I had a DirecTV Tivo DVR that was working fine in Missouri. I moved to Vermont and brought it with me. However the model would not work in Vermont.

Directv would not allow me to continue to use the Tivo model so they forced me to obtain their free DVR product (crap). Didn't cost me anything so I had to agree to that.

Then the DVR product broke and I asked DirecTV to replace it. They did so no problem but extended my two year contract without informing me. About a year later when the contract was supposed to have expire, I called to negotiate a better deal including HD etc, only to be told that I have one more year left. After countless calls I learned that they extended this quietly because they "gave" me a replacement DVR.

So screw them, I paid the ETF and moved to Dish. Ever since DirecTV have been bombarding me with mails begging me to come back but I'm staying with Dish for two years.

Hope the states force DirecTV to stop these practices.

The other factors are in my opinion are:

• SLC bribery scandal. Couple that with Chicago's reputation for corruption.
• Chicago's presentation did not inspire the IOC as others did, despite Obama's apperance
• It's simply South America's time and this is the biggest reason. Just a matter of time.

and yet we have everything built in China for sale in the US (iPhones, Lenovo, etc).

Believe it or not I think the public is fine with space exploration and the risks involved.
It's the bullshit media that likes to build up the drama and dangers of space travel in order to sell.
This leads the political establishment to react thinking they need to look good in having silly hearings, pushing for this and that.
Thus the NASA becomes nervous and more risk averse.
Not that I am putting the blame on the media alone just that they are a big part of this and the lack of spine among Congress and NASA members.

one thing that I get from the synopsis and trailer is that there's this main character that is paralyzed and is linked to a new hybrid alien life form through the mind (telepathy I guess).

If they have this type of technology - why not just cure the paralysis. So it smells like a plot hole that the director is ignoring in the pursuit of a cinematic vision.

I'll still watch it just out of curiosity.

since at the University I work, a lot of computers (Windows XP, Vista, and 7 RC) are freezing up due to ESET NOD32 for some reason. So the sys admins are very busy dealing with this all day. Actually been at it since last night. Great day for them :)

so they can ship more junk mail. That's pretty much what the PO do nowadays since online billing is widely available.

In 10 B.C., one Josephus Moranivus wrote on papyrus paper bemoaning the fact drawn maps destroys the ability to navigate by dead-reckoning.

everytime VASMIR is mentioned - one should read up Franklin Chang-Diaz (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Franklin_Chang-Diaz) who invented this.

His life story is amazing and should be inspirational for many people in which education and hard work can enable you to succeed in life.

I think you need to consider the audience that the WJS sells to. Business people do not mind paying for business-oriented content. Look at The Economist, FT, etc for examples along with WSJ.

Meanwhile for general news, NY Times tried the walled garden and it failed.

no one is gonna care.

Here's a list of countries by Human Development Index http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_countries_by_Human_Development_Index#High

Not on that scale but still a hefty chunk of change nevertheless.

The cost and complexity of moving the entire payroll and finance system over to peoplesoft was so much that it lead to the resignation of the CFO of the university because he spent more without the authorization of the board - never mind that the board and the president pushed for this improvement knowing the budget will go over from $25 mil to $40 mil or so.

http://www.vermontnewsguy.com/tag/daniel-fogel/

Bottom line is that these type of projects are incredibly complex and no one really knows the long term costs when they get into it initially. But due diligence and oversight would be critical and helpful no doubt.

and go wtih djbdns

"This time has come, execute Order 77"