Two years in prison for downloading latest film?

Two years in prison for downloading latest film?

"GERMANS risk two years in prison if they illegally download films and music for private use under a new law agreed yesterday. Anybody who downloads films for commercial use could be jailed for up to five years.

The measures, some of the toughest in Europe, were announced after an aggressive campaign by the film industry in Germany, the largest market in the EU and one of the most computer-literate populations."

Better watch those downloads in future. The article states the new law comes into effect on January 1, 2007, but from the discussion on Slashdot the law hasn't been discussed and agreed... yet.

[via Slashdot]

Beatles take Apple to court over core business

The Times Online is reporting that the Beatles will take Apple Computer to court "claiming that the introduction of iTunes broke a $26 million settlement under which Apple Computer agreed to steer clear of the music business, for which the Beatles'’ company retains the famous trademark."

I remember this going through the courts when I was in college, and recalled the agreement again when I heard about iTunes and the iPod. I pondered at the time how they'd managed to agree on this and what settlement must have been paid for them to come out with a music service. It was only a matter of time before the lawyers came out to play. I wonder if they waited until the service was hugely popular andindispensablee to many so they could sue for a larger settlement? ;)

200,000 HP staff exposed as laptop loss party continues

"'This is to let you know that Fidelity Investments, record-keeper for the HP retirement plans, recently had a laptop computer stolen that contained personal information about you, including your name, address, social security number and compensation,' employees learned via email."

Oops.

Google launches a Finance site

Google Finance has a few features that outshine that of Yahoo Finance, such as interactive stock charts and better linking of stories to stock value changes. It certainly has potential.

The Hacker's Diet

The Hacker's Diet is a programmer's way of attacking the fat problem.

Your personal Web page, blog or networking site may say more about you than you want some to know

This is pretty much why my blog sucks. ;)

Sony BMG Settlement Info from the EFF

Claim your share of the Sony BMG settlement.

Joe Strummer & The Mescaleros - Mondo Bongo - Lyrics

I have no clue what this song is about. Anybody?

Joe Strummer & The Mescaleros - Mondo Bongo - Lyrics
(From the Mr. & Mrs. Smith Soundtrack)

I was patrolling a Pachinko
Nude noodle model parlor in the Nefarious zone
Hanging out with insects under ducting
The C.I.A was on the phone
Well, such is life

Latino caribo, mondo bongo
The flower looks good in your hair
Latino caribo, mondo bongo
Nobody said it was fair, oh

Latino caribo, mondo bongo
The flower looks good in your hair
Latino caribo, mondo bongo
Nobody said it was fair

Latino caribo, mondo bongo
The flower looks good in your hair
Latino caribo, mondo bongo
Nobody said it was fair

For the Zapatistas I'll rob my sisters
Of all the curtain and lace

Down at the bauxite mine
You get your own uniform
Have lunchtimes off
Take a monorail to your home

Checkmate, baby
God bless us and our home
Where ever we roam
Now take us home, flaquito

Latino caribo, mondo bongo
The flower looks good in your hair
Latino caribo, mondo bongo
Nobody said it was fair
Latino caribo, mondo bongo
The flower looks good in your hair
Latino caribo, mondo bongo
Nobody said it was fair