Metagg mashes Del.icio.us, Digg, Reddit, Slashdot, Propeller, Techmeme, StumbleUpon, Fark, Fazed, MetaFilter, Drudge Report, Ma.gnolia, Stirrdup, Furl, Hacker News, Waxy Links, Tailrank, Lipstick, and WeSmirch with Thumbnails from Snap.

declared a two-year freeze on applications for new projects (US Halts Applications For Solar Energy Projects)

Dekortage writes "The US Bureau of Land Management, overwhelmed by applications for large-scale solar energy plants, has declared a two-year freeze on applications for new projects until it completes an extensive environmental impact study. The study will produce 'a single set of environmental criteria to weigh future solar proposals, which will ultimately speed the application process.' The freeze means that current applications will continue to be processed — plants producing enough electricity for 20 million average American homes — but no new applications will be accepted until the study is complete. Solar power companies are worried that this will harm the industry just as it is poised for explosive growth. Some note that gas and oil projects are booming in the southwestern states most favorable to solar development. Another threat looming over the solar industry is that federal tax credits must be renewed in Congress, else they will expire this year."

Citing Need for Assessments, U.S. Freezes Solar Energy Projects - NYTimes.com

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declared a two-year freeze on applications for new projects (US Halts Applications For Solar Energy Projects)

Dekortage writes "The US Bureau of Land Management, overwhelmed by applications for large-scale solar energy plants, has declared a two-year freeze on applications for new projects until it completes an extensive environmental impact study. The study will produce 'a single set of environmental criteria to weigh future solar proposals, which will ultimately speed the application process.' The freeze means that current applications will continue to be processed — plants producing enough electricity for 20 million average American homes — but no new applications will be accepted until the study is complete. Solar power companies are worried that this will harm the industry just as it is poised for explosive growth. Some note that gas and oil projects are booming in the southwestern states most favorable to solar development. Another threat looming over the solar industry is that federal tax credits must be renewed in Congress, else they will expire this year." ( 41 )

Metagg - 10 weeks ago in hardware, alternative_energy, energy_biz, and tog_articles

first P2P criminal copyright conviction (MPAA Scores First P2P Jury Conviction)

An anonymous reader writes "The MPAA must be celebrating. According to the BitTorrent news site Slyck.com, the Department of Justice is proclaiming their first P2P criminal copyright conviction against an Elite Torrents administrator. The press release notes, 'The jury was presented with evidence that Dove was an administrator of a small group of Elite Torrents members known as "Uploaders," who were responsible for supplying pirated content to the group. At sentencing, which is scheduled for Sept. 9, 2008, Dove faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison.'"

first P2P criminal copyright conviction (MPAA Scores First P2P Jury Conviction)

An anonymous reader writes "The MPAA must be celebrating. According to the BitTorrent news site Slyck.com, the Department of Justice is proclaiming their first P2P criminal copyright conviction against an Elite Torrents administrator. The press release notes, 'The jury was presented with evidence that Dove was an administrator of a small group of Elite Torrents members known as "Uploaders," who were responsible for supplying pirated content to the group. At sentencing, which is scheduled for Sept. 9, 2008, Dove faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison.'" ( 82 )

Metagg - 10 weeks ago in tech

postponed their ban on all forms of payment other than PayPal (eBay Australia Delays PayPal Change Indefinitely)

Daehenoc points out news that eBay Australia has postponed their ban on all forms of payment other than PayPal. The ban had already been delayed once, but eBay Australia has now decided to simply wait for the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission to determine whether or not the move is acceptable. We discussed the beginnings of this story back in April.

postponed their ban on all forms of payment other than PayPal (eBay Australia Delays PayPal Change Indefinitely)

Daehenoc points out news that eBay Australia has postponed their ban on all forms of payment other than PayPal. The ban had already been delayed once, but eBay Australia has now decided to simply wait for the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission to determine whether or not the move is acceptable. We discussed the beginnings of this story back in April. ( 19 )

Metagg - 10 weeks ago in yro

allows it to get private citizen data (US To Get EU Private Citizen Data)

An anonymous reader writes "In a case of 'all your data are belong to us,' the US government is close to coming to an agreement with the EU that allows it to get private citizen data on EU citizens to 'look for suspicious activity.' So, now we know what step three is: setup a security agency in US to resell otherwise unavailable data."

U.S. and Europe Near Accord on Privacy - NYTimes.com

The United States and the European Union are nearing completion of an agreement allowing law enforcement and security agencies to obtain private information — like credit card transactions, travel histories and Internet browsing habits ( 1 , 2 )

allows it to get private citizen data (US To Get EU Private Citizen Data)

An anonymous reader writes "In a case of 'all your data are belong to us,' the US government is close to coming to an agreement with the EU that allows it to get private citizen data on EU citizens to 'look for suspicious activity.' So, now we know what step three is: setup a security agency in US to resell otherwise unavailable data." ( 26 )

Metagg - 10 weeks ago in security, privacy, government, and yro

Wireless-G Router (Netgear Launches Open Source-Friendly Wireless Router)

An anonymous reader submits news of Netgear's release of the "open source Wireless-G Router (model WGR614L), enabling Linux developers and enthusiasts to create firmware for specialized applications, and supported by a dedicated open source community. The router supports the most popular open source firmware; Tomato and DD-WRT are available on WGR614L, making it easier for users to develop a wide variety of applications. The router is targeted at people who want custom firmware on their router without worrying about issues, and enjoy the benefits of having an open source wireless router."

NETGEAR Launches Open Source WGR614L Wireless-G Router

Wireless-G Router (Netgear Launches Open Source-Friendly Wireless Router)

An anonymous reader submits news of Netgear's release of the "open source Wireless-G Router (model WGR614L), enabling Linux developers and enthusiasts to create firmware for specialized applications, and supported by a dedicated open source community. The router supports the most popular open source firmware; Tomato and DD-WRT are available on WGR614L, making it easier for users to develop a wide variety of applications. The router is targeted at people who want custom firmware on their router without worrying about issues, and enjoy the benefits of having an open source wireless router." )

Metagg - 10 weeks ago in mobile, hardware, and wifi

a new cancer resistance treatment (Cancer Resistance Technique Moves To Human Trials)

TaeKwonDood tips us to news that a new cancer resistance treatment is going into clinical trials after being quite successful at eradicating cancer in mice. Researchers discovered that certain white blood cells called granulocytes from cancer-immune mice were able to cure cancer in other mice. Now, doctors are putting out the call for healthy granulocyte donors in order to test how well it works on humans. The article quotes lead researcher Zheng Cui saying, "In mice, we've been able to eradicate even highly aggressive forms of malignancy with extremely large tumors. Hopefully, we will see the same results in humans. Our laboratory studies indicate that this cancer-fighting ability is even stronger in healthy humans."

Cancer Cured? Granulocytes Treatment Worked 100 Percent In Mice Work But Will It Work In Humans? | Scientific Blogging

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a new cancer resistance treatment (Cancer Resistance Technique Moves To Human Trials)

TaeKwonDood tips us to news that a new cancer resistance treatment is going into clinical trials after being quite successful at eradicating cancer in mice. Researchers discovered that certain white blood cells called granulocytes from cancer-immune mice were able to cure cancer in other mice. Now, doctors are putting out the call for healthy granulocyte donors in order to test how well it works on humans. The article quotes lead researcher Zheng Cui saying, "In mice, we've been able to eradicate even highly aggressive forms of malignancy with extremely large tumors. Hopefully, we will see the same results in humans. Our laboratory studies indicate that this cancer-fighting ability is even stronger in healthy humans." ( 1 )

Metagg - 10 weeks ago in toread, science, and cancer

how the next Windows could be designed (Fresh Air For Windows?)

jmcbain writes "The NY Times has an opinion piece on how the next Windows could be designed (even through Microsoft has already laid plans for Windows 7). The author suggests 'A monolithic operating system like Windows perpetuates an obsolete design. We don't need to load up our machines with bloated layers we won't use.' He also brings up the example of Apple breaking ties with its legacy OS when OS X was built. Can Windows move forward with a completely new, fast, and secure OS and still keep legacy application support?"

how the next Windows could be designed (Fresh Air For Windows?)

jmcbain writes "The NY Times has an opinion piece on how the next Windows could be designed (even through Microsoft has already laid plans for Windows 7). The author suggests 'A monolithic operating system like Windows perpetuates an obsolete design. We don't need to load up our machines with bloated layers we won't use.' He also brings up the example of Apple breaking ties with its legacy OS when OS X was built. Can Windows move forward with a completely new, fast, and secure OS and still keep legacy application support?" ( 11 )

Metagg - 10 weeks ago in tech

upcoming iPhone 2.0 App named 'iCall' (iPhone App Enables GSM To WiFi/VoIP Switching)

alias420 writes "You can save on long distance and air time with the new 3G iPhone. iPhone Hacks has the scoop on an upcoming iPhone 2.0 App named 'iCall', that will let you switch between VoIP and normal GSM calls anywhere in North America. You can check out their recently released video proof of call switching in action . This software requires no hacks and will be completely official. Here is a little quote from the developer: 'We are part of the Apple iPhone developer program. This is not an application for you naughty jail breakers ;-)'"

iCall App Enables GSM to WiFi / VoIP Switching On The iPhone

upcoming iPhone 2.0 App named 'iCall' (iPhone App Enables GSM To WiFi/VoIP Switching)

alias420 writes "You can save on long distance and air time with the new 3G iPhone. iPhone Hacks has the scoop on an upcoming iPhone 2.0 App named 'iCall', that will let you switch between VoIP and normal GSM calls anywhere in North America. You can check out their recently released video proof of call switching in action . This software requires no hacks and will be completely official. Here is a little quote from the developer: 'We are part of the Apple iPhone developer program. This is not an application for you naughty jail breakers ;-)'" ( 8 )

Metagg - 10 weeks ago in mobile, iphone, 3g, and voip

Das Keyboard (Review of Das Keyboard)

My old keyboard was so crusted up with junk from years of abuse that I found myself struggling to depress most of the keys on the left side. So I decided that it was time to find a new keyboard. My plan was to steal the keyboards of my co-workers and try them out when they aren't around. But as this plan was underway, Das Keyboard asked me to review their newest keyboard. I used it for a few days to see if their website's claim of 'the best keyboard on the planet' is valid. Read on to learn more.

Das Keyboard - The Blank Keyboard. (for Uber Geeks!)

Das Keyboard (Review of Das Keyboard)

My old keyboard was so crusted up with junk from years of abuse that I found myself struggling to depress most of the keys on the left side. So I decided that it was time to find a new keyboard. My plan was to steal the keyboards of my co-workers and try them out when they aren't around. But as this plan was underway, Das Keyboard asked me to review their newest keyboard. I used it for a few days to see if their website's claim of 'the best keyboard on the planet' is valid. Read on to learn more. ( 10 )

Das Keyboard - The Blank Keyboard for Demanding Users. ;)

From the page: "Like on a piano, since there are no keys to look at when typing, your brain will quickly adapt and memorize the key positions." - interesting theory... ( 9 )

Metagg - 10 weeks ago in hardware

drop the state's efforts to fine underage buyers of violent videogames (Minnesota Pays Video Game Industry $65K In Fees)

I Said More Ham writes "Minnesota's attorney general will drop the state's efforts to fine underage buyers of violent videogames after a high court struck down a state law as unconstitutional. The Entertainment Software Association, one of the plaintiffs in the case, announced Monday that the state paid $65,000 in attorney's fees and expenses."

drop the state's efforts to fine underage buyers of violent videogames (Minnesota Pays Video Game Industry $65K In Fees)

I Said More Ham writes "Minnesota's attorney general will drop the state's efforts to fine underage buyers of violent videogames after a high court struck down a state law as unconstitutional. The Entertainment Software Association, one of the plaintiffs in the case, announced Monday that the state paid $65,000 in attorney's fees and expenses." ( 22 )

Metagg - 10 weeks ago in games

produce an alpha release next month (Mozilla Pitches Firefox 3.1 Alpha For July Release)

An anonymous reader writes "Just a week after Mozilla shipped Firefox 3.0, the open-source developer has proposed ship dates for the next version that, if approved, would produce an alpha release next month and a final no later than early 2009. According to a draft schedule discussed at a recent meeting, Mozilla wants to have the first Firefox 3.1 developer preview ready by July, then move to a beta by August. The schedule slates final code delivery in the last quarter of this year or the first quarter of 2009. A month ago, when Mozilla first started discussing Firefox 3.1 internally, Mike Schroepfer, the company's vice president of engineering, said the upgrade's target ship date was the end of 2008. If Mozilla holds to that plan, Firefox 3.1 would be its first fast-track update. Firefox 3.0, for instance, launched approximately 20 months after its predecessor, Firefox 2.0."

Computerworld - Mozilla pitches Firefox 3.1 alpha for July release

Mozilla wants to have the first Firefox 3.1 developer preview, or alpha, ready by July ( 1 )

produce an alpha release next month (Mozilla Pitches Firefox 3.1 Alpha For July Release)

An anonymous reader writes "Just a week after Mozilla shipped Firefox 3.0, the open-source developer has proposed ship dates for the next version that, if approved, would produce an alpha release next month and a final no later than early 2009. According to a draft schedule discussed at a recent meeting, Mozilla wants to have the first Firefox 3.1 developer preview ready by July, then move to a beta by August. The schedule slates final code delivery in the last quarter of this year or the first quarter of 2009. A month ago, when Mozilla first started discussing Firefox 3.1 internally, Mike Schroepfer, the company's vice president of engineering, said the upgrade's target ship date was the end of 2008. If Mozilla holds to that plan, Firefox 3.1 would be its first fast-track update. Firefox 3.0, for instance, launched approximately 20 months after its predecessor, Firefox 2.0." ( 59 )

Metagg - 10 weeks ago in development, software, tech, opensource, and firefox

ordered eBay to pay more than 61 mega-dollars (Ebay Fined $61M By French Court For Sales of Fake Goods)

A court in France ordered eBay to pay more than 61 mega-dollars to the parent company (LVHM) of Givenchy, Fendi, Marc Jacobs and Louis Vuitton, because a user sold fake goods on the website. eBay has been sued by other 'luxury goods' vendors (such as Tiffany's (US), Rolex (Germany) and L'Oreal (EU)). Problems stem from some companies demanding that their merchandise (even legal merchandise) not be displayed nor sold as it is a violation of their 'property.' Others have complained that eBay is too slow to take down claims. Apparently eBay was hit with two violations: 1) eBay illegally allowed legitimately purchased and owned products made by LVHM to be resold on its website by 3rd parties not under the control of LVHM, and 2) not doing enough to protect LVHM's brands from illegal sales. eBay has said it will appeal. So eBay is to know what products every company allows to be sold before allowing them to on auction? (There's also coverage at Yahoo News.)

ordered eBay to pay more than 61 mega-dollars (Ebay Fined $61M By French Court For Sales of Fake Goods)

A court in France ordered eBay to pay more than 61 mega-dollars to the parent company (LVHM) of Givenchy, Fendi, Marc Jacobs and Louis Vuitton, because a user sold fake goods on the website. eBay has been sued by other 'luxury goods' vendors (such as Tiffany's (US), Rolex (Germany) and L'Oreal (EU)). Problems stem from some companies demanding that their merchandise (even legal merchandise) not be displayed nor sold as it is a violation of their 'property.' Others have complained that eBay is too slow to take down claims. Apparently eBay was hit with two violations: 1) eBay illegally allowed legitimately purchased and owned products made by LVHM to be resold on its website by 3rd parties not under the control of LVHM, and 2) not doing enough to protect LVHM's brands from illegal sales. eBay has said it will appeal. So eBay is to know what products every company allows to be sold before allowing them to on auction? (There's also coverage at Yahoo News.) ( 33 )

Metagg - 10 weeks ago in yro