that Cleveland or Painesville would go. I wonder how much time would be trimmed if you wanted to go to Toronto.
I am not sure what is at either of the ports that Cleveland or Painesville would go. I wonder how much time would be trimmed if you wanted to go to Toronto.
Sunday, December 04, 2005
Beacon Journal | 12/04/2005 | Zips put bite in new Roo ads
Beacon Journal | 12/04/2005 | Zips put bite in new Roo ads
While going to the University of Akron it was always tough to explain what a kangaroo had to do with Zips. Even harder, and possibly more embarassing, was explaining where they came up with Zips in the first place. (The story was always it was a name of a boot that someone submitted. Sad part was it was the best of the lot.) And of course calling your kangaroo Zippy makes it all the more, well, cuddly for some reason.
About the time I was leaving UA was looking to start updating its look. They had just gotten Buchtel Avenue closed (re-routed officially) - actually making it more like a campus. I still tend to look though when crossing what used to be Buchtel Ave. Old habits die hard. They were introducing the Moving A during my tenure there.
I drive by campus a few times a year, and try to take a walk around once a year or so and the changes are unbelievable. Many of the old buildings have gotten a face lift. Some of the old parking lots are now parking decks. My hope is that the insides have been changed along with the outsides of these buildings. We may have a world class campus here eventually.
While going to the University of Akron it was always tough to explain what a kangaroo had to do with Zips. Even harder, and possibly more embarassing, was explaining where they came up with Zips in the first place. (The story was always it was a name of a boot that someone submitted. Sad part was it was the best of the lot.) And of course calling your kangaroo Zippy makes it all the more, well, cuddly for some reason.
About the time I was leaving UA was looking to start updating its look. They had just gotten Buchtel Avenue closed (re-routed officially) - actually making it more like a campus. I still tend to look though when crossing what used to be Buchtel Ave. Old habits die hard. They were introducing the Moving A during my tenure there.
I drive by campus a few times a year, and try to take a walk around once a year or so and the changes are unbelievable. Many of the old buildings have gotten a face lift. Some of the old parking lots are now parking decks. My hope is that the insides have been changed along with the outsides of these buildings. We may have a world class campus here eventually.
Saturday, December 03, 2005
Ohio.com | 12/03/2005 | Audio interview with Akron Mayor Don Plusquellic, in China on a trade mission (MP3 format)
Ohio.com | 12/03/2005 | Audio interview with Akron Mayor Don Plusquellic, in China on a trade mission (MP3 format)
Newspapers podcasting? I downloaded the file to listen to later. Very interesting to see this on a newspaper site...
Newspapers podcasting? I downloaded the file to listen to later. Very interesting to see this on a newspaper site...
Workbench: Nude Teens and the National Review
Workbench: Nude Teens and the National Review
Aside from the obvious problems of kiddie porn brought up by this article, I have to agree with Dave that women don't really get interesting until after 20.
It seems in a time with rampant cosmetic surgery that a woman (or man) with a few wrinkles or who may sag a little here and there would be not only interesting, but possibly sexy.
I started to loose my hair at 16, before Rogaine and the like hit the market. Since this was rampant in my family my mom told me if I was going to get a rug, get a good one. I decided the hell with it and just let nature take it course. Even after I could have started Rogaine. The way I figure it I will stand out as one of the few bald guys.
Not everyone wants a Barbie or Ken doll.
Aside from the obvious problems of kiddie porn brought up by this article, I have to agree with Dave that women don't really get interesting until after 20.
It seems in a time with rampant cosmetic surgery that a woman (or man) with a few wrinkles or who may sag a little here and there would be not only interesting, but possibly sexy.
I started to loose my hair at 16, before Rogaine and the like hit the market. Since this was rampant in my family my mom told me if I was going to get a rug, get a good one. I decided the hell with it and just let nature take it course. Even after I could have started Rogaine. The way I figure it I will stand out as one of the few bald guys.
Not everyone wants a Barbie or Ken doll.
Friday, December 02, 2005
U.S. to Release New $10 Bills on March 2 - Yahoo! News
U.S. to Release New $10 Bills on March 2 - Yahoo! News
Not having a $20 on me I can't compare the colors. Once complaint I have heard from foriegners is our money all looks the same. If you look at the money from other countries each bill has a different color making it easy to identify them quickly.
I like the mention of the $2 bill, which you rarely see. My brother got one once and ended up taking it to the bank to get two 1s. No one thought it was real money. In my view we should get rid of the $1 & $2 and replace them with coins. No matter what people think, the $1, $2 just like the penny will never be eliminated.
Not having a $20 on me I can't compare the colors. Once complaint I have heard from foriegners is our money all looks the same. If you look at the money from other countries each bill has a different color making it easy to identify them quickly.
I like the mention of the $2 bill, which you rarely see. My brother got one once and ended up taking it to the bank to get two 1s. No one thought it was real money. In my view we should get rid of the $1 & $2 and replace them with coins. No matter what people think, the $1, $2 just like the penny will never be eliminated.
Beacon Journal | 12/02/2005 | Facebook new way to connect at school
Beacon Journal | 12/02/2005 | Facebook new way to connect at school
Yet another blog community. Once you graduate you will, no doubt, loose all your stuff. To me these people would be better off using MySpace, Yahoo 360 or Blogger. They are free and at least Blogger (which I am using) allows for a lot of customization.
Yet another blog community. Once you graduate you will, no doubt, loose all your stuff. To me these people would be better off using MySpace, Yahoo 360 or Blogger. They are free and at least Blogger (which I am using) allows for a lot of customization.
Beacon Journal | 12/02/2005 | Zips earn applause and respect
Beacon Journal | 12/02/2005 | Zips earn applause and respect
Woo hoo! I am not a huge football fan, but I usually follow my alma mater. This is a long way from when we called the team "Gerry's Kids" in the dark days when I went there.
Woo hoo! I am not a huge football fan, but I usually follow my alma mater. This is a long way from when we called the team "Gerry's Kids" in the dark days when I went there.
Thursday, December 01, 2005
Meme: What kind of intellectual are you?
You're a political intellectual.
What Sort of Intellectual Are You?
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Tuesday, November 29, 2005
pesky'apostrophe: always better than an unexpected period.
pesky'apostrophe: always better than an unexpected period.
Mac definately has a way about her. I particularly like her ending:
Back in the dark days before the V chip, when our "remote control" involved one of us kids running over to the TV to switch the channel, my parents decided what was OK for us to watch. Granted times were simpler and we did not have cable. But there were still shows my parents simply would not watch with us around. We got our nudity the old fashion way - stealing dad's/older brother's/etc Playboy.
This is a problem that will eventually solve itself. As the computer illiterate parents leave parenthood behind the newer, tech-savy parents will be able to setup the V chip, Internet smut guards, etc. in such a way that the kids will not be able to break into them easily.
Granted nothing can stop a kid who is really determined to see "indecent" material. It seems to be the more forbidden the fruit, the more humans want it.
Mac definately has a way about her. I particularly like her ending:
Well...you know how it is with the new conservative—personal responsibility and individual responsibility is only good when we’re talking about getting rid of the welfare system and Social Security and gun ownership. Other than that, all decisions, laws, and private matters should be mandated by the nutty Christian set. All your stuff are belong to us.
Back in the dark days before the V chip, when our "remote control" involved one of us kids running over to the TV to switch the channel, my parents decided what was OK for us to watch. Granted times were simpler and we did not have cable. But there were still shows my parents simply would not watch with us around. We got our nudity the old fashion way - stealing dad's/older brother's/etc Playboy.
This is a problem that will eventually solve itself. As the computer illiterate parents leave parenthood behind the newer, tech-savy parents will be able to setup the V chip, Internet smut guards, etc. in such a way that the kids will not be able to break into them easily.
Granted nothing can stop a kid who is really determined to see "indecent" material. It seems to be the more forbidden the fruit, the more humans want it.
Beacon Journal | 11/28/2005 | Charter schools will go on trial
Beacon Journal | 11/28/2005 | Charter schools will go on trial
I am all for getting kids the best education possible. If public schools are failing then I do feel that Charter schools should be given a chance.
HOWEVER, they have not proven themselves yet. One of my complaints was that early schools could refuse anyone admittance - which of course means that they could skip mainstreaming mentally disabled kids, kids with behavior problems, and generally anyone they felt would bring down their test scores (or drive up their costs). If you want to compare public school performance to Charter school performance then both must take any child or the comparison is moot.
I am all for getting kids the best education possible. If public schools are failing then I do feel that Charter schools should be given a chance.
HOWEVER, they have not proven themselves yet. One of my complaints was that early schools could refuse anyone admittance - which of course means that they could skip mainstreaming mentally disabled kids, kids with behavior problems, and generally anyone they felt would bring down their test scores (or drive up their costs). If you want to compare public school performance to Charter school performance then both must take any child or the comparison is moot.
Beacon Journal | 11/29/2005 | New Eagle Scout to take wing
Beacon Journal | 11/29/2005 | New Eagle Scout to take wing: "Andrew Ault "
Congratulations to Andrew Ault! As a former Eagle Scout myself I know what it takes to make it all the way. I may not agree with some of what the Boy Scouts of America is doing right now, but I still respect anyone who makes it all the way through to Eagle.
Congratulations to Andrew Ault! As a former Eagle Scout myself I know what it takes to make it all the way. I may not agree with some of what the Boy Scouts of America is doing right now, but I still respect anyone who makes it all the way through to Eagle.
FCC seen backing new cable pricing: WSJ - Yahoo! News
FCC seen backing new cable pricing: WSJ - Yahoo! News
Hmmm.....interesting turn of events. Depending upon the costs I would consider this given I watch a handful of 50 odd stations I get above "lifeline basic" cable.
Hmmm.....interesting turn of events. Depending upon the costs I would consider this given I watch a handful of 50 odd stations I get above "lifeline basic" cable.
Monday, November 28, 2005
Beacon Journal | 11/27/2005 | Restaurant sale on eBay is new world
Beacon Journal | 11/27/2005 | Restaurant sale on eBay is new world
The article quotes some interesting numbers - like $3.3 billion in business category sales alone for a year, 157 million users worldwide. I like this quote:
eBay is only 10 years old and 1 category is already handling 3.3 billion in transactions in a year? Think what will happen when in another 10 years.
However it is always interesting to see how people are using technology, and how people forget how things were in the "dark ages." Mur Lafferty was commenting on one of her podcasts about how TiVo is shaping her daughters viewing habits and she is only 2-ish. How do you explain to a 2 year old that at one point not only did you have to sit down at a specific time to watch TV but that you could not stop it and pick up where you were?
The year I graduated high school we got the first real computer lab in the Akron Public Schools in 1983. I remember when the thought of a home computer was laughable. Now I hear people talk about not being able to live without the Internet. In the 20-odd years since high school home computers have gone from a luxary to a necessity. What will the next 20 years hold?
The article quotes some interesting numbers - like $3.3 billion in business category sales alone for a year, 157 million users worldwide. I like this quote:
``It's become a marketplace where everything's negotiable,'' said Mike Schiller, a management consultant who teaches e-business at the University of Akron. ``We have no idea where this is going. Young people are growing up with it; (the technology) is making things much more available than they ever used to be.''
eBay is only 10 years old and 1 category is already handling 3.3 billion in transactions in a year? Think what will happen when in another 10 years.
However it is always interesting to see how people are using technology, and how people forget how things were in the "dark ages." Mur Lafferty was commenting on one of her podcasts about how TiVo is shaping her daughters viewing habits and she is only 2-ish. How do you explain to a 2 year old that at one point not only did you have to sit down at a specific time to watch TV but that you could not stop it and pick up where you were?
The year I graduated high school we got the first real computer lab in the Akron Public Schools in 1983. I remember when the thought of a home computer was laughable. Now I hear people talk about not being able to live without the Internet. In the 20-odd years since high school home computers have gone from a luxary to a necessity. What will the next 20 years hold?
Sunday, November 27, 2005
USATODAY.com - Oscar-nominated actor Morita dies at 73
USATODAY.com - Oscar-nominated actor Morita dies at 73
I always loved the characters Pat Morita played. I always liked when he would pop up in M*A*S*H, usually at a poker game. I always said that the only way I would study martial arts is if I could get a teacher like Mr. Miyagi. Granted he worked with the script as it was given, but I also know that every actor brings a bit of their personality to the table in any role.
Domo Arigato.
I always loved the characters Pat Morita played. I always liked when he would pop up in M*A*S*H, usually at a poker game. I always said that the only way I would study martial arts is if I could get a teacher like Mr. Miyagi. Granted he worked with the script as it was given, but I also know that every actor brings a bit of their personality to the table in any role.
Domo Arigato.
Saturday, November 26, 2005
Guardian Unlimited | Arts special reports | Music industry seeks access to private data to fight piracy
Guardian Unlimited | Arts special reports | Music industry seeks access to private data to fight piracy
Let's see, on one hand we have people blowing up buildings. ON the other we have people downloading the latest Britany Spears album. Similiar offense? Something seems a little off when people want the same access to info in both cases.
People don't get it, particularly the music industry. The more they propose stupid things like this, the more people are going to go to independent artists.
Let's see, on one hand we have people blowing up buildings. ON the other we have people downloading the latest Britany Spears album. Similiar offense? Something seems a little off when people want the same access to info in both cases.
People don't get it, particularly the music industry. The more they propose stupid things like this, the more people are going to go to independent artists.
Friday, November 25, 2005
DRM, copyright and the end of the music industry
This has been brewing in my mind most of November, so it will probably ramble a bit.
Back on Nov 2nd Adam Curry had reported on someone, and I could not find the link, that had predicted the end of the music industry as we know it within 12-18 months. PW Fenton in a recent podcast declared that he is going "podsafe" - as he said "if I can't buy it from the artist, I ain't buying it." Of course that came as fallout from Adam Curry getting the semi-nice (at least that is my guess) "stop playing licensed music or else" letter, no doubt delivered by Guido of the 1 eyebrow.
Not long after that we get the whole fall out from the Sony rootkit DRM stuff, which I have blogged about this month. As time as passed it looks like Sony is going to get hung up by its dangly bits, legally speaking, over this. For those who's head has been in the sand for the last month - the rootkit is a hidden program that you cannot find on your system that reports back to themothership home office about what you do with select Sony-BMG CDs on your computer. The techology though provides for a way for various malware to hide on your system, and the original patch left an even bigger hole and potentially caused hardware problems.
Of course the RIAA and the labels will claim they are protecting the income of artists. This article, or one similar, has been around to show that the amount of money that worms its way down to the artist overall is usually rather small. Granted beer money is better than no money, but it becomes obvious that they are not protecting the financial interest of the artist as much as their own financial interests. One other interesting point I recall from the music industry is they loose money on most artists, and again they need strong sales on a few acts to support all the acts they loose money on. More on that in a bit.
Now I think that the 18 month time frame for the death of the music industry as we know it a little premature. If for no other reason they control the rights for people to cover some great music. Composers need to get their cut, and as Coverville has shown covering a song is a popular thing in the music industry.
So what are we to do? DRM is not really a good answer. Even the limited DRM, like I saw on The Reverse Engineers' Mercury In Retrograde can cause problems. They have a limited use DRM that allowed for 3 plays before you had to pay a dollar. Not a bad idea, however when I first played in it on my home computer I had to retrieve an update to my player. I have not tested this yet, but my guess is that it will run into the same problem as any other DRM when you need to move the mustic to another machine, or you get a new MP3 player. Even Dave Winer recently had a very bad experience with Apple's DRM with a new video iPod. Nothing like loosing your entire music collection that you paid for because your portable player died and you had to plug in a new one. (Granted, this was not Dave's case, but you can see where that would happen.)
So what are we to do?
First off the music industry needs to realize that times have changed. Instead of signing a 100 acts with the hope of 5 being hits, maybe the music industry needs to cut back to 50. The big labels have some advantages - they have the contacts to setup tours, promote, etc. Just because someone is a good musician does not mean they are good at PR. Podcasting can get your music heard by others, may result in some CD sales, but writing press releases, picking good photos, designing album art, and a hundred of other details may escape the musician. Maybe Adam Curry's idea of the unlabel can help with that, freeing the musician to make music.
As listeners of course the most important thing for us to do is to support musicians we like. It would be great if we could find DRM-free downloads. We need to either buy the songs we like, or maybe pickup the whole album. Word of mouth is the best form of advertising for groups, so letting people know about groups you find interesting is a must. More stores like CD Baby that caters to independent musicians need to come up.
Musicians need to release a song or two free of DRM. These songs need to be representative of their sound. Too often I have heard 30 second cuts of songs, or a whole song, that is far from representative of the song or sound of the group. If you want me to buy an album, give me something that will give me an idea of how it will all sound. If you listened to only the song Beth from Kiss you would not have an idea of their overall sound.
Back on Nov 2nd Adam Curry had reported on someone, and I could not find the link, that had predicted the end of the music industry as we know it within 12-18 months. PW Fenton in a recent podcast declared that he is going "podsafe" - as he said "if I can't buy it from the artist, I ain't buying it." Of course that came as fallout from Adam Curry getting the semi-nice (at least that is my guess) "stop playing licensed music or else" letter, no doubt delivered by Guido of the 1 eyebrow.
Not long after that we get the whole fall out from the Sony rootkit DRM stuff, which I have blogged about this month. As time as passed it looks like Sony is going to get hung up by its dangly bits, legally speaking, over this. For those who's head has been in the sand for the last month - the rootkit is a hidden program that you cannot find on your system that reports back to the
Of course the RIAA and the labels will claim they are protecting the income of artists. This article, or one similar, has been around to show that the amount of money that worms its way down to the artist overall is usually rather small. Granted beer money is better than no money, but it becomes obvious that they are not protecting the financial interest of the artist as much as their own financial interests. One other interesting point I recall from the music industry is they loose money on most artists, and again they need strong sales on a few acts to support all the acts they loose money on. More on that in a bit.
Now I think that the 18 month time frame for the death of the music industry as we know it a little premature. If for no other reason they control the rights for people to cover some great music. Composers need to get their cut, and as Coverville has shown covering a song is a popular thing in the music industry.
So what are we to do? DRM is not really a good answer. Even the limited DRM, like I saw on The Reverse Engineers' Mercury In Retrograde can cause problems. They have a limited use DRM that allowed for 3 plays before you had to pay a dollar. Not a bad idea, however when I first played in it on my home computer I had to retrieve an update to my player. I have not tested this yet, but my guess is that it will run into the same problem as any other DRM when you need to move the mustic to another machine, or you get a new MP3 player. Even Dave Winer recently had a very bad experience with Apple's DRM with a new video iPod. Nothing like loosing your entire music collection that you paid for because your portable player died and you had to plug in a new one. (Granted, this was not Dave's case, but you can see where that would happen.)
So what are we to do?
First off the music industry needs to realize that times have changed. Instead of signing a 100 acts with the hope of 5 being hits, maybe the music industry needs to cut back to 50. The big labels have some advantages - they have the contacts to setup tours, promote, etc. Just because someone is a good musician does not mean they are good at PR. Podcasting can get your music heard by others, may result in some CD sales, but writing press releases, picking good photos, designing album art, and a hundred of other details may escape the musician. Maybe Adam Curry's idea of the unlabel can help with that, freeing the musician to make music.
As listeners of course the most important thing for us to do is to support musicians we like. It would be great if we could find DRM-free downloads. We need to either buy the songs we like, or maybe pickup the whole album. Word of mouth is the best form of advertising for groups, so letting people know about groups you find interesting is a must. More stores like CD Baby that caters to independent musicians need to come up.
Musicians need to release a song or two free of DRM. These songs need to be representative of their sound. Too often I have heard 30 second cuts of songs, or a whole song, that is far from representative of the song or sound of the group. If you want me to buy an album, give me something that will give me an idea of how it will all sound. If you listened to only the song Beth from Kiss you would not have an idea of their overall sound.
Thursday, November 24, 2005
Thanksgiving movie fest
Since my brother and I hate football, we typically watch movies all day on Thanksgiving. Granted I do help out some with the cooking, but my big contribution is the turkey which does not take a lot of time to keep up with. Never fear - most of the cooking is usually done so my sister-in-law ends up doing more reheating than anything else. So today we watched:
Robots. A great cast and a rather entertaining movie. Classic underdogs pull together to over throw the "cool" kids, but it was very well done. A great one for my nieces & nephew and still entertaining to adults. Then again the "adults" still fnd fart humor funny so your milage may vary.
Batman Begins. A story of how Batman, AKA Bruce Wayne, trained and became the Dark Knight, along with Sgt. Gordon (before becoming the commisioner). I am not sure how close they stayed to the original story. Given how long Batman has been running I am sure at some point they explored it "officially". Enjoyable action film, although it was a bit long and possibly could have had a few things cut without affecting the overall flow of the film. Michael Caine made an excellent Alfred.
Fast Times at Ridgemont High. As someone who went to high school & college in the 80's this was a cool flashback. Mindless drivel, but it has a good cast. Just today I found out that Forest Whitaker was in the film as Charles Jeffereson, the large football player. Man did he look young! He is probably best known as the private that works as Robin Williams' sidekick in "Good Morning Vietnam". He does a lot of directing as well.
And before heading over I watched House of D. I had trouble getting into the story itself. The movie itself was ok - good acting, moved along, etc. but the story itself just did not grab me. I hate when the elements come together but the story just is not interesting. Honestly the only reason I stuck through the whole film was the actors.
Robots. A great cast and a rather entertaining movie. Classic underdogs pull together to over throw the "cool" kids, but it was very well done. A great one for my nieces & nephew and still entertaining to adults. Then again the "adults" still fnd fart humor funny so your milage may vary.
Batman Begins. A story of how Batman, AKA Bruce Wayne, trained and became the Dark Knight, along with Sgt. Gordon (before becoming the commisioner). I am not sure how close they stayed to the original story. Given how long Batman has been running I am sure at some point they explored it "officially". Enjoyable action film, although it was a bit long and possibly could have had a few things cut without affecting the overall flow of the film. Michael Caine made an excellent Alfred.
Fast Times at Ridgemont High. As someone who went to high school & college in the 80's this was a cool flashback. Mindless drivel, but it has a good cast. Just today I found out that Forest Whitaker was in the film as Charles Jeffereson, the large football player. Man did he look young! He is probably best known as the private that works as Robin Williams' sidekick in "Good Morning Vietnam". He does a lot of directing as well.
And before heading over I watched House of D. I had trouble getting into the story itself. The movie itself was ok - good acting, moved along, etc. but the story itself just did not grab me. I hate when the elements come together but the story just is not interesting. Honestly the only reason I stuck through the whole film was the actors.
Happy Thanksgiving (or Thursday for those outside of the USA)
I am sitting here waiting on some laundry to finish so I can head out to my brother's house for Thanksgiving. My peanut butter pie is made for my nieces & nephew and I will grab my roasting pan for the turkey when I go and get my laundry. I get turkey detail - I am the only one willing to clean out the turkey so I get to do cook it as well.
Tomorrow is Buy Nothing Day. I usually try to observe it, with the exception of renewing my car registration. I may hold off until Saturday on that this year. The one exception might be if I go to the gym - my membership is expired so I will have to renew. Maybe instead I'll curl up under a blanket and watch videos all day.
Well sounds like my clothes are done. Everyone have a great day, and for all my fellow Americans out there remember the reason for the day and come up with at least 1 thing you are thankful for before consuming mass quantities and watching too much football.
Tomorrow is Buy Nothing Day. I usually try to observe it, with the exception of renewing my car registration. I may hold off until Saturday on that this year. The one exception might be if I go to the gym - my membership is expired so I will have to renew. Maybe instead I'll curl up under a blanket and watch videos all day.
Well sounds like my clothes are done. Everyone have a great day, and for all my fellow Americans out there remember the reason for the day and come up with at least 1 thing you are thankful for before consuming mass quantities and watching too much football.
Wednesday, November 23, 2005
Ohio Republican Backs Off Murtha Criticism - Yahoo! News
Ohio Republican Backs Off Murtha Criticism - Yahoo! News
Trying to rip apart a Vietnam vet is about as smart as playing catch with a live hand grenade. I doubt there is ANYTHING that they can say that he has not already gone through when he came back from Vietnam.
I do not agree with Rep. Murtha on an immediate, complete withdraw from Iraq. We created a mess there and we need to make sure that the shit will not hit the fan when we leave otherwise the soldiers would have died for nothing. However there seems to be absolutely no progress on trying to get our troops out and get Iraq to have a self-sufficient defense force.
Trying to rip apart a Vietnam vet is about as smart as playing catch with a live hand grenade. I doubt there is ANYTHING that they can say that he has not already gone through when he came back from Vietnam.
I do not agree with Rep. Murtha on an immediate, complete withdraw from Iraq. We created a mess there and we need to make sure that the shit will not hit the fan when we leave otherwise the soldiers would have died for nothing. However there seems to be absolutely no progress on trying to get our troops out and get Iraq to have a self-sufficient defense force.
Bogus E-Mails Contain New 'Sober' Worm - Yahoo! News
Bogus E-Mails Contain New 'Sober' Worm - Yahoo! News
An important thing - your's truely received emails from the CIA, FBI and several other government organizations yesterday. They looked legit enough until I saw the attachment, a ZIP file, and then I knew to delete them compleetely. Overall I don't open attachments from unknown people anyways.
An important thing - your's truely received emails from the CIA, FBI and several other government organizations yesterday. They looked legit enough until I saw the attachment, a ZIP file, and then I knew to delete them compleetely. Overall I don't open attachments from unknown people anyways.
Web Site Agrees to Help Curb Access to Movies - New York Times
Web Site Agrees to Help Curb Access to Movies - New York Times
I will agree that something has to be done, but the article misses the point of BitTorrent. It is not just movies that can be sent through BitTorrent, but ANY large file. Open Office distributes their binaries through BitTorrent, SXSW Festival released 700+ songs from participating musicians (legally), and many podcasters user BitTorrent to distribute their podcasts. Even legal movie downloads use BitTorrent. I have heard that BitTorrent is also popular in the Open Source community.
I would rather see illegal downloads get choked off (especially since I don't download them) than to see this wonderful distribution method die.
I will agree that something has to be done, but the article misses the point of BitTorrent. It is not just movies that can be sent through BitTorrent, but ANY large file. Open Office distributes their binaries through BitTorrent, SXSW Festival released 700+ songs from participating musicians (legally), and many podcasters user BitTorrent to distribute their podcasts. Even legal movie downloads use BitTorrent. I have heard that BitTorrent is also popular in the Open Source community.
I would rather see illegal downloads get choked off (especially since I don't download them) than to see this wonderful distribution method die.
Tuesday, November 22, 2005
pesky'apostrophe: always better than an unexpected period.
pesky'apostrophe: always better than an unexpected period.
You go Mac!
Many years ago on the TV show Thirty Something one of the characters used the line "Happy Pagan Ritual", which is what I tend to use around my friends who know I am weird. I tend to respond with whatever people wish me - either Merry Christmas or Happy Holidays, whatever. Given I know a number of Jews, Wiccans and Christians what does it matter. Besides I know a number of people who still do trees & Santa regardless of their religion.
You go Mac!
Many years ago on the TV show Thirty Something one of the characters used the line "Happy Pagan Ritual", which is what I tend to use around my friends who know I am weird. I tend to respond with whatever people wish me - either Merry Christmas or Happy Holidays, whatever. Given I know a number of Jews, Wiccans and Christians what does it matter. Besides I know a number of people who still do trees & Santa regardless of their religion.
Beacon Journal | 11/22/2005 | Study calls Canton 30th most dangerous
Beacon Journal | 11/22/2005 | Study calls Canton 30th most dangerous
I am a bit surprised by Akron's 91st spot. Overall I find Akron to be a safe place, although I have been told my personal idea of "safe" is skewed being a 6' tall guy. I'm wondering if, like Canton, there was some number that really skewed our results.
I am a bit surprised by Akron's 91st spot. Overall I find Akron to be a safe place, although I have been told my personal idea of "safe" is skewed being a 6' tall guy. I'm wondering if, like Canton, there was some number that really skewed our results.
Beacon Journal | 11/22/2005 | Summit County bans smoking -- well, sort of
Beacon Journal | 11/22/2005 | Summit County bans smoking -- well, sort of
This "ban" is a joke. Why the hell bother with all the exceptions written into it? And if Akron is excluded it make NO sense what so ever. Another group of idiots that need voted out.
This "ban" is a joke. Why the hell bother with all the exceptions written into it? And if Akron is excluded it make NO sense what so ever. Another group of idiots that need voted out.
What are your Top 5 electronic toys you can't live without right now?
- Compaq Presario Laptop. The hub of my digital life. Communication, music, movie playing, finances. I keep very little outside of my laptop.
- Palm Tungsten T3. My backup brain. I am even getting more info on there all the time. I use this as a mobile adjuct to my laptop for times when lugging a laptop is not convenient.
- SanDisk 512 meg MP3 player. I use it primarily for podcasts.
- Toshiba DVD player. A little old school, but I had it and it allows me to work on my laptop and watch a movie at the same time.
- iJoy Camera. Has about the resolution of a camera phone, great for quick shots on the run.
Overall I would have to say I am pretty well set. Like Gary said in his, maybe a portable video player a la the video iPod, although as part of the Microsoft collective I would look for something outside of iTunes ;). I actually picked up a cheapy Pocket PC recently to play around with the UI. With Windows Media Player built in it would work as a media player, although it does not handle mpeg 4 files natively. It would be cool if I could get them converted to play without downloading a new player to the Pocket PC.
One thing I like about either Palm or Pocket PC is that they are generic enough to function as a video or audio player. I do not use mine as such primarily because of space concerns, although with SD cards that is not a big deal.
The only thing I might get is a TiVo or other DVR. I have considered turning my old computer into a DVR since it has a rather roomy 80 Gig drive, but I always think I don't need another thing to get me to watch more TV.
From Top 5 Friday
Did someone say winter?
- Do you like the colder weather, or are you into the hotter weather?
I prefer colder weather, although not super cold. - What is your favorite thing about winter?
The possibility of a random snow day, sitting at home watching some of my favorite movies. - Do you have a favorite comfy, cozy lounging around outfit?
Not really, although my sweat pants & a hoody is probalby as close as I get. - Whats your favorite warm drink when it is just too cold out there?
Hot cocoa, with little marshmellows. Even little packets of Swiss Miss are fine.
From Tuesday Tales
Monday, November 21, 2005
Hello....hello.....helllo
Yea, it has been awhile since I posted anything substantial, or even passingly bloggish.
Part of the problem has been fat fingers. I lost a post last week I had spent an hour on when I accidently hit a key combo that ended up in the equivilant of hitting the back button and loosing all my hard earned typing. That same day I also lost 3 emails to a similar problem when working in a web-based email page. Grrrr!! I am now using w.Blogger to help with the problem. I have used w.Blogger on and off, mostly off, for awhile. Given my recent run of luck at home I definately need something.
My weekend was equally "fun".
Friday I had made arrangements to go and see IMDB. Went through Fandango to get the ticket for the 10:35 showing. As a single guy going to see what is, nominally, a kid film I think it is easier for me to go to a late showing than an earlier one and getting weird stares by parents. Hey, I know I am harmless, and I understand in this day and age, but it does not make it any easier on me. I even left work early.
However on the way home my brakes went out. Let me tell you, Stairmaster has nothing on getting your heart rate up as having your brakes go out while doing 70 on the expressway. I was able to get off the side of the road and get a tow truck called. Turns out my brake lines rusted through. Not fun. No car, ticket paid for. Fortunately my brother let me borrow his truck for the weekend (and today) so I did not loose my money on the ticket.
Since the first place I took my car to wanted an arm, leg and a few other body parts I had become attached to for the repair, I had the car towed to my favorite brake place. They do great work at a good price, although I will admit I sometimes get the family discount. They could not get to it today - they have limited Saturday hours and do not do brake work on Saturday and are closed on Sunday. This means I was using my brother's truck all weekend. Now I am not complaining since without the truck I would have been stuck at home all weekend, and would have been out $9.25 for the movie ticket. However I still hate the size of truck compared to my car.
Anyways between being up until almost 2 AM and getting the car towed out to the brake place most of Saturday was chewed through. I did get my rear screen door fixed though so the day was not a complete loss.
Sunday I was awakened by a call to do some emergency babysitting for my brother. This took a large chunk of my day. I don't mind babysitting for my brother. Overall the kids are well behaved for me, but I had planned on raking my lawn. My last leave pickup for the year is Wednesday. At least this year a little over half the leaves on my trees is down. I have been doing the leaves in this yard all my life so I pretty much have it down and 1.5 hours later I was done.
There is something very rewarding about doing lawn work. When you are done you can see the results, something that as a programmer you do not always get to do. The raking itself is very meditative, almost zen. Granted my hands are killing me today, almost an RSI injury.
Part of the problem has been fat fingers. I lost a post last week I had spent an hour on when I accidently hit a key combo that ended up in the equivilant of hitting the back button and loosing all my hard earned typing. That same day I also lost 3 emails to a similar problem when working in a web-based email page. Grrrr!! I am now using w.Blogger to help with the problem. I have used w.Blogger on and off, mostly off, for awhile. Given my recent run of luck at home I definately need something.
My weekend was equally "fun".
Friday I had made arrangements to go and see IMDB. Went through Fandango to get the ticket for the 10:35 showing. As a single guy going to see what is, nominally, a kid film I think it is easier for me to go to a late showing than an earlier one and getting weird stares by parents. Hey, I know I am harmless, and I understand in this day and age, but it does not make it any easier on me. I even left work early.
However on the way home my brakes went out. Let me tell you, Stairmaster has nothing on getting your heart rate up as having your brakes go out while doing 70 on the expressway. I was able to get off the side of the road and get a tow truck called. Turns out my brake lines rusted through. Not fun. No car, ticket paid for. Fortunately my brother let me borrow his truck for the weekend (and today) so I did not loose my money on the ticket.
Since the first place I took my car to wanted an arm, leg and a few other body parts I had become attached to for the repair, I had the car towed to my favorite brake place. They do great work at a good price, although I will admit I sometimes get the family discount. They could not get to it today - they have limited Saturday hours and do not do brake work on Saturday and are closed on Sunday. This means I was using my brother's truck all weekend. Now I am not complaining since without the truck I would have been stuck at home all weekend, and would have been out $9.25 for the movie ticket. However I still hate the size of truck compared to my car.
Anyways between being up until almost 2 AM and getting the car towed out to the brake place most of Saturday was chewed through. I did get my rear screen door fixed though so the day was not a complete loss.
Sunday I was awakened by a call to do some emergency babysitting for my brother. This took a large chunk of my day. I don't mind babysitting for my brother. Overall the kids are well behaved for me, but I had planned on raking my lawn. My last leave pickup for the year is Wednesday. At least this year a little over half the leaves on my trees is down. I have been doing the leaves in this yard all my life so I pretty much have it down and 1.5 hours later I was done.
There is something very rewarding about doing lawn work. When you are done you can see the results, something that as a programmer you do not always get to do. The raking itself is very meditative, almost zen. Granted my hands are killing me today, almost an RSI injury.
Friday, November 18, 2005
Vatican Official Refutes Intelligent Design - Yahoo! News
Vatican Official Refutes Intelligent Design - Yahoo! News
WOOO HOOO! A religious person who gets it. Of course the people wrapped up in the debate still don't get it...
WOOO HOOO! A religious person who gets it. Of course the people wrapped up in the debate still don't get it...
Legislation Renewing Patriot Act Stalls - Yahoo! News
Legislation Renewing Patriot Act Stalls - Yahoo! News
I was never a friend of the Patriot Act, since it was passed when emotions were running high after 9/11. I find that many times such knee-jerk legislation does not really take a broader look and many times duplicates legislation that is already in place. At least some people are saying "whoa" to this stuff, and at least some kind of reporting mechanism is being put in place.
I was never a friend of the Patriot Act, since it was passed when emotions were running high after 9/11. I find that many times such knee-jerk legislation does not really take a broader look and many times duplicates legislation that is already in place. At least some people are saying "whoa" to this stuff, and at least some kind of reporting mechanism is being put in place.
Yep, that is what I paid for gas
Yep, I paid $1.95 for gas last night. It was at BJ's Wholesale Club, but even BP and Sheetz around here are at $1.98/gallon.
Thursday, November 17, 2005
Mom Makes Teen Stand on Street With Sign - Yahoo! News
Mom Makes Teen Stand on Street With Sign - Yahoo! News
An interesting idea. I hope the mother does not get in trouble for this. It seems any more just about anything that a parent can use to discipline a kid is deemed bad. This seems pretty minor and at least in the short time effective.
An interesting idea. I hope the mother does not get in trouble for this. It seems any more just about anything that a parent can use to discipline a kid is deemed bad. This seems pretty minor and at least in the short time effective.
Beacon Journal | 11/17/2005 | School funds forfeited to Uncle Sam
Beacon Journal | 11/17/2005 | School funds forfeited to Uncle Sam
This is a major bone-headed move. At this point I am not willing to vote for any incumbant because they have all been making bone-headed moves and need to get kicked out.
This is a major bone-headed move. At this point I am not willing to vote for any incumbant because they have all been making bone-headed moves and need to get kicked out.
Wednesday, November 16, 2005
Alaska May Not Get 'Bridge to Nowhere' - Yahoo! News
Alaska May Not Get 'Bridge to Nowhere' - Yahoo! News
With all the other crap going on, this funding should be pulled immediately. Pork has always pissed me off anyways, but we need to rebuild cities after the hurricanes this year and we still have to fund the troops in Iraq (regardless of how I feel about them being there). Why build a bridge to somewhere that has 50 people?
With all the other crap going on, this funding should be pulled immediately. Pork has always pissed me off anyways, but we need to rebuild cities after the hurricanes this year and we still have to fund the troops in Iraq (regardless of how I feel about them being there). Why build a bridge to somewhere that has 50 people?
Harriet the tortoise turns 175 - Yahoo! News
Harriet the tortoise turns 175 - Yahoo! News
Tortoises & turtles have always been a favorite of mine. To see a 175 year old tortoise is amazing.
Tortoises & turtles have always been a favorite of mine. To see a 175 year old tortoise is amazing.
Tuesday, November 15, 2005
Catholic Bishops Turn to Lay Ministers - Yahoo! News
Catholic Bishops Turn to Lay Ministers - Yahoo! News
It is not going to be long before the Catholic church MUST reconsider its stance on celibacy, and hence the marriage of priests. Any Episcipalian priest who switches to the Cathalic church is allowed to be married if married before. You can only depend upon the Lay Ministry for so much before you stop being a church.
It is not going to be long before the Catholic church MUST reconsider its stance on celibacy, and hence the marriage of priests. Any Episcipalian priest who switches to the Cathalic church is allowed to be married if married before. You can only depend upon the Lay Ministry for so much before you stop being a church.
CURRY.COM: Adam Curry's Weblog
CURRY.COM: Adam Curry's Weblog:
I think that was Todd's point. He also is is trying to something similiar to Podshow with the Tech Podcaster's network. I'm sure if Podshow had anything significant, worth of a sponsership, to say they would have put their money there. From what I have gathered from his blog & podcast Todd would have done the same thing. When working with a startup you need to feel you are getting enough return on conference sponsership to do it.
"er, yes, as I've said before, we invest in podcasters, not conferences. Let the undition begin!"
I think that was Todd's point. He also is is trying to something similiar to Podshow with the Tech Podcaster's network. I'm sure if Podshow had anything significant, worth of a sponsership, to say they would have put their money there. From what I have gathered from his blog & podcast Todd would have done the same thing. When working with a startup you need to feel you are getting enough return on conference sponsership to do it.
Monday, November 14, 2005
More Testing fun
| You are a Social Liberal (73% permissive) and an... Economic Liberal (18% permissive) You are best described as a:
Link: The Politics Test on Ok Cupid |
Japan Loses Contact With Asteroid Lander - Yahoo! News
Japan Loses Contact With Asteroid Lander - Yahoo! News
This is unfortunate. Any loss of data on an operation like this is unfortunate. My hope though is that Hayabusa's landing and collection goes without a hitch and we can gather some further data.
This is unfortunate. Any loss of data on an operation like this is unfortunate. My hope though is that Hayabusa's landing and collection goes without a hitch and we can gather some further data.
Catholic Church no longer swears by truth of the Bible - World - Times Online
Catholic Church no longer swears by truth of the Bible - World - Times Online
This is a weird thing to read, although an old article. It took me a couple of times to really believe this. What this means for the future of religion is tough to say. I have never been much of a person to believe in the literal interprtation of the Bible. For the Catholic church to go down this path is big.
This is a weird thing to read, although an old article. It took me a couple of times to really believe this. What this means for the future of religion is tough to say. I have never been much of a person to believe in the literal interprtation of the Bible. For the Catholic church to go down this path is big.
AOL, Warner to Bring Old TV Shows Online - Yahoo! News
AOL, Warner to Bring Old TV Shows Online - Yahoo! News
Sounds like TV Land may have some competition. It will be interesting to see what happens with this.
Sounds like TV Land may have some competition. It will be interesting to see what happens with this.
Beacon Journal | 11/14/2005 | Council will discuss ban exemptions
Beacon Journal | 11/14/2005 | Council will discuss ban exemptions
The older I get, the less I care about people whining about their businesses being affected by a smoking ban. For years we non-smokers have put up with you. There is good evidence that second hand smoke is a health problem. Allowing smoking in bars & restaurants after 10 PM is useless - when do most people go to bars? Not before 10. Besides most places do not have a good enough system to clear out the smoke (and resulting odor) in time.
If your business is that dependent upon people killing themselves and others, maybe you need to re-evaluate your business plan.
The older I get, the less I care about people whining about their businesses being affected by a smoking ban. For years we non-smokers have put up with you. There is good evidence that second hand smoke is a health problem. Allowing smoking in bars & restaurants after 10 PM is useless - when do most people go to bars? Not before 10. Besides most places do not have a good enough system to clear out the smoke (and resulting odor) in time.
If your business is that dependent upon people killing themselves and others, maybe you need to re-evaluate your business plan.
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