now all we have to do is hijack a plane to japan, grab a couple playstations and brandish them in front of us as we head to a plane destined for Cuba.
"Stand back or Solid Snake's gonna put a cap in your ass!!"
This is going to start a X-mas revolt in the states "Mom...you got me an X box instead of a PSX2??? ARE YOU FUCKING NUTS???? SOMEBODY GET ME A FUCKING GUN!!!!"
Posters talk about how...as the phenomenon of a particular movie grows, it's ownership rights expand to include that of the public. I'm not so certain this can be entirely true. Because the Toyota Camry is the most popular selling car in america...does that devalue the trademark on it? Certainly not. Works written by Shakespeare and Voltaire have become public domain because they have been around for so long. Public domain doesn't happen over the course of a few decades, It happens over the course of centuries. Believe me: if you try to write a story about the new adventures of Holden Caulfield - J.D. Salenger is still going to put the smackdown on that ass - (ebonically speaking)
While it may be unfortunate (this is more of a moral/ethical issue) that the popularity of a product has nothing to do with the rights of the author, it is nevertheless the case. If I write a song, or a book that becomes so popular as to inspire a new genre of film or literature or whatever else. It is still a fact that i own that book. The rights to it are mine and it is through my own benevolence that i lease artistic license to any other individual wishing to use that art in some other fashion.
What i'm trying to say here is that, while indeed it is good that we have hundreds of Star Trek or Star Wars based books to choose from, even socially beneficial, it does not decrease the rights of the original authors. Those books are allowed to be published and reproduced because the creators were "nice", so to speak. I believe that if they allow you to make money off of that fact, then it is a mutually beneficial situation. If they DON'T allow you to make money off of the creation of something based on their work...I'm sorry, but you don't have a legal leg to stand on. - If you recreate a novel based on the characters created and trademarked by Gene Rodenberry and try to sell it without express written permission of [his wife now i guess?] - then we're honestly talking about trademark infringement. You may argue that it should be otherwise, that everyone's creations should be public domain, etc. etc. - well then you're living in the wrong country...the wrong planet for that matter. It's capitalism, and it's going to be around for a while.
I used to work in a video store so i know where you're coming from. In point of fact...some movies actually cost up to $500 a tape depending on their "worth" to the movie renting public. I believe that's what we got some crappy Tom Cruise movie for several years back.
However, these videos are generally only sold by resellers so they are nearly impossible to come by for joe video buyer as the resellers usually only sell these in bulk. Yes - you can buy just about anything at any time...it's just a question of price. but WTF - maybe i'll pay that much when infinite jest is made into a movie:P
This takes us down that lovely stroll we call VHS vs. DVD. It's obvious that DVD is of a better quality - but right now there's just too much about VHS that is dominating the market. Lucas's decision to release E1 on VHS first was obviously all about marketing but i'm glad he did it. I don't own a DVD player and i'm seriously sick that i get punished for not being on the cutting edge of tech - no...most people still don't own DVD players, we just get to watch the movies released for DVD several weeks/months earlier at a friend's house.
While DVD is cool as hell - i seriously don't want to have to work at hunting down a subtitled version of Das Boot on DVD format. It's really nice to be able to stroll down to my local Media Play and pick that up. When DVD gets to that point - then i'll buy one. It's almost there, but not quite.
Is this the movie where Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet get on the bow of the big star ship Craptanic and he says "I'm the king of the battlefield earth!"
and then a spaceburg rips a hole in the side of their starship and everyone dies and shit! - Something like that could maybe win best picture.
You put down an excellent point - with a few exceptions. For many americans, driving is not necessarily a choice. It is a necessity. Case in point: My mother works approximately 10 miles from work - this would be a ridiculous walk/jog especially in the Colorado climate we get here in the winter. I myself work about 15-20 miles from home where i am unable to even take public transportation because i work the swing shift. Cities in the states are a prime example of Urban Sprawl - where there really isn't much of a choice in whether or not to take the car. Most people live at least 10 miles or more from their place of employment, and in many cities - public transportation is abismal!
I think the key to losing weight, at least for americans, is the same as it was 100 years ago: A low fat diet with a generous amount of excercize. Yes, there is no denying that the majority of Americans are very sedentary - that certainly explains why we have such a high degree of obese people. But i do think a "nutrient" patch would certainly help many people. It's been proven that many don't have the same "switch" mechanism in their brain that says "you're not hungry any more" - so they just keep on eating. I think to tell them to have one carrot a day (example only) and a patch could, one day, be a real solution for a real medical problem.
just read a post and thought of something i found rather interesting. If you could, in fact, get all the nutrition you needed through a patch (basically) - then this could quite possibly become a cure for obesity. Rather than telling people "watch what you eat." - just tell 'em "don't eat at all." There would obviously be no reaon to eat, and of course your calories would be "naturally" rationed so to speak.
That would seem to me to be a pretty reasonable way to lose weight. Thoughts, comments?
My only other concern would be - do you think the U.S. army would use this as an excuse to over-exert their troops? The act of eating can not just be taken as simply getting food. It also helps comradery, fatigue, and that nagging' desire for little debby snack cakes. I doubt this would happen but it is certainly a possibility.
This is the kind of stuff I like to see on the net. While it's ridiculous to speculate that commercialism is dead, or even struggling. I believe distribution of films/shows on the internet is a viable means of entertainment. The quality is there - and it's DEFINITELY worth what you pay for it. I only wish we could see more of this - with shows that are already mainstream, such as south park, or anythin on the cartoon network. It's allready out there, but when corps like Comedy Central get wind of it...they throw a veritable shit-fit. Why? It actually raises interest in the product.
on a side note, one solution could be a marriage between capitialism and 'net' distribution, to course to leave commercials in. We're constantly arguing about no one does anything for free. Well - why is network telivision free? Because of commercials. I for one am willing to deal with a few minutes of advertising on my Mpeg in order to obtain freely distributable media that i actually WANT to see, and can see whenver i want to boot.
I come from a manic/depressive family you might say (yes, m-d appears to be hereditary). My mother was diagnosed with manic-depression a year or two back, and i appear to exhibit some of the same signs as she does. (Fortunately - i've found my own way to combat it without any drugs). I thought i'd just throw in my two cents here:
1). Manic depression is a little less ubiquitous than most people believe (especially manic-depressives). It's a little wierd seing my mom, with a minor in psych, diagnose practically everybody she meets with manic depression. That's just not the case. Most people you meet with depression or m-d or any "mental illness" seem to suffer from what i call the "drug addict" syndrome. They feel a little more comfortable with themselves when they can believe that everyone is depressed/manic - much like potheads watch T.V. and argue that everyone on Channel "X" is stoned.
2). Manic depression is hard as hell to treat: Once again, i have to pull from my own experience here. My mother almost killed herself one day while on lithium (incorrectly prescribed). Basically, she bashed her head against the wall untill she seperated her eye from the socket. I've seen first hand what manic depression is all about - It's fucking UGLY! The main problem is that, since manic depression is only beginning to be understood, most doctors don't even know exactly what or why to prescribe meds. - The wrong drug can not only make you worse, it can drive you over the edge.
3). Don't assume, because of this article, that you too have manic depression. I know alot of people who went out and bought a $100 dollar pair of sunglasses that, two days later, they didn't like as much. They start thinking to themselves - damn...I must be manic depressive. That's a crap diagnoses. Most manic depressives don't just buy sunglasses on the spur of the moment...they buy houses, cars...or spend hundreds/thousands of dollars on shopping binges. You're not manic depressive because you can't balance your checkbook or spend slightly more than your neighbor. Don't let this article fool anyone into thinking that geeks all suffer from manic depression. Like I said - it's alot more rare than most people think.
Unfortunately, this topic seems to me to be sort of an inclusionary one. It's like the Attention Deficit Disorder craze of several years back. At that time, having a kid with ADD was like getting a dog - "hey honey, the neighbors have got one...should we get one too?" - I've seen it really fuck some families up. Even I was tested for ADD at one point. But this whole manic depression thing seems to be becoming a bandwagon type of situation. I'm willing to bet you that almost a quarter of those diagnosed with manic depression have been incorrectly diagnosed. Sometimes the problem can be as simple as a dietary change.
My point is simply this - Before we all start touting our horns that everyone's got manic depression, let's make sure we know what we're talking about. Manic depression is an extraordinarily serious illness that I wouldn't wish on my worst enemy (take the best week you've ever had, the worst week you've ever had, multiply that by three and stick 'em all together - and you've got manic depression.). We need to exercise caution when throwing this word about because all an incorrect diagnosis can do is serve to make real manic depression seem that much more trivial. and, for those of you who don't have it but think you do: be careful what you wish for...you just might get it!
No. My post wasn't meant as a troll. I just felt that the forums were an apropot place to mention my frustration at some of the "stereotypes" that have been associated with nerds, geeks, etc.
I suppose this argument is a bit semantic. My defenition of a nerd is, i suppose, not quite the same as many others'. I suppose i'm thinking more along "geek" lines as far as a person who is extraordinarily into high tech gadgets and computers. I most certainly fall under these lines. While I don't do calculus (sp?) or sit at home and play D&D all night, I eat, sleep, and breather computers/high tech. I make computer jokes that no one who isn't into *nix gets (e.g. - go away or i will replace you with a very small shell script). I don't consider myself an IT professional, as the vast majority of professionals aren't as involved in computers as i am. Generally, when they're on a box, they're working. Or they're doing something that helps them with their job (certifications, etc.) As i said, I eat, sleep, and breathe computers.
The problem is I'm just not a fan of anything else that most people in my position are into. I really think D&D is boring as hell. I don't think that Star Trek or B5 have any really redeeming qualities. (please don't take this the wrong way - but seeing every episode of ST and STTNG at least three times would definitely qualify you as a Trekkie). Star Trek is a fun place to visit...but I wouldn't wanna live there.
I think i'm just trying to express a sense of maladjustment here. I'd like to hear from someone who feels the same. My level of involvement in computers sometimes inhibits my ability to make non-technical friends, while my ambivilance towards most things "nerd" seem to alienate my from some of my more technical aquaintences (sp?).
who just doesn't see anything entertaining in shows like Babylon5 (or even some of the star trek's for that matter.)
I don't know - i just get tired of this stereotype where people think that just because we're in the IT field, all we ever do is sit on our asses designing a "better" OS and watching StarGate SG-1.
this rant was brought to you by the WB network: "we syndicate every fucking sci-fi show we can get our hands on...and the Wayans brothers."
This seems to me to be yet another "hey..look, we ported Linux to the N64 type deal." The value in linux is that it's a good server for cheap hardware, etc. My company uses it on alot of our miscellaneous servers, web servers, etc. - But for alot of stuff we still go with native software for whatever we're using. You could run Linux on an SGI...but why would you want to if you're ILM or someone like that?? Sure you could run Linux on a Sun box - but what's the point?
I maintain that Linux is the best all around OS out there by far. But that doesn't necessarily mean that it's better for everything
I ain't never been one much for book learnin'. But I heard me once 'bout this virus called melissa. Seems this melissa chick would come over to yer house and have sex with yer dog and mess up yer car or somethin'. That's what happened to a frien' o mine. Them computers is full of all kinds of crazy doo-dads. Like they got demons in 'em er somethin' - work of the devil.
So this here new "virus" - or whatever they call it...i ain't too scared. Cause I remember this guy back in 'nam - got all blowed up by a mor-tar. That wadn't no virus and he's only got one leg. Alls i got is won question? Can one of them computers get ya a beer and a turkey pot pie?
I'm not sure this can be called cultural theft any more than stealing an airplane can be called cultural theft ("hey...it defines something about kittyhawk.") I'm sure that the Britts and Americans are pretty proud of cracking the Enigma code...as are many of the allied forces. But I'm sure than many germans don't feel the same. The point is that the Enigma machines are a really thought provoking antique - nothing more. Our children will gaze on them in some distant time, years from now, and perhaps it will make them think a little - It is sad that an Enigma box was taken...i certainly hope they find the purps...but not for the same reasons you do.
BTW - if it's not obvious, your comment about the U.S.A. is way off-topic, and wrong to boot. But that's another thread.
-FluX ------------------------- Your Ad Here! -------------------------
Headline from tomorrow's edition of Tech news weekly
ENTIRE STAFF OF SLASHDOT/ANDOVER.NET COMITTED early yesterday CmdrTaco and Roblimo were seen blithering on in pig latin about the latest release of, what most believe was "ythonpay." In an unrelated incident...a vendor in Istanbul sold Elvis a KitKat.
News of this outbreak of insanity among many linux users has had a tremendous impact on the tech-community. Steve Jobs, founder of Apple, Inc. was reported as saying "who the fuck is CmdrTaco?" - no official word from Apple as of yet.
-FluX ------------------------- Your Ad Here! -------------------------
1) All posts concerning Natalie Portman, or the word "goat" will be automatically moderated up to a score of at least 3:Interesting.
2) Anyone mentioning or participating in a troll, or troll based thread will be givin a score of 2:Insightful.
C) Comments containing logical thought, or insight that had not previously been discussed will be summarily dismissed as Flamebait!...now, on to my real post:
we just need to decide what we want to see done here. The public/government should really decide what's important to them. If we want to see a man on Mars by the end of the first half of this century - then we're going to need to throw money at this project like it's going out of style. Otherwise...we should re-evaluate how badly we want to go to Mars or anywhere else for that matter.
I'm not saying that we need to either go full force into this...or kill it. But the amount of money we spend on these missions should be proportional to our need or desire to get them done successfully.
-FluX ------------------------- Your Ad Here! -------------------------
A recent news article posted at the NY Times website quoted one hacker as saying "Wow...i can use this new 1Ghz athalon chip to play Pong! SAWEET!" In rural Ohio, John McPhereson displayed another great way to put technology to use. "Dude" He is quoted as saying, "I just got this bomb ass Sony component system with a 200 disc changer - now I can use it to dub all my CD's on to cassette! rock on!!"BR> With the DeCSS cat being out of the bag - why go back to VHS?
-FluX ------------------------- Your Ad Here! -------------------------
a couple of days ago...i saw a segment on 4 that was about the insane cost of housing in the Denver/Metro area. A house that cost $200,000 ten years ago is now worth approx. $400,000.
Talk about equity!
From what i've been seeing in my apartment hunting around the downtown area...things are getting quite expensive. I may have to look for something in Aurora. BTW - if you know of any action in the $500 range that's as good as you appear to have...drop me a line @ fluxrad@coolmail.net
-FluX ------------------------- Your Ad Here! -------------------------
Sorry. I'm tired of explaining myself - the original post was meant to be a juxtaposition of MS and Cisco. i.e. - that i thought MS was a shitty company with relatively shitty products, and that Cisco makes damned good products. Unfortunately, it appears that most of the other slashdotters don't have the same taste as i do for verbally ironic posts.
If there is anything true about Cisco, it is probably that they are becoming a company that is taken for granted...I would take a Cisco product over almost any other on the market. Why? because i've seen alot of shit break - and Cisco products probably break the least. we just had a situation where an entire subnet puked because of a single Extreme switch (no, not bad hardware, but that's another post for another time). Another in which a firewall we installed hosed alot of stuff. I personally feel that Cisco makes damned reliable products. and in a production environment, that's what counts.
-FluX ------------------------- Your Ad Here! -------------------------
I believe the open-source ethic to be a very fair consideration when thinking about issues like these. But the main reasons that products should be open-sourced is:
A) To allow for better/more robust code...with more features. This includes supplimentary programs, etc.
B) To find security/bug fixes much more quickly...as well as, of course, to become aware of them more quickly.
I'm not sure that not releasing the info on these security holes is really breaking any of these rules. First off, Mozilla is releasing these security holes to a set of developers...so it's not like they're keeping these secrets locked up tight. Secondly - as has been mentioned...this is still going to be a beta release meaning: caveat betatestor!
I don't think this is anything that anyone should be really worried about. The majority of the people crying wolf are the open-source zealots who believe that everything should be entirely open all the time. While i agree with them for the most part, I also feel that there are times for caution such as this. Releasing these security issues to the public will only cause a bit of FUD in the minds of most. The people who are really in a position to fix these security issues are the ones getting the info. More than likely...this is just being blown a little out of proportion (unless one of the holes is that it destroys your/usr/local/games directory - then i'll have to throw a shitfit!)
-FluX ------------------------- Your Ad Here! -------------------------
I figured i might possible get flamed for this post. Unfortunately it was after i hit the submit button. If you're going to flame me, don't do it for hating Cisco - if you do...you're just proving either your own illiteracy or your fanatical zealotry and inability to complete the reading of a three sentance post. It's like flaming someone for posting "Unix is the worst type of operating system...except for all the others."
Oh well...i guess we all have to be fanatical about something. does someone have a match?
-FluX ------------------------- Your Ad Here! -------------------------
Slashdot Mirror
This marks a great day in history for the triumph of linux!! Now linux can do everything!!!
Oh - you'll have to excuse me. i need to jump on my windows box to actually WATCH the movie!!
Final notice: if your last name is Sorensen, or you have anything to do with QT - i'm coming to kick your ass!!!!!
FluX
So, am i getting this straight?
Japanese Govt: We're restricting the export of the Playstation 2.
Sony: That's true - but don't worry, this won't affect the export of the Playstation 2.
I suppose the most appropriate question here is "what the fuck?"
FluX
now all we have to do is hijack a plane to japan, grab a couple playstations and brandish them in front of us as we head to a plane destined for Cuba.
"Stand back or Solid Snake's gonna put a cap in your ass!!"
This is going to start a X-mas revolt in the states "Mom...you got me an X box instead of a PSX2??? ARE YOU FUCKING NUTS???? SOMEBODY GET ME A FUCKING GUN!!!!"
FluX
Posters talk about how...as the phenomenon of a particular movie grows, it's ownership rights expand to include that of the public. I'm not so certain this can be entirely true. Because the Toyota Camry is the most popular selling car in america...does that devalue the trademark on it? Certainly not. Works written by Shakespeare and Voltaire have become public domain because they have been around for so long. Public domain doesn't happen over the course of a few decades, It happens over the course of centuries. Believe me: if you try to write a story about the new adventures of Holden Caulfield - J.D. Salenger is still going to put the smackdown on that ass - (ebonically speaking)
While it may be unfortunate (this is more of a moral/ethical issue) that the popularity of a product has nothing to do with the rights of the author, it is nevertheless the case. If I write a song, or a book that becomes so popular as to inspire a new genre of film or literature or whatever else. It is still a fact that i own that book. The rights to it are mine and it is through my own benevolence that i lease artistic license to any other individual wishing to use that art in some other fashion.
What i'm trying to say here is that, while indeed it is good that we have hundreds of Star Trek or Star Wars based books to choose from, even socially beneficial, it does not decrease the rights of the original authors. Those books are allowed to be published and reproduced because the creators were "nice", so to speak. I believe that if they allow you to make money off of that fact, then it is a mutually beneficial situation. If they DON'T allow you to make money off of the creation of something based on their work...I'm sorry, but you don't have a legal leg to stand on. - If you recreate a novel based on the characters created and trademarked by Gene Rodenberry and try to sell it without express written permission of [his wife now i guess?] - then we're honestly talking about trademark infringement. You may argue that it should be otherwise, that everyone's creations should be public domain, etc. etc. - well then you're living in the wrong country...the wrong planet for that matter. It's capitalism, and it's going to be around for a while.
FluX
I used to work in a video store so i know where you're coming from. In point of fact...some movies actually cost up to $500 a tape depending on their "worth" to the movie renting public. I believe that's what we got some crappy Tom Cruise movie for several years back.
:P
However, these videos are generally only sold by resellers so they are nearly impossible to come by for joe video buyer as the resellers usually only sell these in bulk. Yes - you can buy just about anything at any time...it's just a question of price. but WTF - maybe i'll pay that much when infinite jest is made into a movie
FluX
This takes us down that lovely stroll we call VHS vs. DVD. It's obvious that DVD is of a better quality - but right now there's just too much about VHS that is dominating the market. Lucas's decision to release E1 on VHS first was obviously all about marketing but i'm glad he did it. I don't own a DVD player and i'm seriously sick that i get punished for not being on the cutting edge of tech - no...most people still don't own DVD players, we just get to watch the movies released for DVD several weeks/months earlier at a friend's house.
While DVD is cool as hell - i seriously don't want to have to work at hunting down a subtitled version of Das Boot on DVD format. It's really nice to be able to stroll down to my local Media Play and pick that up. When DVD gets to that point - then i'll buy one. It's almost there, but not quite.
FluX
Is this the movie where Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet get on the bow of the big star ship Craptanic and he says "I'm the king of the battlefield earth!"
and then a spaceburg rips a hole in the side of their starship and everyone dies and shit! - Something like that could maybe win best picture.
FluX
You put down an excellent point - with a few exceptions. For many americans, driving is not necessarily a choice. It is a necessity. Case in point: My mother works approximately 10 miles from work - this would be a ridiculous walk/jog especially in the Colorado climate we get here in the winter. I myself work about 15-20 miles from home where i am unable to even take public transportation because i work the swing shift. Cities in the states are a prime example of Urban Sprawl - where there really isn't much of a choice in whether or not to take the car. Most people live at least 10 miles or more from their place of employment, and in many cities - public transportation is abismal!
I think the key to losing weight, at least for americans, is the same as it was 100 years ago: A low fat diet with a generous amount of excercize. Yes, there is no denying that the majority of Americans are very sedentary - that certainly explains why we have such a high degree of obese people. But i do think a "nutrient" patch would certainly help many people. It's been proven that many don't have the same "switch" mechanism in their brain that says "you're not hungry any more" - so they just keep on eating. I think to tell them to have one carrot a day (example only) and a patch could, one day, be a real solution for a real medical problem.
FluX
just read a post and thought of something i found rather interesting. If you could, in fact, get all the nutrition you needed through a patch (basically) - then this could quite possibly become a cure for obesity. Rather than telling people "watch what you eat." - just tell 'em "don't eat at all." There would obviously be no reaon to eat, and of course your calories would be "naturally" rationed so to speak.
That would seem to me to be a pretty reasonable way to lose weight. Thoughts, comments?
My only other concern would be - do you think the U.S. army would use this as an excuse to over-exert their troops? The act of eating can not just be taken as simply getting food. It also helps comradery, fatigue, and that nagging' desire for little debby snack cakes. I doubt this would happen but it is certainly a possibility.
FluX
This is the kind of stuff I like to see on the net. While it's ridiculous to speculate that commercialism is dead, or even struggling. I believe distribution of films/shows on the internet is a viable means of entertainment. The quality is there - and it's DEFINITELY worth what you pay for it. I only wish we could see more of this - with shows that are already mainstream, such as south park, or anythin on the cartoon network. It's allready out there, but when corps like Comedy Central get wind of it...they throw a veritable shit-fit. Why? It actually raises interest in the product.
on a side note, one solution could be a marriage between capitialism and 'net' distribution, to course to leave commercials in. We're constantly arguing about no one does anything for free. Well - why is network telivision free? Because of commercials. I for one am willing to deal with a few minutes of advertising on my Mpeg in order to obtain freely distributable media that i actually WANT to see, and can see whenver i want to boot.
FluX
I come from a manic/depressive family you might say (yes, m-d appears to be hereditary). My mother was diagnosed with manic-depression a year or two back, and i appear to exhibit some of the same signs as she does. (Fortunately - i've found my own way to combat it without any drugs). I thought i'd just throw in my two cents here:
1). Manic depression is a little less ubiquitous than most people believe (especially manic-depressives). It's a little wierd seing my mom, with a minor in psych, diagnose practically everybody she meets with manic depression. That's just not the case. Most people you meet with depression or m-d or any "mental illness" seem to suffer from what i call the "drug addict" syndrome. They feel a little more comfortable with themselves when they can believe that everyone is depressed/manic - much like potheads watch T.V. and argue that everyone on Channel "X" is stoned.
2). Manic depression is hard as hell to treat: Once again, i have to pull from my own experience here. My mother almost killed herself one day while on lithium (incorrectly prescribed). Basically, she bashed her head against the wall untill she seperated her eye from the socket. I've seen first hand what manic depression is all about - It's fucking UGLY! The main problem is that, since manic depression is only beginning to be understood, most doctors don't even know exactly what or why to prescribe meds. - The wrong drug can not only make you worse, it can drive you over the edge.
3). Don't assume, because of this article, that you too have manic depression. I know alot of people who went out and bought a $100 dollar pair of sunglasses that, two days later, they didn't like as much. They start thinking to themselves - damn...I must be manic depressive. That's a crap diagnoses. Most manic depressives don't just buy sunglasses on the spur of the moment...they buy houses, cars...or spend hundreds/thousands of dollars on shopping binges. You're not manic depressive because you can't balance your checkbook or spend slightly more than your neighbor. Don't let this article fool anyone into thinking that geeks all suffer from manic depression. Like I said - it's alot more rare than most people think.
Unfortunately, this topic seems to me to be sort of an inclusionary one. It's like the Attention Deficit Disorder craze of several years back. At that time, having a kid with ADD was like getting a dog - "hey honey, the neighbors have got one...should we get one too?" - I've seen it really fuck some families up. Even I was tested for ADD at one point. But this whole manic depression thing seems to be becoming a bandwagon type of situation. I'm willing to bet you that almost a quarter of those diagnosed with manic depression have been incorrectly diagnosed. Sometimes the problem can be as simple as a dietary change.
My point is simply this - Before we all start touting our horns that everyone's got manic depression, let's make sure we know what we're talking about. Manic depression is an extraordinarily serious illness that I wouldn't wish on my worst enemy (take the best week you've ever had, the worst week you've ever had, multiply that by three and stick 'em all together - and you've got manic depression.). We need to exercise caution when throwing this word about because all an incorrect diagnosis can do is serve to make real manic depression seem that much more trivial. and, for those of you who don't have it but think you do: be careful what you wish for...you just might get it!
FluX
No. My post wasn't meant as a troll. I just felt that the forums were an apropot place to mention my frustration at some of the "stereotypes" that have been associated with nerds, geeks, etc.
I suppose this argument is a bit semantic. My defenition of a nerd is, i suppose, not quite the same as many others'. I suppose i'm thinking more along "geek" lines as far as a person who is extraordinarily into high tech gadgets and computers. I most certainly fall under these lines. While I don't do calculus (sp?) or sit at home and play D&D all night, I eat, sleep, and breather computers/high tech. I make computer jokes that no one who isn't into *nix gets (e.g. - go away or i will replace you with a very small shell script). I don't consider myself an IT professional, as the vast majority of professionals aren't as involved in computers as i am. Generally, when they're on a box, they're working. Or they're doing something that helps them with their job (certifications, etc.) As i said, I eat, sleep, and breathe computers.
The problem is I'm just not a fan of anything else that most people in my position are into. I really think D&D is boring as hell. I don't think that Star Trek or B5 have any really redeeming qualities. (please don't take this the wrong way - but seeing every episode of ST and STTNG at least three times would definitely qualify you as a Trekkie). Star Trek is a fun place to visit...but I wouldn't wanna live there.
I think i'm just trying to express a sense of maladjustment here. I'd like to hear from someone who feels the same. My level of involvement in computers sometimes inhibits my ability to make non-technical friends, while my ambivilance towards most things "nerd" seem to alienate my from some of my more technical aquaintences (sp?).
FluX
who just doesn't see anything entertaining in shows like Babylon5 (or even some of the star trek's for that matter.)
I don't know - i just get tired of this stereotype where people think that just because we're in the IT field, all we ever do is sit on our asses designing a "better" OS and watching StarGate SG-1.
this rant was brought to you by the WB network: "we syndicate every fucking sci-fi show we can get our hands on...and the Wayans brothers."
FluX
This seems to me to be yet another "hey..look, we ported Linux to the N64 type deal." The value in linux is that it's a good server for cheap hardware, etc. My company uses it on alot of our miscellaneous servers, web servers, etc. - But for alot of stuff we still go with native software for whatever we're using. You could run Linux on an SGI...but why would you want to if you're ILM or someone like that?? Sure you could run Linux on a Sun box - but what's the point?
I maintain that Linux is the best all around OS out there by far. But that doesn't necessarily mean that it's better for everything
FluX
I ain't never been one much for book learnin'. But I heard me once 'bout this virus called melissa. Seems this melissa chick would come over to yer house and have sex with yer dog and mess up yer car or somethin'. That's what happened to a frien' o mine. Them computers is full of all kinds of crazy doo-dads. Like they got demons in 'em er somethin' - work of the devil.
So this here new "virus" - or whatever they call it...i ain't too scared. Cause I remember this guy back in 'nam - got all blowed up by a mor-tar. That wadn't no virus and he's only got one leg. Alls i got is won question? Can one of them computers get ya a beer and a turkey pot pie?
FluX
I'm not sure this can be called cultural theft any more than stealing an airplane can be called cultural theft ("hey...it defines something about kittyhawk.") I'm sure that the Britts and Americans are pretty proud of cracking the Enigma code...as are many of the allied forces. But I'm sure than many germans don't feel the same. The point is that the Enigma machines are a really thought provoking antique - nothing more. Our children will gaze on them in some distant time, years from now, and perhaps it will make them think a little - It is sad that an Enigma box was taken...i certainly hope they find the purps...but not for the same reasons you do.
BTW - if it's not obvious, your comment about the U.S.A. is way off-topic, and wrong to boot. But that's another thread.
-FluX
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Headline from tomorrow's edition of Tech news weekly
ENTIRE STAFF OF SLASHDOT/ANDOVER.NET COMITTED
early yesterday CmdrTaco and Roblimo were seen blithering on in pig latin about the latest release of, what most believe was "ythonpay." In an unrelated incident...a vendor in Istanbul sold Elvis a KitKat.
News of this outbreak of insanity among many linux users has had a tremendous impact on the tech-community. Steve Jobs, founder of Apple, Inc. was reported as saying "who the fuck is CmdrTaco?" - no official word from Apple as of yet.
-FluX
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New rules going into effect on April 1st.
1) All posts concerning Natalie Portman, or the word "goat" will be automatically moderated up to a score of at least 3:Interesting.
2) Anyone mentioning or participating in a troll, or troll based thread will be givin a score of 2:Insightful.
C) Comments containing logical thought, or insight that had not previously been discussed will be summarily dismissed as Flamebait!...now, on to my real post:
(Score, 4: Insightful)
YOO AL AHVE WEERd HAR3! N4t4LeE P0TRMAN RULLLLEEEZZZZZ!!!!! B00\/\/ 2 D3 GOOT1!!1!!1@1@
-FluX
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we just need to decide what we want to see done here. The public/government should really decide what's important to them. If we want to see a man on Mars by the end of the first half of this century - then we're going to need to throw money at this project like it's going out of style. Otherwise...we should re-evaluate how badly we want to go to Mars or anywhere else for that matter.
I'm not saying that we need to either go full force into this...or kill it. But the amount of money we spend on these missions should be proportional to our need or desire to get them done successfully.
-FluX
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A recent news article posted at the NY Times website quoted one hacker as saying "Wow...i can use this new 1Ghz athalon chip to play Pong! SAWEET!" In rural Ohio, John McPhereson displayed another great way to put technology to use. "Dude" He is quoted as saying, "I just got this bomb ass Sony component system with a 200 disc changer - now I can use it to dub all my CD's on to cassette! rock on!!"BR>
With the DeCSS cat being out of the bag - why go back to VHS?
-FluX
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a couple of days ago...i saw a segment on 4 that was about the insane cost of housing in the Denver/Metro area. A house that cost $200,000 ten years ago is now worth approx. $400,000.
Talk about equity!
From what i've been seeing in my apartment hunting around the downtown area...things are getting quite expensive. I may have to look for something in Aurora. BTW - if you know of any action in the $500 range that's as good as you appear to have...drop me a line @ fluxrad@coolmail.net
-FluX
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Sorry. I'm tired of explaining myself - the original post was meant to be a juxtaposition of MS and Cisco. i.e. - that i thought MS was a shitty company with relatively shitty products, and that Cisco makes damned good products. Unfortunately, it appears that most of the other slashdotters don't have the same taste as i do for verbally ironic posts.
If there is anything true about Cisco, it is probably that they are becoming a company that is taken for granted...I would take a Cisco product over almost any other on the market. Why? because i've seen alot of shit break - and Cisco products probably break the least. we just had a situation where an entire subnet puked because of a single Extreme switch (no, not bad hardware, but that's another post for another time). Another in which a firewall we installed hosed alot of stuff. I personally feel that Cisco makes damned reliable products. and in a production environment, that's what counts.
-FluX
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I believe the open-source ethic to be a very fair consideration when thinking about issues like these. But the main reasons that products should be open-sourced is:
/usr/local/games directory - then i'll have to throw a shitfit!)
A) To allow for better/more robust code...with more features. This includes supplimentary programs, etc.
B) To find security/bug fixes much more quickly...as well as, of course, to become aware of them more quickly.
I'm not sure that not releasing the info on these security holes is really breaking any of these rules. First off, Mozilla is releasing these security holes to a set of developers...so it's not like they're keeping these secrets locked up tight. Secondly - as has been mentioned...this is still going to be a beta release meaning: caveat betatestor!
I don't think this is anything that anyone should be really worried about. The majority of the people crying wolf are the open-source zealots who believe that everything should be entirely open all the time. While i agree with them for the most part, I also feel that there are times for caution such as this. Releasing these security issues to the public will only cause a bit of FUD in the minds of most. The people who are really in a position to fix these security issues are the ones getting the info. More than likely...this is just being blown a little out of proportion (unless one of the holes is that it destroys your
-FluX
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I figured i might possible get flamed for this post. Unfortunately it was after i hit the submit button. If you're going to flame me, don't do it for hating Cisco - if you do...you're just proving either your own illiteracy or your fanatical zealotry and inability to complete the reading of a three sentance post. It's like flaming someone for posting "Unix is the worst type of operating system...except for all the others."
Oh well...i guess we all have to be fanatical about something. does someone have a match?
-FluX
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yah - i was fucking around. did you read the end of the post?
Oh well...it was a lame ass comment anyway.
-FluX
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