Now there is one that isn't dead, but certainly coughing up blood. These are still in use in MA with the MBTA for the 71 line and a few others to Watertown, MA.
It's too bad these are dying out, because for the most part they aren't that bad. They're quiet, don't stink, and for the most part seemed to be every bit as reliable as regular busses. The only downside I saw was that oddly enough they seemed to get hotter than normal busses in the summer. But IMHO that's not too bad if you can at least hear yourself think if you're riding one.
Yikes... Fun with radiation.
Anyone know what is going on in these? Namely this one? Pretty nasty stuff. That looks like something melted to slag just pouring out of a drain pipe.
A massive winding down, regressing away from language, in order to address the technological nervousness of the user.
And this is avoided by making any and all use of the computer handled through cryptic commands, then treating anyone who asks a question about it as though they were a moron? More importantly, at the time, this was a bad thing???
Things today have gotten (somewhat) better, but lets face it, people who were absolute beginners, knew nothing about DOS or Unix, had a very hard time learning unless they could find someone to take them under their wing back in the 80's. That's a big part of the reason I ended up starting out with Macs. I could mount disks, add hardware, format a page, save a document, open a program with a quick click on the icon which showed up on the desktop. I wholeheartedly admit that at the time, as a newbie, I wanted to do... not spend hours or even weeks learning. Yes, that is an evil thing and yes, I now feel that everyone should learn as much as they can, but remember that at that time computers were still this mystical device that only wiz kids knew how to use, or socially inept perverts... hmmm... well... some things haven't changed much;) but you get my point. They were not nearly so common nor as easy to use, and finding someone to help you who wouldn't treat you like crap was difficult.
Yes, I admit that the command line, once learned, is faster and more... well, I wouldn't know how to describe it, perhaps more logical is a good description. But now I prefer it because I've learned how and books on the subject of Linux/Unix had become more geared toward the newbie. And while I'm sure that 5 years ago, when I started getting interested in *nix, there were people willing to help, but finding them seemed impossible at the time for someone who was a "blue collar", po' white trash.
MacOS may have been (and may still be) a "dumbed down" computer interface to some. But if I am ever asked by someone who has never used a computer what they should buy, if they have the money I still say "start with a Mac".
I am not saying I think the MacOS is better or worse... No flame wars going on here:-) But I am saying I disagree with the assertion that the MacOS keeps a person stupid or is designed for morons. I think it is designed to be easy to learn, to be comfortable. And I'm glad that Apple did take on Xerox PARC technology, because it allowed people like me, with little money and little education, to get started.
See, that's my problem. I don't have (and can't afford) a G3 or G4. And only recently have 8600's and even 8500's come down to the price range that I am able to purchase them. 9500's and 9600's as well.
That's one thing that is a mixed blessing of the Mac... They really hold their value. If you're selling your investment, you'll get a much better return on your 2 y/o Mac than WinTel box. But if you are buying a computer and don't have much cash to spend, well, it's one reason the majority of my home network in Intel hardware.
Now, I am a Mac user and have been for more than 10 years. I began learning Linux and WinNT/9x about 4 years ago, and even though I've prefered Linux, I always liked the way the Mac looked more than anything windows or X had to offer. Sure, I liked to hack the way that my mac interface looked and felt (woohoo, RedEdit!), but for the most part I've ended up going back to the classic Apple Platinum since the very first Kaleidoscope theme and beta releases of MacOS 8. And now my Macs running Linux PPC all have the Aqua theme with Helix Gnome running on them.
Now... Apple... Steve, baby, talk to me. Why is this wrong? Why can't I and all the other people out there who like both their Macs and their Linux actually have them both? For that matter, why support MKLinux and then not let those of us who use it or another distro make it look and feel as Mac like as we want? We are running it on your machines.
... as someone who started out with Macs, went to Windows, and finally to Linux, MacOS X is IMHO the best of all worlds as long as they continue to allow access to command line and the ability to hack the interface.
I know it's sort of a lame reason to really like an OS. Stability and functionality should be (some of) the most important issues. But I have to admit the only reason I even tried Windows 95 was when I saw that you could replace the shell and use apps like Litestep to totally change the experience. I simply hated MS Windows, but realized the need to get to know it. After that, of course I would be interested in Linux and want to get to know it, since so much of Litestep is based on GUI's used with Linux and Unix. And that helped me get over my admittedly irrational fear of working command line, really hacking the way a computer works, etc.
(Taken from the Salon story...)
"I am talking, for instance, about the unsurprising message in PC World's July issue -- based on responses from 16,000 subscribers -- that computer owners are having more trouble than ever with their machines, and that very few of them are happy with these products or the quality of service from their makers."
Wouldn't it stand more to reason that there are more and more consumers purchasing computers than at any time in history, and that ANYONE can buy one? If you purchase a car, you can not take it on the road unless you have at least rudimentary grasp on how to use it (unless you live and drive in Boston... then you just need the car). Not so with computers. Anyone can buy one, but nobody can make sure that person knows how to use it. I had the misfortune to work for a computer retailer, so I speak from first hand experience when I say that the vast majority of complaints about "broken" computers are machines which have absolutely no problems whatsoever. I'd bet any amount that of those 16,000 subscribers, more than HALF got the machines home and immediately installed all sorts of useless crap and promptly trashed the system.
Now, I've yet to have any issues with a computer that I have not been able to resolve either through re-installing the OS or taking it back to the retailer and getting a part replaced due to not to negligence, but simply hardware failure. Yes, I have heard horror stories but I am sure it is nothing like author makes it sound.
Wouldn't it be more appropriate to take a hint from software manufacturers when it comes to hardware? Like, on a the side of a box of software it will tell you "Requires: 486 or higher. 16mb RAM" etc.
How about "If you: a) Can not tie your own shoes b) Think 'Tater Tots are one of the 4 major food groups c) Regularly watch/are featured in 'COPS' d) Intend to use AOL
e) Do not have even the most remote idea how to use a computer and have no intention to actually learn ...you should not be purchasing this computer"
For once, they seemed to have a good grip on who their audience was going to be.
By and large it's seemed that cable stations will throw any ad at any time during any show. But during Dune you saw primarilly ads for Sun Microsystems (hmmm... how'd they guess geeks would be watching?;), Wall Street Journal (ahh, the joys of IPO's), and new shows involving scantilly clad women and spiffy special effects.
*sigh* if only they'd had a few of the ones for Victoria's Secret.... Then I wouldn't have been leaving the room after hitting the "pause" button on the VCR, ya can be DAMN sure.
It now reads:
The goal of the Olympic Movement is to make money, buttloads of money. So much money that we won't actually need to put the squeeze on cities who want to host the Olympics, though it won't stop us from doing it anyway. We want to roll around in 50's and 100's and put rolled up 20's in our ears and nose!
We want to educate youth that there is nothing better than money. As a matter of fact, we just like to say that word. Money. Money. Moneymoneymoneymoneymoneymoney. We will not discriminate as long as you pay up and play by our totalitarian rules, and if you are an athlete you have no rights whatsoever. If we say smile for the camera, you better smile Buck'o!
I mean, why do you need to grow more braincells? And how did they figure out that... errr... How did they... get ummmm.... wait, what was the article about again?
Are we talking about the same island nation? Kinda' long? Cool mountains?
In nearly every village I've seen (and even in the big cities), a large portion of the shops and restaurants had VERY prominently displayed and obvious signs stating that gaijin (foreigners) were not welcome.
I noticed this after being nearly beheaded while trying to purchase a some gifts (OK, so I didn't read the "prominently" displayed sign:-P). The proprietor of the shop came at me with a meat cleaver. For a moment I thought I was back in Diablo, about to take on The Butcher and me without so much as a sausage for defense! Literally, all I had done was walk in off the street because something had caught my eye. Luckily, my cat like Ninja reflexes saved my bacon as I deftly performed the ancient "Turn My Narrow Ass Around And RUN" technique.
But seriously, there is a growing anti-foreigner sentiment in Japan, thanks in part to Russian/American/etc. organized crime and decidedly thanks to American military behaving like baboons. While in business circles you will be treated VERY well, you will find that left on your own you run the risk of serious verbal and physical abuse.
... would we all really be that bummed out if we just banned all French IP's across the board? I mean, they think Jerry Lewis and Benny Hill to be the height of comedy!
What about Friends? What about The Nanny!? What about the new Saturday Night Live!?! What about *snort* what about... *laugh!* I mean... *guffaw*giggle*laugh*
Ok ok... Nobody could have said that last one with a straight face.
"Put a glide in yo stride and a dip in yo hip, and come on to the Mothership!"
I go to the link, and there is the document, and there are all these bits blacked out.
I tell ya, censorship really burns my ***! I mean granted that they want to keep *********'s name hidden, and that information about ****** with the ***** and the ***** with the sheep, it stands to reason. There are still laws about that in most states. But I tell you **** *** ********* **** **** and another thing *** ** ****** ** ***** ** ***** *** ****** ***** government security!?!?! Well they can take their ******* and shove it right ** ** ***** ****** *************!
"Put a glide in yo stride and a dip in yo hip, and come on to the Mothership!"
If they spend $1 billion on developing that, are you saying they should give it away free of charge? How do we then invest in the next generation? How do we benefit from gene research in the long run? How is research into genes funded at all?
See, now put that way, it more or less makes sense. It is understandable that you need to make money in order to continue to work on such projects. My fear (and perhaps misunderstanding) of the issue is that the people who own the patent abuse it.
For example, you mention a vaccine for HIV. Truely something which is in dire need for EVERY nation. Now, let's say MegaBigCorp comes up with that vaccine... Who says they have to charge $5? What's to keep them from charging $50,000? Yes, they want to recoup their spending quick and it is better to have $5 several million times than $50,000 several thousand times, as far as PR. But their margin of profit would be better if they had to produce fewer batches of the vaccine while charging sky-high prices. And lets face it, big corperations aren't about actually "helping" people. Any company working on an HIV vaccine expects to make insane amounts of money, NOT help the world.
They f*cking what? They are patenting human genes??
Oh that's rich... I'm not a big law person (though I have broken my share... I'd have broken more but there aren't any sheep in Boston), but how can you patent something which has been in existence for millions of years? I mean, if it isn't an "invention", if you weren't the one who discovered it, how can you patent it? Does that mean I can patent the moon?
From the article: "Alongside human genes, patents are being sought by organisations [sic], overwhelmingly from rich countries, on hundreds of thousands of animal and plant genes, including those in staple crops such as rice and wheat. "
So, does that mean that one day someone can charge for wheat? Or charge others to tinker with the genetic code for wheat? I mean ye gods, I may be crazy, but this is f*cking RETARDED!
That's it... I'm patenting the fart, then sit outside Taco Bell and rake in the cash.
I can't wait to see if I can get it to work with a game like Leisure Suit Larry.... huh huh.. huh huh huh...
Anything along these lines scares me, actually. I can just imagine when they get things that fit on your various body parts for you to use when playing games and of course for pr0n. A neat idea, but knowing Win98/ME you could end up with a nasty blue screen and the next thing you know you're cooking your Joy Department!
[snip]...a real aversion to intelligent discussion of issues.
Now hold on just one second! Personally, I have found many a good conversation going on here at/.
Why, just the other day I had sat down at my Beowulf cluster with a nice toasty pants full of hot grits to discuss relativity with Natalie Portman.
Granted, it can be difficult to hold a conversation with a waif he is not only emaciated and vapid, but petrified, but I tell you, we were solving the mysteries of the UNIVERSE, I say!
Slashdot Mirror
Now there is one that isn't dead, but certainly coughing up blood. These are still in use in MA with the MBTA for the 71 line and a few others to Watertown, MA.
It's too bad these are dying out, because for the most part they aren't that bad. They're quiet, don't stink, and for the most part seemed to be every bit as reliable as regular busses. The only downside I saw was that oddly enough they seemed to get hotter than normal busses in the summer. But IMHO that's not too bad if you can at least hear yourself think if you're riding one.
Yikes... Fun with radiation.
Anyone know what is going on in these? Namely this one? Pretty nasty stuff. That looks like something melted to slag just pouring out of a drain pipe.
A massive winding down, regressing away from language, in order to address the technological nervousness of the user.
;) but you get my point. They were not nearly so common nor as easy to use, and finding someone to help you who wouldn't treat you like crap was difficult.
:-) But I am saying I disagree with the assertion that the MacOS keeps a person stupid or is designed for morons. I think it is designed to be easy to learn, to be comfortable. And I'm glad that Apple did take on Xerox PARC technology, because it allowed people like me, with little money and little education, to get started.
And this is avoided by making any and all use of the computer handled through cryptic commands, then treating anyone who asks a question about it as though they were a moron? More importantly, at the time, this was a bad thing???
Things today have gotten (somewhat) better, but lets face it, people who were absolute beginners, knew nothing about DOS or Unix, had a very hard time learning unless they could find someone to take them under their wing back in the 80's. That's a big part of the reason I ended up starting out with Macs. I could mount disks, add hardware, format a page, save a document, open a program with a quick click on the icon which showed up on the desktop. I wholeheartedly admit that at the time, as a newbie, I wanted to do... not spend hours or even weeks learning. Yes, that is an evil thing and yes, I now feel that everyone should learn as much as they can, but remember that at that time computers were still this mystical device that only wiz kids knew how to use, or socially inept perverts... hmmm... well... some things haven't changed much
Yes, I admit that the command line, once learned, is faster and more... well, I wouldn't know how to describe it, perhaps more logical is a good description. But now I prefer it because I've learned how and books on the subject of Linux/Unix had become more geared toward the newbie. And while I'm sure that 5 years ago, when I started getting interested in *nix, there were people willing to help, but finding them seemed impossible at the time for someone who was a "blue collar", po' white trash.
MacOS may have been (and may still be) a "dumbed down" computer interface to some. But if I am ever asked by someone who has never used a computer what they should buy, if they have the money I still say "start with a Mac".
I am not saying I think the MacOS is better or worse... No flame wars going on here
I have to go to the drugstore to buy a few more pounds of liquid helium, I'll be back after lunch.
Hmmmm... then does that mean that if you never return you'll be missing, presumed fed?
See, that's my problem. I don't have (and can't afford) a G3 or G4. And only recently have 8600's and even 8500's come down to the price range that I am able to purchase them. 9500's and 9600's as well.
That's one thing that is a mixed blessing of the Mac... They really hold their value. If you're selling your investment, you'll get a much better return on your 2 y/o Mac than WinTel box. But if you are buying a computer and don't have much cash to spend, well, it's one reason the majority of my home network in Intel hardware.
... this makes no rational sence.
Now, I am a Mac user and have been for more than 10 years. I began learning Linux and WinNT/9x about 4 years ago, and even though I've prefered Linux, I always liked the way the Mac looked more than anything windows or X had to offer. Sure, I liked to hack the way that my mac interface looked and felt (woohoo, RedEdit!), but for the most part I've ended up going back to the classic Apple Platinum since the very first Kaleidoscope theme and beta releases of MacOS 8. And now my Macs running Linux PPC all have the Aqua theme with Helix Gnome running on them.
Now... Apple... Steve, baby, talk to me. Why is this wrong? Why can't I and all the other people out there who like both their Macs and their Linux actually have them both? For that matter, why support MKLinux and then not let those of us who use it or another distro make it look and feel as Mac like as we want? We are running it on your machines.
*shrug*
... go stand outside a Taco Bell. You'll be rich by the weekend!
And at todays prices it'd cost ya $10 to fill.
...Nasa may be the next site found in the Smart Filter.
... as someone who started out with Macs, went to Windows, and finally to Linux, MacOS X is IMHO the best of all worlds as long as they continue to allow access to command line and the ability to hack the interface.
/me ends overshare
I know it's sort of a lame reason to really like an OS. Stability and functionality should be (some of) the most important issues. But I have to admit the only reason I even tried Windows 95 was when I saw that you could replace the shell and use apps like Litestep to totally change the experience. I simply hated MS Windows, but realized the need to get to know it. After that, of course I would be interested in Linux and want to get to know it, since so much of Litestep is based on GUI's used with Linux and Unix. And that helped me get over my admittedly irrational fear of working command line, really hacking the way a computer works, etc.
(Taken from the Salon story...)
"I am talking, for instance, about the unsurprising message in PC World's July issue -- based on responses from 16,000 subscribers -- that computer owners are having more trouble than ever with their machines, and that very few of them are happy with these products or the quality of service from their makers."
Wouldn't it stand more to reason that there are more and more consumers purchasing computers than at any time in history, and that ANYONE can buy one? If you purchase a car, you can not take it on the road unless you have at least rudimentary grasp on how to use it (unless you live and drive in Boston... then you just need the car). Not so with computers. Anyone can buy one, but nobody can make sure that person knows how to use it. I had the misfortune to work for a computer retailer, so I speak from first hand experience when I say that the vast majority of complaints about "broken" computers are machines which have absolutely no problems whatsoever. I'd bet any amount that of those 16,000 subscribers, more than HALF got the machines home and immediately installed all sorts of useless crap and promptly trashed the system. Now, I've yet to have any issues with a computer that I have not been able to resolve either through re-installing the OS or taking it back to the retailer and getting a part replaced due to not to negligence, but simply hardware failure. Yes, I have heard horror stories but I am sure it is nothing like author makes it sound.
Wouldn't it be more appropriate to take a hint from software manufacturers when it comes to hardware? Like, on a the side of a box of software it will tell you "Requires: 486 or higher. 16mb RAM" etc.
How about
"If you:
a) Can not tie your own shoes
b) Think 'Tater Tots are one of the 4 major food groups
c) Regularly watch/are featured in 'COPS'
d) Intend to use AOL
e) Do not have even the most remote idea how to use a computer and have no intention to actually learn
...you should not be purchasing this computer"
For once, they seemed to have a good grip on who their audience was going to be.
;), Wall Street Journal (ahh, the joys of IPO's), and new shows involving scantilly clad women and spiffy special effects.
By and large it's seemed that cable stations will throw any ad at any time during any show. But during Dune you saw primarilly ads for Sun Microsystems (hmmm... how'd they guess geeks would be watching?
*sigh* if only they'd had a few of the ones for Victoria's Secret.... Then I wouldn't have been leaving the room after hitting the "pause" button on the VCR, ya can be DAMN sure.
Cassini: I beg your pardon, but you wouldn't happen to be Jupiter, would you?
Jupiter: Why, yes.
Cassini: Nice to meet you! I'm Cassini.
*sniff* You know, these probes make the solar system a kinder, gentler place to live... chokes ya up, don't it?
It now reads:
The goal of the Olympic Movement is to make money, buttloads of money. So much money that we won't actually need to put the squeeze on cities who want to host the Olympics, though it won't stop us from doing it anyway. We want to roll around in 50's and 100's and put rolled up 20's in our ears and nose!
We want to educate youth that there is nothing better than money. As a matter of fact, we just like to say that word. Money. Money. Moneymoneymoneymoneymoneymoney. We will not discriminate as long as you pay up and play by our totalitarian rules, and if you are an athlete you have no rights whatsoever. If we say smile for the camera, you better smile Buck'o!
I mean, why do you need to grow more braincells? And how did they figure out that... errr... How did they... get ummmm.... wait, what was the article about again?
Are we talking about the same island nation? Kinda' long? Cool mountains?
:-P). The proprietor of the shop came at me with a meat cleaver. For a moment I thought I was back in Diablo, about to take on The Butcher and me without so much as a sausage for defense! Literally, all I had done was walk in off the street because something had caught my eye. Luckily, my cat like Ninja reflexes saved my bacon as I deftly performed the ancient "Turn My Narrow Ass Around And RUN" technique.
In nearly every village I've seen (and even in the big cities), a large portion of the shops and restaurants had VERY prominently displayed and obvious signs stating that gaijin (foreigners) were not welcome.
I noticed this after being nearly beheaded while trying to purchase a some gifts (OK, so I didn't read the "prominently" displayed sign
But seriously, there is a growing anti-foreigner sentiment in Japan, thanks in part to Russian/American/etc. organized crime and decidedly thanks to American military behaving like baboons. While in business circles you will be treated VERY well, you will find that left on your own you run the risk of serious verbal and physical abuse.
... You're just trying to see like a woman. All of Mankind has been trying to think like one for centuries.
If we could think like them, things like "feel good movies" and potpoury (sp?) might one day make sense as well!
But I just didn't GOPHER it...
... *ahem* sorry.
Get it?!? GOPHER? *laugh!*SNORT!* Go Fer? *laugh* Go... errr....*ahem* for. It... was
"Put a glide in yo stride and a dip in yo hip, and come on to the Mothership!"
... would we all really be that bummed out if we just banned all French IP's across the board? I mean, they think Jerry Lewis and Benny Hill to be the height of comedy!
What about Friends? What about The Nanny!? What about the new Saturday Night Live!?! What about *snort* what about... *laugh!* I mean... *guffaw*giggle*laugh*
Ok ok... Nobody could have said that last one with a straight face.
"Put a glide in yo stride and a dip in yo hip, and come on to the Mothership!"
I go to the link, and there is the document, and there are all these bits blacked out.
I tell ya, censorship really burns my ***! I mean granted that they want to keep *********'s name hidden, and that information about ****** with the ***** and the ***** with the sheep, it stands to reason. There are still laws about that in most states. But I tell you **** *** ********* **** **** and another thing *** ** ****** ** ***** ** ***** *** ****** ***** government security!?!?! Well they can take their ******* and shove it right ** ** ***** ****** *************!
"Put a glide in yo stride and a dip in yo hip, and come on to the Mothership!"
...on Marblehead.
;-)
If they spend $1 billion on developing that, are you saying they should give it away free of charge? How do we then invest in the next generation? How do we benefit from gene research in the long run? How is research into genes funded at all?
See, now put that way, it more or less makes sense. It is understandable that you need to make money in order to continue to work on such projects. My fear (and perhaps misunderstanding) of the issue is that the people who own the patent abuse it.
For example, you mention a vaccine for HIV. Truely something which is in dire need for EVERY nation. Now, let's say MegaBigCorp comes up with that vaccine... Who says they have to charge $5? What's to keep them from charging $50,000? Yes, they want to recoup their spending quick and it is better to have $5 several million times than $50,000 several thousand times, as far as PR. But their margin of profit would be better if they had to produce fewer batches of the vaccine while charging sky-high prices. And lets face it, big corperations aren't about actually "helping" people. Any company working on an HIV vaccine expects to make insane amounts of money, NOT help the world.
Not that I am a cynic or anything
They f*cking what? They are patenting human genes??
Oh that's rich... I'm not a big law person (though I have broken my share... I'd have broken more but there aren't any sheep in Boston), but how can you patent something which has been in existence for millions of years? I mean, if it isn't an "invention", if you weren't the one who discovered it, how can you patent it? Does that mean I can patent the moon?
From the article: "Alongside human genes, patents are being sought by organisations [sic], overwhelmingly from rich countries, on hundreds of thousands of animal and plant genes, including those in staple crops such as rice and wheat. "
So, does that mean that one day someone can charge for wheat? Or charge others to tinker with the genetic code for wheat? I mean ye gods, I may be crazy, but this is f*cking RETARDED!
That's it... I'm patenting the fart, then sit outside Taco Bell and rake in the cash.
I can't wait to see if I can get it to work with a game like Leisure Suit Larry.... huh huh.. huh huh huh...
Anything along these lines scares me, actually. I can just imagine when they get things that fit on your various body parts for you to use when playing games and of course for pr0n. A neat idea, but knowing Win98/ME you could end up with a nasty blue screen and the next thing you know you're cooking your Joy Department!
...you should SEE what they can do in simulating cloth! I mean, those simulated corduroy pillow cases are making headlines.
Whut?
/.
/me sits back to watch all my karma fly away...
[snip]...a real aversion to intelligent discussion of issues.
Now hold on just one second! Personally, I have found many a good conversation going on here at
Why, just the other day I had sat down at my Beowulf cluster with a nice toasty pants full of hot grits to discuss relativity with Natalie Portman.
Granted, it can be difficult to hold a conversation with a waif he is not only emaciated and vapid, but petrified, but I tell you, we were solving the mysteries of the UNIVERSE, I say!