Posted by
Nexus – 08/06/2010
Right now European institutions are deciding on legislation that would ban illegal timber, which devastates forests and enriches organized crime. But certain member states with large timber industries are blocking negotiations.
Within days, the European Union could ban illegal timber from entering the market — but powerful companies are blocking discussions.
Forests are the habitat and life source of many peoples and are essential in preventing climate change, but while there is high demand for timber, illegal logging thrives, killing species, and fuelling corruption and organized crime.
Posted by
Nexus – 19/03/2010
[via theregister.co.uk]
Dell has told a Linux-loving Reg reader that he can’t receive a refund on the copy of Windows 7 that shipped with his new Dell netbook because it was bundled with the machine for “free”.
In October, another Reg reader succeeded in gaining a $115 (£70.34) refund from the computer maker after he rejected the licence for Microsoft’s OS and installed Linux instead. Microsoft’s EULA, you see, provides for such a refund.
“By using the software, you accept these terms,” it reads. “If you do not accept them, do not use the software. Instead, return it to the retailer for a refund or credit.”
Posted by
Nexus – 13/03/2010
[via WorldNetDaily]
John Holdren
President Obama’s “science” czar, John Holdren, was co-author of a 2004 energy policy paper that recommended “cap and trade” legislation, including “clean coal” technology and $2 billion from the federal budget for construction of one or two new nuclear facilities.
WND has learned a co-author of the paper with Holdren is John Rowe, a financial bundler for President Obama’s 2008 campaign who serves as chairman of Exelon, the mega-utility owning 30 percent of all U.S. nuclear plants.
Posted by
Nexus – 11/03/2010
[via consumerist.com]
A class action has been filed against AT&T DSL for being too slow. Specifically, the suit alleges that AT&T set the maximum rate customers could get at a level that was lower than the advertised rate. The company denies these claims but has opted to settle instead of going to court. You’re eligible to join if…
…you got AT&T DSL after March 31st 1994, and are either a current or former member. You have until July 1st to get on board.
To join and get more info, check out dslspeedsettlement.com.
Posted by
Nexus – 10/03/2010
[via cnet.com]
An optional update to Windows closes a number of hacks that counterfeiters have used to bypass the product activation technologies built into Windows 7. With the update, Windows will try to restore Windows to its proper state, as well as marking tampered versions as non-genuine copies of the operating system.
Microsoft said on Thursday that it is planning an update to Windows 7 that will close a number of loopholes that counterfeiters had used to thwart the operating system’s built-in anti-piracy measures.
Posted by
Nexus – 02/03/2010
[via avaaz.org]
After attacks by the Murdoch media empire, the BBC is considering sweeping cuts
The BBC is considering sweeping cuts, cutting its website in half and dropping TV and radio stations. The reason: to enrich corporate media. According to a story in the Times, the proposal is a bid to “shrink” in order to “appease the BBC’s rivals.” If this goes forward, it’s a giveaway to Rupert Murdoch, who sees the BBC as a threat to his profits.
Posted by
Nexus – 01/03/2010
[via bit-tech.net]
The administrative overhead in offering customers free Internet access could become to much to bear if the Digital Economy Bill goes forward.
The Digital Economy Bill – which aims to curtail file sharing by introduction stronger sanctions against those found trading in copyright material, up to and including disconnection from the Internet – could have an unfortunate side effect: the death of the free, open wireless access point.
Lillian Edwards, professor of Internet law at Sheffield University, is quoted by ZDNet as stating that the scenarios detailed in an explanatory document produced by the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills would “outlaw open WiFi for small businesses.”
Posted by
Nexus – 21/02/2010
[via cracked.com]
For decades, credit cards have been a means by which large banks have loaned money to poor people at interest rates approaching infinity.
Click on image for full-size (600x1936)
A Brief History of Credit Cards
Incredibly, the above isn’t an exaggeration. There are people in this situation right now where each payment to their credit card company leaves them owing more. Only in the last few years has the government moved to stop banks from putting people in this cycle of infinite repayment (where the interest and fees are more than the monthly payments).
Posted by
Nexus – 20/02/2010
[via gizmodo.com]
Somewhere on the web is the ultimate music site. It has virtually every album, EP and single ever released in a variety of high-quality formats with insanely fast download speeds. You’re probably not allowed in.
The Pirate Bay is dead. So is TorrentSpy, MiniNova, Suprnova and many other public BitTorrent trackers. But the most savvy and obsessive file hoarders don’t care about that stuff; they wouldn’t be caught dead using public trackers.
