Yearly Archives: 2013

HBO executive: Rampant piracy of ‘Game of Thrones’ is a ‘compliment’

"Contrary to popular thinking, the rampant piracy of 'Game of Thrones' has not harmed the network that airs it, HBO programming president Michael Lombardo told Entertainment Weekly on Sunday, just hours before the show’s season three premiere. 'I probably shouldn’t be saying this, but [piracy] is a compliment of sorts,' Lombardo reportedly said. 'The demand is there. And it certainly didn’t negatively impact the DVD sales. [Piracy is] something that comes along with having a wildly successful show on a subscription network.' The show’s creator, George R. R. Martin, said as much earlier in March." Continue reading →

Continue ReadingHBO executive: Rampant piracy of ‘Game of Thrones’ is a ‘compliment’

Don’t Expand the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act: Destroy It!

"Aaron Swartz faced 13 counts under CFAA, up to 35 years in prison, for copying too many files from the online academic resource JSTOR. This threat of overwhelming state sponsored persecution has been regarded as the reason for Swartz tragic suicide January 11th, 2013. The collective outrage generated from Swartz’s story has brought activists together in an effort to gain support for legislation that would reform and clarify CFAA, referred to as Aaron’s Law. It appears that the House Judiciary Committee is not interested in Aaron’s Law’s spirit of reform and clarity, instead they prefer to see CFAA expanded and strengthened." Continue reading →

Continue ReadingDon’t Expand the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act: Destroy It!

Government spying hurts the economy

"With laws like the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) and the Electronic Communications Privacy Act of 1986 (ECPA), the United States could be losing out on much needed business opportunities. Legislation like these allow the government to spy on customers' data, and RT's Liz Wahl takes a look at why companies are thinking twice before investing in the US." Continue reading →

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Boston Dynamics’ Terminator-like ‘PETMAN’ robot tests chemical suits

"Defense contractor Boston Dynamics has new video of its Terminator-like 'PETMAN' robot standing, walking, posing and… wearing a chemical protection suit, for some reason. The project is funded in part by the Defense Department’s Chemical and Biological Defense program, CNet reported Monday. Despite the apparent usefulness in testing chemical suits in potentially hazardous conditions, it’s likely not the PETMAN’s only objective. All seeming motility aside, this thing is downright creepy to watch in action." Continue reading →

Continue ReadingBoston Dynamics’ Terminator-like ‘PETMAN’ robot tests chemical suits

The Tunnel People That Live Under The Streets Of America

"Did you know that there are thousands upon thousands of homeless people that are living underground beneath the streets of major U.S. cities? It is happening in Las Vegas, it is happening in New York City and it is even happening in Kansas City. As the economy crumbles, poverty in the United States is absolutely exploding and so is homelessness. In addition to the thousands of 'tunnel people' living under the streets of America, there are also thousands that are living in tent cities, there are tens of thousands that are living in their vehicles and there are more than a million public school children that do not have a home to go back to at night." Continue reading →

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The ‘Rain Tax’

"In 2010 the EPA ordered Maryland to reduce stormwater runoff into the Chesapeake Bay so that nitrogen levels fall 22 percent and phosphorus falls 15 percent from current amounts. The price tag: $14.8 billion. And where do we get the $14.8 billion? By taxing so-called 'impervious surfaces,' anything that prevents rain water from seeping into the earth (roofs, driveways, patios, sidewalks, etc.) thereby causing stormwater run off. In other words, a rain tax. And who levies this new rain tax? Witness how taxation, like rain, trickles down through the various pervious levels of government until it reaches the impervious level — me and you." Continue reading →

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Knife Control Lobby Considers Response to Mass Knifings at a Texas College

"The brutal, senseless knifing of a dozen students at a community college in Texas has mobilized the knife control movement. Apparently, authorities expected a series of copy-cat knifings. Knife control advocates are considering whether now is the right time to call for background checks on citizens who buy knives. The possibility of universal knife registration is being considered." Continue reading →

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FBI reports U.S. citizenship renunciations for Q1 2013 nearly doubled year over year

"The FBI has released its latest report on Active Records in the NICS Index, updated to 31 March 2013. NICS now contains the records of 21,504 persons who are prohibited from purchasing firearms in the United States because they swore an Oath of Renunciation of United States Citizenship at a U.S. consulate abroad. This is an increase of 196 records as compared to 28 February, and 850 records in the first quarter of 2013 (since 31 December 2012)." Continue reading →

Continue ReadingFBI reports U.S. citizenship renunciations for Q1 2013 nearly doubled year over year

Police Scan Social Media To Identify Likely Funeral Protesters For Pre-emptive Arrests

"Police officers are monitoring social media, internet forums and BlackBerry messaging networks in the expectation that Margaret Thatcher’s funeral procession next Wednesday will be targeted by protesters. The possibility of demonstrations during the funeral has raised concerns that police may adopt the controversial tactic of making pre-emptive arrests. Plans appear to be under way for different groups to demonstrate during the funeral, and to hold celebrations around the country on the same day. Police and security-service planning for Baroness Thatcher’s funeral has been under way for three and a half years." Continue reading →

Continue ReadingPolice Scan Social Media To Identify Likely Funeral Protesters For Pre-emptive Arrests