I was just about to post something similar. I find it hard to believe that using the offline installer was not the first thing they suggested when the "Windows Update" based install failed.

In 2011 the US was a net exporter of refined oil products. The US is still a huge net importer of crude oil.

Crude Oil: http://www.eia.gov/dnav/pet/pet_move_neti_a_epc0_IMN_mbblpd_a.htm
Oil Products: http://www.eia.gov/dnav/pet/pet_move_neti_a_EPP0_IMN_mbblpd_a.htm

I've used both, and I know Netflix has a much more extensive catalog. I'm confident both would love to have larger catalogs of titles to offer. My guess is that in the next 12-18 months, some of the studios will make a few sweet deals with 'other' streaming services in order to remind Netflix that they can take their ball and go home when the contracts run out.

I have a feeling that Netflix is about to create a whole bunch of Amazon Prime subscribers. It works out to about $6.50/mo for the Prime subscription, and you get fast shipping (with no $25 order minimum) on all of your purchases in addition to the streaming. Amazon's streaming library isn't great, but Netflix has holes in their streaming catalog. I'm sure both are working to add new content, and Amazon gives me a bunch of other nice perks.

I use Wilhelm for all of my screaming ...

I think you have that scenario flipped, and the AT&T executives are just exhausted from their years of "service" in support of the iPhone.

Last time I checked, Intel's IXP and IOP embedded product lines were still ARM (XScale) based.

Somebody needs to buy a mouse with a middle button...

I don't think Balzac hangs out much of anywhere these days.

Somebody from De Beers will be calling you shortly to correct your last statement.

I always figured it would be the other way around.

There is some evidence that problem was solved about 58 years ago: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ivy_Mike I admit, that particular solution is challenging to convert to electrical power production.

You've got it all wrong. In the two months since the Gulf accident, not one single walrus has been harmed by the leaking oil. Clearly, the walrus protection plans are 100% effective!

Reagan would have been president until the moment George H. W. Bush was inaugurated on January 20th, 1989. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_presidential_inauguration

All this is necessary to achieve this is wider application of so called "mild hybrid" technology. Think over-sized battery, over-sized starter motor, over-sized alternator, drive by wire throttle, and a bit of ECU smarts. Any time the car is stopped (or below speed X, where X is small 3mph? ) the engine is "off" (no fuel, no spark, engine still turning if the car is in motion), and the battery and starter motor move the car. Once the speed threshold is exceeded (or battery is sufficiently low) fuel and spark are resumed. At any greater speed the vehicle is powered entirely by the engine. Having electrically powered accessories (power steering assist, air conditioning, brake booster, etc.) would be preferable, so that all of those systems still function when the engine is not spinning. It addition, making these electric tends to increase efficiency and reduce weight. If these systems remain belt or vacuum driven there can be many situation where the ECU may be forced to leave the car idling, or waste battery power spinning the engine to keep the accessories running.