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Skipper Accessibility Suite 1.6.0 Released
Semi-Anonymous Reader writes "Skipper 1.6.0 is a GPLed Linux accessibility suite for the severely physically disabled - cerebral palsy, road traffic accidents, motor neuron disease, Parkinsons etc. It takes input from multiple devices like graphics tablets and microswitches connected directly to the printer port, does input switching and processing (configured graphically like modular synthesisers), and provides clever genetically annealed menu systems for application and desktop control. With just one detectable click, people can have full Web and email access - in fact the whole Linux desktop - in complete privacy. Now the problem's getting it to people who need it. Charities and institutions think physical, Windows and money, so it's down to the geeks. Set up a kid near you this Fall - they might not be the next Einstein or Mozart, but you'll be giving them a lifetime of education, activity, self-expression and self-determination."
I love when idiots claim the first post, when in reality it was SECOND. Idiot.
Phoenix Freeway Update
Well, I went to the South Mountain Corridor public meeting today (10/01), and let me just tell you guys right up front, this freeway *is* going to be built. There's really no way around it at this point.
The meeting I attended was near the Pecos alignment, the very same alignment that has been so controversial the last few years and the very same where there has been so much public opposition. In fact, the school where the meeting was held was actually 2 blocks away from Pecos alignment (ironically, the high school it was held at would face destruction in ROW acquisitions).
The atmosphere was tense. People were shouting and acting irrationally. These people do NOT want the freeway built in their backyard. Heated words were exchanged. The ADOT staff tried very hard to be calm and to respond to these people rationally. One lady, Janet Wood, even went so far to suggest that, since it is going to be a hazardous cargo route (which there is no evidence of), there is the possibility of a nuclear incident in her backyard!!
There are 5 options being studied right now. Every single one of those options has the South Mountain Freeway aligned at Pecos Rd for the east-west segment but varies in the north-south. Generally speaking, there are 3 basic north-south corridors; one connecting to Interstate 10 at 55th Ave, one connecting to Interstate 10 at 75th Ave, and one connecting to Interstate 10 at the 101 freeway (its actually one mile off the 101 but will have direct ramp connections). The latter will have 3 different alignments of getting to the 101.
There is still only the Pecos Rd alignment officially at this point, but the Arizona Department of Transportation has given us their assurances that they are speaking with the Gila River Indian Community (GRIC) to discuss the possibility of building an alignment on their farmland. This would make most of the Awkatukhee residents happy, but since the GRIC is a sovereign nation, the Government has no control over what to do. In fact, the GRIC residents passed a proposal in 2000 that no new freeways could ever cross their land.
The timeline for this freeway is relatively high-speed. A final location will be chosen within the 7 months, unless the GRIC suddenly allows an alignment on their property. After that, the final Design Concept Report will be filed with the Federal Highway Administration. This DCR is expected to be completed by the end of 2005.
From there, if the sales tax extension is passed this May, then it will be funded in Phase II. It will be constructed between 2010-2015. This is going to be the *first* Arizona Freeway to build HOV lanes at the same time as regular lane. It is expected to have an Average Daily Traffic of more than 155,000 by 2025. Thus it will be built to that capacity - 3 general purpose lanes and 1 HOV lanes each direction.
If you are curious about other Arizona freeways and highways, some of it did get brought up at the meeting. Here is what I know. The SR 85 between I-8 and I-10 (in the Canamex corridor) is being widened to 4 total lanes for its entire length of ~40 miles, but it will NOT be upgraded to full freeway until after 2025. There are funding limitations.
Furthermore, the current corridor study of the collector-distributor roadway in between Baseline Rd and 32nd St is going well. Get this -- they are looking at building a 22 or 24 lane freeway (!!!!!!!) in this portion to handle the 2025 Average Daily Traffic of 450,000+. And the 22 or 24 lane freeway is what they are looking at *assuming* the South Mountain is built - if its not, it could easily be at 30! A 22 lane freeway is easiest the largest freeway in North America, and as far as I know, the world..
This update was brought to you by the GNAA - Gay Niggers Association of America. Are you gay? Are you a nigger? Are you a gay nigger? Then join us in #gnaa on EFnet.