around the corner PC World - Software giant has failed to comply with the terms of its March 2004 ruling, EC says. World - a realm or domain: the animal world; the world of imagination.. There is a old saying sony removes Dutch PSP ads seen as racist
(AP) AP - Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. has removed billboards for the new white version of its PlayStation Portable video game player following complaints of racism, the company said. Sony also apologized. Dutch - archaic. A Germanic people. This is worth your time also another Overhyped Weak Link Between Video Games And Violence qkslvr writes in with the latest academic research claiming to show the link between video games and violence. Amusingly, it claims this is the “first” study to prove video games desensitizes people to real-life violence. There are a few problems with this. First, it’s not the first study to claim such a thing. Just seven months ago, we linked to a study that made nearly identical claims. And, second, it doesn’t actually seem to prove that at all. Just like the last study, all it really showed is that (shockingly!), people get slightly (and perhaps temporarily) desensitized if they see two similar things in a row. If you see a lot of violence, seeing more violence isn’t going to get your heart rate pumping nearly as much. That’s not surprising at all. That’s barely a finding worth reporting. That doesn’t even remotely suggest that because your heart rate doesn’t beat as fast, you’re now going to run out and start attacking people. However, that doesn’t stop the folks who did this study from spinning it into being a much bigger deal. They claim that seeing violence makes people “numb” to it, as if they don’t care about violence they might participate in. Most people know the difference between real violence and fake violence on the screen. That’s why youth violence keeps dropping as video game violence becomes more popular.

But, the researchers don’t stop there. They want everyone to know that this is a big problem, claiming that violent media is “a powerful desensitization intervention on a global level.” The researchers then go in for the (figurative!) kill: “It (marketing of video game media) initially is packaged in ways that are not too threatening, with cute cartoon-like characters, a total absence of blood and gore, and other features that make the overall experience a pleasant one. That arouses positive emotional reactions that are incongruent with normal negative reactions to violence. Older children consume increasingly threatening and realistic violence, but the increases are gradual and always in a way that is fun. In short, the modern entertainment media landscape could accurately be described as an effective systematic violence desensitization tool.”

Unfortunately, their study shows none of that (and seems to paint video game marketing with an unfairly broad brush that doesn’t seem particularly accurate). All it shows is that if you’ve been playing violent video games, immediately afterwards if you watch some violence on TV, it doesn’t get your heart pumping nearly as much. They don’t bother to look at how long this lasts. They don’t bother to look at how it actually impacts how the person feels about violence… and they certainly don’t look at how this makes the individual act. They don’t bother to see how people would react to real violence happening in front of them (only TV violence from movies and TV shows). All they note is that the violence isn’t as shocking. That’s like saying if I was listening to loud music for a while and then put on more loud music, it wouldn’t be as shocking as if I simply turned on loud music after listening to quiet music. There’s nothing surprising, or even worrying there, but that doesn’t stop the researchers from blowing it out of proportion in a way that will surely be misused by those with a political agenda. Link - a unit in a transportation or communications system. More information might help you throwing Away Privacy In The Blink Of An Eye While we’re on the topic of folks in Congress being inconsistent in their views, Declan McCullough has written up a piece questioning Representative Joe Barton on privacy issues. He’s repeatedly fought hard for privacy rights and making sure that individuals’ data are secure, but as soon as the election season “for the children” pandering started, he was one of the first in line. His proposal is to require ISPs to retain data for the sake of tracking down child pornographers and child predators. That’s a noble goal, obviously, but it raises a lot of questions about why ISPs need to be burdened and (more importantly) why everyone else’s privacy must be weakened. As McCullough notes, once that data is out there, it will be used for a lot more than just tracking down child predators. Whether or not the law allows for it, the rights to protect that data will continually erode. At the same time, just having that data available means that those who have access to it (or figure out how to have access to it) will misuse it or lose it. That’s practically guaranteed. So, for someone so interested in protecting our privacy, it seems that Rep. Barton is working hard to wipe out an awful lot of privacy in one simple move. Throwing - the maximum displacement of a machine part moved by another part, such as a crank or cam. I also heard that %keyword%

regardless of this information

AP - The company responsible for introducing millions of people to the Internet is poised to undergo a transformation that would likely accelerate its decline as a gatekeeper of access to the information superhighway.

. Gamble - a bet, wager, or other gambling venture. I also noted that; matsushita to sell record 103-inch plasma TVs
(Reuters)

Reuters - Matsushita Electric Industrial Co. Ltd.
(6752.T), the maker of Panasonic brand electronics, said on
Monday it hoped to start selling the world's largest plasma
television by early next year.

. Sell - something that sells or gains acceptance in a particular way: Their program to raise taxes will be a difficult sell.. More information might help you biometric group sues Microsoft, IBM alleging patent infringement
(AFP)

AFP - A Utah-based company, International Automated Systems Inc., has said that it was suing Microsoft, IBM and "others" for alleged patent infringements related to its biometric technology.

. Patent - a grant made by a government that confers upon the creator of an invention the sole right to make, use, and sell that invention for a set period of
time. I also heard that %keyword%

Maybe this might confuse you InfoWorld - Sun Microsystems on Wednesday will release the second beta version of Java Standard Edition (Java SE) 6 and add database and visual development to the Java developer kit. Release - the condition of being available, in use, or in publication: a movie in wide release.. Maybe this could help microsoft takes on Apple with Zune digital player
(Reuters)

Reuters - Microsoft Corp. officials for the
first time have confirmed that the software giant is readying a
portable music player and integrated service, shedding new
light on a topic that has fueled rampant speculation in news
reports and blog postings for weeks.

. Apple - the fruit of any of these plants. On another note: time Warner to unveil fix for ailing Internet unit AOL
(AFP)

AFP - Time Warner, the global media leader, on Wednesday will take the wraps off plans for ailing Internet unit AOL, which may include shedding subscriber access fees seen as blocking advertising revenue.

read on to check out what awaits you

around the corner AP - Japan needs to improve Internet acces and other mobile network systems to boost efficiency, creativity and productivity and overcome challenges posed by the aging and shrinking of its population, a government report said. Others have talked about microsoft Confrms Zune for iTunes
(NewsFactor) NewsFactor - Microsoft has confirmed weeks of rumors that it will launch an iPod-like portable music player, and its name will be Zune. We could also look at these things google Launches Checkouts Payment System
(PC World) PC World - Online payment service will be more comprehensive than early reports had suggested. World - a part of the earth and its inhabitants as known at a given period in history: the ancient world. wow… this is such a great idea

Also we can say this This one has been all over the internet since the weekend, but since it was submitted by more people than have ever submitted a story to Techdirt, we might as well post it for the three or four of you who might have missed it. In defending his vote against network neutrality legislation, Senator Ted Stevens (the same man who once wanted to blame file sharing networks for porn) gave an amusing layman’s definition of how the internet works, and why net neutrality is bad: “I just the other day got, an internet was sent by my staff at 10 o’clock in the morning on Friday and I just got it yesterday. Why? Because it got tangled up with all these things going on the internet commercially… They want to deliver vast amounts of information over the internet. And again, the internet is not something you just dump something on. It’s not a truck.

It’s a series of tubes.

And if you don’t understand those tubes can be filled and if they are filled, when you put your message in, it gets in line and its going to be delayed by anyone that puts into that tube enormous amounts of material, enormous amounts of material.”

Of course, you can sort of understand what he’s trying to say. In fact, as you read his explanation, you can probably back into what someone told him, and how his brain reinterpreted it into what he said. So, despite the folks using this as additional evidence that Congress doesn’t get it, that’s somewhat pointless. We already know that many members of Congress have no clue what they’re talking about when it comes to technology. Instead, why not just use the good Senator’s own actions and statements against himself. In that link above, he talks about why government regulation of the internet is a bad thing: “The regulatory approach is wrong,” are his exact words. If that’s the case, why was the exact same Senator so damn eager to regulate all aspects of cable TV last year, saying that the FCC needs to crack down on cable indecency — even though the law is pretty clear that the FCC has no jurisdiction over privately built cable lines? Once again, it seems we’ve caught Senator Ted Stevens contradicting himself. It’s one thing not to understand the basic technology that you’re trying to regulate (or not). But, is it so much to ask that the good Senator try to be internally consistent on whether or not regulating these networks is good or bad?. Going - the condition underfoot as it affects one’s headway in walking or riding: Once we left the trail the going was rough.. Need help finding more information? eU: Microsoft to face more fines
(AP) AP - The European Commission will levy more fines against software maker Microsoft Corp. because it has not complied with an EU antitrust order to share information with rivals, Competition Commissioner Neelie Kroes said Thursday. More - a large quantity or amount: Much has been written.. What a wonderfull idea nortel, Microsoft form ’strategic alliance’ to grow Internet talk
(AFP)

AFP - Nortel and Microsoft Corp. have announced a new partnership to sell new combined technologies to facilitate email, instant messaging, telephone calls and more via the Internet.

. Talk - empty speech or unnecessary discussion: much talk and no action. I also heard that %keyword%

if you could also check this out A few weeks ago we noted that famous anti-trust lawyer Gary Reback was pushing the courts to look into whether or not the big telcos broke the law in getting their various mergers approved. It appears those efforts have paid off. Federal District Judge Emmet Sullivan has now asked the Department of Justice for more info, noting that to his untrained eyes, the mergers definitely seem harmful to competition and the market — so he’d like some more info on why they were approved. This could certainly get interesting pretty quickly. While it seems unlikely that he’d be able to turn back the clock and break up the mergers, it could lead to additional restrictions on the companies. Unfortunately, that might be the worst of both worlds, with the companies merged, but with the government (or the courts) trying to come up with the best way to create competition. Judge - one who judges, especially: One who makes estimates as to worth, quality, or fitness: a good judge of used cars; a poor judge of character.. I heard a rumour unlocking the Promise of Web 2.0
(NewsFactor) NewsFactor - The Internet is evolving. Whereas once it served mostly as a conduit for data, today the World Wide Web is turning into something more akin to a giant operating system, an immense interactive platform on which full-blown applications run in your browser and collaboration occurs in real time. Promise - a declaration assuring that one will or will not do something; a vow. I also heard these things jobs refuses pay for Disney board service
(AP)

AP - Apple Computer Inc. chief executive Steve Jobs has asked not to be paid the $65,000 annual salary he is entitled to as the newest bourd member of The Walt Disney Co.

I also heard that %keyword%

and if you would also note TechWeb - Sun’s new Opteron-based Sun Fire servers are speed-demons. But will they threaten the company’s existing Sparc-based line?. Challenge - an act or statement of defiance; a call to confrontation: a challenge to the government’s authority.. I also noted that; lG hopes phone will sweeten its outlook
(FT.com) FT.com - Can LG Electronics’ new mobile phone, dubbed “Chocolate”, be the “Razr Killer” as the world’s fourth-largest handset maker hopes?. Hopes - archaic. Trust; confidence. Maybe this might help apple-Microsoft MP3 battle could transform market: analysts
(AFP)

AFP - Microsoft will strive to reshape the global portable digital entertainment market in its bid to unseat Apple’s iPod as the leading MP3 player, analysts said.

. Market - an exchange for buying and selling stocks or commodities: securities sold on the New York market. I also heard that %keyword%

On the other hand Reuters - Wired magazine, the publication
that helped popularize the Internet craze during the 1990s, is
poised to recover the online business it lost when the company
was divided in half eight years ago. Site - the place where a structure or group of structures was, is, or is to be located: a good site for the school.. This also saved me time putting It All Together
(BusinessWeek Online) BusinessWeek Online - Every year cell-phone makers, eager to get you and your pals to trade in that old clunker for a new handset, roll out a host of gee-whiz features. One year it’s a phone that snaps pictures or plays music. The next it’s a handset slim enough to slip into your pocket. Over the past few months video has become the latest hyped feature to light up the (very) small screen. Putting - sports. An act of putting the shot. On a that note free Web Browser May Give You More Than You Asked For
(PC World) PC World - Security firm Panda Software says that Browsezilla secretly visits pornographic Web sites if you use the browser. World - a state of existence: the next world.. My friends also told me that toshiba delays sale of 1st HD DVD recorder
(AP) AP - Toshiba Corp. said Thursday it will postpone the sale of the first recorder for HD DVD high-definition video discs because of a production delay. Sale - gross receipts. This is also worth to check out

Anyhow NewsFactor - In its nearly 11 years of existence, the auction site eBay has come a long way from its early days as a souped-up online flea market. Thanks to its anyone-can-sell business model, and a prevailing philosophy that there’s a buyer out there for anything, eBay has become the granddaddy of all auction sites. Countless people have managed to sell an item or two at a profit. Rich - something that has no quantitative value; zero: a score of two to nothing.. This will diffently help you research wireless, Web seen driving AT&T, Verizon earnings
(Reuters) Reuters - Telecommunications giants AT&T Inc.
and Verizon Communications Inc. are expected to
report solid second-quarter earnings, buoyed by growth in
wireless and Internet subscribers. Driving - abbr. Dr. A road for automobiles and other vehicles. However microsoft: Opportunities Abound for Partners
(PC Magazine) PC Magazine - Microsoft Server and Tools Marketing Corporate Vice President Andy Lees is expected to talk up the software maker’s People-Ready business and tout how Microsoft’s investments will drive opportunities for its industry partners. Magazine - the contents of a storehouse, especially a stock of ammunition. this is worth your time

I also would consider the fact AP - Al-Qaida’s No. 2 leader will soon issue an Internet mesage against Israel’s fight in Lebanon and the Gaza Strip, according to a mesage posted on an Islamic militant Web site Wednesday. You can also check this out…. marvel paying $600 million for Intel unit
(AP) AP - Intel Corp. is selling its division that makes processors for handheld devices in a $600 milion deal announced Tuesday with Marvell Technology Group Ltd. This is also something to look at can Someone Explain Word Of Mouth Marketing To Hollywood Seriously. Is it really that hard for the folks in Hollywood to understand the benefit of word of mouth marketing? After all, this is the same crew of people who know how to blame bad word of mouth when it makes a bad movie tank. You’d think they would recognize the other side of the coin as well. Instead, they do what they always do and send out the lawyers. Here are two new examples: John has submitted the story of Paramount Pictures and TheMovieBlog. Apparently the folks at the blog have been endlessly hyping up and freely promoting the new Transformers movie. Someone at Paramount contacted the blog writer, asking him to remove a certain image from the movie, which he did. Apparently, that wasn’t good enough. They then went to his hosting company and had the entire site shut down for another photo he had of a candid photo of some of the actors standing off camera (not a scene in the movie). It’s not even clear that there’s a copyright violation here, and yet they filed a standard takedown notice without (1) bothering to contact him (2) seeing if there was a real violation or (3) recognizing that he was helping them in promoting the film. Nice work. A similar move concerns the creator of Ren & Stimpy, who has apparently been posting short clips of classic Bugs Bunny cartoons on YouTube to get more people interested in animation. Warner Brothers, who owns the rights, has gone after YouTube for allowing these clips (again, not full videos). Warner’s lawyers, obviously, see this solely as defending their rights — but they’re missing out on the the bigger picture. This is helping to promote their old works which are rarely seen any more — at no cost to Warner Brothers. Not only does it help build up a market of people who might buy future products based on these works, but it also gets more people interested in animation and other Warner products. However, rather than recognizing the value that these fans provide in helping to promote creative works, the studios send out the lawyers. For all the whining and complaining out of Hollywood about how much damage file sharing is doing to their industry, it seems pretty clear that they’re doing a lot more damage themselves in their short-sighted focus on legal attack dogs instead of any sense of long term strategy. Word - news: Any word on your promotion? See Synonyms at news. wow… this is such a great idea