Sunday, November 20, 2011
From The 'That Sucks!' File
Well, well. It seems that 'Good Ole Napster' has fallen on hard times. It's caused them to make what looks to me like a fatal mistake that will lose them a significant part of their customer base. What IS this monstrous mistake you ask? No less than being bought out by the mercenary gang at Rhapsody. The specifics are this- instead of allowing you to re-download any tracks or albums you may have bought in the past, they now insist you send them an email, whereupon THEY will decide if whatever happened to your purchase(s) is really all that tough or not, BEFORE they allow you to re-download... IF they do...
And so we wave goodbye to the once proudly independent crowd at Napster... Goodbye and good riddance...
So, what has happened to the downloaded music market??? Is iTunes now so big a force that no-one can stand against it? I hope that's not the case, since their policy is to tell you to take a flying leap off a short pier when you want to download again. "Pay for Play" is their motto. And yet, Napster is, effectively, gone as is Wal-Mart. And if Wal-Mart can't stand the heat, you'd better believe things are hot indeed!
I'm going to do further digging. If I can find out what is causing the rat exodus on the Good Ship MP3, I'll post it here.
And so we wave goodbye to the once proudly independent crowd at Napster... Goodbye and good riddance...
So, what has happened to the downloaded music market??? Is iTunes now so big a force that no-one can stand against it? I hope that's not the case, since their policy is to tell you to take a flying leap off a short pier when you want to download again. "Pay for Play" is their motto. And yet, Napster is, effectively, gone as is Wal-Mart. And if Wal-Mart can't stand the heat, you'd better believe things are hot indeed!
I'm going to do further digging. If I can find out what is causing the rat exodus on the Good Ship MP3, I'll post it here.
Wednesday, July 05, 2006
Strider URL Tracer with Typo-Patrol
Strider URL Tracer with Typo-Patrol
This is a new tool from Microsoft that aims to save us from a new threat: typo-squatting.
I can hear the gasps now: "WHAT? More threats?"
However, it's true. What happens when you misspell the domain name you're trying to reach with your browser? Usually, it leads you to some organization's search page, may it be Microsoft or your browser or someone else. Now, that's tolerable. You realize that you screwed up and edit the URL. However, what happens if you mistype the URL AND someone has registered a domain with that mistaken URL and filled it with porn, scams, or (perhaps more seriously) a phishing site? Now you're in trouble. You're at the wrong site and you're blasted with any number of ugly exploits.
Microsoft to the rescue. They've published a free tool that will block access to these third-party sites, if instructed to. It also blocks attempts to redirect your browser away from any genuine URL's and reveals those attempts to you. I'm about to install it, so we'll just say "more later". This might not seem like a big deal, but every little bit helps!
This is a new tool from Microsoft that aims to save us from a new threat: typo-squatting.
I can hear the gasps now: "WHAT? More threats?"
However, it's true. What happens when you misspell the domain name you're trying to reach with your browser? Usually, it leads you to some organization's search page, may it be Microsoft or your browser or someone else. Now, that's tolerable. You realize that you screwed up and edit the URL. However, what happens if you mistype the URL AND someone has registered a domain with that mistaken URL and filled it with porn, scams, or (perhaps more seriously) a phishing site? Now you're in trouble. You're at the wrong site and you're blasted with any number of ugly exploits.
Microsoft to the rescue. They've published a free tool that will block access to these third-party sites, if instructed to. It also blocks attempts to redirect your browser away from any genuine URL's and reveals those attempts to you. I'm about to install it, so we'll just say "more later". This might not seem like a big deal, but every little bit helps!
Wednesday, June 07, 2006
AOL to enter security arena | CNET News.com
AOL to enter security arena CNET News.com
Ok, this is a lot like getting security advice from the Bush administration or... or... Hmm. Anyway, I guess it must be because I trust AOL and their historically-awful software a lot less than I trust a doctor who charges $1.98 for brain surgery. Why in the world they think we would want their attempt at security software is way beyond me :).
Now that I've got that off my chest, Total Care sounds like something good. At least until you realize that most of the people who get involved with it are going to be newbies. After all, no-one who knows the score would access the Internet through the pinhole interface of AOL any more than they would use AOL's security software.
Yes, this is a certain attempt to seal up any holes in their own software. It makes me wonder if they're finding increasing hacker attacks, and successful ones at that, occurring in their user base. The software couldn't have been a no-cost item to write, so they must be having real problems or they wouldn't have done it.
If anyone has any inside info on this, I'd be interested to hear it (confidentially). Drop me a line here
Ok, this is a lot like getting security advice from the Bush administration or... or... Hmm. Anyway, I guess it must be because I trust AOL and their historically-awful software a lot less than I trust a doctor who charges $1.98 for brain surgery. Why in the world they think we would want their attempt at security software is way beyond me :).
Now that I've got that off my chest, Total Care sounds like something good. At least until you realize that most of the people who get involved with it are going to be newbies. After all, no-one who knows the score would access the Internet through the pinhole interface of AOL any more than they would use AOL's security software.
Yes, this is a certain attempt to seal up any holes in their own software. It makes me wonder if they're finding increasing hacker attacks, and successful ones at that, occurring in their user base. The software couldn't have been a no-cost item to write, so they must be having real problems or they wouldn't have done it.
If anyone has any inside info on this, I'd be interested to hear it (confidentially). Drop me a line here
Wednesday, July 27, 2005
NASA Says Foam Insulation Flew Off Shuttle
Adelphia.net - News
And reportedly, NASA is puzzled over the constant loss of foam insulation. This alone makes me wonder if these scientists are very bright.
You have here some unique circumstances. There's a huge tank holding thousands of gallons of extremely cold liquid fuel. The walls of the tank are relatively thin. In fact, the fuel inside forms a critical component for keeping the tank in usable shape. Then you coat this tank with a totally different insulating foam of some kind. I question the bond between the tank and foam, in the first place. Then add in the fact that the tank, with its dwindling fuel load, has to flex as it heats up and experiences G-load during the launch. I've heard that there's also a lot of vibration during a launch. And it puzzles them that the insulation, as thin as it is, can't take the load without flaking? Exactly what planet are these people from???
I don't know if our material engineering skills will ever be up to it. The only solution I can see is making the entire tank out of a structurally enhanced insulation. Or some material that's strong, but can act as an insulator. This bi-material approach doesn't seem to be working too well.
On the other hand, maybe Burt Rutan can take over NASA and show them how to do it WITHOUT such things happening.
And reportedly, NASA is puzzled over the constant loss of foam insulation. This alone makes me wonder if these scientists are very bright.
You have here some unique circumstances. There's a huge tank holding thousands of gallons of extremely cold liquid fuel. The walls of the tank are relatively thin. In fact, the fuel inside forms a critical component for keeping the tank in usable shape. Then you coat this tank with a totally different insulating foam of some kind. I question the bond between the tank and foam, in the first place. Then add in the fact that the tank, with its dwindling fuel load, has to flex as it heats up and experiences G-load during the launch. I've heard that there's also a lot of vibration during a launch. And it puzzles them that the insulation, as thin as it is, can't take the load without flaking? Exactly what planet are these people from???
I don't know if our material engineering skills will ever be up to it. The only solution I can see is making the entire tank out of a structurally enhanced insulation. Or some material that's strong, but can act as an insulator. This bi-material approach doesn't seem to be working too well.
On the other hand, maybe Burt Rutan can take over NASA and show them how to do it WITHOUT such things happening.
Tuesday, May 24, 2005
x64 Edition Technology Advancement Program Overview
Sorry, but unless you're a Microsoft system builder, you're not going to get access to the entire site. Since I AM, I'm going to post the entire page here, just to give you all a break -
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As you can see, it's not quite the wide-open program first mentioned by Microsoft. It has definite limits in time - the time the product was acquired AND the time-to-run of the exchange program. And, when you DO trade for the x64 version, the original copy of XP Pro becomes unlicensed and unactivatable.
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x64 Edition Technology Advancement Program Overview
The x64 Edition Technology Program is designed to encourage end users to acquire new PC or server software—between the time a new version of the operating system software is announced and before its actual availability. The Technology Advanced Program may also assist in reducing the number of potential server and PC returns when a new version of software has been announced.
On This Page
XP Requirements Windows Server 2003 Requirements Fulfillment & Redemption
Proof of Acquisition Pre-recorded webcasts
x64 Edition Technology Advancement Software Redemption
End users may redeem:
Windows XP Professional x64 Edition Technology Advancement software and/or
Windows Server 2003 x64 Edition Technology Advancement software
in exchange for:
Qualifying Software-Microsoft Windows XP Professional and/or
Qualifying Microsoft Windows Server 2003
End users must be eligible to qualify for the Technology Advancement Program.
Windows XP Professional x64 Edition Technology Advancement Program Requirements
Qualified Software
In order for the Customer System to be eligible for Technology Advancement Software, the end user customer must have acquired qualifying Windows XP Professional software (Qualified Software) from a system builder:
Preinstalled on a fully assembled computer system (Customer System) or
Sold with a non-peripheral hardware component.
Qualified Software may only be upgraded with the corresponding Technology Advancement Software as in the table below.
Technology Advancement Software Prior Product
Microsoft Windows XP Professional x64 Edition Microsoft Windows XP Professional
Limited Availability
Technology Advancement Software availability dates are set out in the table below. Microsoft, in its sole discretion, may change any of the Technology Advancement Program dates through written notice to OEMs and ARs.
Program Timeline Description Dates
Eligible systems period Qualified software must be acquired between these dates March 31, 2003 through June 30, 2005
Program Web site go-live date Program redemption websites may go live on or after this date, but not before. April 25, 2005
End user redemption timeframe Orders must be entered received between these dates. April 25, 2005 through July 31, 2005
Product distribution expiration date Last date ARs may distribute Technology Advancement Software to end users) Aug 31, 2005
Program Support
Customers will forfeit support from system builders in exchange for one incident of support from Microsoft.
Windows Server 2003 x64 Edition Technology Advancement Program Requirements
Qualified Software
In order for the Customer System to be eligible for Technology Advancement Software, the end user customer must have acquired qualifying Windows Server 2003 software (Qualified Software) from a system builder:
Preinstalled on a fully assembled computer system (Customer System) or
Sold with a non-peripheral hardware component.
Qualified Software may only be upgraded with the corresponding Technology Advancement Software.
Technology Advancement Software Prior Product
Windows Server 2003, Standard x64 Edition Windows Server 2003, Standard Edition
Windows Server 2003, Enterprise x64 Edition Windows Server 2003, Enterprise Edition
Limited Availability
Technology Advancement Software availability dates are set out in the table below. Microsoft, in its sole discretion, may change any of the Technology Advancement Program dates through written notice to OEMs and ARs.
Program Timeline Description Dates
Eligible systems period Qualified software must be acquired between these dates March 31, 2003 through June 30, 2005
Program Web site go-live date Program redemption websites may go live on or after this date, but not before. April 25, 2005
End user redemption timeframe Orders must be entered received between these dates. April 25, 2005 through July 31, 2005
Product distribution expiration date Last date ARs may distribute Technology Advancement Software to end users Aug 31, 2005
Program Support
Customers will forfeit support from system builders in exchange for one incident of support from Microsoft.
Fulfillment and Redemption
Fulfillment Microsoft will select designated Authorized Replicators (AR) to support the System Builder Technology Advancement Program for specific regions with instructions for process.
Customer Redemption Redemption must be received by AR before the End User Order Expiration Date
Customer System serial number has not been used previously
Product key number is complete and not a previously reported number
Details Coming Soon Where to direct your customers to register for the program
Web site requirements
Frequently asked questions
Proof of Acquisition Requirements
Windows XP and Windows Server 2003
Orders placed online require users to submit:
System acquisition date
Windows XP Product Key
located on the Certificate of Authenticity on the back of the customer’s PC or
located on the shrink-wrap around the manual or on the back of the manual—unless the system builder places it elsewhere—and if Qualified Software was purchased with non-peripheral hardware component.
Windows Server 2003 Product Key
located on the Certificate of Authenticity on the back of the customer’s PC or
located on the shrink-wrap around the manual or on the back of the manual—unless the system builder places it elsewhere—and if Qualified Software was purchased with non-peripheral hardware component.
Microsoft reserves the right to request Proof of Acquisition to ensure end-user eligibility.
More detailed information about the x64 Edition Technology Advancement Program and where to direct your customers will soon be available here.
Pre-recorded webcasts
Windows Server 2003 x64 Edition and AMD Opteron-Powered Servers: A Winning Combination
Windows XP Professional x64 Edition and AMD’s Athlon 64: A Desktop Powerhouse
As you can see, it's not quite the wide-open program first mentioned by Microsoft. It has definite limits in time - the time the product was acquired AND the time-to-run of the exchange program. And, when you DO trade for the x64 version, the original copy of XP Pro becomes unlicensed and unactivatable.
Thursday, April 07, 2005
NewsNet5.com - Health - Another Arthritis Drug Yanked From Market
NewsNet5.com - Health - Another Arthritis Drug Yanked From Market
As Don McClean once wrote, it was "bad news on the doorstep". Bextra is off the market. Not an issue to those of us in the U.S., since it isn't generally available here, but now it's one small step to kill Celebrex, too. And then there were none...
Now you might be wondering where you're going to turn for some help. I know I was, when Vioxx was pulled off the market. I spent some terrible months trying to make do with Naproxen Sodium. It's okay... but only okay. Then my wife and I were wandering through Sam's Club and came across a sampler handing out a week's supply of something I hadn't seen before. Well, we figured that anything FREE couldn't be all bad. We did kind of choke on the claim that, unlike Glucosamine, it would start helping noticeably in one week, instead of three months. But, again, it was free, so we both grabbed a sample from the lady and thought no more about it.
We both took the pills (four a day for the first 30 days, at least) for the week and then compared notes. We had both noticed a definite lessening in pain when we moved around. It's especially important for my wife, who works 12 hour days as a nurse. So, we went back and bought a couple of 100-pill bottles. After about 5 weeks, we're both feeling better than we were and we have to give the credit to these pills. The name is LubriFlex3. We don't get anything from letting you know this, it's simply that we want to help those people who might be considering even stronger prescription pain killers, now that Bextra is gone too. Not to mention, I guess, those who would love to dump Celebrex, now that they know how dangerous it can be.
As Don McClean once wrote, it was "bad news on the doorstep". Bextra is off the market. Not an issue to those of us in the U.S., since it isn't generally available here, but now it's one small step to kill Celebrex, too. And then there were none...
Now you might be wondering where you're going to turn for some help. I know I was, when Vioxx was pulled off the market. I spent some terrible months trying to make do with Naproxen Sodium. It's okay... but only okay. Then my wife and I were wandering through Sam's Club and came across a sampler handing out a week's supply of something I hadn't seen before. Well, we figured that anything FREE couldn't be all bad. We did kind of choke on the claim that, unlike Glucosamine, it would start helping noticeably in one week, instead of three months. But, again, it was free, so we both grabbed a sample from the lady and thought no more about it.
We both took the pills (four a day for the first 30 days, at least) for the week and then compared notes. We had both noticed a definite lessening in pain when we moved around. It's especially important for my wife, who works 12 hour days as a nurse. So, we went back and bought a couple of 100-pill bottles. After about 5 weeks, we're both feeling better than we were and we have to give the credit to these pills. The name is LubriFlex3. We don't get anything from letting you know this, it's simply that we want to help those people who might be considering even stronger prescription pain killers, now that Bextra is gone too. Not to mention, I guess, those who would love to dump Celebrex, now that they know how dangerous it can be.
Monday, February 14, 2005
Bloggers as news media trophy hunters | CNET News.com
Bloggers as news media trophy hunters | CNET News.com
Perhaps not head-hunters, but one thing had best be crystal clear to any- and every-one in the media and beyond: if your words don't match your actions or the actions aren't morally and ethically clean, you'd best wuit while you're ahead.
The Internet has always been a very powerful tool for what I like to call 'communiy' awareness. Now we're starting to see cases where the presence of blogs has made those who have problems to air all the more accessible. The bad guys can't hide that easily any more. Just as in the book Shockwave Rider, the Internet makes it possible not only to find out the truth, but to make it freely available to so many people that trying to bury it is impossible.
Know, and ye shall be free!
Perhaps not head-hunters, but one thing had best be crystal clear to any- and every-one in the media and beyond: if your words don't match your actions or the actions aren't morally and ethically clean, you'd best wuit while you're ahead.
The Internet has always been a very powerful tool for what I like to call 'communiy' awareness. Now we're starting to see cases where the presence of blogs has made those who have problems to air all the more accessible. The bad guys can't hide that easily any more. Just as in the book Shockwave Rider, the Internet makes it possible not only to find out the truth, but to make it freely available to so many people that trying to bury it is impossible.
Know, and ye shall be free!
