Even at home, laser is the way to go. My wife likes to print a lot of documents. We were spending a fortune on inkjet carts. Finally, I bought a couple of old LJ4 printers off of ebay, cleaned them up, put new toner in them, and put them on the network. Now, she can print at about 1/10 the cost as before.
The whole educational system needs a workover, but this won't happen until the job market changes
I think you've hit the nail on the head with this statement. The educational system definitely needs to change. To me, the issue is that colleges and universities try to tailor their courses and programs for whatever they perceive as the current needs of the job market. Usually, by the time the students who've enrolled in the latest "fad degree program" graduate, the needs of the job market have changed. Also, when you consider the original purpose of the university (learning for learning's sake - primarily theoretical), it completely defeats the purpose. Nowadays, most kids go to college to learn skills to get a job to make money. When the primary motivation for learning something is money and not an actual interest in the topic, this will likely lead to failure.
The educational system needs to be split into two separate systems: One for the theoretical type of thinker, and one for the prictical type of thinker. The theory folks can devise the bleeding edge ideas for new technology developments, and the practical folks can implement those ideas.
IMHO, having a degree is not always necessary. Look at my family:
Sister 1: PhD in organic chemistry; university professor; moderately successful; big debts
Sister 2: MS in Mathematics; schoolteacher; moderately successful; not as deeply in debt
Me: HS diploma; well-paid geek; moderately successful; no debt
All three of us are happy with what we do. For me to reach the same level of success as my sisters, all I did was have an interest in what I do, read a ton of books, screwed up / fixed many systems/networks/databases (my own, of course), and always asked questions of those who are more knowledgeable than me.
This is the only effective way for customers to exercise their [lack of] rights.
Big Corporations / Govt will NOT do anything to help the average person; it is up to people to help themselves (unfortunately, this is the way it is). While a boycott by one individual may seem insignificant, several million people withdrawing their funds and taking their business elsewhere will have a major impact. It seems that the only "thing" that talks nowadays is money.
I guess I have been spoiled by our local Pacifica station, because they are very [inter]active with the community. They even broadcast the annual meetings, including the budget, line by line. That may be boring, but it's nice to know where they spend the money that I give them. They also encourage the members to vote each year in the station elections, even sending out reminders. Hopefully, Pacifica and the other indy media stations will be able to get it together, and keep it that way. One thing that they do have going for them is that the members vote for the board, so there can always be some turnover if necessary. In contrast, the "mainstream" is controlled by huge corps, and only money/greed talks.
I agree with you that we can communicate, using the technology that we have and continue to develop (even, as you say, with the silly posts on/.). Also, communicating the old-fashioned way, face to face, is still very effective. In fact, there is no better time than the present to continue to communicate effectively, and to attempt to urge the general public to look at all sides of a story or issue before passing any judgement. Also, this helps create a sense of community and cooperation, where people help each other to achieve common goals (such as preventing the new Wal-Mart, or toll increases, etc.).
It has been interesting over the last five years to have democrats and republicans call me a "commie-pinko-liberal" only because somebody in the "mainstream" said that anybody who supports a third/fourth/fifth party candidate is one. When asked to back up the accusation, these people are always confused and do not know what to say; they have not been programmed to provide a response for that situation. Interesting.
If only there were a module Common::Sense that we could implement worldwide. Oh well... one can dream;)
I could not have said it better myself. One of the things that I am grateful for, though, is the ever-increasing size of the independent media (like Pacifica Radio and my local Pacifica station WPFW). They have the intelligence to report and analyze more than the mainstream "media" does, with shows like Democracy Now, one of my favorite shows. Amy Goodman really does a fine job, IMHO.
I am really worried about the next four years in this country.
I wouldn't say that 40% abstained from voting; some (myself included) did vote, and voted for one of the third parties. Unfortunately, it was a very small percentage, so you're probably still right there... hardly worth mentioning.
I definitely agree with your comparison with the German public in the 1930's. Unfortunately, it seems, most "average" people are content to believe the FUD and too lazy to do their own research. I don't know how many times I've been in a discussion with somebody who just spouts out (30 sec. sound bite) propaganda, and cannot clarify, justify, or even provide real support for what they are saying.
In another 30's Germany comparison, take a look at Pastor Niemöller's story. I think that just about sums it up.
The thing that I wish would happen here (in the US), is that people would get off of their lazy a**es and do some research for themselves. Only then can they make intelligent, well informed decisions.
As long as there are free episodes to download, charging won't work.
While I agree with the rest of your post, I (IMHO) disagree with the above portion. Just look at Apple's success with iTunes as for example.
Aside from those who are either too poor or too unethical to pay, I think that most people do/will for quality content, and there are plenty of the "out there". I, for one, would be really happy to pay for some good tv shows and movies, provided that the price is reasonable, and the A/V quuality is good.
I respectfully disagree. I would recommend comparing apples to apples (Commercial apps on Windows to FOSS apps on Windows - not FOSS apps on Linux).
Unfortunately, at this time, Joe Average Mainstream is not likely to have a Linux box on which to install the OSS applications. If Joe Average User was using Linux, (s)he'd already be using FOSS anyway. Therefore, the steps to acquire and install a FOSS app would be:
Download ZIP, RAR, or other compressed version of app
Expand archive of app that you downloaded
Double-click "setup.exe," "install.exe," or "[whatever].msi"
Run app and be on your way...
The point I am trying to make is that, IMHO, the slow adoption of FOSS is not at all related to ease of installation.
Also, downloads from a Sourceforge mirror are usually much faster than through p2p anyway. Perhaps this, coupled with the "fear of IP lawsuits," could be used to turn more and more people towards using FOSS.
IMHO, the most interesting use for home is the ability to use CID. Using CID, you can create "blacklists" for those annoying sales calls, as well as caller-id-blocked calls and unknown callers. At the same time, you can configure it to listen for en extension being dialed, which can be used to give you (or anybody you give the "secret extension to") the ability to bypass the "bleep-bleep-bleep" message and actually ring the phone.
Another interesting use is integrating it with X10 or other home automation tools, so you can remotely control your house without having to have internet access wherever you are.
Also, wouldn't it be cool to have your Linux box read your email (or/.) to you over the phone on those lonely nights?
This, titled "Music piracy 'does hit CD sales'" seems to contradict the parent (US CD Sales Increase...), yet they are both on BBC. From the piracy article:
The report, for the country's National Bureau of Economic Research, studied the habits of 412 students.
Hmmmm.... they studied the habits of students. Aren't students usually short on money but have broadband on campus? This is hardly a realistic "sampling" of the population, so therefore cannot be taken seriously.
In 2005, national security, Medicare and Iraq are just a few of the issues that seem to be far more pressing to the nation than the loss of programmers.
and the US government has even outsourced Iraq. If something as important as "national security" can be outsourced, where, in the importance of things (according to gov't anyway), do the development jobs rank?
I agree that this is a total waste of taxpayer money. As of June 2002, 1 in 142 US residents are in jail. The average annual cost to incarcerate an inmate in state prison is $22,650. This is the country that is supposed to be the world leader in freedom and democracy? Am I to believe that this many people constitute a threat to society, that we have to lock them up? What about the real criminals... those that raid the resources of the world and kill thousands (millions?) of innocent people all in the name of corporate greed? I'm not sure who said it, but there is a saying, "Little thieves have iron chains, and great thieves gold ones."
The US government is supposed to be representative of the people, not corporations.
It seems to me that the real threat to the species is the species itself. At some point, we will probably make ourselves extinct, as well as make the planet uninhabitable. What a shame.
Would this force companies to pay more in payroll taxes?
I sincerely hope not, since payroll taxes are those that are deducted from the worker's pay. If they did that, then the workers would be paying the taxes, not the corporations.
I do believe that this should be implemented throughout the whole country, but slightly differently. I, for one, have to question the idea of reducing the number of poll workers. Doing so may increase the possibility of error, as well as provide more potential for someone to mess with the system.
On the other hand, I think that requiring the polling places ot be open on weekends as well as weekdays should improve voter turnout, since currently, a lot of people can not seem to get away from work to go vote.
To me, the most important thing is to ensure that whatever system is used provides a paper trail. I would gladly pay a little more in taxes to make sure that every vote is counted accurately.
Another good thing to have is a scanner. In times where there is really severy weather, the NOAA activates SkyWarn, which is basically a network of HAM operators who observe and call in important information. This was really helpful a few months ago here when we had ~20 tornados touching down all over our area. We were able to hear exactly where they were, and when they ended. Fascinating.
Slashdot Mirror
Could the be the end of Google's overhyped offerings :-)
Seriously though, I simply do not see the purpose of this, except to raise money.
Even at home, laser is the way to go. My wife likes to print a lot of documents. We were spending a fortune on inkjet carts. Finally, I bought a couple of old LJ4 printers off of ebay, cleaned them up, put new toner in them, and put them on the network. Now, she can print at about 1/10 the cost as before.
Also makes a great anniversary present ;)
I think you've hit the nail on the head with this statement. The educational system definitely needs to change. To me, the issue is that colleges and universities try to tailor their courses and programs for whatever they perceive as the current needs of the job market. Usually, by the time the students who've enrolled in the latest "fad degree program" graduate, the needs of the job market have changed. Also, when you consider the original purpose of the university (learning for learning's sake - primarily theoretical), it completely defeats the purpose. Nowadays, most kids go to college to learn skills to get a job to make money. When the primary motivation for learning something is money and not an actual interest in the topic, this will likely lead to failure.
The educational system needs to be split into two separate systems: One for the theoretical type of thinker, and one for the prictical type of thinker. The theory folks can devise the bleeding edge ideas for new technology developments, and the practical folks can implement those ideas.
IMHO, having a degree is not always necessary. Look at my family:
- Sister 1: PhD in organic chemistry; university professor; moderately successful; big debts
- Sister 2: MS in Mathematics; schoolteacher; moderately successful; not as deeply in debt
- Me: HS diploma; well-paid geek; moderately successful; no debt
All three of us are happy with what we do. For me to reach the same level of success as my sisters, all I did was have an interest in what I do, read a ton of books, screwed up / fixed many systems/networks/databases (my own, of course), and always asked questions of those who are more knowledgeable than me.And while this may be old news, to me it indicates that AOL (now pw3nd by TW) is trying to copy Google. No surprise that Google is worth more than TW.
... and a ruthless devotion to efficiency...
Big Corporations / Govt will NOT do anything to help the average person; it is up to people to help themselves (unfortunately, this is the way it is). While a boycott by one individual may seem insignificant, several million people withdrawing their funds and taking their business elsewhere will have a major impact. It seems that the only "thing" that talks nowadays is money.
My 2 cents, anyway.
Is it possible that there would not even be four generations if fertility is lowered?
I agree with you that we can communicate, using the technology that we have and continue to develop (even, as you say, with the silly posts on /.). Also, communicating the old-fashioned way, face to face, is still very effective. In fact, there is no better time than the present to continue to communicate effectively, and to attempt to urge the general public to look at all sides of a story or issue before passing any judgement. Also, this helps create a sense of community and cooperation, where people help each other to achieve common goals (such as preventing the new Wal-Mart, or toll increases, etc.).
It has been interesting over the last five years to have democrats and republicans call me a "commie-pinko-liberal" only because somebody in the "mainstream" said that anybody who supports a third/fourth/fifth party candidate is one. When asked to back up the accusation, these people are always confused and do not know what to say; they have not been programmed to provide a response for that situation. Interesting.
If only there were a module Common::Sense that we could implement worldwide. Oh well... one can dream ;)
I am really worried about the next four years in this country.
I definitely agree with your comparison with the German public in the 1930's. Unfortunately, it seems, most "average" people are content to believe the FUD and too lazy to do their own research. I don't know how many times I've been in a discussion with somebody who just spouts out (30 sec. sound bite) propaganda, and cannot clarify, justify, or even provide real support for what they are saying.
In another 30's Germany comparison, take a look at Pastor Niemöller's story. I think that just about sums it up.
The thing that I wish would happen here (in the US), is that people would get off of their lazy a**es and do some research for themselves. Only then can they make intelligent, well informed decisions.
While I agree with the rest of your post, I (IMHO) disagree with the above portion.
Just look at Apple's success with iTunes as for example.
Aside from those who are either too poor or too unethical to pay, I think that most people do/will for quality content, and there are plenty of the "out there". I, for one, would be really happy to pay for some good tv shows and movies, provided that the price is reasonable, and the A/V quuality is good.
You are correct that this is not a new idea; however, I think the original idea for this type of machine was developed in 1936 by Alan Turing.
... or a drunk /.er.
Unfortunately, at this time, Joe Average Mainstream is not likely to have a Linux box on which to install the OSS applications. If Joe Average User was using Linux, (s)he'd already be using FOSS anyway. Therefore, the steps to acquire and install a FOSS app would be:
The point I am trying to make is that, IMHO, the slow adoption of FOSS is not at all related to ease of installation.
Also, downloads from a Sourceforge mirror are usually much faster than through p2p anyway. Perhaps this, coupled with the "fear of IP lawsuits," could be used to turn more and more people towards using FOSS.
Another interesting use is integrating it with X10 or other home automation tools, so you can remotely control your house without having to have internet access wherever you are.
Also, wouldn't it be cool to have your Linux box read your email (or /.) to you over the phone on those lonely nights?
The report, for the country's National Bureau of Economic Research, studied the habits of 412 students.
Hmmmm.... they studied the habits of students. Aren't students usually short on money but have broadband on campus? This is hardly a realistic "sampling" of the population, so therefore cannot be taken seriously.
So which is it?
and the US government has even outsourced Iraq. If something as important as "national security" can be outsourced, where, in the importance of things (according to gov't anyway), do the development jobs rank?
The US government is supposed to be representative of the people, not corporations.
It seems to me that the real threat to the species is the species itself. At some point, we will probably make ourselves extinct, as well as make the planet uninhabitable. What a shame.
I sincerely hope not, since payroll taxes are those that are deducted from the worker's pay. If they did that, then the workers would be paying the taxes, not the corporations.
hijackThis seems to find all the stuff that others leave behind, and it's free (as in beer). Almost everybody I know uses it too.
I, for one, have to question the idea of reducing the number of poll workers. Doing so may increase the possibility of error, as well as provide more potential for someone to mess with the system.
On the other hand, I think that requiring the polling places ot be open on weekends as well as weekdays should improve voter turnout, since currently, a lot of people can not seem to get away from work to go vote.
To me, the most important thing is to ensure that whatever system is used provides a paper trail. I would gladly pay a little more in taxes to make sure that every vote is counted accurately.
Hey! You know as well as I know that almost all or our servers resist physical attacks fairly well. Workstations on the other hand...
Another good thing to have is a scanner. In times where there is really severy weather, the NOAA activates SkyWarn, which is basically a network of HAM operators who observe and call in important information. This was really helpful a few months ago here when we had ~20 tornados touching down all over our area. We were able to hear exactly where they were, and when they ended. Fascinating.