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An anonymous reader writes "TorrentFreak reports that Toyota’s lawyers have recently contacted computer wallpaper site Desktop Nexus in a blatant example of DMCA abuse. Toyota issued a blanket request to demand the immediate removal of all member-uploaded wallpapers featuring a Toyota, Lexus, or Scion vehicle (citing copyright violation), regardless of whether Toyota legally holds the copyright to the photos or not. When site owner Harry Maugans requested clarification on exactly which wallpapers were copyrighted by Toyota, he was told that for them to cite specifics (in order to file proper DMCA Takedown Notices), they would invoice Desktop Nexus for their labor."Read more of this story at Slashdot.

Filed under: Apple Corporate, Retail, Apple FinancialIf rumors are to believed, Apple will do its part to stimulate the economy on November 28th, also known as “Black Friday” here in the US. Generally recognized as the start of the holiday shopping season, the day after Thanksgiving is when retailers lure shoppers out of their beds at ungodly hours with the promise of huge discounts. Yes, nothing says “let’s go shopping at 5AM” like a stomach full of tryptophan. While Apple has not revealed their Black Friday plans, analyst Ben Reitzes of Barclays Capital says he expects aggressive pricing to compete with a dismal economy and significant offers from competitors. For instance, some American big box stores are expected to drop PC prices below 0US. How will Apple do it? Twenty-five billion dollars in cash reserves and no debt certainly helps. So go easy on the Schlitz and set your alarms for The Crack of Dawn. There are deals to be had.
Update: Yes, the image originally accompanying this post had the appointment listed on the 27th. Let’s just say it was a test of your skills of observation. TUAWApple to be “aggressive” on Black Friday originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Thu, 13 Nov 2008 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Elaborate temple in southeastern Turkey is 11,500 years old; archaeologists think it might be birthplace of agriculture and organized religion.

Microsoft has taken a new tack in the war against piracy by banning users who try to connect to the Xbox Live server using a modified Xbox 360.Gamers the world over who have tampered with their machine, and thus violated the terms of use, are logging on to find a message telling them they’ve been banned from the server.What is interesting is how nobody has really worked out how Microsoft is separating the modified 360s from the legitimate ones, with some gamers saying that turning on the console with a ‘backed-up’ (cough*pirated*cough) game without the network cable attached still means they are blocked.ExplanationMicrosoft has published something of an explanation on its Major Nelson forum, which gives the inside skinny on the workings of the Xbox team: "In our continued effort to keep gameplay safe and secure for our community of more than 14 million members, Microsoft has taken action against a small percentage of Xbox 360 consoles that have been illegally modified in order to play pirated games."You should know that modifying your Xbox 360 console is also a violation of the Xbox LIVE terms of use, will void your warranty and result in a ban from Xbox LIVE. "We will continue to employ and bolster anti-piracy security measures to counter piracy in the gaming industry and improve security in the Xbox LIVE community."

Royal Navy sailors have shot dead two pirates in waters off the southern Yemeni coast.(LetterboxImage(95×53); 0.12 MB)

With the election over, look for a steady stream of unseemly revelations to quietly bubble to the surface of the miasmal swamp known as the Obama campaign — like this one: Hamas held a meeting in the Gaza Strip several…

Thanks to an intrepid MINI enthusiast we have our first sneak peak at the MINI E as it’s being unloaded at LAX in anticipation for the LA Autoshow.

The MINI E was flown in from Munich via Lufthansa Air Freight and should be seen next at the MINI stand in LA. From [...]

Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill & Bar restaurants has announced they are “testing a promotion” that invites all active duty and veterans for a free meal this Veterans Day. While the chain says it is for gratitude for veteran’s service and sacrifice, it is only being “tested at 164 locations. I don’t get it. I suspect there are more Applebee’s than McDonalds in the US, so I find the very limited availability of the offer curious.So it is a nice, but limited gesture limited to select restaurants in Arizona (Yuma), California (29 Stumps), Illinois, Virginia, Iowa, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, New York City area, Minnesota, North Carolina, North Dakota, and Wisconsin. Its good news for you guys out there testing aircraft still at Yuma, but not very good news for the thousands of you in other high density active and retired military locations.If you happen to be near one of the 164 participating locations bring proof of your active duty, or previous duty and select one complimentary entrée from a choice of House Sirloin, hearty Riblet Basket, zesty Fiesta Lime Chicken®, a juicy Quesadilla Burger or fresh Oriental Chicken Salad. All the traditional sides are included. Dan!

Earlier today we posted about Barack Obama’s plan to require community service from middle school, high school, and college students. This is how it read at the time:

The Obama Administration will call on Americans to serve in order to meet the nation’s challenges. President-Elect Obama will expand national service programs like AmeriCorps and Peace Corps and will create a new Classroom Corps to help teachers in underserved schools, as well as a new Health Corps, Clean Energy Corps, and Veterans Corps. Obama will call on citizens of all ages to serve America, by developing a plan to require 50 hours of community service in middle school and high school and 100 hours of community service in college every year. Obama will encourage retiring Americans to serve by improving programs available for individuals over age 55, while at the same time promoting youth programs such as Youth Build and Head Start.

Lo and behold. Tonight, after the plan was publicized, Obama has quietly thrown that “requirement” part down the memory hole: America Serves.

The Obama Administration will call on Americans to serve in order to meet the nation’s challenges. President-Elect Obama will expand national service programs like AmeriCorps and Peace Corps and will create a new Classroom Corps to help teachers in underserved schools, as well as a new Health Corps, Clean Energy Corps, and Veterans Corps. Obama will call on citizens of all ages to serve America, by setting a goal that all middle school and high school students do 50 hours of community service a year and by developing a plan so that all college students who conduct 100 hours of community service receive a universal and fully refundable tax credit ensuring that the first ,000 of their college education is completely free. Obama will encourage retiring Americans to serve by improving programs available for individuals over age 55, while at the same time promoting youth programs such as Youth Build and Head Start.

Change!

UPDATE at 11/7/08 9:36:53 pm:

They’re going through the site and cleaning up the places where it said “require community service,” but they missed a spot on this page: Service | Change.gov.

Require 100 Hours of Service in College: Obama and Biden will establish a new American Opportunity Tax Credit that is worth ,000 a year in exchange for 100 hours of public service a year.

(Hat tip: bkgodfrey.)