if the people want to blow their money, than who am I to stop them. I just wish I could convince someone that my uber-charged pocket lint of quantum wonder really is as good as advertised. (It keeps albino frogs from falling on your head... because since I have noticed the lint, I have yet to have any albino frogs nail me in the nogg'n.)
the fact that anyone would see this as good, or the fact that it has not only been proven through history and exhaustive study (this type of tactic, that is) to not work, but that in the US it is unconstitutional. It makes me think more and more that our politicians, councilmen, sheriffs and police chiefs have never even heard of, much less read, the Constitution.
So, it is both a bit depressing and rather amusing at the same time.
well, I look at things first from the perspective of 'dont mess with nature'. Simply because nature is a VERY complex beast and like with advanced computing systems, one little tweak here and there to some subprocess can have devestating consequences that cover the entire system.
Fortunately, it would seem people are becoming wise to certain specific instances of this, such as the rise of interest in organic foods and non-hormone laden meats. Unfortunately, it would seem many only reach this point if it is pounded into their skulls, and presented with dancing clowns and the latest fad of music. Plus, it seems to me, IMHO, that while the specific lessons are learned, it is rare that true enlightenment is achieved. OK, break out the analogy police 'cause this will be bad. Imagine sticking a fork into an electric socket and living, but getting a nasty jolt. While many would argue that by learning not to stick forks into electric sockets is the sign of intelligence, I think it is wisdom that is trully important. Many other lessons can be learned, from learning not to stick ANYTHING in the socket, testing to see if it is live first or taking the appropriate precautions on through the lesson of simply being cautious of situations in which you are unsure of consequences of interacting with it/them. I might just as well learn not to stick my hand on a stove before checking its status first, or maybe even learn that appearances are deceiving.
Here, I think that it would be fantastic to eventually be able to grow replacement 'parts' for people, but I distrust anyone who takes a flippant attitude of 'we know all (or most) of what there is to know about [X]'. Its been that attitude that led to my scrapping of that person (or a victim) off the street. (Paramedic)
Ok, a little rambling perhaps, but I wanted to share my perspective.
The presidents decision involved federal funding. That means using money taken from law-abiding citizens against their will under the threat of violence if they do not comply. Indeed our history and that of other countries both ancient and modern is full of cases where law abiding citizens who contribute greatly to society through service and other resources (like philanthropic donations) are jailed, gunned down and have their lives and those lives of friends, family and descendents ruined in the name of 'the people'.
The simple logic is this: if an issue is important to people so that we say we 'want it to be funded', then ask yourselves why then must those same "socially conscience" people be forced to fund that issues processes. Perhaps by putting off getting their next hard drive, CD, game, gadget, TV, DVD, beer, etc... we could contribute voluntarily? Also, what kind of a person can say they are kind, giving and open minded when they both force others to bend to their will and then refuse to look at alternatives in the case that their process is not showing favorable results?
As citizens of the US, we have tremendous opportunity to live the lives we choose, which includes supporting the issues we feel strongly about. With freedom comes responsibility and we can choose to practice that freedom and live like humans, or sit back like talking monkeys and let everything be 'taken care of' for us.
History teaches us, at the very least, not be too surprised when the same organization we empower to control our neighbors is inevitable turned on us in its ever increasing goal of control and subjugation. So basically, please remember that the media and the bureaucrats live off of the conflict and spin, but we can choose to make real progress... imagine ACTION being preferred over rhetoric.
BTW, I would advise checking with the BBB and other such groups to insure you reach ethical philanthropic organizations. I just wish this could be extended to include bureaucracies as well.
its pretty hard to take someone seriously when STFU is their subject or message. Its even funnier when someone is calling someone closed minded, biggoted or hateful and then proceeds to flame them... irony is appreciated if not understood.
errr, I don't know Java, but am about to start. Isn't JTA the API for calls and such?
oh yeah I guess we ARE supposed to wear those things... well I don't unless I go across the street.
I am in 5139 (ETS), and you? I am installing linux on a machine so I am taking breaks between builds with slashdot... actually I need to crack open some books now.
I have that little chant in my head about the apple a day keeping the doctor away. On a serious note, would eating 'tough' food stall or reverse this low G effect? Because it would keep them regular too! I can just imagine the mess in micro-G... manned space missions would be just like over seas missions of old, where every ship had to carry barrels full of citrus fruits. Funny how that seems to happen throughout history.
well, I sincerely hope that this is the percursor to the old Origin coming back. IMHO, the biggest factor is not money, but ethics. I hope that Garriot and company learned and grew wise... not just learned one particular very specific lesson of 'Beware EA' or 'Don't sell your soul to EA'. The real lesson is, always allow yourself the freedom to innovate(TM) (hehehe, sorry couldn't resist) without being hindered by marketers and middle or upper management. Don't get me wrong, I think that those positions are needed, but I have noticed a very repetitive pattern of companies outgrowing themselves then major changes taking place (internally or by being absorbed or hiring some suits). Either way, it ends up with the marketers making business decisions not marketing, and the management micro-mismanaging in areas that they either no little to none about, or just are spread too thin.
If I could ask of Garriot one big thing, it would be "Please don't loose site of yourselves in the storm of business, please listen to that child inside you that wants to create, and please go back to more emphasis in gameplay, story/plot and immersion and then artwork will augment it all... Not pretty bells and whistles first and the whole gaming experience as an afterthought." OK, so it is not one thing and is really long.
I have faith they will find their way and become the group of gaming and game making fanatics that they used to be. Good Luck! (yet another thing making me want to move back to Texas)
try sacking at a grocery store that is located in a veritable war zone. Shootings more frequent than car backfires and muggings guaranteed more than a friendly 'hello'
Not fun, but I have done the pizza bit at several joints, and waited tables at a number of others... I am a glutton for punishment
karma whoring was the last thing on my mind... I still am curious what people's thoughts are on this subject... time to browse the rest of the messages I suppose
I just came back from some training about network stuff and the instructor often posed many scenarios for us to work through. He would often state how there were problems with this or that network (not always a computer network) that were 'solved' by charging for access when there normally was no charge. Several examples involved network managers who noticed that if they charged (or just threatened to charge:) departements for their network usage, (including a fee per email, or for email size) that many of the problems in the network went away. hehe, sounded funny at first, but then he explained how the major usage was non business, or just spammy business related. The end result not only improved network performance for all but also resulted in more efficient business dealings and processes.
Now, many examples of this were given, and I mean MANY, but I recall the instructor mentioning that while he sees this as a solution, that he wants a less painful one that can result in the eventual free use of network access (including voice and video).
The thing is... when people see a medium as unlimited (in this case network bandwidth [access]) they tend to use it very inefficiently. "Sure, let me download these 2 Gig files and see 'if I like them'". Woah! You may have great access, but you will negatively effect others on the network (both source and destination). Plus what about the hardware serving up you binary delights? We all have experienced the horror of 100's of emails that say little more than "Me too!" while 'helpfully' quoting the entire history of the mail message in the rest of the body. The same thing happens in other aspects. Voice? People stay on the line while they pinch a loaf or watch TV, video?... they get bored and go cook a snack while keeping the connection open. Or they just download every bit of info they need and basically 'Cache the Net'... or rather Store the Net.
So, how do you provide free access in a non draconian manner without sacrificing the very access you desire to bestow. "Sure, I got that 'thar inter-net thingy, but it is slower than my great-grandpappy's bowel movements and just as reliable too!" Well, enough of that... anyway, I look forward to any comments on this (links are always welcome).
my oops, about the company, but I was more posting in general than specific to this. The mention of IBM was a goof because of the post I hit respond to. Funny how a simple mistake can cause such an outpouring of emotion from people, but I appologize for 'causing' you to loose it. Oh, and you need to read up on moderation, posting, and some net-eticate (sp?, ah who cares it might entertain you). Keep smiling happy boy!
that an idea is not patentable, but a particular algorithm (real algorithm, not a trumped up abstract) can be. If MS or anyone else comes up with a codec on their own that is similar, it would take a an analysist to find out if it appeared that the codec was basically a copy with some minor sequence changes... sort of like when someone copies from another source for research, but then merely changes some word orders around or puts in synonyms, that is plagarism.
Now, if MS was using the IBM codec inside their own codecs, or inside a product without permission and royalties to IBM, then IBM is WELL WITHIN THEIR RIGHTS. Don't confuse ideas with implementation methods, however.
when I was in high school, I responded to my first fatal car wreck. Dude had been drinking and celebrating his 22nd and last birthday. Not to mention that with my brother being a fireman/paramedic for years, I definetely got some hands on experience with stupidity. My point (yeah, I'm gett'n to it...) is that I too learned a very valuable lesson that was burned into me. On the other hand, and this probably was why I was 'uncool' at school, I often looked at things from the 'other side' which was most often parental or other authoritative aspects. Now, I still got into a lot of mischief, but I made sure that my stupidity (most of the time) was really harmless and not just called that to make myself or my parents feel better.(or goad some poor pathetic sucker into doing it... peer pressure and all that)
I don't have kids right now... too young, but my wife and I will someday, so we take this crap seriously. I can easily say that this method will cause many more problems than it will solve. Or perhaps I should say, if it is used on the average kid it will. If your kids suck, and spend all their waking hours trying to find ways of doing stupid crap then this might be an intermediate step before prison, or on familial side, before military school... hehehe, its not that bad. However, like with all things in the world, this is a decision of the parent, NOT any governmental, corporate, or special intereste group to mandate.
As for rights of kids, well I take the approach of historical analysis. Notice how in the past, that kids got married at 16 and had a 3 kid family by 19 or 20? Knights, depending on the era and region, could have received their rights to arms at 16, meaning they were not only able to fight, but were leaders of men, not just footsoldiers or conscriptions. Hell, they often became great commanders by 17 or 18. Now do you think they had that stupid rebellion streak in them, hell yeah! But they grew up in tough times and were instilled with honor and respect (both ways those streets run, mind you).
Therefore, I personally think that by adding REAL responsibilities to these kids empty lives, you will see really good results. Treating them like criminals, or subjects of a tyranny, see: China, with UK, USA and especially Australia coming up fast, will most likely result in criminal behavior. Perhaps I just saw too many shallow pathetic loosers in high school, while the quite outcast 'kids' were out fighting fires, saving lives and such. Now look at all the social butterflies (includes the 'Anti...' folks), they are now the adult version of their childhood, automaton drones with little true value to their lives. Oh well, too ranty, gotta stop now.
Conclusion: Parents - you are responsible for your kids, but remember what the road to hell is paved with, don't be like so many foolish Americans that become enamoured with processes and forget about testing results. Children: next time you have a choice on whether to do something stupid or not, remember that your choice will tell the world how mature and stable you are, and you gotta live with the consequences later... suck it up. Hehehe, I say send them kids to boot camp and meet the cheery caring Marine Drill instructers, "welcome to hell, pukes"
when thinking of these I suddenly get this amusing picture in my head of someone on a spinning chair, that sticks their legs out, thus slowing the actual rotation, but when the tuck them back in the speed way up.
Therefore, I propose we find the amount of mass and distance needed to perform the same thing with the earth. Thousands of platforms/elevators that will slow the earths rotation giving us more bag/sex time... then on special holidays like MartiGras, we quickly retract these and speed up the Earths rotation.... WEEEEEEEEEEE!!!
All in jest, any morons pointing out actual mathmatical formula that proves this or that isn't possible, please go and get laid... quickly!
I agree that they are different, at least in the very recent past. Tools are different, interface is different (not just user interface, mind you) and the actual code layout and design is different (which doesn't even cover optimization needs and methods). However, as games end up using more IT related functions and backbones (with multiplayer over various internetworking protocols coming to mind), the structure seems to be borrowing from the strict business app IT side. What I am interested in is supplimenting the IT side with the tools and tricks of the gaming side. Graphical simulators are typical candidates for this (and vice versa), but so are physics simulators (materials and design), as well as architecture related programs. For example, look at the Sims. Immensely popular, the game has interested many others in the idea of combining the different levels of management and control into one game. Many are dreaming of a combined 'Universe' game where many of the earlier Sim-games are combined in a modular fashion that allows the end user to take on what extra management roles as he/she wants. The AI involved with this would be rather impressive and could easily be used in so many different IT aspects, like various distributed networking/processing schemes.
I personally don't believe that this can happen right this second, but as these games are evolving it will require much more merging... just ask the persistent world game developers. Obviously, the down side of this is the multi-role problem of having a development house consulting on the various aspects of their efforts while maintaing expertese in what they do.... jack of all trades, master of none and such. But like anything else in its infancy, it is just a necessary phase to go through in order to grow properly.
Personally I would like to see more effort put into AI and physics, which in turn allow more effort to be put into gameplay and story. There is enough pretty but crappy products out there, again IMHO. A scalable game (not just graphics) would be a great system to allow mod's to be added onto. Instead of just tweaking the AI scripts, names, and graphics... a good mod maker would be able to unlock the components for a differing physics and graphical rendering and make a much different game than what he/she originally had. For example, take a game like Homeworld, spice up the physics and rendering (since speed is not an issue), include methods for creation and editing of objects (with some of the standard primitives out there now) and end up with a neat little space ship designer, or perhaps an educational program for physics and math... or higher level as a teaching program for working/developing 3D graphics, physics and AI. What about making it into a Home design/add-on for home and gardening freaks. Now, this may take such a high level of design that time makes it obsolete once it is released, but then again, if you design it in a modular fashion, you could add/modify the graphics engine later.... just a thought. Would love to work on something like this myself, but spending way too much time playing with networks these days.
angry, bitter patent related rant
on
Surround Lights
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· Score: 2
just kidding!
actually, just wanted to point out that since this is yet another example of a simple RE-introduction of an existing idea simply to a new medium, it would be hard to justify a patent... however, note I said justify, not actually gain one, but that is another story. Growing up, I have been to several examples of this, from rock concerts with lasers, pyrotechnics and video screens all strategically placed (and sync'd), to outdoor events placing lights to simulate lightening, and of course, lets not forget some of the better planetarium shows. (or was it sanitarium... hmmmm I could be imagining all this). Maybe even throw in firework and various air shows.
However, this would really be great, especially with really scary movies. But my worry would be the liability of stupid people out to steal a quick buck (or several million). Of course, that Nintendo flashing light thingy that brought out seizures in some kiddo's was real enough (although not as prevalent as many enjoyed claiming). hehehe, I am know thinking of the Simpon's episode in Japan, with the seizure inducing cartoons... what was it called?
first of all, for the individual slow user, the fact that they can get a file that much faster, yet take the same time to analyze and/or manipulate does not mean the transmit time is invalid or irrelevant. Since much data is handled in pieces or streams and then put together to be presented, or just kept in the background as administration or backend stuff... the issue becomes very important.
This leads right into quantity. The more data required (and this keeps getting exponentially larger) whether sending or receiving (which of course includes verification and error correction) requires not only a singular faster bandwidth, but is also greatly aided in many tasks by parallel data paths, whether physical or logical. A good example of this is the efficiency of SCSI and IDE (regardless of the little suffixes and prefixes). IDE is getting MUCH faster, but besides just the spin rate and bus transfer rate, the bottle neck is of course on the controller side with the big issue for developers (of the hardware) being the very thing that makes IDE, IDE and not something else. Yet, even though the low level studies don't show much of an increase in actual data streaming rates, the end performance for applications is much better. SCSI, on the other hand, has parallel data paths. So, besides the redundancy and additive nature of all the paths together, another nice thing about SCSI is that even if the bandwidth is lower (perhaps due to the bottleneck at the motherboard end) the fact that you can perform multiple tasks "at once" and hit multiple random areas really adds to the all around effectiveness of the technology... albeit with a varied amount depending on what kind of access you are requiring.
Ok, enough Karma whoring... just wanted to spit that out real quick. BTW, the effect of a larger(bandwidth) backbone has consitently proven to be more effective regardless of the end users connection speed. So even with the CE bottlenecks, the added speed of the fiber network will help everyone. How much, I have NO clue.
my wife is getting into writting, and really has learned to enjoy fantasy and other epic scale stories and events. She has even expressed her concern to write a game at some point, with me doing the footwork. Now, I am not asking about the game side particularly (that is too big a subject) but both of us would be intersted in learning the ins and outs of plot and story development that could help us. Would you suggest (time is precious, and earlier it was posted that it is a bit of a difficult read) starting from front to back with his works (all of them) or just some of the better ones and maybe some other works directly inspired and staying true to form of Campbell's work?
Not to sound lazy, but at this point of our lives we would not want to devote our entire existence to this, but want a good foundation to build on later. Thank you, for any suggestions
as a Christian, I follow the word of God (through Christ and his apostles) and listen when the Bible says to police your self. Just look at all the letters to the churches where self righteous hypocrites were smacked down by the apostles. If you truly wish to follow Christ, then the first thing you realize is that you cannot force your views on others. You cannot force someone to 'believe' as that is illogical by the very definition of faith and belief.
The problem with the Christian Coalition is that they have indeed been the instigators of censorship and denial of freedom and liberty to others. They very much judge others and act against the will of God in a manner that indicates that they believe that they have God's permission and granted power to judge mortal man. Christianity is about choice, and I see that in your post that you realize that. Unfortunately (for whatever reason... perhaps because of the name) you don't recognize the fact that the Christian Coalition is anything but Christian. They are the Sagicee who violently rips his clothes off and wails for all to see and hear his piety yet fails to understand the love of God. Republican and Christian may not necessarily be the opposites, but that is only if said Christian Republican works to return his/her party to the way it was intended to be run. As it is right now, the Christian Coalition is a baby Inquisition, just waiting for an excuse to 'cleanse and purify' the country/world.
I encourage you to do the logical thing and analyze your party and the extremist group known as the Christian Coalition. And then to study until you know the difference between a stated goal and an actual one. Tyrants and other evil men throughout history love to gain support by convincing others that they are doing what they do for 'the good of the people'... please don't become one of them!
POLICE YOURSELF AND YOUR GROUP!!!!!!!!
As for the reason for mistrust of Government, if you don't know the answer to that I implore you to look at history, both international and domestic, ancient and recent... then go and read up on the memoirs and other documents that detail the desires and reasons for the Founding Fathers of this country doing what they did. The Republicans have a great opportunity to return the country back to its citizens, but if they continue to stall and play politicians instead of Statesmen... well it is just the same script titled "Tyrant" but with different actors and stage names.
I part with a couple of quotes that seem to fit here, well to me at least!
"Government is not reason, it is not eloquence, it is force; like fire, a troublesome servant and a fearful master. " - George Washington
"They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety." - Ben Franklin
"I may not agree with what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it." --Voltaire
A multitude of laws in a country is like a great number of physicians, a sign of weakness and malady. --Voltaire
"The only freedom which deserves the name, is that of
pursuing our own good in our own way, so long as we do not
attempt to deprive others of theirs, or impede their
efforts to obtain it." -- John Stuart Mill, 1859
"We ought to be no less persuaded that the propitious smiles of Heaven can never be expected upon a nation that disregards the eternal rules of order and right which Heaven itself has ordained." ~George Washington ~April 30, 1789, Washington's first inaugural address
"Liberty means responsibility. That is why most men dread it." - Lock
"When people are being beaten with a stick, they are not much happier if it is called 'the People's Stick'." -Bakunin
Slashdot Mirror
if the people want to blow their money, than who am I to stop them. I just wish I could convince someone that my uber-charged pocket lint of quantum wonder really is as good as advertised. (It keeps albino frogs from falling on your head... because since I have noticed the lint, I have yet to have any albino frogs nail me in the nogg'n.)
So, it is both a bit depressing and rather amusing at the same time.
Fortunately, it would seem people are becoming wise to certain specific instances of this, such as the rise of interest in organic foods and non-hormone laden meats. Unfortunately, it would seem many only reach this point if it is pounded into their skulls, and presented with dancing clowns and the latest fad of music. Plus, it seems to me, IMHO, that while the specific lessons are learned, it is rare that true enlightenment is achieved. OK, break out the analogy police 'cause this will be bad. Imagine sticking a fork into an electric socket and living, but getting a nasty jolt. While many would argue that by learning not to stick forks into electric sockets is the sign of intelligence, I think it is wisdom that is trully important. Many other lessons can be learned, from learning not to stick ANYTHING in the socket, testing to see if it is live first or taking the appropriate precautions on through the lesson of simply being cautious of situations in which you are unsure of consequences of interacting with it/them. I might just as well learn not to stick my hand on a stove before checking its status first, or maybe even learn that appearances are deceiving.
Here, I think that it would be fantastic to eventually be able to grow replacement 'parts' for people, but I distrust anyone who takes a flippant attitude of 'we know all (or most) of what there is to know about [X]'. Its been that attitude that led to my scrapping of that person (or a victim) off the street. (Paramedic)
The presidents decision involved federal funding. That means using money taken from law-abiding citizens against their will under the threat of violence if they do not comply. Indeed our history and that of other countries both ancient and modern is full of cases where law abiding citizens who contribute greatly to society through service and other resources (like philanthropic donations) are jailed, gunned down and have their lives and those lives of friends, family and descendents ruined in the name of 'the people'.
The simple logic is this: if an issue is important to people so that we say we 'want it to be funded', then ask yourselves why then must those same "socially conscience" people be forced to fund that issues processes. Perhaps by putting off getting their next hard drive, CD, game, gadget, TV, DVD, beer, etc... we could contribute voluntarily? Also, what kind of a person can say they are kind, giving and open minded when they both force others to bend to their will and then refuse to look at alternatives in the case that their process is not showing favorable results?
As citizens of the US, we have tremendous opportunity to live the lives we choose, which includes supporting the issues we feel strongly about. With freedom comes responsibility and we can choose to practice that freedom and live like humans, or sit back like talking monkeys and let everything be 'taken care of' for us.
History teaches us, at the very least, not be too surprised when the same organization we empower to control our neighbors is inevitable turned on us in its ever increasing goal of control and subjugation. So basically, please remember that the media and the bureaucrats live off of the conflict and spin, but we can choose to make real progress... imagine ACTION being preferred over rhetoric.
BTW, I would advise checking with the BBB and other such groups to insure you reach ethical philanthropic organizations. I just wish this could be extended to include bureaucracies as well.
that was not me, look up 86026 in issaic.
errr, I don't know Java, but am about to start. Isn't JTA the API for calls and such?
I am in 5139 (ETS), and you? I am installing linux on a machine so I am taking breaks between builds with slashdot... actually I need to crack open some books now.
Was my assumption correct in that you are on the second floor? And that you are doing *shudder* segmenting? (Thus the segmenting lab :)
I have that little chant in my head about the apple a day keeping the doctor away. On a serious note, would eating 'tough' food stall or reverse this low G effect? Because it would keep them regular too! I can just imagine the mess in micro-G... manned space missions would be just like over seas missions of old, where every ship had to carry barrels full of citrus fruits. Funny how that seems to happen throughout history.
Enterprise
I am with SAIC, in McLean, and I just happen to be working on a DISA contract. Oh joy! :(
If I could ask of Garriot one big thing, it would be "Please don't loose site of yourselves in the storm of business, please listen to that child inside you that wants to create, and please go back to more emphasis in gameplay, story/plot and immersion and then artwork will augment it all... Not pretty bells and whistles first and the whole gaming experience as an afterthought." OK, so it is not one thing and is really long.
I have faith they will find their way and become the group of gaming and game making fanatics that they used to be. Good Luck! (yet another thing making me want to move back to Texas)
Not fun, but I have done the pizza bit at several joints, and waited tables at a number of others... I am a glutton for punishment
Poor SOB
karma whoring was the last thing on my mind... I still am curious what people's thoughts are on this subject... time to browse the rest of the messages I suppose
Now, many examples of this were given, and I mean MANY, but I recall the instructor mentioning that while he sees this as a solution, that he wants a less painful one that can result in the eventual free use of network access (including voice and video).
The thing is... when people see a medium as unlimited (in this case network bandwidth [access]) they tend to use it very inefficiently. "Sure, let me download these 2 Gig files and see 'if I like them'". Woah! You may have great access, but you will negatively effect others on the network (both source and destination). Plus what about the hardware serving up you binary delights? We all have experienced the horror of 100's of emails that say little more than "Me too!" while 'helpfully' quoting the entire history of the mail message in the rest of the body. The same thing happens in other aspects. Voice? People stay on the line while they pinch a loaf or watch TV, video?... they get bored and go cook a snack while keeping the connection open. Or they just download every bit of info they need and basically 'Cache the Net'... or rather Store the Net.
So, how do you provide free access in a non draconian manner without sacrificing the very access you desire to bestow. "Sure, I got that 'thar inter-net thingy, but it is slower than my great-grandpappy's bowel movements and just as reliable too!" Well, enough of that... anyway, I look forward to any comments on this (links are always welcome).
my oops, about the company, but I was more posting in general than specific to this. The mention of IBM was a goof because of the post I hit respond to. Funny how a simple mistake can cause such an outpouring of emotion from people, but I appologize for 'causing' you to loose it. Oh, and you need to read up on moderation, posting, and some net-eticate (sp?, ah who cares it might entertain you). Keep smiling happy boy!
Now, if MS was using the IBM codec inside their own codecs, or inside a product without permission and royalties to IBM, then IBM is WELL WITHIN THEIR RIGHTS. Don't confuse ideas with implementation methods, however.
I don't have kids right now... too young, but my wife and I will someday, so we take this crap seriously. I can easily say that this method will cause many more problems than it will solve. Or perhaps I should say, if it is used on the average kid it will. If your kids suck, and spend all their waking hours trying to find ways of doing stupid crap then this might be an intermediate step before prison, or on familial side, before military school... hehehe, its not that bad. However, like with all things in the world, this is a decision of the parent, NOT any governmental, corporate, or special intereste group to mandate.
As for rights of kids, well I take the approach of historical analysis. Notice how in the past, that kids got married at 16 and had a 3 kid family by 19 or 20? Knights, depending on the era and region, could have received their rights to arms at 16, meaning they were not only able to fight, but were leaders of men, not just footsoldiers or conscriptions. Hell, they often became great commanders by 17 or 18. Now do you think they had that stupid rebellion streak in them, hell yeah! But they grew up in tough times and were instilled with honor and respect (both ways those streets run, mind you).
Therefore, I personally think that by adding REAL responsibilities to these kids empty lives, you will see really good results. Treating them like criminals, or subjects of a tyranny, see: China, with UK, USA and especially Australia coming up fast, will most likely result in criminal behavior. Perhaps I just saw too many shallow pathetic loosers in high school, while the quite outcast 'kids' were out fighting fires, saving lives and such. Now look at all the social butterflies (includes the 'Anti...' folks), they are now the adult version of their childhood, automaton drones with little true value to their lives. Oh well, too ranty, gotta stop now.
Conclusion: Parents - you are responsible for your kids, but remember what the road to hell is paved with, don't be like so many foolish Americans that become enamoured with processes and forget about testing results. Children: next time you have a choice on whether to do something stupid or not, remember that your choice will tell the world how mature and stable you are, and you gotta live with the consequences later... suck it up. Hehehe, I say send them kids to boot camp and meet the cheery caring Marine Drill instructers, "welcome to hell, pukes"
Therefore, I propose we find the amount of mass and distance needed to perform the same thing with the earth. Thousands of platforms/elevators that will slow the earths rotation giving us more bag/sex time... then on special holidays like MartiGras, we quickly retract these and speed up the Earths rotation.... WEEEEEEEEEEE!!!
All in jest, any morons pointing out actual mathmatical formula that proves this or that isn't possible, please go and get laid... quickly!
I personally don't believe that this can happen right this second, but as these games are evolving it will require much more merging... just ask the persistent world game developers. Obviously, the down side of this is the multi-role problem of having a development house consulting on the various aspects of their efforts while maintaing expertese in what they do.... jack of all trades, master of none and such. But like anything else in its infancy, it is just a necessary phase to go through in order to grow properly.
Personally I would like to see more effort put into AI and physics, which in turn allow more effort to be put into gameplay and story. There is enough pretty but crappy products out there, again IMHO. A scalable game (not just graphics) would be a great system to allow mod's to be added onto. Instead of just tweaking the AI scripts, names, and graphics... a good mod maker would be able to unlock the components for a differing physics and graphical rendering and make a much different game than what he/she originally had. For example, take a game like Homeworld, spice up the physics and rendering (since speed is not an issue), include methods for creation and editing of objects (with some of the standard primitives out there now) and end up with a neat little space ship designer, or perhaps an educational program for physics and math... or higher level as a teaching program for working/developing 3D graphics, physics and AI. What about making it into a Home design/add-on for home and gardening freaks. Now, this may take such a high level of design that time makes it obsolete once it is released, but then again, if you design it in a modular fashion, you could add/modify the graphics engine later.... just a thought. Would love to work on something like this myself, but spending way too much time playing with networks these days.
actually, just wanted to point out that since this is yet another example of a simple RE-introduction of an existing idea simply to a new medium, it would be hard to justify a patent... however, note I said justify, not actually gain one, but that is another story. Growing up, I have been to several examples of this, from rock concerts with lasers, pyrotechnics and video screens all strategically placed (and sync'd), to outdoor events placing lights to simulate lightening, and of course, lets not forget some of the better planetarium shows. (or was it sanitarium... hmmmm I could be imagining all this). Maybe even throw in firework and various air shows.
However, this would really be great, especially with really scary movies. But my worry would be the liability of stupid people out to steal a quick buck (or several million). Of course, that Nintendo flashing light thingy that brought out seizures in some kiddo's was real enough (although not as prevalent as many enjoyed claiming). hehehe, I am know thinking of the Simpon's episode in Japan, with the seizure inducing cartoons... what was it called?
first of all, for the individual slow user, the fact that they can get a file that much faster, yet take the same time to analyze and/or manipulate does not mean the transmit time is invalid or irrelevant. Since much data is handled in pieces or streams and then put together to be presented, or just kept in the background as administration or backend stuff... the issue becomes very important.
This leads right into quantity. The more data required (and this keeps getting exponentially larger) whether sending or receiving (which of course includes verification and error correction) requires not only a singular faster bandwidth, but is also greatly aided in many tasks by parallel data paths, whether physical or logical. A good example of this is the efficiency of SCSI and IDE (regardless of the little suffixes and prefixes). IDE is getting MUCH faster, but besides just the spin rate and bus transfer rate, the bottle neck is of course on the controller side with the big issue for developers (of the hardware) being the very thing that makes IDE, IDE and not something else. Yet, even though the low level studies don't show much of an increase in actual data streaming rates, the end performance for applications is much better. SCSI, on the other hand, has parallel data paths. So, besides the redundancy and additive nature of all the paths together, another nice thing about SCSI is that even if the bandwidth is lower (perhaps due to the bottleneck at the motherboard end) the fact that you can perform multiple tasks "at once" and hit multiple random areas really adds to the all around effectiveness of the technology... albeit with a varied amount depending on what kind of access you are requiring.
Ok, enough Karma whoring... just wanted to spit that out real quick. BTW, the effect of a larger(bandwidth) backbone has consitently proven to be more effective regardless of the end users connection speed. So even with the CE bottlenecks, the added speed of the fiber network will help everyone. How much, I have NO clue.
Not to sound lazy, but at this point of our lives we would not want to devote our entire existence to this, but want a good foundation to build on later. Thank you, for any suggestions
The problem with the Christian Coalition is that they have indeed been the instigators of censorship and denial of freedom and liberty to others. They very much judge others and act against the will of God in a manner that indicates that they believe that they have God's permission and granted power to judge mortal man. Christianity is about choice, and I see that in your post that you realize that. Unfortunately (for whatever reason... perhaps because of the name) you don't recognize the fact that the Christian Coalition is anything but Christian. They are the Sagicee who violently rips his clothes off and wails for all to see and hear his piety yet fails to understand the love of God. Republican and Christian may not necessarily be the opposites, but that is only if said Christian Republican works to return his/her party to the way it was intended to be run. As it is right now, the Christian Coalition is a baby Inquisition, just waiting for an excuse to 'cleanse and purify' the country/world.
I encourage you to do the logical thing and analyze your party and the extremist group known as the Christian Coalition. And then to study until you know the difference between a stated goal and an actual one. Tyrants and other evil men throughout history love to gain support by convincing others that they are doing what they do for 'the good of the people'... please don't become one of them!
POLICE YOURSELF AND YOUR GROUP!!!!!!!!
As for the reason for mistrust of Government, if you don't know the answer to that I implore you to look at history, both international and domestic, ancient and recent... then go and read up on the memoirs and other documents that detail the desires and reasons for the Founding Fathers of this country doing what they did. The Republicans have a great opportunity to return the country back to its citizens, but if they continue to stall and play politicians instead of Statesmen... well it is just the same script titled "Tyrant" but with different actors and stage names.
I part with a couple of quotes that seem to fit here, well to me at least!
"Government is not reason, it is not eloquence, it is force; like fire, a troublesome servant and a fearful master. " - George Washington
"They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety." - Ben Franklin
"I may not agree with what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it." --Voltaire
A multitude of laws in a country is like a great number of physicians, a sign of weakness and malady. --Voltaire
"The only freedom which deserves the name, is that of pursuing our own good in our own way, so long as we do not attempt to deprive others of theirs, or impede their efforts to obtain it." -- John Stuart Mill, 1859
"We ought to be no less persuaded that the propitious smiles of Heaven can never be expected upon a nation that disregards the eternal rules of order and right which Heaven itself has ordained." ~George Washington ~April 30, 1789, Washington's first inaugural address
"Liberty means responsibility. That is why most men dread it." - Lock
"When people are being beaten with a stick, they are not much happier if it is called 'the People's Stick'." -Bakunin