I suppose I shouldn’t be surprised. The MPAA is trying (again) to get the FCC to agree to allow it to implement a type of DRM that would give them total control over your digital media equipment. It’s a system called selectable output control and would give content creators the ability to prevent you from viewing your legally paid for media if they don’t like/trust the device you wish to view it on. If the hardware isn’t blessed by the MPAA, all you’ll get is a black screen. The FCC told the MPAA where they could take SOC back in 2003 and they should reiterate that opinion. (It couldn’t hurt to remind them why…) The EFF is also opposing this ridiculous idea.
WordPress users beware of 2.6 upgrade issues
If you couldn’t get to my site for a couple of hours this evening, you caught me in the middle of upgrade issues with the latest version of WordPress. 2.6 was released a little early and unfortunately at least one critical bug was left in. Thankfully the workaround is fairly painless. If you have a WordPress powered blog and haven’t upgraded to 2.6 yet, I’d wait for the 2.6.1 release.
At least someone is sticking to their values
The ACLU is suing the federal government over the revised FISA law which grants immunity for the unconstitutional and blatantly illegal actions of the telecommunications companies who performed warrantless blanket wiretaps on american citizens on american soil. I think it says something when even the democratic candidate running under the slogan “change we can believe in” won’t even fight against this legislation. I like Obama, but I have to admit, his support of the compromise (more like: capitulation) legislation has me dismayed. (I have actually read the text of the legislation in case anyone is wondering…) Some have speculated that Barack is smarter than this and is looking more long term. Unfortunately, his latest explanation of his motivations reveals no such intention. There is yet one small glimmer of hope. A lawyer looked into the revised FISA law and it’s related statutes and found no obstruction to prosecuting criminal charges against either the administration or the telecoms. However, you can bet any such attempt would be an uphill battle to say the least. I had no illusions that Barack was a true politician, but that doesn’t make me feel any better about the future of our country. It seems for now, there is no change to be had, only relief in the removal of the Bush administration.