This article is out of date but I have posted an updated summary so please continue the conversation over here.
So I was dissapointed to see that there seems to be no way to easily make the MacBook Pro’s DVD drive region free which unfortunately renders about half of the DVD’s I own completely useless. In these days of £20 multi-region DVD players this is not really on, and it is especially disappointing since on older PowerBooks VLC multi-region playback seemed to work so it means that additional time and effort is still being put into this pointless exercise to keep the movie companies happy.
With VLC for Mac out of the picture, the only possible solution was looking like a warranty voiding firmware hack which may or may not even exist (it is hard to tell if the ones that are being referred to on the internet are for older machines), certainly not worth the risk of a dead, out of warranty DVD drive.
So… no way forward with multi-region DVD playing :(
Unless, Windows to the rescue!!! VLC works like a dream playing any region DVD’s on Windows and has a really smart network streaming system built into it. So I popped the DVD in on my Windows PC, fired up VLC and ticked that little “Stream Output” button, select to stream over UDP and entered the IP address of the Mac to stream to:
On my Mac, also fired up VLC (using one of the universal binary nightly beta builds, which do seem to be generally very stable), select “Open Network…” and click OK.
Multi-Region DVD playback on a MacBook Pro, solved :)
PS. Yes there is a heavy dose of sarcasm in the whole Windows to the rescue thing for those reading with a sense of humour failure :)
Technorati Tags: mac, macbook pro, os x, apple, dvd, region free, vlc, streaming
Always committed to employing the latest technologies to further improve ease and access to practical flight training, The Finer Points of Flying (www.TheFinerPoints.net) has joined forces with ForeFlight (www.ForeFlight.com) to develop the iPhone app, VFR Communications.
Obama and his band of thugs won’t listen. They do not represent the interest of the American people.
The Washinton Examiner reports:
With House Democrats racing to pass their 2,000-plus page health care reform bill this weekend, a new CNN/Opinion Research poll shows that an overwhelming majority of those surveyed — 72 percent — want Congress either to make major changes, start over from scratch, or simply stop working on health care legislation. Just 26 percent want Congress to pass the current health care proposal as is, or with minor changes.
This was the question asked by the CNN/Opinion Research pollsters:
As you may know, several health care bills have been passed by committees in the U.S. House and Senate and they can be brought before Congress for debate and a final vote at any time. Which of the following do you think Congress should do:
** Continue working on those bills this fall and make relatively minor changes
before passing final legislation.
** Continue working on those bills this fall but pass final legislation only if major changes are made.
** Start work on entirely new bills that would not be ready until some time next year.
** Stop working on any bills that would change the country’s health care system.
The results: 26 percent want the bills passed with relatively minor changes; 33 percent want the bills passed but only with major changes; 24 percent want Congress to start work on entirely new bills; and 15 percent want Congress to stop work altogether. Just one percent have no opinion.
That means 72 percent of those surveyed either want Congress to make major changes, start over, or stop work on health care reform, versus 26 percent who want the bills passed with minor changes.
On another question, the CNN/Opinion Research pollsters found that 53 percent of those surveyed oppose President Obama’s plan to reform health care, with 45 percent favoring the plan. Just two weeks ago, the same pollsters found the public evenly split on the issue, 49 percent to 49 percent.
The 53 percent opposition to ObamaCare is the highest figure in any of six CNN/Opinion Research polls since June. The question asked was whether respondents “favor or oppose Barack Obama’s plan to reform health care.” Even though the president has not put forth a plan of his own, the White House released a statement today saying that he strongly supports the House Democrats’ health care bill.
Hi everyone,
I got a comment today on my post On Rape. I thought it was important enough to devote a post to the question and my response. Below is the comment, from a commenter who calls himself Future Rapist. Below that is my response. I invite you to read it through, and to join me in talking about this issue, because I think it is one of the most important topics we can ever talk about together.
Hi,
Actually I landed on this e-page while searching information, how to avoid women’s or girls? In my environment there are more women’s and girls with skirts and tops. I attempt many times to change the environment, as if my fate goes wrong where I go in some way or other way I have interact such women’s or girls. Most of time when self conious of herself, my mind never thinks of sex with her. But when women’s and girls are very open, I could hardly control myself. So far I am controlling by leaving the place of short time and join the work after sometime. On the other hand its not possible to leave such environment all the time.Anyways, I would like question the originator of the article and he/she defended the victim and blames fully on rapist.
My question is how he/she is going to mark a line in between seduction and attempt to rape or rape.
Your answer is highly appreciated for a guy like me who could be a future rapist.
Future Rapist
well, first of all, you’ve got a lot of guts to ask such a question. It sounds like you want to do the right thing, so I’ll answer your question, and hopefully it will help you, and the women you are in contact with.
First of all, you cannot assume that anything a woman does indicates she wants to have sex with you. Not the way she is dressed, not how she talks to you or acts toward you. Society puts a lot of pressure on women to be sexually suggestive, and that comes out in how women dress and act and talk. And even when you might be in an intimate situation with a woman, she might only be willing to do certain things and not be willing to do others. So don’t make assumptions about a woman’s desire by these things, as they are not necessarily indicators of what she wants.
The only way to make sure of what a woman wants is to ask her in a way that is sincere and not coercive. That means make it clear to her that you will not want to do anything that she doesn’t want to do. Let her know that it is important to you to
make sure she feels safe and secure and if she feels uncomfortable at any time that you will stop. Do not try to convince her to do something she has said she does not want to do. This is not seduction; it is coercion. If she says no, that is the end. NO MEANS NO. You must not continue to do anything that a woman has told you to stop doing. And here’s the trick: she might not tell you with words. She might tell you by moving your hands away, or trying to physically move away from you, or by not responding to you either verbally or physically. 70% of communication is physical, so pay close attention to what she is telling you with her body.
So, you have to respond to a woman’s “negative” body language that tells you she doesn’t like what you are doing, but you have to get confirmation from her in regards to “positive” body language that tells you she might want to be intimate with you. If you can’t get this confirmation, for any reason, then assume she does not want to be intimate with you. better safe than rape.
I’m a bit concerned with the way you seem to view women in general. Women are not objects to be used for men’s sexual gratification, or even just to be looked at and enjoyed, like pieces of art. Women are people who have minds and feelings and desires of their own. Women are not there to be used by or to serve men. They are not to be won over or convinced to do anything. Just removing yourself from the environment isn’t enough – you really need to rethink your attitude toward women. I suggest you seek out counselling to help you think about women in a more healthy and respectful way.
Sex is something that should be enjoyable for all parties involved, and something that all parties are comfortable with and want to do, at all times throughout the encounter. The idea that there is a point of no return is false: both men and women can stop at any time. It might suck, but it has to be done if consent is at issue.
Also, bear in mind that rape is not only wrong and immoral, but also ILLEGAL. You’re not just an asshole of you rape a woman – you’re also a criminal. Rape has consequences that are devestating to the survivor, both emotionally and physically. But rape also has consequences for the rapist. So if you’re not won over by appeals to refrain from hurting a woman in such a way, then perhaps you’ll be influenced by the legal consequences of rape.
I hope this is clear, and helpful to you. Please take this advice very carefully. Now you cannot say you didn’t know. Now you have the information you need not to become a rapist.
Thanks to Ruxandra for her help in formulating this response.
If any of my other readers have any suggestions for this commenter, please pitch in. I think this is an important topic – maybe the most important topic we can deal with on this blog. Violence against women is at epidemic levels, and it has to stop. One of the ways we can contribute to ending VAW is through discussions like this, so please, join me.
Eleven people were killed and 31 wounded when gunmen opened fire at the massive Fort Hood Army Base in Texas just after 2:30 p.m. Thursday.
One of the gunmen was also reportedly killed.
The motive for the bloodbath was unknown. Army officials said at least two gunmen were involved and one was in custody.
There were reports the other killer was cornered and was using a high-powered rifle to snipe at SWAT teams massed on the base.
Reports of a third gunman and shooting elsewhere on the base could not be confirmed.
The suspects were in military uniform, witnesses said.
Lt. Gen. Russell Honore, a former deputy commander at the base, told CNN two people on the base told him two gunmen carrying M-16s killed seven and wounded 12.
Fort Hood asked everyone on the base – which has a population of nearly 34,000 – to stay away from windows.
Calls for blood donors went out over the public address system.
Gunfire was reported at a theater and at a nearby Soldier Readiness Center, where troops prepare for deployment.
All available EMS units in and around Killeen, Texas, were urgently requested to respond to a “mass casualty event” at the base, local TV reported.
Rep. John Carter (R-Texas) said witnesses reported hearing both small arms and rifle fire.
An aide to Carter told the Austin American Statesman he was on the base to attend a graduation ceremony when a bloody soldier ran by and said there was shooting.
MSNBC reported a woman and a child were among the victims and KCEN-TV said a police officer was wounded.
The massive base was closed and all base schools were on lockdown.
President Obama was following the situation, the White House said.
“It sickens me that the men and women of Fort Hood have been subjected to this,” said Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchinson (R-Texas.)
Fort Hood is in central Texas, about halfway between Austin and Waco.
Most soldiers at Fort Hood have been through multiple deployments in Iraq and Afghanistan. Suicides and combat stress have been major issues there.
Here is a map of where Fort Hood TX is:
Eleven people were killed and 31 wounded when gunmen opened fire at the massive Fort Hood Army Base in Texas just after 2:30 p.m. Thursday.
One of the gunmen was also reportedly killed.
The motive for the bloodbath was unknown. Army officials said at least two gunmen were involved and one was in custody.
There were reports the other killer was cornered and was using a high-powered rifle to snipe at SWAT teams massed on the base.
Reports of a third gunman and shooting elsewhere on the base could not be confirmed.
The suspects were in military uniform, witnesses said.
Lt. Gen. Russell Honore, a former deputy commander at the base, told CNN two people on the base told him two gunmen carrying M-16s killed seven and wounded 12.
Fort Hood asked everyone on the base – which has a population of nearly 34,000 – to stay away from windows.
Calls for blood donors went out over the public address system.
Gunfire was reported at a theater and at a nearby Soldier Readiness Center, where troops prepare for deployment.
All available EMS units in and around Killeen, Texas, were urgently requested to respond to a “mass casualty event” at the base, local TV reported.
Rep. John Carter (R-Texas) said witnesses reported hearing both small arms and rifle fire.
An aide to Carter told the Austin American Statesman he was on the base to attend a graduation ceremony when a bloody soldier ran by and said there was shooting.
MSNBC reported a woman and a child were among the victims and KCEN-TV said a police officer was wounded.
The massive base was closed and all base schools were on lockdown.
President Obama was following the situation, the White House said.
“It sickens me that the men and women of Fort Hood have been subjected to this,” said Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchinson (R-Texas.)
Fort Hood is in central Texas, about halfway between Austin and Waco.
Most soldiers at Fort Hood have been through multiple deployments in Iraq and Afghanistan. Suicides and combat stress have been major issues there.
Here is a map of where Fort Hood TX is:
Guy Fawkes Day. Today marks the 11 year anniversary of my arrival back in the Land of the Long White Cloud. Who’d have guessed I would have been here so long. Not me. Sometimes I still miss Australia. And I yearn for the sunshine and warmth, and a sea that you can actually do more than put your toes in. God I miss swimming in the sea. You’ve got to be tough to swim in the Pacific Ocean which surrounds New Zealand. I’m not tough.
The night of my arrival 11 years ago, Wellington trully showed itself in its full glory. I walked with Catherine and Deane, and their then two kids to a vantage point on Mt Victoria, where we watched the Fire Works set the early evening sky, and Wellington City scape alight. Oriental Bay and the City all sparkling and bejewelled, the skys calm and clear, hooked and bewitched me. And I had every intention of coming back here after seeing Mum up on the desolate east coast.
Nine years it took. And that is a story to be told. When I have time and space to write.
Meanwhile, today I have work. Then an appointment with Charlotte - NLP session. Then fireworks. I hope Wellington shows itself in its full glory again – and we have a reprieve from the Southerly of yesterday – any foul wind which stalks this city named aptly The Windy City.
PLEASE SCROLL DOWN FOR PINK SATURDAY!
Sheesh! I hate to be the bearer of bad tidings but Southern California is experiencing yet another State of Emergency with a fire in Sylmar. This photo is not from the Sylmar fire but just a visual to give you an idea of the type of area they are dealing with today. Right now every freeway in the North San Fernando Area is shut down so the fire department can have easy access to the fires. The fire jumped the I-5 fwy and the 210 freeway. So Interstate 5, 405, Highway 14, the 210 fwy, are all shut down in the North San Fernando Valley. The 118 fwy in the San Fernando area is shut down, too. The only north/south freeway that is open right now is the 101 fwy. The 101 fwy runs along the coast and then heads southeast through the southern part of the San Fernando Valley, through Hollywood, into East L.A.
We were going to be driving south today to a birthday party in Whittier but we are now staying put even though the freeway closest to us is the 101, the open freeway. We figure everyone else who tries to go south or north today will try to get to our freeway and what a nightmare it might be trying to travel. We in the Southern California area are also being asked to really conserve electricity because two major electricity converters/transformers were damaged in this fire and they are concerned about electricity suppy. We are expecting the temperatures today, because of our Santana wind conditions, to be in the 90’s! We are hoping that the winds die down soon so firefighters can get a handle on this devastating fire. One whole mobile home park has been totally destroyed (600 mobile homes). We’re praying for the comfort of everyone who suffers loss and for the fire fighters to have extraordinary strength to keep fighting…
Yikes! Now there is a fire in Yorba Linda and people are evacuating to Esperanza High School. The School where my niece teaches…
Anaheim Hills is now sitting on pins and needles. My BIL and his wife live there. They have a reservoir behind their home and I just got off the phone with them listening to the helicopters overhead gathering whatever water they can from that very low reservoir. They are not in danger unless the fire jumps the 91 fwy. Boy oh boy, things are scary for a lot of people in Southern California right now…
Whoa! Now the evacuations in Brea are getting close to my parents. They haven’t been told to evacuate yet but the evacuation area is about 2 miles from their senior apartments. They are getting their documents together and leaving to go to my sisters house in Whittier.
Photos from my niece Annie driving home to Anaheim Hills and then a photo of the helicopters coming to the reservoir behind their home retrieving water…
The 91 fwy. at Imperial in Anaheim Hills/Yorba Linda
The reservoir behind their home in Anaheim Hills…
The Corona Fire which jumped to the Yorba Linda Fire and then jumped to the Anaheim Hills Fire and moved on to the Brea and Chino Hills Fire is now threatening parts of Diamond Bar. The 57 freeway remains closed. The Sylmar fire is looking good. The winds seem to be cooperating better today although there are still gusts.
As far as the Tea Fire goes here is an update from this morning.
By and large, last night was quiet and today, the fourth day of the Tea Fire, should see further recovery efforts by firefighters. So far, 1,940 acres have burned and 210 homes have been lost — 130 in the City of Santa Barbara and 80 in the County of Santa Barbara. Damage assessment is continuing.
The Democrat campaigning to replace Republican Charlie Crist as Governor isn’t running the way many Democrats have in recent years. Florida’s Chief Financial Officer, Alex Sink, has made a considerable effort to avoid partisanship. As an interesting result, both liberal groups and conservative fundraisers have joined in her cause.
Charlie Crist supporter and fundraiser Rodney Barreto, head of a Miami lobbying firm, will be hosting a fundraiser for Sink tonight in his home. He told the Miami Herald, “She’s a moderate Democrat. I look at her as I look at Charlie Crist … I don’t see her as a left-wing liberal. She’s probably voted more with Crist than McCollum has.”The Herald also reports that, “Fort Lauderdale attorney Scott Rothstein held a Aug. 27 reception for Sink. “It went fantastic. Between hard and soft money, we raised about $240,000,” Rothstein said. “I tend to be a moderate Republican.”
Some are speculating that Sink is trying to follow in Crist’s path of moderation to the Governor’s office, which isn’t the worst campaign strategy. Florida is very divided politically and the margin between victory and defeat can be easily covered by appealing to moderate voters. The real question is if Sink can effectively execute the strategy.
Alex Sink: The Charlie Crist of Florida Democrats [Miami Herald]
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