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Ask Ubuntu Founder (And Astronaut) Mark Shuttleworth
Mark Shuttleworth isn't one to rest on his laurels. Founder of Thawte Consulting, Shuttleworth has used the wealth generated by Thawte's 1995 sale to Verisign to start a venture capital firm, to further South African science education (and education in general) with his eponymous foundation, to push for the acceptance of open source software in South Africa, and to become the first citizen of an African country to visit space with his 2002 flight to the International Space Station aboard the Russian Soyuz shuttle -- basically, to live life as a Neal Stephenson hero might. His latest project is Ubuntu Linux, a Debian-based distribution designed for ease of use, extensive language support, and thorough cooperation with the larger Debian organization. Mark's agreed to answer questions from Slashdot readers about these projects -- Ubuntu seems to be chief on his mind -- so please add your questions below, one per post (but as many questions as you'd like). We'll forward 10-12 of the best to Mark for his answers, and post them verbatim as soon as they're ready.
What, pray tell, is an Astonaut?
is an astonaut?!
From the original title: Linux: Ask Ubuntu Founder (And Astonaut) Mark Shuttleworth
My question is: Can I have a hundred bucks?
Fascism trolls keeping me up every night. When I starts a preachin', he HITS ME WITH HIS REICH!
you. are. a. turd. burgler.
Fine! But if he's worthy of the shuttle, why did he fly on a soyouz!?
WTF is an Astonaut?
I'm not a prophet or a stone-age man,
I'm just a mortal with potential of a super man.
Dear sir,
Although this letter will come to you as a surprise from someone you do not know before but it was based on recommendation from a friend who advised me to invest in your country that I decided to contact you and introduce myself . My name is Hassan Adedeji, I was a special steward to the late head of state of Military Government in Nigeria, General Sanni Abacha who died some time in 1998 while in power. I have worked in Government house for the six years. It was a great opportunity for me to achieved what I got today which I believe God is asking me to write to you for your utmost assistance. I also believe that the same God will bind my words with you on trust. Amen.
To be explicit, I have secured the sum of US$18.5million dollars and sent it out of the country during the time of the sudden death of the late head of state General Sanni Abacha. The said amount was kept in the presidential guesthouse for security logistics because of how the Government was at war with the pro-democracy groups in the country since the late Head of state was planning to succeed himself as a civilian president.
At that point, there was power struggle in the country in which people in better and strategic positions made away with substantial amount of money which I was also lucky to secure what I declared to you with confidence that, you will not allow anybody to know or hear about it because it is highly confidential. Since the Government has been changed in Nigeria on the 29th of May 1999,to civilian rule, I had been stopped not to travel outside Nigeria, my international passport had been seized and my movement has also been restricted. This is the most important reason that I needed your assistance to quickly claim this money on my behalf at where I deposited outside the shore of Nigeria since my intention is to put this money for an investment in your country in non speculative business where my name will not be mentioned.
I have a percentage for you in this transaction when you give me your words indicating your interest. I will also disclose more information to you such as the particulars of where the said money is kept and the certificate of deposit which shall be sent to you as well as other relevant document.
I have inform the security company that I have a partner who will call to confirm the safety of the deposit. Please send a reply through the above e-mail box.
Yours truly.
Hassan Adedeji