MrRant

In a blow to fair-use advocates, the Federal Communications Commission approved new rules Tuesday aimed at preventing consumers from distributing copies of digital television programs over the Internet. The rules allow broadcasters to insert code, known as a broadcast flag, into digital TV shows that would allow viewers to make personal copies of programs on a VCR but not share the programs with others over the Internet. The restrictions apply to digital broadcasts of news and public affairs shows as well as entertainment programming. The rules also mandate that makers of consumer devices capable of receiving broadcast digital TV signals, such as VCRs and DVD players, include a broadcast card that will recognize the flag. Consumers still will be able to make unlimited copies of shows, but they will not be able to send them to other people through peer-to-peer networks on the Internet. Critics say the rules encroach on fair use, which is defined as an individual's right to use copyright material in a reasonable manner without the consent of the copyright owner. They also say the rules will not prevent consumers from sharing digital shows, since products -- like older VCRs that don't recognize the flag -- already exist that make it possible to circumvent the restriction. The Motion Picture Association of America appealed to the FCC to pass the rules after the association failed to convince Congress to pass legislation that would bar Internet sharing. The MPAA said the rules are needed to stop Internet piracy from cutting into the syndication of TV shows outside the United States. Fritz Attaway, the MPAA's executive vice president for government relations, admitted that the industry has not yet suffered losses from the piracy of television shows, but he said the association had taken a pre-emptive step. "Because so few people are capable of trafficking in the large audiovisual files today, the economic impact today is probably fairly low," he said. "But we are trying to provide for the future." The MPAA convinced the FCC that if TV producers weren't able to protect their shows from piracy they would begin to sell their shows only to paid outlets like HBO. "The widespread redistribution of broadcast TV content on the Internet would unnecessarily drive high-value programming to more secure delivery platforms," said FCC Chairman Michael Powell in a statement announcing the new rules. The FCC said the protections would help speed innovation and the move toward higher-quality, crisper digital television signals, which the government said had been thwarted in part by piracy issues. Powell said the new mandate "strikes a careful balance between content protection and technology innovation in order to promote consumer interests." But representatives of the Electronic Frontier Foundation said the move will undermine innovation and competition. "The broadcast flag rule forces manufacturers to remove useful recording features from television products you can buy today," said EFF staff technologist Seth Schoen. "The FCC has decided that the way to get Americans to adopt digital TV is to make it cost more and do less." Before designing new consumer products with innovative features, technology companies would have to make sure they comply with certain requirements. "The mandate comes with all kinds of obligations about what kinds of features you're allowed to offer with your product and how they must be implemented, and the people who control those requirements are the Hollywood movie studios and other technology and consumer-electronic companies," said Fred von Lohmann, senior staff attorney at the EFF. "It creates an environment where small innovators who are not willing to compromise for someone else's business model essentially get shut out." But Powell said the FCC had modified the MPAA's proposal to appease technology companies. "As recommended by many in the information technology community, we have identified objective criteria to guide our decisions on new content technologies. These criteria lay out a roadmap for companies seeking to bring new technologies to market." Previously, the mandate would have required product makers to use specific encryption technology from an approved list of companies. But Commissioner Kathleen Abernathy said the FCC "set up on an interim basis a transparent, open and objective approval process that will promote the development of competition in the marketplace and foster innovation." She said the FCC will consider proposals for other encryption technologies and will provide a list of approved technologies sometime in early 2004. Makers of television equipment that can receive digital broadcast signals will have to comply with the FCC rules by July 2005. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- I'm sure someone will find a way around this soon after it is implemented.

SEATTLE -- The Seattle Mariners needed a hitting coach, and an impressive candidate was available. The team hired Paul Molitor on Thursday, signing him to a one-year contract. "When a guy of Paul's professional stature comes along, interviews as well as he did and has the obvious hitting knowledge he does, well, it became clear who our first choice was," manager Bob Melvin said. Molitor, MVP of the 1993 World Series for Toronto, had 3,319 hits and a .306 career average in 21 major league seasons from 1978-98. He played with Milwaukee (1978-92), Toronto (1993-95) and Minnesota (1996-98). He had a 39-game hitting streak in 1987 and led baseball with 216 hits in 1991, 211 hits in 1993 and 225 in 1996. The 47-year-old Molitor will be eligible for the Hall of Fame on the next ballot. Molitor, one of four candidates interviewed by Melvin and outgoing general manager Pat Gillick, understands what's involved for hitters and believes he can connect with them. "A good hitting coach knows his hitters well," Molitor said. "He knows what makes them successful and can recognize what they need to do once they get away from that path. "You've got to be available. You've got to be a positive voice." Molitor sees a lineup of solid hitters with the Mariners, who for the second consecutive season won 93 games but failed to reach the playoffs. He cited Bret Boone, Edgar Martinez, Randy Winn and Ichiro Suzuki as contributors. And Molitor knows John Olerud from their days together in Toronto. "There are certain guys, maybe you feel you can help along the way," Molitor said. "There are a lot of guys who can contribute to making our offense productive and competitive with other teams around the league." Inevitably, Molitor was asked if he can help Jeff Cirillo. The third baseman, known for strong defense and poor hitting, slumped to .249 and .205 with the Mariners the past two seasons after hitting as high as .326 in 1999 in the National League. "I'm not sure what he's taken on there," Molitor said. "Certainly, we've seen him be successful at other places. I look forward to seeing him and talking to him to get his thoughts on what's happened." When Molitor was interviewed recently, Boone and Martinez were in the building and got word of his visit. "The message from Edgar was, 'What are we waiting for? Let's hire him,' " Melvin said. "He has studied his craft," Melvin said. "Not only was he successful, he knows his craft. He brings instant respect." Gillick, who was GM in Toronto when Molitor played there, has tried to lure Molitor to other jobs in recent years. But the timing wasn't good until now, Molitor said. "I'm real surprised he keeps asking me to consider jobs," he said. "I've turned him down a few times, including playing in Baltimore." Molitor spent the 2003 season as a roving instructor in the Minnesota Twins' system and served as an extra coach during the playoffs. He was offered a similar role for 2004 but chose to pursue a full-time coaching job in the majors. The Twins told Molitor their major league staff was filled for next season. "I totally understand that when a staff has been successful in shaping a team into a playoff club in only a couple of years, people are doing a good job," Molitor said. The Seattle job opened the day after the season ended, when Lamar Johnson left in what was characterized as a mutual decision. Seattle batted .271 last season to rank fifth in the AL.

$5 on Dr. Tom doing the banning since he is reading this thread.

ALAMEDA, Calif. (AP) Oakland Raiders quarterback Marques Tuiasosopo is doubtful for next Sunday's game against the New York Jets with a torn knee ligament. Tuiasosopo underwent an MRI exam on his injured left knee Monday. Results from the test weren't immediately available, but coach Bill Callahan said Tuiasosopo has a partially torn medial collateral ligament. "It does not look good this week," Callahan said of Tuiasosopo. "Marques and Rich Gannon are doubtful. It looks like Rick Mirer will be the starting quarterback." Tuiasosopo, a third-year pro, made his first NFL start in place of injured 2002 MVP Gannon in Sunday's 23-13 loss at Detroit, but didn't last long. On Oakland's third offensive series, he bobbled a snap, then ran up the middle and fumbled on a hard hit by Boss Bailey. Tuiasosopo stayed in the game for two more possessions before being sidelined. Tuiasosopo could be placed on injured reserve. Callahan said the Raiders are considering elevating quarterback Tee Martin from the practice squad, and the team also is planning to bring in quarterbacks for workouts. Ronald Curry would be the No. 3 quarterback this week behind Martin if Tuiasosopo can't play. "We're in big trouble, man," left guard Frank Middleton said. "Our No. 1 quarterback is out. Tui's hurt. Rick Mirer is the last one standing. What happens when he goes down? The way we're going, we need five quarterbacks." The 33-year-old Mirer made his first appearance since playing one game for San Francisco three years ago. He went 15-for-28 for 125 yards with two interceptions. Callahan will stay with a basic offense for Mirer this week. "We won't get crazy or anything," Callahan said. "We will keep it, by and large, simple for him." The 37-year-old Gannon has a torn labrum in his throwing shoulder. He was injured in the Raiders' 17-10 loss to Kansas City on Oct. 20 and hasn't thrown since. He was knocked out of the game in the first half following two sacks by linebacker Shawn Barber and several other hits. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- This is great. I love watching the Raiders/Al Davis/Raider Nation suffer. It's almost as good as someone falling on Shaq's knee.....

Yeah it is HBO India.

You could burn them as SVCD's but you would have like 3-4 for an hour long show of VCR quality.

November 12th is when Ringu will show.

You can get a HDTV for $400 bucks. Soon the only TV's you can get will be HD 27" and larger. Soon if you want certain channels you will have to have HDTV and VCR's don't record HD at all right now.

Well that takes away from some of the basics of wrestling and one of the reasons people.. you know... WATCH wrestling due to heel/face interaction.

NEW YORK (Billboard) - Energy drinks have become big business during the past few years. So it's no surprise that hip-hop entrepreneurs like Ice-T and Russell Simmons are thirsty to participate in the trend. Along with Nelly, they have launched hip-hop-inspired energy drinks this year. While each has its own identity -- Nelly's Pimp Juice, Simmons' Def Con 3 and Ice-T's Liquid Ice -- they're all after one thing: the almighty hip-hop dollar. "I believe I can make anything better than anyone when it comes down to acting, clothes, products," Ice-T says. "I was like, 'Hell yeah, I can make the best energy drink on the market."' The rapper launched Liquid Ice with his partner, Multimedia Inc., in August. Featuring two flavors -- electric blue and frosted chrome -- Liquid Ice is available in an 8.3 oz. size for $1.99-$3.49, nationwide at selected convenience stores. Simmons and his Def Con 3 energy soda wanted specifically to reach hip-hoppers. "There hasn't been any beverage that has really developed an organic, true, emotional relationship with the hip-hop community," says Jennifer Louie, marketing VP at Russell Simmons Beverage Co. - WTF? Drinks like Red Bull, Rockstar, Monster Energy and Sobe have been successful with the skateboard/alternative sports community, Louie observes, but there has not been an energy drink that has successfully captured the hip-hop sector. Simmons is already making history with his beverage, which hit stores in July. Russell Simmons Beverage Co. is the first minority-owned company to launch nationally with convenience store chain 7-Eleven. Beverage Aisle magazine also touted Def Con 3 as a future player in the beverage industry. The energy-drink market has made an impact and is here to stay, Louie says. "However, soda is still the No. 1 category in the beverage industry. Even though energy drinks are a billion-dollar industry, it is not at all close to what soda represents in the beverage world." To separate his product from the competition, Simmons uses a best-of-both-worlds approach. He developed the concept of the "smart" energy soda, a combination of energy drink and soda. Def Con 3 is available in a 12-oz. can for $2 and comes in one flavor. It was important to Simmons to market a drink that's healthful. "Russell is a health fanatic and won't promote any product that he himself does not drink," Louie says. Like many of Simmons' commercial endeavors, Def Con 3 aims to give back to those who purchase it. Russell Simmons Beverage Co. plans to give 2% of the gross from the sales of Def Con 3 to community programs and to the Hip-Hop Summit Action Network. A statement printed on the can declares this intention. "Russell has also made a commitment to give all of his personal profit from the soda for the first year -- up to $10 million -- back to community programs," Louie adds. Meanwhile, Ice-T will launch Royal Ice malt liquor. But he is not worried about potential backlash -- a typical reaction rappers have faced when promoting alcohol, in large part because of hip-hop's young audience. "There should be no negative effect with the launch of Royal Ice," he says. "The products are different, but we do hope to bring the malt liquor back to mainstream, in the bars, etc."

Speaking of Bullshit: SHOWTIME RENEWS "PENN & TELLER: BULLSHIT!" FOR SECOND SEASON NEW YORK, NY - October 20, 2003 - SHOWTIME has renewed its multiple Emmy®-nominated series PENN & TELLER: BULLSHIT!, from the Wolper Organization, for a second season, it was announced today by Robert Greenblatt, President, Entertainment for Showtime Networks Inc. The controversial series, featuring master showmen Penn & Teller, initially premiered on SHOWTIME in January 2003. It offers viewers an aggressive, irreverent exposé of taboo topics using the duo's trademark humor, knowledge of carnival tricks and con-artistry, as well as hidden cameras and blatant confrontation. According to TV Guide, the series "is what 60 Minutes might be like if it were run by the creators of South Park." Production on 13 new half-hour episodes begins this month with the second season premiere slated to air in the spring of 2004, following the DVD release of season one during the first quarter of 2004. Penn & Teller, self-proclaimed pit-bulls of truth, set out to prove that many of the institutions society holds dear are bogus and designed to profit from the desperate and trusting public. PENN & TELLER: BULLSHIT!, from its very title to its startling content, is designed to shock and surprise. In season one, using their undercover operatives, extensive research, and a healthy dose of skepticism, they critically examined popular notions about alien abductions, TV psychics, Feng Shui, second-hand smoke, and many others. Season two of PENN & TELLER: BULLSHIT! is equally strong and opinionated and tackles new taboo topics that may be too controversial for other networks. PENN & TELLER: BULLSHIT!, which became appointment viewing for its loyal fan base, was a lightning rod for debate. Following each episode, the SHO.com website generated a heavy amount of traffic. In response to this message board activity, Showtime Networks plans to incorporate viewer feedback into season two episodes.

What about the chiropracter doing spinal adjustments on a 2 week old baby whose spine isn't even developed?

Could try CafePress.com

It's still pretty good here in WA. Pretty gradual for the most part.

I'd buy myself some small former Eastern Block country and install myself as Dictator for Life.

Normal Restaurants: Outback = Yummy. AppleBee's = Yuck Fast Food: Arby's OWNZ you. Taco Time is on the bottom because while good food it is damn expensive.

Bastard. Ask him if he really enjoys having to watch the movies.

LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - Comedian Dennis Miller (news), a regular on "Saturday Night Live (news - Y! TV)" over a decade ago, will return to the NBC fold to host a prime-time cable talk show starting next year. Miller, who won five Emmy Awards for his weekly series "Dennis Miller Live," will also serve as executive producer for the hour-long show set to debut in January on CNBC, the cable business channel, both sides said in a statement issued on Thursday. "With all that's going on in the world today, it's nice to have a nightly platform to air my opinions. I'm happy to be back in the NBC family," said Miller. Miller, who supported Arnold Schwarzenegger (news) in the action star's successful bid for governorship of California earlier this month, has been seen as a potential rising star in the state Republican party. "Having Dennis Miller return to the NBC family is one of the most exciting things to happen to us in years," said Jeff Zucker, president of NBC Entertainment. "His wit, uncanny takes on life and fearlessness have made him a popular figure -- and this is the next logical step in his brilliant career." Miller was a member of the commentary team for ABC's "NFL Monday Night Football" during a stint that ended last year. He is also a frequent guest on politically oriented talk shows. NBC is a unit of General Electric Co. while ABC is owned by the Walt Disney Co. ------------------------------------------------------------ I will be Tivoing this show.

I don't think it's so much teenage sex but teenagers making their own porn and spreading it around school. That's a tad unusual.

Shouldn't you be asking for names for your board... you know... on your board?

2. New Balance Sneakers and Dress shoes.

NFC West Standings : Seattle 6-2 St. Louis 5-3 49ers 4-5 Arizona 3-5

Wooo~! 23-16 Seahawks over Pittsburgh.

Invision is probably the best free board out there. The same problems with banning will happen with other boards as well.

You should be able to harvest everything except for the RAM. Buy the case AFTER you get the Motherboard so you have the correct power supply. And for the love of god make sure you buy a case with good air flow so you may want to spend a bit more for a case say in the $60 range.