I am also a linux sysadmin and oppose software patents. The biotech industry is at the forefront of lobbing for more intellectual property rights. http://www.bio.org/articles/unleashing-promise-biotechnology I oppose lifeform patents so if corporations dabble in genetic engineering they are on their own. No public subsidies should go to biotech (and yes patents are a subsidy)

a somewhat optimistic study on population and agriculture. unfortunately not addressing water or growth. http://soils.usda.gov/use/worldsoils/papers/pop-support-paper.html

For several years, I have been buying ati chips on hardware from various vendors but the field seems to be shrinking. Recently I got a 4350 card from diamond media at frys and while trying to get a rebate filed realized that their customer support is non existent. I will continue with ati but diamond wont get any further business from me. I know they are quaking in their boots but it seems a lot of customers agree.

I was wondering about the radios that can receive tv audio will they stop working? I live about 60 miles north of the broadcast towers on mt. wilson for the los angeles area. Generally reception is adequate with uhf being hit or miss at times using my rooftop antenna. I doubt whether I will be able to receive digital broadcast after the cutover and was wondering if anyone has experience with dtv at my range?