Are DVDs Inconvenient On Purpose?

*Um yes!*

From Slashdot:

Slashdot contributor Bennett Haselton writes:

"Why do Netflix and a few other companies keep the DVD format alive, when streaming is more convenient for almost all users? The answer is not obvious, but my best theory is that it has to do with what economists call price discrimination. Netflix is still the cheapest legal way to watch a dozen recent releases every month — but only if you're willing to put up with those clunky DVDs."

Read on for the rest of Bennett's thoughts.

I was noodling around Best Buy looking for a new laptop, and it occurred to me how inconvenient it was that I was limiting myself to models with DVD players. Either that, or thinking what a pain it would be having to take an external DVD player everywhere that I might want to watch a movie on my laptop. Then I started to wonder why this was. ...

Do we have evidence of Verizon's Evil?

You be the judge...

From Ars Technica:

Verizon and the rest of the country's biggest Internet service providers joined forces this month to argue that so-called "common carrier" regulations for utilities shouldn't be applied to broadband. Such rules would force the ISPs to innovate less and spend less money than they do today on network upgrades, they argue.

Yet Verizon obtains a variety of perks from the government for its FiOS Internet service by using public utility rules to its advantage, a new report drawing on public documents says.
This isn’t a new practice and it isn’t illegal, but it could become part of the debate over network neutrality rules and the transition from heavily regulated landline phone networks to Internet-based voice service.
“It's the secret that's been hiding in plain sight,” said Harold Feld, senior VP of consumer advocacy group Public Knowledge and an expert on the FCC and telecommunications. “At the exact moment that these guys are complaining about how awful Title II is, they are trying to enjoy all the privileges of Title II on the regulated side.”

 Oh and by the way...

Verizon led massive astroturf campaign to end NJ broadband obligation

Some Verizon "supporters" had no idea e-mails were sent on their behalf.

Judge: Ex-TSA officer mentally unfit for trial

The TSA Officer who received a "recent suspension for allegedly criticizing a 15-year-old girl's wardrobe as too skimpy" , Nna Alpha Onuoha, "will be sent to a mental institution rather than stand trial" - according to this AP News Report

The big question is whether the condition was brought on before or after joining the TSA?

FBI - Cyber’s Most Wanted - the Chinese Military?!

The FBI is posting their "Cyber Most Wanted" list on the Web . 

(With NY Times Headline)

Five entries are people allegedly in the PLA.   "The subjects, including [pictured], were officers of the PRC’s Third Department of the General Staff Department of the People’s Liberation Army (3PLA), Second Bureau, Third Office, Military Unit Cover Designator (MUCD) 61398, at some point during the investigation. "

Will China follow suit and post the names and pictures of American service people?

 U.S. Charges Chinese Army Personnel With Cyberspying