Stop Motion Millenium Falcon Build

Slick video of the building of the Millenium Falcon from Legos using stop motion. Man this thing must have been a pain to put together. Enjoy!

Supreme Court OKs Price Fixing

From CNN:

WASHINGTON (Reuters) -- The Supreme Court on Thursday overturned a nearly 100-year-old precedent that some price-setting agreements between manufacturers and retailers are automatically illegal under federal antitrust law.

By a 5-4 vote, the justices overturned a 1911 Supreme Court ruling that minimum prices set by manufacturers on what dealers can charge customers for their products are unquestionably illegal.

The decision was a victory for U.S. business groups that had argued the agreements are often pro-competitive. The groups had urged the high court to adopt a less exacting standard that examines each agreement on a case-by-case basis.

Antitrust authorities at the Justice Department and the Federal Trade Commission also had urged the top court to overturn the precedent, while 37 states and a leading consumer group had urged that the precedent be preserved.

The ruling stemmed from an appeal to the Supreme Court by a company called Leegin Creative Leather Products Inc., the manufacturer of the Brighton brand of women's accessories.

In 1997, it adopted a policy stating it would do business only with retailers that followed its suggested retail prices and would not sell to retailers that discounted its products.

PSKS Inc., operators of a retail store known as "Kay's Kloset" in Lewisville, Texas, placed the entire line of Brighton products on sale below the suggested price in 2002. Leegin then stopped all shipments of its products to the store.

PSKS sued under the antitrust law, alleging illegal price fixing. A jury awarded PSKS $3.6 million in damages and $375,000 in attorney fees, an award upheld by a federal appeals court.

The Supreme Court's majority opinion, written by Justice Anthony Kennedy, reversed the appeals court's ruling.

Justices John Paul Stevens, David Souter, Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Stephen Breyer dissented.

Large retailers impacted by the decision include Wal-Mart (down $0.23 to $48.23, Charts, Fortune 500), Target (down $0.17 to $63.58, Charts, Fortune 500) and Lowe's (down $0.40 to $30.85, Charts, Fortune 500).

Basically the very very very pro-Bush administration pushed for a law that allows businesses to get together and fix prices, reducing competition. If a competitor wants to compete in price and the supplier doesn't like it, then its just to bad so sad. The door is open for price fixing and underhanded agreements.

The reasoning behind the decision, in the usual Bush admin non-logic: "Minimum price agreements can benefit consumers, Kennedy wrote, by enabling retailers to invest in greater customer service without fear of being undercut by discount rivals. The agreements also could make it easier for new products to compete, he added, because a retailer could recoup the costs of marketing a new good by charging a higher price."

So it helps business by giving them money to increase customer service? Seriously? that is the legal grounds? What the hell does that have to do with anything.

From the Consumerist:

"....s Justice Stevens put it slightly more eloquently in his dissent, "The only safe predictions to make about today's decision are that it will likely raise the price of goods at retail.''

Under the old system, manufacturers could send pricing signals to retailers by way of a Manufacturer Suggested Retail Price (MSRP,) though retailers were free to compete by selling products below MSRP. Under the new system, championed by Justices who promised to respect stare decisis at their confirmation hearings, manufacturers can now use resale price maintenance (RPM) agreements to ban retailers from offering
discounts.

Leegin is the 15th ruling this term that harms consumers by shielding businesses and corporations from lawsuits."

I see it going one step further. Semi-exclusive agreements. For example, Wal-Mart could sign a deal with company A. They will sell a product at the companies desired price of $19.99. In return, the company agrees that it will require other competitors, say Target, to sell that same item at $24.99. I think this will be the dawn of a new method to screw consumers. You want to say businesses wouldn't do that, but honestly why wouldn't they? Its win-win for everyone but the consumer.

MSNBC Mika Brzezinski Says No To Paris

MSNBC morning anchor basically was fed up with Paris Hilton being the story of the day for what is really non news being made news by the morons of America. Egged on by Joe Scarbourough, she attempts to avoid reading the copy, then tries to burn the copy and then just tears it up. Link from excellent Buzzmachine.com.

iPhone Voice Plans, Reviews

The iPhone is almost out and there are reviews and new information coming out everyday. Of note is the recent voice plans which are about what was expected. Engadget has posted a nice little summary of what the overall cost of the iPhone will be over the course of the two year agreement compared with other smart phones and blackberries. They offer a series of breakdowns that can help the fence sitters decide if the phone is really worth the purchase.

Basically it comes down neck and neck in cost. However there are sacrifices. With the iPhone you get the features of the iPod, pretty interface, and better web experience (but no flash support). With the blackberry you can actually use it for business. Of course the thing is most people are not using it for business, but for personal use and on that I guess it depends on need.

As for some of the review, its comes down to being a pretty good phone. Mossburg writes "Our verdict is that, despite some flaws and feature omissions, the iPhone is, on balance, a beautiful and breakthrough handheld computer. Its software, especially, sets a new bar for the smart-phone industry, and its clever finger-touch interface, which dispenses with a stylus and most buttons, works well, though it sometimes adds steps to common functions."

Another point of interest though is "The iPhone is missing some features common on some competitors. There's no instant messaging, only standard text messaging. While its two megapixel camera took excellent pictures in our tests, it can't record video. Its otherwise excellent Web browser can't fully utilize some Web sites, because it doesn't yet support Adobe's Flash technology. Although the phone contains a complete iPod, you can't use your songs as ringtones. There aren't any games, nor is there any way to directly access Apple's iTunes Music Store."

At this point, the cost of the phone over two years (about $2500) combines with its limitations (flash, personal music as ringtones, etc) makes this a huge pass for me.

Superman vs Doomsday Trailer

The upcoming direct to video release of Superman vs Doomsday finally has a trailer. Sadly its not good enough to make a decision on whether its worth a buy or rent.
Superman Doomsday - Official Trailer

Computer Simulation of 9/11 Attacks

Scientists with Purdue Univervisty has posted a computer simulation of the 9/11 attack that shows what probably happened when the first plane hit the north tower. It covers just 3/4 of a second in realtime and shows what might have happened as the plane tore into and through the building. It also seperated out the jet fuel to show how it was spread thoughout the two floors helping with the eventual collapse of the building.

Click here for the CNN article about the simulation.

iPhone's Greatest Weakness

The Jesus Phone...er iPhone is just a little over a week away from release and everyone is behaving like its the second coming. Apple's stock keeps rising on just the buzz even though there is no evidence the phone is good, that consumers that are curious will translate into gonzo sales and more importantly as the PS3 learned to much pain, the damage that lack of supplies can cause. But really these are all concerns that can't be helped or can be beat.

Really though the greatest weakness for the iPhone is Apple's partner is this deal - AT&T. Most people forget that AT&T used to have its own wireless service back in the '90 that was so aweful that they had to rename it and start from scratch to wipe away the stain. The reason is simple, AT&T is arrogant. Always has been. If it thinks there is no competition, it really doesn't give two-shits about customer service and how much it screws the customer over. They just want the money. That attitude killed then in the growing cell market at the time. They learned from the mistake and built a mostly reputable and large business with Cingular.

However, this is the "new" AT&T and sadly this "new" AT&T seems to smell and act a whole lot like the "old" AT&T and once again that arrogance is likely to leak through since they believe there is no competition for the iPhone. As a result of this, I suspect the average consumer is going to get a sticker shock of at least $80 a month for basic iPhone plan of phone and data. It wouldn't surprise me if that number is even higher.

This is what I think will happen over the next few weeks. The iPhone will sell out in the first day. There will be problems with services on the second. There will be complaints about the phone also early on as people realize their unrealistic expectations of the Jesus phone didn't come true. Based on the sell out news, Apple stock will probably crest over the $200 mark before dropping back down as the backlash starts. Apple will probably address some concerns as they can but most will just be simply the result of the uninformed early adopters. After the initial few weeks of complaints/love, the hardware of the iPhone will be considered solid but probably not needed by most users out there. A regular phone will be just fine thanks and sales will be brisk but not insane. That's Apple's part in this.

For AT&T though, the fun is just beginning. It will start with unprepared and uniformed customer service agents both in the store and on the phone making ridiculous claims or offering horrible advice mostly because they are working from outdated scripts rather then direct experience with the phones. After the technical issues are ironed on the first few days, the complaints will start with people not being switched properly, poor coverage, poor signals, and just generally poor and uniformed customer service. This will not be the customer service's departments fault but AT&T's who decided to add on as few cheap help as they could to meet the initial demand and then dump em once things calm down.

The real fun begins though when people start getting those bills. Its one thing to drop $600+tax for a phone and sign a two year agreement, its quite another to see a $90 and up monthly statement coming in. That is when it will dawn on people that they probably just agreed to pay $600 for the phone + around $1200 a year for service for a grand total of $3000 over two years. For a cool looking phone. The late coming sticker shock combined with AT&T's less is more customer service mentality...that will be what hurts Apple more then anything.

"Hating the Ratings" By Mark Harris

I just finished reading a commentary by Mark Harris in the June 22 issue of Entertainment Weekly. The basic idea is that because Hostel: Part II was rated R (rather then X I guess) the system must be broken. As he states "Dump the NC-17 rating completely. It protects nobody and preserves the illusion that R-rated movies like Hostel II are okay for kids."

Basically, after reading the article, one thought came to mind "What a stupid little shit!". Its morons like him that allow for broken systems such as ratings system to exist. If your going to fix something like a rating system, do it for good reasons, not stupid ones like his that lay the research feet at everyone but those that should truly matter in the decision making process - the parents.

Now I do believe the ratings system is broken and needs to be fixed, but those problems are because some horrible film like Hostel. Its fundamental problem is its controlled by the studios, so right there you have a business motivation for ratings. On top of that is board is shrouded in mystery, there is no transparency in the process, no rules and regulations, just general guidelines. Guildlines that change based on who is in charge and making a vote that day. The boards treats studio films differently then non-studio films. Basically the votes are based on business needs and opinions. There is no regulation from within or without and no attempt to change it. Its a secret club and only a few are invited.

But Mark Harris's thesis is basically...the ratings should tell the parents what to do. If a parent makes a movie decision for their kids exclusivily off of ratings that is big problem number one. All its takes is a half-assed internet search to know that regardless of ratings, Hostel II should not be seen by kids. Its attempts like this, to make the job of parenting the purview of faceless strangers, that seems to be the root cause of many problems. You want to fix what ailes society, its real simple...make parents do their job. Anything other then that is a band aid and stupid little shits like Mark Harris just excerbate the problem.

Starcraft 2 Protoss First Look

Available now is a first look and description of the new and improved Protoss for Starcraft 2.

Info from YouTube:
Starcraft 2 from PC gaming magazine unit preview
Zealot: Zealots are the standard infantry unit of the portoss from starcraft. Still equipped with a pair of glowing psionic blades for melee combat, the zealot will now charge the enemy to close distance with ranged units quicker than before.

Stalker: Stalkers are a new type of dark dragoon. They're fast moving and lightly armored with a powerful anti-air and anti-infantry weapon, but their secret weapon is there "blink" ability that will allow them to teleport anywhere in visual range in an instant

Immortal: A new type of heavy dragoon, the immortals will be equipped with a shield that activates only when hit by heavy weapons like siege tanks, making them excellent for assaulting heavily defended positions but weak against raiding parties with light weapons.

Observer: The invisible flying eyes of the Protoss are back. We can confirm they'll be in the game, but further details are shrouded in secrecy.

Colossus: True to it's name, the colossus is an enormous four-legged walker that rakes the ground with a heavy beam weapon. They will be extremely effective against small swarming units like zerglings or marines-their beams target one unit at a time, and instantly sweep to a new target when the first is destroyed. Using their long legs, they can step up and down ledges with ease.

Phoenix: When its standard fighter weapon wont do the job, the phoenix will be able to activate its overload ability to damage all enemy air units nearby, which also disables the phoenix itself for a few moments. If the overload doesn't demolish the enemy you'll be a sitting duck

Phase prism: .The new phase prism will act as both a troop transport and a mobile power pylon allowing you to restore functionality to a base when your pylons are destroyed by raiders or when you build away from your base. Combined with the warp-in tech. Youll be able to use them to crate and army anywhere on the map.

Warp ray: These flying weapons inflict additional damage the longer they fire on a single target as they bring as they bring more beams online, which will make them extremely powerful against large targets like battle cruisers and structures. Their focused fire makes them vulnerable against small anti-air units like marines.

High templar: The high templar is back and he'll bring his powerful psionic storm area attack with him. But he's gotten a handy new power he'll be able to create a force field to trap enemy units temporarily or create barriers. Blizzard testing has revealed some extremely effective bottlenecks tactics using him. The ability to say you can't go there anymore will be very powerful.
Dark templar: Just like in the first game the dark templar is a stealth unit that wreaks havoc to any force foolish enough to leave home without a detector. any new special abilities have yet to be revealed (more)

For more infor and screenshots, click here.

Window Key Shortcuts

Nice video demonstration that shows that the windows key might actually be useful.


The shortcuts:
Windows key only = Start menu opens
Windows key + E = Internet Explorer opens
Windows key + R = Open Run command prompt
Windows key + F = Opens Search field
Windows key + D = Minimizes all windows, ie shows desktop, hit again to reopen
Windows key + M = Minimizes all windows, better to use the D shortcut
Windows key + F1 = Opens help menu (utterly useless)
Windows key + Pause/Break = Opens system properties

Paris Hilton: Free Once Again

Further proof that the rich are truly above the law, Paris Hilton has been released from jail do to health reasons, rumored to be a rash. Instead the LA Sheriff's Department will put her under "house" arrest for 40 days with an ankle bracelet. Keep in mind that the "house" in this case is a multi-million dollar mansion with all the bells and whistles. Kind of place most people go on vacation to enjoy and its her day to day life. Not exactly a punishment to me.

If this would have been done for john q average of average or even poor wealth this would be such a big deal but we all know that if we did what she did, it would be a fine and jail time. A "rash" wouldn't lead to house arrest but a unsympathetic shrug and if lucky a visit to the prison doc.

If the press wasn't as lazy as they are now, what they should be doing is following the money. Clearly someone was paid to help pave the way for Paris' freedom.

AT&T: To Hell With Net Neutrality

From Crooks and Liars, AT&T chief Ed Whitacre has made it clear that he believes that screwing over the customers is what AT&T exists to do. The once and future monopoly has made it clear that its goal is to buy Congress so anti-net neutrality legislation can be passed. "Will congress let us do it? You bet they will - cus we don't call it cashin' in. We call it 'deregulation'." Below is a funny video about it.

He actually has a point. Congress would pass a law legalizing murder if enough money enters their coffers. As for the public in general, throw the world "deregulation" around and they will by it hook like and sinker even though the last 25 years of deregulation as not shown one postitive effect for consumers. Its been a boon for business, but the customers are forced to deal with a series of cartels be it cable companies, gas, telephones, communications, or credit cards.

“There’s a problem. It’s called Net Neutrality,” Whitacre told the heirs to AT&T’s telecommunications empire. “Well, frankly, we say to hell with that. We’re gonna put up some toll booths and start charging admission.”

Olbermann: The Nexus of Politics and Terror

Keith Olbermann updated his timeline of the Bush Administrations use of terrorism and fear to counter bad publicity and bolster its number pre and post election. It may be coincidence but its a very disturbing trend of abuse if true and if false indicates poor investigation and decisions making on those involved on what information is made available to the press and what isn't. Either way it stinks to high hell.

Click here to view the video.

First Admendment: 1, FCC: 0

The FCC of late has been on a rampage inconsistantly appling its definition of "indencey" against the broadcast networks for the last couple years, often with big expensive fines. Or as the 4th Appeal Court judges put it, they apply their rules in "arbitrary and capricious" ways.

As a result of this the networks finally had enough and decided to fight back. Before, its was simply cheaper to pay the fine and move on but when it got capped to something like $225,000 per instance, per station, well your talking millions. What made it worse is often the "complaints" the FCC was investigating in basing its decisions where often online form letters from Focus in the Family and other organizations. Not even real consumer complaints but people who have nothing else to do but look for "unchristen" type behavior on network television.

The networks had many arguements for fighting back, the least of which was the 1st admendment. The FCC's arguements, well they came down to "hey can't use sex words on TV!" even if the context of the words had nothing to do with sex. Well the FCC lost. In effect, the FCC has been stripped of its ability to tell the networks what they can and cannot air as any attempt to fine them can just point back to this ruling. The FCC is probably going to fight this to the Supreme Court as most of their responsibilities nowadays seems to just be policing the networks. Its possible that the right leaning Supreme Court could back the FCC but even the Fox Network is against them so no telling how it will go. Either way, right now its score one for the 1st admendment. Now if only something could be done about the RIAA and MPAA.

For an excellent breakdown of the ruling by Jeff Jarvis, click here.

Apple iPhone Coming June 29th

If willing to stand in line at the crack of dawn and sign a two year contract with Cingular and pay who knows how much for a monthly plan (but I think they going to start in the $70 range), then you can have the Apple iPhone on June 29th. The first ad making this date official has hit the web.

NYT: How Class Works

The New York Times has produces this week interactive graphic that covers a person's class based on job, education, income and overall wealth. Its worth checking out.