Would you vote Kucinich-Paul 2008?

I personally support Dennis Kucinich but i can't help having serious respect for Ron Paul who i view as the Dennis Kucinich of the republican party. I was thinking about what if Dennis Kucinich and Ron Paul teamed up. Now i know that there were rumors of this happening but i'm not here to report on that: i'm here to say why i think this should happen.

In an unbeatable election with a flawed voting system, hacked voting machines, widespread corporate media control, and questionable campaign tactics, we need to revive this dying democracy. These two candidates are the only ones i see capable of bringing us forward and bringing us together, as a country.

Some might say that their views are simply too opposing for this to be possible. If it came down to Dennis Kucinich vs. Ron Paul, no matter who wins, almost half of the people don't get the representation they want. Why can't we work together?

It is very simple why i believe these two should run with one another. America has become divided like never before between conservatives and liberals. Standing together behind these two would unite us as a nation. Running together means that they would have to settle their differences and opinions and work together to serve in everyone's interests.

Secondly, the media would not be able to ignore this. Undoubtedly, countless more people would support these two if only more people knew. This would be a great move for the both of them and their supporters. If you could, if they had a fighting chance, if they worked together, would you vote Kucinich-Paul?

Dennis Kucinich and Ron Paul, please team up!

Abolish ALL Marriage

No, i'm not joking. This would be an even bigger change than accepting gay marriage, but it makes a lot of sense. Marriage should be left alone as a purely religious institution and giving it legal recognition is a violation of the separation of church and state. Instead, the legal standing of marriage should be abandoned and replaced by Civil Unions. No more arguing about who can love who because a Civil Union does not imply any romance. There are certain rights gained from a marriage that a civil union does not have but that should change with this. Citizens of the State of Massachusetts can add their support to this cause on Governor Deval Patrick's MyIssue site.

Who Is Dennis Kucinich?

While Rep. Dennis Kucinich (D-OH) is widely ignored by mainstream television media, his ideas are much more in line with what the American people want. It's unfortunate that other Democrats poke fun at his height and appearance. You won't stop hearing about him over the Internet, a much more open place for politics. So why isn't Dennis Kucinich a front-runner? After all, he seems to be the truest Democrat. He brought a Cheney impeachment resolution to the House floor and plans on Bush next. Even as the mainstream media tried to spin impeachment, he was unflappable. You can even see ALL (none were edited out) of Dennis' responses at the 11/15/07 democratic debate. Don't stop here though, keep learning more for yourself.

Support Dennis Kucinich for President.

Check out Kucinich on the Political Compass

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-2785434244970099392

FOX News: Fair & Balanced

Well, most people already know not to trust FOX News. Just look at how much media their parent, News Corporation controls; too much. I just happened to stumble across one video and decided i'd gather a few more to share with you. Keep in mind, these are just a few that i found within a few minutes.


External link.


External link.

This here is the most ridiculous thing i have ever seen!

External link.

Apparently, Fox was talking about 4chan, 7chan, and 420chan. I just have to ask...WTF?


External link.
Available from the creator of that video is a playlist of FOX News Bias.


External link.
That's from FOX Attacks.

So now what do you think of FOX News?

PostSecret

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=552486530965142094

http://postsecret.blogspot.com/

The Web

Since it's conception, the internet has grown and evolved to become a network that unites peope all over the world using all kinds of devices: personal computers, gaming consoles, mobile phones, and all sorts of cool new gadgets. The Internet's enormous potential to continue to revolutionize the world we live in has not dimmed one bit. There is still lots of room for growth, expansion, improvement, and innovative new uses. There are infinite possibilities for the internet. Imagine not having to only hear about political candidates with the most money to canpaign but hear more from the candidates who's ideas gained the most support on a level playing field. This kind of idea becomes a real possibility with the internet.

Wikinomics is a book i'm yet to read but, from what i can see, contains some valuable ideas. It's supposedly based on the ideas of Openness, Peering, Sharing, and Acting Globally. The book dives into this idea of "Mass Collaboration" just like Wikipedia uses.

So the internet is a great place to learn, share information, ideas, and spawn great creativity. I like this video:

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=3799145424889532408

Anybody can make a video and post it online:

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-5293315030002040172

And nobody is restricted to one website to do this. Ah, i can't even begin to explain all of the wonders of the internet. I'm sure anyone reading this blog can grasp some of it's greatness.

Dell made a surprising move when creating IdeaStorm, a place where people are invited to come and post ideas and vote on them. It was really a joy to hear that they had done this. It resulted in some big changes. When Dell announced that they would sell computers with Ubuntu pre-installed, they made pretty big news.

Wouldn't it be great if this could be taken to the government? Well, Massachusetts Governor, Deval Patrick, has a MyIssue site where you can post issues and add your support to existing issues like the use of Free software exclusively for Massachusetts. This could use some development but we're heading in the right direction! What if this could make it up all the way to the federal government? What if there was an online directory of all public governemnt files? What if all laws, proposed and in practice, were published to the Internet along with an analysis of what they mean and what they do? We could sniff out bad laws, and clean up our government, even reform our tax system effectively!

Then there's the Open Library project which provides free online access to public domain books. I imagine an open library, beyond this, of all books. A place where you can read the books, search through them, and even help translate the books. Think of a huge web of books. You're reading page 56 of a book written in old english and right alongside that page is a line-by-line or paragraph-by-paragraph reiteration of the reading in easy-to-understand, current-day language. Not only that, but chapter summaries and analyses are available. Even more, as you're reading, you can see where the text refers to previous parts of the book, turn off spoiler protection and see where it relates to a future piece of the book, and even how it links to other books and outside documents. Who would ever settle for SparkNotes with a resource like that?

And still, more and more becomes available constantly and we have no idea where the web will take us in the next 5 or even 2 years! That's why it's also so important to protect our digital freedoms.

Still, the internet began as an experiment, and continued to develop by modifying what already existed. Now this next idea of redesigning the internet is kind of hard to explain this but i like how the Economist put it: if we were to design a new planet-wide network on Mars like the internet on Earth, how would we do it? Knowing what we know now about the problems the internet has, how would we build a new one? There are people working on designing a new internet, but reconstrusting a global network of computers isn't going to be easy...or cheap. But the need for this new internet will continue to grow just as the internet continues to grow. Even the founders of the internet have come out to say that the internet is outdated. I ask though, instead of rebuilding the internet, why not just create a new network (making sure that anyone who wishes to connect to it must abide by laws to protect privacy, digital rights, and internet freedoms) and make it something people would want to connect to, and slowly phase out the old internet?

How to Steal Windows Vista

Here's a beautiful way to rip off Microsoft. I haven't actually tried this since i prefer to run only operating systems that don't suck but i have heard from a friend that he has tried this and it works.

All you need to do to acquire a valid CD key is go to any major computer retail store and copy down the stickers on the computers with the CD keys printed right on them. I did this at a BestBuy just to see if i could get away with it and i walked out with two Windows Vista Ultimate Edition codes that i never ended up using. I wasn't at all sneaky either-- i lifted up a laptop and bent down to read the sticker all while employees and customers were there. I turned a desktop computer and practically crawled under a table to see the sticker behind the computer. Nobody said anything to me.

How can this possibly work, you ask? Well, apparently Microsoft has decided to allow as many re-installations as you would like with Windows Vista. So all you have to do is browse around for the computer running the Windows Vista edition you want and steal the code.

According to my friend, all he had to do was download and install the beta version of Windows Vista and use the code he acquired to activate it. He also said that he had to call Microsoft and tell them that he was re-installing Windows. They asked him a few questions and he was all set. Since the Windows Vista Beta's have since expired, you may have to use a more roundabout way to get a copy of Windows Vista to use a stolen CD key on.

If anybody decides to try this let me know how it works out. I don't know why you wouldn't just go ahead and get Ubuntu instead though.

Save the Internet!

I'm sure that many of you have heard about "Net Neutrality." For those of you who haven't already gotten involved, the internet as we know it is being threatened by big cable and telephone companies who want to be internet "gatekeepers." There's a lot at stake here. Most recently, the US Department of Justice opposes Network Neutrality! This is gravely frightening. Please, read through this post for great information and resources, get involved, and spread the word!

Google has a Network Neutrality page where you can learn more and stay current with updates on net neutrality.

Save the Internet has a lot of information and a page where you can take action.
They also created this video:

external link.

You can send a message to the FCC through Common Cause.

Network Neutrality is essential for independent media. That's news, and all sorts of content including video and music. Check out Rock the Net, musicians for network neutrality, from the Future of Music Coalition to learn more and take action.

Here is a video from Rocketboom talking about the net neutrality crisis:

external link.

This is a nice short video explaining Network Neutrality from Public Knowledge:

external link.

Here is a ten minute informational video about Net Neutrality from Four Eyed Monsters:

external link.

A Bill Moyers documentary called "The Net @ Risk" aired on PBS and you can watch it online.

Here's even a humorous explanation of Net Neutrality from John Hodgman on The Daily Show with Jon Stewart:

external link.

So ACT NOW, or say hello to the Internet of Tomorrow:

external link.

So get involved-- tell your friends, take action, spread the word, SAVE THE INTERNET!

Laptop?

Okay this is the third post about getting a new laptop. After searching the Wonderful World of Wikipedia, i found this computer from R Cubed which seemed like a much better deal but after some discussion on the Ubuntu forums, i discovered that it was the same computer as the one i posted previously from ZaReason. This picture is what the laptop actually looks like-- the other picture i took from ZaReason turns out to be the wrong one (their fault), not to mention the crappy photoshop job they did with the desktop cube.

I think i'll still be going with the laptop from ZaReason for the better graphics card and cheaper upgrades. The problem is that my parents said that they'd buy it for me, but i won't be able to buy another computer for a very, very, very long time. We just ran into a financial problem so i don't want to get the computer before i can get a source of income to pay it off. Anybody know how i could make some fast money?

I've picked my laptop :)

Okay, so screw that laptop i thought i wanted before. I've finally found the notebook i really want! It's the MegaLap from ZaReason.

Specs:

• Intel Core 2 Duo processor
• 17" LCD display @ 1680x1050 pixels
• Nvidia GeForce GO 7700 dedicated video card with 512 MB RAM
• 4 Speakers and an integrated subwoofer for amazing sound output
• Easy WiFi connectivity
• Custom fit carrying case (black) included
• Headphone jack + extra microphone jack has easy access below the touchpad
• 4 USB ports total -- 2 USB ports on each side
• Firewire port for high speed data transfer
• Combo CD-RW and DVD-RW drive
• HDMI video port
• Ethernet port for whenever you aren't near a WiFi access point -- this machine travels extremely well
• MMC/SD slot -- download photos, anything from your phone (if it holds an SD card), your printer... extreme usability
• ExpressCard 34/54 (a newer version of PCMCIA) slot for extra expansion
• E-SATA port for an extra hard drive and more
• Your choice of Ubuntu, Kubuntu, or Edubuntu
• 8.2 pounds

New computer?

I just posted this thinking it was the laptop that i wanted but taking a second look over the specs it doesn't look like it would last me very long. I also looked at the computers at System76 and they all look nice but i think i might as well wait until October when Ubuntu 7.10 comes out before i buy a new computer. As for my dream computer, obviously a couple of those components (blu-ray drive) i wouldn't actually buy, but i really do want that motherboard so that i can run LinuxBIOS.

Also in October, the OpenMoko Neo1973 mobile phone comes out!

It's the first ever fully Open Source "mobile communications platform" (phone). Software and hardware! It's a sleek touchscreen phone with Wifi, Bluetooth, and USB. I can't wait!

New Orkut Look :)

Orkut can finally live up to their "Stay Beautiful" slogan now that they have redesigned the entire website. With new features on the way, maybe we can really start to see a big group of people, whether they are looking for friends or business networking, migrate to Orkut. Here's a screenshot of my profile now (sorry i don't have a "before" shot, i didn't think to take one but you can look online to find some of the old design).
Here i am!

Creative Commons

Wanna learn a thing or two about copyright and "intellectual property"? Just watch this. (The speech is choppy but you'll get used to it)

external link.

Copyright laws have been influenced so much by big media corporations that they last indefinitely and are too restrictive. For this reason, this blog is licensed under a Creative Commons license. Here's a video about Creative Commons:


external link.

And here's a "fan" video:


external link.

Creative Commons is part of the Copyleft movement which uses copyright law to remove restrictions from the license holder's works. I myself am an anti-copyright inforanarchist.


http://www.questioncopyright.org/ is a good website to look at. "Promoting public understanding of the history and effects of copyright, and encouraging the development of alternatives to information monopolies." There's also the infoAnarchy wiki.

General Strike: 9/11/07

This September 11th ther will be a general strike to raise awareness and involvement and move more people to actions about all political issues. It is not just about corruption, war, corporatism, civil rights, media, and government lies. It is about all these and more.

So this September 11th take the day to remember the attacks and hit the streets-- no work, no school, no shopping.

Check out the website for more information, the blog, flyers, and buttons--
http://www.strike911.org/

P.S. It's probably a good idea to talk to your parents about why you want to get involved with this so that you can get their permission and a note in advance to miss school.

The OUT Campaign

Richard Dawkins, our favorite Atheism advocate has just started The OUT Campaign-- check it out!

Technology, Entertainment, Design.

About TED (from the website): "TED stands for Technology, Entertainment, Design. It started out (in 1984) as a conference bringing together people from those three worlds. Since then its scope has become ever broader."

TED | Talks are really worth checking out. Here is their page on how you can help with their mission.

Al Gore speaks in 2006:

And Laptop.

And this is the notbook computer i want--
http://www.linuxcertified.com/linux-laptop-lc2464dc.html

Processor	Mobile Turion 64X2 (dual core)TL-50; (2 X 256 KB) Cache Upgradable to TL-56 1MB (2 X 512MB) Cache 1600MHz FSB, 31W Thermal Design Power
Memory	512 MB (Upgradable to 2 GB!) Comes standard with Five-Year Memory Warranty!
Hard Drive	60 GB (Upgradable to 120 GB) 5400RPM (upgradable to 7200RPM for select sizes)
Display	15.4" WXGA TFT 1280x800
Video/Graphics	Integrated ATI RS485MC
Optical	DVD writer
Networking	Built-in 10/100
I/O Ports	3 USB 2.0 1 IEEE 1394 port 1 Mic-in jack 1 SPDIF Output 1 RJ-45 Ethernet 1 S-Video output port 1 Express Card (Type I 34 mm) 1 DC-in jack 1 4 in1 Card Reader
PCI Express	Type I PCI Express Cardbus
Battery	Smart Li-Ion battery
Physical	Dimensions: 14.2" (360mm) x 10.6" (269mm) x 1.5" (25MM~40mm Sloped) Weight: 6.8LBS, (3.1 kg)
OS	Pre-loaded with AMD64 bit Linux Distribution: Fedora Core 6 AMD64 or Ubuntu 7.04 AMD64 Linux distribution CDs included. Optional Dual-Boot Install with Windows XP
Warranty	One year. Upgradable. Comes standard with LinuxCertified Exclusive Five-Year Memory Warranty.

My Dream Computer

Alright, it's time for me to get a new computer. I've customized a nice PC for myself-- though i could use a new laptop too...

Anyways-- check it out :)

Here is the case:
Thermaltake Armor Series VA8000BWS Black Aluminum / Steel ATX Full Tower Computer Case
$149.99 on Newegg.com

What's inside--

Motherboard:
GIGABYTE GA-M57SLI-S4 Socket AM2 NVIDIA nForce 570 SLI MCP ATX AMD Motherboard

It is the first desktop motherboard to support a Free/Open Source BIOS, LinuxBIOS!$94.99 on Newegg.com

CPU:
AMD Athlon 64 X2 6000+ Windsor 3.0GHz 2 x 1MB L2 Cache Socket AM2 Processor
$169.99 on Newegg.com

RAM:
G.SKILL 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model F2-6400CL5D-2GBNQ
$88.99 on Newegg.com

Video Card:
EVGA 640-P2-N821-AR GeForce 8800GTS 640MB 320-bit GDDR3 PCI Express x16 HDCP Ready SLI Supported Video Card
$379.99 on Newegg.com

Power Supply:
Thermaltake W0106RU Complies with ATX 12V 2.2 & EPS 12V version 700W Power Supply 100 - 240 V CE, CB, TUV, FCC, UL, CUL, and BSMI certified
$169.99


Hard Drive:
Fujitsu MAX3147RC 147GB 15,000 RPM 16MB Cache Serial Attached SCSI (SAS) Hard Drive
$499.99 on Newegg.com

Optical Disk Drive:
LITE-ON Black 12X DVD+R 8X DVD+RW 4X DVD+R DL 12X DVD-R 6X DVD-RW 12X DVD-ROM 32X CD-R 24X CD-RW 32X CD-ROM SATA 2X Blu-ray Disc Triple DVD Burner
$459.99 on Newegg.com

Anybody know where i can find a Blu-Ray, HD-DVD combo drive?

Someday-- a 1.2 Petabye Hard Drive from Colossal Storage

Monitor:
SAMSUNG 226BW Black 22" 2 ms (GTG) DVI Widescreen LCD Monitor 300 cd/m2 700:1(DC 3000:1)
$319.99 on Newegg.com

Keyboard:
Logitech diNovo Edge 2-Tone 84 Normal Keys 9 Function Keys USB Bluetooth Wireless Mini Keyboard
$161.99 on Newegg.com

Mouse:
Logitech V270 931566-0403 Gray 3 Buttons 1 x Wheel Bluetooth Bluetooth Wireless Optical Notebook Mouse

$34.99 on Newegg.com

An the grand total comes to.....

***$2,530.89***

Anybody willing to let me borrow some money?

Let's Start Something

Alright-- i'm starting this blog over. Let's see where it takes us :)