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Microsoft Infected by Virus

Vicissidude writes "It appears that a Microsoft worker returning from overseas brought back a case of Measles with them. In fact, they had been back, working, and spreading the disease at Microsoft and other places in Redmond for at least four days prior to being discovered. Somehow I do not think that Microsoft included in their cost-benefit analysis of offshoring the potential wide-spread infection of their company. Perhaps they should include that risk in the future."

494 comments

  1. What a ridiculous beatup by Saven+Marek · · Score: 4, Insightful

    I hate microsoft with a passion. They suck. I irrationally loathe the company, their products, and everything they stand for.

    and even *I* can see that this is a bullshit article, a beatup of ridiculous proportions. Stupidest. Slashdot. Article. Ever.

    1. Re:What a ridiculous beatup by Madd+Scientist · · Score: 0, Troll

      just about as good as *I* can spot a karma whore.

    2. Re:What a ridiculous beatup by tktk · · Score: 5, Funny
      Stupidest. Slashdot. Article. Ever.

      No...wait for the dupe a few days later.

    3. Re:What a ridiculous beatup by Lisandro · · Score: 1

      You, sir, made me spill my Coke. I hope you're satisified.

    4. Re:What a ridiculous beatup by Lisandro · · Score: 2, Informative

      "spit". Of course, i can't type with a wet keyboard :)

    5. Re:What a ridiculous beatup by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 2, Insightful

      No, a karma whore would have said something like "HAR HAR Micro$oft has teh virus!!!! LOL LMAO Win95 infected BSOD ROFL!!!"

      Just check out the many posts below expressing that same sentiment. Slashdot whoring at its finest.

    6. Re:What a ridiculous beatup by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 4, Insightful

      Posting as AC:

      How did such a ludiciris article make it to the front page. Based on the comments by our own Cowboy Neal, I'd peg him to be an ignorant coward (i.e. racist). I'm a white american that has worked with a number of Indian s.w. developers, and I find this entire article to be flame bait'able.

      I will obviouslly get modded way down for this, but I hope those of you that browse at 0+ see this and realize how bigotted this submission really is.

      love and regards to my now newly lost respect for /.

    7. Re:What a ridiculous beatup by mahmud · · Score: 1

      Dude. You are over-sensitive.

    8. Re:What a ridiculous beatup by Jim_Callahan · · Score: 3, Informative

      Do you really need the "it's funny-- laugh" tag to see when something is posted as a joke?

      --
      ...it's really a sad day for America when we require a goddamn ACT OF CONGRESS to make our DVD players work properly. ~
    9. Re:What a ridiculous beatup by 3seas · · Score: 3, Insightful

      The dupe comment was funny enough to make up for the lame article. To bad it can't be modded higher, as it'd probably make the ranks of the top ten comments of all time.

      But of course with MS as an advertiser, the deal is that slashdot publish so many MS articles a month. Problem is MS is just running out of interesting things to write about.

      Next news article will be about what tolit paper the MS campus uses. "Microsoft, they got plenty of shit, but do they wipe?"

      Slow Newsday at MS...

      In the news with stupid stuff is better than not being in the news at all..

      RIght guys?

    10. Re:What a ridiculous beatup by Lumpy · · Score: 1, Interesting

      Exactly, stuff like this makes me absolutely sick.

      Come on, it's not news worthy, obviusally a amateurish stab at not only microsoft but against the people that work there? disgusting.

      How about the fact that there has been no mention of the massive US rights violation that happened in utah this past weekend? it's all over other news about how lots of kids (15-21) had their heads bashed in by Utah police masquerading as army soldiers for no excuse other than to beat up some kids and "send a message" that attempted to be legal outdoor concert/parties are unwelcome?

      how about the video of a kid having a machine gun mashed in his head because he asked a question?

      Nice to see slashdot IGNORE that.

      Nope we get immature rants like this story that only blacken slashdot and oss in general. the story should have been, "microsoft has a disease spreading in it's ranks, we all shoud take note of this and how it might happen to the rest of us."

      It could have been informational for the rest of us to learn how it happened, how to prevent getting infected yourself or at least reduce your chances of getting something from travelling coworkers.. nope it needs to be a hatefest.

      --
      Do not look at laser with remaining good eye.
    11. Re:What a ridiculous beatup by JabberWokky · · Score: 4, Insightful
      Probably because the only section here devoted to rights like that is "Your Rights Online". Since Utah is not a website, database or server, I don't think it really fits. There is the very occasional exception, but this is not a forum for mainstream news.

      You might as well ask why the television show Good Eats has not covered the Utah incident. Or post angry comments in the KDE dot News. How about you send an angry email to 43 Folders asking why they haven't posted a story about it.

      --
      Evan

      --
      "$30 for the One True Ring. $10 each additional ring!" -- JRR "Bob" Tolkien
    12. Re:What a ridiculous beatup by Irashtar · · Score: 1

      Really? I thought you were used to it by now. Wait, that's sticky keyboard. Yeah, wet really messes it up

    13. Re:What a ridiculous beatup by silverdr · · Score: 2, Funny

      No, wait... you missed the point. It's about Worm.Measles.B brought back inside the laptop...

      --
      Now, mod me down freely. My karma can't get any worse...
    14. Re:What a ridiculous beatup by Hektor_Troy · · Score: 1

      Now I'm curious ... mostly because 20 seconds of searching on google didn't find anything for me (I'm lazy).

      Got any news links to that or those stories?

      --
      We do not live in the 21st century. We live in the 20 second century.
    15. Re:What a ridiculous beatup by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0
    16. Re:What a ridiculous beatup by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      So, when it's Slackware head who got ill, it's ok to say, but when it's microsoft, it's bullshit, stupid attack, biaised, microsoft-is-evil-attitude ?

      Usual /. double standards...

    17. Re:What a ridiculous beatup by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Informative
    18. Re:What a ridiculous beatup by MasterSLATE · · Score: 4, Funny

      maybe its time you start to swallow

      --

      [sig]www.masterslate.org[/sig]
    19. Re:What a ridiculous beatup by Nikademus · · Score: 1

      If only it was a computer virus, that ought to be fun.. But no.. just a plain stupid common problem in most companies.

      --
      I gave up with the idea of an useful sig...
    20. Re:What a ridiculous beatup by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      I... AM... NOT... OVERSENSITIVE!!!!111 *hyperventilates*

      PS: stupid caps filter

    21. Re:What a ridiculous beatup by PingPongBoy · · Score: 1

      The article is kinda interesting seeing as how an entire case was brought back. If only a bottle was taken, it would have just gone under the radar.

      --
      Know your pads. One time pad: good for cryptography. Two timing pad: where to take your mistress.
    22. Re:What a ridiculous beatup by _vSyncBomb · · Score: 1
      How about the fact that there has been no mention of the massive US rights violation that happened in utah this past weekend? it's all over other news about how lots of kids (15-21) had their heads bashed in ...how about the video of a kid having a machine gun mashed in his head because he asked a question?

      Uh... how about a link so that readers could have some clue what the fuck you're talking about?

      I didn't find anything.

    23. Re:What a ridiculous beatup by Nqdiddles · · Score: 1

      I can understand your sentiments, but if you're going to rant away on a subject of such importance as rights violations, PLEASE provide a link.
      At least that way this story could be at least marginally interesting....

      --
      And that kids is how I met your mother.
    24. Re:What a ridiculous beatup by Mr2001 · · Score: 4, Informative

      The magic keywords are "spanish fork canyon". Here's a link.

      --
      Visual IRC: Fast. Powerful. Free.
    25. Re:What a ridiculous beatup by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Here is the press write-up of the police brtality events:
      http://pittsburgh.indymedia.org/news/2005/08/19949 .php

      U.S. Constitution: First Amendment:
      "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances."

      When the government becomes oppressive, it is the right and duty of people to overthrow the regime. This is why the Second Amendment was worded as such:

      "A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed."

    26. Re:What a ridiculous beatup by Ugly+American · · Score: 0

      I've never understood how the slavedriver mentality can be justified as being good for a business. Okay, you've improved the bottom line because fewer employees mean less salary and benefits being paid out. However, the remaining employees are having to work their asses off to make up the difference. Tired people make more mistakes, and fixing those costs money. Fatigue and stress depress the immune system, so your employees get sick more (and with fewer employees, it's harder to cover for someone when they get sick.)

      Then they wonder why their employees are ready to jump ship the second they get a better offer.

      --
      For sale: one sig space, gently used. Inquire for details.
    27. Re:What a ridiculous beatup by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Way to prove you didn't even try to read the article.

    28. Re:What a ridiculous beatup by justforaday · · Score: 1

      Exactly, stuff like this makes me absolutely sick.

      Yeah, measles will do that to you...

      --
      I'll turn into a supernova and burn up everything. Well I'll turn into a black little hole and you'll turn into string.
    29. Re:What a ridiculous beatup by Diag · · Score: 1

      Do you really need the "it's funny-- laugh" tag to see when something is posted as a joke?

      Well American sit-coms have been doing it for decades with their canned laughter tracks.

      --
      Serving Suggestion: Defrost
    30. Re:What a ridiculous beatup by reclusivemonkey · · Score: 1

      I pity the fool who comes to /. for NEWS. Get a grip.

    31. Re:What a ridiculous beatup by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      The only "ludiciris" thing here is your spelling.

    32. Re:What a ridiculous beatup by rizole · · Score: 1
      Hang on.....let me check something....
      No this is definitely slashdot. If you didn't want immature rants then what are you doing here? I think you want somting with content that's a bit more adult and considered. Try somewhere like Fark

      Meanwhile, I have to agree...measles makes me sick too.

    33. Re:What a ridiculous beatup by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      absolutely correct.
      Do Microsoft fund Slasdhdot?looks like! I
        mean this is really really PATHETIC of slashdot i am really out of words here...........I guess "A REAL PIECE OF SHIT" will be good for this news.

    34. Re:What a ridiculous beatup by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 2, Insightful
      Probably because the only section here devoted to rights like that is "Your Rights Online".

      No, there's a politics section now. Pay attention. ;-)

      Now, whether or not that's a *good* thing I leave as an exercise for the reader.

    35. Re:What a ridiculous beatup by Capt'n+Hector · · Score: 1

      hahaha! And here I was thinking you were talking about this.

      --
      Quid festinatio swallonis est aetherfuga inonusti?
      Africus aut Europaeus?
    36. Re:What a ridiculous beatup by SComps · · Score: 2, Insightful

      ::with eyes rolling and tongue planted firmly in cheek::

      For a more comprehensive--and slightly skewed--view of the US and world in general, might I suggest a site something like this?

    37. Re:What a ridiculous beatup by MSFanBoi · · Score: 1

      You feel about Microsoft the same way I feel about Linux. Of course that makes me a troll though. Aint it grand?

    38. Re:What a ridiculous beatup by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Maybe. on the other hand there's somehting poetic about the physical body of microsoft being as succeptible to viruses as their operating system.

    39. Re:What a ridiculous beatup by koreaman · · Score: 0

      Nobody gives a shit about teen/youth rights, except for a small core of committed individuals. Forget about it. If you think this is bad, google "Casa by the Sea" and read up on it.

      The following is OT but this reminds me:

      What happened to "no taxation without representation"? When minors have a job, they have to pay taxes, and they can't vote for anything. WTF? I thought this was one of the major things that made the American colonies revolt in the 18th century.

    40. Re:What a ridiculous beatup by sbrown123 · · Score: 1

      I find it sad at the sheer volume of apparent offshoring techies responding to this article with the intent to dismiss it.

      Give it a break. I don't want your FUD.

      The article was intended to be light humor in the fact that Microsoft had a virus of the non-computer type. It had nothing to do with offshoring. Its too bad too many of you can't see past your own problems to see the post for what it is.

    41. Re:What a ridiculous beatup by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0
      I actually interviewed a guy with a geek code on is resume. Just so I could see what a virgin looks like.

      Keep breaking those mirrors before you can drink in the full vista, eh? ;-)

    42. Re:What a ridiculous beatup by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Umm - "indymedia" is not the "press" in any form or fashion.

    43. Re:What a ridiculous beatup by deesine · · Score: 0


      "...it's all over other news..."

      No it's not. This story is pretty much only being covered by Utah news media.

      --
      damaged by dogma
    44. Re:What a ridiculous beatup by geoffspear · · Score: 1
      It's too bad you can't see the part of the article summary that specifically mentions offshoring.

      For the record, I've never lost a job due to offshoring, and I still think the article is stupid.

      --
      Don't blame me; I'm never given mod points.
    45. Re:What a ridiculous beatup by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      it's even more ridiculous if you misread it as 'a case of weasels'

    46. Re:What a ridiculous beatup by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Do you really need the "it's funny-- laugh" tag to see when something is posted as a joke?



      Only if the joke is not funny. For example, the current article.
    47. Re:What a ridiculous beatup by eosp · · Score: 1

      Quit stating the obvious. What has /. become, with parent getting +5?

    48. Re:What a ridiculous beatup by einhverfr · · Score: 1

      Do Microsoft fund Slasdhdot?looks like!

      Of course they do. Notice all those Windows Server, Get The Facts, etc. ads on Slashdot from time to time?

      This being said, I thought this was mostly an amusing play on words. We all know MS software is virus-prone but how many of us thought they meant the employees when we read the article?

      --

      LedgerSMB: Open source Accounting/ERP
    49. Re:What a ridiculous beatup by Punboy · · Score: 1

      Do you really need the "it's funny-- laugh" tag to see when something is posted as a joke?

      Haven't you seen those TBS commercials where they call in and ask if a situation is funny? Thats the average American citizen today... something isn't funny unless they are TOLD they're funny. Now if the person in question isn't Americans, the problem must be spreading. Which is quite sad.

      In short, yes.

      --
      If you like what I've said here, and want to read more, go to http://www.krillrblog.com
    50. Re:What a ridiculous beatup by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0
      What happened to "no taxation without representation"? When minors have a job, they have to pay taxes, and they can't vote for anything. WTF? I thought this was one of the major things that made the American colonies revolt in the 18th century.

      Try looking up "tax exempt". Minors living at home as dependents can claim exempt and not pay taxs other than social security.

    51. Re:What a ridiculous beatup by ultranova · · Score: 1

      Come on, it's not news worthy, obviusally a amateurish stab at not only microsoft but against the people that work there? disgusting.

      How can you stab at Microsoft without stabbing at the people who work there ? Microsoft does not really exist, it is just a legal fiction cover for a group of people (owners) and their undelings (employees). It is uncapable of doing any decisions of its own, all its decisions were actually made by the people working there. All this means that whatever your grievance with Microsoft might be, there is an actual human being responsible for it, one that has worked or is currently working for Microsoft.

      You can't hate Microsoft and not hate the people working there at the same time without being logically inconsistent.

      How about the fact that there has been no mention of the massive US rights violation that happened in utah this past weekend? it's all over other news about how lots of kids (15-21) had their heads bashed in by Utah police masquerading as army soldiers for no excuse other than to beat up some kids and "send a message" that attempted to be legal outdoor concert/parties are unwelcome?

      Propably because it does not fit into Slashdots self-declared topic of "News for nerds, stuff that matters".

      This is no "News for nerds", because it has nothing to do with computers or technology. It isn't "stuff that matters", because, quite frankly, it doesn't. It doesn't affect anyone outside the US in any way, it doesn't affect anyone in US but outside Utah in any way, and likely it won't affect a random person in Utah either.

      Ultimately, this is (or at least sounds like, from your explanation) just some jerks drunk on power. It doesn't affect policy worldwide, like WTC or London bombings did. It might be nasty stuff, but not really worth reporting on Slashdot.

      Besides, if it has been shown in all other news channels, why should Slashdot repeat it ?

      Nope we get immature rants like this story that only blacken slashdot and oss in general.

      How can a story blacken OSS, when it doesn't mention or make any references to OSS ?

      And the one making a rant here is you.

      the story should have been, "microsoft has a disease spreading in it's ranks, we all shoud take note of this and how it might happen to the rest of us."

      Actually, the story should have been rejected. There's nothing newsworthy in Microsoft's employees getting sick.

      It could have been informational for the rest of us to learn how it happened, how to prevent getting infected yourself or at least reduce your chances of getting something from travelling coworkers..

      There is no way to protect yourself from contracting sicknesses from people you have to work close quarters with. The only way to protect yourself from something like this is to work from home by Internet.

      nope it needs to be a hatefest

      Yes. Microsoft is hated on Slashdot, so any story about Microsoft will propably become a hatefest.

      --

      Forget magic. Any technology distinguishable from divine power is insufficiently advanced.

    52. Re:What a ridiculous beatup by dual_boot_brain · · Score: 1
      > Tired people make more mistakes, and fixing those costs money.

      The bug fix money comes from a different pot then the initial development money and worse, it may even be a different group of engineers. If this is the case, it means that the development manager makes his/her bonus numbers by keeping the development costs down which is achieved through understaffing and the support team is screwed. On top of that it is suprising how many customers will fork over new money for new features AND to fix old bugs.

      --
      There is no reset button in life; however, there are bonus levels.
    53. Re:What a ridiculous beatup by That's+Unpossible! · · Score: 2, Informative

      How did such a ludiciris article make it to the front page.

      From the slashdot FAQ, it says they post what they think is interesting.

      Also, it's spelled ludicrous, rap groups notwithstanding.

      Based on the comments by our own Cowboy Neal, I'd peg him to be an ignorant coward (i.e. racist).

      CowboyNeal didn't comment on this article, he just posted it.

      Also, being a racist isn't the same thing as being an ignorant coward. (Ignorant, yes, but I don't see where "coward" comes into play.)

      I'm a white american that has worked with a number of Indian s.w. developers, and I find this entire article to be flame bait'able.

      I'm a white American that has not worked with many non-whites, and I still find this article to be a waste of time. Flame-baitable? meh

      I will obviouslly get modded way down for this, but I hope those of you that browse at 0+ see this and realize how bigotted this submission really is.

      How is it bigotted to recognize the reality that many overseas countries do not have a handle on many diseases that are not a problem in the US?

      If I said Microsoft ought to invest in a lot of Yellow Fever medication if they hire workers from Peru, would that be a cowardly ignorant racist flamebaitable thing to say? No, because Peru has a problem with Yellow Fever.

      --
      Ironically, the word ironically is often used incorrectly.
    54. Re:What a ridiculous beatup by sbrown123 · · Score: 1

      Yes, the post mentioned offshoring. So did your post. Oh well.

      Taking a quick look at your blog I can see the problem: your a complainer. Go outside and live a little. And try smiling. The weight of the world is not on your shoulders to worry over....

    55. Re:What a ridiculous beatup by LWATCDR · · Score: 1

      1. You left out that that party was illegal. IE no permits.
      2. That the police where a swat team and not masquerading as army soldiers.
      3. A lot of dangerous drugs where found. I am not talking pot and x but Meth and Coke.
      4. At least one of the people was suffered an overdose.

      The Police might have used too much force but it is far from cut and dry. What about the COMPANY that ran the party? This was a pay event and the company that ran it is also to blame if they did not provide for security and did not get the proper permits.
      Seems to me as if this is also a beatup.

      --
      See my blog http://ilovecookes.blogspot.com/ for light hearted technical information.
    56. Re:What a ridiculous beatup by FragHARD · · Score: 1
      --
      FragHARD or don't frag at all
    57. Re:What a ridiculous beatup by FragHARD · · Score: 1

      > well read the top of the page it says"News for Nerds. Stuff that matters" it doesn't say "News for Fools..."

      --
      FragHARD or don't frag at all
    58. Re:What a ridiculous beatup by crotherm · · Score: 1

      According to this information, your points might need adjusting.

      --
      "Those who make peaceful revolution impossible, make violent revolution inevitable" - JFK
    59. Re:What a ridiculous beatup by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      OH!! Jokes!! I get jokes.

    60. Re:What a ridiculous beatup by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      yup cince the world trade center was not a website it also should not have had coverage.

    61. Re:What a ridiculous beatup by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0
      On top of that it is suprising how many customers will fork over new money for new features AND to fix old bugs.

      Wow. You hit MS right between the eyes and never even mentioned their name. Well done, sir!

    62. Re:What a ridiculous beatup by WD_40 · · Score: 1

      They need to make it so stories can be moderated, then maybe we won't have to look at crap like this on the front page all the time.

      --

      "With sufficient thrust, pigs fly just fine." -- RFC 1925

    63. Re:What a ridiculous beatup by LWATCDR · · Score: 1

      Actually no. I said that they did not get the correct permit. The promoters seem to read the law as saying that you only needed a permit if more than 250 people where going to be their AND it was going to go on for more than 12 hours.
      I read it the law and it looked to as over 250 people OR went more 12 hours a permit. Seems dumb that you could have 300 people at an event for 11 hours and not need a permit. BTW there where over 1000 people at this event.
      Here is the big issue.

      " * Did the police seize large amounts of drugs?

      Police did seize illicit drugs; a large portion of the drugs seized were drugs that the security officers had confiscated from event goers. Admittedly, this is a sticky issue. Police say security should not have those substances, but it is security's job to keep the environment as safe as possible from potential harmful situations. "

      If the security people found Meth and Coke and took it away from people at the rave why didn't they call the police? That act alone like or not makes them very, very, libel in all this. Think about it. Possestion of Meth and Coke are felonies. Like or not the promoters and security they hired are in DEEP trouble for that fact alone. This was not some party a guy was throwing for some friends. This was a business operation.
      The promoter was running a MONEY MAKEING operation without permits and was breaking the law by being in possession of narcotics. Now they are covering their rear and trying to make it into police brutality. I did say that the police may have used too much force but I was not their and I am willing to see what the court has to say. However the PROMOTERS that CHARGED people MONEY to people at this rave are not some inocent party. They have a lot to answer for.

      --
      See my blog http://ilovecookes.blogspot.com/ for light hearted technical information.
    64. Re:What a ridiculous beatup by koreaman · · Score: 0
      other than social security.


      What's your point? That's still a tax.
    65. Re:What a ridiculous beatup by Spetiam · · Score: 1

      In fact, the grandparent probably recognized, as I did, that Vicissidude, through CowboyNeal, was trying to crack a joke.

      However, the grandparent clearly recognized, as I and a host of other Slashdot readers also recognize, that this is still the Stupidest. Slashdot. Article. Ever.

      The "joke" is so bent, so disconnected from anything in the common experience, I am inclined to think Vicissidude and CowboyNeal suffer from some mental pathology... or have lived in solitary confinement - self-imposed or not - for quite some time.

    66. Re:What a ridiculous beatup by lsdino · · Score: 1

      On point #1 I have to wonder what happened to "the right of the people peaceably to assemble"?

      Assuming they're either on public or private property where the owner does not object I don't see what the problem is. While raves may or may not make money they are typically at best border-line commercial enterprises, not full blown commercial enterprises. Typically the "operators" primary interest is in creating an environment for people to do their rave thing. It is usually not designed to create great profits (even if the promoters haven't gone the full step of making themselves a not-for-profit).

      As for the drugs... that's an entirely different issue. But you seem to imply that they were aware and responsible for the drugs. While I certainly believe they were aware of some illegal drug use (just like any concert promoter is aware there are going to be drugs used at their venue) I would suspect they almost certainly did not contribute to this atmosphere directly.

      The fact of the matter is that a non-violent party is not a reason for the police to come and invade. It's just a violation of civil liberties unless people are complaining. If people are complaining then the police should respond to those complaints. But permits for gatherings of people just strike me as being entirely un-American.

    67. Re:What a ridiculous beatup by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      This was *NOT* news out of Microsoft. This was local news with health bulletin warnings going out to the general public in this (I work in Redmond) area. Microsoft was requested (and probably required) to put out a bulletin as they were cooperating with the local health officials following, what is most likely, protocol defined by the CDC. So, since I HAVE NOT been vaccinated for measles, I was quite glad to realize that I had not been to Bldg. 40, Thai Ginger, or Malay Satay Hut (A wonderful restaurant I frequent)
          So, I don't care what this post is modded, it is *NOT* insightful. Actually, it's stupid, arrogant and quite snotty.

    68. Re:What a ridiculous beatup by kaens · · Score: 1

      http://166.70.44.68/video/rave_video_0002.wmv There's a working link to a video.

    69. Re:What a ridiculous beatup by 3seas · · Score: 1

      the world of the slashdot web now revolves around Redmond? Or more specifically Microsoft? Or maybe its revolves around Bill Gates?

      Next in the News, the world is flat and the center is wherever bill gates is...

      virus at MS is more likely a slow news day and a play on virus terms at a well known and disliked software company...

      Try reading your local newspaper or local web news for health warnings, not slashdot...

      Or maybe, to be fair, slashdot should report air quality level in Atlanta (its probably orange today - inhealthy) ... seeings how the CDC is located here..

    70. Re:What a ridiculous beatup by jackofallbrandnames · · Score: 1

      That was just it. It shouldn't revolve around MS, yet "news" like this article and the gp's comment is what feeds the FUD spread about by slashdotters themselves.

      The original poster has it right and I might add that articles in this context and the gp's thought pattern to allow it actually creates self-inflicted FUD about previous comments that ARE actually Insightful.

      --
      The geek shall inherit the earth.
  2. I hate offshoring as much as the next guy . . . by Seumas · · Score: 5, Insightful

    . . . but are we to believe that, if it weren't for offshoring, none of the tens of thousands of microsoft employees working in this country would ever go outside of the country - even overseas - and possibly bring back a flue or a cold or the mumps or something?

    Also, how do you bring back the measles? Aren't we inocculated against measles when you're maybe six years old?

    1. Re:I hate offshoring as much as the next guy . . . by nogginthenog · · Score: 1

      Aren't we inocculated against measles when you're maybe six years old?
      That's exactly what I was thinking. We certainly do in the UK (well, except those who refused to give their kids the combined MMR vacine). And it seems that the Measles vaccine doesn't need a booster later in life.

    2. Re:I hate offshoring as much as the next guy . . . by putko · · Score: 1, Interesting

      Mod me down -- I don't care:

      So if it happened at Apple or Google, would it get the same writeup at Slashdot?

      If you want neat news for geeks, I suggest you try: reddit.com

      Much less b.s. than Slashdot, which lately seems to get worse.

      --
      http://www.thebricktestament.com/the_law/when_to_s tone_your_children/dt21_18a.html
    3. Re:I hate offshoring as much as the next guy . . . by aussie_a · · Score: 2, Interesting

      If you want neat news for geeks, I suggest you try: reddit.com

      Most people come here for the comments. I'm not seeing comments there. So it's not really an applicable alternative to slashdot. I'd love to go to somewhere that's like slashdot, but without the bullshit. Unfortunately nowhere but slashdot has the comments (in any significant quantity anyway. A favourite is technocrati (or whatever it is) which gets 10 comments a day if lucky).

    4. Re:I hate offshoring as much as the next guy . . . by blowdart · · Score: 1

      Of course the linked to article doesn't even say it's an employee, just someone that visited the campus. It could have been a simple vistor. But that wouldn't have made for the usual "Har har M$ suck0rz" topics.

    5. Re:I hate offshoring as much as the next guy . . . by Malyven · · Score: 2, Interesting

      You know what I have to admit I am really tired of this shite.

      People this is a group effort. Sure the editors find some articles and put them up.
      But for the most part the stories say SoandSo says....

      IF YOU WANT BETTER STORIES SUBMIT THEM!!!!

      bleah it ain't that hard

    6. Re:I hate offshoring as much as the next guy . . . by Stephen+Williams · · Score: 1

      Aren't we inocculated against measles when you're maybe six years old?

      Nowdays, yes, but it hasn't always been that way. I'm in my late twenties and was never vaccinated against measles or mumps. I contracted measles as a child, but I never did catch the mumps, which makes me think I ought to get a vaccination at some point because it's not the most pleasant of diseases for an adult male to catch.

      -Stephen

    7. Re:I hate offshoring as much as the next guy . . . by Seumas · · Score: 2, Informative

      IF YOU WANT BETTER STORIES SUBMIT THEM!!!!

      You must be new here . . . :(

      Lameness filter encountered. Post aborted!
      Reason: Don't use so many caps. It's like YELLING.

    8. Re:I hate offshoring as much as the next guy . . . by Seumas · · Score: 1

      In the United States, I don't think you can even send your kid to school until after they have had their shots. You have to have evidence from a doctor proving that you've had the shots before they'll admit you at your school . . .

    9. Re:I hate offshoring as much as the next guy . . . by raman3007 · · Score: 3, Funny

      I've a solution for this: Offshore all IT operations to India.. so there'll be no travel.. no risk.

    10. Re:I hate offshoring as much as the next guy . . . by plumby · · Score: 1

      It's not pleasant at all. I had it about 3 months ago (at which point my mum decided to mention that I'd never been vaccinated against it). For the first week, I couldn't lie down properly as my throat was so swollen that it hurt when I put my head on the pillow, but that wasn't too bad. Second week, however, it spread and I had an entire week feeling like someone had given me a good kick between the legs. I would strongly advise you to get a vaccine ASAP.

    11. Re:I hate offshoring as much as the next guy . . . by PingPongBoy · · Score: 1

      So if it happened at Apple or Google, would it get the same writeup at Slashdot?

      I get you. There's this study about what people are interested in, and even a minor incident at Microsoft is making waves. An occurrence at Apple or Google is like the flap of a butterfly's wings - the hypothetical hurricane might not happen, but Microsoft is like a spinning top. It's metastable, and that's what MS stands for.

      The real fun happens when you touch the top and see what it does. Once Microsoft gets wind that something might have to be done, look out. They might unleash a software package to diagnose diseases, or a mouse that gives you scheduled vaccinations.

      --
      Know your pads. One time pad: good for cryptography. Two timing pad: where to take your mistress.
    12. Re:I hate offshoring as much as the next guy . . . by SComps · · Score: 1

      They might unleash a software package to diagnose diseases, or a mouse that gives you scheduled vaccinations.

      Not before you validate your genetic structure with the Microsoft Genetic Advantage Tool. Have your identification and DNA map ready before hitting the site.

      Hrm.. Maybe they can come up with a Q doc for stupidity? Nah, it would just wind up being released with the next DRM patches.

    13. Re:I hate offshoring as much as the next guy . . . by AviLazar · · Score: 1

      Unless you contracted a different version of the measles that you didn't get innoculated to. It is possible, especially if this guy is older. I was born in Israel and have been innoculated against three different types of measles which are explicitly spelled out on my medical charts. Maybe this guy was not innoculated to the one that he got?

      --

      I mod down so you can mod up. Your welcome.
    14. Re:I hate offshoring as much as the next guy . . . by sckienle · · Score: 1

      Also, how do you bring back the measles? Aren't we inoculated against measles when you're maybe six years old?

      There was a period of time when the vaccine used lost its effectiveness over time. I know this because I was inoculated as a child and needed to get the shot again as an adult, or at least so I was told by my doctor. I haven't had measles, mumps or rubella so it was important.

      --
      I don't see things in black and white; I see the gray. Heck, I actually see in color, which makes things more difficult
    15. Re:I hate offshoring as much as the next guy . . . by AviLazar · · Score: 1

      Yes it would, except the thread starter would have a sympathetic comment instead of a derrogetory one.

      --

      I mod down so you can mod up. Your welcome.
    16. Re:I hate offshoring as much as the next guy . . . by Winterblink · · Score: 2, Interesting

      That's funny.

      I've submitted sites, and NONE of them have ever been accepted. It's not like I had a badly written summary, or the link wasn't interestng. Some editor probably looked at it and "this doesn't elevate Linux to a higher pedestal", or "this doesn't bash Microsoft as much as we'd like", and then clicked the Reject button.

      The biggest problem with this site is that the people who read it do not have the control of what's submitted. If they did, instead of the editors, you'd see much more interesting and constructive content.

      --
      "I'm a leaf on the wind. Watch how I soar."
      -Hoban Washburn
    17. Re:I hate offshoring as much as the next guy . . . by vjsd1 · · Score: 1

      If americans are going to shove globalisation down the worlds throat, offshoring is one of the bitter pills we're going to have to swallow. Oh, and btw, I bet the computer you typed your post up on was made in the far east.

    18. Re:I hate offshoring as much as the next guy . . . by dlZ · · Score: 1

      You're right, U.S. schools won't let students in until parents show proof of vaccinations. And even colleges require proof, I had to run around and find proof of my vaccinations as a child, which wasn't easy because the doctors office that had done them isn't around anymore.

      --
      rm -rf ./evidence @ punkcomp
    19. Re:I hate offshoring as much as the next guy . . . by prufrax · · Score: 1

      MMR was only introduced into the UK in 1988, so people in their thirties who did not catch measles as a child are still vulnerable.

    20. Re:I hate offshoring as much as the next guy . . . by mikvo · · Score: 1
      In the United States, I don't think you can even send your kid to school until after they have had their shots.

      Actually, you can. However, I believe you have to do some extra paperwork of some sort to excuse your child from the requirement. In our case, we adopted three children who weren't current on their shots, and got a legal waiver for the first year of school giving us time to get things current (which they now are). However, a family that lives two doors down from us is very opposed to immunizations, and their children have not had the standard rounds of shots, but still go to school. I don't know what was required to enroll them, but they managed somehow.

    21. Re:I hate offshoring as much as the next guy . . . by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      in soviet russia, articles submit to you!

    22. Re:I hate offshoring as much as the next guy . . . by nogginthenog · · Score: 1

      Before 1988 they were seperate vacines!

    23. Re:I hate offshoring as much as the next guy . . . by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      You have employees bring back the measles by hiring foreigners from countries that do not vaccinate all of their population.

      "The infected man was born outside the United States and had not been vaccinated, according to health officials." from
      http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/local/238160_measles web26.html

    24. Re:I hate offshoring as much as the next guy . . . by japhmi · · Score: 1

      However, a family that lives two doors down from us is very opposed to immunizations, and their children have not had the standard rounds of shots, but still go to school. I don't know what was required to enroll them, but they managed somehow.

      They fill out some form that says "we are opposed to immunizations." My wife actually did that when she started college instead of trying to track down her old doctor and getting the files from him (she knew she had the shots).

      --
      "Giving money and power to government is like giving whiskey and car keys to teenage boys" P. J. O'Rourke
    25. Re:I hate offshoring as much as the next guy . . . by Malyven · · Score: 1

      My god, maybe I was yelling,
      Cause you know the exclamation marks in succession at the end of the sentence weren't a giveaway of some added emotion.

    26. Re:I hate offshoring as much as the next guy . . . by Malyven · · Score: 1

      Reading half the posts on here, I think that it is for the best that the people who use this site don't have control.

      I do agree with you I know there are many people who submit valid and interesting stories and they just get lost in the shuffle, I am sure some of it just happens because there are so many stories being submitted per day (I have no idea how many but I am guess it is a lot).

      I have an idea for system that could kind of work,
      but it's just an idea.

      Thanks for the intelligent response, it was more than I figured I would get from a post like that.

    27. Re:I hate offshoring as much as the next guy . . . by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Um... Everything below his "you must be new here" was clearly cut and pasted from the Slashdot lameness filter so that he could get the message to post without it complaining about the portion of capitalization in his overall response.

    28. Re:I hate offshoring as much as the next guy . . . by milkman_matt · · Score: 1

      The biggest problem with this site is that the people who read it do not have the control of what's submitted. If they did, instead of the editors, you'd see much more interesting and constructive content.

      Ooooooooh, like moderation + subscriber only previews.... they could have subscribers seeing even MORE stories early and giving them the ability to moderate stories up and get them out into the world. Hell, I would subscribe the day that happened! ..of course not all subscribers would want to see 'more stories' so maybe another tier (not necessarily more expensive tier) for people interested... that could be good!

    29. Re:I hate offshoring as much as the next guy . . . by Seumas · · Score: 1

      Yes, but if everyone in this country is vaccinated against it and someone from the "outside" brings it in, who is it going to be able to affect?

    30. Re:I hate offshoring as much as the next guy . . . by Malyven · · Score: 1

      Ahhhh, I apologize, must make a note not post before my first cup of coffee in the morning, I might misread.

      And I know I am irate before my first cup.

    31. Re:I hate offshoring as much as the next guy . . . by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0
  3. TFA is a troll. by rylin · · Score: 2, Insightful

    CowboyNeal: fuck you for posting this shit.
    I'm sure you've got dozens of more newsworthy articles to post - hell, even dupes have more journalistic integrity than this POS.

    1. Re:TFA is a troll. by cornface · · Score: 1

      I wish slashdot would open a meta.slashdot.org subsite wherein the editors posted and addressed common complaints, suggestions, feedback, etc. It would draw a lot of the inflammatory (yet often valid) stuff out of the normal comment threads and help to relieve some of the "ivory tower" attitude that seems to permeate the editorial board of slashdot, inc.

      I don't hold out hope that it will ever happen.

  4. No, blame the terrorists by pieterh · · Score: 5, Insightful

    What on earth has off-shoring got to do with this? People travel. People go on holiday. People work overseas. People exchange exotic diseases. It's hardly a feature of modern business practices.

    1. Re:No, blame the terrorists by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      "... people exchange exotic diseases..."

      Guess the exchange of body fluids is OUTSIDE the scope of the typical slashdot reader.

    2. Re:No, blame the terrorists by dan+the+person · · Score: 1

      offshoring???

      MS doesn't offshore much, if you look at the proportion of MS employees based in the US, and you look at the proportion of MS sales revenue that comes from non-US, i think you will see that actually, the rest of the commercial world is on-shoring it's software development to the US.

    3. Re:No, blame the terrorists by owlstead · · Score: 1

      Yeah, it's time that we impose limits on traveling for our employees! (If you don't like it you can go work somewhere else!)

  5. Taking a Lesson from Captain Janeway by Quirk · · Score: 2, Funny
    Could this be a viral attack on the Borg collective?

    And Bill Gates thought OS was viral.

    --
    "Academicians are more likely to share each other's toothbrush than each other's nomenclature."
    Cohen
    1. Re:Taking a Lesson from Captain Janeway by cnettel · · Score: 1

      Well, only if the name of the guy returning is Hugh and Linus' evil, previously dismantled (?!), brother will turn up as the new MS CEO.

  6. Next time by Concerned+Onlooker · · Score: 1, Funny

    I'll bet that before they send anybody overseas again they'll install some good anti-virus software in them.

    --
    http://www.rootstrikers.org/
    1. Re:Next time by vishbar · · Score: 1

      Microsoft doesn't keep its products virus-free...why shouldn't they do the same with their employees? :-)

      --
      Ride the skies
    2. Re:Next time by goodenoughnickname · · Score: 1

      What is that glimmer, miles away on the horizon?

      Oh yeah, that joke.

    3. Re:Next time by eqkivaro · · Score: 1
      Just what exactly is wrong with Pat Robertson?

      He's a jesus freak.

    4. Re:Next time by TapeCutter · · Score: 1

      "Just what exactly is wrong with Pat Robertson?"

      Same thing that is wrong with all the other "fire-brand" clerics, they are all a bunch of phycopathic, self-serving, hypocrites. A much more troubling question is, what is wrong with the millions of people who hang (and often act) on their every word, can't they just go and worship a pop/sports-star like everyone else? Perhaps a few "real-life celebrity preacher" magazines would help knock them off their pedestals?

      Now before I get burnt at the stake, let me just clarify that I don't give a flying-fuck what God(s) anyone belives in. If it provides them with a satisfactory answer to the question "why" and they don't force it onto me then it becomes no more than a curiosity.

      A flesh and blood human who is speaking from a pulpit is not God and has no better insight into "God's Will" than any of the people he is preaching too. Maybe an education campain, we could kick it of by deporting Pat Robertson to Venessuala[sic]?

      Yeah, yeah, I know I am offtopic but TFA is a dud so I thought I would talk about politics, religion, gossip-mags and a bit of sport.

      --
      And did you exchange a walk on part in the war for a lead role in a cage? - Pink Floyd.
  7. Great....I'm not feeling well... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    I was in Redmond Town Center several times over the last week...and I think I'm coming down with something. I hope that weezball didn't infect me. At least its better than the infections that happened in that book The Syndrome Rule. And remember, the people who brew your coffee and build your planes are here too--so is Adobe, and...a bunch of other dumb companies.

  8. Windows by shyted · · Score: 1, Redundant

    Can you imagine the relief at M$ that it doesn't affect Windows. Bet they still announce a patch will be released though.

  9. MMR? by nathanhart · · Score: 1

    Guess keeping current on mmr shots didn't go though his mind

    --
    GeekLeak.com - Silly name, serious geeks
    1. Re:MMR? by nathanhart · · Score: 1

      Oh and this is a good case of wanting to keep your virus defanitions up to date if you ask me

      --
      GeekLeak.com - Silly name, serious geeks
  10. Why not me? by Kaorimoch · · Score: 4, Insightful

    I got a flu from some guy at work yesterday and Slashdot ignored my story submission about it. Not much difference really, is it?

    1. Re:Why not me? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      because someone is not goingto twist it into an attack from the FSF or linux camps.

      Press release, Redmond, WA

      Microsoft hit by biological attack from Linux.

      This week, Microsoft employees were placed under a merciless biological attack from the Open source community, specifically the Linux sect of that community. Severl hundred of our employees were seriousally infected and are at death's door. When contacted Linus Travolds the leader of the linux sect known by his followers as "fearless leader" had only this crass response, "Sorry but,who cares?" in an attempt to rub it in our faces.

      Billions of dollars are being spent to ensure that his biological virus attack can not spread to the users but an indemnification will not be available due to the nature and cost of this infection.

    2. Re:Why not me? by cp.tar · · Score: 1
      1. Get a job in Microsoft.
      2. Give the flu to as many people there as possible.
      3. Post the story to /. It won't even be a dupe, so you might have to try a few times.
      4. Observe the glee. Wipe the tear from your eye.
      5. Observe your ass getting fired. Wipe another tear from your eye.
      6. No profit for quite soe time, but some things are priceless.

      A cheaper alternative (as in: no job loss for you!) is alleging that your colleague's wife or whoever is working for Microsoft. Just re-submit the story padded with the additional data.

      --
      Ignore this signature. By order.
    3. Re:Why not me? by Spy+der+Mann · · Score: 1

      Actually, it's the irony. Microsoft people got a virus they don't have an antivirus for.

      Perhaps it should've been in the "quickies" section. Like, "In related news, Microsoft people got infected with a virus they can't clean: Measles. And... here's mike with the weather."

  11. good work boy by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    God bless you kind sir. I was going to plant feces in their food supply but they didnt hire me.

  12. Is TFA really a troll? by cornjchob · · Score: 1

    http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/health/20024 51977_webmeasles25.html

    and more broadly

    http://news.google.com/news?hl=en&ned=us&q=measles &btnG=Search+News

    IANAEOMMCACALC (I am not an expert on mass media coerscions and conspiracies against large corporations), but it seems there may be some truth to this. Anybody?

    --
    We now have confirmed reports from an informed Orange County minister that Ethel is still an active communist.
    1. Re:Is TFA really a troll? by mrchaotica · · Score: 5, Insightful

      The issue is not whether it's factually true; the issue is whether it's newsworthy, and what the motivations are behind posting it. By definition, anything specifically designed to inflame controversy and disparage a certain group without having any other merit is a troll, whether it's factually correct or not.

      So yes, TFA -- or rather, the act of posting it to Slashdot -- is really a troll.

      --

      "[Regarding the 'cloud,'] ownership was what made America different than Russia." -- Woz

    2. Re:Is TFA really a troll? by syousef · · Score: 0, Troll

      calm down there. You're basically advocating /. censor anything remotely controvertial. I doubt that a majority of /. users would like that.

      Actually this is an interesting take on the cost of outsourcing in general. I see this as a valid point, and not one that I'd considered before: what happens when an employee brings a disease into the country? Who wears the costs? What's the civil/criminal liability of putting pressure on someone to come work if they're sick. Are existing safeguards enough etc. etc. etc.

      The problem here is people don't know how to have a healthy discussion and separate discussion from personal attack.

      --
      These posts express my own personal views, not those of my employer
    3. Re:Is TFA really a troll? by Jugalator · · Score: 1

      calm down there. You're basically advocating /. censor anything remotely controvertial.

      No, no, you misunderstand (or choose to misunderstand).

      What he's saying, and what I also agree with, is that it's OK to post controversial topics, if they're newsworthy enough.

      --
      Beware: In C++, your friends can see your privates!
    4. Re:Is TFA really a troll? by The+Dark · · Score: 1

      From the first line of the Seattle Times article:
      "A man returning from a trip to France"
      Does Microsoft outsource to France now?

      --
      sig's not here
    5. Re:Is TFA really a troll? by mrchaotica · · Score: 1

      If the article was actually about outsourcing, you might have a point. Instead, though, the submitter used a merely tangentially related article as an excuse to make his argument. Also, the headline and summary is phrased to reflect the submitter's bias (especially the leading question at the end).

      Having a healthy discussion becomes more difficult when the original submitter starts it off with an attack; that's why trolls are bad.

      --

      "[Regarding the 'cloud,'] ownership was what made America different than Russia." -- Woz

    6. Re:Is TFA really a troll? by syousef · · Score: 1

      It is both newsworthy and topical. Outsourcing was a huge trend for the last while (though there's signs its slowing). Here is an unintended negative outcome from that decision affecting one of the largest IT companies on the planet. How is that not newsworthy???

      --
      These posts express my own personal views, not those of my employer
    7. Re:Is TFA really a troll? by ifwm · · Score: 1

      Because it isn't about outsourcing?

      Did you even RTFA?

      Never mind what was I thinking...

    8. Re:Is TFA really a troll? by coolGuyZak · · Score: 1
      By definition, anything specifically designed to inflame controversy and disparage a certain group without having any other merit is a troll, whether it's factually correct or not.

      That explains over 3/4 of the articles posted to /. over a given day, though...

  13. computer virus? by scibbers · · Score: 0, Redundant

    haha, I miss read the post the first time and thought they were talking about a computer virus infecting microsoft headquarters.... but then I realized that if it was a computer virus hitting microsoft, it really would not be news...

    1. Re:computer virus? by mrchaotica · · Score: 1

      Somehow I have a feeling that the entire reason for posting this to Slashdot is to facilitate jokes like this.

      --

      "[Regarding the 'cloud,'] ownership was what made America different than Russia." -- Woz

    2. Re:computer virus? by EoN604 · · Score: 1

      that is the worst, least funny, most blatantly obvious post i have ever read.

  14. Be proud, Vicissidude by KingPrad · · Score: 5, Insightful

    Way to go poster, this is a new low. You're actually gloating because an employee at Microsoft is ill and maybe spread it around. I think you've lost your sense of proportion. When you're laughing at a company because the day-in day-out engineers and accountants and other working folks are ill because you have a grudge against the company, that's fucked up.

    Vicissidude, You're a nut. And so is CowboyNeal for posting this crap.

    --
    Stop the Slashdot Effect! Don't read the articles!
    1. Re:Be proud, Vicissidude by smcn · · Score: 2, Funny

      Yup. Slashdot bookmark deleted.

    2. Re:Be proud, Vicissidude by Gibsnag · · Score: 2, Insightful

      Exactly, however evil Microsoft as a corporation is, its workers are still people. Being pleased or finding it amusing that people have gotten infected with a potentially harmful disease is just lame dude.

    3. Re:Be proud, Vicissidude by Gandalf_the_Beardy · · Score: 0

      Actually I find it quite worrying. Especially in the UK where so many people are not vaccinating children because there are fears of autism (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/4311613.stm) a sudden outbreak of measles would be quite a big deal.

      I was one of the very last children not to get the routine vaccs, and as such got measles immunity the hard way. It's not a disease I'd wish on anyone. It's kind of ironic seeing that Gates funds measles programs to a large extent. More to the point though I'd be interested in knowing what procedures Microsoft or other large companies have for protecting their workforce and advising them, as our company AFAIK has jack-s*** in the way of such policies.

    4. Re:Be proud, Vicissidude by Spetiam · · Score: 1

      Yep. Tonight I will finally follow the advice in my sig.

  15. Health care conspiracies at work by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    A lot of children do not receive the measles vaccination these days. It's all part of the "New Medical Science", such as not circumcising children, subjecting them to much ridicule in gym showers and during "I'll show you mine if you show me yours" games. And for god's sake, what woman wants to suck a dick with a nasty-ass skin flap on it? I mean seriously, uncut cocks are GROSS and weird-looking. Take it from someone who knows. (Yes, I am a fag)

    1. Re:Health care conspiracies at work by nogginthenog · · Score: 2, Informative

      Funny thing is I was just reading here: http://www.cdc.gov/nip/diseases/measles/faqs.htm

      If the chance of the diseases is so low, why do I need the vaccine?

      It is true that vaccination has enabled us to reduce measles and most other vaccine-preventable diseases to very low levels in the United States. However, measles is still very common -- even epidemic -- in other parts of the world. Visitors to our country and U.S. travelers returning from other countries can unknowingly bring this disease into the United States, and if we were not protected by vaccinations, it will quickly spread causing an epidemics here. The disease is very contagious. We should be vaccinated protect ourselves and our children. Even if we think our chances of getting measles is small, the disease still exists and can still infect anyone who is not protected.


      And circumcision? Man, that's sick. God/Evolution (delete as applicable) put it there for a reason. But I think it's common in the US. Everywhere else in the world it's only done for medical or religious reasons.

    2. Re:Health care conspiracies at work by tarunthegreat2 · · Score: 1

      Well God/Evolution also put an appendix and tonsils in there - "for a reason", which, while useful to animals don't do squat for us. Plus, lately there's been talk that circumsized people MAY be less likely to get infected by HIV/AIDS. There's a plus point that beats the heck out of a lot arguments against, if proven.

    3. Re:Health care conspiracies at work by ray-auch · · Score: 1

      So why are the medics trying to get tonsilectomy and appendectomy rates _down_ ?

      Answer: they've figured out that _not_ messing around with something that isn't broken is less risky for the patient than trying to "fix" it - even if we can't figure out what it is there for.

    4. Re:Health care conspiracies at work by mahmud · · Score: 1

      I hate not to provide a source, but I read somewhere that appendix serves as a habitat for certain bacteria that help in digestion.

    5. Re:Health care conspiracies at work by Seumas · · Score: 1

      When was the last time parents had the doctor take out the kids' tonsils and appendix just after birth based on "we don't need it"?

      I don't really care either way. I just think it's amusing that if we did something like this to females, we'd be considered a female genital mutilation nation. But since it's boys - it's all good.

    6. Re:Health care conspiracies at work by tarunthegreat2 · · Score: 1

      The appendix is used to aid in the digestion of cellulose - i.e. grass - *in animals*. As we don't eat grass anymore, the appendix is effectively useless.

    7. Re:Health care conspiracies at work by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Here.
      Edumacate yourself on male genital mutilation.

      http://www.phudson.com/mutilation.html

    8. Re:Health care conspiracies at work by tarunthegreat2 · · Score: 1

      I can't answer that. But "we don't need it" coupled with "it might reduce infection and catching terminal diseases" makes a slightly stronger case, or am I just full of shyte?

    9. Re:Health care conspiracies at work by polysylabic+psudonym · · Score: 1

      Circumcision can also protect against HIV.

    10. Re:Health care conspiracies at work by polysylabic+psudonym · · Score: 1

      Any significant surgury is dangerous. General anaesthesia has about a 1 in 700000 chance of killing you. Abdominal surgury can cause adhesions and other problems. Appendicitis can be effectively treated now with antibiotics.

      Pick any of the above reasons for avoiding appendectomies.

      Tonsils are an important part of your immune system, it's a good idea to leave them in place.

    11. Re:Health care conspiracies at work by polysylabic+psudonym · · Score: 1

      I read the other comments in this thread before posting my own (who'd have thought that post would have so many replies).

      Anyway, consider my earlier post as reworded as follows: The evidence that circumcision can protect against HIV is actually quite good. The study referenced controlled for social, religious, etc factors.

    12. Re:Health care conspiracies at work by cp.tar · · Score: 1
      We may not eat grass, but when you eat lettuce or cabbage you eat leaves - quite similar to grass if I'm to judge.

      Oh, well... I know quite a few people that only eat meat and bread; they probably do not need the appendix as even if something lived there (I really wouldn't know about that), it has probably died out years ago.

      --
      Ignore this signature. By order.
    13. Re:Health care conspiracies at work by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      You're either trolling or retarded. Judging from the content of your post, and granting you the benefit of the doubt I'll assume the latter.

      What you're suggesting is akin to a clitorectomy to improve the aesthetics of the labia. A barbaric and widely outlawed practice in almost every country today.

      Consider that:

      * 85% of the worlds male population is intact.
      * The US is the only Country that routinely circumcises their infant males.
      * Our country passed a bill to protect females from being sexually mutilated......WHY doesn't this bill protect males from being sexually mutilated.

      What they don't tell you...........

      * 10,000 + specialized erotogenic nerve endings are permanently severed and lost
      * 240 feet of microscopic nerves
      * 12 square inches of tissue if unfolded
      * The male loses about 40 % of his sensitivity
      * 209 baby boys die each year from circumcision and related complications


      More information

    14. Re:Health care conspiracies at work by polysylabic+psudonym · · Score: 1

      I googled for that stuff you say about the dangers of circumcision, found several web sites with the exact same statement. What else did they all have in common? No references. They all say 209 baby boys die every year because of circumcision, but none add an "according to \insert name of reputable journal here\". In fact these sound very much like the class of information I describe as "internet truths" - that is things that are stated to be true across many web sites, but which actually are not.

      I'll grant that it could be a dangerous operation in, say, sub-saharan africa where there is a danger of non-sterile medical instruments or poor sanitary conditions, but in first world nations such as the US? No.

      Please provide a reference from a reputable medical journal backing up what you say.

    15. Re:Health care conspiracies at work by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      I'm not American. I am European.

      The thought of someone cutting away a bit of my dick is nauseating.
      The though of you guys doing that to all your baby sons, when they cannot even say "no", makes me feel like vomiting. I feel ill.

      You people are not normal.

      (And I'm a fag too. But I like my dicks whole, not mutilated)

    16. Re:Health care conspiracies at work by polysylabic+psudonym · · Score: 1

      The appendix has, as far as anyone can tell, no function anymore. It doesn't help digest grass, nor other plants - it hasn't done that for millions of years. It's a remanant of a second stomach from an ancestor that had two stage digestion, similar to what ruminants have.

    17. Re:Health care conspiracies at work by FosterKanig · · Score: 0, Funny

      * 10,000 + specialized erotogenic nerve endings are permanently severed and lost
      * The male loses about 40 % of his sensitivity


      So if I still had my foreskin, I'd cum even quicker? I don't think my wife would like that at all.

    18. Re:Health care conspiracies at work by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Well said!

    19. Re:Health care conspiracies at work by DZign · · Score: 2, Insightful

      Condoms are better to protect against hiv.

      So imo circumsising because it'll help a bit more against hiv isn't an arguement. If it's not 100% effective, it's almost criminal to give people a false sense of safety (don't need a condom for protection, I'm circumsised).
      And yes, some people probably are that stupid.

    20. Re:Health care conspiracies at work by cyborg_zx · · Score: 1

      I call shyte. Justifications for male circumcision are ad hoc for the real reason of culture. It's the done thing so it is done.

    21. Re:Health care conspiracies at work by polysylabic+psudonym · · Score: 1

      You're completely right, condoms are far, far better protection.

      Having said that, the study I referred to (which stated that circumcision provided some protection) is from South Africa where HIV rates are very high, use of condoms is very low and circumcision is quite common.

      Where you or I wouldn't rely on circumcision for protection, a person in South Africa who for whatever reason doesn't use condoms would do well to be circumcised.

      Aside from that, the link I provided provides the context to make what I wrote less foolish than you suggest.

      As to people stupid enough to read something like what I wrote, on the 'net, not read the attached link and act on it in the way you suggest... I like to think of it as evolution in action.

    22. Re:Health care conspiracies at work by DZign · · Score: 1

      Sure in some parts of the world it's better than nothing, that's true. And for that I agree with you and I didn't want to make that study look foolish. I knew before about such studies.

      However the parent post was about the US and not 'underdeveloped' countries..

      If a country/tribe has the tradition to circumsize, then the hiv-protection is an added benefit.
      But saying a civilised country like the usa has to do it so it's people are protected, sounds in my opinion like a very bad idea (because some people will think it's 100% safe).

      So your study it doesn't really answer the parent/grandparents question why the usa does it.

    23. Re:Health care conspiracies at work by ifwm · · Score: 1

      "Any significant surgury is dangerous. General anaesthesia has about a 1 in 700000 chance of killing you. Genital surgury can cause infections and other problems. AIDS can be effectively treated now with antivirals."

      Pick any of the above for avoiding circumcisions.

      You seem like a bright enough guy. It makes me wonder what the motivation is for supporting (it seems you support it at least) a surgery that is unnecessary, potentially dangerous, and damaging to normal function.

      So, I ask you, apart from the (thin) possibility that you may garner some mild protection from AIDS, what other reason can you give to justify mutilating an infant's genitalia.

      And if you still come out in favor of male genital mutilation, then explain the inconsistency as it regards to females.

      The truth is we do it for cultural/religious reasons, when it is could be avoided entirely.

    24. Re:Health care conspiracies at work by ifwm · · Score: 1

      "There's a plus point that beats the heck out of a lot arguments against, if proven"

      I would have to question how your tally sheet looks in this regard.

      Potentially destroying an infant's genitals, and definitely mutilating them, is a huge price to pay for some small protection against AIDS.

      The fact that AIDS is approaching the state where it can be treated as though it were chronic (see Magic Johnson) means your argument has even less merit.

      But what you need to think of is this, MOST of the circumcisions done in the US were done without any concern for AIDS at all. Using it as justification after the fact is a ridiculous idea.

      If you are genuinely concerned about AIDS, consider how many resources that are used for circumcision (and the lawsuits from failed circumcisions and infections) could be diverted to AIDS research, contraceptive education, and assistance to infected individuals.

      Your priorities are in the wrong place, it seems.

    25. Re:Health care conspiracies at work by Rude+Turnip · · Score: 1

      So does keeping it in your pants. Because god forbid if we exercised any self-control.

    26. Re:Health care conspiracies at work by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Not screwing diseased-up ho-bags is an even better protection against HIV.

    27. Re:Health care conspiracies at work by nacturation · · Score: 1

      The evidence that circumcision can protect against HIV is actually quite good.

      And there's quite good evidence that subjecting women to a double mastectomy (removal of both breasts) would significantly reduce the levels of female breast cancer. However, not many would argue that we should go down that road. The only reason circumcisions are still performed is for societal reasons, be they traditional, religious, etc.

      --
      Want to improve your Karma? Instead of "Post Anonymously", try the "Post Humously" option.
    28. Re:Health care conspiracies at work by Ex+Machina · · Score: 1
      * The US is the only Country that routinely circumcises their infant males.

      There's this country called Israel that has a pact with YHWH...

    29. Re:Health care conspiracies at work by Seumas · · Score: 1

      We are the only country (or maybe one of two) that does mass circumcision. However, we do not have the highest longevity rate. So I don't know that it necessary justifies anything.

      And this isn't 800AD. I'm pretty sure even if I were not circumcised, I could keep that fucker clean. You know - soap. Running water. Talc.

    30. Re:Health care conspiracies at work by fbjon · · Score: 1

      That would certainly be the first real plus point.

      --
      True confidence comes not from realising you are as good as your peers, but that your peers are as bad as you are.
    31. Re:Health care conspiracies at work by FragHARD · · Score: 1

      > What when they give you a blood transfusion do they stick the tube in you dick or something ... I guess I don't see how that would lessen the possibility of contracting it???

      --
      FragHARD or don't frag at all
    32. Re:Health care conspiracies at work by Chmarr · · Score: 1

      "Internet truths", or the more general form "Media echo chamber". Ie, where the media just echo each other as if it's some kind of truth, rather than doing 'real journalism'.

    33. Re:Health care conspiracies at work by Seumas · · Score: 1

      You leave my mom out of this.

    34. Re:Health care conspiracies at work by Procyon101 · · Score: 1

      Well, I'm rather fond of my mutilated willy. We've been through alot together, much of it not quite normal. The thought of someone cutting away at your dick is quite nauseating to me as well however ;)

    35. Re:Health care conspiracies at work by Procyon101 · · Score: 1

      I last longer in bed apparently, according to all these antiwilly-chopper posts I've been reading. That's a plus in my book, and a big plus for me and my zipper wookie.

      Overall, I personally have never had a problem with the hacksaw to the joystick I underwent way back when. Some people are shoving sticks and rings through their beaver busters, so what should anyone care what my pork and beans looks like except the people I let play with the ole one-eyed custard chucker. I've never had a woman complain about squirmin' Herman the one-eyed German even though he's long since taken off his cape. So lay off my Twat tickler and worry about your own intrusion protrusion.

      - signed a man and his gleaming love sword.
      8=====D

    36. Re:Health care conspiracies at work by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      15 vs 51 people out of 3273 is not a very convincing sample. Offhand I can think of a couple factors related to foreskins:

      1) more sensitivity might mean having more sex
      2) getting it chopped off means you aren't going to be having sex for a WHILE

      Plus
      3) Did they test them all for HIV beforehand, and if so, isn't it possible that some who tested negative had already contracted it but were inside the 6-week window before which antibodies don't show? At any rate, it only says they tested them after 21 months, and it doesn't say how many were HIV+ at the start.

    37. Re:Health care conspiracies at work by polysylabic+psudonym · · Score: 1

      Who are you quoting? Circumcision isn't significant surgury (in that it doesn't affect deep tissue, only skin), it doesn't involve general anaesthesia, it is highly unlikely to cause infection. And AIDS? It still can't be cured.

      Difference between male circumcision (or mutilation if you wish) and female genital mutilation is the effect.

      From a point of view ignoring sexually transmitted diseases, (male) circumcision makes a penis easier to clean, more visually attractive and I know of no good reason against circumcision.
      So called "female circumcision" is rightly described as genital mutilation. It removes useful, important tissue, usually the labia, often the clitoris. It often prevents the woman from achieving orgasm and it significantly reduces fertility.

      To compare the two is wrong. An operation that is a reasonale male comparison to female genital mutilation would include signifant damage to the glans (that's the sensitive "head" of your penis), and probably scarring to the urethra.

    38. Re:Health care conspiracies at work by ifwm · · Score: 1

      Deciding what is or is not significant surgery is completely subjective. You claiming it isn't has absolutely nothing to do with it.

      "Circumcision isn't significant surgury (in that it doesn't affect deep tissue, only skin)"

      It DOES affect deep tissue,by removing a natural barrier that is intended to protect it.

      "circumcision makes a penis easier to clean, MORE VISUALLY ATTRACTIVE"

      I get it now. You're circumcised, and you believe that you're better than those who aren't.

      How disgustingly sad that you try to use aesthetics as an argument FOR a surgery that is completely unnecessary.

      "An operation that is a reasonale male comparison to female genital mutilation would include signifant damage to the glans (that's the sensitive "head" of your penis)"

      Circumcision does damage the head of the penis, again by destroying a natural protective barrier, and desenstizing the tissue underneath. You KNOW this, yet dismiss it because youhave an agenda.

      It's become pretty clear that you're not really interested in discussing the pros and cons, and that you've made up your mind.

      No one will think less of you because your penis has been mutilated. Stop trying to squeeze everyone into the same sad little box you live in.

      Honestly, MORE ATTRACTIVE? Goddamit man, little boys grow up WITH NO PENIS AT ALL because of this surgery (did you bother to look up THOSE facts?) and your argument boils down to

      1) slightly easier to clean
      2) MAY protect against AIDS (not proven in any way, so I dismiss this one)
      3) MORE ATTRACTIVE? To whom? Who are YOU quoting on that one? You have to know this is a moronic argument.

      I really think you need to spend some time with a group of young men who have lost their penises due to this (elective) surgery. Then consider why you think it's ok to risk destroying a penis because you think it looks better.

    39. Re:Health care conspiracies at work by sillybilly · · Score: 1

      How dare you criticize 'Intelligent Design' and why things were put where they were put? Your feeble mind cannot even hope to guess the intents and ways of the "Intelligent Designer."

    40. Re:Health care conspiracies at work by sillybilly · · Score: 1

      Tonsils can be quite useful when your girlfriend has them. Can you think of a reason? ;)

    41. Re:Health care conspiracies at work by sillybilly · · Score: 1

      Circumcision is important from a cultural point of view. Culture comes in many shapes - some people pierce their earlobes and insert jewels to look prettier, others circumsize themselves to show devotion. In this cultural sense circumcision is a respectable thing. But then when circumcision becomes a trouble, because it's a marker, then going around forcing it on everyone, so it's no longer a marker shouldn't be a solution, because it's cultural aggression.
        If you don't want to be marked then don't get marked. Or get marked and live with it, even if people's first reaction to radical cultural traits is ridicule, such as when faced with some jungle tribes stretching their lips to a foot long by inserting ceramic disks or punching bones through their noses. Some hindu females wear a dot on their forehead, as a marker, but what kind of solution would be demaning that everyone mark their forehead, to force everyone to accept an arbitray 'do something instead of do nothing' cultural standard?
        How about we mandate that everyone get a navel and tongue piercing and a tattoo, or stretch their lips? If you wanna be marked in any way, that's your business. You should be able to be either circumsized or uncircumsized freely in a society, however you wish it, without opression in either way, or artificial scientific reasoning behind it. You should be able to wear tatoos or not, get piercings or not, even if you get to listen to people saying, with some degree or ridicule - I need to wear at least 5 piercings to be comfortable, that's what gives a person some jazz, pizzas, or kick, or others saying I disagree with any kind of unnecessary piercing or invasion into my body. You should be able to live side by side by either cultural choice, because some cultural choices are that, just random aspects and flares without true bearing or significant effect on how you live your life. Getting a dot on the forehead is not what makes a hindu a hindu, at least it shouldn't, there is so much more to a culture or to a person than that.
        Next story - tongue piercings enhance your body's immune system, because they provide a constant inflow of bacteria, just like an immunization would provide, so your immune system can constantly train itself.

  16. In other news by shyted · · Score: 1

    Apple and Linux developers announce that there systems are immune. Firefox and Mozilla users are safe. Microsoft deny rumours that IE 7 is the cause of the outbreak. Security firm announces that vulnerability has been around for a long time and Microsoft should have released a patch.

  17. I heard that... by Neo-Rio-101 · · Score: 0

    I head that he came back to work, and as the virus spread, everybody suddenly stopped work and began writing adverts for penile enlargement, herbal meds, and home mortgages - sending them to as many people as they could. Friends, acquaintances, relatives, people they didn't even know.... until the Microsoft post office was flooded in spam and Microsoft workers had created a robot zombie army.... ....ok, I'm making all this up.

    --
    READY.
    PRINT ""+-0
    1. Re:I heard that... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      uh, mod parent insightful or something.

  18. I hope SP3 fixes this... by binary+paladin · · Score: 0

    This particular outbreak really has me freaking out. I shut down all my XP machines after seeing this and I hope this issue is addressed in a hotfix and soon! I don't know what I'll do if I have to wait for SP3 to fix this.

    1. Re:I hope SP3 fixes this... by TheComputerMutt.ca · · Score: 2, Funny

      "I hope SP3 fixes this..."
              or
      " I don't know what I'll do if I have to wait for SP3 to fix this."

      Which is it?

    2. Re:I hope SP3 fixes this... by grimJester · · Score: 0

      "I hope SP3 fixes this..." or " I don't know what I'll do if I have to wait for SP3 to fix this." Which is it?

      Give the guy a break. He's obviously scared and confused.

    3. Re:I hope SP3 fixes this... by binary+paladin · · Score: 1

      Thank you. My comment may have been modded down but this was worth a good laugh before heading to work.

  19. Am I the only one to think by 2Bits · · Score: 4, Insightful

    that ./ has been putting up too much of stuffs that don't matter at all?

    Come on editors, there are too many cool technologies, articles, hacks, etc, submitted but rejected, and then what we see is this kind of junk.

    Gee, jesus died for us and all we got is this lousy FA.

    1. Re:Am I the only one to think by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Informative

      Not to be a troll, but I hereby proclaim SLASHDOT IS DYING! (Sorry, it ain't official since I'm not Netcraft.)

    2. Re:Am I the only one to think by Jaruzel · · Score: 5, Insightful

      Y'know, it's all our fault.

      No matter how low and crummy /. articles become, we will still flock here, several times a day, to read said crummy and low articles. Then we will all bitch about it in the comments for several days afterwards.

      Now I _know_ I'm going to get flamed for this, but the /. editors are now running /. as if it were Microsoft; fobbing us off with sub-standard products and expecting us to be grateful, time and time again.

      Henceforth I now declare /. to be known as MSSlashdot. Expect an increase in factually incorrect badly typed articles to be posted before they are finished, only to be 'hotfixed' several days later when nobody really cares anymore.

      And to show that I'm kidding (but only slightly)...

      "I for one welcome our new http://slashdot.microsoft.com/ overlords."

      -Jar

      --
      Together, We Can Make Slashdot Better. I Do NOT Mod ACs. - Check Me Out
    3. Re:Am I the only one to think by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Well I don't know about you, but I come here to correct mistakes, like the one the grand-parent made where he called /. ./ , in effect destroying /.'s brand equity. It's like calling Coke Pepsi....

    4. Re:Am I the only one to think by uberchicken · · Score: 2, Insightful
      Interesting. What would it take to make /. the place you would prefer? It's an honest question. Is it only the editors? The moderation? I wonder if there's a big enough collective to "fork" slashdot. I suspect this has been tried before.


      There are some intelligent and thoughtful posters here, and occasionally the combination of good articles and those posts make this a top site.

    5. Re:Am I the only one to think by shish · · Score: 1

      http://technocrat.net/ may be worth a look; like slashdot, but edited with a bit more sense (IIRC by Bruce Perens? Someone I'd heard of anyway). The main thing it's lacking right now is people to make comments~

      --
      I mod down anyone who says "I will be modded down for this", regardless of the rest of their comment
    6. Re:Am I the only one to think by skubeedooo · · Score: 1
      I pretty much fully agree with what GP said. As much as I hate the /. moderators who can't distinguish between insight and biased ranting, I keep coming back.

      What I'm looking for is a tech based community site like slashdot, but one that doesn't seem as though Michael Moore is the moderator in chief.

      Any ideas?

    7. Re:Am I the only one to think by Jaruzel · · Score: 1

      Well, I haven't been a long term slashdotter, I lurked for a few years before finally sorting an account earlier this year, so I'm not in a good place to list requirements... That said, I'd like to see:

      Zero Bias. We're all IT people, with a healthy interest in technology, albeit in different disciplines. From my POV (and I hope from a lot of slashdotters POVs as well) there is no need for the Linux-ers to bash the MS-ers and vice versa. Lets face it, no-one is going to convert from one side to the other, no matter how much they get flamed. So lets all learn to live together, and learn from and appreciate other peoples insights on systems we don't that that well. As far as the editors go, they are guilty for allowing the anti-MS viewpoint continue, and in some cases (this article in point) they actively fan the flames. I know slashdot used to be primarily a place for *nix people to hang out, but the world and the net has moved on. Slashdot has a strong influence, and it needs to start using that influence responsibly.

      A better balance of articles. I guess for this one to work, we need more editors, from different professional backgrounds. As many posters have said, quality article submissions get rejected for no good reason, this needs to stop. (I'm not offering myself up as an editor, far from it. I, like others, don't have the time)

      -Jar.

      --
      Together, We Can Make Slashdot Better. I Do NOT Mod ACs. - Check Me Out
    8. Re:Am I the only one to think by springbox · · Score: 1
      there is no need for the Linux-ers to bash the MS-ers and vice versa

      That's something I don't think will change since people feel too strongly about it one way or the other. Personally, I use both operating systems, but I don't make a big deal out of it. Linux for the server and Windows for my desktop systems. Yes, it would be nice if everyone was more accepting.

    9. Re:Am I the only one to think by SComps · · Score: 1

      Slashdot has a strong influence, and it needs to start using that influence responsibly.

      While I agree (and support) 99% of what you said in your post, that one short line I do not agree with.

      Why is it that somebody or something that gains influence is now almost obligated to make use of it in the most responsible (accepted) way? They did their thing. We [the community] made Slashdot what it is today; not the editors. If you latch onto most of the posts about this you'll see that the folks that come here tend to arrive for the comments, not the articles. I've seen some great threads come out of totally lame articles.

      For me it's just that concept that if I have influence, I have to use it responsibly? Maybe I choose to not use it at all, or use it to further my own agenda? Morally altruistic? no. human? yep!

    10. Re:Am I the only one to think by Lodragandraoidh · · Score: 1

      ...there is no need for the Linux-ers to bash the MS-ers and vice versa...

      I don't see bashing as much as people challenging each other's preconceived notions. Sometimes (many times) the only way to get new insight is to shake up the status quo.

      Taken in that light it is not a bad thing at all - and what makes this a teeming blatherfest at times - yet gems come out of that from time to time. I don't think we would have the gems without the blather.

      --

      Lodragan Draoidh
      The more you explain it, the more I don't understand it. - Mark Twain
    11. Re:Am I the only one to think by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      So can we call it $lashdot?

  20. Measles? by rduke15 · · Score: 1

    Aren't people supposed to have had measels as kids and be done with it?

    Or was that virus spreading among the developers of their next OS: Bob II, which is to follow Vista?

    1. Re:Measles? by hughk · · Score: 1
      Not since the MMR jab started floating around. With the majority taking the jab, there is no longer a pool of infection in schools, etc. There is a minority who don't have the jab and rely on there being no infection pools any more.

      There may not be in the US, but go somewhere else in the world (such as our favourite offshore centres) and the virus is running wild. If your wern't immunised or already had it, then adult onset measles is nasty.

      --
      See my journal, I write things there
    2. Re:Measles? by Komarosu · · Score: 1

      Your thinking of Chicken Pox, measels can cause a bit of havok.

      --

      "What do you mean you have no ice? Do you expect me to drink this coffee hot?" - Random Customer, Clerks
    3. Re:Measles? by kubis · · Score: 1

      Well i remember that my mom sent me to neighbors for sleep-over when their kids had measles to get infected too. Of course, she didn't tell me why because i was just five or so, but i remember that i was sick too shortly after the visit. She told me lately that she did it on purpouse, because she got measles when she was 20 and the older you are, the worse are the symptoms.

      There is one more question i would like to ask. Isn't it a dangerous decission to stop being vaccinated against some illnesses just because the occurence of the illness has rapidly declined after a years of compulsory vaccination in some areas? I read in newspapers that for example here in central Europe are quite a lot of occurences of tubercolosis that are caused by immigrants.

    4. Re:Measles? by DZign · · Score: 1

      Recently here in Europe there was a discussion on the news because some people organised 'measles parties' for kids..

      In their opinion the vaccin doesn't always do a good job (you still have a small risk you'll have it when you're older and then it'll be much worse) so when one kid got the measles, people brought their children too so they'd get it too.

      Doctors complained about this as measles is still dangerous, even for kids.. so the risk that a few vaccinated people get it later in life was much smaller and less dangerous than letting all children have measles again and maybe have a few 'problems' then.

      So what your mother did wasn't the smartest thing, a vaccin should be better..
      And to answer your question, yes it's a dangerous decision, especially nowadays people travel much more than i.e. 20 or 40 years ago.

  21. Should have worked for Apple by xornor · · Score: 1

    If he was working for Apple he would not have had to worry about catching any virii...

    1. Re:Should have worked for Apple by xornor · · Score: 1

      So this is what those dorks in the spelling bees grow up to be... Their parents must be so proud :)

  22. viruses for people by genckas · · Score: 0

    Even MS workers get hit by viruses...need to patch those poor souls.

    --
    --gks
  23. Coming VERY soon... by Bob+Cat+-+NYMPHS · · Score: 4, Funny

    Measles.A

    1. Re:Coming VERY soon... by Barryke · · Score: 1

      Virus.IRL.Measles.A

      In fact - in real life - there might almost me as much virusses as in Win32.

      --
      Hivemind harvest in progress..
  24. He loves the Thai! by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    Notice the two places he ate at. Hmmmm. Friggin child molestor!

  25. You know by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    There's plenty of measles in this country too.

  26. MOD PARENT UP by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Interesting

    I know he swears, but this is just going to far. The constant dupes, the stupid editorialising.

    There is a large part of the community who really dislikes this stuff and it is normally voiced politely. The message hasn't got through yet, so maybe let's mod a swear-word post up.

    Seriously I am pissed at this stuff too. Esp. when you see some of the thoughtful submissions that get rejected each day.

    Fuck you coyboyneal.

  27. Borg picture by LesDawson · · Score: 5, Funny

    I'm disappointed the /. editors didn't change the usual borg picture for one with nice red spots on it ...

  28. Measles outbreak, five dead. by i_like_spam · · Score: 4, Informative

    Perhaps the employee traveled to Indonesia.

    There's a measles outbreak there.

    So far, five people have died.

    1. Re:Measles outbreak, five dead. by cperciva · · Score: 4, Informative

      Perhaps the employee traveled to Indonesia.

      He might have travelled to Indonesia, but he was in France when he contracted measles.

      I don't think that Microsoft off-shores many jobs to France.

    2. Re:Measles outbreak, five dead. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Funny

      What is this facts thing I keep hearing about?

    3. Re:Measles outbreak, five dead. by PingPongBoy · · Score: 1

      So is that what IT workers will be trying to explain to their prospective employers: "If you outsource, you could end up with a life threatening disease"? It's the price of doing business.

      --
      Know your pads. One time pad: good for cryptography. Two timing pad: where to take your mistress.
    4. Re:Measles outbreak, five dead. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      He probably got them playing everybody's favorite game show: OLD FRENCH WHORE.

    5. Re:Measles outbreak, five dead. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      All your link says is he was in France. Not that is everywhere he went, or where he got it. For all we know from that link, he could have done nothing but change planes at Charles de Gaul.

  29. Re:Seems an interesting risk to me by Mortiss · · Score: 5, Informative

    Explain how is this relevant to off-shoring specifically. Its definitly not anything unexpected...

    Viruses were jumping continents since mass transit systems were in place. People were travelling for business purposes for good many years, often got sick and infected entire offices with a flu strain, but somehow i dont see that as worthy of a frontpage.

    Although that brings another matter to the focus: Vaccinate before you travel! (yeah i know, none for measles yet... our lab is working on it right now)

  30. NOT SPREAD BY OUTLOOK! by jaiyen · · Score: 1, Funny

    MEASLES BELIEVED TO BE FIRST VIRUS UNABLE TO SPREAD THROUGH MICROSOFT OUTLOOK

    Researchers Shocked to Finally Find Virus That Email App Doesn't Like

    Atlanta, Ga. - Scientists at the Centers for Disease Control and Symantec's AntiVirus Research Center today confirmed that Measles cannot be spread by Microsoft's Outlook email application, believed to be the first time the program has ever failed to propagate a major virus.

    "Frankly, we've never heard of a virus that couldn't spread through Microsoft Outlook, so our findings were, to say the least, unexpected," said Clive Sarnow, director of the CDC's infectious disease unit.

    The study was immediately hailed by US officials, who said it will save millions of dollars and thousands of man hours. "Up until now we have, quite naturally, assumed that measles, like every other virus, was spread by Microsoft Outlook," said Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns. "By eliminating it, we can focus our resources elsewhere."

    However, researchers in the Hong Kong said they are not yet prepared to disqualify Outlook, which has been the progenitor of viruses such as "I Love You," "Bubbleboy," "Anna Kournikova," and "Naked Wife," to name but a few.

    Said Xi Ti Choo, director of the Molecular Virology Lab at Hong Kong University: "It's not that we don't trust the research, it's just that as scientists, we are trained to be skeptical of any finding that flies in the face of established truth. And this one flies in the face like a blind drunk sparrow."

    Executives at Microsoft, meanwhile, were equally skeptical, insisting that Outlook's patented Virus Transfer Protocol (VTP) has proven virtually pervious to any virus. The company, however, will issue a free VTP patch if it turns out the application is not vulnerable to measles.

    Such an admission would be embarrassing for the software giant, but Symantec virologist Ariel Kologne insisted that no one is more humiliated by the study than she is. "Only last week, I had a reporter ask if the measles virus spreads through Microsoft Outlook, and I told him, 'Doesn't everything?'" she recalled. "Who would've thought?"

    1. Re:NOT SPREAD BY OUTLOOK! by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Funny

      Rejoice! It may not spread through Microsoft Outlook, but most certainly through Microsoft's Office.

    2. Re:NOT SPREAD BY OUTLOOK! by nicodaemos · · Score: 1

      Wow, you just totally ripped off someone else's work and tried to pass it off as your own. Unbelievable.

      Your "post" was originally written at SatireWire where it is copyrighted.

    3. Re:NOT SPREAD BY OUTLOOK! by ImaLamer · · Score: 1

      Funny, it's from SatireWire but his version is very much protected as satire/parody under copyright law. Not to mention he changed a few words, making it a derivative work.

      Relax.

  31. OH NOES!!!1!!one! by BJH · · Score: 0, Redundant

    Somebody at Microsoft has... the MEASLES!!!

    Call out the National Guard! Get the NSA on the phone! It's an EMERGENCY!!! ...Uh.
    My sister had the measles, and I didn't see any /. article on it. Why is this any different?

  32. Stop with the flamebait by Rufus211 · · Score: 0, Redundant

    You know, this article would have just been funny if it had just been left as "microsoft infected by virus, omg even their employees need anti-virus." Making it into an anti-offshoring rant is just stupid.

    1. Re:Stop with the flamebait by lokedhs · · Score: 1

      Especially since they didn't even which country was visited. :-) In all likelyhood it was probably somewhere in Europe.

  33. more fun inside!! by KingPrad · · Score: 5, Insightful

    ...and HAHAHAHAH remember when that Enron janitor died of AIDS? oh my god and back in the 80s two engineers at IBM had the whooping cough! they DIED!! HAHAHAH god it's so great and just!! Can't wait to find out another chinese guy died of bird flu! And if we wait a few more seconds we can laugh about some more children starving to death in North Korea! MY GOD THE HILARITY NEVER ENDS!!!??!1111 lol dudez. Okay back to being serious: can we do a mini-poll on whether the poster and editor are high, drunk, or just natural assholes?

    --
    Stop the Slashdot Effect! Don't read the articles!
    1. Re:more fun inside!! by blyloveranger · · Score: 1

      before the serious part, your post was the single funniest post I have read on slashdot. For that I salute you.

    2. Re:more fun inside!! by milimetric · · Score: 1

      I vote for natural asshole. This is a vast insensitivity that isn't available to the mind alteration drugs but only to long years of practiced yoga and stretching. Only through patience and determination and most importantly incessant stretching can you get your head stuck up your own ass so far that you not only cease to see the light of day, but you think your own shit is the light of day.

      while( true ){
            CowboyNeal --;
      }

  34. Is it lethal? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    God, please, make it lethal!

  35. For those who live/work in Redmond, by HungWeiLo · · Score: 2, Informative

    The measles were possibly spread to 2 local restaurants - tried them both before and they're both overpriced and not very good - Thai Ginger in Redmond Town Center and Malay Satay Hut on 24th.

    --
    There are a huge number of yeast infections in this county. Probably because we're downriver from the bread factory.
    1. Re:For those who live/work in Redmond, by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      I agree informative, but we need a +1 pwning or +1 pwned, for the wonderful review on those two restaurants. :)

    2. Re:For those who live/work in Redmond, by aschlemm · · Score: 1

      So where does one go for food like what Malay Satay Hut has around Redmond that's better? I've traveled to Singapore and Malaysia and the food here in Redmond doesn't compare but it does remind me some of the food I had there in Asia.

    3. Re:For those who live/work in Redmond, by HungWeiLo · · Score: 1

      Well, the fact is most Southeast Asian food in the U.S. are cooked by Chinese people who can't cook (this is due to the fact that most people who have the financial means of owning a business in Southeast Asia are ethnically Chinese). So whenever someone tells me about "this awesome new Thai place" that purportedly will blow my mind away, it will almost always taste like bad Cantonese food with spices on it to cover up for the fact that it's bad Cantonese food.

      As for real authentic Thai or something like that, the last place I was in that seemed to have a better selection was San Francisco. Thai Tom in the U District seems to be a popular favorite, but when I went to try it, they actually had 2 waiters physically run after me on the street because I forgot to put down a tip (I thought my fiancee had put it down already) and verbally assault me with every kind of racial epithet imaginable, so I can't say I can judge their food fairly. :-)

      --
      There are a huge number of yeast infections in this county. Probably because we're downriver from the bread factory.
  36. Re:Good for them by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Insightful

    Yes, I'm so glad a potentially lethal disease is unleashed upon thousands of possible infection vectors, because they happen to work for a company which you have an ideological difference of opinion with.

    Nice priorities.

  37. Re:Seems an interesting risk to me by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    ..in broad terms it is interesting to think about the aspect of offshoring where many more people in a company travel abroad more often than they might otherwise.

    That's a completely stupid line of thought.

    For example, my company is 100% contained in the US, yet we sell to an international market. Suprise, suprise, our marketing people and managers still have to travel to other states or abroad to meet with distributors, buyers, sales and foreign press.

    And have you completely forgotten the role of the internet in offshoring? For example, there are CAM shops in China that you can email your CAD designs to and receive a shipment of machined parts or even fully assembled devices in the mail a couple of weeks later? And email and teleconferencing is considerably cheaper and quicker for keeping an engineering team in the loop, even halfway around the planet.

    In fact, people in my company would probably be travelling less if we offshored any of our work, as we'd likely maintain an overseas office closer to our foreign markets (and hire local sales people).

    [begin satire]

    Have you been to an International Airport recently? People from other countries often arrive there! Shock! Some of them even speak languages other than English! Who knows what diseases these Unamericans may be carrying! Quick, quarantine and burn down all international airports before we all catch AIDS!

    [/you idiot]

    BTW, if you live in the continental US, the prarie dogs and squirrels outside your front door have a high probability that their fleas carry the plague. I'd worry about that before worrying about infectious foreigners.

  38. A new low for Slashdot. by mrseigen · · Score: 5, Insightful

    I'm no fan of Microsoft or outshoring myself, but this is quite possibly the worst and most insulting article I've ever seen posted to Slashdot.

    Editor and the OP need to have their heads examined, and possibly find something new to do with their time.

    1. Re:A new low for Slashdot. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Funny

      In Microsoft Russia they don't examine your heads... they REMOVE them.

  39. Increases risk by SuperKendall · · Score: 1

    As I noted offshoring is a case where you increase the number of people travelling overseas, specifically in the technical ranks where someone getting sick might actually impact productivity instead of an executive missing a few days of golf.

    It's an intersting consideration that like you say is not a new risk, but I do not think is thought of often. I'm not totally against offshoring (as you seem to suspect) I just think the point is valid that it's an additional risk that was not there before, even if the risk is slight.

    --
    "There is more worth loving than we have strength to love." - Brian Jay Stanley
    1. Re:Increases risk by Jarlsberg · · Score: 1

      It's like that time, you know, when a lot of scientists went to Mars in that big selling game I can't remember the name of, and all hell broke loose and then everybody died, you know. Sucks, really. Except for that one guy, though. I'm sure he racked it up in benefits when he came home. Kinda like Sigourney Weaver. Oh man, what a cool story we're all discussing. Thanks, Vicissidude!

    2. Re:Increases risk by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      I'm from India, and I've a risk mitigation plan for you: Offshore ALL IT operations.. then there'll be no travel needed !

    3. Re:Increases risk by bushidocoder · · Score: 1
      What the hell does offshoring have to do with it - we live in a global market. Microsoft does business in most of the countries in the world. Do you think its possible they might on occasion send sales and support personnel to the countries they are trying to sell their software in?

      That doesn't count the volume of companies that might send people to Redmond in order to discuss sales, contracts, or technical matters with Microsoft.

      You're also kidding yourself if you think major corporations don't have experience with the occasional mass illness. Companies have been sending staff globally for decades now, so worrying about stuff like this is hardly new. Ignoring imported illnesses, have you ever heard of flu season?

  40. Wouldn't have happened if he was an Apple employee by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    Of course...

  41. Me bad.. (MMR) by Mortiss · · Score: 1

    Forgot about MMR vaccine.
    We are working on the edible measles vaccine.

  42. Sigh by atari2600 · · Score: 5, Insightful

    Can someone mod down the idiots who thought this was funny and posted "funny" stuff about Windows service packs and Outlook so that they can get some karma. Kids, please grow up. Mod me troll or whatever but this article is very much in bad taste. As for the morons, who thought this funny or saw this as a chance for karma-whoring, i feel sorry for your pathetic lives.

    1. Re:Sigh by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      That's a bit over the top. It's only a story about 1 confirmed case of a disease that has a 1 in 1000 mortality rate - not that big a deal really. I don't see why jokes about it are in such bad taste. It's pretty pathetic that /. posted this 'story' though.

    2. Re:Sigh by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      "Funny" moderations don't get karma

  43. Hey mods, get a grip! by SuperKendall · · Score: 1

    I'm not some paranoid anti-offshoring lunatic. I'm just saying that slight increase in risks of disease is an interesting aspect to offshoring that I had not thought of before and can impact a business - especially since it's people who do real work potentially getting sick instead of the executives who were historically the ones to make overseas trips.

    Whoever modded me down, I place a hex upon ye!

    --
    "There is more worth loving than we have strength to love." - Brian Jay Stanley
    1. Re:Hey mods, get a grip! by naniid · · Score: 2

      The chances of drug junkie tourists getting infectituous diseases from unhygienic tourist spots is 1000 times higher than executives who travel to offshore offices which are airconditioned and where employees are highly educated!!!

      God we need some good articles at slashdot.... not these stupid ones

    2. Re:Hey mods, get a grip! by kfg · · Score: 1

      . . .especially since it's people who do real work potentially getting sick instead of the executives who were historically the ones to make overseas trips.

      No. Historically it is boatloads of trench level traders who make the overseas trips. It's the import/export business that does the bulk of the traveling, not the tech industry.Nowadays they just use telecommincations to make deals and only the guys at UPS and FedEx do the actual traveling.

      Modern offshoring is possible specifically because you don't need large numbers of people hand carrying postit notes from continent to continent anymore, and thus now it is only the higher level sorts who get to do the traveling.

      KFG

  44. Perhaps the article is showing compassion. by ron_ivi · · Score: 1
    What do you have against this article?

    Slashdot had articles when Patrick Volkerding of Slackware was suffering from an illness.

    What's wrong with sharing the same compassion when fellow IT guys at Microsoft have illnesses.

    1. Re:Perhaps the article is showing compassion. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      IT guy at Microsoft? which article did you read?

    2. Re:Perhaps the article is showing compassion. by Wontsomebodypleaseth · · Score: 1

      because linux users are angry communistz

      --
      If You can read this sig you are on the internet
  45. Slashdot hits a new low - with idiot posters by SuperKendall · · Score: 3, Insightful

    Well everyone seems to either think the post sucks because it's attacking Microsoft or offshoring.

    So when did all the geeks leave? The ones who actually might have thought the aspect of sending more technical workers overseas leading to increased risks of more interesting diseases was sort of an interesting exercise in risk analysis? I guess they are all dead or off playing Halo.

    I didn't think the article was particularly against either Microsoft or offshoring. Just making an observation about a slightly unexpected repercussion for us technical folk (and by us of course I mean me since there are no others left).

    If you're all dead, can I have your gadgets?

    --
    "There is more worth loving than we have strength to love." - Brian Jay Stanley
    1. Re:Slashdot hits a new low - with idiot posters by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      With that same logic that no one should take any trips overseas, to other countries, out of state, or out of their own backyard.

      Not to mention, the longer you stay isolated from the rest of the world, the less immune your people become to their always evolving diseases overtime.

      A truly ill thought of Slashdot post followed by an equally stupid supportive reply. Too funny. Yeah, you're right, all of the geeks have left. Idiot.

    2. Re:Slashdot hits a new low - with idiot posters by bit+trollent · · Score: 1

      I don't get it. Did you guys used to sit around making lousy, possibly illogical jokes about microsoft and laugh your asses off for hours? I mean every time slashdot posts a story about microsoft which is rightly worthy of ridicule someone with a low uid is here, ready to rant about how all the geeks have left. I don't know what /. used to be like for you. Since I have been here, there have been at least a few who have gone against the "geek" (defined as running linux, only, and making fun of M$ lol, I don't know about apple, and generally beating eachother off about open source).

      I dunno. This story is every bit as stupid as anything I have ever read on a "news" site. I honestly can't even believe how fucking stupid this story is. MS employee got sick over sees. Holy Shit MS has a virus!! lol lol I suck and have no integrity lol. It really does seem like a new low for slashdot, though I would be surprised if it actaully was a new low.

      Anyways, sorry for chasing away all the geeks. I hope I didn't inturrupt your GNU/circlejerk.

    3. Re:Slashdot hits a new low - with idiot posters by Jim_Callahan · · Score: 1

      And the ones that laugh at an obvious exercise in humor through parody and sarcasm? Where did they go? I'm disappointed in you all.

      --
      ...it's really a sad day for America when we require a goddamn ACT OF CONGRESS to make our DVD players work properly. ~
    4. Re:Slashdot hits a new low - with idiot posters by blyloveranger · · Score: 1

      I don't think people are necessarily making jokes on the article because it is against Microsoft or offshoring. The jokes stem from how ridiculously baised the summary for the story is. If you read just the summary and not the article (though I am sure everyone read the article) you would assume slashdot hit an all time low too, and that the article was just some shallow attempt to find a new reason to discredit and laugh at microsoft. Irregardless of what the article actually said.

    5. Re:Slashdot hits a new low - with idiot posters by I'm+Don+Giovanni · · Score: 0

      And the ones that laugh at an obvious exercise in humor through parody and sarcasm? Where did they go? I'm disappointed in you all.

      Unfortunately, it becomes difficult to distinguish parady/sarcasm from idiocy in an environment where irrational idiocy is the norm. Many here do have an irrational hatred of Microsoft, so how can one tell if one is being sarcastic recarding a Microsoft story or just plain stupid?

      --
      -- "I never gave these stories much credence." - HAL 9000
    6. Re:Slashdot hits a new low - with idiot posters by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      There aren't many geeks on /. anymore. The astroturfers rule the place. Move along, nothing to see here.

  46. Lowest ever by mcrbids · · Score: 0, Redundant

    This article sucks. WTf?!?!?!

    Guy goes to work overseas. Gets sick. Works at Microsoft. Other employees get sick. That kind of thing NEVER happens with my 5 kids who roam the neighborhood with other kids, bringing infections home... no... never.

    Wow. What a RETARDED post. Somebody needs to be beaten upside the head with a frozen trout!

    --
    I have no problem with your religion until you decide it's reason to deprive others of the truth.
  47. Bill Gates is a major funder of Measles research. by ron_ivi · · Score: 4, Informative
    Here's the link regarding the Slackware founder's Mystery Illness.

    Also worth noting, Bill Gates is one of the world's biggest funders of measles research programs.

  48. Why is this even significant? by James+Youngman · · Score: 2, Insightful
    WTF? Microsoft employess catches infectious disease. Wow. Amazing.

    Anyway, how is this a significant risk? Surely the staff have already been immunised against measles. In the UK, the NHS has been providing a measles vaccine since 1960. The uptake rate for the current vaccine (MMR) is between 75% and 95% (it varies across the UK). The remainder includes children who have the vaccination separately as well as those who go unvaccinated. So unless the US employees of Microsoft just didn't get vaccinated against measles as kids, what is the problem?

    1. Re:Why is this even significant? by A+beautiful+mind · · Score: 1

      Ok, wait a sec.

      You say: In the UK, the NHS has been providing a measles vaccine since 1960.

      This guy says: Although that brings another matter to the focus: Vaccinate before you travel! (yeah i know, none for measles yet... our lab is working on it right now)

      Anyone care to tell which one is true then?

      --
      It takes a man to suffer ignorance and smile
      Be yourself no matter what they say
    2. Re:Why is this even significant? by TheBracket · · Score: 1

      The vaccination isn't 100% effective. I received my MMR vaccination, and developed measles anyway. It happens occasionally. From experience, it isn't a fun thing to experience, and I hope those affected feel better soon.

      --
      Lead developer, http://wisptools.net
    3. Re:Why is this even significant? by James+Youngman · · Score: 1
      See this follow-up by the OP, this presentation about vaccination uptake and infection rates and also this NHS timeline. This short article says:
      The measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine was introduced in the UK in October 1988. Prior to its introduction there was a vaccination available for measles from 1960 and girls of twelve or thirteen received a rubella (German measles) vaccine. There was no vaccine for mumps. MMR has been used for 25 years in the United States and in Finland for 16 years as well as in over thirty European countries, Australia, New Zealand and Canada.
      So, you've probably had one of the measles vaccines yourself. Certainly I have.
  49. daily ms bashing by eqkivaro · · Score: 5, Insightful

    i have to admit that the biggest reason i visit /. is to read the MS bashing. i personally don't have anything against MS, but it's fun to read MS bashing comments.

    that said, i'm really disappointed that this article was posted.

    1. Re:daily ms bashing by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Maybe you should be reading The Register instead.

    2. Re:daily ms bashing by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      uh, come again? you come to slashdot for ms bashing, but when ms is bashed you are "disappointed?" oooook buddy!

  50. See, was useful after all by SuperKendall · · Score: 1

    If I had to travel overseas for an offshoring visit, I really wouldn't have thought of vaccinations before I left - but that is a great suggestion.

    So see, the article can be of use to to give a heads-up about a probem that many may not consider in teh course of doing work. How many of us have to deal with travel of vaccinatons that are suddenly thrust into a situation where it was a good idea?

    Many years ago I was on a business trip to London to help support a technical demo, and shortly after I got there I became really ill, the sickest I've ever been. I was sick the whole time there (though enjoyed myself noetheless) and took about two weeks to get well when I was back.

    Now before I travel I take a lot of vitamins to boost my immune system, but it's nice to get the word out to people it's a good idea to think of these things when you have to go travel as going to another country exposes you to all kinds of stuff your body might not be ready for.

    --
    "There is more worth loving than we have strength to love." - Brian Jay Stanley
    1. Re:See, was useful after all by dkf · · Score: 1

      Many years ago I was on a business trip to London to help support a technical demo, and shortly after I got there I became really ill, the sickest I've ever been.

      Here's a quick tip: don't eat donner kebabs.

      --
      "Little does he know, but there is no 'I' in 'Idiot'!"
    2. Re:See, was useful after all by frozen_kangaroo · · Score: 1
      In my country, (UK) before we go abroad (somewhere outside of Europe/N. America/Japan), it is quite usual to wander down to the local surgery and get whatever vaccinations are recommended for that area of the world. I went to the Carribean the other year and got at least two jabs in each arm - for free of course. God alone knows what they were for.

      Is this not the case in the US ? Would they charge you lots of money to have this done ?

  51. Guns, Germs and Steel by raman3007 · · Score: 1

    In the PBS TV Series "Guns, Germs and Steel", Pulitzer prize winner Jared Diamond claims that wherever early European explorers went, they took with them germs & deseases against which native populations had no immunity (of course, because of evolution.. don't tell me 'God' designed the world that way and unfairly tipped the balance in favor of a certain population!..). An excerpt from his PBS interview:

    "ELIZABETH FARNSWORTH: And the germs--this surprised me very much--you mentioned the germs. They actually developed from the domesticated animals, and that's why Pizarro could bring the germs that killed, what, 95 percent of the people that he met in the new world.

    JARED DIAMOND: That's right. And that's one of the surprising discoveries that we've gained from molecular biology in the last decade or two. That's why people couldn't figure out a hundred years ago the ways in which geography tipped the balance of fate among the world's people. We now know that smallpox, measles, and other epidemic diseases of humans like that evolve from epidemic diseases of our domestic animals with which we came into intimate contact when we started to domesticate them 11,000 years ago. Smallpox may have evolved from a disease of our domestic camels. Measles certainly evolved from a disease of our domestic cattle. And so Eurasian people were exposed to these nasty diseases, gradually evolved immune and genetic resistance to them, but Native Americans, without big domestic animals, except the llamas and El Pacas, did not evolve nasty germs of their own, and so had no immunity when Europeans arrived, bringing smallpox and measles and these other nasty germs. So most native Americans died before they could even reach the battlefield. They were killed by Eurasian germs. "

    Payback time ?

    1. Re:Guns, Germs and Steel by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      "We now know that smallpox, measles, and other epidemic diseases of humans like that evolve from epidemic diseases of our domestic animals with which we came into intimate contact"

      No shit. What kind of disease can I catch from intimate contact with my mare?

      --
      Slashdot requires you to wait between each successful posting of a comment to allow everyone a fair chance at posting a comment.
      It's been 20 minutes since you last successfully posted a comment

  52. Jerk store Jerry, JERK STORE by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    Wow, and all this time you had me thinking that this was the worst article on Slashdot:

    Should Be Like Female Orgasms
    http://games.slashdot.org/article.pl?sid=05/08/10/ 1619200&tid=10Games

    Ah, but let me just congratulate CowboyNeal for topping that facetious gem. Just more evidence that Slashdot is devolving into something akin to Fark.

  53. Of course... by mangus_angus · · Score: 3, Funny

    as soon that Microsoft learned of the virus and the threat it posed, they quickly notified all the necessary people that they would have a patch in place to hand out (for a small fee to anyone caught with Win2K on their computers, the XP users would have to pass the Microsoft Genuine Advantage test, and prove that they did infact work there) to the employees. They said to expect it in about 6-14 months.

    1. Re:Of course... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      You are a cunt

    2. Re:Of course... by mangus_angus · · Score: 1

      Steve Balmer please stop posting the hate...

  54. Just like to add by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    Story is fucking stupid.

  55. Nice pants. by SuperKendall · · Score: 1

    Oh I see, warning people that travelling overseas they might want to vaccinate or take other precautions against sickness is just utter idocy. Well that certainly sets me straight Mr. Smarty Pants.

    I'm sure you just know so much about technical offshoring that I am but a worm in comparison to the shining light of your fricking monsterous intellect, but it does seem to me I recall a number of technical people from companies I have worked for travelling overseas to meat with development leads from time to time. In fact it seems to me that the probability of someone travelling offshore when engaged in offshoring is somewhat higher than the probabily when you have no overseas clients and all development is in-house. I am of course rather dim but I do not recall my cubicle or office ever suddenly materializing in the heart of India, though there's always that quantum probabilty.

    I was just trying to help people but I guess I got in the path of your need to put people down and keep travellers sick.

    Next time think before you post, or at least take off the Gloves of Asshole Posting +100.

    --
    "There is more worth loving than we have strength to love." - Brian Jay Stanley
    1. Re:Nice pants. by Jim_Callahan · · Score: 1

      Yeah, kind of weird that the guy wasn't current on his vaccinations if he was a business traveller. Could have just been a vacationer, /. effect prevented me from RTFA and finding out, and i'm too lazy to google.

      --
      ...it's really a sad day for America when we require a goddamn ACT OF CONGRESS to make our DVD players work properly. ~
  56. I can deal with a lot by dedazo · · Score: 0, Troll

    • I can deal with the 12-year olds and their technically challenged invective "OMFG M$ Winblows BSOD'ed 23 times T0DAY!! LOLOLOL!!!1" bullshit.
    • I can deal with the insightful-sounding blogorrheic shallow crap regurgitated from the darkest depths of "teh interweb" for the sake of a chuckle from the peanut gallery and a shitload of ad impressions for OSDN.
    • I can deal with the hysterical flamebait shit that gets posted day in and day out that later turns out to be "oops, here's a three line correction in Slashback three days later" factually wrong.
    • I can deal with the smug, hippy liberal "we are so cool, we know better and you suck" unchecked editorializing.
    • I can deal with the nutcases who run their "Technology as a religion 101" courses at the sound of clapping and +5 mods from retard fanboys.
    I can deal with a bunch of stuff, mostly because developers.slashdot.org seems to keep me informed about what's happening out there beyond my normal areas of interest and work. And of course, it's all free.

    But this - this is as bad as it gets. What, filing it under "Biotech" and the "outsourcing" bullshit addendum were supposed to legitimize this piece of crap?

    I don't blame the asshole who submitted this, no. It's the asshole that posted it. And little by little this place is becoming the running joke of the tech world.

    --
    Web2.0: I love when people Flickr my cuil and digg my boingboing until my google is reddit and I start to yahoo
    1. Re:I can deal with a lot by simonwalton · · Score: 1

      I wish I had mod points - spot on.

    2. Re:I can deal with a lot by potcrackpot · · Score: 1

      THIS IS NOT FLAMEBAIT; IT'S OPINION - Mods, Just because you don't agree, doesn't mean you should mod it down.

  57. +5 Interesting? by bobinabottle · · Score: 2, Insightful

    Come on, this story is simply begging for some funny comments. I don't see any other reason for the story.

    Yet all the comments so far are modded as Informative and Interesting.

    Slashdot, lift your game.

  58. americans beware! don't take any holidays overseas by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    Know what the best thing about america is!
    They only get 2 weeks annual leave, which does not leave them enough time to come here.

    Do you plan for "2 weeks to recover from desease" after overseas holiday?

    If i ever went to America, i would certainly plan for "an immense amount of reeducation as to how the rest of the world functions" after my "holiday"!

  59. Cruel question... by turtleAJ · · Score: 1


    I wonder how World Vision deals with their version of that situation.

    Ouch...

    1. Re:Cruel question... by deesine · · Score: 0


      Hmm...my guess is that one of the world's most established and respected relief and developmental organizations doesn't really care about what Slashdot plublishes or what it doesn't.

      --
      damaged by dogma
  60. Only offices? by SuperKendall · · Score: 1

    I don't know about you but when I've taken business trips I spend as much time as I can looking around, not just visiting the (unfortuantley) air conditioned office. Who can resist the call of a local pub?

    In fact on my fist ever business trip to London, I got sicker than hell the first day there - after that when I travel I take care to load up my immune system a bit beforehand, and if I were going somewhere really exotic I would take this story as a good warning to try a few vaccinations before going as well. Then you can enjoy yourself more fully while there, which is what you should be doing anyway on a trip that someone else is paying for.

    The story is just really short, not stupid - the summary is a little silly but I think it's a very good note to people that might not think about these things otherwise until it happens to them. It's easy to just simply not think about your health when you're young and travelling abroad for the first time.

    --
    "There is more worth loving than we have strength to love." - Brian Jay Stanley
  61. Re:Bill Gates is a major funder of Measles researc by Air-conditioned+cowh · · Score: 5, Funny

    Also worth noting, Bill Gates is one of the world's biggest funders of measles research programs.

    "Honey, I do wish you wouldn't bring your work home with you!"

  62. MS Employee? by DavidD_CA · · Score: 4, Funny

    Maybe there's another article, but the one linked in the summary doesn't mention anything about this person being an MS employee. It only says the person was at the MS cafeteria.

    This is anti-Microsoft FUD at its best.

    Counter-headline: "PENGUIN GETS RABIES, INFECTS FIREFOX."

    --
    -David
    1. Re:MS Employee? by Jardine · · Score: 1

      Counter-headline: "PENGUIN GETS RABIES, INFECTS FIREFOX."

      Penguins, being birds, can't get infected with rabies.

    2. Re:MS Employee? by Sogol · · Score: 1

      It also said that he was in the cafeteria from August 17, 18 and 19, 11:30 am to 4:00 pm.

      I wish i had a 4.5 hr lunch break

    3. Re:MS Employee? by AK+Marc · · Score: 1

      Maybe he is the chef? Or he took intermittent trips to the cafeteria in that time for snacks?

  63. Arguing with stoner is like... by SuperKendall · · Score: 2, Funny

    Well since no-one cares at all about risk management or considering for a second that it might be a good idea to think about small steps to help prevent illness when traveling abroad, I might as well just make up something funny.

    Arguing with a stoner is like:

    Lighting a toke with a wet match. There's no spark and the match just gets mad.

    Banging your head against a pillow and hoping it will take a new shape.

    Trying to fill a marshmallow with smaller marshmallows - Your opponent is just as empty of content as when you started.

    Eating as many live crickets as you can without a stomach.

    Peace Dude.

    --
    "There is more worth loving than we have strength to love." - Brian Jay Stanley
  64. Smelly fruit by Daleks · · Score: 1

    Public health officials said the infected person visited the following areas: Malay Satay Hut, 15230 NE 24th St., Redmond, WA 98052 on August 16th 2005, from 12-3 p.m.

    Okay if you ever go to that place STAY AWAY from the durian shake. It smells like ass. Last time a friend of mine had one I made him hold it outside of the car while we were driving away. Seriously, run for your life!

  65. Story not about Microsoft by SuperKendall · · Score: 1

    The story is not really about Microsoft. If anything it's about Offshoring - but not really even against that. Just mentioning an interesting aspect of it.

    That's what I don't get, I don't read the hatred of Microsoft into this story like so many others here. But the pro-Microsfot brigade seems to be out in full force!

    See you all in Meta-Mod.

    --
    "There is more worth loving than we have strength to love." - Brian Jay Stanley
    1. Re:Story not about Microsoft by eqkivaro · · Score: 1

      LOL ... please quote the content from the article that pertains to offshoring.

      Reading comprehension apparently isn't emphasized in "geek" circles

  66. Intel's Jones Pimple Farm by jimmydevice · · Score: 0

    Don't sit down on a uncovered toilet seat. Touch a commom surface or eat in the cafeteria. Jones Farm is a Staph bacteria and MRSA hotbed. Touch the elevator button and then you face, PusBoils d00d.
    UGH!

  67. Actually I find it a very important article by front · · Score: 3, Insightful

    > Way to go poster, this is a new low.

    Actually I find it a very important article.

    Not as it seems to "bash Microsoft" (and then I could not care less) but because it might wake my North American friends up to the fact that there are these things called "diseases" out there in the real world and that "yes, unbelievable or not" Americans can contract them and die from them.

    You think I am joking?

    I remember talking to my family doctor in his 60s, a few years back before he died. We were talking about infectious diseases. He mentioned that he had met young doctors in their 20s who would probably never see a case of measles in their lives.

    "Why?" I asked. "Because immunisation is so effective." he answered.

    That was in Ireland.

    An outbreak of measles is incredibly rare in the "west". Can someone please explain to me how one of the U.S.A.s most important companies just suffered an outbreak?

    Do you Americans not immunise your children?

    http://www.who.int/vaccine_research/diseases/measl es/en/

    cheers

    front

    1. Re:Actually I find it a very important article by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      The specific case of measles aside, the article hit home for me. A few weeks ago, I went to a business meeting at the Central European HQ of a software company. It was a small meeting, but we had people from all over the world. One of the Antipodeans had a cough he was passing off as a chronic illness. At one point, we tour the facilities -- it's serious crunchtime on another product for these guys -- and the Antipodean is quietly coughing in the corner of each room.
      A few days later, I'm getting on the plane to go home, and it hits me. I don't know whether my Southern colleague picked it up in his home country, or while changing flights in SE Asia, but he gave it to all of us: everyone I spoke to who was at that meeting got the fever. With any luck, the sickness dropped the company's ability to get their software out the door.
      Sickness happens. Long flights and jet lag decreases the body's defenses. So does crunchtime. If you've got a team working against a deadline: bolt the doors, and don't allow visitors, especially people just returning from long business trips; don't even share a satay stick with those dudes.

    2. Re:Actually I find it a very important article by Burb · · Score: 1

      I absolutely agree. I see no rush to condemn the two restaurants this poor guy is known to have visited before going to the Redmond campus. Measles is highly unpleasant and potentially fatal.

      --

    3. Re:Actually I find it a very important article by Megane · · Score: 1
      Do you Americans not immunise your children?

      I don't think the problem here was children getting measles. Is measles one of the diseases that needs a booster shot at some point?

      Then again, was it older or younger employees catching this? I could see Microsoft being full of 20-somethings.

      --
      #naabhaprzrag, #sverubfr-000, #agi-fcbafberq, negvpyr[pynff*=' negvpyr-ary-'] { qvfcynl: abar !vzcbegnag; }
    4. Re:Actually I find it a very important article by Ubergrendle · · Score: 1

      Surprisingly lots of people are opting out of immunisation, due to fear resulting from ignorant propaganda about the 'dangers' of immunisations. Despite there being NO causal link EVER scientifically proven, people like Robert F Kennedy Jnr go around raising conspiracy theories that immunisations lead to autism or mercury poisoning...also there's lots of people that think immunisations are no longer necessary, and that its just a scam by pharmaceuticals. its the slacker attitude... 'well everyone else is immunised, so i don't need to be since i'll never come into contact with the disease'.

      My kids will never miss a scheduled shot, because I know that although vaccinations aren't 100% safe, that the chances of getting mumps or measles or scarlet fever or polio are 1000x more likely than a possible side effect.

      --
      John Maynard Keynes: "When the facts change, I change my mind. What do you do?"
    5. Re:Actually I find it a very important article by ebuck · · Score: 2, Insightful

      People are astounded when I mention that I have relatives that have caught Dengue Fever. A (mostly) disease free society makes most people think that diseases are things that only exist somewhere else. You know, like in jungles in third world countries.

      Americans do immunise thier children, it's almost impossible to admit your child to any school without immunization records.

      However, not all people in the US grew up here. I'd wager that there's some HB1 visa workers at Microsoft, as there are in most large companies. I'll imagine that they probably had a requirement to provide some sort of vaccination papers upon entry to the country, but imagine that it's not being enforced or people can forge the documentation when the vaccine is expensive or unattainable. And then there's no regulation (even on paper) covering vaccination in illegal immigrants.

      Also the vaccine isn't 100% effective, and if it's like other vaccinations, it probably provides less protection over time. Tetanous only is effective for about 10 years, when was your last tetanous shot?

    6. Re:Actually I find it a very important article by demachina · · Score: 1

      "Do you Americans not immunise your children?"

      Well quite a few American parents were put off by vaccines, especially MMR(Measles, Mumps, Rueblla) in particular, when it was discovered the manufacturers were putting a preservative in it called Thimerosal. Thimerosal is a compound containing Mercury and most people with a clue would have reservations about injecting Mercury in to little children, though apparently the vaccine manufacturers were OK with it. Now they and batteries of scientists and doctors on their side deny there is any link between this and rising autism rates among vaccinated children but at this point you can't really trust them, because if there is ever a definitive link proven to Autism their liability is going to be massive. Fortunately for them Autism is a poorly understood mental disorder so it will be really hard to prove a definitive link.

      Though hopefully you can see why more and more people are having reservations about vaccines especially for diseases largely eradicated in the west.

      --
      @de_machina
    7. Re:Actually I find it a very important article by the_rev_matt · · Score: 1

      There is a statistically significant portion of the population that believe that immunizations are a part of a conspiracy by [the government|zionists|the illuminati|the UN|Andy Smartypants] to control the population and create a world government. And they are not all rural yokels (though most of them are), I've heard that sort of nonsense from tenured professors and executives at Fortune 1000 companies.

      --
      this is getting old and so are you

      blog

    8. Re:Actually I find it a very important article by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      I don't want to respond to intelligent, useful questions like these with a variation of "Google it, you @#?!". However, if one readjusts one's information resources for the fact that one is searching for disease info, it is still practical to read the FAQ and use a search engine.

    9. Re:Actually I find it a very important article by Aranth+Brainfire · · Score: 1

      "Americans do immunise thier children, it's almost impossible to admit your child to any school without immunization records."

      Well, the earlier grades aren't too tough. I was missing about half of my shots that I was supposed to have to go to school, when I finished high school. Only problem really was that I ended up having to get all of them at once right before going to college... my arms were sore for two weeks.

      I don't know how I squeaked by though.

      --
      "Quoting yourself is stupid." -Me
    10. Re:Actually I find it a very important article by drew · · Score: 1

      All American children are immunized against a wide variety of diseases, but both immunizations and diseases can change over time and some immunizations are more effective for some people than for others.

      I remember reading an article around the time of the first gulf war talking about a soldier entering basic training that came down with the measles. IIRC, Part of the the problem was that the measles vaccines that were used before the mid 1970's, although effective, were not as long lasting as the ones currently used. People were supposed to get boosters after ~20 years. However, few people did, partly because everybody assumed the measles was no longer a concern, and partly because the initial vaccination was enough to last many but not all people for most of their lives.

      There were two initeresting points in the article. One was that, as part of his Army phyical, the soldier in question was scheduled to get his measles booster only a week or two after he was diagnosed. The other was that the (relatively) young docter had a very difficult time diagnosing what it was that the solider had, mainly because she had never seen a case of the measles before and didn't even really know what the symptoms were.

      Anyway, one or even a few cases of measles is hardly an outbreak. Also, despite the submitter's snide comment, I fail to see any connection between this article and outsourcing.

      --
      If I don't put anything here, will anyone recognize me anymore?
    11. Re:Actually I find it a very important article by Zordak · · Score: 1
      Now they and batteries of scientists and doctors on their side deny there is any link between this and rising autism rates among vaccinated children but at this point you can't really trust them, because if there is ever a definitive link proven to Autism their liability is going to be massive.
      Actually, it would have been massive a few years ago. Thanks to the "tort reform" legislation passed in many states (bought and paid for by the medical insurance lobby), they'll pay out token settlements and go on their merry ways.

      I know everybdoy is thinking, "But what about that quarter of a billion dollar judgment against Merck last week?" Under Texas statute, the ~$230M in punitives will be reduced to a MAXIMUM of just over $1M, and it's quite possible that the appellate judge will throw the whole thing out for lack of evidence of causation. Even if he doesn't, the $23M left for noneconomic damages will probably be sliced dramatically, which will leave Merck paying the widow ~$450k in economic damages and some token "pain and suffering." Merck made a highly profitable decision by choosing to suppress the test results that showed their drug caused heart problems. If putting Hg in the vaccines saves the manufacturers money, don't expect to see them stop the practice any time soon. Capped awards provide them the only incentive they need.

      --

      Today's Sesame Street was brought to you by the number e.
    12. Re:Actually I find it a very important article by drew · · Score: 1

      The current measles vaccinations I believe should be good enough to last most people for their whole life. However, people who were born before the mid 70's, i believe, should have gotten a booster when they are around 20. From what I've read, a lot of people didn't.

      --
      If I don't put anything here, will anyone recognize me anymore?
    13. Re:Actually I find it a very important article by jafac · · Score: 1

      Do you Americans not immunise your children?

      No.

      Not all of us do.

      Some of us are concerned about the apparent relationship between thimerosol compounds used as a preservative in childhood vaccines, and the incidence of autism, coupled with the fact that the Bush administration signed legislation that indemnifies pharmaceutical companies (one of whom's former ceo's is the current Secretary of Defense) from lawsuits involving this risk (which validates the cause-effect relationship, in many peoples' minds).

      Others are simply concerned that being "forced" to get their kids immunized is an infringement on their personal rights, and so they avoid the whole mess by homeschooling.

      Others believe that immunization is a plot by aliens to genetically tag human beings for later abduction, torture, consumption, or brainwashing.

      I suppose some others believe that if everyone is immunized to a disease, as a species, we may lose our inherent immunity to whole classes of diseases.

      Put it all together, whether any of these concerns are legitimate or not, and you get a population where a significant proportion is not immunized, thus reducing the effectiveness of immunization programs.

      --

      These are my friends, See how they glisten. See this one shine, how he smiles in the light.
    14. Re:Actually I find it a very important article by japhmi · · Score: 1

      If putting Hg in the vaccines saves the manufacturers money, don't expect to see them stop the practice any time soon.

      The FDA is trying to phase-out of Thimerosal. It is removed or reduced to trace amojunts for vaccines meant for kids under 6. Merck's MMR contains 0 Thimeosal

      Research ahead of time.

      --
      "Giving money and power to government is like giving whiskey and car keys to teenage boys" P. J. O'Rourke
    15. Re:Actually I find it a very important article by poot_rootbeer · · Score: 1

      it might wake my North American friends up to the fact that there are these things called "diseases" out there in the real world and that "yes, unbelievable or not" Americans can contract them and die from them.

      Do you Americans not immunise your children?

      We do. Most (all?) states have laws which dictate that a child may not begin to attend school unless he or she has received vaccination against a set of diseases -- and that set invariably includes measles.

      Now, it may be possible that the outbreak at Microsoft is among older employees who were not subject to mandatory immunization as children, or expatriates who did not spend their childhoods here. Neither scenario is related to your accusatory post, though. Safe to say, though, that almost every American-born person under the age of 30 has indeed received a measles vaccine.

      Now that I've set you straight on the facts, will you cease your "North Americans are ignorant of the real world" tirade?

    16. Re:Actually I find it a very important article by demachina · · Score: 1

      Uh yea but how many autistic people are there today because they waited until people noticed a public health catastrophe and activists had to start lobbying and pressuring to force the change. They also probably removed it during an environment when there was still a huge potential liability. With tort reform and the liability risk gone they have little reason to make the change if the change would impact their profitability more than the liability risk does. Unless there is social responsibility in the board room or regulatory intervention executives are going to make the decision that is most profitable because its their duty to shareholders. So again if backlash or liability is more expensive than making the change they will make the change. If the liability risk is not there, they can contain public backlash and the change is expensive you run the risk they wont make the change even though its the right thing to do.

      It also doesn't give me any confidence that a 6 year old can still get dosed with Mercury. Nothing magic happens on your siz birthday where you acquire immunity to mercury poisoning. Why exactly wouldn't the FDA have banned it out right in everything, it was used in contact lens solution, cosmetics, etc. where its going to migrate in to your body.

      The other obvious problem is if they were willing to do something that misguided with Mercury, what ELSE might they be putting in stuff they inject or otherwise introduce in to people that is clearly dangerous. The problem here is the real thorough testing regime is inject it in millions of people for decades and wait until there is widespread damage to people health and people start whistleblowing ... and then they remedy it.

      The Vioxx case clear shows the FDA has abandoned its watchdog role and replaced it with one where they are partnering with drug companies to enhance their profitability. The testing is exhaustive and expensive but indications are whenever the drug company has billions riding on success they will suppress and ignore bad results.

      The biochemistry of the human body is vastly to complicated to be cavalierly introducing foreign compounds in to it. For compounds where there is a clear benefit that you can argue the benefit outweighs the risk you can justify it. Problem is drug companies are in such rabid pursuit of there next big multibillion dollar drug they are conning people in to ingest things where the benefit simply doesn't justify the risk, for example overprescribing ADD treatments to sedate problem kids, treating depression in kids with drugs that cause suicidal tendencies, Viagra which is a lifestyle drug for most taking it, or the the other day I saw a new add for a treatment for ... what was it ... active leg syndrome which according to the drug company inflicts 1 in 10.

      --
      @de_machina
    17. Re:Actually I find it a very important article by geoffspear · · Score: 1

      That's the great thing about America's class mobility. Even an ignorant yokel can go on to be an ignorant tenured professor or an executive at a Fortune 1000 company.

      --
      Don't blame me; I'm never given mod points.
    18. Re:Actually I find it a very important article by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      This whole argument is flawed. Clearly not all people working at Microsoft were born and raised in America.

    19. Re:Actually I find it a very important article by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Obvious answer: He wasn't an American.

      "The infected man was born outside the United States and had not been vaccinated, according to health officials." from
      http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/local/238160_measles web26.html

    20. Re:Actually I find it a very important article by AK+Marc · · Score: 1

      Uh yea but how many autistic people are there today because they waited until people noticed a public health catastrophe and activists had to start lobbying and pressuring to force the change.

      Zero? Or did you have some causation between MMR and autism? The definition was broadened. The testing was more thorough. The awarness was increased. And, at the same time, there were more autistic people diagnosed. Oh, and MMR shots became more popular too. So, what's the cause? The MMR shots, obviously. Or, could it be that we don't know the cause? Because we don't. There has never been a study to assess the risks. There has never been a study to try and determine causality. There is no hard data either way on the matter. So it seems stupid to assign blame without any evidence whatsoever. It should be pulled off the shelves and testing should be done. But that doesn't mean it was the cause.

    21. Re:Actually I find it a very important article by rblum · · Score: 1

      Actually, H1B workers do not need to provide vaccination papers - at least not from my home country (Germany).

      What's funny is that once you apply for a Greencard, you do need to take a health test. (That's at the earliest two years after you entered the country. INS is a tad bit slow). So diseases you have at that time you either spread around or actually *got* in the states.

      What's even funnier is that the only clinics willing to do health checks for immigrants (at least in Chicago) are dirty hellholes that look like they've been imported from a 3rd-world country. You're more likely to get sick there than anything else. And no, not because of the immigrants - because they are *dirtholes*. To make things even *more* entertaining, the people employed there are often moonlighting - the guy supposed to do my chest X-Ray was not an X-Ray techician, but an emergency vehicle driver on his second job.

      (I bowed out of that, and had an X-Ray taken at a decent hospital at my own cost, but not everybody can afford that)

      Sorry - if Americans are worried about immigrants carrying diseases, they need to get their healthcare system in better shape. The current system is a joke.

    22. Re:Actually I find it a very important article by demachina · · Score: 1

      Isn't that a sweet concept. You can inject a known dangerous substance in to millions of people and as long as its hard to prove that its causing damage big company is in the clear. When injecting Mercury in to young children I think the burden of proof should have been on the vaccine company to prove beyond a shadow of doubt it was safe, which they can't, rather than on the public to prove its dangerous, which they are doing their best to do. Simple fact, Thimerasol should have never been put on the market in the first place. I need to do me some research and find out which company though it was a good idea and profited from it.

      The public probably used to think the FDA's job was to make sure dangerous things don't get on the market but I think recent events indicate that was naive, because the FDA like all aspects of government is being sold to the highest bidder.

      --
      @de_machina
    23. Re:Actually I find it a very important article by Zordak · · Score: 1
      The FDA is trying to phase-out of Thimerosal.
      That's great, but it has nothing to do with my point. Better regulation (along with things like better screening and requiring expert testimony) is actually a very sane alternative to the kind of hard cap tort reform we've seen recently that almost completely bars recovery and rewards tortfeasors. My point, in response to the GP's prediction of massive tort liability on the part of manufacturers if causation can be proved, was that the threat of massive lawsuits is no longer a meaningful deterrent to beancounters who are weighing the cost of hurting people against the savings. Wit hard caps that amount to nothing more than a nominal fine, it is almost always more cost effective to go ahead and hurt somebody. This is true in most states now, and the medical insurance lobby is pushing to get it passed in the rest. Even better, they are pushing for a (IMHO) Unconstitutional Federal law to make these reforms uniform throughout the U.S. Getting rid of "frivolous" lawsuits is a fine goal, but they've tried very hard to shove the baby down the drain after the bathwater.
      --

      Today's Sesame Street was brought to you by the number e.
    24. Re:Actually I find it a very important article by whitehatlurker · · Score: 1
      Now they and batteries of scientists and doctors on their side deny there is any link between this and rising autism rates among vaccinated children

      So children susceptible to autism were previously the ones that preferentially died from measles? No, no wait. It could not be that there are more people being tested for autism, could it?

      but at this point you can't really trust them

      Well, I know who I'd trust over another. Vaccines are more effective than just letting everyone catch things and have natural immunities work themselves out.

      Though hopefully you can see why more and more people are having reservations about vaccines especially for diseases largely eradicated in the west.

      Yes, but it's because of vaccines that they are "largely eradicated", so when these diseases are reintroduced, unvaccinated people get hit badly. Yes, there are individuals for whom vaccines are not effective, but by and large the population would be protected by massive vaccinations.

      I wonder if people are grabbing this argument of side effects so that they're not stigmatised as a religious nut when they decline vaccination. Of course, in some places that's a status symbol ...

      --
      .. paranoid crackpot leftover from the days of Amiga.
    25. Re:Actually I find it a very important article by AK+Marc · · Score: 1

      Isn't that a sweet concept. You can inject a known dangerous substance in to millions of people and as long as its hard to prove that its causing damage big company is in the clear.

      Isn't that a sweet concept. You can take what someone says, twist it around, and pretend that you actually refuted what they said. Too much water can kill you. More people are killed every year from ingesting water than some banned substances, like, say, marijuana. So, does that mean that we need to ban water too? Of course not. You have to look at the risks and the benefits, as well as how it actually affects the body. Eating table salt is pretty much safe. Breathing Cl2 gas is deadly. But salt contains Cl. So why isn't it deadly? Because the molecular structure changes the properties of the chemical. Heavy metals are known to collect int he body and cause long-term problems. But atomic Hg is much more likely to be retained than molecular Hg. You body has to break the bonds to make it atomic, then absorb it. Some molecules can't be broken by the body.

      So, to proclaim that something is unsafe simply because it contains Hg may be a "safe" statement, but it also may not be an accurate one. H2O kills every year, as does Cl gas, but we aren't saying we shouldn't take in water or salt. So, why not evaluate Hg in the application, rather than just proclaiming it unsafe?

      Oh, and before you get off on a rant on whether it is or is not safe, I would like to remind you that I haven't taken a stance on that. I would have liked to have seen it evaluated better in testing and deployment. But I'll reserve judgement until after someone, somewere has actually tested it. I'm not as quick to judge when no one has ever even tested it.

  68. Building 40, eh? by friday2k · · Score: 1

    Building 40 is (or used to be?) the home of networking and other core groups. No better place to start a Virus infection than in networking, no?

  69. No, it means be aware by SuperKendall · · Score: 1

    No, with that logic it means when you go overseas beware of illnesses and take precautions.

    Would you go on a Safari in Africa and refuse to take precautions against Yellow Fever? You'd call such a person an idiot. So why should someone travleling to France not be careful to some degree about what they might get there? If measels may be an issue, vaccinate before you go and save everyone some bother.

    It's all about risk management. if you drive without a seatbelt every day you'd probably be fine. But why not put one on?

    --
    "There is more worth loving than we have strength to love." - Brian Jay Stanley
  70. The Title: Microsoft Infected by Virus by bit+trollent · · Score: 1

    With a title like "Microsoft Infected by Virus", how can you say this story is not "about microsoft"?

  71. In other news ... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    4 slashdot employees were discovered to have trojan horses in them.

    1. Re:In other news ... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 3, Funny

      Well maby trojan's in their wallet.
      (out of date though, never got to use them)

    2. Re:In other news ... by FragHARD · · Score: 1

      In their wallet??? And here I thought they would be in the pocket protector (that would explain the ink stains :+0

      --
      FragHARD or don't frag at all
  72. Talking about PER COMPANY by SuperKendall · · Score: 1

    No. Historically it is boatloads of trench level traders who make the overseas trips.

    That's odd because in absolutley NO software company that I have worked for are there "boatloads of trench level traders". In fact I do believe there are none!

    Yes there are companies that have been doing overseas stuff a long tong and used to taking some precautions against illness. As the tech industry starts to become more global they too will face additional exposure and here and there it migh be a good idea to shore up vaccinations an otherwise cube-fixed tech worker might ignore.

    --
    "There is more worth loving than we have strength to love." - Brian Jay Stanley
  73. Funny? by TangoCharlie · · Score: 1

    Shouldn't this post have been submitted with the
    "Humor" [sic] tag?!

    I have to sympathize a bit though... I've just wasted most of this morning sorting out an errant
    WinXP laptop. Grrrr.

    --
    return 0; }
  74. I thougth it allready was infected... by Saggi · · Score: 1

    ... isn't it allready infected with the virus Bill Gates?

    This virus produces a very nasty havroc on you computer called Windows.

    And its spreading...

    --
    -:) Oh no - not again.
    www.rednebula.com
  75. The only other intelligent poster here by SuperKendall · · Score: 1

    I had the same thoughts. But Slashdot tonight is full of the most mindless sorts that have chosen to read an otherwise innocuous article as an attack on whatever they seem to be supporting.

    --
    "There is more worth loving than we have strength to love." - Brian Jay Stanley
    1. Re:The only other intelligent poster here by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      I hate to post a 'me too', but this time really me too. This is clearly a problem in offshoring. None of the big companies want to consider importing SARS from china but if it happens, then the same mindless creatures at tonight will rant about how careless corporate America is damaging the citizens.

    2. Re:The only other intelligent poster here by TobyWong · · Score: 1

      Yes that's right, it was an article promoting child immunization.... oh wait no it wasn't.

      Fucking douchebag.

      --
      - Toby
  76. A price of crap ! by Guru+Goo · · Score: 0

    Thanks for the drivel /.

  77. Read closer by SuperKendall · · Score: 1

    The title also, if you may care to read further, does also have the word "Virus" in it.

    It's tangentially baout Microsoft and Offshoring, but primarily about viruses and noting that in this case a business trip led to a nasty one. It could just as easily have been about Sun or Oracle.

    The point is to realize that travelling overseas (increased among the technical population by the advent of offshoring) can lead to unexpected illnesses, so to be aware and be careful.

    --
    "There is more worth loving than we have strength to love." - Brian Jay Stanley
  78. Doesn't explicity by SuperKendall · · Score: 1

    That's why it's more about the issue of overseas travel generally and does pertain to offshoring (even if the article does not say that was the reason for the trip).
    I guess the skill of "getting a point" or "following a train of thought" has been lost in the general audience.

    --
    "There is more worth loving than we have strength to love." - Brian Jay Stanley
    1. Re:Doesn't explicity by eqkivaro · · Score: 1

      Hence the title: "Microsoft gets a virus".

    2. Re:Doesn't explicity by eqkivaro · · Score: 1

      er, "Microsoft infected by virus". LOL

  79. MOD UP by SuperKendall · · Score: 1

    The only really useful and interesting post of the whole discussion.

    An edible vaccine would be really nice and make it more likely people would avail themselves of it.

    --
    "There is more worth loving than we have strength to love." - Brian Jay Stanley
  80. Re:Seems an interesting risk to me by shermozle · · Score: 1

    None for measles yet? What rock have you been living under?

    There's been one since 1963, and if you haven't had it you're (or your parents) a moron.

    http://www.vaccineinformation.org/measles/qandavax .asp

  81. OK by bit+trollent · · Score: 1

    This story is primarily about a MS lol virus bashfest where the object of ridicule is someone who went overseas and came home with an illniss so shitty that it made the evening news. The people (slashdot editors etc...) who are (or tried) using this as an excuse to another lol MS virus circlejerk are pathetic.

    The "geeks" who came up with this story are a pimple on the taint of technology. That is what a closer inspection of the story reveals.

  82. A chilling look into the lives of MS employees by Nordberg · · Score: 1

    I guess this poor fellow did not have a very active social life, although he does seem to enjoy eating.

    From the article:


    Public health officials said the infected person visited the following areas:
    Malay Satay Hut, 15230 NE 24th St., Redmond, WA 98052 on August 16th 2005, from 12-3 p.m.
    Thai Ginger at Redmond Town Center, 16480 NE 74th Street on August 20th from 8-11 p.m.
    Microsoft -- Redmond Campus, One Microsoft Way, Building #40, Redmond, WA on August 16, 17, 18 and 19, all day.
    Microsoft -- Cafeteria, One Microsoft Way, between Building #40 and #41, Redmond, WA on August 17, 18 and 19, 11:30 am to 4:00 pm.

    --
    *Splort*
    1. Re:A chilling look into the lives of MS employees by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      You find it 'chilling' that people need to eat?

      Wow!

    2. Re:A chilling look into the lives of MS employees by Nordberg · · Score: 1

      I find it "chilling" that the only public places he went outside of the office over 4 days were 2 restaurants. Also that he apparently spent 4 1/2 hours a day in the cafeteria.

      --
      *Splort*
  83. No worries - Just apply new SP3 to your employees! by monstermonster · · Score: 3, Funny

    Using Microsoft's exciting new BorgLite technology, employees will begin automatically downloading the new anti-virus Service Pack 3 to their wetware immediately (note: patchsize may break older models)! Who needs vaccines when you have Automatic Updates? ;)

  84. I Confirm It... by Netcraft · · Score: 3, Funny

    Slashdot is dying! ...happy now?

  85. May not be interesting, belongs on humorix by unlabeledchick · · Score: 1

    Isn't this ironic? With the Win 98 fiasco, that only was dulled with NT and the other releases since then? Maybe m$ should just switch to linux for security reasons? Bad publicity, having your own product, complete with additional viruses?
    LMAO, they almost deserve it. Even they don't, but they come damn close to it!

  86. I have Moderator points... by bigmouth_strikes · · Score: 4, Insightful

    ...and this was the first time I actively looked for a way to mod submitter and posting editor down.

    Worst. Story. Ever.

    --
    Oh, I can't help quoting you because everything that you said rings true
    1. Re:I have Moderator points... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      You must be new here!

    2. Re:I have Moderator points... by digitalsushi · · Score: 1

      do i still have the asterisk by my login name? i really hope not.

      slashdot is what happens when you dumb it down enough for the masses to read it. just like how cnn.com always has a post about britany spears, because that's somehow always world news.

      --
      slashdot: where everyone yells sarcastic metaphors to themselves to understand the issue
  87. Edible vaccine by Mortiss · · Score: 1

    Yeah thats the point. Especially good for developing countries since you do not need to keep the doses cold (which is always a problem when delivering vaccines to remote regions)

    its still a work in progress :)

  88. How do you read any animosity into this by SuperKendall · · Score: 1

    How it is anti-MS at all, i do not get. It seems to scoff a little at offshoring by noting it has hidden risks, but even that is hardly a "bashfest".

    Basically the summary is saying "Be Careful Out There". But instead of posters putting up links with advice about where they might want to check out vaccinations it's a good idea to get before traveling, they put thirty shades of hurt of the poor bastard that had the gall to actually post an article about illness with the word Microsoft in it anywhere.

    I am not particularly fond of Microsoft. I don't really care one way or the other about offshoring as it is inevitable. What I do care about is that people are taking a perfectly fine chance to warn people traveling overseas that might not think about what that means healthwise that it's good to be a little careful as going someplace really different ca get some people rather sick. Since it's a lot more fun to travel when you are not sick, and also nicer coming home not being sick, I'd prefer to spread the message for people to just use common sense and try to protect against whatever things their body might not be used to when they go traveling instead of just launching "Yet Another Slashdot Bitch Session".

    The funny thing is if this were my first time here I would honestly think Slashdot had been taking over by pro-Microsoft hardcore posters who were making much ado about nothing, as far as Microsoft is concerned.

    --
    "There is more worth loving than we have strength to love." - Brian Jay Stanley
  89. Bad Taste by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    This is in very bad taste. There's nothing funny about people suffering, not even screwed up microsoft engineers.

  90. Where the hell is the bluray/hd-dvd fallout ? by jimmydevice · · Score: 0

    NOTHING HERE..... Just like slashdot...

  91. Serves them right for not getting their shots by Nice2Cats · · Score: 4, Insightful
    Ignoring the whole question if this can even remotely be considered news -- nobody in a rich Western country like the U.S. should get the measles, ever, because they should have gotten their shots. Even if your parents were idiots or religious freaks who didn't do their duty to protect you from a well-known danger with a low-risk procedure, as an adult you are responsible for protecting your health.

    So, to get something good out of this article: Go check if you defenses -- your body's defenses, not your computers -- are up to date. How about tetanus? Polio? At least consider Hepatitis B, even if you are a nerd and don't have sex and faint if you even hear the word blood. These things don't have to happen.

  92. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Slashdot by junglee_iitk · · Score: 2, Interesting

    The site's slogan is "News for nerds. Stuff that matters." Slashdot is often criticized for intentionally posting story summaries that many find inaccurate, highly biased, and/or inflammatory and that incite heated posting, while ignoring news or commentary on issues which outsiders may consider more serious or important (see Slashdot subculture) - this is mostly acknowledged, and frequently even celebrated by the community itself.


    Now people, don't edit it there.

  93. It was in the title(s) by bit+trollent · · Score: 1

    But what you say about staying healthy when you travel is right on.

    I'm glad that you want to spread this messege about travel health, but your original post was a pretty standard "Yet Another Slashdot Bitch Session".

  94. What about my cough?!? by baburas · · Score: 1

    I currently have some dry cough.
    I stodge myself continuous with the Original Extra Strong Fishermans Friend. Really hard stuff...

  95. True. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    very true.
    But still for some reason i suspect we will all keep reading on nomatter how sjitty /. becomes.

  96. Time for MS Employee Service Pack 1? by Viol8 · · Score: 1

    It probably wouldn't make them much better but after they've installed it they'll probably find they can't speak or walk properly anymore and keep falling asleep at random so they'll have forgotten all about the measles.

  97. fud evidence by ali3nxx · · Score: 1

    tsk.. tsk.. They shoulda been running linux

  98. Re:Seems an interesting risk to me by Mortiss · · Score: 1

    Normally, i wouldnt even grace this with an answer, but u should learn to read the whole thread before you post stupid comments like that.
    I made a mistake and i have corrected it.

  99. Come on cough-cough dept by jawahar · · Score: 2, Insightful


    Grow up.

  100. Forgot to update their virus definitions ? by Qwrk · · Score: 1

    Slacked it for some days and now they get a feel of what all those that fare unprotected have to bear.....

  101. WTF by xstonedogx · · Score: 2, Insightful

    This is one of the shortest articles in /. history and no one seems to be able to read it. You are right that the article is important, but what you've posted has nothing to do with the article. The article is important because it lets people - who may or may not be immunized - know that they may have been exposed to the virus. That's it.

    An outbreak of measles is incredibly rare in the "west". Can someone please explain to me how one of the U.S.A.s most important companies just suffered an outbreak?

    What "outbreak"? According to the article, there is one confirmed case of measles in "an adult", who may or may not work for the company.

    Do you Americans not immunise your children?

    Even if 100% of American children are immunized, not all Americans are born and grow up in America, and not everyone in America is an American.

    Besides, the vaccine is not 100% effective.

    According to the Seattle Times, the adult picked up the measles in France, another western country.

  102. Cowboy Neal == Archie Bunker? by bbc · · Score: 2, Insightful

    What is this tight-assed crap, Cowboy Neal? Wake up! I agree with the poster who wrote that this must be the worst story ever.

  103. The Ultimate Slashdot Article by Cardinal+Biggles · · Score: 4, Insightful

    Bashing:

    1. Microsoft
    2. offshore outsourcing
    3. places outside the USA in general (you know, those dirty, disease-ridden places where Dubya drops the bombs)

    ...all in one totally irrational article!

    Wow. I stand in awe of the article's author, story submitter and the editor that was so quick to accept it. Amazing work, guys!

    1. Re:The Ultimate Slashdot Article by ashlux · · Score: 1

      a Microsoft worker returning from overseas brought back a case of Measles with them

      You forgot the wonderful writing. =)

    2. Re:The Ultimate Slashdot Article by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      What would you prefer?

      ...a Microsoft worker returning from overseas brought back a case of Measles with IT...

      ;P

      For Christ's sake, let's start getting worked up over nothing...

    3. Re:The Ultimate Slashdot Article by eluusive · · Score: 1

      I can find you examples of sigular "them" usage in thousands of books. Get off your high horse you pedantic bastard.

      See:
      http://www.crossmyt.com/hc/linghebr/austheir.html

  104. Measles by Jonathan · · Score: 1

    Anyone care to tell which one is true then?

    It is rather frightening that so many people on this forum seem to know very little about measles. Measles 1) can be vaccinated against and many health care systems in the developed world vaccinate all children and 2) is a serious disease. People (particularly children) can die from it. It's not a joke like Chicken Pox (which some readers here seem to think is same disease). The fact that somebody would go somewhere where measles is endemic and not be vaccinated displays a breathtaking lack of responsibility -- and not merely for their own health.

  105. Those darned... by Blitzenn · · Score: 1

    Those darned forgien language anti-virus signature updates never seem to work right.

  106. WTF by cheezemonkhai · · Score: 1

    It's already been said, but WTF!!!

    In other News Slashdot Editors get group altzhiemers and don't realise they have already posted the same article a few days previously.

    Jesus, how is this news?

  107. Who says he's an employee? by Bad+to+the+Ben · · Score: 1

    Not ONE fucking article I've read has said the guy was an MS employee. Not one, and I've read 4. He could have been at Redmond stocking the bloody vending machines for god's sake, or attending a seminar, or ANYTHING.

    This is sensationalised, biased, "news" at it's worst. I can't believe this got past the editors.

    1. Re:Who says he's an employee? by 1u3hr · · Score: 1
      seattletimes

      A man returning from a trip to France earlier this month may have spread measles at four Redmond locations, including two on the Microsoft campus, health officials said yesterday.

      The man, in his 40s, returned to the Seattle area Aug. 8, but he was only contagious and exposed to the public for a few days, said Dr. Jeff Duchin, head of communicable diseases for Public Health -- Seattle & King County. The man is recovering and is no longer contagious, Duchin said.

      Measles is a potentially fatal disease that can cause pneumonia and brain swelling in some cases. Most people are not at risk of contracting the disease because they either were vaccinated or developed immunity after having measles as a child, officials said.

      Anyone who has not been vaccinated or developed immunity, and was at the following locations during these times, should call their doctor, Duchin said.

      • Building 40 on the Microsoft campus, One Microsoft Way in Redmond, all day Aug. 16-19.
      • The cafeteria between buildings 40 and 41 on the Microsoft campus in Redmond, from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Aug. 17-19.
      • Malay Satay Hut, 15230 N.E. 24th St., Redmond, from noon to 3 p.m. Aug. 16.
      • Thai Ginger at Redmond Town Center, 16480 N.E. 74th St., from 8-11 p.m. Aug. 20.
      This is sensationalised, biased, "news" at it's worst. I can't believe this got past the editors.

      Ha, ha, ha. But seriously, whatever he was at the MS campus for 4 days, and ate at the cafeteria, so it does seem likely he was employed there. However, the "outsourcing" hook that made up half the submission really is flamebait, he was in France. What does MS outsource to France?

  108. Mod parent up... by yRabbit · · Score: 1

    I agree with the other posters (the ones I see currently that agree with you).
    The summary is simply a cheap jab at MS. Reading the article.. It's not about MS. He just happened to go there. It didn't say he spread it to anyone, just "may have exposed other persons to the disease". The article is pretty much about a case of measles in one guy in King County, Redmond, WA.

    From the summary, "In fact, they had been back, working, and spreading the disease at Microsoft and other places in Redmond for at least four days prior to being discovered."
    It doesn't say he spread it, it says "have confirmed a case of measles in an adult exposed to the virus while traveling abroad."
    From the "other" article (linked from the first):
    "The infected person visited public areas in King County while contagious and may have exposed other persons to the disease."
    That is "may have exposed", not "did expose". The summary is jumping to conclusions.
    Oh, a single person that is either a MS employee or a frequent visitor to MS had measles, we'd better post this to SlashDot.

    "'Microsoft Infected by Virus' ha ha I'm clever, also I am in no way jumping to conclusions by assuming that when the article doesn't say so at all!"

  109. Submissions should be categorized by o517375 · · Score: 1

    All published articles should be categorized as Insightful, Interesting, Funny, Troll, etc. As general rule, I skip all submissions unless they have been rated Interesting or Insightful. ./humor IMHO is stupid and rarely funny.

  110. He travelled to France by Frankie70 · · Score: 0, Flamebait

    The person travelled to France
    Check here . I don't know how or why off-shoring comes into the picture? What does Microsoft offshore to France?
    Freedom Fries?

  111. Don't forget the offshoring by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    The first impression i got when i read the article was that the poster was biased against offshoring. I picked up on the the anti microsoft thing a little bit later.
    An anti microft + anti offshoring post would leave me very conflicted on how i feel.
    Oh well, I'm off to steal some jobs, spread a little virus!

  112. Freedom Country not Indonesia by Frankie70 · · Score: 3, Informative

    The person travelled to France.
    Check here.

  113. Does Slashdot ever apologize anymore? by maelstrom · · Score: 1

    You can almost bet not. This is getting close to the last straw for me. I've been here since Chips & Dips and if this kind of stuff continues to get posted, I'm never coming back.

    --
    The more you know, the less you understand.
  114. Trying to unspin the article.... by wowbagger · · Score: 1
    OK, so - let's see if I can take some of the backspin off the article, and demonstrate how it might have been phrased to be USEFUL yet not bash Microsoft:

    Everybody: If you have been to the Microsoft campus in Redmond between August 16 and August 19, YOU NEED TO GO TO YOUR DOCTOR NOW! - it turns out that somebody there had been exposed to Measles while overseas, and subsequently contracted the disease. Especially if you had been in the cafeteria, you need to be checked out, especially if your immunizations are not up to date. While this has all the makings of a sick joke (no pun intended) this is deadly serious. More information at the King County Health Department's website


    I leave it as an exercise to the reader as to whether the less-spun article would have been accepted.
  115. In other news... by blyloveranger · · Score: 2, Funny

    In other news Linus Torvalds catches the common cold showing Linux is much more susceptible to basic vulnerabilities than Windows is. Proving once and for all Windows is more secure than Linux.


    So I agree with just about everyone--BS article.

  116. Re:Arguing with stoner is like... by Jarlsberg · · Score: 1

    Hmm. If you want fun, try this: http://bbspot.com/toys/slashtitle/index.html. It oftens generates far better stuff than Slashdot does. :)

  117. Re:Seems an interesting risk to me by 1u3hr · · Score: 1
    Explain how is this relevant to off-shoring specifically.

    Especially since the guy was in France.

    Vaccinate before you travel! (yeah i know, none for measles

    According to the CDC, a measles vaccine has been available and used since 1963.

  118. virus by feiming · · Score: 0

    haha,how funny,those ppl at Redmond are so concern about digital virus didn't realize about a real life virus

  119. Finally... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    ...a taste of their own medicine!

  120. I'll just add one more WTF? by cranos · · Score: 2

    This is just sad. It's one thing to pick on MS for the many, many, many holes in their OS's however this is just sad and lame on so many levels, now wonder slashdot is falling of my radar.

  121. I'm actually happy with Bill. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    You know, I hate Microsoft products as much as the next guy. I was around to see Microsoft Multiplan and all the crap since then.

    However, Bill and Melinda do give away substantial chunks of change to very worthy causes.

    I'm not saying this is a forgive-all card, but in my books it's something my cap is donned towards.

    -A daily Mac user, linux frequently, MS rarely.

  122. Mod Powers by connah0047 · · Score: 2

    You know what would help fix the problem of horrible stories like this? Give the moderators the power to *REMOVE* a story.

    1. Re:Mod Powers by SComps · · Score: 1

      Or at the very least moderate the story down so low that it falls off the front page.

      something like (-5 Lame)

  123. linux protection by jgionet · · Score: 0

    The MS people should think of running Linux as they wouldn't of have this problem to start with.

  124. Remember... by drunkennewfiemidget · · Score: 1

    I dislike Microsoft as much as the next guy, but no publicity is bad publicity.

  125. Inane. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    But what else can you expect from this racist bozo?

  126. That's it, I'm outta here. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0
    "... we will still flock here ..."

    I've been thinking for quite a while that Slasdot has started sucking dirty grey socks.

    This article confirms it and guess what, Slashdot joins doubleclick in my privoxy block list.

  127. Hours at lunch? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    Did anyone else notice that the employee spent 3 hours at 'Malay Satay Hut' on tuesday the 16th? Sounds like a restaurant.. And also 5 or so hours in the cafeteria on other days?

    The real story here is how cushy microsoft jobs are, with great lunch breaks.. Not the measles.. I'm gonna have to apply..

  128. Resteraunt habits upon returning from far east... by aapold · · Score: 1

    When you return from the far east, I guess there's nothing like fine home cooking... # Malay Satay Hut, 15230 NE 24th St., Redmond, WA 98052 on August 16th 2005, from 12-3 p.m. # Thai Ginger at Redmond Town Center, 16480 NE 74th Street on August 20th from 8-11 p.m. # Microsoft -- Cafeteria, One Microsoft Way, between Building #40 and #41, Redmond, WA on August 17, 18 and 19, 11:30 am to 4:00 pm. Wha? He spent 5 and half hours in the cafeteria for 3 days straight?

    --
    "Waste not one watt!" - CZ
  129. Re:Bill Gates is a major funder of Measles researc by daggerr · · Score: 1

    Has he always been? Its not that he just became a founder of measels research rather recently?

  130. Missing options! by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    Jerks
    Insensitive clods
    Virgins
    Dorks

    And make it a multiple choice poll.

  131. Re:Seems an interesting risk to me by SheeEttin · · Score: 1

    This is how HIV was created, actually. Two virii from something with an S in it (I can't remember) did something and became HIV. The only other thing I remember was that it had to do with monkeys. (Also bananas, but I think that part's just me.)

  132. Visited TWO restaurants? by crovira · · Score: 1

    BURN them to the ground. They are pestilential piles of foul flattus. (Paranoid overreaction. :-)

    --
    MSBPodcast.com The opinions expressed here are my own. If you don't like 'em... Think up your own stuff.
  133. Maybe... by rooftop · · Score: 1

    Maybe there should be a mod system for news posts too?

  134. Some long lunches by LinuxInDallas · · Score: 1

    "Microsoft -- Cafeteria, One Microsoft Way, between Building #40 and #41, Redmond, WA on August 17, 18 and 19, 11:30 am to 4:00 pm.
    For More Information"

    Wow, I wish my company let me hang out in the cafeteria for 4 and a half hours.

  135. It all comes... by OhHellWithIt · · Score: 1
    ...from using workers with the same lousy, virus-prone operating system. If they had a heterogeneous network of employees -- say monkeys, baboons, and orangutans interspersed among the humans -- they wouldn't be as affected by the outbreak.

    The software might be a little better, too.

    --
    "Who controls the past controls the future. Who controls the present controls the past." -- George Orwell
  136. GET VACCINATED IF YOU TRAVEL!!!! by Tsu+Dho+Nimh · · Score: 3, Insightful
    Getting a measles vaccination or a booster before you leave the US is a very good idea.

    It makes sure you don't come back with something that you can spread to your community. Measles kills and blinds and damages brains.

    1. Re:GET VACCINATED IF YOU TRAVEL!!!! by amrust · · Score: 1

      As you say, if you travel abroad frequently, I think you're recommended to have a MMR booster like every 10 years. I think there's also some quick blood test a doctor can give before you leave the country, to determine if you still have sufficient immunity to Measels. I might be wrong on that, and thinking of something else...

      It's not worth the chance, either way. Just go get a booster right now, if you haven't been vaccinated since school days.

      --
      VOTE!
    2. Re:GET VACCINATED IF YOU TRAVEL!!!! by sallen · · Score: 1

      It's not worth the chance, either way. Just go get a booster right now, if you haven't been vaccinated since school days.

      Some of are old enough that we actually HAD mumps, measles, and chicken pox by the time we were 5 or 6 to gain our immunity . No booster required .

  137. MS employee chockes on spam in cafetaria by kanweg · · Score: 1

    In other news:
    MS employee chockes on spam in cafetaria at the Redmond campus.
    Two fellow co-workers acted swiftly and used the Heimlich maneuver, which worked well. Said one of the co-workers "It was easy, we just had to apply way less pressure than on companies we want to buy/do our bidding".

    Bert

    1. Re:MS employee chockes on spam in cafetaria by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Oh man, that's a real riot.

      Dumbass.

  138. Diss-appointing by CrazedWalrus · · Score: 1

    Ugh. I read the RSS headline "Microsoft Gets Virus", assumed it meant *computer* virus, and thought "Yeah! Microsoft gets their just desserts for crappy security!", only to read this piece of tripe about how funny it is that a potentially serious *human* disease may be spreading about Redmond.

    Wonderful. Maybe the Microsofties will give it to their KIDS and they'll all DIE! Wouldn't that be GREAT?! Slashdot article at 11.

    Look, I know I'm not the first person to sound in on how ludicrous this article is, so mod me redundant if you want. I just ask that we *PLEASE, FOR THE LOVE OF GOD* keep our technical preferences and our *basic human compassion* from interfering with each other.

    I've never been so disappointed in a Slashdot post. Ever.

  139. That's an easy one by ImaLamer · · Score: 1

    An outbreak of measles is incredibly rare in the "west". Can someone please explain to me how one of the U.S.A.s most important companies just suffered an outbreak?

    He didn't go to junior high school?

    I had to get the "MMR shot" or Measles, Mumps, and Rubella vaccine before I could enter the seventh grade as it's required by everyone in my school district. No shot, no school. See the bottom of this page (my former school).

  140. bashing ms out of jelousy by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    yep, slashdot is still at it...

    pot, kettle....prove you have a better os for the masses, and you could be taken serously, until then you still sound like little babies that are jelous of MS and how many people choose it over linux...can't do better, so bash, kick feet in a tantrum, and in the end, spread lies and fabrications beyound what really happens....

    grow up slash dot, grow up!!

  141. But you're wrong... by ImaLamer · · Score: 1

    It is flamebait:

    I can deal with the smug, hippy liberal

    'Bait

    I don't blame the asshole who submitted this, no. It's the asshole that posted it. And little by little this place is becoming the running joke of the tech world.

    With ID the size of his I question exactly what he knows about how things have been and where they are going.

    Personally I'm tired of people bitching about Slashdot "becoming" something it always has been while they waste their time returning and posting.

    SHUT THE FUCK UP!

    Want a place where you can moderate the submissions? Go to Kuro5hin. If you want pure tech news, then start going to the places where these articles come from. Either way, just go...

  142. It's already been said by Packets · · Score: 1

    Worst Slashdot Article Ever.

    --
    A little overkill never hurt anybody.
  143. jesus people by XO · · Score: 1

    It was a funny headline, and it was the first thing I've seen in a LONG time on slashdot that wasn't just the first paragraph of an article quoted onto slashdot, and then a bunch of people bickering about their favorite open source project underneath it.

    You have all been moderated -5 Humor Impaired.

    --
    "Champagne for my real friends - and real pain for my sham friends!" http://ericblade.postalboard.com/
  144. Did a little window pop out of them? by kinglink · · Score: 1

    And suggest they update their virus protection?

  145. You are so wrong by roman_mir · · Score: 1

    this is /. journalism at its best!

  146. Re:Correlation / Causation by Deekin_Scalesinger · · Score: 1

    Holy shit, this is modded insightful? Mods, take a breath and read what you are modding on, please.

    --
    "As the intrepid kobold companion continues his journey, he begins to wonder... if priests raises dead, why anybody die?
  147. Pandemic brings down congomerates by sammyo · · Score: 1

    That may be the last headline we read for years if the worst case of public health scares actually occurs. How long will the internet stay running if there is only 1-2 techs per city standing.

    http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?story Id=4209615

    From:
    http://www.foreignaffairs.org/20050701faessay84402 /michael-t-osterholm/preparing-for-the-next-pandem ic.html

    "A number of recent events and factors have significantly heightened concern that a specific near-term pandemic may be imminent. It could be caused by H5N1, the avian influenza strain currently circulating in Asia. At this juncture scientists cannot be certain. Nor can they know exactly when a pandemic will hit, or whether it will rival the experience of 1918-19 or be more muted like 1957-58 and 1968-69. The reality of a coming pandemic, however, cannot be avoided."

    Michael T. Osterholm, Director of the Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy

    The core point is that in 1918 without air travel
    the disease covered the entire world, with
    modern movement, millions could be dead before
    it even registers on the global awareness.

    Very scary stuff. No one will care about 9/11 or Iraq when the big one hits...

  148. I got measles from Siggraph in 2001 by dr_leviathan · · Score: 3, Insightful

    This is what I can say about measles after I contracted it at Siggraph 2001 (Los Angeles).

    (1) It sucks! The body ache that comes with it really hurts. It also comes with symptoms of a very bad cold.

    (2) Your vaccine can expire. Mine was 15 years old. You're supposed to get a booster vaccine every 10 years. Get your boosters.

    (3) U.S. doctors are not very good at diagnosing measles correctly because they've seen so few real cases. Mine told me I had a "virus from hell", and did not think it was measles even after I suggested it as a possibility.

    (4) Measles hurts more than chicken-pox as an adult (yes, I got that three years later, for the second time in my life), but chicken-pox also sucks a great deal.

    (5) Your resistance to chicken-pox (probably measles too) can fail if you contracted them as a small infant (as in my case with chicken-pox) so get your boosters.

    --
    Religion is poison to rationality, and we lose sight of that at our own peril. -- Lurker2288
  149. I work at MS... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    ...and we received an internal email yesterday. The infected person is indeed a MS employee.

  150. Solution to stem future outbreaks at work: by Wakko+Warner · · Score: 1

    If I were a manager, one of my only policies would be to summarily fire anyone who came to work sick instead of working from home. There's nothing worse than some idiot who thinks their stupid little projects and deadlines are worth risking a massive, devastating outbreak amongst his coworkers. In fact, it doesn't really get much more thoughtless than that.

    - A.P.

    --
    "Remember when the U.S. had a drug problem, and then we declared a War On Drugs, and now you can't buy drugs anymore?"
    1. Re:Solution to stem future outbreaks at work: by EllF · · Score: 1

      Probably best that you're not a manager, then -- because you'd be summarily fired.

      --
      We who were living are now dying
      With a little patience
    2. Re:Solution to stem future outbreaks at work: by /dev/trash · · Score: 1

      Some palces ( like where I work ) don't have sick days. So it's either get sick and go to work, or get sick and if you're off more than 3 times in a 18 month period, be fired.

  151. Because it's not about outsourcing.. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    the guy (who wasn't even a Microsoft Employee, he was just in the campus cafeteria), was in France, not some 24/7 3 shift code(sweat)shop in Bangalore.

  152. Here's the Video by Kamiza+Ikioi · · Score: 1
    --
    I8-D
  153. Measles? That's weird.... by TortiusMaximus · · Score: 1

    I'm surprised it was the measles and not Glandular Fever. Conventional wisdom suggests that Microsoft is subsceptible to virii because of their "Mono" culture. Thank you, I'm here all week, try the veal!

  154. Measles? It is a harmless problem!! by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    I always thought that infections measles are quite common. I myself had it several times as a child. So why mentioning it at all? Just because the victim is a MS employee??

  155. Just maybe... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    it's a feature and not a bug. Or virus, in this case.

  156. Re:Bill Gates is a major funder of Measles researc by Jussi+K.+Kojootti · · Score: 2, Informative
    You should have become a journalist -- that was some major twisting of the truth: The Gates Foundation actually funded Cascadia:
    The mission of the Cascadia Center is to support the development of a balanced, integrated, and expanded transportation system for people and goods in central Puget Sound and the greater Cascadia region of Washington, British Columbia, and Oregon.
    Cascadia Center is part of Discovery Institute, which does support creationism as a science. So there was a grain of truth in your accusation -- it would have been a great headline...
  157. We need to be able to mod the editors by lildogie · · Score: 1

    I dare Slashdot to establish a review process for those at the top.

  158. Ahh, the benifits of ditching American workers.... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    for people overseas. :D I wonder if CEOs are personaly at risk? :D

  159. Ever? by sheldon · · Score: 1

    I don't know. It's pretty bad, and it shows a sinking to new lows.

    But then, they used to post Jon Katz articles here, where he reveled in school violence and other crap.

  160. I am shocked and outraged! by jabber01 · · Score: 1

    Shocked and outraged, I say, that no one, NO ONE, has made the obligatory quip about the Microsoft gateway having a hole big enough to drive a truck through.

    What sort of geeks and dorks are you people?!

    Not even "In Soviet Redmond, the virus infect YOU!"?

    Man, this place has really gone down hill. Not only in stories but in witty comments. narf!

    --

    The REAL jabber has the user id: 13196
    What you do today will cost you a day of your life

  161. website + video of this "party" by NoSuchGuy · · Score: 1

    Here is the website http://www.music-versus-guns.org and Video of Jeffrey Coombs.

    --
    Grundgesetz * 23. Mai 1949 - 30. November 2007 - http://www.vorratsdatenspeicherung.de/
  162. Slashdot has Jumped the Shark by ejrejr · · Score: 1

    This reprehensible post is a juicy nodal point. /. editorializing has jumped the shark. Microsoft is the victim! Google is getting more and more evil every day! What's a kiddie to do? Thank goodness the MPAA and RIAA are still around.

  163. Lunch break by Viking+Coder · · Score: 1

    Look, if you guys are going to make fun of anything make fun of this:

    Public health officials said the infected person visited the following areas:

    Microsoft -- Cafeteria, One Microsoft Way, between Building #40 and #41, Redmond, WA on August 17, 18 and 19, 11:30 am to 4:00 pm.


    This guy takes a four and a half hour lunch break!

    Now I want to work at Microsoft!

    --
    Education is the silver bullet.
  164. F*** OFF by maxrate · · Score: 1
    e-nuff with the Microsoft bullshit articles - /. is turning into a cyber retirement home for grumpy old geeks that have nothing else to do except bash MS.

    I'm sure most of us had a virus on our machines for more than 4 days with out noticing it (even with protection).

    Fact is, despite the attitude here at /. MS does know how to run their shit. The same level of geekness and experience that is here at /. exists at Microsoft as well (maybe more so, for the most part).

  165. Not Gloating by Vicissidude · · Score: 1

    I was completely horried and shocked to find this article on my local news website. I live about 20 miles from the Microsoft campus and I recently worked there until a few months ago.

    My first thought upon reading this was to wonder whether I'd been anywhere near Redmond from August 16-20. My second thought was wondering if any of my previous co-workers and friends still there had been infected.

    Finally, I became angry and upset. If you read the KOMO article, they never mention that this is a Microsoft worker coming from overseas. They just say this person was in Microsoft building #40, all day, from August 16-20. I feel pretty safe saying they worked for Microsoft. Further, they don't say where this person visited overseas or whether that was business or pleasure. In fact, it appears to attempt to shelter Microsoft from any wrongdoing in this event.

    I want to know if this person was working overseas or just visiting. If they were working, then why were they not vaccinated. And where did they go so we can warn other people and companies traveling to that area to get vaccinated beforehand.

    As far as I'm concerned, it's Microsoft's and other companies' responsibility to check those vaccinations prior to sending their employees over. If not, then those companies are liable for the spread of the disease through their company and through their local communities upon their return.

    However, the news station in this report is attempting to cover this up. We don't know if this employee was on business or pleasure. That is not at all surprising considering that Microsoft is loved by the Seattle community for being a home-town company. It looks like the news station and Microsoft wanted this to be hush-hush, so they only gave information important for potential infected people. Frankly, this is an important story that should be known outside the Seattle area. Companies should take potential risks like this into account and try to reduce those risks. Otherwise, we could see more companies and local communities get infected.

    1. Re:Not Gloating by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      B.S. If you really cared about Microsoft's responsibility in immunizing its employees, you would have mentioned it. Instead, you made a smirking mention about risks of offshoring. Nice try backpedaling, but I'm not buying it.

    2. Re:Not Gloating by Blakey+Rat · · Score: 1

      Oh please. Now you're going to say your submission was some kind of noble effort to warn companies to make sure immunizations are in order before sending employees to foreign countries? We *READ THE SUMMARY* buddy, we know what you typed... don't backpedal and think people on this board are so stupid that we'll buy it.

      Besides, he went to France. FRANCE! Who thinks of immunizations before going to France? It's not the Congo or something, it's FRANCE!

      But it all sums up to this: You wrote, what is in all possibility, the stupidest Microsoft-bashing ever seen. By far.

    3. Re:Not Gloating by Vicissidude · · Score: 1

      You obviously didn't read the "angry and upset" part. Here you have a company that, at the time, I believed was risking it's employees and the local community in order to save a few bucks from offshoring.

    4. Re:Not Gloating by Blakey+Rat · · Score: 1

      Well, since you didn't bother doing ANY goddamned research at all, you ended up posting something that was not only entirely wrong (unless Microsoft offshores to France-- somehow I doubt that!) and ended up being nothing but the worst and most blatant flamebait ever posted as an article on this site. Stop trying to defend yourself, Vicissidude. Like I said before, we've all read your summary, we know what you were trying to do. Get the hell off this site and never submit an article again.

    5. Re:Not Gloating by Vicissidude · · Score: 1

      Again, you didn't read the "angry and upset" part. There is nothing noble about that, I don't pretend it to be. YOU are the one bringing up nobility.

      What I saw was a company potentially risking their employees in order to save a few bucks by offshoring. It then appeared that policy bit them in the ass by then potentially spreading that infection throughout the company, the local community, and my family - especially since I live 20 miles away.

      The fact that he went to France was not brought up in the article I read. In fact, that came out later. And even then, that brings up certain questions because that worker was going home. That's right, this guy is a foreigner. So then, did Microsoft check his immunization record when he was hired? Was that immunization record verified for authenticity? As you mentioned yourself, there are far worse locations this guy could have been coming from. Microsoft certainly hires from those locations as well. Is Microsoft as lax checking the immunizations from those foreigners too?

      This article was not about Microsoft bashing. I'm not looking to be sued. I didn't say anything negative about Microsoft at all except to point out the facts and mention that they probably didn't consider this when thinking about offshoring. If anything, it's a bashing to the whole idea of offshoring.

    6. Re:Not Gloating by Vicissidude · · Score: 1

      How about you go fuck yourself?

      This article was brand new as of last night when I submitted it. No one else was reporting on it.

      And as I mentioned previously, the fact that this guy got his disease from France doesn't change the argument.

    7. Re:Not Gloating by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Uh, yeah, the guy is an MS employee (there was a company-wide bulletin about this as the story broke).

      There are two things you forget though:

      1) Right to privacy, which protects this guy from undue scrutiny, like you are complaining about.

      2) While not making it mandatory, and putting the onus of keeping up-to-date on vaccinations on the employee... they do push as policy that people do get up-to-date if they aren't before they leave the country. After all, with the medical benefits, stuff like that is on the MS dollar, business or vacation.

      I can assure you that the news station isn't attempting to cover it up, but rather they don't have the details... Their article is straight from the King County press release!

    8. Re:Not Gloating by shm · · Score: 1

      Hear, hear. I've noticed this dimwit's comments earlier and he clearly has the outsourcing axe to grind. Pity about the "editor" who accepted the story though.

  166. Maybe raised in *your* country by petersam · · Score: 1

    >Aren't we inocculated against measles when you're maybe six years old?

    Others have danced around this, but your comment is naive. Not everyone was born and raised in a country where measles vaccination is routine. And Microsoft employees, contractors, and visitors are quite a diverse group of individuals from around the world.

    1. Re:Maybe raised in *your* country by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Your comment is naive.

      If everyone in the states is innocculated, it hardly matters if someone from overseas visits who has not been innocculated.

      You see... that's the POINT of innocculation.

  167. there is a story in here by khallow · · Score: 1
    An important thing here is that workplaces are a great place to spread disease. Let's look at the repercussions from the company's point of view.

    Imagine a scenario where some company with a lot of people flying internationally, gets early cases of a nasty avian flu and spreads them throughout the company. Further suppose this company fails to react appropriately to the problem (maybe they insist that certain sick people show up to work, maybe their work environment is particularly conducive to people getting sick (eg, bunch of exhausted workers, they hired people who aren't properly vaccinated, poor ventilation in the workplace, or maybe they just fail to quarantine sick people who show up voluntarily) They might become legally liable for hundreds or thousands of illnesses and deaths. Finally, they may have lost valuable experience and man-hours.

    My point here is that a company can be a big disease vector, and that can cause big trouble.

  168. My Take by Vicissidude · · Score: 1

    When I found this article on my local news website, I was completely horrified and shocked. My house is about 20 miles from Redmond. So, my first thought was had I or my family been anywhere near Redmond over that time frame. We luckily had not, so that wasn't an issue.

    I previously worked at Microsoft, so my second thought was whether any of my friends and previous coworkers had been exposed. I still don't know that and I certainly hope they're fine.

    Then, I became angry and upset. Here you have an article that states someone who obviously works at Microsoft caught a life-threatening disease from some overseas location and brought it home. Then, the article states they worked at Microsoft for 5 days, spreading that disease throughout the company and the local city.

    Granted, the article does not say whether the trip was business or pleasure. However, I know that Microsoft sends people overseas constantly. And in fact, they hire foreigners quite often. It turns out from reading other articles that this guy was on a pleasure trip to France. He was a foreigner returning home. And he obviously didn't have his immunizations up to date.

    So, this was not a case of offshoring gone awry. However, this does raise several issues. For one, we now know that people returning from overseas can and do bring back deadly diseases that could infect their entire company and the their local community. This case had the potential for a major breakout right here in Redmond and the Seattle area. Second, we now know that companies are lax in the immunization screening of employees they hire from overseas.

    And then you get into the "what if" scenarios. What if this guy was on business? Does Microsoft check the immunization records of people they send overseas? Do they check the immunization records of people they hire from overseas? How do we know those foreign records are accurate? Who's liable for the medical expenses when an employee comes from overseas or returns on business and infects the company and surrounding community? Is this risk even being considered in the whole offshoring scenario? Or are we ignoring this possible hazard in the face of saving a few dollars, thereby endangering our communities and people who have nothing to do with the company in order to increase profit?

    And yes, people going over on vacation, like this man actually was, also return with diseases. However, a company doing business with a foreign country has a much stronger connection with that country than a group of random tourists. Microsoft sends people overseas all the time, far more than they would go by themselves on vacation. Microsoft also hires people from overseas all the time. Microsoft should take the potential risk of overseas infection into account with their business practises and attempt to mitigate those risks. Otherwise, we could see more companies and local communities risk getting infected.

    1. Re:My Take by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Would you have thought this a week ago?

  169. One or More? by hisstory+student · · Score: 1

    ".. a Microsoft worker .. with them." A or Them. One Microsoft worker or more than one Microsoft worker (them). Which is it?

    (kindly preview your stories before posting them.)

    --
    Heard any good sigs lately?
  170. M$ applies for new patent!!! by FragHARD · · Score: 1

    And in other new Microsoft Corp. located in Redmond Washington has developed a method to transfer a virus into a group of people without their knowledge.

    --
    FragHARD or don't frag at all
  171. As much as we hate M$ by vlad_petric · · Score: 1

    They're one of the very few companies heavily hiring in the US. I'm not aware of a single case where they fired a group in the states to replace it with an offshore operation.

    --

    The Raven

  172. You didnt get the point by mnmn · · Score: 1

    Microsoft gets infected with a virus.

    Linux cant. And guess why.

    Because Linux the community (and BSD too) are a large group of developers in their basements (and various other rooms) submitting code online cleanly, fast and with no risks. No risk of a crashed aircraft, no risk of getting your passport lost, no risk of getting SARS from China or measles from India.

    I wonder if such travel expenditures by MSFT execs add to the final cost of the product. I wonder also if their insurance costs (which cover healthcare to deal with things like these) also add to the products cost. Thinking of that, I wonder who pays for Alan Cox's insurance, and what happens when the many kids in their garages get sick.

    --
    "Give orange me give eat orange me eat orange give me eat orange give me you." -Nim Chimpsky
  173. This is HUGE NEWS by seabreezemm · · Score: 1

    This has to be the first case of a virus not actually STARTING at M$.

    --
    Karma: a simple way of silencing those with unpopular views regardless how correct or just that view might be.
  174. Did they get mono ? by Touisteur · · Score: 0

    Oh my, the worst disease they could catch...

    Still, I'm still not sure which one they got... It couldn't be this one since it's also called the *kiss* disease... I mean no... I'm SURE msft geeks^M^M^M^M^Mengeneers can be lai.. err KISSED...

    So, it seems that it's this other one they got...

    How long before Microsoft(tm)(r) sue those friggin C#/CLI/Coding Monkeys for proliferating (does this word even exist ?) those stupid ideas/disease of *free software* (laughable idea, isn't it ? I mean... FREE !!! bouah ha ha) ?

    Thank YOU Ximian/Novell Monkeys...

    Oh my... it was... the other disease... the one of /.ers... SARCASM !!!

  175. No, they should.... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    Patch all their employees to use the latest SP3 so that viruses wouldn't infect them.

    LOL, that was the silliest piece of news on my agenda today.

  176. Aw man! by SeaFox · · Score: 1

    I wanted it to be Microsoft infected with a computer virus, and have the campus shut doewn with no one for M$ to blame but their own coders.

  177. I really thought this was a computer virus... by dooglio · · Score: 1
    I thought this article, at first blush, was about a computer virus outbreak on the Microsoft campus.

    Oh well. It would have been more newsworthy that way, I think. :-)

  178. Come on. It's not an infectious virus. by Zhe+Mappel · · Score: 1

    It's a feature.

  179. dumb americans by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    i hope all you dumb lazy americans lose your jobs.

  180. MOD PARENT UP!!! by Spetiam · · Score: 1

    I concur! MOD PARENT UP!!!

  181. Acronym by Afroman · · Score: 1

    Sensationalist
    Lame
    AS
    Hell
    Diary
    Of
    Tripe

  182. They are not "viruses", they are... by Tablizer · · Score: 1

    ...nano visa workers.

  183. Re: Five dead by serutan · · Score: 1

    Measles? Is this the same planet I grew up on? I had the measles when I was a kid. So did my sister. So did just about every kid we knew. Maybe this is a more dangerous strain, I don't know, but raising an alarm for something that has killed 5 people in Indonesia seems kind of idiotic when you stop and consider everyday life. In the USA about 50 people a day get killed by drunk drivers, 10 drown, 5 are accidentally shot, and 1 gets killed by farm machinery, to name but a few deadly events that happen so often they aren't news.

    Too bad the guy with measles didn't disappear in Aruba, or pretend to be kidnapped to get out of his wedding. Then we'd be talking hot story!

  184. Re: Five dead by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    While you are likely right in assuming that life is harder in Indonesia than Redmond, measles is both HIGHLY contagious (90 percent transmission rate to those without immunity), and very dangerous to both infants and adults.

    In addition to the standard spotting, coughing, runny nose, and conjungtivitis, infants and adults are also at risk of diarrhea, pneumonia, and encephalitis. While the first might provide some comic relief for bystanders, the latter two are very serious indeed.

    I suspect that Microsoft employs mostly adults, and that at least some of these may not have contracted measles as a child. That's fairly serious, in my book.

  185. Enough by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    I've had enough crap off Slashdot. Does anyone know where else gives decent tech news?

  186. no one is safe with MS by fpp666 · · Score: 1

    Even MS employees catch viruses easily :-P Cheers! ^_RaMoN_^

  187. www.renewamerica.us/bb/viewtopic.php?p=50002 by newpath4comVersion2 · · Score: 0

    Microsoft has nothing to fear: http://www.renewamerica.us/bb/viewtopic.php?p=5000 2 heh heh heh but FEAR ITSELF! http://www.newpath4.com/staticdriveenginetheperfec tfuelcomingnovember262005fromwoodrowrileywwwnewpat h4com.gif , coming Nov. 26. With, or as usual without, the blessing of the United States Department of Energy.