Re: [scifinoir2] Scientists create organic 'molecular computer'

[Martin Baxter]

I actually wrote of something similar to this, a few centuries back. My
protagonist built a computer, using his own brain as a template, but it
worked faster because it didn't have to worry about minding the functions of
a human body. The computer was always able to outthink him at every turn,
and finally determined that it had to destroy him, because he would one day
invent a weapon that would cause billions of deaths. The way I ended the
story, the computer ended up inventing the weapon itself, and destroyed
itself in shame.

On Mon, May 10, 2010 at 11:35 PM, Mr. Worf  wrote:

>
>
> Scientists create organic 'molecular computer'
>
> By Dario Borghino 
>
> *17:37 May 10, 2010*
>  [image: Researchers have succeeded in building a molecular computer that
> can mimic the inner 
> worki...]
>
> Researchers have succeeded in building a molecular computer that can mimic
> the inner working mechanisms of the human brain
>  
> Synthesis-to-Clinic-
> www.quotientbioresearch.com
> Joining the dots for C-14 enabled early phase development
> Online IT Degree 
> w/Certs-
> www.WGU.edu
> Accredited Online Bachelors Degree Current Certs Waive up to 25%
> The Subconscious 
> Mind-
> www.QuantumJumping.com
> Learn How to Jump Into Any Reality You Desire... For Real
> Molecular Engineer 
> Degree

Re: [scifinoir2] In Mobile Age, Sound Quality Steps Back

[Martin Baxter]

Funny you should post this, Mr Worf. I read this on Wired.com yesterday, and
almost posted it.

Suck It, iPod: Meet the King of Geeky Portable Audio Devices
http://www.wired.com/reviews/product/pr_hifiman


On Tue, May 11, 2010 at 12:30 AM, Mr. Worf  wrote:

>
>
> In Mobile Age, Sound Quality Steps Back By JOSEPH PLAMBECK Published: May
> 9, 2010
>
>- Sign in to Recommend
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>   -
>
>
> 
>
> At the ripe age of 28, Jon Zimmer is sort of an old fogey. That is, he is
> obsessive about the sound quality of his music.
>   Enlarge This Image
>   Joshua Bright for The New York Times
>
> Mario Suazo, 11, listens to his iPod at the Port Authority Bus Terminal.
>  Related
>
>The 9th Annual Year in Ideas: Good Enough is the New 
> Great
>
>   Enlarge This Image
>   Joshua Bright for The New York Times
>
> An Ayre Acoustic sound system with Sonus Faber speakers at Stereo Exchange
> in Manhattan. Price: $125,000.
>   Readers' Comments
>
> Readers shared their thoughts on this article.
>
>
>- Read All Comments (184) 
> »
>
>  A onetime audio engineer who now works as a consultant for Stereo
> Exchange, an upscale audio store in Manhattan, Mr. Zimmer lights up when
> talking about high fidelity, bit rates and $10,000 loudspeakers.
>
> But iPods and compressed computer files — the most popular vehicles for
> audio today — are “sucking the life out of music,” he says.
>
> The last decade has brought an explosion in dazzling technological advances
> — including enhancements in surround sound, high definition television and
> 3-D — that have transformed the fan’s experience. There are improvements in
> the quality of media everywhere — except in music.
>
> In many ways, the quality of what people hear — how well the playback
> reflects the original sound— has taken a step back. To many expert ears,
> compressed music files produce a crackly, tinnier and thinner sound than
> music on CDs and certainly on vinyl. And to compete with other songs, tracks
> are engineered to be much louder as well.
>
> In one way, the music business has been the victim of its own technological
> success: the ease of loading songs onto a computer or an 
> iPodhas
>  meant that a generation of fans has happily traded fidelity for
> portability and convenience. This is the obstacle the industry faces in any
> effort to create higher-quality — and more expensive — ways of listening.
>
> “If people are interested in getting a better sound, there are many ways to
> do it,” Mr. Zimmer said. “But many people don’t even know that they might be
> interested.”
>
> Take Thomas Pinales, a 22-year-old from Spanish Harlem and a fan of some of
> today’s most popular artists, including Lady Gaga, Jay-Z and Lil Wayne. Mr.
> Pinales listens to his music stored on his Apple 
> iPodthrough
>  a pair of earbuds, and while he wouldn’t mind upgrading, he is no

Re: [scifinoir2] Re: Iron Man 2 - short review (no spoilers)

[Martin Baxter]

I defer to your wisdom again. Keith.

On Mon, May 10, 2010 at 6:01 PM, Keith Johnson wrote:

>
>
> Gibson might be a bit young. Fury is portrayed as older, perhaps late 40's,
> graying on the sides. Hell, after watching Lennie James tear up the screen
> as Hawkins in "Jericho", I'd put *him* in the eyepatch! He's got the
> intensity to play either mainstream or Ultimate versions.
>
>
> - Original Message -
> From: "Martin Baxter" 
> To: scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com
> Sent: Monday, May 10, 2010 4:58:33 PM GMT -05:00 US/Canada Eastern
> Subject: Re: [scifinoir2] Re: Iron Man 2 - short review (no spoilers)
>
>
>
> Keith, I could see Jackson as Fury, certainly before Fishburne. Why not
> Tyrese Gibson? He won't be playing Green Lantern (though he should be).
>
> On Mon, May 10, 2010 at 4:50 PM, Keith Johnson 
> wrote:
>
>>
>>
>> somehow I don't see Fishburne--a great actor--as Fury. I think his
>> particular brand of intensity might be a bit too coiled and controlled for
>> the former member of the Howling Commandos (I assume the Ultimate Universe
>> Fury is also a vet of WWII?) That might also be why it was said here that
>> Jackson's not the best choice for Fury as well.
>>
>> - Original Message -
>> From: "Adrianne Brennan" 
>> To: scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com
>> Sent: Monday, May 10, 2010 3:52:03 PM GMT -05:00 US/Canada Eastern
>> Subject: Re: [scifinoir2] Re: Iron Man 2 - short review (no spoilers)
>>
>>
>>
>> Yup. Just my take, though.
>>
>> ~ "Where love and magic meet" ~
>> http://www.adriannebrennan.com
>> Experience the magic of the Dark Moon series:
>> http://www.adriannebrennan.com/books.html#darkmoon
>> Dare to take The Oath in this erotic fantasy series:
>> http://www.adriannebrennan.com/books.html#the_oath
>> The future of psychic sex - Dawn of the Seraphs (m/m):
>> http://www.adriannebrennan.com/dawnoftheseraphs.html
>>
>>
>> On Mon, May 10, 2010 at 3:42 PM, Daryle Lockhart <
>> dar...@darylelockhart.com> wrote:
>>
>>>
>>>
>>> ...as Nick Fury?
>>>
>>> On May 10, 2010, at 3:26 PM, Adrianne Brennan wrote:
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> Ding! Thank you.
>>>
>>> ~ "Where love and magic meet" ~
>>> http://www.adriannebrennan.com
>>> Experience the magic of the Dark Moon series:
>>> http://www.adriannebrennan.com/books.html#darkmoon
>>> Dare to take The Oath in this erotic fantasy series:
>>> http://www.adriannebrennan.com/books.html#the_oath
>>> The future of psychic sex - Dawn of the Seraphs (m/m):
>>> http://www.adriannebrennan.com/dawnoftheseraphs.html
>>>
>>>
>>> On Mon, May 10, 2010 at 3:10 PM, Keith Johnson <
>>> keithbjohn...@comcast.net> wrote:
>>>


 You mean Lawrence Fishburne?


 - Original Message -
 From: "Adrianne Brennan" 
 To: scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com
 Sent: Monday, May 10, 2010 2:50:58 PM GMT -05:00 US/Canada Eastern
 Subject: Re: [scifinoir2] Re: Iron Man 2 - short review (no spoilers)



 Blanking on who played Morpheus in The Matrix but he would've been a
 better casting IMHO.

 ~ "Where love and magic meet" ~
 http://www.adriannebrennan.com
 Experience the magic of the Dark Moon series:
 http://www.adriannebrennan.com/books.html#darkmoon
 Dare to take The Oath in this erotic fantasy series:
 http://www.adriannebrennan.com/books.html#the_oath
 The future of psychic sex - Dawn of the Seraphs (m/m):
 http://www.adriannebrennan.com/dawnoftheseraphs.html


 On Mon, May 10, 2010 at 2:42 PM, Keith Johnson <
 keithbjohn...@comcast.net> wrote:

>
>
> Great review. I'm indifferent about Sam Jackson as Nick Fury, but it's
> obvious the Ultimate Universe guys wanted him from the start, as the
> character's facial features were modeled on Sam's face from the get-go. 
> I'd
> love to see Avery Brooks as Fury. Now, if they went back to the Caucasian
> fury of the mainstream Marvel world, I'd love to see Fury played by 
> Jeffrey
> Dean Morgan, recently of "The Losers", also The Comedian from "Watchmen".
>
> By  the way, as an odd aside dealing with characters modeled on real
> life people, have you read any of Marvel's recent series, Secret
> Invasion/Dark Reign/Seige? Wonder why Norman Osborn is so obviously 
> modeled
> on Tommy Lee Jones?
>
>
> - Original Message -
> From: "Daryle Lockhart" 
> To: scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com
> Sent: Monday, May 10, 2010 2:18:28 PM GMT -05:00 US/Canada Eastern
> Subject: Re: [scifinoir2] Re: Iron Man 2 - short review (no spoilers)
>
>
>
> Yeah count me in the "loved it"  column too.
>
> I thought Mickey Roarke was absolutely  amazing, and  considering how
> Whiplash is in the  comics...WOW what an improvement.
>
> Terence Howard in the War Machine suit would have bored me to tears.
> Cheadle rocked it. I never  believed that Tony  and Rhodey were  best
>  friends in the first film. This time, I di

Re: [scifinoir2] Designer builds 24 'rooms' in 330 square feet!

[Martin Baxter]

Way out of this man's wallet range...

On Mon, May 10, 2010 at 6:31 PM, Mr. Worf  wrote:

>
>
> There are some elements of what he has that is already available on the
> market. For example, there are several companies that make a hideabed that
> transforms from a full size or larger bed into a desk with computer. They
> are pricey though. They run from $1100-9000+ depending on the material and
> size.
>
> On Sun, May 9, 2010 at 3:57 AM, Martin Baxter wrote:
>
>>
>>
>> Wonder what he'd charge...
>>
>>
>> On Sat, May 8, 2010 at 9:31 PM, Mr. Worf  wrote:
>>
>>>
>>>
>>> This proves that with a little planning, and ingenuity you can do a lot
>>> with a small amount of space.
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f-iFJ3ncIDo&feature=player_embedded
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>
>>
>> --
>> "If all the world's a stage and we are merely players, who the bloody hell
>> wrote the script?" -- Charles E Grant
>>
>> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fQUxw9aUVik
>>
>>
>>
>
>
> --
> Celebrating 10 years of bringing diversity to perversity!
> Mahogany at: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/mahogany_pleasures_of_darkness/
>  
>



-- 
"If all the world's a stage and we are merely players, who the bloody hell
wrote the script?" -- Charles E Grant

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fQUxw9aUVik

Re: [scifinoir2] Designer builds 24 'rooms' in 330 square feet!

[Mr. Worf]

Well if you have any wood working skills you might be able to build
something. I think it just uses a simple counterweight system. The one that
they guy in Hong Kong was using probably was in the 5k range.

Have you seen the European box houses that they have for college students?
Its about the same size.

On Tue, May 11, 2010 at 4:03 AM, Martin Baxter wrote:

>
>
> Way out of this man's wallet range...
>
> On Mon, May 10, 2010 at 6:31 PM, Mr. Worf  wrote:
>
>>
>>
>> There are some elements of what he has that is already available on the
>> market. For example, there are several companies that make a hideabed that
>> transforms from a full size or larger bed into a desk with computer. They
>> are pricey though. They run from $1100-9000+ depending on the material and
>> size.
>>
>> On Sun, May 9, 2010 at 3:57 AM, Martin Baxter wrote:
>>
>>>
>>>
>>> Wonder what he'd charge...
>>>
>>>
>>> On Sat, May 8, 2010 at 9:31 PM, Mr. Worf wrote:
>>>


 This proves that with a little planning, and ingenuity you can do a lot
 with a small amount of space.



  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f-iFJ3ncIDo&feature=player_embedded




>>>
>>>
>>> --
>>> "If all the world's a stage and we are merely players, who the bloody
>>> hell wrote the script?" -- Charles E Grant
>>>
>>> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fQUxw9aUVik
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>
>>
>> --
>> Celebrating 10 years of bringing diversity to perversity!
>> Mahogany at:
>> http://groups.yahoo.com/group/mahogany_pleasures_of_darkness/
>>
>
>
>
> --
> "If all the world's a stage and we are merely players, who the bloody hell
> wrote the script?" -- Charles E Grant
>
> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fQUxw9aUVik
>
>
> 
>



-- 
Celebrating 10 years of bringing diversity to perversity!
Mahogany at: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/mahogany_pleasures_of_darkness/

Re: [scifinoir2] ABB Percussion Robot live performance

[Martin Baxter]

My first exposure to Crimson was in college, when my third roommate popped
"One More Red Nightmare" into the tape deck.

Life has never been the same for me since.

On Mon, May 10, 2010 at 6:36 PM, Mr. Worf  wrote:

>
>
> I'm familiar with Fripp's work. I would even say that he is the mad
> scientist of the electric guitar.
>
>
> On Sun, May 9, 2010 at 2:37 PM, Martin Baxter wrote:
>
>>
>>
>> Blame perfectly placed, Mr Worf. The Industry is too busy looking for what
>> it has blatantly termed "The Sound", to the detriment of creating original
>> sounds. One of my personal musical heroes Robert Fripp of King Crimson fame
>> (whom I think may be my real father, after reading his biography -- I
>> understand his thought processes because they mirror mine eerily; he even,
>> at times, refers to himself in the third person ("Fripp"), as I often do)
>> has often decried this trend.
>>
>> On Sun, May 9, 2010 at 5:16 PM, Mr. Worf  wrote:
>>
>>>
>>>
>>> That's true. Musicianship has all but disappeared in pop music. (except
>>> for country, and rock) Unfortunately, it isn't technology's fault, but the
>>> music industry.
>>>
>>>  On Sun, May 9, 2010 at 2:09 PM, Martin Baxter 
>>> wrote:
>>>


 And, sadly, Mr Worf, their artificial performers are more technically
 adept than our living performers. Can't tell you how many of today's 
 singers
 I've seen doing a "live" performance, faking playing an acoustic guitar.

 On Sun, May 9, 2010 at 3:38 PM, Mr. Worf wrote:

>
>
> With a techno beat... They have one that does improv jazz on xylophone.
> There's an interesting difference in approach between what the Japanese 
> are
> doing and the Americans. The Japanese has been creating artificial singers
> and musicians. While the Americans have been creating mostly musicians.
>
> On Sun, May 9, 2010 at 4:03 AM, Martin Baxter  > wrote:
>
>>
>>
>> Aw... now the music bots can serenade us while the attack bots
>> eviscerate us!
>>
>>
>> On Sat, May 8, 2010 at 4:56 PM, Mr. Worf wrote:
>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> A live performance with cello, a DJ/EFX man, and the ABB robot.
>>>
>>> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WTdqmkQtR78&feature=digest
>>>
>>>
>>
>>
>> --
>> "If all the world's a stage and we are merely players, who the bloody
>> hell wrote the script?" -- Charles E Grant
>>
>> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fQUxw9aUVik
>>
>>
>>
>
>
> --
> Celebrating 10 years of bringing diversity to perversity!
> Mahogany at:
> http://groups.yahoo.com/group/mahogany_pleasures_of_darkness/
>



 --
 "If all the world's a stage and we are merely players, who the bloody
 hell wrote the script?" -- Charles E Grant

 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fQUxw9aUVik



>>>
>>>
>>> --
>>> Celebrating 10 years of bringing diversity to perversity!
>>> Mahogany at:
>>> http://groups.yahoo.com/group/mahogany_pleasures_of_darkness/
>>>
>>
>>
>>
>> --
>> "If all the world's a stage and we are merely players, who the bloody hell
>> wrote the script?" -- Charles E Grant
>>
>> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fQUxw9aUVik
>>
>>
>>
>
>
> --
> Celebrating 10 years of bringing diversity to perversity!
> Mahogany at: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/mahogany_pleasures_of_darkness/
>  
>



-- 
"If all the world's a stage and we are merely players, who the bloody hell
wrote the script?" -- Charles E Grant

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fQUxw9aUVik

Re: [scifinoir2] Taking computer design to Level Eleven with Jeffrey Stephenson

[Martin Baxter]

When and where do we begin building the altar to worship him?

On Mon, May 10, 2010 at 6:33 PM, Mr. Worf  wrote:

>
>
> Taking computer design to Level Eleven with Jeffrey Stephenson
>
> By Paul Ridden 
>
> *18:21 May 7, 2010*
>  [image: The latest work from case mod specialist Jeffrey Stephenson was
> inspired by a powerful 
> gam...]
>
> The latest work from case mod specialist Jeffrey Stephenson was inspired by
> a powerful gaming machine and features the latest motherboard from VIA
> *Image 
> Gallery(22
>  images)
> *
>  Mini 
> itx-
> www.GlobalAmericanInc.com
> Free Quote on Intel Atom, AMD Desktop/Mobile Core 2 Duo Boards
> AMD Custom Built 
> PCs-
> www.CyberPowerPC.com
> Build Your Gaming PC.Instant Rebate Save $500. Free Shipping and Game
> Gaming Pc 
> Cases-
> www.Newegg.com
> Build a Custom Gaming Computer. Shop Gaming PC Cases at Newegg!
> Fanless NVIDIA ION 
> System

Re: [scifinoir2] Designer builds 24 'rooms' in 330 square feet!

[Martin Baxter]

I have seen those houses first-hand. And I'm as skilled with a hammer as I
am with putting on women's clothes.

On Tue, May 11, 2010 at 7:11 AM, Mr. Worf  wrote:

>
>
> Well if you have any wood working skills you might be able to build
> something. I think it just uses a simple counterweight system. The one that
> they guy in Hong Kong was using probably was in the 5k range.
>
> Have you seen the European box houses that they have for college students?
> Its about the same size.
>
> On Tue, May 11, 2010 at 4:03 AM, Martin Baxter wrote:
>
>>
>>
>> Way out of this man's wallet range...
>>
>> On Mon, May 10, 2010 at 6:31 PM, Mr. Worf wrote:
>>
>>>
>>>
>>> There are some elements of what he has that is already available on the
>>> market. For example, there are several companies that make a hideabed that
>>> transforms from a full size or larger bed into a desk with computer. They
>>> are pricey though. They run from $1100-9000+ depending on the material and
>>> size.
>>>
>>> On Sun, May 9, 2010 at 3:57 AM, Martin Baxter 
>>> wrote:
>>>


 Wonder what he'd charge...


 On Sat, May 8, 2010 at 9:31 PM, Mr. Worf wrote:

>
>
> This proves that with a little planning, and ingenuity you can do a lot
> with a small amount of space.
>
>
>
>  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f-iFJ3ncIDo&feature=player_embedded
>
>
>
>


 --
 "If all the world's a stage and we are merely players, who the bloody
 hell wrote the script?" -- Charles E Grant

 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fQUxw9aUVik



>>>
>>>
>>> --
>>> Celebrating 10 years of bringing diversity to perversity!
>>> Mahogany at:
>>> http://groups.yahoo.com/group/mahogany_pleasures_of_darkness/
>>>
>>
>>
>>
>> --
>> "If all the world's a stage and we are merely players, who the bloody hell
>> wrote the script?" -- Charles E Grant
>>
>> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fQUxw9aUVik
>>
>>
>>
>
>
> --
> Celebrating 10 years of bringing diversity to perversity!
> Mahogany at: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/mahogany_pleasures_of_darkness/
>  
>



-- 
"If all the world's a stage and we are merely players, who the bloody hell
wrote the script?" -- Charles E Grant

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fQUxw9aUVik

Re: [scifinoir2] SyFy Recent Marathons

[Martin Baxter]

Keith, I'm still hearing words on the whisper-stream that "Jeremiah" will be
given that. Hope so.

On Mon, May 10, 2010 at 5:58 PM, Keith Johnson wrote:

>
>
> I hear you. Whenever I'm home during the day--which is too often, alas--I
> like to catch these two shows, along with "Tru Calling" (gone too soon),
> "Jeremiah" (wish it could have been given a proper finale), and even
> "Enterprise" (much better in the picking-and-choosing of eps).
>
>
> - Original Message -
> From: "Martin Baxter" 
> To: scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com
> Sent: Monday, May 10, 2010 5:02:57 PM GMT -05:00 US/Canada Eastern
> Subject: Re: [scifinoir2] SyFy Recent Marathons
>
>
>
> Crap. Call that two marathons missed, Keith.
>
> I finally did sink myself into "Jericho" the last time it aired in a block,
> and it is well worth the run. I resisted watching it first run because I've
> noticed a tendency in myself to avoid what's hot at the moment, letting it
> cool down before taking it in on my own time.
>
> On Mon, May 10, 2010 at 2:53 PM, Keith Johnson 
> wrote:
>
>>
>>
>> The last two days, SyFy has put on good programming, and I'm sad to say
>> once again it's reruns. Yesterday they ran a "Eureka" marathon all day,
>> until well past midnight. It was lots of fun to jump in and out of the show
>> as I ran errands and stuff. Good fun time.
>> Today they're running a "Jericho" marathon. I'm struck once again by how
>> good that series was, especially since I wasn't captivated with the pilot.
>> But "Jericho" quickly grew in complexity, somehow nicely balancing that mix
>> of post-apocalyptic adventure with real life human dramas, and a realistic
>> look at how people would try to rebuild the world after a nuclear event.
>> Unlike some shows or movies where marauding armies just appear ready to do
>> battle, for example, "Jericho" realistically built through succeeding shows
>> the plot for how some towns became militaristic (leading to a war with the
>> neighbors), and how some people had to resort to becoming scavengers/robbers
>> out in the wilds. Very intelligently done.
>>
>>  I never paid much attention to the likes of Skeet Ulrich, Gerald "Simon
>> and Simon" McRainey, or some of the other lesser-known stars, but here
>> they're given the chance to show their acting chops, and all acquit
>> themselves well.  I'm always captivated by the pretty Alicia Coppola, but
>> she rarely gets good steady work. Here I like her steely, seemingly uncaring
>> start, then the journey she takes coming to love a man who she initially
>> dismissed as a rube.  Most pleasing is the pivotal role given to blacks in
>> the series, especially Lennie James' Robert Hawkins. he and his family were
>> three-dimensional characters.  Hell, even the commercial actor who sometimes
>> plays that imp on "Supernatural" gets good screentime as a deputy!
>>
>
>
>
> --
> "If all the world's a stage and we are merely players, who the bloody hell
> wrote the script?" -- Charles E Grant
>
> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fQUxw9aUVik
>
>   
>



-- 
"If all the world's a stage and we are merely players, who the bloody hell
wrote the script?" -- Charles E Grant

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fQUxw9aUVik

[scifinoir2] Is Marvels Continuity Plan Beginning To Backfire?

[Said Kakese Dibinga]

http://www.cinematical.com/2010/04/15/is-marvels-continuity-plan-beginning-to-backfire/

 
 Said Yenga Kakese Dibinga
Director General, Bayindo Group SA
POB 1782
Los Angeles, CA 90078-1782
em: s...@bayindogroup.com
skype: saiddibinga

[scifinoir2] Re: British Boy Legally Changes Name to Captain Fantastic Faster...

[Kelwyn]

Parents also do unintentionally cruel things.  We named my daughter "Clarke" 
which is her maternal grandmother's surname.  My daughter was rendered near 
mute because as a child, she could not pronounce the "K" sound and her name had 
two of them.

On the other hand, she is such a "Clarke," which means "learned woman"  that it 
would be impossible to think of her as anything else.

~rave!

--- In scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com, Tracy Curtis  wrote:
>
> Yep.  People have to think of those things when they name their kids.  But I
> guess kids will find something to target anyway.
> 
> On Mon, May 10, 2010 at 3:48 PM, Keith Johnson wrote:
> 
> >
> >
> > Thanks I spelled it wrong. I remember his sister saying kids at school used
> > to call him "Ahmet vomit".
> >
> >
> > - Original Message -
> > From: "Tracy Curtis" 
> > To: scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com
> > Sent: Monday, May 10, 2010 3:47:10 PM GMT -05:00 US/Canada Eastern
> > Subject: Re: [scifinoir2] British Boy Legally Changes Name to Captain
> >  Fantastic Faster...
> >
> >
> >
> > That's a name that may make travel difficult, and getting and Apple Store
> > app approved.
> >
> > I think the Zappa son's name is Ahmet.
> >
> >
> >
> > On Mon, May 10, 2010 at 2:19 PM, Keith Johnson wrote:
> >
> >>
> >>
> >> I think I left out another. Wasn't there a "Moon Unit" Zappa?
> >>
> >>
> >> - Original Message -
> >> From: "Keith Johnson" 
> >> To: scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com
> >> Sent: Monday, May 10, 2010 3:15:12 PM GMT -05:00 US/Canada Eastern
> >> Subject: Re: [scifinoir2] British Boy Legally Changes Name to Captain
> >> Fantastic Faster...
> >>
> >>
> >>
> >> If Tiger Woods can call himself Caublanasian, Prince can go by (Symbol),
> >> and the late Frank Zappa can name his kids Dweezel and Omit, why not?
> >>
> >>
> >> - Original Message -
> >> From: "Kelwyn" 
> >> To: scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com
> >> Sent: Monday, May 10, 2010 3:12:40 PM GMT -05:00 US/Canada Eastern
> >> Subject: [scifinoir2] British Boy Legally Changes Name to Captain
> >> Fantastic Faster...
> >>
> >>
> >>
> >> http://www.geekologie.com/2008/11/british_boy_legally_changes_na.php
> >>
> >> British Boy Legally Changes Name To 'Captain Fantastic Faster Than
> >> Superman Spiderman Batman Wolverine The Hulk And The Flash Combined'
> >>
> >> but you can call him CFFTSSBWTHATFC for short.
> >>
> >> ~rave!
> >>
> >>
> >
> >
>

[scifinoir2] Scarjo, redux

[Kelwyn]

http://blackplush.blogspot.com/2010/05/scarjo-redux-2010.html

There may be hope for the Scarjo Hotness Meter after all. After Scarlett 
Johansson tumbled from 2 to 34 in last year's Maxim Hot 100 (losing 
considerable "hotness" by marrying Ryan Reynolds) we feared for the worse but 
("hail, glory!") she has rebounded to number 14 and made the SHM respectable 
again.

Using the recalibrated SHM, where Scarjo is par for the course, the ubiquitous 
Zoe Saldana is a -11. Rihanna is a -8. Eva Mendez is a -3. Selita Ebanks is a 
+2.

Dania Ramirez +16
Jessica Alba +20
Gabrielle Union +43 

And, for the third year in a row, Halle Berry and Rosario Dawson remain so hot 
they are OFF the Scarjo Hotness Meter.

~rave!

Re: [scifinoir2] Re: British Boy Legally Changes Name to Captain Fantastic Faster...

[Tracy Curtis]

That's a really great name.  I always wanted a name that seemed weightier
than my own.

On Tue, May 11, 2010 at 9:06 AM, Kelwyn  wrote:

>
>
> Parents also do unintentionally cruel things. We named my daughter "Clarke"
> which is her maternal grandmother's surname. My daughter was rendered near
> mute because as a child, she could not pronounce the "K" sound and her name
> had two of them.
>
> On the other hand, she is such a "Clarke," which means "learned woman" that
> it would be impossible to think of her as anything else.
>
> ~rave!
>
> --- In scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com , Tracy
> Curtis  wrote:
> >
> > Yep. People have to think of those things when they name their kids. But
> I
> > guess kids will find something to target anyway.
> >
> > On Mon, May 10, 2010 at 3:48 PM, Keith Johnson wrote:
> >
> > >
> > >
> > > Thanks I spelled it wrong. I remember his sister saying kids at school
> used
> > > to call him "Ahmet vomit".
> > >
> > >
> > > - Original Message -
> > > From: "Tracy Curtis" 
> > > To: scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com 
> > > Sent: Monday, May 10, 2010 3:47:10 PM GMT -05:00 US/Canada Eastern
> > > Subject: Re: [scifinoir2] British Boy Legally Changes Name to Captain
> > > Fantastic Faster...
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > > That's a name that may make travel difficult, and getting and Apple
> Store
> > > app approved.
> > >
> > > I think the Zappa son's name is Ahmet.
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > > On Mon, May 10, 2010 at 2:19 PM, Keith Johnson  ...>wrote:
> > >
> > >>
> > >>
> > >> I think I left out another. Wasn't there a "Moon Unit" Zappa?
> > >>
> > >>
> > >> - Original Message -
> > >> From: "Keith Johnson" 
> > >> To: scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com 
> > >> Sent: Monday, May 10, 2010 3:15:12 PM GMT -05:00 US/Canada Eastern
> > >> Subject: Re: [scifinoir2] British Boy Legally Changes Name to Captain
> > >> Fantastic Faster...
> > >>
> > >>
> > >>
> > >> If Tiger Woods can call himself Caublanasian, Prince can go by
> (Symbol),
> > >> and the late Frank Zappa can name his kids Dweezel and Omit, why not?
> > >>
> > >>
> > >> - Original Message -
> > >> From: "Kelwyn" 
> > >> To: scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com 
> > >> Sent: Monday, May 10, 2010 3:12:40 PM GMT -05:00 US/Canada Eastern
> > >> Subject: [scifinoir2] British Boy Legally Changes Name to Captain
> > >> Fantastic Faster...
> > >>
> > >>
> > >>
> > >> http://www.geekologie.com/2008/11/british_boy_legally_changes_na.php
> > >>
> > >> British Boy Legally Changes Name To 'Captain Fantastic Faster Than
> > >> Superman Spiderman Batman Wolverine The Hulk And The Flash Combined'
> > >>
> > >> but you can call him CFFTSSBWTHATFC for short.
> > >>
> > >> ~rave!
> > >>
> > >>
> > >
> > >
> >
>
>  
>

[scifinoir2] Kinky Boots on IFC

[Martin Baxter]

Pardon me if anyone else has posted notice of this before. I just fell into
it, and Chiwetel Ejiofor is, as always, owning the flick. Next airing is
today at 3:50.

Kinky Boots 

-- 
"If all the world's a stage and we are merely players, who the bloody hell
wrote the script?" -- Charles E Grant

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fQUxw9aUVik

Re: [scifinoir2] Is Marvels Continuity Plan Beginning To Backfire?

[Martin Baxter]

Great post, Said!

And I truly believe that there isn't a comics company on the planet that has
a "continuity plan", even if they take out ad space to say so. Too many
writers are brought in for their flavor-of-the-moment factor, given free
rein, and chaos ensues. Said chaos logically extends to the film realm. Best
to just make the movie without trying to interleave it into another. Or, if
they have to "pass the torch", do so through literal fly-through cameos,
like Thor in a pitched battle that cuts through the middle of, say, IM3.

On Tue, May 11, 2010 at 8:58 AM, Said Kakese Dibinga
wrote:

>
>
>
> http://www.cinematical.com/2010/04/15/is-marvels-continuity-plan-beginning-to-backfire/
>
>
> Said Yenga Kakese Dibinga
> Director General, Bayindo Group SA
> POB 1782
> Los Angeles, CA 90078-1782
> em: s...@bayindogroup.com
> skype: saiddibinga
>
>
>
>
>  
>



-- 
"If all the world's a stage and we are merely players, who the bloody hell
wrote the script?" -- Charles E Grant

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fQUxw9aUVik

Re: [scifinoir2] In Mobile Age, Sound Quality Steps Back

[Keith Johnson]

It's sad to hear that some folks are getting used to lesser quality in sounds, 
though i guess I shouldn't be suprised in this fast-food, reality-show, 
crappy-moving loving time. 
As for the sound quality, I've never settled for lower quality in my music. To 
me, the idea of portable music is only the *convenience*, not the quality. 
Since digital encoding tech first became available, therefore, I've always used 
the highest possible sampling rate when I've recorded music to my hard drive or 
MP3 player. Back in the day, that meant I'd have a limited number of songs, but 
it was worth it for the quality, as I could easily tell the difference in 
quality. 

- Original Message - 
From: "Martin Baxter"  
To: scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com 
Sent: Tuesday, May 11, 2010 7:00:29 AM GMT -05:00 US/Canada Eastern 
Subject: Re: [scifinoir2] In Mobile Age, Sound Quality Steps Back 






Funny you should post this, Mr Worf. I read this on Wired.com yesterday, and 
almost posted it. 

Suck It, iPod: Meet the King of Geeky Portable Audio Devices 

http://www.wired.com/reviews/product/pr_hifiman 



On Tue, May 11, 2010 at 12:30 AM, Mr. Worf < hellomahog...@gmail.com > wrote: 








In Mobile Age, Sound Quality Steps Back 
By JOSEPH PLAMBECK 
Published: May 9, 2010 





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• Print 
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• 




At the ripe age of 28, Jon Zimmer is sort of an old fogey. That is, he is 
obsessive about the sound quality of his music. 



Enlarge This Image Joshua Bright for The New York Times 


Mario Suazo, 11, listens to his iPod at the Port Authority Bus Terminal. 
Related 


The 9th Annual Year in Ideas: Good Enough is the New Great 



Enlarge This Image Joshua Bright for The New York Times 


An Ayre Acoustic sound system with Sonus Faber speakers at Stereo Exchange in 
Manhattan. Price: $125,000. 
Readers' Comments 



Readers shared their thoughts on this article. 

• Read All Comments (184) » 


A onetime audio engineer who now works as a consultant for Stereo Exchange, an 
upscale audio store in Manhattan, Mr. Zimmer lights up when talking about high 
fidelity, bit rates and $10,000 loudspeakers. 

But iPods and compressed computer files — the most popular vehicles for audio 
today — are “sucking the life out of music,” he says. 

The last decade has brought an explosion in dazzling technological advances — 
including enhancements in surround sound, high definition television and 3-D — 
that have transformed the fan’s experience. There are improvements in the 
quality of media everywhere — except in music. 

In many ways, the quality of what people hear — how well the playback reflects 
the original sound— has taken a step back. To many expert ears, compressed 
music files produce a crackly, tinnier and thinner sound than music on CDs and 
certainly on vinyl. And to compete with other songs, tracks are engineered to 
be much louder as well. 

In one way, the music business has been the victim of its own technological 
success: the ease of loading songs onto a computer or an iPod has meant that a 
generation of fans has happily traded fidelity for portability and convenience. 
This is the obstacle the industry faces in any effort to create higher-quality 
— and more expensive — ways of listening. 

“If people are interested in getting a better sound, there are many ways to do 
it,” Mr. Zimmer said. “But many people don’t even know that they might be 
interested.” 

Take Thomas Pinales, a 22-year-old from Spanish Harlem and a fan of some of 
today’s most popular artists, including Lady Gaga, Jay-Z and Lil Wayne. Mr. 
Pinales listens to his music stored on his Apple iPod through a pair of 
earbuds, and while he wouldn’t mind upgrading, he is not convinced that it 
would be worth the cost. 

“My ears aren’t fine tuned,” he said. “I don’t know if I could really tell the 
difference.” 

The change in sound quality is as much cultural as technological. For decades, 
starting around the 1950s, high-end stereos were a status symbol. A 
high-quality system was something to show off, much like a new flat-screen TV 
today. 

But Michael Fremer, a professed audiophile who runs musicangle.com , which 
reviews albums, said that today, “a stereo has become an object of scorn.” 

The marketplace reflects that change. From 2000 to 2009, Americans reduced 
their overall spending on home stereo components by more than a third, to 
roughly $960 million, according to the Consumer Electronics Association, a 
trade group. Spending on portable digital devices during that same period 
increased more than fiftyfold, to $5.4 billion. 

“People used to sit and listen to music,” Mr. Fremer said, but the increased 
portability has altered the way people experience recorded music. “It was an

Re: [scifinoir2] SyFy Recent Marathons

[Keith Johnson]

Man I hope so! 

- Original Message - 
From: "Martin Baxter"  
To: scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com 
Sent: Tuesday, May 11, 2010 7:17:46 AM GMT -05:00 US/Canada Eastern 
Subject: Re: [scifinoir2] SyFy Recent Marathons 






Keith, I'm still hearing words on the whisper-stream that "Jeremiah" will be 
given that. Hope so. 


On Mon, May 10, 2010 at 5:58 PM, Keith Johnson < keithbjohn...@comcast.net > 
wrote: 









I hear you. Whenever I'm home during the day--which is too often, alas--I like 
to catch these two shows, along with "Tru Calling" (gone too soon), "Jeremiah" 
(wish it could have been given a proper finale), and even "Enterprise" (much 
better in the picking-and-choosing of eps). 


- Original Message - 
From: "Martin Baxter" < martinbaxt...@gmail.com > 
To: scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com 
Sent: Monday, May 10, 2010 5:02:57 PM GMT -05:00 US/Canada Eastern 
Subject: Re: [scifinoir2] SyFy Recent Marathons 







Crap. Call that two marathons missed, Keith. 

I finally did sink myself into "Jericho" the last time it aired in a block, and 
it is well worth the run. I resisted watching it first run because I've noticed 
a tendency in myself to avoid what's hot at the moment, letting it cool down 
before taking it in on my own time. 


On Mon, May 10, 2010 at 2:53 PM, Keith Johnson < keithbjohn...@comcast.net > 
wrote: 









The last two days, SyFy has put on good programming, and I'm sad to say once 
again it's reruns. Yesterday they ran a "Eureka" marathon all day, until well 
past midnight. It was lots of fun to jump in and out of the show as I ran 
errands and stuff. Good fun time. 
Today they're running a "Jericho" marathon. I'm struck once again by how good 
that series was, especially since I wasn't captivated with the pilot. But 
"Jericho" quickly grew in complexity, somehow nicely balancing that mix of 
post-apocalyptic adventure with real life human dramas, and a realistic look at 
how people would try to rebuild the world after a nuclear event. Unlike some 
shows or movies where marauding armies just appear ready to do battle, for 
example, "Jericho" realistically built through succeeding shows the plot for 
how some towns became militaristic (leading to a war with the neighbors), and 
how some people had to resort to becoming scavengers/robbers out in the wilds. 
Very intelligently done. 

I never paid much attention to the likes of Skeet Ulrich, Gerald "Simon and 
Simon" McRainey, or some of the other lesser-known stars, but here they're 
given the chance to show their acting chops, and all acquit themselves well. 
I'm always captivated by the pretty Alicia Coppola, but she rarely gets good 
steady work. Here I like her steely, seemingly uncaring start, then the journey 
she takes coming to love a man who she initially dismissed as a rube. Most 
pleasing is the pivotal role given to blacks in the series, especially Lennie 
James' Robert Hawkins. he and his family were three-dimensional characters. 
Hell, even the commercial actor who sometimes plays that imp on "Supernatural" 
gets good screentime as a deputy! 





-- 
"If all the world's a stage and we are merely players, who the bloody hell 
wrote the script?" -- Charles E Grant 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fQUxw9aUVik 







-- 
"If all the world's a stage and we are merely players, who the bloody hell 
wrote the script?" -- Charles E Grant 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fQUxw9aUVik 

Re: [scifinoir2] In Mobile Age, Sound Quality Steps Back

[Mr. Worf]

I think the problem is that like what the article mentioned, most people
cannot tell the difference between low quality and high quality without
pointing it out to them. Most of the music that is out now lacks dynamic
range anyway so the quality of sound wouldn't matter as much. (the exception
to that is a few R&B artists.) At some point music will be reduced to
"rhythmic noise."

On Tue, May 11, 2010 at 10:01 AM, Keith Johnson
wrote:

>
>
> It's sad to hear that some folks are getting used to lesser quality in
> sounds, though i guess I shouldn't be suprised in this fast-food,
> reality-show, crappy-moving loving time.
> As for the sound quality, I've never settled for lower quality in my music.
> To me, the idea of portable music is only the *convenience*, not  the
> quality. Since digital encoding tech first became available, therefore, I've
> always used the highest possible sampling rate when I've recorded music to
> my hard drive or MP3 player.  Back in the day, that meant I'd have a limited
> number of songs, but it was worth it for the quality, as I could easily tell
> the difference in quality.
>
>
> - Original Message -
> From: "Martin Baxter" 
> To: scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com
> Sent: Tuesday, May 11, 2010 7:00:29 AM GMT -05:00 US/Canada Eastern
> Subject: Re: [scifinoir2] In Mobile Age, Sound Quality Steps Back
>
>
>
> Funny you should post this, Mr Worf. I read this on Wired.com yesterday,
> and almost posted it.
>
> Suck It, iPod: Meet the King of Geeky Portable Audio Devices
> http://www.wired.com/reviews/product/pr_hifiman
>
>
> On Tue, May 11, 2010 at 12:30 AM, Mr. Worf wrote:
>
>>
>>
>> In Mobile Age, Sound Quality Steps Back By JOSEPH PLAMBECK Published: May
>> 9, 2010
>>
>>- Sign in to Recommend
>>-  Twitter
>>- comments 
>> (184)
>>- Sign In to 
>> E-Mail
>>- 
>> Print
>>-  
>> Reprints
>>- 
>> Share
>>
>> Close
>>   - 
>> Linkedin
>>   - 
>> Digg
>>   - 
>> Facebook
>>   - 
>> Mixx
>>   - 
>> MySpace
>>   - Yahoo! 
>> Buzz
>>   - 
>> Permalink
>>   -
>>
>>
>> 
>>
>> At the ripe age of 28, Jon Zimmer is sort of an old fogey. That is, he is
>> obsessive about the sound quality of his music.
>>   Enlarge This Image
>>   Joshua Bright for The New York Times
>>
>> Mario Suazo, 11, listens to his iPod at the Port Authority Bus Terminal.
>>  Related
>>
>>The 9th Annual Year in Ideas: Good Enough is the New 
>> Great
>>
>>   Enlarge This Image
>>   Joshua Bright for The New York Times
>>
>> An Ayre Acoustic sound system with Sonus Faber speakers at Stereo Exchange
>> in Manhattan. Price: $125,000.
>>   Readers' Comments
>>
>> Readers shared their thoughts on this article.
>>
>>
>>- Read All Comments (184) 
>> »
>>
>>  A onetime audio engineer who now works as a consultant for Stereo
>> Exchange, an upscale audio store in Manhattan, Mr. Zimmer lights up when
>> talking about high fidelity, bit rates and $10,000 loudspeakers.
>>
>> But iPods and compressed computer files — the most popular vehicles for
>> audio today — are “sucking the life out of music,” he says.
>>
>> The last decade has brought an explosion in dazzling technological
>> advances — including enhancements in surround sound, high definition
>> television and 3-D — that have transformed the fan’s experience. There are
>> improvements in the quality of media everywhere — except in music.
>>
>> In many ways, th

Re: [scifinoir2] Kinky Boots on IFC

[Mr. Worf]

I've seen it a few times and have put it on my magic negro list. :)

On Tue, May 11, 2010 at 9:23 AM, Martin Baxter wrote:

>
>
> Pardon me if anyone else has posted notice of this before. I just fell into
> it, and Chiwetel Ejiofor is, as always, owning the flick. Next airing is
> today at 3:50.
>
> Kinky Boots 
>
> --
> "If all the world's a stage and we are merely players, who the bloody hell
> wrote the script?" -- Charles E Grant
>
> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fQUxw9aUVik
>
>
> 




-- 
Celebrating 10 years of bringing diversity to perversity!
Mahogany at: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/mahogany_pleasures_of_darkness/

Re: [scifinoir2] Taking computer design to Level Eleven with Jeffrey Stephenson

[Mr. Worf]

You should see some of the other case modders out there. There are some very
interesting designer ideas that range from beautiful to the pinnacle of high
tech.

On Tue, May 11, 2010 at 4:05 AM, Martin Baxter wrote:

>
>
> When and where do we begin building the altar to worship him?
>
>
> On Mon, May 10, 2010 at 6:33 PM, Mr. Worf  wrote:
>
>>
>>
>> Taking computer design to Level Eleven with Jeffrey Stephenson
>>
>> By Paul Ridden 
>>
>> *18:21 May 7, 2010*
>>  [image: The latest work from case mod specialist Jeffrey Stephenson was
>> inspired by a powerful 
>> gam...]
>>
>> The latest work from case mod specialist Jeffrey Stephenson was inspired
>> by a powerful gaming machine and features the latest motherboard from VIA
>> *Image 
>> Gallery(22
>>  images)
>> *
>>  Mini 
>> itx-
>> www.GlobalAmericanInc.com
>> Free Quote on Intel Atom, AMD Desktop/Mobile Core 2 Duo Boards
>> AMD Custom Built 
>> PCs-
>> www.CyberPowerPC.com
>> Build Your Gaming PC.Instant Rebate Save $500. Free Shipping and Game
>> Gaming Pc 
>> Cases-
>> www.Newegg.com
>> Build a Custom Gaming Computer. Shop Gaming PC Cases at Newegg!
>> Fanless NVIDIA ION 
>> System

Re: [scifinoir2] Designer builds 24 'rooms' in 330 square feet!

[Mr. Worf]

Have you ever tried to put together something from ikea before?

On Tue, May 11, 2010 at 4:13 AM, Martin Baxter wrote:

>
>
> I have seen those houses first-hand. And I'm as skilled with a hammer as I
> am with putting on women's clothes.
>
>
> On Tue, May 11, 2010 at 7:11 AM, Mr. Worf  wrote:
>
>>
>>
>> Well if you have any wood working skills you might be able to build
>> something. I think it just uses a simple counterweight system. The one that
>> they guy in Hong Kong was using probably was in the 5k range.
>>
>> Have you seen the European box houses that they have for college students?
>> Its about the same size.
>>
>> On Tue, May 11, 2010 at 4:03 AM, Martin Baxter 
>> wrote:
>>
>>>
>>>
>>> Way out of this man's wallet range...
>>>
>>> On Mon, May 10, 2010 at 6:31 PM, Mr. Worf wrote:
>>>


 There are some elements of what he has that is already available on the
 market. For example, there are several companies that make a hideabed that
 transforms from a full size or larger bed into a desk with computer. They
 are pricey though. They run from $1100-9000+ depending on the material and
 size.

 On Sun, May 9, 2010 at 3:57 AM, Martin Baxter 
 wrote:

>
>
> Wonder what he'd charge...
>
>
> On Sat, May 8, 2010 at 9:31 PM, Mr. Worf wrote:
>
>>
>>
>> This proves that with a little planning, and ingenuity you can do a
>> lot with a small amount of space.
>>
>>
>>
>>  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f-iFJ3ncIDo&feature=player_embedded
>>
>>
>>
>>
>
>
> --
> "If all the world's a stage and we are merely players, who the bloody
> hell wrote the script?" -- Charles E Grant
>
> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fQUxw9aUVik
>
>
>


 --
 Celebrating 10 years of bringing diversity to perversity!
 Mahogany at:
 http://groups.yahoo.com/group/mahogany_pleasures_of_darkness/

>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> --
>>> "If all the world's a stage and we are merely players, who the bloody
>>> hell wrote the script?" -- Charles E Grant
>>>
>>> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fQUxw9aUVik
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>
>>
>> --
>> Celebrating 10 years of bringing diversity to perversity!
>> Mahogany at:
>> http://groups.yahoo.com/group/mahogany_pleasures_of_darkness/
>>
>
>
>
> --
> "If all the world's a stage and we are merely players, who the bloody hell
> wrote the script?" -- Charles E Grant
>
> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fQUxw9aUVik
>
>
> 
>



-- 
Celebrating 10 years of bringing diversity to perversity!
Mahogany at: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/mahogany_pleasures_of_darkness/

[scifinoir2] Playboy 'readers' get 3-D centerfold in June issue

[Mr. Worf]

Playboy 'readers' get 3-D centerfold in June issue

By DON BABWIN (AP) – 2 hours ago

CHICAGO — Playboy readers who can only imagine what it would look like if a
centerfold jumped right off the page are getting new specs to help them see
into Hef's world.

The magazine's June edition hits newsstands Friday equipped with 3-D
glasses. Now the toy that has kids dodging dragons, meatballs and tall blue
aliens at the movies will help adults focus on what is, at first glance, a
very blurry Playmate of the Year.

"What would people most like to see in 3-D?" asked Playboy founder Hugh
Hefner. "Probably a naked lady."

Hefner makes no secret of hoping to capitalize on the popularity of 3-D
movies such as "Avatar" and "How to Train Your Dragon," even as he makes no
secret of not quite getting what all the fuss is about.

"I'm not a huge enthusiast of 3-D," he said in a telephone interview. "I
leave real life to go to the movies and 2-D is fine with me."

If the thought of grown men sitting back in their recliners with a pair of
3-D glasses doesn't quite say "Playboy," it should be noted that a few
months ago the magazine put Marge Simpson — yes, the blue-haired animated
mother of Bart — on the cover and in a two-page centerfold.

"In today's print environment you have to create newsstand events," said the
editorial director of the Chicago-based magazine, Jimmy Jellinek. "Marge
Simpson was one of those."

Playboy certainly must do something to get more people, especially younger
people, to buy a magazine that has seen circulation plummet from 3.15
million in 2006 to 1.5 million today.

Jellinek said he hopes the issue featuring centerfold Hope Dworaczyk in 3-D
also reminds people that for all the infatuation with the Internet, there is
nothing quite like having a magazine in your hands.

"People want things that last and have meaning," he said.

The thought hadn't occurred to Hefner. But, now that you mention it:

"This particular picture is one example of how books and magazines are
different (than computer images)," he said. "You can hold it in your hands,
save them, and as Dad used to, put them under the mattress."

Hefner notes there also are plenty of good old-fashioned 2-D pictures of
Dworaczyk — the 51st Playmate of the Year, for those counting at home.

3-D may be all the rage, but Hefner said he first thought of using it when
he launched his magazine in the 1950s.

"I actually signed a photographer to shoot two nude women in 3-D in
Chicago," he said. But he scrapped the idea when he discovered how expensive
it would be to include the glasses.

This time around, HBO is helping out. HBO wanted a creative way to promote
its show "True Blood," and having Playboy include 3-D glasses with the
show's name on them seemed a good way to do it, said Playboy spokeswoman
Theresa Hennessey.

So, do the glasses work? Well, it does kind of look like Dworaczyk is
handing you the wine glass she's holding. And she says the photograph makes
everything a little, well, bigger.

"It's kind of like it says on the rearview mirror," Dworaczyk joked. "Things
may appear larger."

Copyright © 2010 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.


-- 
Celebrating 10 years of bringing diversity to perversity!
Mahogany at: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/mahogany_pleasures_of_darkness/

Re: [scifinoir2] Kinky Boots on IFC

[Martin Baxter]

I guess it would qualify as that, Mr Worf. Personally, I just enjoy the ride
too much to notice that.

On Tue, May 11, 2010 at 2:43 PM, Mr. Worf  wrote:

>
>
> I've seen it a few times and have put it on my magic negro list. :)
>
> On Tue, May 11, 2010 at 9:23 AM, Martin Baxter wrote:
>
>>
>>
>> Pardon me if anyone else has posted notice of this before. I just fell
>> into it, and Chiwetel Ejiofor is, as always, owning the flick. Next airing
>> is today at 3:50.
>>
>> Kinky Boots 
>>
>> --
>> "If all the world's a stage and we are merely players, who the bloody hell
>> wrote the script?" -- Charles E Grant
>>
>> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fQUxw9aUVik
>>
>>
>>
>
>
> --
> Celebrating 10 years of bringing diversity to perversity!
> Mahogany at: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/mahogany_pleasures_of_darkness/
>  
>



-- 
"If all the world's a stage and we are merely players, who the bloody hell
wrote the script?" -- Charles E Grant

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fQUxw9aUVik

Re: [scifinoir2] Designer builds 24 'rooms' in 330 square feet!

[Martin Baxter]

Helped once. Had an easier time with integration-by-parts. (For those who've
lived through it, my apologies for reopening old wounds. For those who
haven't, this -- a classmate of mine in college had a nervous breakdown
trying to master them. Seriously.)

On Tue, May 11, 2010 at 3:00 PM, Mr. Worf  wrote:

>
>
> Have you ever tried to put together something from ikea before?
>
>
> On Tue, May 11, 2010 at 4:13 AM, Martin Baxter wrote:
>
>>
>>
>> I have seen those houses first-hand. And I'm as skilled with a hammer as I
>> am with putting on women's clothes.
>>
>>
>> On Tue, May 11, 2010 at 7:11 AM, Mr. Worf wrote:
>>
>>>
>>>
>>> Well if you have any wood working skills you might be able to build
>>> something. I think it just uses a simple counterweight system. The one that
>>> they guy in Hong Kong was using probably was in the 5k range.
>>>
>>> Have you seen the European box houses that they have for college
>>> students? Its about the same size.
>>>
>>> On Tue, May 11, 2010 at 4:03 AM, Martin Baxter 
>>> wrote:
>>>


 Way out of this man's wallet range...

 On Mon, May 10, 2010 at 6:31 PM, Mr. Worf wrote:

>
>
> There are some elements of what he has that is already available on the
> market. For example, there are several companies that make a hideabed that
> transforms from a full size or larger bed into a desk with computer. They
> are pricey though. They run from $1100-9000+ depending on the material and
> size.
>
> On Sun, May 9, 2010 at 3:57 AM, Martin Baxter  > wrote:
>
>>
>>
>> Wonder what he'd charge...
>>
>>
>> On Sat, May 8, 2010 at 9:31 PM, Mr. Worf wrote:
>>
>>>
>>>
>>> This proves that with a little planning, and ingenuity you can do a
>>> lot with a small amount of space.
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f-iFJ3ncIDo&feature=player_embedded
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>
>>
>> --
>> "If all the world's a stage and we are merely players, who the bloody
>> hell wrote the script?" -- Charles E Grant
>>
>> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fQUxw9aUVik
>>
>>
>>
>
>
> --
> Celebrating 10 years of bringing diversity to perversity!
> Mahogany at:
> http://groups.yahoo.com/group/mahogany_pleasures_of_darkness/
>



 --
 "If all the world's a stage and we are merely players, who the bloody
 hell wrote the script?" -- Charles E Grant

 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fQUxw9aUVik



>>>
>>>
>>> --
>>> Celebrating 10 years of bringing diversity to perversity!
>>> Mahogany at:
>>> http://groups.yahoo.com/group/mahogany_pleasures_of_darkness/
>>>
>>
>>
>>
>> --
>> "If all the world's a stage and we are merely players, who the bloody hell
>> wrote the script?" -- Charles E Grant
>>
>> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fQUxw9aUVik
>>
>>
>>
>
>
> --
> Celebrating 10 years of bringing diversity to perversity!
> Mahogany at: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/mahogany_pleasures_of_darkness/
>  
>



-- 
"If all the world's a stage and we are merely players, who the bloody hell
wrote the script?" -- Charles E Grant

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fQUxw9aUVik

Re: [scifinoir2] Taking computer design to Level Eleven with Jeffrey Stephenson

[Martin Baxter]

Mr Worf, most of the stuff I've seen has been in the steampunk mode. Love it
all, regardless. Wish I could afford to get one.

On Tue, May 11, 2010 at 2:55 PM, Mr. Worf  wrote:

>
>
> You should see some of the other case modders out there. There are some
> very interesting designer ideas that range from beautiful to the pinnacle of
> high tech.
>
> On Tue, May 11, 2010 at 4:05 AM, Martin Baxter wrote:
>
>>
>>
>> When and where do we begin building the altar to worship him?
>>
>>
>> On Mon, May 10, 2010 at 6:33 PM, Mr. Worf wrote:
>>
>>>
>>>
>>> Taking computer design to Level Eleven with Jeffrey Stephenson
>>>
>>> By Paul Ridden 
>>>
>>> *18:21 May 7, 2010*
>>>  [image: The latest work from case mod specialist Jeffrey Stephenson was
>>> inspired by a powerful 
>>> gam...]
>>>
>>> The latest work from case mod specialist Jeffrey Stephenson was inspired
>>> by a powerful gaming machine and features the latest motherboard from VIA
>>> *Image 
>>> Gallery(22
>>>  images)
>>> *
>>>  Mini 
>>> itx-
>>> www.GlobalAmericanInc.com
>>> Free Quote on Intel Atom, AMD Desktop/Mobile Core 2 Duo Boards
>>> AMD Custom Built 
>>> PCs-
>>> www.CyberPowerPC.com
>>> Build Your Gaming PC.Instant Rebate Save $500. Free Shipping and Game
>>> Gaming Pc 
>>> Cases-
>>> www.Newegg.com
>>> Build a Custom Gaming Computer. Shop Gaming PC Cases at Newegg!
>>> Fanless NVIDIA ION 
>>> System

Re: [scifinoir2] In Mobile Age, Sound Quality Steps Back

[Martin Baxter]

Keith, when I first began picking p digital music, I went for the lowest
rates, not knowing any better. After listening to the resulting travesty
that should've been the Stevie Wonder masterpiece "Another Star", I've
selected "highest" right off the bat every time since.

On Tue, May 11, 2010 at 1:01 PM, Keith Johnson wrote:

>
>
> It's sad to hear that some folks are getting used to lesser quality in
> sounds, though i guess I shouldn't be suprised in this fast-food,
> reality-show, crappy-moving loving time.
> As for the sound quality, I've never settled for lower quality in my music.
> To me, the idea of portable music is only the *convenience*, not  the
> quality. Since digital encoding tech first became available, therefore, I've
> always used the highest possible sampling rate when I've recorded music to
> my hard drive or MP3 player.  Back in the day, that meant I'd have a limited
> number of songs, but it was worth it for the quality, as I could easily tell
> the difference in quality.
>
>
> - Original Message -
> From: "Martin Baxter" 
> To: scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com
> Sent: Tuesday, May 11, 2010 7:00:29 AM GMT -05:00 US/Canada Eastern
> Subject: Re: [scifinoir2] In Mobile Age, Sound Quality Steps Back
>
>
>
> Funny you should post this, Mr Worf. I read this on Wired.com yesterday,
> and almost posted it.
>
> Suck It, iPod: Meet the King of Geeky Portable Audio Devices
> http://www.wired.com/reviews/product/pr_hifiman
>
>
> On Tue, May 11, 2010 at 12:30 AM, Mr. Worf wrote:
>
>>
>>
>> In Mobile Age, Sound Quality Steps Back By JOSEPH PLAMBECK Published: May
>> 9, 2010
>>
>>- Sign in to Recommend
>>-  Twitter
>>- comments 
>> (184)
>>- Sign In to 
>> E-Mail
>>- 
>> Print
>>-  
>> Reprints
>>- 
>> Share
>>
>> Close
>>   - 
>> Linkedin
>>   - 
>> Digg
>>   - 
>> Facebook
>>   - 
>> Mixx
>>   - 
>> MySpace
>>   - Yahoo! 
>> Buzz
>>   - 
>> Permalink
>>   -
>>
>>
>> 
>>
>> At the ripe age of 28, Jon Zimmer is sort of an old fogey. That is, he is
>> obsessive about the sound quality of his music.
>>   Enlarge This Image
>>   Joshua Bright for The New York Times
>>
>> Mario Suazo, 11, listens to his iPod at the Port Authority Bus Terminal.
>>  Related
>>
>>The 9th Annual Year in Ideas: Good Enough is the New 
>> Great
>>
>>   Enlarge This Image
>>   Joshua Bright for The New York Times
>>
>> An Ayre Acoustic sound system with Sonus Faber speakers at Stereo Exchange
>> in Manhattan. Price: $125,000.
>>   Readers' Comments
>>
>> Readers shared their thoughts on this article.
>>
>>
>>- Read All Comments (184) 
>> »
>>
>>  A onetime audio engineer who now works as a consultant for Stereo
>> Exchange, an upscale audio store in Manhattan, Mr. Zimmer lights up when
>> talking about high fidelity, bit rates and $10,000 loudspeakers.
>>
>> But iPods and compressed computer files — the most popular vehicles for
>> audio today — are “sucking the life out of music,” he says.
>>
>> The last decade has brought an explosion in dazzling technological
>> advances — including enhancements in surround sound, high definition
>> television and 3-D — that have transformed the fan’s experience. There are
>> improvements in the quality of media everywhere — except in music.
>>
>> In many ways, the quality of what people hear — how well the playback
>> reflects the original sound— has taken a step back. To 

Re: [scifinoir2] SyFy Recent Marathons

[Martin Baxter]

If I hear anything, you'll be the first with the news.

On Tue, May 11, 2010 at 1:02 PM, Keith Johnson wrote:

>
>
> Man I hope so!
>
>
> - Original Message -
> From: "Martin Baxter" 
> To: scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com
> Sent: Tuesday, May 11, 2010 7:17:46 AM GMT -05:00 US/Canada Eastern
> Subject: Re: [scifinoir2] SyFy Recent Marathons
>
>
>
> Keith, I'm still hearing words on the whisper-stream that "Jeremiah" will
> be given that. Hope so.
>
> On Mon, May 10, 2010 at 5:58 PM, Keith Johnson 
> wrote:
>
>>
>>
>> I hear you. Whenever I'm home during the day--which is too often, alas--I
>> like to catch these two shows, along with "Tru Calling" (gone too soon),
>> "Jeremiah" (wish it could have been given a proper finale), and even
>> "Enterprise" (much better in the picking-and-choosing of eps).
>>
>>
>> - Original Message -
>> From: "Martin Baxter" 
>> To: scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com
>> Sent: Monday, May 10, 2010 5:02:57 PM GMT -05:00 US/Canada Eastern
>> Subject: Re: [scifinoir2] SyFy Recent Marathons
>>
>>
>>
>> Crap. Call that two marathons missed, Keith.
>>
>> I finally did sink myself into "Jericho" the last time it aired in a
>> block, and it is well worth the run. I resisted watching it first run
>> because I've noticed a tendency in myself to avoid what's hot at the moment,
>> letting it cool down before taking it in on my own time.
>>
>> On Mon, May 10, 2010 at 2:53 PM, Keith Johnson > > wrote:
>>
>>>
>>>
>>> The last two days, SyFy has put on good programming, and I'm sad to say
>>> once again it's reruns. Yesterday they ran a "Eureka" marathon all day,
>>> until well past midnight. It was lots of fun to jump in and out of the show
>>> as I ran errands and stuff. Good fun time.
>>> Today they're running a "Jericho" marathon. I'm struck once again by how
>>> good that series was, especially since I wasn't captivated with the pilot.
>>> But "Jericho" quickly grew in complexity, somehow nicely balancing that mix
>>> of post-apocalyptic adventure with real life human dramas, and a realistic
>>> look at how people would try to rebuild the world after a nuclear event.
>>> Unlike some shows or movies where marauding armies just appear ready to do
>>> battle, for example, "Jericho" realistically built through succeeding shows
>>> the plot for how some towns became militaristic (leading to a war with the
>>> neighbors), and how some people had to resort to becoming scavengers/robbers
>>> out in the wilds. Very intelligently done.
>>>
>>>  I never paid much attention to the likes of Skeet Ulrich, Gerald "Simon
>>> and Simon" McRainey, or some of the other lesser-known stars, but here
>>> they're given the chance to show their acting chops, and all acquit
>>> themselves well.  I'm always captivated by the pretty Alicia Coppola, but
>>> she rarely gets good steady work. Here I like her steely, seemingly uncaring
>>> start, then the journey she takes coming to love a man who she initially
>>> dismissed as a rube.  Most pleasing is the pivotal role given to blacks in
>>> the series, especially Lennie James' Robert Hawkins. he and his family were
>>> three-dimensional characters.  Hell, even the commercial actor who sometimes
>>> plays that imp on "Supernatural" gets good screentime as a deputy!
>>>
>>
>>
>>
>> --
>> "If all the world's a stage and we are merely players, who the bloody hell
>> wrote the script?" -- Charles E Grant
>>
>> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fQUxw9aUVik
>>
>>
>
>
> --
> "If all the world's a stage and we are merely players, who the bloody hell
> wrote the script?" -- Charles E Grant
>
> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fQUxw9aUVik
>
>   
>



-- 
"If all the world's a stage and we are merely players, who the bloody hell
wrote the script?" -- Charles E Grant

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fQUxw9aUVik

Re: [scifinoir2] In Mobile Age, Sound Quality Steps Back

[Keith Johnson]

Agreed, but I think it's in how we raise our kids. They can listen to the 
latest pop stuff all they want, but if they're given a solid introduction to 
better music--based on truly talented instrumental and vocal 
performances--they'll carry that with them. A good example is the refreshing 
crop of younger R&B artists like Neo and others who are actually vocally gifted 
in addition to being able to put on a show. 

- Original Message - 
From: "Mr. Worf"  
To: scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com 
Sent: Tuesday, May 11, 2010 2:41:56 PM GMT -05:00 US/Canada Eastern 
Subject: Re: [scifinoir2] In Mobile Age, Sound Quality Steps Back 






I think the problem is that like what the article mentioned, most people cannot 
tell the difference between low quality and high quality without pointing it 
out to them. Most of the music that is out now lacks dynamic range anyway so 
the quality of sound wouldn't matter as much. (the exception to that is a few 
R&B artists.) At some point music will be reduced to "rhythmic noise." 


On Tue, May 11, 2010 at 10:01 AM, Keith Johnson < keithbjohn...@comcast.net > 
wrote: 






It's sad to hear that some folks are getting used to lesser quality in sounds, 
though i guess I shouldn't be suprised in this fast-food, reality-show, 
crappy-moving loving time. 
As for the sound quality, I've never settled for lower quality in my music. To 
me, the idea of portable music is only the *convenience*, not the quality. 
Since digital encoding tech first became available, therefore, I've always used 
the highest possible sampling rate when I've recorded music to my hard drive or 
MP3 player. Back in the day, that meant I'd have a limited number of songs, but 
it was worth it for the quality, as I could easily tell the difference in 
quality. 




- Original Message - 
From: "Martin Baxter" < martinbaxt...@gmail.com > 
To: scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com 
Sent: Tuesday, May 11, 2010 7:00:29 AM GMT -05:00 US/Canada Eastern 
Subject: Re: [scifinoir2] In Mobile Age, Sound Quality Steps Back 






Funny you should post this, Mr Worf. I read this on Wired.com yesterday, and 
almost posted it. 

Suck It, iPod: Meet the King of Geeky Portable Audio Devices 

http://www.wired.com/reviews/product/pr_hifiman 



On Tue, May 11, 2010 at 12:30 AM, Mr. Worf < hellomahog...@gmail.com > wrote: 








In Mobile Age, Sound Quality Steps Back 
By JOSEPH PLAMBECK 
Published: May 9, 2010 





• Sign in to Recommend 
• Twitter 
• comments (184) 
• Sign In to E-Mail 
• Print 
• Reprints 
• Share Close 
• Linkedin 
• Digg 
• Facebook 
• Mixx 
• MySpace 
• Yahoo! Buzz 
• Permalink 
• 




At the ripe age of 28, Jon Zimmer is sort of an old fogey. That is, he is 
obsessive about the sound quality of his music. 



Enlarge This Image Joshua Bright for The New York Times 


Mario Suazo, 11, listens to his iPod at the Port Authority Bus Terminal. 
Related 


The 9th Annual Year in Ideas: Good Enough is the New Great 



Enlarge This Image Joshua Bright for The New York Times 


An Ayre Acoustic sound system with Sonus Faber speakers at Stereo Exchange in 
Manhattan. Price: $125,000. 
Readers' Comments 



Readers shared their thoughts on this article. 

• Read All Comments (184) » 


A onetime audio engineer who now works as a consultant for Stereo Exchange, an 
upscale audio store in Manhattan, Mr. Zimmer lights up when talking about high 
fidelity, bit rates and $10,000 loudspeakers. 

But iPods and compressed computer files — the most popular vehicles for audio 
today — are “sucking the life out of music,” he says. 

The last decade has brought an explosion in dazzling technological advances — 
including enhancements in surround sound, high definition television and 3-D — 
that have transformed the fan’s experience. There are improvements in the 
quality of media everywhere — except in music. 

In many ways, the quality of what people hear — how well the playback reflects 
the original sound— has taken a step back. To many expert ears, compressed 
music files produce a crackly, tinnier and thinner sound than music on CDs and 
certainly on vinyl. And to compete with other songs, tracks are engineered to 
be much louder as well. 

In one way, the music business has been the victim of its own technological 
success: the ease of loading songs onto a computer or an iPod has meant that a 
generation of fans has happily traded fidelity for portability and convenience. 
This is the obstacle the industry faces in any effort to create higher-quality 
— and more expensive — ways of listening. 

“If people are interested in getting a better sound, there are many ways to do 
it,” Mr. Zimmer said. “But many people don’t even know that they might be 
interested.” 

Take Thomas Pinales, a 22-year-old from Spanish Harlem and a fan of some of 
today’s most popular artists, including Lady Gaga, Jay-Z and Lil Wayne. Mr. 
Pinales lis

Re: [scifinoir2] In Mobile Age, Sound Quality Steps Back

[Mr. Worf]

I think also it is as the article mentioned a de-emphasis on quality
equipment. So instead of quality sound devices we get mediocre playback of
low quality small sound files that result in lousy audio quality.

On Tue, May 11, 2010 at 2:54 PM, Keith Johnson wrote:

>
>
> Agreed, but I think it's in how we raise our kids. They can listen to the
> latest pop stuff all they want, but if they're given a solid introduction to
> better music--based on truly talented instrumental and vocal
> performances--they'll carry that with them. A good example is the refreshing
> crop of younger R&B artists like Neo and others who are actually vocally
> gifted in addition to being able to put on a show.
>
> - Original Message -
> From: "Mr. Worf" 
> To: scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com
> Sent: Tuesday, May 11, 2010 2:41:56 PM GMT -05:00 US/Canada Eastern
> Subject: Re: [scifinoir2] In Mobile Age, Sound Quality Steps Back
>
>
>
> I think the problem is that like what the article mentioned, most people
> cannot tell the difference between low quality and high quality without
> pointing it out to them. Most of the music that is out now lacks dynamic
> range anyway so the quality of sound wouldn't matter as much. (the exception
> to that is a few R&B artists.) At some point music will be reduced to
> "rhythmic noise."
>
> On Tue, May 11, 2010 at 10:01 AM, Keith Johnson  > wrote:
>
>>
>>
>> It's sad to hear that some folks are getting used to lesser quality in
>> sounds, though i guess I shouldn't be suprised in this fast-food,
>> reality-show, crappy-moving loving time.
>> As for the sound quality, I've never settled for lower quality in my
>> music. To me, the idea of portable music is only the *convenience*, not  the
>> quality. Since digital encoding tech first became available, therefore, I've
>> always used the highest possible sampling rate when I've recorded music to
>> my hard drive or MP3 player.  Back in the day, that meant I'd have a limited
>> number of songs, but it was worth it for the quality, as I could easily tell
>> the difference in quality.
>>
>>
>> - Original Message -
>> From: "Martin Baxter" 
>> To: scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com
>> Sent: Tuesday, May 11, 2010 7:00:29 AM GMT -05:00 US/Canada Eastern
>> Subject: Re: [scifinoir2] In Mobile Age, Sound Quality Steps Back
>>
>>
>>
>> Funny you should post this, Mr Worf. I read this on Wired.com yesterday,
>> and almost posted it.
>>
>> Suck It, iPod: Meet the King of Geeky Portable Audio Devices
>> http://www.wired.com/reviews/product/pr_hifiman
>>
>>
>> On Tue, May 11, 2010 at 12:30 AM, Mr. Worf wrote:
>>
>>>
>>>
>>> In Mobile Age, Sound Quality Steps Back By JOSEPH PLAMBECK Published:
>>> May 9, 2010
>>>
>>>- Sign in to Recommend
>>>-  Twitter
>>>- comments 
>>> (184)
>>>- Sign In to 
>>> E-Mail
>>>- 
>>> Print
>>>-  
>>> Reprints
>>>- 
>>> Share
>>>
>>> Close
>>>   - 
>>> Linkedin
>>>   - 
>>> Digg
>>>   - 
>>> Facebook
>>>   - 
>>> Mixx
>>>   - 
>>> MySpace
>>>   - Yahoo! 
>>> Buzz
>>>   - 
>>> Permalink
>>>   -
>>>
>>>
>>> 
>>>
>>> At the ripe age of 28, Jon Zimmer is sort of an old fogey. That is, he is
>>> obsessive about the sound quality of his music.
>>>   Enlarge This Image
>>>   Joshua Bright for The New York Times
>>>
>>> Mario Suazo, 11, listens to his iPod at the Port Authority Bus Terminal.
>>>  Related
>>>
>>>The 9th Annual Year in Ideas: Good Enough is the New 
>>> Great
>>>
>>>   Enlarge This Image
>>>   Joshua Bright

[scifinoir2] A Really Good Ep of "The Deadliest Warrior"

[Keith Johnson]

Tonight's "The Deadliest Warrior" is one of the best I've seen yet. For one 
thing, I like the fact that it dealt with two warriors little discussed (in the 
US, anyway): the Aztec Jaguar, and the Central African Zande. Both sides used 
interesting weapons. I particularly like the Zande long range weapon, the 
Kpinga. This metal blade carried a hell of a wallop, and was configured so that 
it could kill from a number of protrusions. It even had the ability to go 
*around* a shield and kill, due to remaining angular momentum based on its 
shape. Also cool was the Aztec Maquahuitl, 
a kind of flat heavy club lined along the edge with sharp obsidian like some 
kind of primitive chain saw. The guy testing the Maquahuitl was able to hack 
off a simulated horse's head with three swings. Amazing. I'd forgotten that 
obsidian, properly sharpened, can actually be *sharper* than a razor or even a 
metal scalpel! Here's a list of the weapons in tonight's show: 
http://www.spike.com/blog/deadliest-warrior/95351 

As much as I love some of the more modern or stylized weapons and fightings 
(Shaolin monks, Medieval knights), there's something primal and visceral about 
the weapons and fighting styles these two warriors used. I mean, these guys are 
demonstrating decapitations, eviscerations: brutal and direct. Great stuff. It 
was especially good when the Zende warrior, in defiance of the Aztecs who'd 
just made a big deal of cutting a man's heart out with a knife, decapitated his 
dummy, then bent over and put his *mouth* in the bloody stump! 

I love this show--much to my poor wife's chagrin. Every time a weapon pierces 
those plastic models, and the red dye pours out, or every time the warriors 
take to a side of beef or pig like a mad dog, I'm uttering savage yells, while 
the wife is averting her eyes, going "ewww!" or shaking her head while looking 
at me sidelong. 

Re: [scifinoir2] In Mobile Age, Sound Quality Steps Back

[Keith Johnson]

Right, and people stick with those crappy earbuds, which can render even high 
quality sound mediocre in the listening. I use some Phillips earphones that 
have a hole on the side away from the eardrums to provide a bass boost. I 
didn't pay much attention to it until, trying to save money, I tested a cheaper 
pair of standard earphones in the store: the sound was weak and tinny, really 
pitiful! Even though my music is sampled at high bitrates, it made it sound 
like crap. 

- Original Message - 
From: "Mr. Worf"  
To: scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com 
Sent: Tuesday, May 11, 2010 11:22:40 PM GMT -05:00 US/Canada Eastern 
Subject: Re: [scifinoir2] In Mobile Age, Sound Quality Steps Back 






I think also it is as the article mentioned a de-emphasis on quality equipment. 
So instead of quality sound devices we get mediocre playback of low quality 
small sound files that result in lousy audio quality. 


On Tue, May 11, 2010 at 2:54 PM, Keith Johnson < keithbjohn...@comcast.net > 
wrote: 






Agreed, but I think it's in how we raise our kids. They can listen to the 
latest pop stuff all they want, but if they're given a solid introduction to 
better music--based on truly talented instrumental and vocal 
performances--they'll carry that with them. A good example is the refreshing 
crop of younger R&B artists like Neo and others who are actually vocally gifted 
in addition to being able to put on a show. 

- Original Message - 
From: "Mr. Worf" < hellomahog...@gmail.com > 
To: scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com 
Sent: Tuesday, May 11, 2010 2:41:56 PM GMT -05:00 US/Canada Eastern 
Subject: Re: [scifinoir2] In Mobile Age, Sound Quality Steps Back 






I think the problem is that like what the article mentioned, most people cannot 
tell the difference between low quality and high quality without pointing it 
out to them. Most of the music that is out now lacks dynamic range anyway so 
the quality of sound wouldn't matter as much. (the exception to that is a few 
R&B artists.) At some point music will be reduced to "rhythmic noise." 


On Tue, May 11, 2010 at 10:01 AM, Keith Johnson < keithbjohn...@comcast.net > 
wrote: 






It's sad to hear that some folks are getting used to lesser quality in sounds, 
though i guess I shouldn't be suprised in this fast-food, reality-show, 
crappy-moving loving time. 
As for the sound quality, I've never settled for lower quality in my music. To 
me, the idea of portable music is only the *convenience*, not the quality. 
Since digital encoding tech first became available, therefore, I've always used 
the highest possible sampling rate when I've recorded music to my hard drive or 
MP3 player. Back in the day, that meant I'd have a limited number of songs, but 
it was worth it for the quality, as I could easily tell the difference in 
quality. 




- Original Message - 
From: "Martin Baxter" < martinbaxt...@gmail.com > 
To: scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com 
Sent: Tuesday, May 11, 2010 7:00:29 AM GMT -05:00 US/Canada Eastern 
Subject: Re: [scifinoir2] In Mobile Age, Sound Quality Steps Back 






Funny you should post this, Mr Worf. I read this on Wired.com yesterday, and 
almost posted it. 

Suck It, iPod: Meet the King of Geeky Portable Audio Devices 

http://www.wired.com/reviews/product/pr_hifiman 



On Tue, May 11, 2010 at 12:30 AM, Mr. Worf < hellomahog...@gmail.com > wrote: 








In Mobile Age, Sound Quality Steps Back 
By JOSEPH PLAMBECK 
Published: May 9, 2010 





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• Twitter 
• comments (184) 
• Sign In to E-Mail 
• Print 
• Reprints 
• Share Close 
• Linkedin 
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• MySpace 
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• Permalink 
• 




At the ripe age of 28, Jon Zimmer is sort of an old fogey. That is, he is 
obsessive about the sound quality of his music. 



Enlarge This Image Joshua Bright for The New York Times 


Mario Suazo, 11, listens to his iPod at the Port Authority Bus Terminal. 
Related 


The 9th Annual Year in Ideas: Good Enough is the New Great 



Enlarge This Image Joshua Bright for The New York Times 


An Ayre Acoustic sound system with Sonus Faber speakers at Stereo Exchange in 
Manhattan. Price: $125,000. 
Readers' Comments 



Readers shared their thoughts on this article. 

• Read All Comments (184) » 


A onetime audio engineer who now works as a consultant for Stereo Exchange, an 
upscale audio store in Manhattan, Mr. Zimmer lights up when talking about high 
fidelity, bit rates and $10,000 loudspeakers. 

But iPods and compressed computer files — the most popular vehicles for audio 
today — are “sucking the life out of music,” he says. 

The last decade has brought an explosion in dazzling technological advances — 
including enhancements in surround sound, high definition television and 3-D — 
that have transformed the fan’s experience. There are improvements in the 
quality of media everywhere — except in music. 

Re: [scifinoir2] In Mobile Age, Sound Quality Steps Back

[Mr. Worf]

Even something simple as headphones can make a big difference. The school
gave us all a pair of pricey headphones to mix sound with when I started
there. They have incredible low end response that you wouldn't hear at all
with earbuds or low end regular headphones. I would say they easily make up
at least 30% of the sound quality.

Right now we have the best, cleanest sound reproduction equipment in the
history of mankind and we are not taking advantage of it.

Side note, a few years ago the techno band Orbital did a concert tour where
the performance was done in 5.1 surround sound with 24bit/192k sound
reproduction. Some people said that it sounded so clear that it was almost
distracting because it made you want to sit and listen to the music.

On Tue, May 11, 2010 at 8:45 PM, Keith Johnson wrote:

>
>
> Right, and people stick with those crappy earbuds, which can render even
> high quality sound mediocre in the listening.  I use some Phillips earphones
> that have a hole on the side away from the eardrums to provide a bass boost.
> I didn't pay much attention to it until, trying to save money, I tested a
> cheaper pair of standard earphones in the store: the sound was weak and
> tinny, really pitiful! Even though my music is sampled at high bitrates, it
> made it sound like crap.
>
> - Original Message -
> From: "Mr. Worf" 
> To: scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com
> Sent: Tuesday, May 11, 2010 11:22:40 PM GMT -05:00 US/Canada Eastern
> Subject: Re: [scifinoir2] In Mobile Age, Sound Quality Steps Back
>
>
>
> I think also it is as the article mentioned a de-emphasis on quality
> equipment. So instead of quality sound devices we get mediocre playback of
> low quality small sound files that result in lousy audio quality.
>
> On Tue, May 11, 2010 at 2:54 PM, Keith Johnson 
> wrote:
>
>>
>>
>> Agreed, but I think it's in how we raise our kids. They can listen to the
>> latest pop stuff all they want, but if they're given a solid introduction to
>> better music--based on truly talented instrumental and vocal
>> performances--they'll carry that with them. A good example is the refreshing
>> crop of younger R&B artists like Neo and others who are actually vocally
>> gifted in addition to being able to put on a show.
>>
>> - Original Message -
>> From: "Mr. Worf" 
>> To: scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com
>> Sent: Tuesday, May 11, 2010 2:41:56 PM GMT -05:00 US/Canada Eastern
>> Subject: Re: [scifinoir2] In Mobile Age, Sound Quality Steps Back
>>
>>
>>
>> I think the problem is that like what the article mentioned, most people
>> cannot tell the difference between low quality and high quality without
>> pointing it out to them. Most of the music that is out now lacks dynamic
>> range anyway so the quality of sound wouldn't matter as much. (the exception
>> to that is a few R&B artists.) At some point music will be reduced to
>> "rhythmic noise."
>>
>> On Tue, May 11, 2010 at 10:01 AM, Keith Johnson <
>> keithbjohn...@comcast.net> wrote:
>>
>>>
>>>
>>> It's sad to hear that some folks are getting used to lesser quality in
>>> sounds, though i guess I shouldn't be suprised in this fast-food,
>>> reality-show, crappy-moving loving time.
>>> As for the sound quality, I've never settled for lower quality in my
>>> music. To me, the idea of portable music is only the *convenience*, not  the
>>> quality. Since digital encoding tech first became available, therefore, I've
>>> always used the highest possible sampling rate when I've recorded music to
>>> my hard drive or MP3 player.  Back in the day, that meant I'd have a limited
>>> number of songs, but it was worth it for the quality, as I could easily tell
>>> the difference in quality.
>>>
>>>
>>> - Original Message -
>>> From: "Martin Baxter" 
>>> To: scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com
>>> Sent: Tuesday, May 11, 2010 7:00:29 AM GMT -05:00 US/Canada Eastern
>>> Subject: Re: [scifinoir2] In Mobile Age, Sound Quality Steps Back
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> Funny you should post this, Mr Worf. I read this on Wired.com yesterday,
>>> and almost posted it.
>>>
>>> Suck It, iPod: Meet the King of Geeky Portable Audio Devices
>>> http://www.wired.com/reviews/product/pr_hifiman
>>>
>>>
>>> On Tue, May 11, 2010 at 12:30 AM, Mr. Worf wrote:
>>>


 In Mobile Age, Sound Quality Steps Back By JOSEPH PLAMBECK Published:
 May 9, 2010

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 (184)
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 E-Mail
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 Print
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 Share
>>

Re: [scifinoir2] A Really Good Ep of "The Deadliest Warrior"

[Mr. Worf]

Thanks for the reminder Keith! I wanted to catch this particular episode.

On Tue, May 11, 2010 at 8:41 PM, Keith Johnson wrote:

>
>
> Tonight's "The Deadliest Warrior" is one of the best I've seen yet. For one
> thing, I like the fact that it dealt with two warriors little discussed (in
> the US, anyway): the Aztec Jaguar, and the Central African Zande.   Both
> sides used interesting weapons. I particularly like the Zande long range
> weapon, the Kpinga. This metal blade carried a hell of a wallop, and was
> configured so that it could kill from a number of protrusions. It even had
> the ability to go *around* a shield and kill, due to remaining angular
> momentum based on its shape. Also cool was the Aztec *Maquahuitl,
> a kind of flat heavy club lined along the edge with sharp obsidian like
> some kind of primitive chain saw. The guy testing the Maquahuitl was able to
> hack off a simulated horse's head with three swings. Amazing. I'd forgotten
> that obsidian, properly sharpened, can actually be *sharper* than a razor or
> even a metal scalpel!  Here's a list of the weapons in tonight's show:   *
> *http://www.spike.com/blog/deadliest-warrior/95351*
> *
> As much as I love some of the more modern or stylized weapons and fightings
> (Shaolin monks, Medieval knights), there's something primal and visceral
> about the weapons and fighting styles these two warriors used. I mean, these
> guys are demonstrating decapitations, eviscerations: brutal and direct.
> Great stuff. It was especially good when the Zende warrior, in defiance of
> the Aztecs who'd just made a big deal of cutting a man's heart out with a
> knife, decapitated his dummy, then bent over and put his *mouth* in the
> bloody stump!
>
> I love this show--much to my poor wife's chagrin. Every time a weapon
> pierces those plastic models, and the red dye pours out, or every time the
> warriors take to a side of beef or pig like a mad dog, I'm uttering savage
> yells, while the wife is averting her eyes, going "ewww!" or shaking her
> head while looking at me sidelong.
>
>
> *
>
>
> 




-- 
Celebrating 10 years of bringing diversity to perversity!
Mahogany at: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/mahogany_pleasures_of_darkness/

[scifinoir2] Re: A Really Good Ep of "The Deadliest Warrior"

[B Smith]

One of my faves as well and the right team won. The Azande weapons were awesome.

--- In scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com, "Mr. Worf"  wrote:
>
> Thanks for the reminder Keith! I wanted to catch this particular episode.
> 
> On Tue, May 11, 2010 at 8:41 PM, Keith Johnson wrote:
> 
> >
> >
> > Tonight's "The Deadliest Warrior" is one of the best I've seen yet. For one
> > thing, I like the fact that it dealt with two warriors little discussed (in
> > the US, anyway): the Aztec Jaguar, and the Central African Zande.   Both
> > sides used interesting weapons. I particularly like the Zande long range
> > weapon, the Kpinga. This metal blade carried a hell of a wallop, and was
> > configured so that it could kill from a number of protrusions. It even had
> > the ability to go *around* a shield and kill, due to remaining angular
> > momentum based on its shape. Also cool was the Aztec *Maquahuitl,
> > a kind of flat heavy club lined along the edge with sharp obsidian like
> > some kind of primitive chain saw. The guy testing the Maquahuitl was able to
> > hack off a simulated horse's head with three swings. Amazing. I'd forgotten
> > that obsidian, properly sharpened, can actually be *sharper* than a razor or
> > even a metal scalpel!  Here's a list of the weapons in tonight's show:   *
> > *http://www.spike.com/blog/deadliest-warrior/95351*
> > *
> > As much as I love some of the more modern or stylized weapons and fightings
> > (Shaolin monks, Medieval knights), there's something primal and visceral
> > about the weapons and fighting styles these two warriors used. I mean, these
> > guys are demonstrating decapitations, eviscerations: brutal and direct.
> > Great stuff. It was especially good when the Zende warrior, in defiance of
> > the Aztecs who'd just made a big deal of cutting a man's heart out with a
> > knife, decapitated his dummy, then bent over and put his *mouth* in the
> > bloody stump!
> >
> > I love this show--much to my poor wife's chagrin. Every time a weapon
> > pierces those plastic models, and the red dye pours out, or every time the
> > warriors take to a side of beef or pig like a mad dog, I'm uttering savage
> > yells, while the wife is averting her eyes, going "ewww!" or shaking her
> > head while looking at me sidelong.
> >
> >
> > *
> >
> >
> > 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> -- 
> Celebrating 10 years of bringing diversity to perversity!
> Mahogany at: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/mahogany_pleasures_of_darkness/
>

[scifinoir2] Infamous Comic Book Movie Recastings

[Mr. Worf]

Infamous Comic Book Movie Recastings by Albert Ching, Newsarama · May 11,
2010

Terrence Howard  and Don
Cheadle  both starred
in "Crash " and have both
been nominated for the Best Actor Academy Award. Thanks to "Iron Man
2"
out domestically this past Friday, their careers are now linked even closer.


In "Iron Man 2," Cheadle takes over the role of James Rhodes -- Iron Man's
ally -- played by Howard in the original 2008 feature.

Other than complete reboots, like the 2008 version of "The Incredible
Hulk"
with Edward Norton wiping the slate clean five years after Eric Bana's Hulk,
this type of recasting in mid-franchise is relatively rare in comic book
movies.
Here's a look at a few times when it did happen, and whether or not it was
the right move.

*Character:* Rachel Dawes
*Actor:* Katie Holmes
in "Batman
Begins " (2005); later played
by Maggie Gyllenhaal
in "The
Dark Knight " (2008).

"Batman Begins" came out at the height of media furor over the Katie
Holmes/Tom Cruise relationship - just one month after Cruise infamously
jumped on Oprah Winfrey's couch. All that tabloid attention distracted a bit
from the film, but critics didn't think much of the "Dawson's Creek" alum's
performance, which even earned a Razzie nomination for "Worst Supporting
Actress." Maggie Gyllenhaal stepped in for the sequel, and was much better
received, as was the movie itself, making over a billion dollars worldwide
and becoming the highest grossing comic book film of all time.

*Character: * Harvey Dent
*Actor:* Billy Dee
Williamsin "
Batman " (1989); later
played by Tommy Lee
Jonesin "Batman
Forever " (1995).

Much has been made over the three actors (Michael Keaton, Val Kilmer, George
Clooney) that played Batman in four films from 1989 to 1997. But the role of
Harvey Dent, the district attorney destined to become super-villain
Two-Face, also switched. Billy Dee Williams portrayed Dent in the 1989
"Batman" with the plan then for him to play Two-Face in a future film.
Things changed after Joel Schumacher took over the franchise with "Batman
Forever" and cast Tommy Lee Jones as Two-Face. The movie made money but was
widely panned, and Jones was considered a Joker ripoff - plus, fans were
denied seeing the novelty of seeing the guy who played Lando Calrissian in
the original "Star Wars" trilogy as another genre icon.

*Character:* Kitty Pryde
*Actor:* Sumela Kay in "
X-Men " (2000); later played
by Katie Stuart  in "X2:
X-Men United " (2003), and Ellen
Page  in "X-Men: The
Last Stand " (2006).

Fan favorite "X-Men" character Kitty Pryde showed up in the first three
"X-Men" films, and was played by a different actor each time. The character
doesn't have much more than a cameo in the first two films, but sees a
greatly expanded role in the third, played by Ellen Page and considerably
more sassy -- something she honed to perfection a year later in "Juno".
Oddly enough, all three actors are Canadian.

*Character:* Abe Sapien
*Actor:* David Hyde
Piercein "
Hellboy " (2004); later
played by Doug Jones
in "Hellboy
II: The Golden Army " (2008).


This is a tricky one. Doug Jones physically performed the role of Hellboy's
merman cohort Abe Sapien in both films, but was voiced by David Hyde Pierce
-- yep, Niles from "Frasier" -- in the original. A contortionist, Jones has
played several silent roles, and finally got to use his own voice in the
"Hellboy" sequel -- ultimately, though, the two actors' voices sounded
pretty much the same.


-- 
Celebrating 10 years of bringing diversity to perversity!
Mahogany at: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/mahogany_pleasures_of_darkness/

Re: [scifinoir2] In Mobile Age, Sound Quality Steps Back

[Justin Mohareb]

The more things change, the more HiFi afficionados come across as dbags.

Justin

On Tue, May 11, 2010 at 12:30 AM, Mr. Worf  wrote:
>
>
>
> In Mobile Age, Sound Quality Steps Back
>
> By JOSEPH PLAMBECK
>
> Published: May 9, 2010
>
> Sign in to Recommend
> Twitter
> comments (184)
> Sign In to E-Mail
> Print
> Reprints
> ShareClose
>
> Linkedin
> Digg
> Facebook
> Mixx
> MySpace
> Yahoo! Buzz
> Permalink
>
> At the ripe age of 28, Jon Zimmer is sort of an old fogey. That is, he is 
> obsessive about the sound quality of his music.
>
> Enlarge This Image
>
> Joshua Bright for The New York Times
>
> Mario Suazo, 11, listens to his iPod at the Port Authority Bus Terminal.
>
> Related
>
> The 9th Annual Year in Ideas: Good Enough is the New Great
>
> Enlarge This Image
>
> Joshua Bright for The New York Times
>
> An Ayre Acoustic sound system with Sonus Faber speakers at Stereo Exchange in 
> Manhattan. Price: $125,000.
>
> Readers' Comments
>
> Readers shared their thoughts on this article.
>
> Read All Comments (184) »
>
> A onetime audio engineer who now works as a consultant for Stereo Exchange, 
> an upscale audio store in Manhattan, Mr. Zimmer lights up when talking about 
> high fidelity, bit rates and $10,000 loudspeakers.
>
> But iPods and compressed computer files — the most popular vehicles for audio 
> today — are “sucking the life out of music,” he says.
>
> The last decade has brought an explosion in dazzling technological advances — 
> including enhancements in surround sound, high definition television and 3-D 
> — that have transformed the fan’s experience. There are improvements in the 
> quality of media everywhere — except in music.
>
> In many ways, the quality of what people hear — how well the playback 
> reflects the original sound— has taken a step back. To many expert ears, 
> compressed music files produce a crackly, tinnier and thinner sound than 
> music on CDs and certainly on vinyl. And to compete with other songs, tracks 
> are engineered to be much louder as well.
>
> In one way, the music business has been the victim of its own technological 
> success: the ease of loading songs onto a computer or an iPod has meant that 
> a generation of fans has happily traded fidelity for portability and 
> convenience. This is the obstacle the industry faces in any effort to create 
> higher-quality — and more expensive — ways of listening.
>
> “If people are interested in getting a better sound, there are many ways to 
> do it,” Mr. Zimmer said. “But many people don’t even know that they might be 
> interested.”
>
> Take Thomas Pinales, a 22-year-old from Spanish Harlem and a fan of some of 
> today’s most popular artists, including Lady Gaga, Jay-Z and Lil Wayne. Mr. 
> Pinales listens to his music stored on his Apple iPod through a pair of 
> earbuds, and while he wouldn’t mind upgrading, he is not convinced that it 
> would be worth the cost.
>
> “My ears aren’t fine tuned,” he said. “I don’t know if I could really tell 
> the difference.”
>
> The change in sound quality is as much cultural as technological. For 
> decades, starting around the 1950s, high-end stereos were a status symbol. A 
> high-quality system was something to show off, much like a new flat-screen TV 
> today.
>
> But Michael Fremer, a professed audiophile who runs musicangle.com, which 
> reviews albums, said that today, “a stereo has become an object of scorn.”
>
> The marketplace reflects that change. From 2000 to 2009, Americans reduced 
> their overall spending on home stereo components by more than a third, to 
> roughly $960 million, according to the Consumer Electronics Association, a 
> trade group. Spending on portable digital devices during that same period 
> increased more than fiftyfold, to $5.4 billion.
>
> “People used to sit and listen to music,” Mr. Fremer said, but the increased 
> portability has altered the way people experience recorded music. “It was an 
> activity. It is no longer consumed as an event that you pay attention to.”
>
> Instead, music is often carried from place to place, played in the background 
> while the consumer does something else — exercising, commuting or cooking 
> dinner.
>
> The songs themselves are usually saved on the digital devices in a compressed 
> format, often as an AAC or MP3 file. That compression shrinks the size of the 
> file, eliminating some of the sounds and range contained on a CD while 
> allowing more songs to be saved on the device and reducing download times.
>
> Even if music companies and retailers like the iTunes Store, which opened in 
> April 2003, wanted to put an emphasis on sound quality, they faced technical 
> limitations at the start, not to mention economic ones.
>
> “It would have been very difficult for the iTunes Store to launch with 
> high-quality files if it took an hour to download a single song,” said David 
> Dorn, a senior vice president at Rhino Entertainment, a division of Warner 
> Music that specializes in high-quality r