[09.27.2001]
The EFF has issued a new Action Alert in response to the proposed "Anti-Terrorism" bill. This is extremely important
because the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA) contains provisions which would treat all computer trespass as terrorism, even acts that have no relationship to
terrorism at all. A bill designed to increase security is desired and encouraged, but not at the expense of our liberites.
[Read More]
Here's something fun to try out. Open up WordPad or Microsoft Word and set the font size to 28 or greater. Type "NYC" (without the quotation marks)
as in New York City. Now, highlight the three letters and change the font style to "Webdings." Cool, huh? Once you've done that, highlight the letters
again and change the font to "Wingdings." Is that weird or what?
Attention U.S. hackers: "Uncle Sam wants you to help fight the war on terrorism." That is the message a new TV public service announcement set to air
next week hopes to spread. Isn't it a bit ironic how the U.S. government attacks, demonizes, and criminalizes hackers -- by passing such laws as
the DMCA, by attempting to introduce the SSSCA, by arresting people
(Dmitry Sklyarov) for giving a speech,... etc.
-- and now they're asking for their help? What a joke!
After reporting on 09.24.01 of how record labels have been secretly testing copy-protected audio CDs on consumers, Vivendi
Universal on Tuesday announced plans to start issuing CDs in October with software that prevents the songs from being copied onto computer HDDs.
[Read More]
[09.24.2001]
Ten years ago today, Nirvana released their explosive 10-times-platinum masterpiece Nevermind. And the world was changed.
Nevermind pushed aside the bad pop from the likes of Color Me Badd, C & C Music Factory, Tony Toni Tone, and Paula Abdul as well as the weak rock of
Skid Row, Cinderella, and Warrant that were poisoning the air waves.
Yet, strangely, we're hearing the same boring old drool we heard years earlier, but this time it's coming from Britney Spears, N Sync/Backstreet
Boys/Aaron Carter, Sum 41 et al. What happened to the music revolution? Looks like we'll just have to wait.
Here's the latest Cure news (Yes, they're still together): The Cure will be releasing a new Greatest Hits album in November 2001. From what we know, there
will be four different versions. There's an "official" version for the US, Canada, and other parts of the world; a UK version which will delete "The Walk"
and replace it with "The Caterpillar" and "Pictures of You"; and a Japanese version which will include one bonus track. The final version, a limited
collectors edition, will feature an extra disc with acoustic recordings of Cure favorites. Each of the different versions will also feature two new studio recordings.
A new single ("Cut Here") is expected to be released in late October.
Need To Know reported on Friday that copies of Michael Jackson's new single "Rock Your World", being distributed by Sony Music,
won't play in PC CD-ROM drives. Apparently, the CD is protected by a copy-protection system which prevents it from being played on computers. Many record labels
have been turning to this new technology. Will we be seeing every audio CD implementing this technology?
[Read More]
Ever since the Sept. 11 attacks on New York and Washington DC, our government and corporations have been scrambling to come up with ways to ensure better security.
The latest idea comes from Oracle Chairman and CEO Larry Ellison. He is urging the U.S. to create a national identification card system -- and Oracle are prepared
to serve up the software to make it all possible at no cost.
[Read More]
[09.22.2001]
On Sept. 11, we reported that Senator Fritz Hollings
was going to propose new legislation aimed at establishing a security systems/copy-protection standard for digital devices. Known as the
Security Systems Standards and Certification Act this bill will, like the DMCA, unfairly shift the balance of
power away from ordinary citizens and into the hands of mega-corporations, particularly those in the media and entertainment industry.
It doesn't come as a surprise then that Senator Hollings' most generous campaign donors include AOL Time Warner ($33,500), CBS ($16,632), the National
Association of Broadcasters ($22,000), News Corporation ($28,224), and Walt Disney Co. ($18,500).
[Read More]
What else is new? Well, we just learned that Greenpeace turned 30 exactly one week ago today. Happy (belated) Birthday!
[09.19.2001]
U2 have confirmed the revised pre-sale date for tickets to the third leg of their Elevation 2001 Tour in North America. The ticket pre-sale will
take place on Thursday, September 20 at 10 AM local time. Their support acts will include Garbage, Stereophonics, and No Doubt. Garbage
will appear on Oct. 10, 12, 13, 15, 19, and 24; Stereophonics will appear on Oct. 28, 30, and Nov. 2; and No Doubt will appear Nov. 5, 7,
9, 12, 15, and 18.
The direct link to the pre-sale is http://www.u2.com/homepage/temp2.html and the password is
walkon1. There will be a maximum of 2 tickets per household. See the news update on 09.10.01 for their tour schedule.
The idea originated back in 1992 when the U.S. wanted to create a treaty where foreign countries would be obligated to enforce U.S. judgements, just like we currently
enforce foreign ones. This idea thus gave birth to the Hague Convention. And if passed this treaty would obligate
the signatories to enforce the civil judgments passed by domestic courts in civil lawsuits.
[Read More]
[09.16.2001]
Here's a bit of fun news. Happy Days is going to be turned into a musical. Everything will remain the same, but a twist will be added: Fonzie gets to
meet his dad. The producers are aiming for a debut next year in New York City. Casting for the crew is already underway.
We've been informed that the New York American Red Cross is in dire need of technology equipment and services. If you can help please contact Joe Leo, Assistant Director
of the American Red Cross of Greater New York, at 212-875-2409. Please read the list of equipment
that the Red Cross needs for its field workers.
Joe Leo, Assistant Director
American Red Cross of Greater New York
150 Amsterdam Avenue
New York, NY 10023
212-875-2409
For those planning to or wanting to help, please don't forget about the lost, hungry, and scared pets out there. The American Society for
the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals has set up the ASPCA Animal Disaster Relief Fund for anyone wishing to make donations. Donations can be made by calling
212-876-7700 ext. 4515 or 4516, or by mailing a check to:
The ASPCA Animal Disaster Relief Fund
424 East 92nd Street
New York, NY 10128
The ASPCA is clearly prepared to help affected animals. People can also call 212-876-7700 ext. 4PET to report stranded pets in evacuated areas. The hotline is designed
to provide guidance and support to distressed owners.
For those pets needing medical care, the ASPCA will be providing veterinary services as well from 7:00 AM - 7:00 PM, Monday through Friday, and from 8:30 AM - 3:00 PM
on Saturdays. As of 12:00 PM Saturday, Sept. 15 over 100 animals including cats, dogs, rabbits, guinea pigs and ferrets have received medical care from veterinarians at
the ASPCA mobile veterinary unit. The hotline is 212-876-7700 ext. 4PET
[09.15.2001]
Money, blood, food, and supplies are greatly needed for those who are suffering from Tuesday's events. Donations of any kind can be made through the following:
[09.12.2001]
Massachusetts authorities have detained five Arab men who they believe are involved in the terrorist attacks. A rental car has also been seized
containing Arabic-language flight training manuals at Logan International Airport.
One sick person puts the World Trade Center up for sale on eBay.
It was removed almost immediately, but not before several bids were placed. The description? "Two World Trade Centre buildings. No longer required.
Some assembly may be required. Buy one or both; Buy both and receive two free aircrafts."
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has established a toll-free telephone number for anyone with information regarding the incidents on September
11 in New York City and the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area. Please call 1-866-483-5137 with any information. Similarly, a form has been placed at
www.ifccfbi.gov to report information.
All U2 ticket on-sales scheduled for the weekend of Sept. 15 for the second leg of their North American Elevation Tour have been postponed. New on-sale dates to be announced.
[09.11.2001]
More images available here.
UPDATE: It's being reported that Osama bin Laden
is responsible for these U.S. attacks. According to Arab journalist Abdel-Bari Atwan, who has access to bin Laden, "It is most likely the work of
Islamic fundamentalists. Osama bin Laden warned three weeks ago that he would attack American interests in an unprecedented attack, a very big one...
Personally, we received information that he planned very, very big attacks against American interests. We received several warnings like this."
An anonymous caller even said that the radical Democratic Front for the Liberation of Palestine (DFLP) was responsible for the two New York crashes.
However, a senior DFLP official in the Palestinian territories denied any involvement.
Let's remember that these are only reports. Nothing has been confirmed nor denied.
As everyone by now knows, the World Trade Center (WTC) and Pentagon has been attacked. Over 200 firemen are reported missing and reports of 50,000+ dead in the WTC
collapse. Remember: No one knows yet who's responsible for these acts -- remember what people first thought about the Oklahoma City bombing. Let's not jump
to conclusions until the facts are in.
In other news, all U.S. airports have been shut down. The U.S. and Mexico/Canada borders have been completely sealed off and all federal buildings have been
evacuated. The Pentagon is under "Threat Condition Delta" (the highest level). Prayers go out to all those who lost their lives and to those who lost loved ones.
Looks like the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) may have a brother soon. The music and recording industry with the help of Senator Fritz Hollings
(D - S.C.), the powerful chairman of the Senate Commerce committee, are pressuring Congress to rewrite the copyright laws,
in their favor.
[Read More]
[09.10.2001]
Today U2 announced the dates for the final leg of their Elevation tour, which will cover 15 cities across North America. As with the first North American leg, General
Admission floor tickets will be offered, giving fans the best view in the house, for $45 per ticket.
Oct. 10 - Notre Dame, IN - Joyce Center - On sale Sept. 15
Oct. 12 - Montreal, PQ - Molson Centre - On sale Sept. 15
Oct. 13 - Hamilton, ON - Copps Coliseum - On sale Sept. 15
Oct. 15 - Chicago, IL - United Center - On sale Sept. 15
Oct. 19 - Baltimore, MD - Arena - On sale Sept. 15
Oct. 24 - New York, NY - Madison Square Garden - On sale Sept. 24
Oct. 28 - E. Rutherford, NJ - Continental Airlines Arena - On sale Sept. 24
Oct. 30 - Providence, RI - Civic Center - On sale Sept. 15
Nov. 02 - Philadelphia, PA - First Union Center - On sale Sept. 15
Nov. 05 - Austin, TX - Frank Erwin Center - On sale Sept. 22
Nov. 07 - Denver, CO - Pepsi Center - On sale Sept. 22
Nov. 09 - Salt Lake City, UT - Delta Center - On sale Sept. 22
Nov. 12 - Los Angeles, CA - Staples Center - On sale Sept. 23
Nov. 15 - Oakland, CA - Arena - On sale Sept. 23
Nov. 18 - Las Vegas, NV - Thomas & Mack Center - On sale Sept. 22
It's been confirmed that The Cure will be releasing "The Cure - Greatest Hits" in Japan on Nov. 12th and will include one bonus
track. The limited edition 2 cd set is listed at $27.99 on Sirendisc and is now available for pre-orders.
[09.07.2001]
Well, looks like Microsoft won't be split into two or three separate companys afterall. The U.S. Justice Department was instructed by the Bush Administration
to cease its push of a breakup of Microsoft. Bush has made it clear that he has the interests of corporations at the forefront of his agenda, and not
those of his constituents. There's even a report that Microsoft bought its way out of the case. Possible? Yes. Doubtful? No. Microsoft has already been
found guilty of violating U.S. anti-trust laws, but what kind of slap on the wrist, err, punishment will Microsoft receive now?
And in other headlines, Washington, D.C. is to become Washington, D.M. -- Washington, District of Microsoft.
On September 12th and 13th, Trader Joe's will be holding their annual corporate meeting in Burbank, California. As it'll be attended by all
West Coast store managers, assistant managers, and corporate office employees, this will be a great opportunity to write your local store managers to let
them know how you feel about Trader Joe's refusal to take a stand against genetically engineered foods. A list of Trader Joe's locations and store managers
can be found here and a sample letter can be found
here.
Does the microwave radiation that's put out by mobile phone handsets lead to cancer? According to a recent study by Lennart Hardell, a cancer specialist
at Orebro University in Sweden, the answer is YES.
[Read More]
[09.06.2001]
Dmitry Sklyarov and his employer Elcomsoft appeared briefly in court on Tuesday, but the case will be delayed to
allow Elcomsoft "sufficient time to choose their legal representation and so that both prosecution and defense teams may present a joint schedule for motions
and discovery in the case." The case will resume at 9:00 AM on Sept. 24 before Judge Ronald Whyte in the
San Jose Federal Court building.
Sklyarov is currently out on $50,000 bail and could face a prison term of up to 25 years and a $2,250,000 fine. As a corporation, Elcomsoft faces a
potential $2,500,000 fine.
Federal District Court for the Northern District of California, San Jose Branch
280 South 1st Street
San Jose, California
Early last week, Greenpeace and several Alaskan environmental and nuclear disarmament groups filed a lawsuit against Bush's Department of Defense to halt the
construction of a controversial facility in Fort Greely, Alaska that would be used to launch missiles to test President Bush's Star Wars project.
[Greenpeace Press Release]
On a sad note, Self Help Graphics' co-founder Carlos Bueno died Saturday of heart failure
at the age of 60. Self Help Graphics (a place I've frequented) is a community based visual arts center located in the heart of East Los
Angeles. Despite earning recognition for its professional artistic services, their programs have always focused on and benefitted the youth population with
its Youth Art Programs.
