m b’s Techdirt Profile

On the post: Nest May Be The First Major Casualty Of Hollow 'Internet Of Things' Hype

m b ( profile ), 10 Jun, 2016 @ 08:54am

Re: Nest is is lipstick on a pig

Just using a simple programmable thermostat I was able to cut about 20% from my heating bill. I live in the sub-arctic though so YMMV.
One of the advantages of something like Nest, is that it gives you a good visual representation of your energy usage patterns, so anyone that really cares, can tune their energy usage patterns to match their life-style. Arguably, Nest did this autonomously. In a moderate sized home around here, one can expect to pay around $5K/year for heating, so even a few % of your annual heating bill buys a lot of beer.

On the post: DailyDirt: Storing Lots Of Energy

m b ( profile ), 26 May, 2016 @ 05:32pm

Chemical Energy

There are many bio-diesel systems available, Sources like wood-byproduct, agricultural leftovers, and even human waste has been used, but one of the largest drawbacks is the requirement for energy input.
I am surprised that nobody has planned a biodiesel processing plan powered by renewables. The output product could then be fed into diesel generators to provide supplemental power. The output of the diesels heat/gas can also be captured and fed back into the bio-diesel production process.

On the post: As Netflix Locks Down Exclusive Disney Rights, The New Walled Gardens Emerge

m b ( profile ), 25 May, 2016 @ 01:19pm

Antitrust?

Can anyone explain to me how this sort of arrangement is not a gross violation of FTC/Antitrust laws?

A mandatory licensing scheme (similar to music/radio, but broader) should be implemented. If you own the rights to a work, you are entitled to profit from it, but you MUST allow equal access.

On the post: James Comey Still Trying To Blame Increase In Violent Crime On 'Viral Videos'

m b ( profile ), 16 May, 2016 @ 08:17am

Re:

That would be true if the cops were actually charged with any crimes, but usually they are not.

On the post: Techdirt Reading List: No Law: Intellectual Property In The Image Of An Absolute First Amendment

m b ( profile ), 06 May, 2016 @ 09:41am

Compulsory Licensing

I am not a big supporter of copyright, but I think that artists should be entitled to some protections on their creations. Without a doubt a complete void of IP law would harm creativity. I think shortened copyright terms combined with a compulsory licensing regime would strike a great balance: If you think you can do a better job of marketing another work, then you should be afforded equal access to that privilege, and the creator should also be permitted to benefit from the work of creation. It's a win-win.

On the post: When A Fingerprint IS The Password, Where Does The Fifth Amendment Come Into Play?

m b ( profile ), 05 May, 2016 @ 03:14pm

Unchangeable Password?

Why would anyone ever consider having an unchangeable password? Stupidest idea ever!

On the post: Indian Government Agencies Demand Access To WhatsApp Messaging Groups

m b ( profile ), 21 Apr, 2016 @ 11:36am

Postal Service

Any service transmitting data from one point to another should be treated exactly like a postal service.

The government, can look at the outside of the box and see who it's from and where it's going, but that's it.

On the post: Sheriff And Deputy Somehow Manage To Screw Up Forfeiture Badly Enough To Be Indicted On Extortion Charges

m b ( profile ), 12 Apr, 2016 @ 09:51am

Re:

The difference is really just a technicality. In Mexico, it is still illegal for a cop to take money without pressing any charges and it goes directly into the cop's pocket: It's considered bribery and corruption. In the USA they have made it legal for police to take cash from you without pressing any charges, but it doesn't go DIRECTLY into the cop's pockets. It goes into their next year's budget and a raise/bonus for the cops that did the seizing.

On the post: French Politicians Want To Create Ancillary Copyright In Thumbnail Images

m b ( profile ), 31 Mar, 2016 @ 09:43am

I Think this train of though is what we should call copywrong.

On the post: Former DHS Secretary Says We Can Make Airports Safer From Terrorists By Rearranging Security Checkpoints

m b ( profile ), 24 Mar, 2016 @ 03:16pm

Re: Narita

I agree. Having flown through Narita a few times and overnighted in Tokyo, I was amazed. There were no delays at check-in, check-out or any other check. The people were astoundingly helpful and polite, and incredibly reasonable.

There is absolutely no reason for the type of behaviour elicited by the TSA, except that it is a reflection of the general American way. Americans are rude and ignorant. It is their cultural legacy from top to bottom.

On the post: UK's Pirate Site Blocklist Even More Pointless Than Previously Thought: HTTPS Defeats It

m b ( profile ), 29 Feb, 2016 @ 01:16pm

Re:

The really insidious thing is, that this will come in the form of new trusted root CA's that can issue false certificates to allow for the transparent interception of https connections. (which will, of course, be subverted by real criminals) This will completely destroy the remaining shreads of trust on the internet.

On the post: DailyDirt: Who Doesn't Like Cheap Oil?

m b ( profile ), 05 Feb, 2016 @ 08:43am

Re: cheap oil

I hope those truckers are using the money to buy bottled water 'cuz they're going to need it in a few years.

On the post: NBC, Filthy Pirates, Sued Over Use Of Photographer's Work Without Permission

m b ( profile ), 05 Feb, 2016 @ 03:21pm

Domain Seizure

Perhaps nbc.com should be handed over to the photographer.

On the post: Pick A Side: Video Of Creepy Girls Singing To Donald Trump Taken Down Over Copyright On WWI Song

m b ( profile ), 01 Feb, 2016 @ 11:21am

Re: How could it be copyrighted?

Is is possible that sony owns the copyright to the specific recording that was used? I believe that also has it's own terms of copyright, separate from the copyright on the sheet music. (I don't have the time to look it up right now though)

On the post: MLB Goes To Court To Defend Antitrust Actions That Go Against All The Progress MLB Has Made

m b ( profile ), 21 Jan, 2016 @ 02:15pm

Re: So sad

We survive perfectly well with only 3 major telco providers. Why should any sports league be required to have more than 3 teams?

On the post: Canada Prepares To Force Cable Companies To Provide Cheaper, A La Carte TV

m b ( profile ), 19 Jan, 2016 @ 03:13pm

Re: Re:

Cut the cord.
Do something useful with your time.
Read a book.
Take a class.
Have a conversation.
Go for a walk.

On the post: Here We Go Again: All The Works That Should Now Be In The Public Domain, But Aren't

m b ( profile ), 15 Jan, 2016 @ 10:28am

stagnation

This is exactly the reason why there are so few new stories coming to the cinemas, just an extension of an established franchise, or a "reboot" of an existing work for which the producers already hold the license.

On the post: Fox News Anchor's Suit Over Toy Hamster Likeness Results In Hilarious Point-By-Point Hasbro Rebuttal

m b ( profile ), 03 Nov, 2015 @ 11:19am

Re: Re: Getting upset over a stolen name is natural and totally justified.

Well, they are both pretty similar if you consider that they share a plastic empty-headed persona.

On the post: Movie Studio & Copyright Troll Claim 'Mere Possession' Of Popcorn Time Is Illegal And Could Result In A Year In Jail

m b ( profile ), 02 Sep, 2015 @ 04:29pm

Re:

No arguments that he should be disbarred. He should also be jailed for extortion, and fraud, and maybe just plain ol' tarred and feathered.

That said, a screwdriver is only illegal if someone "Intends to use the tool or device to commit or facilitate … a theft by a physical taking"

On the post: AT&T Injecting Ads Into Its Wi-Fi Hotspot Data Streams

m b ( profile ), 25 Aug, 2015 @ 03:54pm

U.S. Code § 2511 - Interception and disclosure of wire, oral, or electronic communications prohibited

This is such a clear violation of law in so many ways someone at AT&T should rot in prison for a very long time.

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