Huge wave turns cruise holiday into horror - U.S. News - MSNBC.comn
Huge wave turns cruise holiday into horror - U.S. News - MSNBC.com Soon to be a major motion picture. O algo.
AOL Safe for Kids? Yeah right!
AOL Monitor Accused of Luring 15-Year-Old
Email this Story
Apr 17, 5:23 PM (ET)
LOS ANGELES (AP) - An Internet chat room monitor hired to keep children safe from sexual predators seduced a California girl online and was about to meet her for sex when he was found out by a co-worker, a lawsuit charges.
According to documents filed April 1 in Los Angeles Superior Court, the online relationship began when the girl was 15. She met the AOL employee in a children's chat room and confided in him about her parents' divorce and her troubles making friends.
Their conversations online and by phone became increasingly explicit, the lawsuit says. They were preparing to meet on the girl's 17th birthday when one of the monitor's co-workers became suspicious and prevented the encounter.
The lawsuit charges AOL and its parent company, Time Warner Inc. (TWX), with failing to supervise the employee and of falsely advertising that its online service was safe for children. It also charges the monitor with inflicting emotional distress.
America Online spokesman Nicholas Graham said the company fired the monitor and contacted authorities after learning of the situation in April 2003. The man, who was 23 when he met the girl online, has not been charged with a crime.
Graham said AOL puts its chat room monitors through "rigorous screening and training procedures," including a criminal background check.
The teenager, who is now 19 and living in Los Angeles, waited two years to bring legal action because it was "a very confusing and painful time for her," her lawyer Olivier Taillieu told the Los Angeles Times.
The suit seeks compensatory and punitive damages of more than $25,000 but does not give a specific dollar amount. Taillieu did not immediately respond to a call seeking comment Saturday.
Email this Story
Apr 17, 5:23 PM (ET)
LOS ANGELES (AP) - An Internet chat room monitor hired to keep children safe from sexual predators seduced a California girl online and was about to meet her for sex when he was found out by a co-worker, a lawsuit charges.
According to documents filed April 1 in Los Angeles Superior Court, the online relationship began when the girl was 15. She met the AOL employee in a children's chat room and confided in him about her parents' divorce and her troubles making friends.
Their conversations online and by phone became increasingly explicit, the lawsuit says. They were preparing to meet on the girl's 17th birthday when one of the monitor's co-workers became suspicious and prevented the encounter.
The lawsuit charges AOL and its parent company, Time Warner Inc. (TWX), with failing to supervise the employee and of falsely advertising that its online service was safe for children. It also charges the monitor with inflicting emotional distress.
America Online spokesman Nicholas Graham said the company fired the monitor and contacted authorities after learning of the situation in April 2003. The man, who was 23 when he met the girl online, has not been charged with a crime.
Graham said AOL puts its chat room monitors through "rigorous screening and training procedures," including a criminal background check.
The teenager, who is now 19 and living in Los Angeles, waited two years to bring legal action because it was "a very confusing and painful time for her," her lawyer Olivier Taillieu told the Los Angeles Times.
The suit seeks compensatory and punitive damages of more than $25,000 but does not give a specific dollar amount. Taillieu did not immediately respond to a call seeking comment Saturday.
highway therapy and fragments of a conversation
So my lovely woman took the highway therapy route and we had a blast. Lunch, geek shopping mode at CompUSA for her new hard drive and a USB memory stick, some quality time, snooze and then I gave her a spare monitor I wasnt using. Forgot to get her a keyboard but its ok. I can bring it to her next weekend. Right now I'm so bushed. Dunno if I'll get to watch Deadwood tonight. Anyway it was great to be able to spend quality time with her.
************
Why people have conversations with me about people I don't really give a shit about? I mean, honestly, please, spare me. If you know of people I don't really want to know about, why bother bringing them to the conversation? Specially with things that won't convey no sympathy for me. Honestly. If I was more cruel, I'd say well, that's the breaks, but hey. That's their sad little life they have to deal with. I haven't had anything to do with that person from ages. Pero puej.....let them live their petty shallow little lives. I don't have time to waste dwelling on them.
************
Why people have conversations with me about people I don't really give a shit about? I mean, honestly, please, spare me. If you know of people I don't really want to know about, why bother bringing them to the conversation? Specially with things that won't convey no sympathy for me. Honestly. If I was more cruel, I'd say well, that's the breaks, but hey. That's their sad little life they have to deal with. I haven't had anything to do with that person from ages. Pero puej.....let them live their petty shallow little lives. I don't have time to waste dwelling on them.
loband
loband A very interesting proposal for very slow internet access or for third world countries without broadband.
Inmates in U.S. using intermediaries to escape into Internet - Yahoo! News
Inmates in U.S. using intermediaries to escape into Internet - Yahoo! News
For your reading pleasure o algo.
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I should've gone West today. All I wanted was a day's worth of peace and quiet and I've got none. Fucking hell....
For your reading pleasure o algo.
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I should've gone West today. All I wanted was a day's worth of peace and quiet and I've got none. Fucking hell....
New round of outages peeves some Comcast users | CNET News.com
New round of outages peeves some Comcast users | CNET News.com Y estos son los cabrones que piensan comprar a Adelphia en Macondo, USA. Preparense putas!
Comcast sued for disclosing customer info | CNET News.com
Comcast sued for disclosing customer info | CNET News.com [B]TOOOOOOOOOMA![/B]
Yes I stole it too from Kaiser and Darkie's blogs. Sue me you sad fucks!
Ze Astrological Chart. Or something. Verrry interesting says I. Comments after each part.
Name: Me
(my birthdate)
4:00 PM (my time zone)
(my city of birth)
Rising Sign is in 19 Degrees Libra
Very attractive and popular, your charm helps you to get your own way and prevents others from getting angry with you. "Peace and harmony at all costs" is your battle cry. You always try to ameliorate or to cosmetically hide any physical ugliness or any angry feelings between people. Flashy, but not gaudy, you prefer to dress elegantly. You generally have good taste in music, art and literature. Beware of the tendency to compromise yourself in your attempt to be agreeable at all times. A bit of a social butterfly, at times you can be vain and lazy. For the most part, however, you are gracious and affectionate, and your refined and aristocratic demeanor serves as a role model to others.
Flattery will get you anywhere dahling, but I'm not that vain nor I am the most compromising person in the world.
Sun is in 27 Degrees Taurus.
You are known for being patient, slow moving and careful -- you love to prolong and savor enjoyable times. You appreciate and need comfort, ease and warm surroundings. Be careful of a tendency to become placid and self-satisfied and to overeat (especially sweets). You require strenuous situations in order to grow and mature properly, even though you try to avoid them. Affectionate, even-tempered and slow to anger -- when you do become emotionally upset, you are also slow to forgive and time must pass before your calm returns. You demand real results from any situation -- abstractions are very difficult for you to comprehend. Very artistic, your hands love to mold and shape things. You portray an earthy, physical sexiness that others find quite seductive.
Yesh, sweets my weakness. That's why I got diabetes. Very slow to forgive and quite demanding. I can figure out most abstracts, but I'd rather deal with the here and now. Yesh, I'm quite sexy. Thank you. :D
Moon is in 22 Degrees Aquarius.
Very freedom-oriented, you must always be able to do what you wish, no matter what. You become stubborn and recalcitrant when others try to force you into a mold. You are a true democrat -- you are not a follower, but you enjoy being with those who are like-minded. You appreciate emotional self-control -- you practice it yourself and you look for it in others. You solve problems, including emotional ones, with your brains and intellect, not your feelings. Try to be tolerant of those who have powerful and obvious emotional responses -- not everyone is as objective, cool, dispassionate and detached as you are.
I must cater to my inner anarquist. Indeed. Very selective and picky at the time to choose company. Self-control is a must these days. Yesh I tend to like enjoying problems. Sometimes they are more trouble than they are worth, but those are the breakes. I strive for objectiveness and cool, so I AM NOT COLD NOR CALCULATING. Y'HEAR K? :D
Mercury is in 19 Degrees Gemini.
Your mind is active, quick and agile. You are very restless and you get bored easily. Unless you receive constant mental stimulation, you become extremely nervous and begin to act in an unstable manner. You are probably a good student because of your natural inquisitiveness. You also love to travel. Your learning tends to be superficial, though, because you have a relatively short attention span. Try to develop the mental discipline to finish what you start. Also, you tend to talk on at times seemingly just to fill space -- make sure that your conversation has some substance to it or others will start avoiding you.
Yes, they've got me down pat. Very short attention span if things get boring though. And I'm working out the conversation part. Lord knows I hate talking crap or having nothing to say. I keep me mouth shut these days. Rather listen and learn.
Venus is in 19 Degrees Taurus.
You are known to be a warm and affectionate person, and you tend to form long- lasting attachments. The reverse of this is that you can also be quite possessive once you have made a commitment. The beauty, luxury and comfort of your surroundings are important to you and you will devote much time and energy to making your home just right. Beware of your tendency toward self-indulgence, especially with respect to eating incorrectly. You also need outside stimuli to get you in gear When things come too easily for you, you can be lazy and indolent.
Got the warm, affectionate and long term part down pat. Possesive? Maybe because I'm very picky and it takes time and effort to find that special someone to be with. Got the self-indulgent part down pat too. I love to eat. And yes, I am restless when I get bored.
Mars is in 07 Degrees Gemini.
Your energies get turned on quickly whenever anything interests you. But you have a very short attention span and it is difficult for you to complete tasks because something else more interesting always seems to be beckoning. You love to debate and argue, usually in a spirit of friendly disagreement. But watch out that you do not get too overly aggressive or antagonistic or others will be quick to take offense where none may have really been intended. You need to be in constant physical motion -- sports or daily exercise is a must for you if you are to feel fit and healthy.
Heh. Love arguing and debating. It's in my blood.
Jupiter is in 26 Degrees Leo.
You must be proud of all that you do in order to grow and develop. You enjoy being totally honest and aboveboard and you revel in the admiration and respect you receive from others due to your high- minded, upright way of life. Make sure, though, that your natural tendency to boast and show off is based on your actual accomplishments. Don't fall prey to self-exaggeration or arrogance. You truly do like outrageous spectacles and grand jolly times and will go out of your way to make them a reality.
Can't argue that one, really. But my high self-esteem sometimes is confused by arrogance by some people. Fuck 'em, really.
Saturn is in 20 Degrees Aries.
You are aloof, independent and standoffish. This is mainly due to your fear that others might inhibit or restrict you and, quite frankly, you feel that you can govern your life by your own standards. Be careful not to associate with those who are overly critical of you or you will withdraw so deeply into your shell that you will become very lonely. You have the ability to stand on your own two feet and to make up your own mind -- albeit very carefully and cautiously. But you are known for your circumspection and therefore are respected and admired.
Damn right Skippy!
Uranus is in 25 Degrees Virgo.
You, and all your peers, will be known for the degree of intensity with which you dislike normal everyday routines and chores. You will go out of your way to invent innovative, unique and timesaving ways to perform the various mundane routines and duties of living. You will be attracted to all manner of practical and useful gadgets -- anything that will make your daily life more exciting.
Ditto!
Neptune is in 25 Degrees Scorpio.
You, and your entire generation, are extremely interested in anything deep and mysterious. You will explore and idealize the benefits that can accrue from the study of the occult, healing and psychology. You are willing to experiment with substances like drugs in order to push your understanding of your inner being to the extreme.
Heheheheh. Word to the wise though: Do not try to sell me all that trendy bullshit that passes for deepness and spirituality today because most of it makes me want to throw up. Major turn-offs include: Deepak Chopra, Paulo Coelho, whatever Dan Brown writes, whatever bullshit christians come up with in order to be trendy and gain converts, etc.
Pluto is in 20 Degrees Virgo.
For your entire generation, this will be a time when profound changes in society's attitude toward work, duty and responsibility will be initiated. Radical changes in attitudes toward personal health and general nutrition will be promulgated and gain wide acceptance and practice.
Yeah, I am afraid I'm gonna be lumped in that group thanks to my diabetes.
N. Node is in 18 Degrees Aries.
You're at your most comfortable when involved in group activities outside of your immediate family circle. You delight in getting involved with others in neighborhood civic or political activities, especially if you can be a part of the leadership of the group. Your zeal and overabundant energy bring out your real creativity when you can work toward tangible results -- things that will immediately benefit those around you. You have a real gift for getting the most out of charity drives and community benefits. Take time out between projects though, because you tire out easily and your effectiveness becomes greatly diminished when your energy is depleted. Also, don't even think of trying to get involved at a peripheral level -- you need a total commitment to feel personally fulfilled. Let others bake the cookies and set up the chairs -- you should be the one to tell everyone what to do and when to do it!
Correct!
A pretty fair assesment all in all. So, whatcha think?
Name: Me
(my birthdate)
4:00 PM (my time zone)
(my city of birth)
Rising Sign is in 19 Degrees Libra
Very attractive and popular, your charm helps you to get your own way and prevents others from getting angry with you. "Peace and harmony at all costs" is your battle cry. You always try to ameliorate or to cosmetically hide any physical ugliness or any angry feelings between people. Flashy, but not gaudy, you prefer to dress elegantly. You generally have good taste in music, art and literature. Beware of the tendency to compromise yourself in your attempt to be agreeable at all times. A bit of a social butterfly, at times you can be vain and lazy. For the most part, however, you are gracious and affectionate, and your refined and aristocratic demeanor serves as a role model to others.
Flattery will get you anywhere dahling, but I'm not that vain nor I am the most compromising person in the world.
Sun is in 27 Degrees Taurus.
You are known for being patient, slow moving and careful -- you love to prolong and savor enjoyable times. You appreciate and need comfort, ease and warm surroundings. Be careful of a tendency to become placid and self-satisfied and to overeat (especially sweets). You require strenuous situations in order to grow and mature properly, even though you try to avoid them. Affectionate, even-tempered and slow to anger -- when you do become emotionally upset, you are also slow to forgive and time must pass before your calm returns. You demand real results from any situation -- abstractions are very difficult for you to comprehend. Very artistic, your hands love to mold and shape things. You portray an earthy, physical sexiness that others find quite seductive.
Yesh, sweets my weakness. That's why I got diabetes. Very slow to forgive and quite demanding. I can figure out most abstracts, but I'd rather deal with the here and now. Yesh, I'm quite sexy. Thank you. :D
Moon is in 22 Degrees Aquarius.
Very freedom-oriented, you must always be able to do what you wish, no matter what. You become stubborn and recalcitrant when others try to force you into a mold. You are a true democrat -- you are not a follower, but you enjoy being with those who are like-minded. You appreciate emotional self-control -- you practice it yourself and you look for it in others. You solve problems, including emotional ones, with your brains and intellect, not your feelings. Try to be tolerant of those who have powerful and obvious emotional responses -- not everyone is as objective, cool, dispassionate and detached as you are.
I must cater to my inner anarquist. Indeed. Very selective and picky at the time to choose company. Self-control is a must these days. Yesh I tend to like enjoying problems. Sometimes they are more trouble than they are worth, but those are the breakes. I strive for objectiveness and cool, so I AM NOT COLD NOR CALCULATING. Y'HEAR K? :D
Mercury is in 19 Degrees Gemini.
Your mind is active, quick and agile. You are very restless and you get bored easily. Unless you receive constant mental stimulation, you become extremely nervous and begin to act in an unstable manner. You are probably a good student because of your natural inquisitiveness. You also love to travel. Your learning tends to be superficial, though, because you have a relatively short attention span. Try to develop the mental discipline to finish what you start. Also, you tend to talk on at times seemingly just to fill space -- make sure that your conversation has some substance to it or others will start avoiding you.
Yes, they've got me down pat. Very short attention span if things get boring though. And I'm working out the conversation part. Lord knows I hate talking crap or having nothing to say. I keep me mouth shut these days. Rather listen and learn.
Venus is in 19 Degrees Taurus.
You are known to be a warm and affectionate person, and you tend to form long- lasting attachments. The reverse of this is that you can also be quite possessive once you have made a commitment. The beauty, luxury and comfort of your surroundings are important to you and you will devote much time and energy to making your home just right. Beware of your tendency toward self-indulgence, especially with respect to eating incorrectly. You also need outside stimuli to get you in gear When things come too easily for you, you can be lazy and indolent.
Got the warm, affectionate and long term part down pat. Possesive? Maybe because I'm very picky and it takes time and effort to find that special someone to be with. Got the self-indulgent part down pat too. I love to eat. And yes, I am restless when I get bored.
Mars is in 07 Degrees Gemini.
Your energies get turned on quickly whenever anything interests you. But you have a very short attention span and it is difficult for you to complete tasks because something else more interesting always seems to be beckoning. You love to debate and argue, usually in a spirit of friendly disagreement. But watch out that you do not get too overly aggressive or antagonistic or others will be quick to take offense where none may have really been intended. You need to be in constant physical motion -- sports or daily exercise is a must for you if you are to feel fit and healthy.
Heh. Love arguing and debating. It's in my blood.
Jupiter is in 26 Degrees Leo.
You must be proud of all that you do in order to grow and develop. You enjoy being totally honest and aboveboard and you revel in the admiration and respect you receive from others due to your high- minded, upright way of life. Make sure, though, that your natural tendency to boast and show off is based on your actual accomplishments. Don't fall prey to self-exaggeration or arrogance. You truly do like outrageous spectacles and grand jolly times and will go out of your way to make them a reality.
Can't argue that one, really. But my high self-esteem sometimes is confused by arrogance by some people. Fuck 'em, really.
Saturn is in 20 Degrees Aries.
You are aloof, independent and standoffish. This is mainly due to your fear that others might inhibit or restrict you and, quite frankly, you feel that you can govern your life by your own standards. Be careful not to associate with those who are overly critical of you or you will withdraw so deeply into your shell that you will become very lonely. You have the ability to stand on your own two feet and to make up your own mind -- albeit very carefully and cautiously. But you are known for your circumspection and therefore are respected and admired.
Damn right Skippy!
Uranus is in 25 Degrees Virgo.
You, and all your peers, will be known for the degree of intensity with which you dislike normal everyday routines and chores. You will go out of your way to invent innovative, unique and timesaving ways to perform the various mundane routines and duties of living. You will be attracted to all manner of practical and useful gadgets -- anything that will make your daily life more exciting.
Ditto!
Neptune is in 25 Degrees Scorpio.
You, and your entire generation, are extremely interested in anything deep and mysterious. You will explore and idealize the benefits that can accrue from the study of the occult, healing and psychology. You are willing to experiment with substances like drugs in order to push your understanding of your inner being to the extreme.
Heheheheh. Word to the wise though: Do not try to sell me all that trendy bullshit that passes for deepness and spirituality today because most of it makes me want to throw up. Major turn-offs include: Deepak Chopra, Paulo Coelho, whatever Dan Brown writes, whatever bullshit christians come up with in order to be trendy and gain converts, etc.
Pluto is in 20 Degrees Virgo.
For your entire generation, this will be a time when profound changes in society's attitude toward work, duty and responsibility will be initiated. Radical changes in attitudes toward personal health and general nutrition will be promulgated and gain wide acceptance and practice.
Yeah, I am afraid I'm gonna be lumped in that group thanks to my diabetes.
N. Node is in 18 Degrees Aries.
You're at your most comfortable when involved in group activities outside of your immediate family circle. You delight in getting involved with others in neighborhood civic or political activities, especially if you can be a part of the leadership of the group. Your zeal and overabundant energy bring out your real creativity when you can work toward tangible results -- things that will immediately benefit those around you. You have a real gift for getting the most out of charity drives and community benefits. Take time out between projects though, because you tire out easily and your effectiveness becomes greatly diminished when your energy is depleted. Also, don't even think of trying to get involved at a peripheral level -- you need a total commitment to feel personally fulfilled. Let others bake the cookies and set up the chairs -- you should be the one to tell everyone what to do and when to do it!
Correct!
A pretty fair assesment all in all. So, whatcha think?
i against i, eze tiene la culpa y otros sucesos.
Anoche soñe que vi a alguien que tuve que mandar al carajo hace unos añitos atras porque me hizo una puercada de esas que no se pueden perdonar y pues a volar pajarito. Lo tripeoso de todo es que yo le digo al pendejo que lo perdonaba. Al despertar como que mi conciente no estaba de acuerdo de lo que mi subconsciente proyecto en mi sueño. Y creo que en realidad puercadas como esas jamás se perdonan. Sorry. Si buscan santos vayan a otra parte. Perdonar será divino, pero yo soy de carne y hueso. Ches, I *do* hold grudges. Too bad. O algo.
Eze tiene la culpa. Si, yo estaba con el en CompUSA buscando precios en discos duros, camaras y PVR's cuando de repente Eze dice que debería hacer música con esto.
Asi que luego de medir los pro y los contra, pues le meti el diente a esto y lo que oyen en el fondo es producto de eso. Asi que ladidadila. O algo. A producir más cosas.
Bueno espero ver a mi chica el domingo y ella no la está pasando muy bien en el frente familiar pero aquí estoy yo para apoyarla en lo que sea. LS es la que es y punto.
Eze tiene la culpa. Si, yo estaba con el en CompUSA buscando precios en discos duros, camaras y PVR's cuando de repente Eze dice que debería hacer música con esto.
Asi que luego de medir los pro y los contra, pues le meti el diente a esto y lo que oyen en el fondo es producto de eso. Asi que ladidadila. O algo. A producir más cosas.
Bueno espero ver a mi chica el domingo y ella no la está pasando muy bien en el frente familiar pero aquí estoy yo para apoyarla en lo que sea. LS es la que es y punto.
Progressive News - Is Cheap Broadband Un-American? by Tim Karr
Progressive News - Is Cheap Broadband Un-American? by Tim Karr Nah. It's simply greedy corporations making it harder for the rest of us.
Sarge vs. The Hoary Hedgehog?
Sarge vs. The Hoary Hedgehog? Here is an interesting and possible problem to Debian and Ubuntu users. Debian founder Ian Murdock proposes a solution.
Yahoo! News - Puerto Ricans Top Survey on Satisfaction
Yahoo! News - Puerto Ricans Top Survey on Satisfaction
It's the booze and the drugs, honest! Trust me. :D
It's the booze and the drugs, honest! Trust me. :D
Blame Kymill For This One.....
1. First name? Would You Like To Know? ;)
2. Were you named after anyone? A famous Puerto Rican author
3. Do you wish on stars? Yes
4. When did you last cry? Not in a while
5. Do you like your handwriting? Hate it it
6. What is your favorite lunch meat? Turkey
7. What is your birth date? Somewhere in the late sixties while Paris was burning
8. what is your most embarrassing CD? Wouldn't You Like To Know? ;)
9. If you were another person, would YOU be friends with you? I would find me despicable, yet charming. Probably.
10. Do you have a journal? This one counts?
11. Do you use sarcasm a lot? Nah. Honest. I swear.
12. What are your nicknames? They ones who know, know.
13. Would you bungee jump? Whenever I feel to become part of the pavement, I'd consider it.
14. Do you untie your shoes when you take them off? Nope.
15. Do you think that you are strong? Tricky - My evil is strong.mp3
16. What is your favorite ice cream flavor? Cookies and cream or strawberry cheesecream. Yeah, I enjoy the simple pleasures of life.
17. Shoe size? 11 or 12, depends on brand
18. Red or pink? Red
19. What is your least favorite thing about yourself? I like myself, people can't stand my bluntness and honesty though.
20. Who do you miss most? My girlfriend. Yeah, I'm in love. Sue me.
21. Do you want everyone you send this to, to send it back? Dunno. I mean it is a timewaster, but hey.
22. What color pants and shoes are you wearing? Black pants, black sneakers, black boxers, black t-shirt. HEH.
23. What are you listening to right now? The evening news.
24. Last thing you ate? Chicken tenders and a large diet soda.
25. If you were a crayon, what color would you be? Red or black
26. What is the weather like right now? Dark and nice.
27. Last person you talked to on the phone? My girlfriend.
28. The first thing you notice about the opposite sex? It depends on the person, really.
29. Do you like the person who sent this to you? Yup
30. Favorite Drink? Vodka and cranberry juice.
31. Favorite Sport? Basketball.
32. Hair Color? Black and some lovely white hairs.
33. Eye Color? brown
34. Do you wear contacts? No.
35. Favorite Food? Depends on my whim, but most stuff that includes, chicken, pasta or a salad.
36. Last Movie You Watched? Blow
37. Favorite Day of the Year? Halloween
38. Scary Movies Or Happy Endings? Scary Movies
39. Summer Or Winter? Winter. In a sunny island the 75 degrees breeze is a blessing
40. Hugs OR Kisses? BOTH!
41. What Is Your Favorite Dessert? Flan, budin and the ice cream flavors described above.
42. Who Is Most Likely To Respond? Hell if I know.
43. Who Is Least Likely To Respond? Hell if I know.
44. Living Arrangements? Living with my parents (they're ancient and I look after them). Hopefully my own place. Soon.
45. What's your favorite book? William Gibson's Neuromancer
46. What's On Your Mouse Pad? Fuck mouse pads. Got a lovely optical mouse or my laptop's touchpad.
47. What Did You Watch Last night on TV? The Shield
48. Favorite Smells? Freshly cut grass, The smell of sex, patchouli
49. Favorite Sounds? A piano with some reverb.
50. Rolling Stones or Beatles? Both
51. What's the furthest you've been from home? Europe
52. Do you have a special talent? Music and my wit. Thankyouverymuch.
53. What is your ring tone? The Nokia robot tone unless my girlfriend calls.
2. Were you named after anyone? A famous Puerto Rican author
3. Do you wish on stars? Yes
4. When did you last cry? Not in a while
5. Do you like your handwriting? Hate it it
6. What is your favorite lunch meat? Turkey
7. What is your birth date? Somewhere in the late sixties while Paris was burning
8. what is your most embarrassing CD? Wouldn't You Like To Know? ;)
9. If you were another person, would YOU be friends with you? I would find me despicable, yet charming. Probably.
10. Do you have a journal? This one counts?
11. Do you use sarcasm a lot? Nah. Honest. I swear.
12. What are your nicknames? They ones who know, know.
13. Would you bungee jump? Whenever I feel to become part of the pavement, I'd consider it.
14. Do you untie your shoes when you take them off? Nope.
15. Do you think that you are strong? Tricky - My evil is strong.mp3
16. What is your favorite ice cream flavor? Cookies and cream or strawberry cheesecream. Yeah, I enjoy the simple pleasures of life.
17. Shoe size? 11 or 12, depends on brand
18. Red or pink? Red
19. What is your least favorite thing about yourself? I like myself, people can't stand my bluntness and honesty though.
20. Who do you miss most? My girlfriend. Yeah, I'm in love. Sue me.
21. Do you want everyone you send this to, to send it back? Dunno. I mean it is a timewaster, but hey.
22. What color pants and shoes are you wearing? Black pants, black sneakers, black boxers, black t-shirt. HEH.
23. What are you listening to right now? The evening news.
24. Last thing you ate? Chicken tenders and a large diet soda.
25. If you were a crayon, what color would you be? Red or black
26. What is the weather like right now? Dark and nice.
27. Last person you talked to on the phone? My girlfriend.
28. The first thing you notice about the opposite sex? It depends on the person, really.
29. Do you like the person who sent this to you? Yup
30. Favorite Drink? Vodka and cranberry juice.
31. Favorite Sport? Basketball.
32. Hair Color? Black and some lovely white hairs.
33. Eye Color? brown
34. Do you wear contacts? No.
35. Favorite Food? Depends on my whim, but most stuff that includes, chicken, pasta or a salad.
36. Last Movie You Watched? Blow
37. Favorite Day of the Year? Halloween
38. Scary Movies Or Happy Endings? Scary Movies
39. Summer Or Winter? Winter. In a sunny island the 75 degrees breeze is a blessing
40. Hugs OR Kisses? BOTH!
41. What Is Your Favorite Dessert? Flan, budin and the ice cream flavors described above.
42. Who Is Most Likely To Respond? Hell if I know.
43. Who Is Least Likely To Respond? Hell if I know.
44. Living Arrangements? Living with my parents (they're ancient and I look after them). Hopefully my own place. Soon.
45. What's your favorite book? William Gibson's Neuromancer
46. What's On Your Mouse Pad? Fuck mouse pads. Got a lovely optical mouse or my laptop's touchpad.
47. What Did You Watch Last night on TV? The Shield
48. Favorite Smells? Freshly cut grass, The smell of sex, patchouli
49. Favorite Sounds? A piano with some reverb.
50. Rolling Stones or Beatles? Both
51. What's the furthest you've been from home? Europe
52. Do you have a special talent? Music and my wit. Thankyouverymuch.
53. What is your ring tone? The Nokia robot tone unless my girlfriend calls.
birthday, caverns, movies, strikes, and distros
This past weekend was Kymill's birthday and Alex, Stiv and moi got together to celebrate it with her last Friday at a TGIFriday's near my house. Yes, K and her three ex boyfriends having a birthday dinner. Heh. That was fun. Then we headed out to Mayaguez that evening. Long drive but funny as hell because I left my cellphone at home *and* we were making fun of whatever was on the radio so we could be awake.
Saturday LS, Kymill, Stiv, Sara and her family went to visit Las Cavernas de Camuy National Park. Fucking impressive mate! You have to see them in person to fully appreciate the impact. I was kinda sick because I ate something and the tour lasts for about an hour with no bathroom in sight, but aside from that I handled it well. LS took some pictures and I hope she can send them so I can post them and you can just drool. We split afterwards for Chili's for more birthday celebrations for Kymill.
We sort of wanted to watch Sin City again because we wanted to hook Stiv and K. to it, but we were all tired. We settled watching "Vampiros En La Habana" for LS's benefit and started watching "Memento" but LS had to go home and I had to pass out in the bed.
Sunday was ok. Everyone was on a resting mood so LS and I had some quality time. Watched "Fever Pitch" with her and laughed a lot. This might be the Farrelly's most viewer friendly flick yet (probably closer to Outside Providence). Then I took the bus back home.
No cellphone meant not being able to call up someone to pick me up at the bus station so I used my wits and got hold of a cab ride home. Uploaded the files needed for my job's webpage and after watching Deadwood and The Shield went to sleep.
This morning I got the rudest service ever from the state's Revenue Department or Hacienda as we call it. Fucking bastards want you to do your income taxes on time and I sure do, so I expect to get my refund on time as well. That and the money Adelphia owes me should be coming anytime.
The little fuckers at the university are marching to the President's office today so the entrance I normally take was closed but I got the guys at my job to pick me up and I was able to get here. Hopefully all this bullshit will be done and over with on Wendesday.
1 more week to wait for my DSL installation kit.
Oh yeah, new versions of Kanotix, Kubuntu and Knoppix are available so download them you freaks!
LS and I are having our busiest days today so bear with us. O algo.
Oh in the karma department, it seems Comcast is going to buy Adelphia. Adelphia's been bankrupt for a long while and the end seems to be coming.
Saturday LS, Kymill, Stiv, Sara and her family went to visit Las Cavernas de Camuy National Park. Fucking impressive mate! You have to see them in person to fully appreciate the impact. I was kinda sick because I ate something and the tour lasts for about an hour with no bathroom in sight, but aside from that I handled it well. LS took some pictures and I hope she can send them so I can post them and you can just drool. We split afterwards for Chili's for more birthday celebrations for Kymill.
We sort of wanted to watch Sin City again because we wanted to hook Stiv and K. to it, but we were all tired. We settled watching "Vampiros En La Habana" for LS's benefit and started watching "Memento" but LS had to go home and I had to pass out in the bed.
Sunday was ok. Everyone was on a resting mood so LS and I had some quality time. Watched "Fever Pitch" with her and laughed a lot. This might be the Farrelly's most viewer friendly flick yet (probably closer to Outside Providence). Then I took the bus back home.
No cellphone meant not being able to call up someone to pick me up at the bus station so I used my wits and got hold of a cab ride home. Uploaded the files needed for my job's webpage and after watching Deadwood and The Shield went to sleep.
This morning I got the rudest service ever from the state's Revenue Department or Hacienda as we call it. Fucking bastards want you to do your income taxes on time and I sure do, so I expect to get my refund on time as well. That and the money Adelphia owes me should be coming anytime.
The little fuckers at the university are marching to the President's office today so the entrance I normally take was closed but I got the guys at my job to pick me up and I was able to get here. Hopefully all this bullshit will be done and over with on Wendesday.
1 more week to wait for my DSL installation kit.
Oh yeah, new versions of Kanotix, Kubuntu and Knoppix are available so download them you freaks!
LS and I are having our busiest days today so bear with us. O algo.
Oh in the karma department, it seems Comcast is going to buy Adelphia. Adelphia's been bankrupt for a long while and the end seems to be coming.
Some interesting reads
Home Theatre PC Guide
Nanotech Vs. The Green Gang
Transhumanism FAQ
Grey Goo: a possible nanotech gone wild scenario.
Can You Hear Me Now? The real version.
Expect Al Gore to claim that he invented this. *Rolleyes*
The space race is turning japanese I really think so........
It's time for another wacko radical in the vein of the Unabomber and Timothy Mc Veigh.
Nanotech Vs. The Green Gang
Transhumanism FAQ
Grey Goo: a possible nanotech gone wild scenario.
Can You Hear Me Now? The real version.
Expect Al Gore to claim that he invented this. *Rolleyes*
The space race is turning japanese I really think so........
It's time for another wacko radical in the vein of the Unabomber and Timothy Mc Veigh.
alright alright alright alright
Well, the UPR Rio Piedras campus is on strike and we've had to move fast in order to get my check. I did get paid and at least things are settling down. My tax refund is supposed to be on my account by next week and my cable modem refund is due in two weeks. Money money money. Tired, weary, and need some rest.
hmmmmmmmmmmm
Ok tengo una oferta para quedarme de housesitter por 2 semanas. Sho, un apartment y 8 gatos. A ver a ver a ver.
Fuck! Necesito mis shavos pero el sheque dizque salio via el correo. Y esperando el reintegro y esperando el cheque de Adelphia y esperando el modem DSL de PRT. Joder!
Huelga en la Iupi. Por ahora no sabemos cuando empieza.
Y suspendieron lo de Santos. Sea la madre!
GAH!
Fuck! Necesito mis shavos pero el sheque dizque salio via el correo. Y esperando el reintegro y esperando el cheque de Adelphia y esperando el modem DSL de PRT. Joder!
Huelga en la Iupi. Por ahora no sabemos cuando empieza.
Y suspendieron lo de Santos. Sea la madre!
GAH!
CBC News: Americans may soon need passports to enter Canada
CBC News: Americans may soon need passports to enter Canada
Hey Daryl! Check this out!
#####
The weekend of April 29th and the 30th seems very promising.
and
W00t!
Btw, happy birthday to my pally pal Ben Raino and HAPPY THREE MONTH ANNIVERSARY to my lovely girlfriend.
It's a beautiful dayyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy..........
Hey Daryl! Check this out!
#####
The weekend of April 29th and the 30th seems very promising.
and
W00t!
Btw, happy birthday to my pally pal Ben Raino and HAPPY THREE MONTH ANNIVERSARY to my lovely girlfriend.
It's a beautiful dayyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy..........
muerte, caos, nihilismo, catarsis, paracaidas y amores
asi que el argentino mas puertorriquen~o del mundo tambien se nos fue esta semana. lamentable por demas. para algunos macondo, usa tiene un atractivo tremendo y tony croatto en vida fue mas boricua que muchos habitantes de esta islita. descanse en paz.
caos, nihilismo y catarsis de este fin de semana provisto por los sen~ores Rodriguez, Miller y Tarantino. sin city tan asquerosamente buena que lightshadow y yo nos la gozamos de principio a fin. si si si la nena se muere al final. o algo.
me levante este domingo a las 6 am para ver como la esposa de mi mejor amigo se tiraba en un paracaidas en humacao. esa mujer de mi pana si que tiene los pantalones bien puestos y la pendejada es que le gusto y quiere repetirlo. yo solo cumpli por tirar fotos.
el primer show celebrando los cinco an~os de Frecuencias Alternas estuvo bueno por demas. casa llena y muy buena vibra. no podre ir al de este sabado que viene pero se estan cuajando cosas muy buenas.
y por fin vi a mi otra mitad. cine, cena, charlas y tremenda compan~ia. tres meses juntos. definitivamente esta mujer es la changa y cada dia la amo mas y mas.
ok. over and out.
caos, nihilismo y catarsis de este fin de semana provisto por los sen~ores Rodriguez, Miller y Tarantino. sin city tan asquerosamente buena que lightshadow y yo nos la gozamos de principio a fin. si si si la nena se muere al final. o algo.
me levante este domingo a las 6 am para ver como la esposa de mi mejor amigo se tiraba en un paracaidas en humacao. esa mujer de mi pana si que tiene los pantalones bien puestos y la pendejada es que le gusto y quiere repetirlo. yo solo cumpli por tirar fotos.
el primer show celebrando los cinco an~os de Frecuencias Alternas estuvo bueno por demas. casa llena y muy buena vibra. no podre ir al de este sabado que viene pero se estan cuajando cosas muy buenas.
y por fin vi a mi otra mitad. cine, cena, charlas y tremenda compan~ia. tres meses juntos. definitivamente esta mujer es la changa y cada dia la amo mas y mas.
ok. over and out.
muerte, caos, nihilismo, catarsis
Si si si. Terry Schiavo y el Papa estan en el cielo tomando margaritas y Johnny Cochran tiene un bembe encendio en las pailas del infierno esperando a OJ y a Michael Jackson con los brazos abiertos. O talvez el Papa esta en el infierno tambien como escribio Dante hace varios siglos atras.
Anyway, ayer el trabajo era puro caos. Demasiada gente. Corre y corre por la posible huelga en la Universidad por el aumento en la matricula y el morbo esperando por la muerte de el Papa, CNN a toda boca, gente entrando y saliendo. Mientras tanto yo en el internet chequeando cuanto servicio de noticias hay y verificando los rumores. Anyway, para mi el Papa estaba muerto hace tiempo, la cuestion que su cuerpo se lo hizo saber y de la peor manera. El morbo en mi hacia chistes de que la muerte del Papa y de la Schiavo era todo parte del April's Fools pero nada que ver. Mi jefe probo ser otro catolico renegado al hacer un chiste cruel de montarse en un helicoptero y sobrevolar la Plaza de San Pedro gritandole a la gente "NO IMPORTA LO QUE HAGAN, EL SE VA A MORIR! ENTIENDEN?" Yo muerto de la risa. Este jefe mio a veces se las trae.
Toda esta mierda a mi alrededor y yo con unas ganas terribles de coger una silla y caerle a sillazos al televisor que estaba gritando cuanta mierda y excusa para hablar bien de el Papa. No, la compu del trabajo rulea y esa es mi bebe, gracias. Pero si, terribles ganas de infligir violencia extrema a mi alrededor.
Pero nada que una buena sesion de joder en los foros no resolviera. Gotta love it!
Manyana veo a mi otra mitad y eso. Porque despues de toda esta mierda, al menos siempre esta la recompensa. Yes I am still in love with my woman. W00t!
Anyway, ayer el trabajo era puro caos. Demasiada gente. Corre y corre por la posible huelga en la Universidad por el aumento en la matricula y el morbo esperando por la muerte de el Papa, CNN a toda boca, gente entrando y saliendo. Mientras tanto yo en el internet chequeando cuanto servicio de noticias hay y verificando los rumores. Anyway, para mi el Papa estaba muerto hace tiempo, la cuestion que su cuerpo se lo hizo saber y de la peor manera. El morbo en mi hacia chistes de que la muerte del Papa y de la Schiavo era todo parte del April's Fools pero nada que ver. Mi jefe probo ser otro catolico renegado al hacer un chiste cruel de montarse en un helicoptero y sobrevolar la Plaza de San Pedro gritandole a la gente "NO IMPORTA LO QUE HAGAN, EL SE VA A MORIR! ENTIENDEN?" Yo muerto de la risa. Este jefe mio a veces se las trae.
Toda esta mierda a mi alrededor y yo con unas ganas terribles de coger una silla y caerle a sillazos al televisor que estaba gritando cuanta mierda y excusa para hablar bien de el Papa. No, la compu del trabajo rulea y esa es mi bebe, gracias. Pero si, terribles ganas de infligir violencia extrema a mi alrededor.
Pero nada que una buena sesion de joder en los foros no resolviera. Gotta love it!
Manyana veo a mi otra mitad y eso. Porque despues de toda esta mierda, al menos siempre esta la recompensa. Yes I am still in love with my woman. W00t!
cosas casos sincronias casualidades etcetera
ya tengo de nuevo mi propia linea telefonica. con el mismo numero que tenia antes y to. lo mejor de todo es que quien la instalo fue el padre de una de mis exes. fue interesante y divertido hablar con el. jej. ahora a esperar 72 horas a que el numero se refleje en el sistema para hacer la orden de dsl. mi prima vino a instancias de la vieja a trabajar en la casa. el domingo ire a arecibo con alberto y su familia y espero encontrarme con mi novia alla.
mientras tanto instale el cable digital y el modem en casa de mi hermano. lo envidio. compu nueva, todos los canales de cable digital y toda la pendejada. y cable modem. bueno, el trabaja duro para tener esos lujos asi que se lo merece.
yo necesito mi espacio, mi jeva y mi internet ya.
aparte de eso, preparando los shows de aniversario del show de radio. woojoo!
mientras tanto instale el cable digital y el modem en casa de mi hermano. lo envidio. compu nueva, todos los canales de cable digital y toda la pendejada. y cable modem. bueno, el trabaja duro para tener esos lujos asi que se lo merece.
yo necesito mi espacio, mi jeva y mi internet ya.
aparte de eso, preparando los shows de aniversario del show de radio. woojoo!
Glastonbury plugs into silent disco - NME.COM
Glastonbury plugs into silent disco - NME.COM Silent Disco......heh. whatta laugh.
Supreme Court takes hard look at P2P
Supreme Court takes hard look at P2P | CNET News.com The Supremes take a look at P2P. More intervention from the freaking government.
The U.N. thinks about tomorrow's cyberspece
The U.N. thinks about tomorrow's cyberspace | Newsmakers | CNET News.com The U.N. wants to regulate the Internet. More fodder for the U.N. conspiracy theorists.
What Does Your Month Reveal About You?
Take the quiz: "What does your birth month reveal about you?"
May
Stubborn and hard-hearted. Strong-willed and highly motivated. Sharp thoughts. Easily angered. Attracts others and loves attention. Deep feelings. Beautiful physically and mentally. Firm Standpoint. Needs no motivation. Easily consoled. Systematic (left brain). Loves to dream. Strong clairvoyance. Understanding. Sickness usually in the ear and neck. Good imagination. Good physical. Weak breathing. Loves literature and the arts. Loves traveling. Dislike being at home. Restless. Not having many children.Hardworking. High spirited. Spendthrift.
May
Stubborn and hard-hearted. Strong-willed and highly motivated. Sharp thoughts. Easily angered. Attracts others and loves attention. Deep feelings. Beautiful physically and mentally. Firm Standpoint. Needs no motivation. Easily consoled. Systematic (left brain). Loves to dream. Strong clairvoyance. Understanding. Sickness usually in the ear and neck. Good imagination. Good physical. Weak breathing. Loves literature and the arts. Loves traveling. Dislike being at home. Restless. Not having many children.Hardworking. High spirited. Spendthrift.
Om Malik on Broadband ? How Yahoo Got Its Mojo Back
Om Malik on Broadband ? How Yahoo Got Its Mojo Back Yahoo vs. Google: The Saga Continues..........
Schneier on Security: TSA Lied About Protecting Passenger Data
Schneier on Security: TSA Lied About Protecting Passenger Data Your taxes at work! W00t!
Security no match for theater lovers
Security no match for theater lovers And then you wonder why I consider most people stupid, Part Deux.
BBC NEWS | Technology | Passwords revealed by sweet deal
BBC NEWS | Technology | Passwords revealed by sweet deal And then you ask me why I think most of humanity are so stupid......
DNA Key to Decoding Human Factor (washingtonpost.com)
DNA Key to Decoding Human Factor (washingtonpost.com) or How the United States Secret Service is able to hack into your computer.
TrekToday - Shatner Pitched 'Academy' Show To Paramount
TrekToday - Shatner Pitched 'Academy' Show To Paramount
No No No PLEASE NO! Star Trek 90210! (throws up!)
No No No PLEASE NO! Star Trek 90210! (throws up!)
Version Extendida De Lo Que Escribi En Uno De Mis Antros Ciberneticos
1. Fate es la peor pelicula del mundo y del universo tambien. Michael Pare, Phillip Michael Thomas y Lee Majors dirigidos por Ace Cruz. Oh the humanity!
2. Confirmando que Richard Cheese es Dioj. El deberia hacer la banda sonora de una pelicula que salgan Bruce Campbell y Ron Jeremy.
3. "I'm feeling things I've only seen on TV' - The Hard Word. Los australianos son la changa.
Mi nombre es Popu son las 4:13 am y creo que deberia acostorme a dormir. Buenos Dias Shorroekbron@s!
2. Confirmando que Richard Cheese es Dioj. El deberia hacer la banda sonora de una pelicula que salgan Bruce Campbell y Ron Jeremy.
3. "I'm feeling things I've only seen on TV' - The Hard Word. Los australianos son la changa.
Mi nombre es Popu son las 4:13 am y creo que deberia acostorme a dormir. Buenos Dias Shorroekbron@s!
Sorry
Sorry for the lack of posts. I got rid of my ISP at home and I haven't been online since last Tuesday. Spent from Tuesday to Saturday in Mayaguez at Viv and Stiv's and hanging out with my lovely girlfriend. Hung out, watched The Ring 2, Battle Royale 1 and 2, Ginger Snaps 1 and 2 and a horrible little film called Fate. Aside from that, things were going fine. I met my girlfriend's mother also. It was interesting and also got me a bit sad. She reminds me of my foster grandmother and my dad. Got me thinking about a lot of things. It's ok though. I came back home and I was a bit deppresed and sad. I wished I stayed a bit more there but I had to get back for an interview on Saturday morning. Last night's radio show went without a hitch despite my mood. Anyway, it improved as soon as I got together with Pepe and Eze to run the show. It's sad that I had to come back to my family's usual drama, my job and the usual routine. Missing LS a lot. Should be able to see her next week.
Ourmedia Homepage | Ourmedia
Ourmedia Homepage | Ourmedia Ches. Free lifetime multimedia hosting. Bwhahahahah!
Fuck 'em. Really.....
Ok everything's good until a bit after 9pm when the connection started giving me shit again. Fuck it. Called Customer Service and cancelled the account. Had enough of Adelphia's shit. Like we say here: 'lo barato sale caro'. I'd rather get DSL at a higher price but at least I'll know that the bandwidth is mine and mine alone. So fuck Adelphia and hopefully I'll be online in a few weeks or so.
BBC NEWS | Technology | What price for 'trusted PC security'?
BBC NEWS | Technology | What price for 'trusted PC security'? A must read. Trusted PC security my ass!
Pure, Unadulterated, Motherfucking Bliss
That's what I feel when LS is around. No matter how bad the day can get, at least she can soothe the savage beast. This woman has grown on me like you wouldn't even believe. Spent some time with her at the station doing the show and later at El Cojo. Athaxia showed up late and it's a damn shame, but the show must go on and has to be done. Cheo outdid himself with his 2 hour special. LS's chaos field was in force last night. Never mind the incident at the stop light. I think all hell broke loose when drinks were dropping at an exponential rate. No matter. No harm, no foul. She was there. We were there among friends. Drinking, having fun, laughing, having a good time. Then we had an early morning breakfast and a little more talk and cuddling. Can't wait to have my own place so she can stay a bit longer. This one's for real. Soulmate. Beautiful.
Anyway, went with my brother so he bought a brand spanking new laptop. Really cool machine. Updated and configured it to his liking. He'll be getting a cable modem so hopefully he shouldn't have more problems. Very short work week this week. Going to see my lovely LS this Tuesday and come back home Wendesday.
I WANT TO WATCH MILLIONS DAMNIT! and get The Incredibles for my sweetie
Anyway, went with my brother so he bought a brand spanking new laptop. Really cool machine. Updated and configured it to his liking. He'll be getting a cable modem so hopefully he shouldn't have more problems. Very short work week this week. Going to see my lovely LS this Tuesday and come back home Wendesday.
I WANT TO WATCH MILLIONS DAMNIT! and get The Incredibles for my sweetie
Yahoo! News - Woman's Scooter Blown Up in Security Scare
Yahoo! News - Woman's Scooter Blown Up in Security Scare Que mal! Cortesia de Ms. LS.
Every hour is Happy Hour!
So finally the cable got fixed this morning. So it should be fine when I come back. Now let's drink and celebrate! O algo.
| Bourbon Congratulations! You're 111 proof, with specific scores in beer (80) , wine (83), and liquor (86). |
Screw all that namby-pamby chick stuff, you're going straight for the bottle and a shot glass! It'll take more than a few shots of Wild Turkey or 99 Bananas before you start seeing pink elephants. You know how to handle your alcohol, and yourself at parties. |
 |
My test tracked 4 variables How you compared to other people your age and gender:
|
| Link: The Alcohol Knowledge Test written by hoppersplit on Ok Cupid |
Rubber Magazine - World's First Fuel Cell Motorcycle Unveiled
Rubber Magazine - World's First Fuel Cell Motorcycle Unveiled Mommy I Want One!
Decisions decisions......
.........Just spoke to Adelphia and they're attempting to fix my problem this Saturday. Hopefully, that should be the end of it. Given my luck, I started calling PRT to get a phone line in order to install DMAX on it. Let's see what happens this Saturday.
I am still having problems with the bloody cable so I am seriously considering dropping the service this Friday if it's not sorted out to my satisfaction. Been looking my options broadband-wise and I'm very tempted to go back to PRT's DMAX DSL service. Adelphia better get their shit together because I've had enough of their shit.
Working lots. Nearly losing the plot due to lack of sleep. Missing my girlfriend terribly.
Working lots. Nearly losing the plot due to lack of sleep. Missing my girlfriend terribly.
BBC NEWS | Technology | Have hackers recruited your PC?
BBC NEWS | Technology | Have hackers recruited your PC? Cybercrime, Part 2
BBC NEWS | UK | UK police foil massive bank theft
BBC NEWS | UK | UK police foil massive bank theft Cybercrime Part I
The Onion | Neverland Ranch Investigators Discover Corpse Of Real Michael Jackson
The Onion | Neverland Ranch Investigators Discover Corpse Of Real Michael Jackson
Courtesy of Pepe. Fucking A!
Courtesy of Pepe. Fucking A!
MSNBC - Rewriting the rules of copyright
MSNBC - Rewriting the rules of copyright WOW! About time these guys got a hold of these news!
Disconnected
Sea la madre. Yeah, as much as I love to curse in other languages (mainly English, but I can curse with the best of them in French and German), it's the mother tongue that has the best curses. Anyway, I've been almost for a week without my lovely cable modem. It's painful and things should be sorted by Wendesday morning. I've been looking at my options, but since I hope things will get on the way this summer, I might stay with Adelphia for a while.
Anyway, LS and I have been figuring things out for the long road ahead. It's gonna be an interesting journey. This week so far has been hot and heavy. Couple of interviews, dropped some resumes and I got a little gig on the side doing some audio recordings. Did thee Borders interview today. Let's see what happens.
Anyway, LS and I have been figuring things out for the long road ahead. It's gonna be an interesting journey. This week so far has been hot and heavy. Couple of interviews, dropped some resumes and I got a little gig on the side doing some audio recordings. Did thee Borders interview today. Let's see what happens.
Yahoo! News - BitTorrent May Prove Too Good to Quash
Yahoo! News - BitTorrent May Prove Too Good to Quash
The Street Finds It's Uses For Technology Part 8897457
The Street Finds It's Uses For Technology Part 8897457
Whatta weekend! Despite having cable modem troubles at home since Thursday evening, (update: still with problems with the cable modem. Should be sorted by Wendesday morning( I managed to get away from it all on Saturday to spend some serious quality time with my lovely girlfriend and visit Viv and Stiv. Sunday we spent it outdoors and while LS was busy doing some photo shoots for her paper, I took the camera and did some shooting as well.
CNN.com - UK anti-terrorism law approved - Mar 11, 2005
CNN.com - UK anti-terrorism law approved - Mar 11, 2005 Rule Britannia or rather Seig Heil!
Me and Lightshadow at Anais' birthday bash @ La Cueva del Chicken Inn. March 6th 2005.
Sorry I haven't posted in a while. Too busy. Too tired. Lots of stuff going on at work. Next Tuesday I'm scheduled for an interview for a managerial position. It'd be sweet if I actually get the job. Hopefully I'll see my lovely LS this Saturday. Things are taking off with us. Two months later, she's still here lovely as ever. I feel lucky and blessed with her presence. I look forward to the future of this relationship. I am so in love with her.
Two more months and my debt to my mum will be paid so I'll have more cash for my evil plans. O algo.
>>> AllofMP3.com escapes criminal lawsuit, for now
>>> AllofMP3.com escapes criminal lawsuit, for now
On February 2004 the Computer Crimes division of Moscow City Police recommended that prosecutors initiate a criminal lawsuit against AllofMP3.com, a Russian music site selling MP3 downloads by the megabytes. The investigation was initially launched at the request of IFPI Moscow. The International Federation of the Phonographic Industry previously sued a similar Spanish project, with PureTunes.com settling with the industry for $10 million.
The case of AllofMP3.com was further complicated by compulsory licensing, adopted by Russian legislature. Compulsory licensing stipulates that licenses should be issued in non-discriminatory manner to anyone who wants to get one on reasonable terms. Russian Multimedia and Network Society was in charge of establishing the reasonable terms, and according to Russian legislation, anyone could distribute music, provided they track downloads and pay back some nominal fee. This is very different from the legislature in the United States, where a music distributor would have to gain a license before selling any music online, and furthermore, could be denied such license for whatever reasons.
On March 4th prosecutor’s office of Moscow’s Southwestern region refused to charge AllofMP3.com in a criminal lawsuit. What’s interesting is that AllofMP3.com did not win the case due to the compulsory licensing legislated in Russia. The prosecutor’s office affirmed that the Russian music site was distributing copyrighted music from its site, and in many cases did not have a proper license to distribute them. Russian criminal law severely punishes attempts to distribute copyrighted music without proper licensing procured first. However, Russian law is quite specific about distribution of material goods, as the law usually applies to CD and DVD pirating.
Moscow prosecutor’s office noted that Russian music site does not distribute material goods, and since is not subject to prosecution under the criminal law. AllofMP3.com distributed digital goods via Internet, of which Russian criminal law says nothing. Moreover, prosecutors arrived at the conclusion that since no physical copies of the goods are delivered to the customer, AllofMP3.com can be treated as a service where site visitors can listen to the music. (The fact that it’s more than possible to burn an MP3 to an audio CD apparently escaped law enforcement).
AllofMP3.com cannot be charged for piracy, prosecutors ruled, under the current criminal law. Which does not prevent musicians and labels from launching civil lawsuits for cases where AllofMP3.com sold copyrighted music and did not pay back the copyright holders. This is the most likely development for label lawsuits in the future, but they will be quite difficult to win if AllofMP3.com can prove it made all the necessary payments to ROMS. Another way, of couse, would be to change the current criminal law to introduce DMCA-like clauses that specifically relate digital distribution and distribution of physical goods. It’s no coincidence that Russian office of IFPI is located in Moscow’s Tverskaya Street, which is also the address for the parliament of the country.
On February 2004 the Computer Crimes division of Moscow City Police recommended that prosecutors initiate a criminal lawsuit against AllofMP3.com, a Russian music site selling MP3 downloads by the megabytes. The investigation was initially launched at the request of IFPI Moscow. The International Federation of the Phonographic Industry previously sued a similar Spanish project, with PureTunes.com settling with the industry for $10 million.
The case of AllofMP3.com was further complicated by compulsory licensing, adopted by Russian legislature. Compulsory licensing stipulates that licenses should be issued in non-discriminatory manner to anyone who wants to get one on reasonable terms. Russian Multimedia and Network Society was in charge of establishing the reasonable terms, and according to Russian legislation, anyone could distribute music, provided they track downloads and pay back some nominal fee. This is very different from the legislature in the United States, where a music distributor would have to gain a license before selling any music online, and furthermore, could be denied such license for whatever reasons.
On March 4th prosecutor’s office of Moscow’s Southwestern region refused to charge AllofMP3.com in a criminal lawsuit. What’s interesting is that AllofMP3.com did not win the case due to the compulsory licensing legislated in Russia. The prosecutor’s office affirmed that the Russian music site was distributing copyrighted music from its site, and in many cases did not have a proper license to distribute them. Russian criminal law severely punishes attempts to distribute copyrighted music without proper licensing procured first. However, Russian law is quite specific about distribution of material goods, as the law usually applies to CD and DVD pirating.
Moscow prosecutor’s office noted that Russian music site does not distribute material goods, and since is not subject to prosecution under the criminal law. AllofMP3.com distributed digital goods via Internet, of which Russian criminal law says nothing. Moreover, prosecutors arrived at the conclusion that since no physical copies of the goods are delivered to the customer, AllofMP3.com can be treated as a service where site visitors can listen to the music. (The fact that it’s more than possible to burn an MP3 to an audio CD apparently escaped law enforcement).
AllofMP3.com cannot be charged for piracy, prosecutors ruled, under the current criminal law. Which does not prevent musicians and labels from launching civil lawsuits for cases where AllofMP3.com sold copyrighted music and did not pay back the copyright holders. This is the most likely development for label lawsuits in the future, but they will be quite difficult to win if AllofMP3.com can prove it made all the necessary payments to ROMS. Another way, of couse, would be to change the current criminal law to introduce DMCA-like clauses that specifically relate digital distribution and distribution of physical goods. It’s no coincidence that Russian office of IFPI is located in Moscow’s Tverskaya Street, which is also the address for the parliament of the country.
Whatta weekend
Nice weekend. Lots of work but lots of fun. Seminar at work ended up better than expected. I didn't get to Vero's party because I had to wait for some sounds for the webpage. Anyway, I got the sounds, did the radio show and danced my ass off to Santos set at Resurrection. Julitza was drunk and Vero was laughing all the time. Went to sleep around 4 am. Sunday morning did my wash, LS came over and we had a great time together. Did the Tren Urbano ride, ate a bit, showed LS the local CompUSA store and then spent time at Anais' birthday party. That was fun. Each time I spend with LS gets us closer and I feel so comfortable with her, it's unreal. Also I had LS meet my brother and his family. Anyway, I finally did my taxes and now have a sweet little refund coming my way. Its not much but hey, at least I'm not paying this year so...
Success, excess and a music industry phantom
Success, excess and a music industry phantom
Guns N' Roses. Or rather what's left of it. Special appearance of Youth (Killing Joke)
Guns N' Roses. Or rather what's left of it. Special appearance of Youth (Killing Joke)
Better security not about tech: Mitnick: ZDNet Australia: News: Security
Better security not about tech: Mitnick: ZDNet Australia: News: Security Check what Kevin Mitnick has to say.
How to track a PC anywhere it connects to the Net: ZDNet Australia: News: Security
How to track a PC anywhere it connects to the Net: ZDNet Australia: News: Security Chan chan chaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaan!
Shamelessly stolen from Anais' blog
| ||||||||||||||
From Go-Quiz.com
So first I'm bewildered and very excited over this relationship. Then we get married and start a family. After we settle we're pretty content, we travel awhile and end up bankrupt. Que mal!
What Post Punk Icon Are You?
You're Steve Albini of Big Black, Shellack, and
Rapeman!!! You're about as nerdy as they come,
and you've been through hell because of it.
Well, now your an angsty, spiteful, little guy,
who's art is fuelled by the desire to piss
people off, as well as to expose the truth
behind society's most heinous ills. This makes
for some charged, fantastic, emotionally
tortured music, but may also distance you from
any potential relationships.
Which Post-Punk icon are you?
brought to you by Quizilla
Exodus
This thing with my sister has me a bit drained in the emotional department and it shows. Thing is, I realize things are not going to change at my parent's place so like I posted here before, I am taking steps to get out of there. What really fucks me up is that I am tired and weary and it's showing in unrelated aspects of my life. Yesterday and today when I was speaking to my significant other, I realized I was no longer cheerful and happy, my usual mood when she's around, and it's not her fault. Actually if she wasn't around to listen to my gripes, I would be really freaking miserable. Thanks for listening babe. You make life worthwhile and I really appreciate the fact that you're around. There's some stuff I need to talk about with her this coming Sunday. I value truth and honesty in my relationships with people and I need to tell her some stuff. Honestly, I don't know if this will change our relationship, but I owe her that much. Probably, I'm being a bit overdramatic and histrionic, but again, she deserves it.
Anyway, on Sunday we head for the Monorail, excuse me el Tren Urbano and CompUSA for window shopping and general drooling. Afterwards, we are heading to La Cueva del Chicken Inn for Anais' birthday celebration. O algo.
Saturday is gonna be a very freaking busy day. I got a writing seminar from 1 to 4 at the station, then Vero's having dinner at her house for her birthday, then it's back to the station for the radio show. Afterwards, Santos is playing on Nuestro Ambiente. Anyway, I don't think I won't get paid until next week so how much stuff I do on Saturday, it's gonna depend on how much money I got on my pocket (me being skint at the moment).
Les Rita Mitsouko - Ces't Comme Ca at full volume. Pura ochenteria franchuta.
Anyway, on Sunday we head for the Monorail, excuse me el Tren Urbano and CompUSA for window shopping and general drooling. Afterwards, we are heading to La Cueva del Chicken Inn for Anais' birthday celebration. O algo.
Saturday is gonna be a very freaking busy day. I got a writing seminar from 1 to 4 at the station, then Vero's having dinner at her house for her birthday, then it's back to the station for the radio show. Afterwards, Santos is playing on Nuestro Ambiente. Anyway, I don't think I won't get paid until next week so how much stuff I do on Saturday, it's gonna depend on how much money I got on my pocket (me being skint at the moment).
Les Rita Mitsouko - Ces't Comme Ca at full volume. Pura ochenteria franchuta.
Side effects of those wacky tunes by Metallica and Linkin Park
Serial Killer: METALLICA And LINKIN PARK Influenced Me To Kill - Mar. 3, 2005
Serial killer Richard Paul White (photo), one of Colorado's most notorious killers, recently spoke from jail about his crimes. He has confessed to six murders in the Denver area. A lifetime of untreated mental illness, heavy metal music and violent movies drove him to kill, he said, in an exclusive interview with CBS4 Denver News reporter Rick Sallinger.
Music was a big influence in his life, White said. His spree of killing was accompanied by a soundtrack of heavy metal.
"METALLICA probably the most," he said.
A set of lyrics stand out: "Guilty as charged, but damn it, it ain't right, there's someone else controlling me." (from METALLICA's "Ride the Lightning" off the album of the same name.)
Music by LINKIN PARK would also play in the background.
"I would listen, actually, to LINKIN PARK before I would kill," White said. "And, while I was killing usually that music LINKIN PARK was on."
A childhood of abuse, coupled with untreated mental illness, set the stage. A society filled with violence did little to hold back White.
"Today's culture, here in America, everything is based on violence," he said.
White talked about movies he would watch that influenced him to kill. There was one in particular, "The Boondock Saints", about two Irish youth who set about to rid Boston of gangsters.
"There's just a lot of killing," White said. "And it makes it seem right and makes it almost OK to go out and kill."
Add to the mix violent video games, such as Doom, that White played.
"I think they influenced me towards killing," he said. "It desensitized me to the killing, because when I pulled the trigger on the TV screen, something would just go away."
Watch the complete 48-minute interview with White, conducted by CBS4 Denver News reporter Rick Sallinger, at this location.
BTW, Metallica's forum got hacked.
Serial killer Richard Paul White (photo), one of Colorado's most notorious killers, recently spoke from jail about his crimes. He has confessed to six murders in the Denver area. A lifetime of untreated mental illness, heavy metal music and violent movies drove him to kill, he said, in an exclusive interview with CBS4 Denver News reporter Rick Sallinger.
Music was a big influence in his life, White said. His spree of killing was accompanied by a soundtrack of heavy metal.
"METALLICA probably the most," he said.
A set of lyrics stand out: "Guilty as charged, but damn it, it ain't right, there's someone else controlling me." (from METALLICA's "Ride the Lightning" off the album of the same name.)
Music by LINKIN PARK would also play in the background.
"I would listen, actually, to LINKIN PARK before I would kill," White said. "And, while I was killing usually that music LINKIN PARK was on."
A childhood of abuse, coupled with untreated mental illness, set the stage. A society filled with violence did little to hold back White.
"Today's culture, here in America, everything is based on violence," he said.
White talked about movies he would watch that influenced him to kill. There was one in particular, "The Boondock Saints", about two Irish youth who set about to rid Boston of gangsters.
"There's just a lot of killing," White said. "And it makes it seem right and makes it almost OK to go out and kill."
Add to the mix violent video games, such as Doom, that White played.
"I think they influenced me towards killing," he said. "It desensitized me to the killing, because when I pulled the trigger on the TV screen, something would just go away."
Watch the complete 48-minute interview with White, conducted by CBS4 Denver News reporter Rick Sallinger, at this location.
BTW, Metallica's forum got hacked.
What Alice in Wonderland Character Are You?
You are The Mad Hatter
One thing is for sure- you're as mad as a hatter.
You have an obsession with time and if tea time
were to ever cease, you would probably be even
more confused.
What Alice in Wonderland Character Are You?
brought to you by Quizilla
MobileTracker - Sony Ericsson W800i announced, Walkman phone
MobileTracker - Sony Ericsson W800i announced, Walkman phone
Step right up and get more radiation here!
Step right up and get more radiation here!
Slashdot | When Should You Quit Your Job?
Slashdot | When Should You Quit Your Job?
This article is essential for those considering a career change.
This article is essential for those considering a career change.
I'm going thru changeeeeeeeeeeeees
Ok so my sister came back home early morning. I talked to my mother this morning and told her once I settle my debt to her, I am off. My own apartment or my own car. I have to do it. The Noisex gig has changed to April 1st and due to my job, I can't commit to the new date. Also, I have to talk to Pepe about the offer.
Blogthings - You Belong in the UK
|
You Belong in the UK |
Blimey! A little proper, a little saucy. You're so witty and charming... No one notices your curry breath |
PS - My sis is back home. More of the usual bullshit at home. I'm so out of here.
Apoyo senatorial al reggaetón
ESTO SE JODIOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!
Apoyo senatorial al reggaetón
ESCENARIO/Luis Alberto López
Por: Rita Portela López
Redactora ESCENARIO
"Las cosas están cambiando y el género (reggaetón) seguirá evolucionando", dijo ayer Tito el Bambino tras reunirse con el presidente del Senado de Puerto Rico, Kenneth McClintock, en el Capitolio.
Según el intérprete de "La cazadora", las puertas se están abriendo a nivel nacional e internacional por lo que el gobierno del país entendió que "el reggaetón vino para quedarse".
"Nuestro género creció cuando Velda González hizo las primeras críticas. Ahora, McClintock optó por apoyarnos para que esa evolución continúe. Creo que lo que resta es que nosotros, los raperos, pongamos de nuestra parte para que sigamos saliendo airosos", destacó el artista.
El cantante dijo que durante la reunión, a la que asistieron además varios productores musicales y locutores de radio, tocaron el tema sobre las letras de las canciones. "Hablamos sobre las líricas y nos comprometimos a hacer canciones de calidad, para que no sólo compitan con el mundo entero, sino que aporten al panorama musical del país", agregó.
Tito mencionó que con el ejemplo que ofrecerán él y sus colegas, pioneros en el género, a los "que están subiendo" la dinámica cambiará y cada vez se presentarán mejores propuestas musicales.
"No quiero acusar a nadie, pero todavía existen raperos que empañan el esfuerzo de los que hemos evolucionado con letras que no aportan en nada. Sin embargo uniéndonos, como lo hicimos ayer, podremos contrarrestar esa tendencia y seguir hacia delante", sostuvo.
El encuentro sirvió además para que el Presidente del Senado de Puerto Rico les entregara una proclama reconociendo su labor en el panorama musical y exhortándolos a que continúen poniendo el nombre del país en alto.
El artista dijo que McClintock se comprometió a participar de la primera convención de reggaetón a celebrase del 17 al 19 de marzo en el hotel Caribe Hilton, y que además se reunirá con un nutrido grupo de exponentes musicales para manifestarles su apoyo.
"Es importante que las personas del gobierno tomen esta iniciativa, porque lo cierto es que los artistas del reggaetón no son tratados como los de otros géneros", concluyó.
Apoyo senatorial al reggaetón
ESCENARIO/Luis Alberto López
Por: Rita Portela López
Redactora ESCENARIO
"Las cosas están cambiando y el género (reggaetón) seguirá evolucionando", dijo ayer Tito el Bambino tras reunirse con el presidente del Senado de Puerto Rico, Kenneth McClintock, en el Capitolio.
Según el intérprete de "La cazadora", las puertas se están abriendo a nivel nacional e internacional por lo que el gobierno del país entendió que "el reggaetón vino para quedarse".
"Nuestro género creció cuando Velda González hizo las primeras críticas. Ahora, McClintock optó por apoyarnos para que esa evolución continúe. Creo que lo que resta es que nosotros, los raperos, pongamos de nuestra parte para que sigamos saliendo airosos", destacó el artista.
El cantante dijo que durante la reunión, a la que asistieron además varios productores musicales y locutores de radio, tocaron el tema sobre las letras de las canciones. "Hablamos sobre las líricas y nos comprometimos a hacer canciones de calidad, para que no sólo compitan con el mundo entero, sino que aporten al panorama musical del país", agregó.
Tito mencionó que con el ejemplo que ofrecerán él y sus colegas, pioneros en el género, a los "que están subiendo" la dinámica cambiará y cada vez se presentarán mejores propuestas musicales.
"No quiero acusar a nadie, pero todavía existen raperos que empañan el esfuerzo de los que hemos evolucionado con letras que no aportan en nada. Sin embargo uniéndonos, como lo hicimos ayer, podremos contrarrestar esa tendencia y seguir hacia delante", sostuvo.
El encuentro sirvió además para que el Presidente del Senado de Puerto Rico les entregara una proclama reconociendo su labor en el panorama musical y exhortándolos a que continúen poniendo el nombre del país en alto.
El artista dijo que McClintock se comprometió a participar de la primera convención de reggaetón a celebrase del 17 al 19 de marzo en el hotel Caribe Hilton, y que además se reunirá con un nutrido grupo de exponentes musicales para manifestarles su apoyo.
"Es importante que las personas del gobierno tomen esta iniciativa, porque lo cierto es que los artistas del reggaetón no son tratados como los de otros géneros", concluyó.
Creaky Operating Systems Show Their Age
Mon Feb 28,10:48 AM ET
Add to My Yahoo! Technology - washingtonpost.com
By Rob Pegoraro
A program can't ever really die, but it can get old.
Very old.
This is a paradox millions of computer users are living with. Almost four years after the release of Windows XP (news - web sites) and Mac OS X (news - web sites), they boot their machines into more senior versions of Windows or the Mac OS.
Those operating systems still fire up in the morning as they always did. But they show their age in other ways -- newer programs and gadgets can't or won't coexist with them.
The research firm IDC estimates that of the roughly 514 million paid-for copies of Windows on desktops and laptops worldwide at the end of 2004, almost 21 percent were the aging Win 95, 98 and Millennium Edition releases. Among the 19 million Mac OS desktop and laptop installations IDC surveyed, just about half were running releases predating Mac OS X.
If your machine is among that contingent and you find that it performs its assigned tasks properly, there's no problem -- for you, the software is old but not obsolete. But if you're still using your machine for the tasks it was designed for, you are likely in a small minority. Home computing these days has little in common with five years ago, and not all of these changes leave room for older systems.
Here are how the past few consumer releases of Windows and the Mac OS compare in terms of viability:
Windows 95: This nearly-decade-old operating system is swimming with several anchors around its neck, the heaviest of them being its lack of USB support. That rules out using the vast bulk of the devices -- printers, digital cameras, MP3 players, handheld organizers -- made in the past few years.
Software support for Win 95 is vanishing, too. Microsoft last released a Win 95 version of its Internet Explorer browser five years ago; AOL's software last supported Win 95 in 2001. Nor can you run the current editions of Intuit's Quicken (news - web sites) and Microsoft Money in Win 95.
Windows 98 (news - web sites): This version has weathered the years better than Win 95. For one thing, USB does work in Win 98, although not perfectly (for instance, most of Creative's MP3 players, Epson's printer/scanner combos and many WiFi adapters need newer Windows releases).
For another, a lot of software still runs on Win 98 -- among the 20 top-selling Windows programs in December, as compiled by the research firm NPD Group, 15 are listed as Win 98-compatible. Media software is a big exception: If you want to make MP3 copies of your CDs, Win 98 offers few options.
Windows 98 Second Edition and Millennium Edition: Despite the chorus of yawns it was greeted with at its summer 1999 introduction, Win 98 SE turns out to be a fairly significant update seven years later -- it's the oldest Windows release I would consider halfway viable. Win ME, which shipped only a year later, offers almost the same compatibility.
These releases' USB support is good enough to accept almost all the peripherals you might plug into a new Win XP machine.
Win 98 SE and ME also remain the minimum system for many popular applications, such as Microsoft's Money and RealNetworks' RealPlayer. They can't, however, run some of the best-known media software, including Apple's iTunes, Napster (news - web sites), Roxio Easy CD and DVD Creator 7 and Adobe Photoshop Elements 3. You might not think that word processing demands the latest system software, but Microsoft Office 2003 won't run on these systems, either.
Windows 2000 (news - web sites): The immediate ancestor of Windows XP, used by few home users, is barely a year older than Win XP. Yet Microsoft is backing away from it anyway. The latest versions of its flagship Web and media programs -- the pop-up-blocking IE 6 and the cleaner, more capable Windows Media Player 10 -- both require XP.
With little or no built-in support for such wireless standards as WiFi and Bluetooth, Win 2000 is also far behind XP in the networking department.
On the Mac side, there have been far more system updates in recent years -- the downside of that being a quick sunset for older releases. This has continued past the onset of Mac OS X -- the 3 1/2-year-old Mac OS X 10.1 is now as far behind the times as Win 98 SE.
Mac OS 8 and 8.5: These 1997 and 1998 releases are as dead as Windows 95, thanks to their own lack of USB support -- as well as an even more complete abandonment by software developers. Not a single modern, compatible browser is available for these systems. Multimedia software is also hard to find.
Mac OS 8.6-9.2: These releases are slightly better in terms of software support -- there still aren't any good browsers, but you can run an old version of iTunes (which doesn't connect to the iTunes Music Store or recent iPod models). And you can plug in USB devices.
Mac OS X 10.0 and 10.1: The first two releases of Mac OS X have been so badly outclassed by succeeding releases that there is no good reason to run them.
Mac OS X 10.2 Jaguar: This operating system, a mere 2 1/2 years old, is already being prepped for retirement. This is not the fault of third-party software developers or hardware manufacturers; most of whose wares function just fine in Jaguar. Instead, look to Apple, which is giving Jaguar the Windows 2000 treatment -- the current versions of its Safari Web browser and iPhoto and iLife packages require OS X 10.3 Panther.
If your system shows up on this list, that's not a death sentence. First, you can simply install the latest system software. A machine that runs Win 2000 or any Mac OS X version should handle Windows XP or Panther -- as long as you up its memory to 512 megabytes.
Second, you can look past Microsoft or Apple for your upgrades. Using Win 98, ME or 2000? Ditch Microsoft's Internet Explorer, essentially abandoned on pre-XP versions, for the free Firefox browser. The same recommendation applies in Jaguar; the version of Safari in that release doesn't display some sites properly. Microsoft Office 2003 may not tolerate Win 98 SE, but Corel's WordPerfect Office 12 and the free OpenOffice will.
But if you're spending any time with digital photos, music or video and you're not running at least Win 2000 or Jaguar, forget it. Take one common question I see, getting an iPod to work in Win 98. You can do it with a fair amount of tinkering -- but even then, you'll be stuck with a machine whose hard drive is probably smaller than the iPod's and which will take hours to copy over that music unless you upgrade its USB connections.
In that case, you either have to accept the limits of your old machine or ante up for a new one. The alternative is endless fussing with your computer, the kind of drudgery that will make you feel old.
Living with technology, or trying to? E-mail Rob Pegoraro at rob@twp.com.
Mon Feb 28,10:48 AM ET
Add to My Yahoo! Technology - washingtonpost.com
By Rob Pegoraro
A program can't ever really die, but it can get old.
Very old.
This is a paradox millions of computer users are living with. Almost four years after the release of Windows XP (news - web sites) and Mac OS X (news - web sites), they boot their machines into more senior versions of Windows or the Mac OS.
Those operating systems still fire up in the morning as they always did. But they show their age in other ways -- newer programs and gadgets can't or won't coexist with them.
The research firm IDC estimates that of the roughly 514 million paid-for copies of Windows on desktops and laptops worldwide at the end of 2004, almost 21 percent were the aging Win 95, 98 and Millennium Edition releases. Among the 19 million Mac OS desktop and laptop installations IDC surveyed, just about half were running releases predating Mac OS X.
If your machine is among that contingent and you find that it performs its assigned tasks properly, there's no problem -- for you, the software is old but not obsolete. But if you're still using your machine for the tasks it was designed for, you are likely in a small minority. Home computing these days has little in common with five years ago, and not all of these changes leave room for older systems.
Here are how the past few consumer releases of Windows and the Mac OS compare in terms of viability:
Windows 95: This nearly-decade-old operating system is swimming with several anchors around its neck, the heaviest of them being its lack of USB support. That rules out using the vast bulk of the devices -- printers, digital cameras, MP3 players, handheld organizers -- made in the past few years.
Software support for Win 95 is vanishing, too. Microsoft last released a Win 95 version of its Internet Explorer browser five years ago; AOL's software last supported Win 95 in 2001. Nor can you run the current editions of Intuit's Quicken (news - web sites) and Microsoft Money in Win 95.
Windows 98 (news - web sites): This version has weathered the years better than Win 95. For one thing, USB does work in Win 98, although not perfectly (for instance, most of Creative's MP3 players, Epson's printer/scanner combos and many WiFi adapters need newer Windows releases).
For another, a lot of software still runs on Win 98 -- among the 20 top-selling Windows programs in December, as compiled by the research firm NPD Group, 15 are listed as Win 98-compatible. Media software is a big exception: If you want to make MP3 copies of your CDs, Win 98 offers few options.
Windows 98 Second Edition and Millennium Edition: Despite the chorus of yawns it was greeted with at its summer 1999 introduction, Win 98 SE turns out to be a fairly significant update seven years later -- it's the oldest Windows release I would consider halfway viable. Win ME, which shipped only a year later, offers almost the same compatibility.
These releases' USB support is good enough to accept almost all the peripherals you might plug into a new Win XP machine.
Win 98 SE and ME also remain the minimum system for many popular applications, such as Microsoft's Money and RealNetworks' RealPlayer. They can't, however, run some of the best-known media software, including Apple's iTunes, Napster (news - web sites), Roxio Easy CD and DVD Creator 7 and Adobe Photoshop Elements 3. You might not think that word processing demands the latest system software, but Microsoft Office 2003 won't run on these systems, either.
Windows 2000 (news - web sites): The immediate ancestor of Windows XP, used by few home users, is barely a year older than Win XP. Yet Microsoft is backing away from it anyway. The latest versions of its flagship Web and media programs -- the pop-up-blocking IE 6 and the cleaner, more capable Windows Media Player 10 -- both require XP.
With little or no built-in support for such wireless standards as WiFi and Bluetooth, Win 2000 is also far behind XP in the networking department.
On the Mac side, there have been far more system updates in recent years -- the downside of that being a quick sunset for older releases. This has continued past the onset of Mac OS X -- the 3 1/2-year-old Mac OS X 10.1 is now as far behind the times as Win 98 SE.
Mac OS 8 and 8.5: These 1997 and 1998 releases are as dead as Windows 95, thanks to their own lack of USB support -- as well as an even more complete abandonment by software developers. Not a single modern, compatible browser is available for these systems. Multimedia software is also hard to find.
Mac OS 8.6-9.2: These releases are slightly better in terms of software support -- there still aren't any good browsers, but you can run an old version of iTunes (which doesn't connect to the iTunes Music Store or recent iPod models). And you can plug in USB devices.
Mac OS X 10.0 and 10.1: The first two releases of Mac OS X have been so badly outclassed by succeeding releases that there is no good reason to run them.
Mac OS X 10.2 Jaguar: This operating system, a mere 2 1/2 years old, is already being prepped for retirement. This is not the fault of third-party software developers or hardware manufacturers; most of whose wares function just fine in Jaguar. Instead, look to Apple, which is giving Jaguar the Windows 2000 treatment -- the current versions of its Safari Web browser and iPhoto and iLife packages require OS X 10.3 Panther.
If your system shows up on this list, that's not a death sentence. First, you can simply install the latest system software. A machine that runs Win 2000 or any Mac OS X version should handle Windows XP or Panther -- as long as you up its memory to 512 megabytes.
Second, you can look past Microsoft or Apple for your upgrades. Using Win 98, ME or 2000? Ditch Microsoft's Internet Explorer, essentially abandoned on pre-XP versions, for the free Firefox browser. The same recommendation applies in Jaguar; the version of Safari in that release doesn't display some sites properly. Microsoft Office 2003 may not tolerate Win 98 SE, but Corel's WordPerfect Office 12 and the free OpenOffice will.
But if you're spending any time with digital photos, music or video and you're not running at least Win 2000 or Jaguar, forget it. Take one common question I see, getting an iPod to work in Win 98. You can do it with a fair amount of tinkering -- but even then, you'll be stuck with a machine whose hard drive is probably smaller than the iPod's and which will take hours to copy over that music unless you upgrade its USB connections.
In that case, you either have to accept the limits of your old machine or ante up for a new one. The alternative is endless fussing with your computer, the kind of drudgery that will make you feel old.
Living with technology, or trying to? E-mail Rob Pegoraro at rob@twp.com.
DenverPost.com - How Secure Is Your Computer?
DenverPost.com - How Secure Is Your Computer?
How secure is your computer?
“Honey pot” experiment shows unprotected Windows SP 1 at risk
By Ross Wehner
Denver Post Staff Writer
Post / Andrew Lucas
A Windows computer without the latest security patches is in big trouble.
That's the conclusion from a "honey pot" experiment conducted by StillSecure, a Louisville network security firm.
StillSecure attached six computers - loaded with different versions of the Windows, Linux and Apple's Macintosh operating systems - earlier this month to the Internet without anti-virus software.
The results show the Internet is a very rough place.
Over the course of a week, the machines were scanned a total of 46,255 times by computers around the world that crawl the Web looking for vulnerabilities in operating systems.
Once the vulnerabilities were identified, the remote computers launched 4,892 direct attacks with a staggering variety of worms, Trojan Horses, viruses, spyware and other forms of malware.
The test examined only what happens when computers are turned on and connected to the Internet. The test didn't evaluate additional dangers that computer users face when they use e-mail, surf the Web, click on Internet links or use file-sharing programs.
The good news is that none of the up-to-date, patched operating systems succumbed to a single attack.
The Windows Service Pack 2, or SP 2, system is the most up-to-date Windows operating system. It received 16 direct attacks.
The Macintosh system received three attacks. Two of the Linux systems received eight attacks each, though Red Hat's version of Linux received no attacks at all.
But in the end, none of the attacks were successful.
The Linux and Macintosh sytems were installed out of the box without any additional security patches. Windows SP 2 automatically downloads the latest security patches from the Microsoft website.
Windows Service Pack 1, or SP 1, however, was another story. It's an older version of Windows that was sold in computer stores until a few months ago.
SP 1 was attacked 4,857 times. It was infested within 18 minutes by the Blaster and Sasser worms. Within an hour it became a "bot," or a machine controlled by a remote computer, and began attacking other Windows computers.
Microsoft responded that the tests prove that any operating system is vulnerable when not patched.
"The results don't surprise me at all," said David Brandt, principal technology architect at Microsoft in Denver.
Microsoft stopped shipping SP 1 in August and replaced it with the more secure Windows SP 2. Most computers with SP 1 had been sold from stores by Christmas, said Microsoft spokesman Sean Sundwall.
SP 2 comes with a firewall and automatic security updates, said Sundwall. These features had to be manually turned on in SP 1, which meant that some users missed out on computer patches.
Many computers around the world are still running Windows SP 1, though exact numbers are hard to come by. Gartner research director Michael Silver estimates that by the end of 2005, half of the world's desktops used in businesses will still be using SP 1.
"But most companies are pretty good about keeping their PCs patched, and most have corporate firewalls," said Silver.
Large companies are switching to SP 2 slowly because they have to make adjustments to thousands of different software programs first.
The honey pot test is a good indication that many small-business and home computers are still using older versions of Windows, according to StillSecure chief technology officer Mitchell Ashley.
"Why are we getting hit by Blaster?" asked Ashley. "Because there are infected machines out there. Why are they infected? Because they don't have the updated patch."
Microsoft is concerned about security issues surrounding Windows and Internet Explorer, and the resultant surge of Linux, which can be downloaded for free from the Internet. Most companies, however, chose to pay a Linux vendor in order to receive security patches.
Experts also consider Linux less prone to viruses.
"(Security) is a huge pain point for Microsoft," said Silver. "Microsoft takes the threat of Linux very seriously."
Over the last nine months, Microsoft has gone on the offensive with a "Get the Facts" campaign that argues that Windows is cheaper and more secure than Linux.
Microsoft's leadership position means that more viruses are written for Windows, said Silver, who estimates that 96 percent of all desktops and laptops worldwide used Windows at the end of 2004. Macintosh has 2.5 percent of the market, while Linux is at 1.3 percent, Silver said.
"There are going to be security holes in just about any operating system," said Silver.
Silver predicts that Linux will climb to 3 percent of the market by 2008.
As of this month, 25 million people around the world have downloaded a free Web browser, Mozilla Firefox, which a variety of security experts have trumpeted over Microsoft's Internet Explorer.
Microsoft is racing to roll out its new Longhorn operating system in 2006.
But for the moment, it's sticking with Windows, for which it rolled out a new patch Tuesday.
"SP 1 is not a current operating system," said Sundwall. "It doesn't surprise me that it only took 18 minutes to get infected."
Staff writer Ross Wehner can be reached at 303-820-1503 or rwehner@denverpost.com .
Operation Honey Pot
StillSecure, a Louisville-based network security firm, connected six computers - with six operating systems - to the Internet for a week without any virus protection. The results: 4,892 direct attacks by viruses, worms and other types of malicious code, and 46,255 scans by remote computers looking for weaknesses.
Here's what happened:
Windows XP Service Pack 1
Attacks: 4,857
Results: Attacked successfully within 18 minutes by the Blaster and Sasser worms. Within an hour, the computer was taken over and began attacking other Windows machines.
Windows XP Service Pack 2
Attacks: 16
Results: Survived all attacks
Apple Mac OS X Jaguar
Attacks: 3
Results: Survived all attacks
Linux, Suse Professional 9.2
Attacks: 8
Results: Survived all attacks
Linux, Fedora Core 3
Attacks: 8
Results: Survived all attacks
Linux Red Hat 9
Attacks: 0
Source: StillSecure
Protecting your PC
Computers are vulnerable to viruses unless three basic protections are in place: a patched operating system, anti-virus software and a firewall for blocking viruses.
1. Patched operating system. Windows users should visit www.windowsupdate.com , a Microsoft website that will scan your computer and suggest updates. Linux vendors and Apple also offer patches.
2. Anti-virus software. Windows SP 2 automatically alerts users if they don't have a working anti-virus software program.
Experts say spyware programs are also necessary for Windows users. Microsoft is offering a free beta version of its spyware program at www.microsoft.com/athome , and Webroot is offering its spyware program free to Colorado residents through April 15 at www.webroot.com Free spyware programs are available at www.download.com
3. Firewall. Windows SP 2 comes with a firewall, as does Symantec's Norton Internet Security 2005 and other security software packages. Zone Alarm firewall can be downloaded free at www.zonelabs.com
- By Ross Wehner
Viruses vs. Spyware
There are many types of malware, or malicious software. Experts often divide them into two groups:
Viruses
Viruses are a form of computer vandalism that often have no other purpose than to prove the prowess of the virus' author. Viruses are classified by how they spread:
Trojan Horses hide themselves within an apparently innocuous computer program.
Worms take over a machine in order to attack, and spread to, other computers.
Spyware
Spyware, unlike a virus, has a financial driver. The most lethal forms help identity thieves gather information from computer users without their consent. Spyware gets on computers in the same way viruses do. Apart from making a computer run slowly, it rarely announces its presence.
Some forms of spyware:
Key loggers record keystrokes and then transmit credit card numbers and other sensitive information to identity thieves.
Cookies are used by online companies to track user preferences.
Adware causes annoying pop-up ads but often harvests information like spyware.
The best way to know if your computer has spyware is to run an anti-spyware program.
- By Ross Wehner
How secure is your computer?
“Honey pot” experiment shows unprotected Windows SP 1 at risk
By Ross Wehner
Denver Post Staff Writer
Post / Andrew Lucas
A Windows computer without the latest security patches is in big trouble.
That's the conclusion from a "honey pot" experiment conducted by StillSecure, a Louisville network security firm.
StillSecure attached six computers - loaded with different versions of the Windows, Linux and Apple's Macintosh operating systems - earlier this month to the Internet without anti-virus software.
The results show the Internet is a very rough place.
Over the course of a week, the machines were scanned a total of 46,255 times by computers around the world that crawl the Web looking for vulnerabilities in operating systems.
Once the vulnerabilities were identified, the remote computers launched 4,892 direct attacks with a staggering variety of worms, Trojan Horses, viruses, spyware and other forms of malware.
The test examined only what happens when computers are turned on and connected to the Internet. The test didn't evaluate additional dangers that computer users face when they use e-mail, surf the Web, click on Internet links or use file-sharing programs.
The good news is that none of the up-to-date, patched operating systems succumbed to a single attack.
The Windows Service Pack 2, or SP 2, system is the most up-to-date Windows operating system. It received 16 direct attacks.
The Macintosh system received three attacks. Two of the Linux systems received eight attacks each, though Red Hat's version of Linux received no attacks at all.
But in the end, none of the attacks were successful.
The Linux and Macintosh sytems were installed out of the box without any additional security patches. Windows SP 2 automatically downloads the latest security patches from the Microsoft website.
Windows Service Pack 1, or SP 1, however, was another story. It's an older version of Windows that was sold in computer stores until a few months ago.
SP 1 was attacked 4,857 times. It was infested within 18 minutes by the Blaster and Sasser worms. Within an hour it became a "bot," or a machine controlled by a remote computer, and began attacking other Windows computers.
Microsoft responded that the tests prove that any operating system is vulnerable when not patched.
"The results don't surprise me at all," said David Brandt, principal technology architect at Microsoft in Denver.
Microsoft stopped shipping SP 1 in August and replaced it with the more secure Windows SP 2. Most computers with SP 1 had been sold from stores by Christmas, said Microsoft spokesman Sean Sundwall.
SP 2 comes with a firewall and automatic security updates, said Sundwall. These features had to be manually turned on in SP 1, which meant that some users missed out on computer patches.
Many computers around the world are still running Windows SP 1, though exact numbers are hard to come by. Gartner research director Michael Silver estimates that by the end of 2005, half of the world's desktops used in businesses will still be using SP 1.
"But most companies are pretty good about keeping their PCs patched, and most have corporate firewalls," said Silver.
Large companies are switching to SP 2 slowly because they have to make adjustments to thousands of different software programs first.
The honey pot test is a good indication that many small-business and home computers are still using older versions of Windows, according to StillSecure chief technology officer Mitchell Ashley.
"Why are we getting hit by Blaster?" asked Ashley. "Because there are infected machines out there. Why are they infected? Because they don't have the updated patch."
Microsoft is concerned about security issues surrounding Windows and Internet Explorer, and the resultant surge of Linux, which can be downloaded for free from the Internet. Most companies, however, chose to pay a Linux vendor in order to receive security patches.
Experts also consider Linux less prone to viruses.
"(Security) is a huge pain point for Microsoft," said Silver. "Microsoft takes the threat of Linux very seriously."
Over the last nine months, Microsoft has gone on the offensive with a "Get the Facts" campaign that argues that Windows is cheaper and more secure than Linux.
Microsoft's leadership position means that more viruses are written for Windows, said Silver, who estimates that 96 percent of all desktops and laptops worldwide used Windows at the end of 2004. Macintosh has 2.5 percent of the market, while Linux is at 1.3 percent, Silver said.
"There are going to be security holes in just about any operating system," said Silver.
Silver predicts that Linux will climb to 3 percent of the market by 2008.
As of this month, 25 million people around the world have downloaded a free Web browser, Mozilla Firefox, which a variety of security experts have trumpeted over Microsoft's Internet Explorer.
Microsoft is racing to roll out its new Longhorn operating system in 2006.
But for the moment, it's sticking with Windows, for which it rolled out a new patch Tuesday.
"SP 1 is not a current operating system," said Sundwall. "It doesn't surprise me that it only took 18 minutes to get infected."
Staff writer Ross Wehner can be reached at 303-820-1503 or rwehner@denverpost.com .
Operation Honey Pot
StillSecure, a Louisville-based network security firm, connected six computers - with six operating systems - to the Internet for a week without any virus protection. The results: 4,892 direct attacks by viruses, worms and other types of malicious code, and 46,255 scans by remote computers looking for weaknesses.
Here's what happened:
Windows XP Service Pack 1
Attacks: 4,857
Results: Attacked successfully within 18 minutes by the Blaster and Sasser worms. Within an hour, the computer was taken over and began attacking other Windows machines.
Windows XP Service Pack 2
Attacks: 16
Results: Survived all attacks
Apple Mac OS X Jaguar
Attacks: 3
Results: Survived all attacks
Linux, Suse Professional 9.2
Attacks: 8
Results: Survived all attacks
Linux, Fedora Core 3
Attacks: 8
Results: Survived all attacks
Linux Red Hat 9
Attacks: 0
Source: StillSecure
Protecting your PC
Computers are vulnerable to viruses unless three basic protections are in place: a patched operating system, anti-virus software and a firewall for blocking viruses.
1. Patched operating system. Windows users should visit www.windowsupdate.com , a Microsoft website that will scan your computer and suggest updates. Linux vendors and Apple also offer patches.
2. Anti-virus software. Windows SP 2 automatically alerts users if they don't have a working anti-virus software program.
Experts say spyware programs are also necessary for Windows users. Microsoft is offering a free beta version of its spyware program at www.microsoft.com/athome , and Webroot is offering its spyware program free to Colorado residents through April 15 at www.webroot.com Free spyware programs are available at www.download.com
3. Firewall. Windows SP 2 comes with a firewall, as does Symantec's Norton Internet Security 2005 and other security software packages. Zone Alarm firewall can be downloaded free at www.zonelabs.com
- By Ross Wehner
Viruses vs. Spyware
There are many types of malware, or malicious software. Experts often divide them into two groups:
Viruses
Viruses are a form of computer vandalism that often have no other purpose than to prove the prowess of the virus' author. Viruses are classified by how they spread:
Trojan Horses hide themselves within an apparently innocuous computer program.
Worms take over a machine in order to attack, and spread to, other computers.
Spyware
Spyware, unlike a virus, has a financial driver. The most lethal forms help identity thieves gather information from computer users without their consent. Spyware gets on computers in the same way viruses do. Apart from making a computer run slowly, it rarely announces its presence.
Some forms of spyware:
Key loggers record keystrokes and then transmit credit card numbers and other sensitive information to identity thieves.
Cookies are used by online companies to track user preferences.
Adware causes annoying pop-up ads but often harvests information like spyware.
The best way to know if your computer has spyware is to run an anti-spyware program.
- By Ross Wehner
Slashdot | Costa Rica May Criminalize VoIP
Slashdot | Costa Rica May Criminalize VoIP
So much for my plans to move there when I retire. *sighs* Belize here we come!
So much for my plans to move there when I retire. *sighs* Belize here we come!
Slashdot | Engineers Devise Invisibility Shielw
Slashdot | Engineers Devise Invisibility Shield
Now I need a freaking time machine, the flying car, a smartass artificial intelligence and a moonbase and we're all set.
Now I need a freaking time machine, the flying car, a smartass artificial intelligence and a moonbase and we're all set.
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