The Core of the Conflict: RealDVD and Fair Use At the heart of this legal drama is RealDVD, a software tool that allows users to create backup copies of their DVDs on their hard drives. RealNetworks designed RealDVD with safeguards, such as encryption, to ensure the backups could not be shared or pirated. The software…
Category: Misc
When Gold Rose Above $920 on Weaker Dollar
In financial history, February 2009 stands out as a pivotal moment when gold futures breached $920 per ounce, driven largely by a weakening U.S. dollar and unsettling economic indicators. This milestone illustrates gold’s enduring role as a hedge against economic uncertainty and highlights broader market dynamics that remain relevant today. The surge in gold prices…
EPA’s Greenhouse Gas Ruling Criticized Within the Government
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has long been at the center of contentious debates about environmental policy, and its landmark rulings on greenhouse gases (GHGs) have not been exempt from scrutiny. While these rulings aim to mitigate climate change, they have faced significant criticism from within government circles. This internal pushback underscores the complexity of…
Oil, Gasoline Prices Rose Ahead of Supply Report
The global oil market in 2011 was a reflection of the intricate interplay between supply dynamics, geopolitical developments, and economic recovery. In May of that year, oil prices surged toward $60 per barrel, driven by an unexpected drop in U.S. crude inventories. The market’s reaction underscored the importance of inventory data as a barometer for…
Man Found Guilty of Stabbing Fellow Gamer 86 Times
The Tragic Consequences of Online Obsession The world of online gaming often brings people together from different parts of the world, forging friendships and communities that transcend geographic boundaries. However, in one tragic instance, the very medium that is meant to connect individuals in a shared interest led to the violent and brutal murder of…
Stress-Testing Biofuels: How the Game Was Rigged
In May 2011, while the financial world was fixated on the stress tests for fragile banks, another form of stress-testing was quietly unfolding in the environmental and agricultural arenas. These tests, mandated by the 2007 energy bill, were designed to evaluate whether biofuels like corn ethanol could help alleviate or worsen global warming. The stakes…
When Oil Approached $60 a Barrel as China Imports Rose
The oil market is a complex and interconnected global system, where shifts in demand, geopolitical developments, and economic trends can have far-reaching impacts. One of the most significant recent events in this market was when oil prices began approaching $60 per barrel, driven in part by a rise in China’s oil imports. This development not…
Why You Probably Shouldn’t Waste $5 More for Digital IMAX
The idea of an IMAX movie experience has long evoked the image of a massive screen, so large it seems to swallow you into the action. For decades, moviegoers have paid extra for this premium experience, assured that they’d be getting larger-than-life visuals and a level of immersion that couldn’t be found in a standard…
Perlman/Monaghan Graverobber Flick ‘I Sell the Dead’ Found Distributor
The 2008 indie horror-comedy I Sell the Dead, directed by Glenn McQuaid, finally found its footing in the world of distribution, thanks to a deal struck with Anchor Bay on May 25, 2011. This small yet notable film features a cast designed to appeal to fans of quirky, genre-bending narratives. With Dominic Monaghan, best known…
Wind Turbine Technology Gets Bigger and Better
The wind energy sector is undergoing a remarkable transformation, with technological advancements and innovative designs propelling the industry into a new era of efficiency and scalability. This evolution was prominently showcased at the Hannover Messe industry event, where the wind industry took center stage in Hall 27, highlighting the critical role of sustainable energy in…