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Does Santa Hate Linux?

beernutmark writes "Well, it looks like Santa or at least Norad/Google hates Linux. This year, for the first time since its inception, Norad is not making a simple .kml file available for download to track Santa. You must connect to their website with a Windows/Mac browser and use the browser plugin. No full-screen Google Earth to look at the beautiful areas around Santa's path. (Anyone have any open source source kml files for tracking Santa or any idea how we can go about making one for 2010?)"

271 comments

  1. Well, actually by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 3, Funny

    Linux users have figured out that Santa doesn't exist.

    Hey, I just felt something woosh over my head! Was it Santa!? Maybe he does exist!

    1. Re:Well, actually by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Funny

      Ah shit. My snowball missed... then again, I don't think I was aiming at anything tangible...

    2. Re:Well, actually by Savage-Rabbit · · Score: 5, Informative

      Hey, I just felt something woosh over my head! Was it Santa!? Maybe he does exist!

      No, that was a chair.

      --
      Only to idiots, are orders laws.
      -- Henning von Tresckow
    3. Re:Well, actually by harris+s+newman · · Score: 1

      Nope, Linux users are Jewish.

    4. Re:Well, actually by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      So you're telling me that Steve Balmer is Santa?
      P-lease. Why would he need presents then?

    5. Re:Well, actually by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Actually Linux users are smart enough to ask Santa for a copy of the list of naughty ladies ^^

    6. Re:Well, actually by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Linux users have figured out that Santa doesn't exist.

      Hey! Windows users also read slashdot! Thank you for ruining Xmas you insensitive clod!

    7. Re:Well, actually by Fred_A · · Score: 2

      Linux users have figured out that Santa doesn't exist.

      Hey, I just felt something woosh over my head! Was it Santa!? Maybe he does exist!

      I'm pretty sure he's still stuck in an interrogation room at a US border somewhere...

      TSA : So tell me again what you're doing with all those kid's name and addresses while we finish checking all those laptops
      Santa : Look, I just explained it all for the fifth time to that other government guy just a couple hours ago !

      --

      May contain traces of nut.
      Made from the freshest electrons.
    8. Re:Well, actually by Yaotzin · · Score: 1

      Linux users have figured out that Santa doesn't exist.

      Hey, I just felt something woosh over my head! Was it Santa!? Maybe he does exist!

      No, that was the sacrilege you just uttered. No Santa... I'll burn in the hearth if there's no Santa, our lord and saviour who died on the holiday cross for our sins and was then resurrected to deliver presents.

      --
      Error: No error occurred
    9. Re:Well, actually by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Hey, I just felt something woosh over my head! Was it Santa!? Maybe he does exist!

      No, that was a chair.

      Linux users have enough strength to pick up a chair?

    10. Re:Well, actually by GameboyRMH · · Score: 1

      grep "FEMALE" santaslist.csv | grep "NAUGHTY" > naughtyladies.csv

      Hehehe let's see now...hmm too young...wait a minute...this list only contains children! IT'S A TRAP! The feds will be here any minute!

      wipe naughtyladies.csv
      wipe santaslist.csv
      wipe ~/.bash_history
      sudo telinit 0

      ^C^C^C LOST CARRIER

      --
      "When information is power, privacy is freedom" - Jah-Wren Ryel
  2. kml files? by brass1 · · Score: 4, Funny

    This year, for the first time since its inception, Norad is not making a simple .kml file available for download to track Santa.

    NORAD's been putting out .kml files since 1958?

    1. Re:kml files? by TapeCutter · · Score: 4, Funny

      "NORAD's been putting out .kml files since 1958?"

      Yes, but Al Gore's minions are hiding the data and now millions in the US are going to have their god given fairy tales taken away from them.

      --
      And did you exchange a walk on part in the war for a lead role in a cage? - Pink Floyd.
    2. Re:kml files? by natehoy · · Score: 2, Funny

      The Gore Giveth, and the Gore taketh away... :)

      --
      "This post contains words, known to the State of California to cause thought. Wash brain thoroughly after reading."
    3. Re:kml files? by simcop2387 · · Score: 5, Informative

      i'm not sure what the fuss is about http://www.google.com/intl/en/landing/noradsanta/ seems to work well for me here in linux, no user agent fudging nothing.

    4. Re:kml files? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0, Funny

      Please, Al Gore can't afford minions. They want to be paid in gold. Gold requires mining, and as we know, mining is a Republican notion.

      No, he's tricked hundreds of midgets, er, "little people" to do his bidding, promising them fiefdoms in his future underwater kingdom.

      He's already sold his waterfront properties in Arizona. The man is shrewd. I'd love to carve my name in his bark.

    5. Re:kml files? by WoodenTable · · Score: 5, Funny

      Not .kml, no. Prior to 2000 the information was stored on .elf files, which are proprietary to the North Pole. They've been in use for centuries, but a .elf generally causes problems on newer computers, so .kml is more widely used now.

    6. Re:kml files? by clang_jangle · · Score: 1

      Works fine for me too, in linux-opera on FreeBSD.

      --
      Caveat Utilitor
    7. Re:kml files? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Informative

      Click on "Track Santa in Google Earth" in the link you provided. That's what we're talking about and no, it doesn't work in Linux. It's a slight better view.

    8. Re:kml files? by hairyfeet · · Score: 1

      Hey Al is just trying to protect Santa! You wouldn't want to give away his heading to ManBearPig would you? If Santa ran into ManBearPig it would be super cereal!

      And of course while he is at it he is having a little talk with Santa, because it turns out those lumps of coal he leaves in bad children's stockings are bad for the environment, so Al is gonna fly up next to him in his "carbon neutral" (thanks to giving himself a generous amount of carbon credits this year) Lear Jet and try to talk Santa into giving the bad boys and girls a bill for the CO2 they've wasted this year. Gotta think of the childrens, you know!

      --
      ACs don't waste your time replying, your posts are never seen by me.
    9. Re:kml files? by Briden · · Score: 2, Informative

      it's clear on reading to me that since the inception of making available .kml files, this is the first year that they stopped doing so. i agree though, not the best sentence!

    10. Re:kml files? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Actually, it seems .elf isn't proprietary.

      http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Executable_and_Linkable_Format

    11. Re:kml files? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      ...as long as you have flash installed.

    12. Re:kml files? by Isao · · Score: 1

      Santa and his workshop of open-source developers were responsible for the design of the elf binary format.

    13. Re:kml files? by Strangeknight · · Score: 1

      actually I understand that NORAD is using the more recent and proprietary .grnch format, to better protect Santa from AAF (Atheist Anti-Santa Fire) so he can complete all his deliveries.

    14. Re:kml files? by wayland · · Score: 1

      Sounds like an analogy for global warming, although whether you're for or against will change how you view this comment :). 

  3. Yes, Santa hates Linux by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    Specifically the GPL. He's worried about it infecting the firmware of the production machinery that the elves coded in-house.

    1. Re:Yes, Santa hates Linux by blai · · Score: 1

      No he doesn't. He just mailed me a wrapped kubuntu CD.

      --
      In soviet Russia, God creates you!
  4. ".kml" files in the 1950's? by John+Hasler · · Score: 0, Redundant

    > This year, for the first time since its inception, Norad is not making a
    > simple .kml file available for download to track Santa.

    ".kml" files in 1958 at NORAD's inception or in 1955 when its predecessor the Air Defense Command first started tracking Santa? Not likely.

    --
    Warning: this article may contain humor, sarcasm, parody, and perhaps even irony. Read at your own risk.
    1. Re:".kml" files in the 1950's? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      ".kml" files in 1958 at NORAD's inception or in 1955 when its predecessor the Air Defense Command first started tracking Santa? Not likely.

      Do any of you smug SOBs think the author might have meant "since the inception of the .kml file format"?

      Nope -- nothing to mock there. Unreferenced antecedents are a bitch.

      And anyway, .KML files are only useful for tracking animals crossing the desert.

  5. Santa shadiness. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    Santa doesn't want people tracking him while he's robbing banks to fund his operations.

    Like this bank that got Saint Nicked.

  6. should not be surprising by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    Given that if you look at the internet in, say, 1980, and again today, there's been a slow but more or less continuous movement away from standard protocols and towards proprietary protocols.

    This is inevitable, because ultimately the medium is far too important to be left uncontrolled by folks interested in, well, control.

    It'll be a while before almost everything is like that. I estimate another several decades.

    1. Re:should not be surprising by poopdeville · · Score: 1

      You're a few hundred decades behind...

      --
      After all, I am strangely colored.
  7. Install User Switcher Agent by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Informative

    Under Ubuntu, use Firefox, install User Switcher Agent, select "Internet Explorer 7". It appears to work fine. Granted, it is annoying, but it is easy to work around.

    1. Re:Install User Switcher Agent by Nerdfest · · Score: 5, Funny

      You've saved Christmas! (Thanks)

    2. Re:Install User Switcher Agent by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Ack. Sorry, I misunderstood the question. The above is not correct - although it does work for the homepage.

    3. Re:Install User Switcher Agent by Flammon · · Score: 1

      Then what? I get a page asking me to install a Google Earth plugin for my browser which is not a Linux binary. Help! The kids are waiting...

    4. Re:Install User Switcher Agent by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Funny

      Awesome. So that makes 3 Christmases I've saved, 8 I've totally ruined, and 2 were kind of a draw.

    5. Re:Install User Switcher Agent by mysidia · · Score: 1

      Yes.. the only problem with this approach, is that now robot Santa might judge you naughty for lying, and fill your stocking with nasty things :-/

    6. Re:Install User Switcher Agent by WinterSolstice · · Score: 3, Informative

      It's working for me with Debian and Firefox - no user agent tricks or anything. Stupid article.

      --
      An operating system should be like a light switch... simple, effective, easy to use, and designed for everyone.
    7. Re:Install User Switcher Agent by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      I'm using Ubuntu 64, and it worked just fine.

    8. Re:Install User Switcher Agent by hairyfeet · · Score: 1

      Here dude, I don't know if it is too late for you or not, but this page seems to work for me in a cleanly installed Windows with NO Google Earth (or frankly much of anything besides Firefox and Flash) installed. Merry Xmas!

      --
      ACs don't waste your time replying, your posts are never seen by me.
    9. Re:Install User Switcher Agent by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      You're 13!

    10. Re:Install User Switcher Agent by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      So that makes you 13?

    11. Re:Install User Switcher Agent by BryanL · · Score: 2, Funny

      These 13 year old punk know-it-alls. Grrrr.

    12. Re:Install User Switcher Agent by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      You're 13?

    13. Re:Install User Switcher Agent by supernova_hq · · Score: 1

      Try clicking the "track santa clause" button at the top (3d view thingy). Yeah, try getting THAT to work!!!

    14. Re:Install User Switcher Agent by KermitJunior · · Score: 1

      ... or a parent of a 13 year old. Wait, reading slashdot? Nah...

      --
      There is a Universal Life Value Check it
    15. Re:Install User Switcher Agent by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Actually, I'm 27, and I heard Homer Simpson say it yesterday. I wouldn't have even posted it, but the OP posted as AC, so it seemed like a great opportunity. It's almost like one of my Xmas presents was 'getting AC modded +5 Funny'.

  8. Elves by Nerdfest · · Score: 4, Funny

    The elves are annoyed with the Gnomes.

    1. Re:Elves by justinjstark · · Score: 3, Funny

      Because the Gnomes drink too much. Also, trolls aren't potty trained but slashdot seems to be okay with them.

  9. You can get full screen, at least. by natehoy · · Score: 5, Informative

    1. Open web browser of your choice.
    2. Go to noradsanta.com
    3. (if you have NoScript, turn it off or at least unblock everything but googleanalytics).
    4. On the right hand side, there's a diagonal arrow. Click it.
    5. Hit whatever button makes your browser go fullscreen.

    There. Full-screen Santa-y goodness.

    Admittedly not QUITE as good as Google Earth, but you can at least get a full-screen Google Maps experience which is pretty darned close.

    Tested in Linux (Mint 8, Firefox 3.5) and Windows XP, Firefox 3.5.

    PS: Direct link to the fullscreen map: http://www.noradsanta.org/map.html#fullscreen

    --
    "This post contains words, known to the State of California to cause thought. Wash brain thoroughly after reading."
    1. Re:You can get full screen, at least. by Osmosis_Garett · · Score: 1

      Thanks! +1 from my non-mod family :)

    2. Re:You can get full screen, at least. by aklinux · · Score: 1

      Fedora 12 w/ FF 3.5 as well, if I use your link. If I go in the front door, browser crashes.

    3. Re:You can get full screen, at least. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      googleanalytics

      Why?

  10. Santa hates competition. by Mr.+Conrad · · Score: 1

    He also hates the baffled and disenchanted faces of little children who receive exactly what they ask for: Red Hats and Fedoras.

    1. Re:Santa hates competition. by JWSmythe · · Score: 1

          I only write to him to bless me with the gift of Slack, and every year I receive Slackware.

          I am a happy 30-something kid. What more could I ask for?

      --
      Serious? Seriousness is well above my pay grade.
  11. Re:Yes. by amRadioHed · · Score: 0, Offtopic

    Scientology != Free and Open

    --
    We hope your rules and wisdom choke you / Now we are one in everlasting peace
  12. Re:Really, who cares? by Macrat · · Score: 0, Redundant

    And on Easter, worship the winter's reproduction and spring births.

  13. Re:Santa? Hate? WTF? by Kartoffel · · Score: 2, Insightful

    Yeah, because providing a link to download a KML file is much harder than embedding fullblown Google Earth as a browser plugin.

  14. NORAD comfirms it by Kartoffel · · Score: 4, Funny

    2009 is not the year of Santa on the desktop. At least, not for Linux users :(

    1. Re:NORAD comfirms it by RMS+Eats+Toejam · · Score: 0

      You're using Linux, so it's not likely you can afford Christmas anyways.

      --
      Turning to a Linux advocate for thoughts on Microsoft is like asking Hitler how he felt about the Jews.
    2. Re:NORAD comfirms it by maven_johnson · · Score: 1

      At least for me, it's not even the year of Santa on the Windows VM desktop on the Linux desktop... I installed the silly plugin and got a black screen instead of Santa. No 3D acceleration, or something.

  15. hypocritical bastards by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    Oh sure, for them Linux is a good enough platform to serve up their stupid little santa stalking site, but not good enough to bother making it work for Linux users. Way to go, Norad/Google.

    1. Re:hypocritical bastards by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Oh sure, for them Linux is a good enough platform to serve up their stupid little santa stalking site, but not good enough to bother making it work for Linux users. Way to go, Norad/Google.

      What the hell are you on about it works perfectly on Linux here opensuse 11.2ms3 X86_64 with firefox 3.5B4 you need a distro update or a brain transplant or maybe BOTH ,
      what i want to know is who moved these keys closer together on this keyboard .

  16. NO. by timmarhy · · Score: 0, Flamebait

    They just hate whingy bitches that complain about no body using linux.

    --
    If you mod me down, I will become more powerful than you can imagine....
    1. Re:NO. by X0563511 · · Score: 1

      The only thing I hate more than whiny bitches are whingy bitches!

      (seriously, where the heck did that 'g' come from?)

      --
      For large sets, this will be our guide even unto death, for the LORD will work for each type of data it is applied to...
    2. Re:NO. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      It's British dipshit.

  17. Shoot him down by Dachannien · · Score: 0, Troll

    I'm tired of this fat jolly asshole violating our airspace every year. I mean, a domestic passenger jet goes off course for an hour and we get ready to scramble fighters, but Santa gets a free pass even though we apparently know exactly where he is at all times.

    Even Hugo Chavez says he's going to shoot down those imaginary drones he thinks we're flying over Venezuela. I say if shooting down imaginary aircraft is good enough for Hugo, then it's damn well good enough for us, too.

    1. Re:Shoot him down by GWRedDragon · · Score: 1

      Good luck shooting down a sleigh that travels at relativistic speeds.

    2. Re:Shoot him down by Roger+W+Moore · · Score: 1

      I'm tired of this fat jolly asshole violating our airspace every year.

      Actually you should be far more worried about him violating the laws of physics.

    3. Re:Shoot him down by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Hey, congress should increase the penalties for violating the laws of physics. That should help balance the budget, pay for your favorite wars and give everybody free healthcsre.
      (Santa seems to have unlimited resources)

    4. Re:Shoot him down by wizardforce · · Score: 1

      Eh.. If he's traveling at relativistic speeds in our atmosphere then Santa and reindeer are now a relativistic plasma.

      --
      Sigs are too short to say anything truly profound so read the above post instead.
    5. Re:Shoot him down by Nutria · · Score: 1

      Deflector shield, dummy!

      --
      "I don't know, therefore Aliens" Wafflebox1
    6. Re:Shoot him down by troll8901 · · Score: 1

      His technology is not based on any known Earth technology. To us, he appears to be violating physics, but in reality he's fully compliant.

      Remember, reindeers and sleighs are metaphors for advanced technology. Haven't you played Tomb Raider Underworld? He could be travelling in a planetary warp bubble, or time travelling (enabling him to spread out the workload over 300 days), or something.

  18. I see what you did, there by MobileTatsu-NJG · · Score: 1

    Does Santa Hate Linux?
    beernutmark writes "Well, it looks like Santa or at least Norad/Google hates Linux. This year, for the first time since its inception, Norad is not making a simple .kml file available for download to track Santa. You must connect to their website with a Windows/Mac browser and use the browser plugin. No full-screen Google Earth to look at the beautiful areas around Santa's path. (Anyone have any open source source kml files for tracking Santa or any idea how we can go about making one for 2010?)"

    Gee, I wonder which line of this summary got this story posted. I wonder if those complaining about Apple rumor stories will catch this.

    --

    "I like to lick butts!" by MobileTatsu-NJG (#32700246) (Score:5, Informative)

  19. Not quite by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    The 2d homepage tracker http://www.noradsanta.org/en/index.html works for me in iceweasel and arora but clicking on the 3d google tracker gives the error. While it's not completely supported (unfortunately), it's not completely broken either.

  20. For once, I'm fine with being locked out... by Arker · · Score: 0, Troll

    I mean, really, they are using tax money to put on this insanely stupid bit of play-acting, aimed at propagandising children no less, endorsing christian fairy-tales and giving them the imprimatur of the state (and let's not forget that a lot of taxpayers are NOT xtians) and the only problem you can see is that it doesnt display on linux?!?! Get a little perspective, please.

    --
    =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
    Friends don't let friends enable ecmascript.
    1. Re:For once, I'm fine with being locked out... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      I think I know who's getting the biggest lump of coal in their stocking this year.

      perhaps 'Arker' means Grinch in the land of the perpetually dissatisfied

    2. Re:For once, I'm fine with being locked out... by RobotRunAmok · · Score: 0

      That "Christian fairy-tale" you are whining about is responsible for more joy, laughter, wonder, and good will in this world than anything else you can name.

      You don't have to believe in God or Jesus Christ to appreciate the magic of Santa Claus, and what it means to millions of people with purer hearts than you or I possess. So lighten up.

      And Merry Christmas.

    3. Re:For once, I'm fine with being locked out... by Titan1080 · · Score: 1

      Well technically, Santa has pretty much nothing to do with christianity or christmas. The tradition was stolen to further the church's influence.

    4. Re:For once, I'm fine with being locked out... by dskoll · · Score: 2, Funny

      That "Christian fairy-tale" you are whining about is responsible for more joy, laughter, wonder, and good will in this world than anything else you can name.

      Not in my house. The Tooth Fairy trumps all.

    5. Re:For once, I'm fine with being locked out... by Rewind · · Score: 2, Insightful

      This could be just a really lame joke post, but since it got modded interesting I guess I will falling for it if it is... Get a little perspective? You have a sig that says "Life's too short." but you spend your time getting riled up about the government spending a tiny bit of money amusing children over the holidays... OH THE HORROR! Also, a large number of non-religious families do the whole Santa thing too you know. It is just something fun for kids, not "propagandising children".

      --
      ?
    6. Re:For once, I'm fine with being locked out... by GWRedDragon · · Score: 1

      Various statements on the website strongly imply that it is an all-volunteer project. I doubt tax money is funding it.

      I don't like the idea of my tax dollars being spent on non-essential services either, but I really don't think that's the case here.

    7. Re:For once, I'm fine with being locked out... by beernutmark · · Score: 1

      OP here. Actually, I am a pretty damn hard core atheist. And being so, I know that Jesus had a snow balls chance in hell of being born on Dec 25th (or any other date really). I could care less about the christ part of christmas. In fact, if the uptight atheists would review their history and realize that christmas gained immediate popularity by taking over already popular pagan festivals they could relax and enjoy our atheist takeover of the christian's holiday. That said, it is damn fun being a parent and following santa and all that. Blowing it off because you are an atheist is missing the whole point. Take it over and embrace it BECAUSE you are an atheist. Or just celebrate saturnalia and figure out how to wedge Santa in there.

    8. Re:For once, I'm fine with being locked out... by eln · · Score: 3, Interesting

      Norad Tracks Santa uses 1,200 volunteers and money from several corporate sponsors. Only 1 person is assigned from Norad to manage it year-round, and it's not his/her full time job.

      None of your precious tax money is being used for this. Santa is also not a Christian symbol at all anymore, but is really the symbol of the secular Christmas. Most people in the West who are not Jewish celebrate Christmas, with or without the religious part. Hell, Santa is huge in Japan, and they have very few Christians there. There was a story on CNN earlier today about how Santa is used there as a symbol to celebrate the New Year, and they're primarily Muslims.

      I'm sorry you had a bunch of crappy Christmases as a child, but there's no need to take it out on everyone else.

    9. Re:For once, I'm fine with being locked out... by Col.+Klink+(retired) · · Score: 1

      > ... they are using tax money ...

      Not. It's all funded by corporate sponsors and volunteers. Analytical Graphics, Inc. (AGI) owns the website.

      --

      -- Don't Tase me, bro!

    10. Re:For once, I'm fine with being locked out... by timmarhy · · Score: 3, Insightful

      i think your the one lacking any kind of perspective son.

      --
      If you mod me down, I will become more powerful than you can imagine....
    11. Re:For once, I'm fine with being locked out... by nawcom · · Score: 0, Flamebait

      That "Christian fairy-tale" you are whining about is responsible for more joy, laughter, wonder, and good will in this world than anything else you can name.

      You don't have to believe in God or Jesus Christ to appreciate the magic of Santa Claus, and what it means to millions of people with purer hearts than you or I possess. So lighten up.

      And Merry Christmas.

      The last thing I'd hear in this hypocritical country is some protestant pastor telling his or her congregation to treat everyone equally, regardless of religion, skin color, sexuality. Watch Fox News, they make sure every conservative jesus lover's hatred is refreshed before the beginning of this CHRISTIAN holiday. Santa Claus is Saint Nicholas of Myra. No buts. I guess you can thank Clement Clarke Moore and Thomas Hast for "de-religionizing" the look of the character, but there is no way you can take this holiday and shove it into the faces of everyone, as you would just be another Christian trying to mix in your traditions with other peoples' cultures. Happy Holidays.

    12. Re:For once, I'm fine with being locked out... by whoever57 · · Score: 2, Insightful

      You don't have to believe in God or Jesus Christ to appreciate the magic of Santa Claus, and what it means to millions of people with purer hearts than you or I possess. So lighten up.

      That's so wrong, I don't know where to begin, but here goes:

      1. Santa Claus is unrelated to Christianity.

      2. Christmas is really a pagan festival that in relatively recent times was adopted by the Christian church and later by business people who wanted to sell more goods. The conversion into the event of mass consumption of goods that we have today was done very deliberately.

      --
      The real "Libtards" are the Libertarians!
    13. Re:For once, I'm fine with being locked out... by Corporate+Troll · · Score: 1

      Mainly because she gives great head.

    14. Re:For once, I'm fine with being locked out... by nawcom · · Score: 1

      Also, millions of people appreciate the love, sharing, laughter, happiness, and peace, without Saint Nick just fine, as they have been throughout history. So get over it.

    15. Re:For once, I'm fine with being locked out... by east+coast · · Score: 1

      Hell, Santa is huge in Japan, and they have very few Christians there. There was a story on CNN earlier today about how Santa is used there as a symbol to celebrate the New Year, and they're primarily Muslims.

      The Japanese are primarily Muslim? What?

      --
      Dedicated Cthulhu Cultist since 4523 BC.
    16. Re:For once, I'm fine with being locked out... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 3, Insightful

      I'm an atheist too, but I celebrate Christmas. Why? Because I suspect that, like a lot of myths, the story of Jesus started with a grain of truth. I figure he was probably a Jewish rabble-rouser who went around preaching a philosophy of pacifism - a dangerous thing to do in an empire whose wealth and power was based almost entire on continuous military expansion. So, he caught the attention of the emperor, was executed, and as with many martyrs, his tale grew in the telling.

      But, ignoring all of the supernatural mythology that found its way into his story over time, I have a ton of respect for him as a philosopher. His "turn the other cheek" for instance, shows that he understood the cyclical nature of violence far better than most people at that time - he understood that the cycle doesn't end until someone has the strength of character to take the last blow without retaliating.

      So, I celebrate his birthday, for pretty much the same reason I celebrate Martin Luther King Jr.'s birthday. Not because I believe all that stuff about him being the son of god, or dying to save our souls, but simply because I respect the man and what he taught.

    17. Re:For once, I'm fine with being locked out... by i_liek_turtles · · Score: 2, Funny

      Japanese Muslims?

    18. Re:For once, I'm fine with being locked out... by eln · · Score: 3, Informative

      Doh. What I meant to say is Santa is used as a symbol in Turkey, which is primarily Muslim. Sorry about that.

    19. Re:For once, I'm fine with being locked out... by eln · · Score: 1

      Damn Slashdot and its lack of an "edit" button...see my reply to the earlier poster.

    20. Re:For once, I'm fine with being locked out... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Get a little perspective, please.

      Get the stick out of your ass, please? As other posters have said, it's a volunteer effort funded by donations, and it's all in good fun. Really, who pissed in your cereal this morning?

    21. Re:For once, I'm fine with being locked out... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      what makes you think santa is a christian idea? Its a childrens story based on the historical Nicholas, but in its current inception is more consumerist than christian.

    22. Re:For once, I'm fine with being locked out... by trapnest · · Score: 2

      Christmas was only a "christian" holiday for a short time after the catholic church took it. It lost that meaning long ago.

      PS, Saying "xtians" makes you sound like a pompous cunt.

    23. Re:For once, I'm fine with being locked out... by trapnest · · Score: 1

      When people decide to be atheist, where is it in the agreement they they have to be so damn full of them selves? I think I missed that part.

    24. Re:For once, I'm fine with being locked out... by sjames · · Score: 2, Insightful

      1. Santa Claus is unrelated to Christianity.

      Right, so you don't have to believe in God or Jesus to appreciate Santa.

      2. Christmas is really a pagan festival that in relatively recent times was adopted by the Christian church and later by business people who wanted to sell more goods. The conversion into the event of mass consumption of goods that we have today was done very deliberately.

      Again, no need to be a Christian to appreciate Santa.

      As for the commercialism, you are free to give it the finger and still appreciate the spirit of Santa. Greet the sunrise on the 21st (and go on for 12 days). Give an elderly neighbor the gift of a snow-free driveway and good food. Prepare a feast. Give your mail carrier some home baked treats, etc. etc. They can't MAKE you go to the mall and abuse your credit cards and a lot of gestures are a whole lot nicer than a random something from the mall anyway.

    25. Re:For once, I'm fine with being locked out... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      And you're the one lacking grammatical skills.

    26. Re:For once, I'm fine with being locked out... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Japanese Muslims?

      Yes. They're called "Musrims."

      (Posting AC so as not to get pegged as a racist for what's just meant to be a joke based on cultural stereotypes)

    27. Re:For once, I'm fine with being locked out... by wizardforce · · Score: 2, Interesting

      Most people in the West who are not Jewish celebrate Christmas, with or without the religious part.

      Actually many jewish people celebrate the holiday as well. Just it's not a religious holiday in any way for them any more than it is for atheists like me. It's become a general purpose holiday of giving that is often divorced from its original religious roots.

      --
      Sigs are too short to say anything truly profound so read the above post instead.
    28. Re:For once, I'm fine with being locked out... by east+coast · · Score: 2, Interesting

      The use of the Norad name gives this unwarranted credibility.

      Tracking Santa? Credibility? Wow. Just wow.

      Your "secular xmas" is an invention of pure greed devised consciously to exploit and manipulate people into spending money they dont have to raise the bottom line for wealthy commercial interests.

      No one said you had to participate. Isn't freedom great?

      I am sorry you were raised so immersed in a culture of lies that you dont even understand that lying to children is evil, but no need to take it out on everyone else.

      Seek professional help. Please. While I respect your right to not celebrate holidays you consider groundless I think to insist that this is a "culture of lies" is taking it to the extremes a bit. Or do you rant about a "culture of lies" when someone is superstitious about Friday the 13th or dresses up at Halloween?

      I personally am not a holiday person but if that's what it takes to help get someone through the day I'd say it's relatively harmless.

      --
      Dedicated Cthulhu Cultist since 4523 BC.
    29. Re:For once, I'm fine with being locked out... by telomerewhythere · · Score: 1

      That said, it is damn fun being a parent and following santa and all that.

      I am not a parent, but if I ever do have a child, I don't plan on lying to him or her. Also my parents never celebrated Christmas and I never felt left out. I knew the reality about Christmas and Santa Claus since the time I knew there was such a thing.

      bah, hard core atheist. really? Why teach (or allow to be taught to) your children blatant religious lies?

    30. Re:For once, I'm fine with being locked out... by beernutmark · · Score: 1

      I know this may be hard, but try, just for a moment, to imagine that you are a Jewish parent who is trying to raise your children properly, and everywhere they go, from every direction, they are getting fed full of this bullshit. Still fun? Right.

      Oh, it must be way different than being an atheist parent and trying to raise your children properly and everywhere they go, from every direction, they are getting fed full of religious bullshit. Guess what. It's still fun for me! Hmm.

    31. Re:For once, I'm fine with being locked out... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Interesting

      Okay, we get it. You don't like what Christmas has turned into. All the commercialism, materialism, etc. Does that mean you don't support the idea of Christmas fun, happiness, and well-being. Hate the media for what they've done to Christmas, but that shouldn't stop you from enjoying what it should be about, goodwill.

      See those other people over there? Yes, those one standing over there that you know and see and talk to all the time. Take Christmas as a reminder to show them a little good will. Congratulations! You've celebrated the spirit of Christmas.

      Also regarding the culture of lies and stuff. All things considered, I think there are some other lies in this world that could be judged to be way worse than this one. So don't just get on your soap box this time of year and rant about it, talk or do something about all the other the rest of the year too.

    32. Re:For once, I'm fine with being locked out... by telomerewhythere · · Score: 0, Troll

      "magic of Santa Claus" "purer hearts"

      I'm sorry, maybe I've been brainwashed, but I always thought that pure hearts didn't believe in/perpetuate lies.

      OTOH, the world w/o Christmas would surely put a severe crimp in the economy of said world...

      P.S. Why don't you ask experienced LE when is the worst time of the year for crime/Domestic Abuse/etc. Guess what the answer will be?

    33. Re:For once, I'm fine with being locked out... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      As for the commercialism, you are free to give it the finger and still appreciate the spirit of Santa. Greet the sunrise on the 21st (and go on for 12 days). Give an elderly neighbor the gift of a snow-free driveway and good food. Prepare a feast. Give your mail carrier some home baked treats, etc. etc. They can't MAKE you go to the mall and abuse your credit cards and a lot of gestures are a whole lot nicer than a random something from the mall anyway.

      Where the fuck is +1 Agree?

    34. Re:For once, I'm fine with being locked out... by Arker · · Score: 0, Troll

      Tracking Santa? Credibility? Wow. Just wow.

      To a nine-year old? Who is hearing it from every side, from all her teachers, all the other kids in her class, other parents, basically everyone, including authority figures? Yes, it's absurd. It's absurd that it's more socially acceptable to tell a kid that her family is abusing her by not "giving you a xmas." That's my point.

      No one said you had to participate. Isn't freedom great?

      Actually, again, pretty much every xmas-keeper does indeed STRONGLY imply just that. Reams and reams of propaganda has been produced to that effect, and it all gets trotted back out and rammed down our throats every year. All those idiotic xmas movies. Oh noes! He doesnt like xmas, he's a grinch!

      I wouldnt have a problem with it at all if they would simply leave those of us that arent interested alone. But they dont. They persecute us at every possible opportunity, and the most annoying thing is that smug certainty that they are really trying to do us a favour.

      While I respect your right to not celebrate holidays you consider groundless I think to insist that this is a "culture of lies" is taking it to the extremes a bit.

      Then you need to look closer. Open up a newspaper. Turn on the TV. Lies, more lies, a few minutes of filler which is at best neither true nor false, just meaningless... and back to the lies. Here's a word from our sponsors... lies.

      I personally am not a holiday person but if that's what it takes to help get someone through the day I'd say it's relatively harmless.

      I'll agree with you when I get through a single end-of-year without being treated like I am insane or worse for not wanting to take part.

      --
      =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
      Friends don't let friends enable ecmascript.
    35. Re:For once, I'm fine with being locked out... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      you insensitive clod, he was molested by Rudolf!

    36. Re:For once, I'm fine with being locked out... by Arker · · Score: 0, Troll

      Don't like what it came from OR what it's turned into. And in reality that distinction is null - it's both simultaneously right now. I have religious kooks yelling about jeebus on one side and supposedly secular kooks (people that think drinking beer proves beyond a doubt they are not religious kooks) on the other.

      What it came from, btw, has nothing whatsoever to do with any of the stuff you mentioned. It started just as rotten. It started with Bishops angling for secular power who realised they could convert the peasants a lot easier if they invented a reason for a celebration on the day the peasants already celebrated (for good reason, outside the tropics the winter solstice is a big deal, and the closer to the pole you get the bigger a deal it is) and "progressed" to business interests manipulating poor children to pressure their parents into spending money they didnt have. Rotten at the start and rotten to the end.

      --
      =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
      Friends don't let friends enable ecmascript.
    37. Re:For once, I'm fine with being locked out... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      "That "Christian fairy-tale" you are whining about is responsible for more joy, laughter, wonder, and good will in this world than anything else you can name."

      I am not the original poster, however this goes too far. You credit your imaginary creatures for the happy days in your life if you choose, but do not assert that Christianity is a source of anything for anyone other than believers.

      Nor should you assert what the value is of a fantasy that is forced on you. I am not saying that Santa Claus is damaging, but it is weird for everyone to lie to their kids. You ever notice the rather large bunch of kids that are scared of Santa the first time or two? I think it's because the whole goddamn thing doesn't make any sense and the kid's probably convinced he's the victim of some mass hallucination.

      Happy Holidays

    38. Re:For once, I'm fine with being locked out... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Actually, we designed Secular Xmas (TM) to out anti-consumerist malcontents.

      Mr. Claus will be knocking on your door in a few minutes. Submit quietly, and we will spare you any unnecessary suffering.

      -The Illuminati

    39. Re:For once, I'm fine with being locked out... by blackest_k · · Score: 3, Insightful

      Ok you don't get it,

      For a kid below the age of about 7 the world is a magical place and santa is a part of that wonder so is flying raindeer and elves.

      The world for most of us is a much more mundane place even with Christianity wedging itself into our magical festival theres not much belief in elves or flying raindeer for the Christians.

      It's not really christian.

      It's a time for being nice to each other and if magic is real isn't that fantastic isn't the world better for magic? now tell me why you want to suck that joy out of your childrens lives?

      now you can be cynical and see it all as a waste of money and exploitation of your wallet but really the look of happiness as your kids unwrap their presents, well worth it.

      There is plenty of time for the drudgery that most of us live with
      the worlds better with santa, and a little magic

    40. Re:For once, I'm fine with being locked out... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 2

      Putting "^_^" as the end of your posts does not make you any less an asshole. Nobody cares about your hate for Christmas and the people who celebrate it. You are the guy who has to tell everyone you don't have a TV when they discuss a show they all watched at work? Just get over yourself already and grow up.

    41. Re:For once, I'm fine with being locked out... by poopdeville · · Score: 3, Informative

      No, that's wrong. Saint Nicholas of Myra was a Christian saint famous for, among other things, leaving gifts in people's shoes/stockings.

      --
      After all, I am strangely colored.
    42. Re:For once, I'm fine with being locked out... by telomerewhythere · · Score: 1, Insightful

      For a kid below the age of about 7 the world is a magical place and santa is a part of that wonder so is flying raindeer and elves.

      I'm 31 and the world is still a magical place. (metaphorically) Isn't life (nature) itself magical enough? And I never said imagination would be verboten.

      The world for most of us is a much more mundane place even with Christianity wedging itself into our magical festival theres not much belief in elves or flying raindeer for the Christians.

      I didn't know you worshiped the sun...

      It's not really christian.

      Like I said before, I knew the truth about Christmas when I was little, including where it came from and how it was 'christianized.'

      It's a time for being nice to each other and if magic is real isn't that fantastic isn't the world better for magic? now tell me why you want to suck that joy out of your childrens lives?

      Every day of the year is a great time to be nice to each other. That's how I try my best to do it. It also sounds like you wish there was something supernatural to the universe. I see that in pretty much all humanity. I wonder why...

      As for the joy in childrens lives and sucking it out; Reality is never so harsh as when you just step out of Fantasy. Many people believe knowledge destroys innocence. Knowledge in fact preserves innocence. Innocence will keep you joyful.

      now you can be cynical and see it all as a waste of money and exploitation of your wallet but really the look of happiness as your kids unwrap their presents, well worth it.

      Actually Science and the Bible agree that money doesn't buy happiness. And where did you see me say that giving (including gifts) was wrong or bad. 364 other days to do that w/o having to lie. If I have kids, I indeed do plan on giving gifts, year round, to them. Why not try an unexpected time and unexpected gift if you want to see joy on someone's eyes.

      I ask you to notice today what actually makes those around you happy. The actual items given, the association of friends and family, the action of gift-giving and gift-receiving, or Santa Claus and flying reindeer.

      There is plenty of time for the drudgery that most of us live with the worlds better with santa, and a little magic

      I feel for your drudgery. I really do. Maybe the drudgery is partly because all non-essential consumption largely revolves around one day of the year?* Is this world too far gone for a person to be unable to find joy in reality? Again, it's almost as if Humans needed magic or the supernatural for happiness or joy.

      *Black Friday, closely connected with Christmas.

    43. Re:For once, I'm fine with being locked out... by Lemmy+Caution · · Score: 1

      That "Christian fairy-tale" you are whining about is responsible for more joy, laughter, wonder, and good will in this world than anything else you can name.

      You don't have to believe in God or Jesus Christ to appreciate the magic of Santa Claus, and what it means to millions of people with purer hearts than you or I possess. So lighten up.

      And Merry Christmas.

      I think I would put the near-end of slavery as an institution, the development of modern medicine, literacy, and vastly improved agricultural methods way ahead of Santa Claus (which is generally limited to a subset of European cultures, anyway.) And when the poor kid goes to school and finds out that Santa loves the rich kids more than he loves him, one can begin to criticize the Calvinist implications smuggled into the Santa Claus legend.

    44. Re:For once, I'm fine with being locked out... by Lemmy+Caution · · Score: 1

      Santa is big in Japan as a symbol of Xmas, but Xmas in Japan isn't about kids getting gifts - it's actually more of a holiday for adults, in which couples exchange gift. It resembles the Anglo-American Valentine's Day more. Kids get gifts and money on New Year's day in Japan, and Santa's got little to do with it.

    45. Re:For once, I'm fine with being locked out... by Lemmy+Caution · · Score: 1

      That's because the original St. Nicholas came from what in the modern day is Turkey.

    46. Re:For once, I'm fine with being locked out... by Lemmy+Caution · · Score: 3, Funny

      Most people in the West who are not Jewish celebrate Christmas, with or without the religious part.

      Actually many jewish people celebrate the holiday as well.

      .. by going out for Chinese food.

    47. Re:For once, I'm fine with being locked out... by dbcad7 · · Score: 1

      I don't see why your so disturbed by what you call lies. You would perhaps prefer to live in a world of documentaries and biographies, with no place for fiction, fantasy or imagination. That's a pretty boring place if you ask me. Most people (surely not you) that have problems with this, appear to have serious problems in telling fact from fiction, and thus feel that someone is trying to get something over on them.. that's paranoia.. paranoia will destroy ya.. Chill out, it about fantasy and imagination, and it's for kids.. you are not required to believe or participate.

      --
      waiting for ad.doubleclick.net
    48. Re:For once, I'm fine with being locked out... by Psion · · Score: 1

      Y'know, you could have saved yourself and everyone else a lot of time if you'd just typed,

      "Bah! Humbug!"

    49. Re:For once, I'm fine with being locked out... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      No, that's wrong. Saint Nicholas of Myra was a Christian saint famous for, among other things, leaving gifts in people's shoes/stockings.

      Humm so he could not be bothered with finding the loacl toilets so he filled peoples shoes and socks charming i must say Phewww where have you had that foot .

    50. Re:For once, I'm fine with being locked out... by mspohr · · Score: 1

      I would personally like to put in an endorsement for Christmas since I have had much better luck asking for things from Santa than asking for things from the baby Jesus/God combo. I don't think baby Jesus has once answered my prayers but the whole Christmas list thing works quite well and I am a true believer.

      --
      I don't read your sig. Why are you reading mine?
    51. Re:For once, I'm fine with being locked out... by east+coast · · Score: 1

      Maybe you get looked at as being insane for raving on about not wanting to take part. I know I don't get any backlash for simply explaining to people that I'm not a holiday person. They seem to accept it and move on. I could understand their amusement if I went around spouting about a "culture of lies".

      To be frank, you look like a complete kook and I say this as a person who doesn't believe in Christmas and finds holidays a waste of time. I'm sorry, but I'm being honest.

      --
      Dedicated Cthulhu Cultist since 4523 BC.
    52. Re:For once, I'm fine with being locked out... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Does she not have any of her own teeth or what?

    53. Re:For once, I'm fine with being locked out... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      and to see a movie

    54. Re:For once, I'm fine with being locked out... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      You seem to be under the impression that we care about the progeny of breeders. We don't. Gifts from "Santa" only mean something when the youngins aren't being showered with gifts year-round. Fostering a sense of entitlement in your children is a bad thing no matter how happy it makes you feel.

    55. Re:For once, I'm fine with being locked out... by dskoll · · Score: 1

      We go to the movies.

    56. Re:For once, I'm fine with being locked out... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Santa was never much of a Christian symbol for my entire life. He's certainly got one thing in common with Christianity though: they're both made up, and it would really help the world a lot of parents would stop brainwashing their kids in to believing in them. ;-)

    57. Re:For once, I'm fine with being locked out... by wayland · · Score: 1

      > Seek professional help. Please. While I respect your right to not celebrate holidays you consider groundless I think to insist that this is a "culture of lies" is taking it to the extremes a bit. Or do you rant about a "culture of lies" when someone is superstitious about Friday the 13th or dresses up at Halloween?

      While I'd agree that he needs to relax a bit, I agree with him on the "culture of lies" part.  I mean, if you consistently lie to children, they grow up to learn "Adults lie to us", or at least "Parents lie to us", and then the parent's credibility goes out the window.

      My personal approach is to allow people to do what they want, but if I'm involved in a conversation with a child, and the topic of Santa comes up, I'll disillusion them if it's relevant.  At least then they know that they can trust *one* person.

      All of this may have something to do with the fact that I belong to a religion of truth, rather than being eg. a dedicated Cthulhu cultist, though :). 

    58. Re:For once, I'm fine with being locked out... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      The CIA fact book says this for Japanese religion and I didn't think Shintoism was Muslim.
      Shintoism 83.9%

    59. Re:For once, I'm fine with being locked out... by east+coast · · Score: 1

      All of this may have something to do with the fact that I belong to a religion of truth, rather than being eg. a dedicated Cthulhu cultist, though :).

      Don't laugh it off friend. While I do respect religion I also accept that Cthulhu Cults have just as much solid evidence of their deity being among us.

      --
      Dedicated Cthulhu Cultist since 4523 BC.
  21. Re:Yes. by JWSmythe · · Score: 5, Interesting

        Actually, Linux would be related closer to "pagan" or polytheistic religions. We believe in multiple gods (software authors), although there is a high deity (Linus) who created the universe (Linux) where the rest reside. Some of the other deities work not only in his universe, but in others as well (other *nix's, and even Windows).

        The gods are kind and benevolent. Not only do they bestow their gifts upon us (software), but they show us the way (source) so we can ascend to their level.

        Not only do they welcome ascension, but the know that no being, god or mortal, is without flaw. They listen when we say there is a problem (bug report) and accept our suggestions (patches) to make the universe better.

        Praise be to the gods and goddesses.

        And to you, on the cusp of the celebration of the Winter Solstice, I wish you and yours the best. May we help educate the nonbelievers (monotheistic computer followers) into seeing the light (the world which is *nix).

    --
    Serious? Seriousness is well above my pay grade.
  22. The Congress shall have power... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    To lay and collect taxes, duties, imposts and excises, to pay the debts and provide for the common defence and general welfare of the United States; but all duties, imposts and excises shall be uniform throughout the United States;
    To borrow money on the credit of the United States;
    To regulate commerce with foreign nations, and among the several states, and with the Indian tribes;
    To establish a uniform rule of naturalization, and uniform laws on the subject of bankruptcies throughout the United States;
    To coin money, regulate the value thereof, and of foreign coin, and fix the standard of weights and measures;
    To provide for the punishment of counterfeiting the securities and current coin of the United States;
    To establish post offices and post roads;
    To promote the progress of science and useful arts, by securing for limited times to authors and inventors the exclusive right to their respective writings and discoveries;
    To constitute tribunals inferior to the Supreme Court;
    To define and punish piracies and felonies committed on the high seas, and offenses against the law of nations;
    To declare war, grant letters of marque and reprisal, and make rules concerning captures on land and water;
    To raise and support armies, but no appropriation of money to that use shall be for a longer term than two years;
    To provide and maintain a navy;
    To make rules for the government and regulation of the land and naval forces;
    To provide for calling forth the militia to execute the laws of the union, suppress insurrections and repel invasions;
    To provide for organizing, arming, and disciplining, the militia, and for governing such part of them as may be employed in the service of the United States, reserving to the states respectively, the appointment of the officers, and the authority of training the militia according to the discipline prescribed by Congress;
    To exercise exclusive legislation in all cases whatsoever, over such District (not exceeding ten miles square) as may, by cession of particular states, and the acceptance of Congress, become the seat of the government of the United States, and to exercise like authority over all places purchased by the consent of the legislature of the state in which the same shall be, for the erection of forts, magazines, arsenals, dockyards, and other needful buildings;—And
    To make all laws which shall be necessary and proper for carrying into execution the foregoing powers, and all other powers vested by this Constitution in the government of the United States, or in any department or officer thereof.

    1. Re:The Congress shall have power... by GWRedDragon · · Score: 1

      Clearly tracking Santa promotes the practice of giving holiday gifts, which increases interstate commerce!

      Welcome to post-1937 America.

  23. Re:Who cares? by JWSmythe · · Score: 1, Troll

    Which reminds me of two famous quotes.

        "God is dead" - Nietzsche

        "Nietzsche is dead" - God

    --
    Serious? Seriousness is well above my pay grade.
  24. Think about it by mtrachtenberg · · Score: 5, Insightful

    Of course Santa hates Linux. I mean, think about it, he's Mr. Materialism. Santa is all about shopping malls. It's that smart rabbi, that Jesus guy, who talked about sharing with others as a path to happiness, not Santa. Santa's heart belongs to Microsoft.

    1. Re:Think about it by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Santa's heart belongs to Google

      There, fixed that for ya

    2. Re:Think about it by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      'he's Mr. Materialisim'

      says the crowd that constantly belittles the Hollywood/RIAA yet still whine when they cannot get it for free, talk about materialistic bitches sucking on the tit of hollywood. Like drug addicts who hate the stuff but keep coming back, as if somebody is holding a gun to their head to download the torrent.

      Now go whine about how bad the RIAA is and how hollywood doesn't deserve the money, than they go off and see/download Avatar.
      Thankfully we have corporations to fill in the voids where the open source community turns a blind eye to the average user, funny it's actually going to be a corporation(Google) who will finally bring the true desktop version of Linux to the average user and watch as Ubuntu gets left behind in the dust.
      On a side note Indie movies are complete crap as much rave as they get around here for some reason.

      When you stop being such bitter people in life and learn to work with others, than people will support you and you will get to enjoy the things that Mac/Windows users get to enjoy without having to hack it to death to do a simple task. How people continue to advise others to use Linux when you have silly things like above that go on is beyond me, the community support will just never be there and I cannot call up somebody fore *free* to get help.

  25. Linux was stolen! by WormholeFiend · · Score: 1

    You're a mean one, Mister Grinch...

  26. Maybe I don't understand, but... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    couldn't we reuse the same .kml file from last year?

    1. Re:Maybe I don't understand, but... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Thats ingenious! thanks!

    2. Re:Maybe I don't understand, but... by beernutmark · · Score: 1

      Tried that and it immediately went to the south pole and stopped. I guess I could reset the clock on my computer to 2008/7 but that would cause other problems.

  27. Google Maps Link by AbbyNormal · · Score: 4, Informative
    --
    Sig it.
    1. Re:Google Maps Link by smitty97 · · Score: 1

      is that a kml file? No. Does it open in my fullscreen, native google earth program? No.

      --
      mod me funny
  28. You and Christians, kissing in a tree by SuperKendall · · Score: 1

    Sounds like you and some "Christians" have something in common - lots of the most religious people aren't so fond of Santa either.

    Hint: Just because he's called "Saint Nick" does not mean the Pope has recognized him.

    --
    "There is more worth loving than we have strength to love." - Brian Jay Stanley
    1. Re:You and Christians, kissing in a tree by poopdeville · · Score: 3, Informative

      Hint: Just because he's called "Saint Nick" does not mean the Pope has recognized him.

      Ugh. Look up Saint Nicholas of Myra. The Pope recognized Saint Nick about 1000 years ago.

      --
      After all, I am strangely colored.
    2. Re:You and Christians, kissing in a tree by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Hmm, the letters spelling "Santa" also spell another name...and THAT guy is ALSO referred to as "Nick" in certain circles. Bit of a problem, that.

  29. Re:Yes. by azav · · Score: 0, Offtopic

    I'm writing a new song called "Saved by Xenu."

    --
    - Zav - Imagine a Beowulf cluster of insensitive clods...
  30. Re:Yes. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0, Troll

    I live in my parent's basement, and I'm 25. And you can kiss my hairy Muslim ass. Because Linux is obviously Jewish.

  31. I hate fundamentalists by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    "You're not using/supporting Linux?"

    "No"

    "Then the only explanation is that you HATE Linux!"

    1. Re:I hate fundamentalists by FlyingBishop · · Score: 1

      You're trolling, but dropping support for Linux is different than simply not supporting Linux.

  32. Vot, dis vorries you? by dskoll · · Score: 1

    Oy, gevalt. Vot a tregedy. Vot an awful ting to vorry about. My knishes are in a knot and my borscht is bleeding.

  33. Oh really. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    Linus has yet to answer me on how to install the Linux. If he doesn't have time, then he's no deity.

    1. Re:Oh really. by Minwee · · Score: 4, Insightful

      Linus has yet to answer me on how to install the Linux. If he doesn't have time, then he's no deity.

      Perhaps he lets his prophet speak for him. He's funny that way.

  34. Re:Yes. by jhoegl · · Score: 0, Offtopic

    That in no way represents what religion is, maybe what it was... but not is.

  35. It's not that he hates Linux... by bschorr · · Score: 0

    It's just that he spent a hour recompiling his video drivers, another 3 searching the forums to figure out which build he was supposed to have for the core he was running, had to redownload a bunch of files because he found out he's running an Athlon processor instead of an Intel, then couldn't remember which .conf files to VI and finally just gave up on the whole deal because he needed to get some deliverin' done.

    He'll find some 14-year-old Elf with lots of time on his tiny hands to help him figure it out later. ;-)

    --
    -B-
    1. Re:It's not that he hates Linux... by __aasqbs9791 · · Score: 1

      He should try a distro that came out in the last 5 years. Heck, even Gentoo doesn't make it that hard anymore (though it does take that long still).

    2. Re:It's not that he hates Linux... by bschorr · · Score: 1

      Well, there are plenty of distros to choose from. Heck, another 3 hours on the forums and he might have it narrowed down to half a dozen or so. Then if he can just figure out what RAR is and which distro works with his processor and his NIC he'll be in business! ;-)

      --
      -B-
    3. Re:It's not that he hates Linux... by __aasqbs9791 · · Score: 1

      Ah, more FUD. Do you ever run out? LOL

      Neither one of those is relevant with any modern distro (any more than your original points were). If he had something that exotic he'd have trouble getting any OS working on it, ever.

    4. Re:It's not that he hates Linux... by bschorr · · Score: 1

      Wow, you Linux FanBoys really have no sense of humor, do ya? =)

      Hey, Linux is pretty cool stuff, I'll grant you that. But other than for very specialized applications I just don't have much use for it. If you ask 6 Linux guys what distro you should run you'll get 7 different answers. That should tell you what you need to know about that.

      And, I've used quite a few of them. From CentOS to Ubuntu and a couple of flavors of Red Hat and...Knoppix and I forget what else. Roughly half the time it didn't work "out of the box" and I had to break out the Google-Fu (on a Windows or Mac box of course) to figure out why. Almost always a case of needing to find and download new drivers for something, then figure out how to get them installed. Even on plain 'ole Dell or HP desktops.

      I was amused recently when a professional Linux guy and I were on a job site and had to change a couple of static IP address - he on a server running CentOS and I on a workstation running...XP Pro, I think. Took me about 20 seconds. Took him about 4 minutes. I'm not sure how many conf files he had to locate and edit.

      My grandfather was able to do basic stuff (check e-mail, a little web surfing, manage his checkbook in Quicken) with a Windows XP PC with virtually no experience or training. He wouldn't have grepped the first thing about a Linux box - even with one of the GUI front-ends.

      Yes, Linux *IS* getting better in that regard. But it still has quite a ways to go before it's really going to challenge the two mainstream OS's (Windows and OSX) on the desktop. It's just not that easy or intuitive for people who aren't computer pros/hobbyists with the time and interest to figure it out.

      --
      -B-
    5. Re:It's not that he hates Linux... by __aasqbs9791 · · Score: 1

      I actually thought your response was pretty funny. I worked with some Professional Windows 'guys' at my last job. One was a professional programmer in his forties. Turned out he didn't know how file systems worked on Linux. No biggie (though he was converting some Perl scripts from Linux to Windows). Except he didn't know how to step through Windows file systems, either. I don't take this to mean Windows guys don't know anything about system administration. These particular guys were frauds. They didn't know as much as they said they did, and they were able to fool someone who didn't know anything about computers that they meet through church (my boss). The 'Linux pro' you worked with should have known about running 'netconfig' as root and then 'service network restart'.

      I've worked with all kinds of 'pros' that didn't know their basic information about whatever they were supposed to be a pro about. It happens in every field, though computers seem to be somewhat more prone to scam artists than others, but that may just be my perception because I'm in that field. I don't take that to be a problem with the field as much as I see that as a basic problems with some people. Though I suppose the useless certifications that don't actually prove anything could be considered a problem with the field.

      I switched from Windows to Linux about 10 years ago now. I still use Windows XP to play the occasional game, but that's all it is good for anymore. I started with Gentoo, though I had used Knoppix a bit before that. Even then there were so many things that were easier to do in Linux than Windows, and they worked so much better that I became a fanboy. Were there problems? Oh, yeah! But unlike the problems I had with Windows there were answers. You see, when I tried to run servers of various kinds in Windows before that I ran into problems. So what did I do? I searched for answers online. But most of the time, all I could find were other people with the same damn problem, and no one with a working solution. With Linux I would find other people with the same problem, but they had a solution, and surprisingly it almost always worked for me, too. And if it didn't, someone else had a solution that did. Sure, this is doing all kinds of things the average user would never need to do. But since I wanted to learn to program in something other than VB and PHP (and being rather cash poor) I had to be willing to work at it.

      I still find somethings that work better on Linux than Windows, from printers to network cards, so I find it extremely funny when someone talks about things not working in Linux. I'm sure those things still exist, but I guess I'm just lucky because I run into the opposite more often than not.

  36. No he doesn't. by kbahey · · Score: 3, Funny
    No he doesn't hate Linux. In fact, he uses Linux himself!

    $ wget -S -O /dev/null http://santa.org/
    HTTP/1.1 200 OK
    Date: Fri, 25 Dec 2009 03:25:26 GMT
    Server: Apache/2.2.3 (Red Hat)
    X-Powered-By: PHP/5.2.11
    Set-Cookie: h=6bcc6f5aa7ec4549c0e5a837dd8cedb0; path=/
    ...
    Cache-Control: no-cache, no-store, must-revalidate, post-check=0, pre-check=0
    Expires: Mon, 31 Dec 2001 7:32:00 GMT
    Vary: Accept-Encoding,User-Agent
    P3P: CP="CAO PSA OUR"
    Pragma: no-cache
    Connection: close
    Content-Type: text/html; charset=UTF-8

    1. Re:No he doesn't. by /dev/trash · · Score: 1

      WHAT no Drupal?!?!? Must actually want the site to scale.

    2. Re:No he doesn't. by kbahey · · Score: 1

      Thanks for that. Made me smile ... touche ...

    3. Re:No he doesn't. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Of course!

      Santa Uses Red Hat Linux!

      It should have been obvious.

    4. Re:No he doesn't. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      How appropriate... Red Hat for Santa. :)

  37. Re:Yes. by Dani+Filth · · Score: 1

    Brilliant, you made my Christmas Eve.

  38. Re:Who cares? by nawcom · · Score: 0

    Which reminds me of two famous quotes.

    "God is dead" - Nietzsche

    "Nietzsche is dead" - God

    When it takes a man to make up a quote from God, then God is definitely dead.

  39. What about Donald Knuth? by colinrichardday · · Score: 3, Insightful

    Professor Knuth is a Christian (see his 3:16), and I suspect he's smart enough to be on slashdot.

    1. Re:What about Donald Knuth? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Dr Knuth is quite certainly not on Slashdot. He is kept rather busy and long ago decided to stop reading email electronically, having his secretary print out any non-urgent messages for him to batch process on occasion. This does not mean he stopped using the internet. On the contrary, he does, but he clearly wants to keep his time as productive as possible, and a site like Slashdot would not fit into that picture.

    2. Re:What about Donald Knuth? by colinrichardday · · Score: 1

      I said he was smart enough to be on slashdot, not dumb enough to waste his time here. :-)

  40. Re:Yes. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0, Informative

    Linux created the universe? More like ripped it off.

    The real brilliant minds behind Linux were putting together OSs when Linux wasn't even a few cells in his fathers nut sack. Can you please stop it with your revisionist history and who created what?

    You're the one who needs an education.

  41. Santa by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    Anyone have any open source source kml files for tracking Santa or any idea how we can go about making one for 2010

    What if I told you that Santa is a massive conspiracy invented by big corporations to further their profit. All proofs of his existence are carefully planted by news media and advertisements in order to support the myth of his existence.

  42. Yes by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    Yes

  43. Hear the crickets chirping? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    I do..

  44. Re:Who cares? by shane_rimmer · · Score: 4, Funny

    You forgot the last line:

    "Nietzsche is God" - Death

  45. Re:Who cares? by Nikkos · · Score: 1

    When it takes a man to make up a quote from God, then God is definitely dead.

    Not having been there, for me to believe either quote would be an act of faith.

  46. Re:Yes. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0, Redundant

    although there is a high deity (Linus) who created the universe (Linux) where the rest reside

    RMS just shit all over himself.

  47. Kent Brockman says.. by billsayswow · · Score: 0

    Some might say.. this hardly qualifies as news.

  48. Re:Yes. by von_rick · · Score: 1

    Apparently Santa can't be tracked in English - perhaps Norad's been taken over by non-English speaking saboteurs.

    Selecting a language besides English gives the exact location of Santa.

    When I selected Deutsch, here's what I got:

    Willkommen beim NORAD-Programm zur Ortung des Weihnachtsmanns

    Aktuelle Position Charleston, West Virginia, United States

    Der Weihnachtsmann hält als nächstes in: Fredericksburg, Virginia, United States: 01:10

    --

    Face your daemons!

  49. Re:Yes. by JWSmythe · · Score: 1

        The original statement was regarding the Linux universe, and Linus created the core of it.

        I won't argue that there were others who came before him. That's the wonders of polytheism. You can recognize the gods and goddesses for what they've done, and respect them accordingly. You obviously understand the older gods, and respect them accordingly.

       

    --
    Serious? Seriousness is well above my pay grade.
  50. Re:Yes. by Zen+Hash · · Score: 0, Offtopic

    I think Stallman would be the deity who created the universe (GNU Project/GPL), while Linus is the one who joined the universe and quickly worked to fill the gaps for it run on it's own.

    There does seem to be a lot of diversity among the followers of this kind of pagan religion. They seem to like having the freedom to pick and choose to get exactly what they want. Some may choose not to worship the deity who refers to himself as St. IGNUcius of the Church of Emacs: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S76pHIYx3ik

    --
    Here I sit, all broken hearted.
    Came to poop, but only farted.
  51. Arker, you're a scrooge. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    All of the elements of Christmas have secular origins with the exception of the manager stuff. People celebrate birthdays, anniversaries and other special occasions with gift giving so what's the problem. I happen to be an Atheist so I celebrate the Winter Solstice with all the secular holiday elements attached. I understand what your saying as far as Norad's endorsement being a concern, however, at least it's funded by donations and non religious. Also, I read somewhere that one Christmas Norad's phone number was mistakenly given out as something related to Santa. Children called to talk to Santa and that's how the whole thing started. If they were following the Pope than I would have a problem, but there are more important things to be concerned with than this Santa thing.

    1. Re:Arker, you're a scrooge. by AnotherUsername · · Score: 3, Interesting

      From Wikipedia:

      In 1956, a Colorado Springs-based Sears store ran an advertisement encouraging people to call Santa Claus on a special kind of telephone hotline. Due to a printing error, the phone number that was printed was the hotline that was actually for Continental Air Defense Command (CONAD). Then-Colonel Harry Shoup received the first call on Christmas Eve of 1955, from a six-year old boy who began reciting his Christmas list. Shoup then didn't find the call funny, but after asking the mother of the second caller what was happening, then realizing the mistake that had occurred, he told his staff to give Santa's position to any child who called in. Three years on, the government of the United States and Canada combined their respective national domestic air defenses into the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD), but the tradition continued. Now major media outlets as well as children call in to inquire on Santa's location. NORAD relies on volunteers to help make Santa tracking possible. Many employees at Cheyenne Mountain and Peterson Air Force Base spend part of their Christmas Eve with their families and friends at NORAD's Santa Tracking Operations Center, in order to answer phones and provide Santa updates to thousands of callers. In 1997, Canadian Major Jamie Robertson took over the program and expanded it to the Web, where corporation-donated services have given the tradition global accessibility.

      --
      I don't like Linux. This doesn't make me a troll.
    2. Re:Arker, you're a scrooge. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      From Wikipedia:

      In 1956, a Colorado Springs-based Sears store ran an advertisement encouraging people to call Santa Claus on a special kind of telephone hotline. Due to a printing error, the phone number that was printed was the hotline that was actually for Continental Air Defense Command (CONAD). Then-Colonel Harry Shoup received the first call on Christmas Eve of 1955, from a six-year old boy who began reciting his Christmas list. Shoup then didn't find the call funny, but after asking the mother of the second caller what was happening, then realizing the mistake that had occurred, he told his staff to give Santa's position to any child who called in. Three years on, the government of the United States and Canada combined their respective national domestic air defenses into the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD), but the tradition continued. Now major media outlets as well as children call in to inquire on Santa's location. NORAD relies on volunteers to help make Santa tracking possible. Many employees at Cheyenne Mountain and Peterson Air Force Base spend part of their Christmas Eve with their families and friends at NORAD's Santa Tracking Operations Center, in order to answer phones and provide Santa updates to thousands of callers. In 1997, Canadian Major Jamie Robertson took over the program and expanded it to the Web, where corporation-donated services have given the tradition global accessibility.

      So NORAD tracking Santa was the result of the first DDOS attack?

  52. reds in the sled by cas2000 · · Score: 1

    who cares? santa claus is a communist plot designed to make people think that giving is good, and it will lead to the destruction of the united states!!1!!

  53. Google-Microsoft Rivalry Extends to Santa Sites by theodp · · Score: 1
  54. Re:Who cares? by JWSmythe · · Score: 1

        That's one I hadn't heard before, but I'll be sure to remember it. :)

        Of course, it's all a complete mangling of the meaning of Nietzsche's quote, but hey, taking a single sound bite (or quote) out of context is fun. :) I'm surprised some particular mainstream news organizations don't piece together individual words to make something to talk about. There's a conspiracy newsletter that I ended up on, that does this all the time. They'll take a single factual event, and wrap a huge conspiracy around it. I got on the list when I wrote to them to question their credentials, which were obviously bogus.

    --
    Serious? Seriousness is well above my pay grade.
  55. Re:Yes. by Kronovohr · · Score: 1

    The gods are kind and benevolent. Not only do they bestow their gifts upon us (software), but they show us the way (source) so we can ascend to their level. Not only do they welcome ascension, but the know that no being, god or mortal, is without flaw. They listen when we say there is a problem (bug report) and accept our suggestions (patches) to make the universe better.

    so...the OSS developers are the Ancients and the proprietary software developers are the Ori? That explains the burning sensation in my rear when I use Windows. I guess that makes Miguel de Icaza to be Oma Desala...so who are the goa'uld?</stargate sg1>

  56. Re:Santa? Hate? WTF? by poopdeville · · Score: 1

    If we're going to whine about our tax payer dollars getting wasted by NORAD, we should just complain that they're pretending to track a fictional UFO so that precocious kids won't go on the internet and realize their parents are lying to them.

    Serving up a dynamic KML file is easier than programming the Google Earth API. I won't claim that NORAD has gone out of its way to not support Linux. But they have gone out of their way, and they don't "support" Linux.

    --
    After all, I am strangely colored.
  57. Re:Yes. by JWSmythe · · Score: 0, Offtopic

        And so the profit saith, "Learn and love the multiverse as we know it, for there is more to learn and love, in all it's wonder and splendor."

        I hear a storm coming. I think Thor may be aiming a lightning bolt at me for some reason. :)

       

    --
    Serious? Seriousness is well above my pay grade.
  58. Re:Yes. by Adambomb · · Score: 0, Flamebait

    Quote at the bottom of slashdot as I read your post: "Let us condemn to hellfire all those who disagree with us." -- militant religionists everywhere

    Awesome.

    --
    Ice Cream has no bones.
  59. Re:Yes. by xanadu-xtroot.com · · Score: 1
    This is true. It's just the English one that's b0rked. However, if you choose a different language, let it refresh, then go back to English it works fine.

    Crap, I gotta get to bed. Santa's in Newark, NJ. Hmmm... better close the damper this year, don't want that Jersey stink in the house. I'll think up something to tell the kids....

    --
    I'm not a prophet or a stone-age man,
    I'm just a mortal with potential of a super man.
  60. Re:Who cares? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    "We are God" - Man

    ftfy

  61. Re:Yes. by AmberBlackCat · · Score: 1

    You have "Prime Mover" named Linus, who created for you, Linux, the one true religion. Anybody who believes in anything different is just uninformed and possibly evil. You have an explanation for why every flaw in your system is by design, and the way things should be, while every flaw in all other system is proof that yours is the only right one.

  62. Santa vs Linux by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    It isn't that Santa hates Linux, it's just that like the majority of the world, he doesn't really care...

  63. NORAD - FAILS Browser Test 1 by rec9140 · · Score: 1

    Click link in summary, browser opens:

    Response:

    Track in Google Earth
    Sorry, the Google Earth Plug-in is not supported on your browser or platform.

    I use:

    KMint, aka Linux Mint CE

    My browser is Konqueror and thats it. I don't like and don't use fireturd.

    No work in Konqi, your on the NAUGHTY LIST!

    Listen up Google, YOU USE LINUX ALL OVER THE PLACE for your various operations its TIME TO 100% SUPPORT THE LINUX USERS out here. I am tired of hearing about your "supported compatible browser" BS on your sites be it gmail or anything else! I USE LINUX THAT YOUR FIRM IS BENEFITTING FROM FINANCIALLY FROM ITS EXISTENCE SO ITS TIME TO SUPPORT LINUX 100% in your products! And no I am NOT INTERESTED in your OS or browser. I have one its called Konqueror! CODE ON IT, CODE FOR IT! SCREW THE REST! I DO! Doesn't display on x,y,z browser... hmm... let me check.... nope works in my browser that I developed it on, and thats Konqueror! CLICK! I don't develop or fix for any thing other than Konqi!

    --
    1311393600 - Back to Black
    1. Re:NORAD - FAILS Browser Test 1 by pnewhook · · Score: 1

      I agree. The issue is less that Santa hates Linux, and more that Linux has crappy browser support.

      --
      Tesla was a genius. Edison however was a overrated hack who liked to torture puppies.
  64. Re:Yes. by LordLucless · · Score: 1

    The gods are kind and benevolent.

    Methinks you should take a closer look at pagain mythology.

    --
    Just because you're paranoid doesn't mean there isn't an invisible demon about to eat your face
  65. No problem tracking Santa in Firefox 3.5 on Ubuntu by h0tr0d · · Score: 1

    Sure, there may not be a kml file available, but my kids have thoroughly enjoyed (to the point of annoying us parents out of our mind) watching Santa travel the globe in full screen mode.

  66. Re:Yes. by JWSmythe · · Score: 1

        The false gods (Microsoft VAR) are all among us. Fear them not, for they hold no real power.

        So say the gods. So say we all.

        Actually, ascension isn't a Stargate creation. It's common among many theologies, that in death you will join your god (or gods) in their plane of existence. For the sake of keeping this simple for everyone, in Christian mythology, the good will rise (ascend) to heaven, to spend eternity with God. The riff-raff would be sent away to other less desirable places. This would be the idea of being in a dark tunnel at death, and walking towards "the light". Some theologies believe in reincarnation, which is simply spending time with God (or gods) after death, and then they will be placed in a new body to live life again. Ahh, a good old infinite loop, rather than a defined path (born new, live life, die, be with "God").

        Stargate simply removed the mysticism of dying and going "somewhere", to leaving the mortal bonds to a body, and going to a higher plane of existence. They didn't remove the precise mystery of how it's done, but eluded that the ancients did understand how to do it. They just failed to leave the textbook "How To Ascend 101". :) That would make it too easy for the sake of the show. Everyone would ascend when they wanted to, rather than taking years of introspect and meditation to do it "right". Obviously, if the entire culture could ascend, they did speak of it to each other, and shared that knowledge.

    --
    Serious? Seriousness is well above my pay grade.
  67. Re:Santa? Hate? WTF? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    If Linux supports an application and Windows doesn't, that's Windows's fault.
     
    If Windows supports an application and Linux doesn't, that's the application's fault.

  68. Comment removed by account_deleted · · Score: 1

    Comment removed based on user account deletion

  69. Re:Yes. by orlanz · · Score: 1

    Ah yes! The cowards that always have 2 cents to dispose of.

  70. hate to tell you by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    but santa ain't real, boy!

  71. Zetaclear Review by boramjaco · · Score: 0, Offtopic

    I'm thinking about buying Sony Cyber-Shot DSC-TX1. What do you think about it? I read few reviews,and some of them say that picture quality isn't the best. Zetaclear review

  72. Who cares? by jfandre · · Score: 0

    That Norad site is screwed up anyway. Everyone knows that Santa only comes between midnight and 6 AM local time.. They've got him in Lincoln Ne at 11:24 PM CST.

  73. Obligatory: Physics of Santa by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    The Physics of Santa Claus

          1. No known species of reindeer can fly. BUT there are 300,000 species of living organisms yet to be classified, and while most of these are insects and germs, this does not COMPLETELY rule out flying reindeer which only Santa has ever seen.

          2. There are 2 billion children (persons under 18) in the world. BUT since Santa doesn't (appear) to handle the Muslim, Hindu, Jewish and Buddhist children, that reduces the workload to 15% of the total - 378 million according to the Population Reference Bureau. At an average (census rate of 3.5 children per household, that's 91.8 million homes. One presumes there's at least one good child in each.

          3. Santa has 31 hours of Christmas to work with, thanks to the different time zones and the rotation of the earth, and assuming he travels east to west (which seems logical). This works out to 822.6 visits per second. This is to say that for each Christian household with good children, Santa has 1/1000th of a second to park, hop out of his sleigh, jump down the chimnye, fill the stockings, distribute the remaining presents under the tree, eat whatever snacks have been left, get back up the chimney, get back into the sleigh and move on to the next house. Assuming that each of these 91.8 million stops are evenly distributed around the earth (which, of course we know to be false but for the purpose of our calculations we will accept), we are now talking aabout .78 miles per household, a total trip of 75.5 million miles, not counting stops to do what most of us must do at least once every 31 hours, plus feeding and etc.This means that Santa's sleigh is moving at 650 miles per second, 3000 times the speed of sound. For purposes of comparison, the fastest man-made vehicle on earth, the Ulysses space probe, moves at a poky 27.4 miles per second - a conventional reindeer can run, tops, 15 miles per hour.

          4. The payload on the sleigh adds another interesting element. Assuming that each child gets nothing more than a medium-sized lego set (2 pounds), the sleigh is carrying 321,300 tons, not counting Santa, who is invariably described as overweight. On land, conventional reindeer can pull no more than 300 punds. Even granting that "flying reindeer" (refer to point #1) could pull TEN TIMES the normal load, we cannot do the job with eight, or even nine. We need 214,200 reindeer. This increases the payload - not even counting the weight of the sleigh - 353,430 tons. Again, for comparison - this is four times the weight of the Queen Elizabeth.

          5. 353,000 tons traveling at 650 miles per second creates enormous air resistance - this will heat the reindeer up in the same fashion as spacecrafts re-entereing the earth's atmosphere. The lead pair of reindeer will absorb 14.3 QUINTILLION joules of energy per SECOND, EACH! In short, hey will burst into flames almost instantaneously, exposing the reindeer behind them, and create a deafening sonic boom in their wake. The entire reindeer team will be vaporized within 4.26 thousanths of a second. Santa, meanwhile, will be subjected to centrifugal* forces 17,500.06 times greater than gravity. A 250 pound Santa (which seems ludicrously slim) would be pinned to the back of his sleigh by 4,315,015 pounds of force.

    In conclusion - If Santa ever DID deliver presents on Christmas Eve, he's dead by now.

    1. Re:Obligatory: Physics of Santa by troll8901 · · Score: 1

      Remember, Santa is not based on any known Earth technology. Reindeers and sleighs are mere metaphors for advanced technology. Haven't you played Tomb Raider Underworld?

      He's now flying to Alaska as I write this. Hey, I can see Russia from my bedroom window!

  74. Isn't it Obvious? by nobodyman · · Score: 1

    C'mon guys. Tux is a penguin. Him and Santa are quite literally polar opposites!

  75. Re:Yes. by JWSmythe · · Score: 1

        Well, "pagan" is a blanket term for anything not judeo-christian, typically all those "other" polytheistic religions. But yes, kind and loving isn't exactly the best way to describe most of them. :) The same can be said of the old testament "God" too. Well, unless catastrophic floods, plagues, and vengeance is "kind".

        For the sake of the *nix and open source context, it is true though.

       

    --
    Serious? Seriousness is well above my pay grade.
  76. Re:Yes. by ravenshrike · · Score: 2, Interesting

    Yes, that's why it's actually been 9 years since .kml files were available

  77. They don't hate Linux... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    ...they hate deving for 5%

  78. OMG this explains it. by Pictish+Prince · · Score: 2, Interesting

    They figure non-Linux users will be too stupid to figure out that the tracking is identical to last year's. If you really want to know what happened to Santa, well, the Russians know something.

    --
    Only his tendency toward a dazed stupor prevented him from screaming aloud.
  79. open source tracker by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    make your own tracker :)

  80. Oblig. by Paxtez · · Score: 1

    Because in Soviet Russia Santa tracks you!

    wait a minute... oh my god...

  81. Double Ugh by SuperKendall · · Score: 1

    Ugh. Look up Saint Nicholas of Myra. The Pope recognized Saint Nick about 1000 years ago.

    And did he fly through the air powered by reindeer giving out the most commercially popular gifts?

    Oh that's right, you took some ancient seed on which Saint Nick possibly borrowed a name from and utterly confused him with todays mysterious gift giver.

    What once was is not what is. And the OP was not complaining about the Myrian St. Nick, or if he was he should make that just a bit clearer.

    --
    "There is more worth loving than we have strength to love." - Brian Jay Stanley
    1. Re:Double Ugh by bwalling · · Score: 1

      And did he fly through the air powered by reindeer giving out the most commercially popular gifts? Oh that's right, you took some ancient seed on which Saint Nick possibly borrowed a name from and utterly confused him with todays mysterious gift giver.

      Well, he was a mysterious gift giver who operated under cover of night. Maybe he wasn't a fat man on a sled, but he was known for giving gifts in the middle of the night. Oh, and the gifts were expensive (gold, enough to pay a dowry).

  82. Y'know what? by symbolset · · Score: 1

    It's fun. It's for kids. Let's not get uptight about NORAD tracking Santa - it has a long history with cultural value.

    Not everything has to be sanitized to be the least offensive. Let's not get so compulsive about the first amendment we forget to enjoy life or allow others a little elbow room to enjoy theirs.

    And.. Ten minutes after midnight. Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Blessed Eid al-Adha, Enjoy Rohatsu, or Good Night - whichever is your preference.

    --
    Help stamp out iliturcy.
    1. Re:Y'know what? by BDZ · · Score: 1

      Cthulumas. The most dreaded time of year.

  83. Re:Yes. by gavron · · Score: 0, Flamebait
    Pagan isn't "non Judeo-christian" (whatever that is).

    PAGAN = NON-CHRISTIAN.

    Jews have nothing to do with the word. It means "Non-Christian."

    Merry Christmas, and use a dictionary.

    E

  84. worst thread ever by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    eom

  85. Re:Yes. by Requiem18th · · Score: 0, Offtopic

    Scientology != Free and Open

    I just realized how close that looks to:
    "Scientology! = Free and Open"

    --
    But... the future refused to change.
  86. That's why they call it a*minority* OS... by Tomsk70 · · Score: 1

    ...and as long as Linux/ OpenOffice/ Apple continue to pretend that the 'other' OS doesn't exist, get used to it.

    Happy Christmas!

  87. MODS by TapeCutter · · Score: 1

    I don't know why the AC was modded troll, I like Gore more than most but that was fucking hillarious.

    --
    And did you exchange a walk on part in the war for a lead role in a cage? - Pink Floyd.
  88. He doesn't hate Linux by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    Linux was just not important enough for him to worry about.

  89. Re:Well, actually Santa DOES exist by philwebs · · Score: 1

    Dear Virginia......... http://www.newseum.org/yesvirginia/

  90. You wanted change? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    You got it, assholes!!! Now shut up and take it like men.

  91. Re:Santa? Hate? WTF? by DaveV1.0 · · Score: 1

    Yes, they should do that because it would be better for you and just fuck the kids who this is really for.

    You are just another selfish geek thinking the world should revolve around your wants.

    --
    There is no "-1 offended" or "-1 you don't agree with me" mod options for a reason.
  92. Re:Santa? Hate? WTF? by DaveV1.0 · · Score: 1

    In other words, you are complaining that NORAD has gone out of its way and not supported Linux, which is the same damned thing.

    --
    There is no "-1 offended" or "-1 you don't agree with me" mod options for a reason.
  93. Re:Yes. by JWSmythe · · Score: 1

        Christianity comes from Judaism.

        Read More and more and more.

        Pretty much if they use the Old and/or New Testament bibles, they fall into the category "judeo-christian".

        If you're wishing me a Merry Christmas, you should already be familiar with this.

    --
    Serious? Seriousness is well above my pay grade.
  94. Re:Yes. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    Huh? You didn't make any claims in the comment, which means it isn't an opinion rather than an argument, and so impossible to rebut.

    Marking it as troll is therefore simple acknowledgement that you're an ass.

    Merry Christmas!

  95. Re:Who cares? by digitig · · Score: 1

    Somebody didn't get any party invites?

    --
    Quidnam Latine loqui modo coepi?
  96. Re:Who cares? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    "Can i haz god" - cat

  97. Bullshit by Chanc_Gorkon · · Score: 1

    Who cares about KML files and viewing in Google Earth?

    I tracked Santa with my son last night WITH LINUX with NO problem. Non story.

    --

    Gorkman

  98. Google hates Christmas by SpinyNorman · · Score: 0, Flamebait

    I was amazed at this massive politically correct FAIL! :

    http://www.google.com/

    Where's the Christmas tree? Where's Santa?

    Throw Sol Invictus (Natalis Invictus) in there too for good measure if you like!

    I bet they showed a Menorah on Hannukah, so what's up with not acknowledging Christmas as a *SPECIFIC* holiday too!

    Massive Google SUCK.

    1. Re:Google hates Christmas by babyrat · · Score: 1

      I bet they showed a Menorah on Hannukah

      did they?

      http://www.google-logos.com/category/official-google-logos

  99. Re:Yes. by gavron · · Score: 1
    The point of my original comment wasn't to say there isn't similarity between Judaism, Christianity, and even Islam. It was to say that the expression "Judeo-Christian" is a nonsense creation of political correctness. If one is identifying a religious source for one's thoughts, stick to the religion it comes from.

    Still, if you're going to use Wikipedia as a primary source... and suggest I go read it... perhaps rather than reading that blog I'll just share facts with you. And yes, I wish everyone a Merry Christmas.

    Jesus was a Jew, but much of Christianity's teachings are in conflict with Judaism. "Judeo-Christian" is a mealy-mouth attempt to pretend they're still of the same ilk.

    The OT teachings and the NT teachings are markedly different on many topics. This is why Jews are awaiting the arrival of the Messiah, and Christians are sure he came 2000 years ago. Also Jews are more "eye for an eye" and Christians are "turn the other cheek" (except in the Eastern District of Texas, it seems).

    Jewish holidays have stayed where they were for thousands of years (not even using the Gregorian calendar). Christian holidays can't quite say that. As you like Wikipedia, feel free to look up "Yuletide". Next time someone pulls out "that ol' yule' log" reflect on the fact that the Romans sublimated local holidays to superimpose their Christian holidays on them.

    Ehud

    P.S. I meant no offense nor disrespect... but to re-emphasize, "judeo-christian" implies that specific subpart of the two religions which are similar. There is a very small element which fits that. To take the whole set of both religions and lump them together in that form is mere political correctness, but not accurate. Also, long live Wikipedia. I contribute to it, but it should never be a primary source of information.

  100. Santa lives on greenland by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0
    Everybody knows that Santa lives on Greenland, but aparently he hates everybody, because his site is down

    http://www.santa.gl/

  101. Re:Y'know what? THIS IS WHAT, symbolNOTHING by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    SymbolNOBODY:

    You said what's quoted below from you, here -> http://slashdot.org/comments.pl?sid=1476008&cid=30428430

    "It's tolerated (perhaps encouraged) in part because these annoying actors are otherwised engaged in improving Linux. Major Debian and BSD contributors, for example, use slashdot as a workspace for their human-machine interaction side experiments, of which APK is probably one. In addition many of these trolls post links which, if you follow them, will completely hose a Windows machine. This is part of the game. - by symbolset (646467) on Monday December 14, @01:15AM (#30428430) Journal

    I took offense to the BOLDED part... & ALL you EVER seem to have is "ad hominem" based attacks on people, not the points they make. So, my reply in the URL below was simple (and logical):

    http://slashdot.org/comments.pl?sid=1476008&threshold=-1&commentsort=0&mode=thread&pid=30428430#30430244

    Additionally, "symbolNOBODY"? Well - the day you can make something like this (& that got you PAID for it, & that has done as well for others online):

    http://www.tcmagazine.com/forums/index.php?s=b861a743aa23c4568b7d73e07ef7ecec&showtopic=2662

    That's also gone over 250.000 views worldwide in 1++ yrs.' time online, & across 15 forums where that guide for Windows Security has been made either an:

    1.) "Sticky/Pinned" thread
    2.) An "Essential Guide"
    3.) Rates 5/5 stars (etc.)

    AND, gets "feedback" like this from users that have applied it:

    ----

    http://www.xtremepccentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=28430

    PERTINENT QUOTE/EXCERPT:

    "...recently, months ago when you finally got this guide done, had authorization to try this on simple work station for kids. My client, who paid me an ungodly amount of money to do this, has been PROBLEM FREE FOR MONTHS! I haven't even had a follow up call which is unusual. Now I don't recommend this for the average joe, but it if can work for a kids PC it can work for anything! Now, i substituted OpenDNS and activated the Adult Content filter with them for this kids computer. I know its not perfect, but will catch over 99.5% of said sites."

    and

    http://www.xtremepccentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=10f9ba9ad5ff990aaae1e7ec91f593a2&t=28430&page=3

    "Its 2009 - still trouble free! I was told last week by a co worker who does active directory administration, and he said I was doing overkill. I told him yes, but I just eliminated the half life in windows that you usually get. He said good point. So from 2008 till 2009. No speed decreases, its been to a lan party, moved around in a move, and it still NEVER has had the OS reinstalled besides the fact I imaged the drive over in 2008. Great stuff! My client STILL Hasn't called me back in regards to that one machine to get it locked down for the kid. I am glad it worked and I am sure her wallet is appreciated too now that it works. Speaking of which, I need to call her to see if I can get some leads. APK - I will say it again, the guide is FANTASTIC! Its made my PC experience much easier. Sandboxing was great. Getting my host file updated, setting services to system service, rather than system local. (except AVG updater, needed system local)"

    Thronka - forums member @ xtremepccentral.com

    ----

    THEN, when you have done so, on THAT account? THEN, you can talk!

    Also?

    When you have done all of this as I have over time in this Art & S

  102. Re:I hate ne'er do wells like YOU symbolNOBODY by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    SymbolNOBODY:

    You said what's quoted below from you, here -> http://slashdot.org/comments.pl?sid=1476008&cid=30428430

    "It's tolerated (perhaps encouraged) in part because these annoying actors are otherwised engaged in improving Linux. Major Debian and BSD contributors, for example, use slashdot as a workspace for their human-machine interaction side experiments, of which APK is probably one. In addition many of these trolls post links which, if you follow them, will completely hose a Windows machine. This is part of the game. - by symbolset (646467) on Monday December 14, @01:15AM (#30428430) Journal

    I took offense to the BOLDED part... & ALL you EVER seem to have is "ad hominem" based attacks on people, not the points they make. So, my reply in the URL below was simple (and logical):

    http://slashdot.org/comments.pl?sid=1476008&threshold=-1&commentsort=0&mode=thread&pid=30428430#30430244

    Additionally, "symbolNOBODY"? Well - the day you can make something like this (& that got you PAID for it, & that has done as well for others online):

    http://www.tcmagazine.com/forums/index.php?s=b861a743aa23c4568b7d73e07ef7ecec&showtopic=2662

    That's also gone over 250.000 views worldwide in 1++ yrs.' time online, & across 15 forums where that guide for Windows Security has been made either an:

    1.) "Sticky/Pinned" thread
    2.) An "Essential Guide"
    3.) Rates 5/5 stars (etc.)

    AND, gets "feedback" like this from users that have applied it:

    ----

    http://www.xtremepccentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=28430

    PERTINENT QUOTE/EXCERPT:

    "...recently, months ago when you finally got this guide done, had authorization to try this on simple work station for kids. My client, who paid me an ungodly amount of money to do this, has been PROBLEM FREE FOR MONTHS! I haven't even had a follow up call which is unusual. Now I don't recommend this for the average joe, but it if can work for a kids PC it can work for anything! Now, i substituted OpenDNS and activated the Adult Content filter with them for this kids computer. I know its not perfect, but will catch over 99.5% of said sites."

    and

    http://www.xtremepccentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=10f9ba9ad5ff990aaae1e7ec91f593a2&t=28430&page=3

    "Its 2009 - still trouble free! I was told last week by a co worker who does active directory administration, and he said I was doing overkill. I told him yes, but I just eliminated the half life in windows that you usually get. He said good point. So from 2008 till 2009. No speed decreases, its been to a lan party, moved around in a move, and it still NEVER has had the OS reinstalled besides the fact I imaged the drive over in 2008. Great stuff! My client STILL Hasn't called me back in regards to that one machine to get it locked down for the kid. I am glad it worked and I am sure her wallet is appreciated too now that it works. Speaking of which, I need to call her to see if I can get some leads. APK - I will say it again, the guide is FANTASTIC! Its made my PC experience much easier. Sandboxing was great. Getting my host file updated, setting services to system service, rather than system local. (except AVG updater, needed system local)"

    Thronka - forums member @ xtremepccentral.com

    ----

    THEN, when you have done so, on THAT account? THEN, you can talk!

    Also?

    When you have done all of this as I have over time in this Art & S

  103. reasoning by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    they probably just assumed that Linux users live in the real world, have dismissed fairy tails, and aren't interested in this santa crap.

  104. Re:Yes. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    Why not post AC when you know you're going to be slapped down with a troll or overrated no matter how pertinent or factual a post may be? You've seen the evidence of mod abuse. There is no further question of the desire for Linux fanbois to hide the truth through moderation.

  105. Re:Yes. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    I reject your flawed Gods.

    Google is the embryonic deity that will become God in the Rapture of the Nerds. It seems, the naturally occuring universe without a creator abors a vacuum, thus is bringing God into existence to fill the void with sentient life.

    Google requires no faith, for evidence of its existence is abundant.

    Repent.

  106. Re:Yes. by Ihmhi · · Score: 1

    Santa's in Newark, NJ.

    I hope he's careful, I have an anti-squirrel microwave laser on my roof...

  107. Re:Yes. by lysdexia · · Score: 1

    So Linus is more Melek Taus than some sort of polydactyl Nephelhim poser-type? I'm comfortable with that. Thanks for the clarification.

  108. Re:Yes. by pnewhook · · Score: 1

    Judaism, Christianity and Islam all share a common root and share the old testament. There's more than a passing similarity between these.

    Regardless, pagan (or judeo-christian), is meant to imply everything other than the above mentioned 'one-god' religions, its not meant to imply that Judaism and Christianity are the same. Pagan is usually used when referring to polytheistic religions.

    --
    Tesla was a genius. Edison however was a overrated hack who liked to torture puppies.
  109. Track in Google Earth... by lpq · · Score: 1

    Followed the link and got this message:

    Track in Google Earth

    In addition to tracking Santa on the NORAD Tracks Santa homepage, you can also track his flight in Google Earth. Return to this page on Christmas Eve.

    Was this not true?

  110. Re:Yes. by Cassius+Corodes · · Score: 1

    Oh noes, someone is going to mod you down - it will be on your permanent record!

    --
    Control is an illusion, order our comforting lie. From chaos, through chaos, into chaos we fly
  111. Santa by dave87656 · · Score: 1

    Apparently they figured out that only Windows and Mac users still believe in Santa. The Linux users were just too damned smart.

  112. Re:Yes. by Wyvern2005 · · Score: 1

    I LOVE it :) as a pagan/buddhist/linux geek of 7 years standing I thank you for your humor!!

    --
    Oops..was I supposed to push that button?
  113. Re:Santa? Hate? WTF? by poopdeville · · Score: 1

    Almost. But not quite.

    --
    After all, I am strangely colored.