For direct-from-the-source updates on the DVD trial(s) going on, go to OpenDVD.org.

I'm with Dave on this one: I write for readers not skimmers. Consider that fair warning.
RIAA Sues MP3.com: He [Bob Cohn] said all Internet companies are on the side of the RIAA, including the Digital Media Association, which includes AOL, Real Networks, and Liquid Audio. I hate to say it, but I'm on RIAA's side too. (Ouch... that hurt me to say.)
Small Win for CA DVD Hackers: They didn't have to submit code-bearing T-shirts as evidence in the case. I think I want one.

In other words... don't hold your breath.

Pseudonymity Now: '"From an economics point of view, your data is becoming a commodity," said Hill, president of Zero-Knowledge Systems. "All of this is leading the charge for people to say 'I don't want to give up my data.'"' Here's one 'right' that won't be won in the courts... people need to more-or-less decide together that when a company abuses their personal information, not to shop with that company or give it any money. That's all it would take, universal cooperation in the consumer's best interest.

Wiretapping Unwarranted?: "'The FBI is seeking surveillance capabilities that far exceed the powers law enforcement has had in the past and is entitled to under the law,' said EPIC General Counsel David Sobel."

OK, I recovered the two lost message in the Discussion area from the crash yesterday, with permission from the owners. I think that completes the cleanup.

A college network administrator's comment pretty much back me up on this.

Schools crack down on Net music software Napster: You can probably guess Slashdot's reaction. I would point out that the Acceptable Use policy directly addresses this, and that university's don't truly have an obligation to provide any Internet servies. I think the most interesting thing is the primary cited reason is bandwidth, not legality issues. In other words, the university doesn't care that some of the copying may be legal. Another neat sidestepping of the issues (but in this case, that's probably good... university are in the business of education, not litigation).

Here Comes A Lawsuit: Computer problem leads to false arrests. More amusing then significant.

I shut off the pre-loading of the plus and minus images. No browser I've used has been caching them, and there's no point to loading those images on every page you load.