NASA moves to save computers from swarming ants
A wave of ants is spreading through the Gulf Coast of Texas, damaging computers and other electronic devices in their path.
When the only connections in bed are wireless
We have been struck by a small spate of recent news items and research reports that, if taken together, could indicate that we are spending big money to kill off our sex lives.
EBay seller pleads guilty to software piracy charges
A 23-year-old Oregon man has pleaded guilty to charges that he used identity theft to set up bogus accounts on eBay, where he sold counterfeit software with a retail value of more than $1 million, the U.S. Department of Justice said.
Jeremiah Joseph Mondello of Eugene, Oregon, pleaded guilty Wednesday to one count each of criminal copyright infringement, aggravated identity theft and mail fraud before Judge Ann Aiken in U.S. District Court for the District of Oregon. He faces up to 27 years in prison and a fine of $500,000, the DOJ said.
Mondello initiated thousands of separate online auctions, using more than 40 fictitious user names and online payment accounts to sell copies of counterfeit software between December 2005 and October 2007, the DOJ said. Mondello made more than $400,000 from the sales, the DOJ said.
Mondello also admitted to stealing personal information as a way to set up online payment accounts in the names of his victims, the DOJ said. He used a computer keystroke logger to acquire victims' names, bank account numbers and passwords, the agency said.
The Software and Information Industry Association (SIIA) began investigating Mondello in 2007 and later turned over information to the DOJ, the trade group said.
The SIIA used its proprietary Auction Enforcement Tool to identify Mondello through his eBay seller ID. The trade group found that Mondello was likely using several other eBay IDs, the group said.
The Mondello case is "a huge victory in the fight against software piracy on eBay and other auction sites," said Keith Kupferschmid, SIIA's senior vice president of intellectual property policy and enforcement. "He was doing a lot of other things that were just as bad, if not worse, than piracy."
Mondello, through the use of multiple IDs, was making it appear he was "great, reliable seller, when in fact, he was not," Kupferschmid added.
In addition to the Mondello plea, SIIA announced Thursday it has filed nine lawsuits against eBay sellers suspected of trafficking in pirated software. The trade group has filed 26 cases against online sellers this year.
The new SIIA lawsuits were filed against sellers based in North Carolina, New Jersey, California, Nevada, Michigan, Florida, and New York.
How Grid Computing Works
Grid computing applies the resources of a whole network of computers to solve problems. But how do you ensure access to information without creating digital deadlock?
Chile probes data theft and posting by hacker
SANTIAGO, Chile (AP) — A prosecutor was appointed Monday to investigate how a computer hacker accessed government data for 6 million Chileans and posted it to the Internet….
Fisker Automotive files legal counterattack in Tesla suit
Fisker Automotive files legal counterattack in Tesla suit
With a motion to compel arbitration, maker of electric sports cars kicks off round 2 of a legal fight with its rival, which began shortly after Fisker unveiled its $80,000 Karma.
RepTools 2008 sports rebuilt user interface
RepTools 2008 sports rebuilt user interface
RepTools 2008 is a new version of the Customer Relationship Management (CRM) software with a rebuilt user interface and other changes.
Creamer Wins; Ochoa’s Streak Ends Without Fight
Paula Creamer beat Juli Inkster on the second extra hole Sunday in the SemGroup Championship. Meanwhile, Lorena Ochoa came up short for a record-tying fifth consecutive victory.
Celtics Gain Series Edge On Hawks
Celtics Gain Series Edge On Hawks
Kevin Garnett, above, scores 20 points as the Celtics take care of business in Game 5 and home with a 110-85 victory over the Hawks in Game 5 on Wednesday in Boston. Game 6 is Friday in Atlanta.
Sonics trial will begin June 16 as scheduled
A trial that likely will determine where the Seattle SuperSonics play next season will begin June 16 as scheduled.
U.S. Women Beat Japan; Galaxy Falls, Beckham Sits
Christian Gimenez scores on a penalty kick in the 87th minute to help CF Pachuca tie FC Dallas, 1-1, in the second match of SuperLiga 2007 Group A play for both teams.
Gothic Sports
Gothic Sports
Hate being the new kid on the block? Anya did too until she decided to get even and form her own soccer team with the other misfits at school. The result? A Gothic-Lolita soccer team with style and spunk. Get the details on Gothic Sports, one of the many new mangas from TOKYOPOP here.
Let the Games Begin! [Scientific American Magazine]
Let the Games Begin! [Scientific American Magazine]
Scientific American’s resident skeptic Michael Shermer writes about the doping scandals plaguing cycling, baseball and other sports, and he suggests how to curb those practices. Please ignore him. It would be a global tragedy if his meddling were to ruin the most eagerly awaited competitions of 2008.
No, not this summer’s Olympics. Those will of course be modestly fun demonstrations of physical prowess. The pursuit of true excellence is cruel and unforgiving, however, which is why devotees of the absolute best in athletic achievement instead turn to the quadrennial Hyper Games.