Internet file-sharing services will be held responsible if they intend for their customers to use software primarily to swap songs and movies illegally, the Supreme Court ruled Monday, rejecting warnings that the lawsuits will stunt growth of cool tech gadgets such as the next iPod.

The unanimous decision sends the case back to lower court, which had ruled in favor of file-sharing services Grokster Ltd. and StreamCast Networks Inc. on the grounds that the companies couldn't be sued. The justices said there was enough evidence of unlawful intent for the case to go to tria

Fuck!

[ That is EXACTLY the reaction Ryan had. I agreed then and will now do so again. -k]

CNN.com - Court: File-sharing services can be liable for music theft - Jun 27, 2005

In his latest tilt at windmills, McCain, with Lautenberg’s help, has authored the Community Broadband Act of 2005 (S. 1294), which would amend the Telecommunications Act of 1996 to allow cities and towns to operate their own broadband networks. “Many of the countries outpacing the United States in the deployment of high speed Internet services, including Canada, Japan and South Korea, have successfully combined municipal systems with privately deployed networks to wire their countries,” McCain said. This, of course, flies in the face of legislation from other Republicans, including Texas Rep. Pete Sessions (a former SBC exec) and Florida Governor Jeb Bush, who are working to ban municipal WiFi networks altogether.

[ The sooner the better. -k]

McCain, Lautenberg introduce bill to allow muni WiFi nets - Engadget - www.engadget.com

Meador, who is head of operations at ClearContext, and Deva Hazarika, the chief executive officer, have been playing poker in lieu of collecting paychecks for the past year while working to get their three-person company off the ground. After logging 50 or more hours a week at the office, each one spends another 10 to 15 hours, usually on weekends and evenings, at their favorite poker sites

[ Encouraging. -k]

High-stakes start-ups | CNET News.com

[ For anyone that ever watched Alton Brown, this site's got a similar approach... -k]

Science of Cooking

In short, we don't need to reinvent the wheel or wait for sci-fi hydrogen fuel cells. The technologies we need for a stronger, more energy independent America are already here. The only thing we have a shortage of now are leaders with the imagination and will to move the country onto a geo-green path.

As Toyota Goes ... - New York Times

Very interesting, as we expect from Neal. -k

Turn On, Tune In, Veg Out - New York Times

[ follow up to previously memed article. -k]

A New Biology for a New Century -- Woese 68 (2): 173 -- Microbiology and Molecular Biology Reviews

"Between 40 and 70 minutes elapsed before the call was made, and I am aware of no explanation for the delay," Bush wrote. "In light of this new information, I urge you to take a fresh look at this case without any preconceptions as to the outcome."

[ I read that as : "In light of me effectively accusing Michael Shaivo of murder, please continue to scream your outrage and lobby congress. In no way should you permit this case to fall out of public view. It's politically very helpful to me. Thanks." -k]

Gov. Bush wants probe of Schiavo collapse

High school students often roll out of bed with the roosters so they can pack in a full day of school, sports and homework. But that early start could be hindering their performance by slashing their sleep cycle and by forcing them to work when they are at their wooziest, suggests a new study.

[ Shit, I coulda told you that. -k]

Too early for teens

[ So true. -k]

Dilbert is funny once in a while...