Some Slashdot readers don't recall the invention of the answering machine. You don't recall your parents insisting "I'm never going to talk to a machine!". Other Slashdot readers should be ashamed for forgetting that they once swore "Computer mice are for sissies. What's wrong with command line?".
Now they are saying that they will never talk to a 'smart speaker'. Each of you should tattoo that statement on your arm, along with the date. Look at it every day until you talk to smart speakers. Then shut up and don't say anything so stupid till you die.
The word 'code' is a relic of the telegraph age and WWI encryption efforts and legal documents such as 'building codes'. It is appropriate in programming only in that it is cryptic and unintelligible to anyone other than the coder. It is a poor choice of words to encourage people to learn.
I like 'algorithm'. It reflects the process better than 'code'. It conjures thoughts of creating a path to a desirable destination. Algorithm may be a new word to high schoolers, and not have the baggage of the word code. Used correctly it will give a clear idea of what's being learned along with more attractive connotations.
Beyond computer science, the concept of algorithm is essential to success in life. Everyone faces situations that require making decisions. These decisions should be based upon various facts, weighing various options and working toward an optimal solution. A person with a basic understanding of algorithms will be more successful in life, even if she never codes.
How do these errors in scientific studies relate to Google making us dumber?
There is a terrible gap in this summary indicating that this leads to that, without any explanation of how it happens. Perhaps because it is assumed that we are using Google search to find these studies, and then being mislead about the information presented? There are at least two problems with that thinking: First, a Google search cannot show us the paywalled studies; we may get an abstract or a third-hand comment about the study. Second, being given misleading information does not make us stupid.
Intelligence is not related to the data we store. We may be told that Google searches make us stupid, and that may be true or false, but storing that information does not change our IQ at all. We all have many wrong bits of data in our memory. What you are reading right now may be totally wrong, but it won't make you dumber than you already are.
However, you can avoid negative results from misleading information by storing it in your memory in a different manner: When a wiki tells you, for instance, that 'global warming' will result in this or that by the year 20nn, you can store that information with a tag such as 'this source suggests xxx will happen, and they have a pretty good argument to support the theory'. In this way, you are not accepting the theory as fact, but as a proposition from a source that you tend to respect. Never allow yourself to fully believe or disbelieve any proposition except that which you are reading now.
In my city the Microsoft store is a very short walk from the Apple store. The stores are almost identical large open spaces filled with tables displaying wares. The walls are covered with colorful pictures of products.
One hour before opening, a crowd begins to gather in front of the Apple store. By the opening bell there are about 30 people rushing in the big glass doors. By noon there are over 200 customers milling about and ~30 employees visible (more in the back). There is excitement in the air. Everyone is happy, even the people who need repairs to their equipment.
In the Microsoft store there are never more than 10 customers. It is a vast lonely echo chamber.
Many comments here about protein, and the sources of protein, yadda. For some bizarre reason scientists and the general public assume that low carb means high protein. IT DOESN'T. Every responsible low carb diet makes it perfectly clear that one should not eat much protein. For one thing, your body will use it to make carbohydrates. Why people choose to ignore this is baffling. More fat, less protein, much less carbohydrate is the formula. Is it that difficult to remember?
And let's not fuss about 'good' fat vs 'bad' fat. There are two primary concerns: Trans fats are bad. The other is never mentioned- rancid fat. This is a problem due to the fad of switching from animal fats to vegetable fats that started around the'80s. The good thing about animal fat is you know when it is rancid- it stinks. But vegetable fat doesn't. You don't know that you are poisoning yourself with it. Buy the smaller container of vegetable oil (if you must use it; lard is acceptable) and put it in the refrigerator after you open the bottle. Throw it out if you have any doubt. Coconut and MCT oil seem pretty stable at room temp and they are very good fuel for athletes and diabetics and most people.
In many US states it would qualify as a motorcycle. Few safety standards apply. Personally I think that certain 3 wheeled bikes are much sportier, sexier, more fun--and who cares about fuel consumption in that case? OTOH, shy persons may prefer this wimpy ride.
I took a very brief look at internet.org and found this: "Connecting the world Means the whole world, not just some of us"
Facebook wants all those Asians & Africans and others deprived of the Facebook social network to join in. That's disturbing me as I recall the days of AOL and CompuServe. Millions of people went to those services and believed that they were the internet. It never occurred to them that there was more than just AOL. And today the same thinking is applied to Facebook. It *is* the internet for billions.
If this thinking reaches a certain point of critical mass, it might be self-fulfilling. Facebook will really be the internet, and those locked out (like me) will find fewer online resources.
Let's think about our 'humanity'... Finished? For all of recorded history and probably beyond we've killed each other as fast as technology would allow. We are not nice by any standard. Millions worldwide are homeless, hungry, diseased. We help them when there's profit to be had. The mass of humanity is turned inward, sometimes for survival, sometimes for Twitter or YouTube. I can't think of any mammal that has the same disdain for others of its species.
Yes, there are organizations and individuals who care. Teachers & firefighters & medical heroes. But there are also politicians, corporate executives and presidents who don't much care for anyone else.
Our 'humanity' leaves much to be desired. Don't blame Facebook.
Sorry Google. Apple patented that in 1986. Only the attorneys will applaud this change. Consider other possibilities, for instance/tab1\/tab2\ delimited by some other shape. But whatever, enjoy messing with the minds of all your 2.3 million users. I'll stick with Firefox.
You don't know my sister! Loves to shop, loves it. Groceries at least twice a week. A trip to the mall twice a week. Costco three times a month. Then there are the specialty shops and the book store.
Fine, but she's a terrible driver. Terrible, and she puts a LOT of miles on that tired old Honda. Her mind seems to wander, just as her lane wanders as she passes from one stop light to another. I gotta tell you it's a frightening thing to watch.
Her friends and I are trying to wean her from the car as a matter of public safety. We talk about the joys of Amazon Prime and Next Day Delivery and the fun of opening packages when they arrive. We talk about the dangers of 'other' drivers during her travels and the rising cost of insurance and other auto expenses. It's not easy to get her off the road, but maybe Amazon can do it.
Would you rather share the road with her, and twenty like her, or with a single Amazon driver?
I vaguely recall noting 50 years ago that Encyclopedia Britannica was written by ~100 august scholars with impeccable credentials. So I assumed that these grey haired fossils essentially assigned their grad students to do whatever actual work or research was required. This did not inspire confidence. [yes, you may assume that now I am a grey haired fossil]
This wiki thing is written by thousands of all ages and widely varying credentials. That is wonderful. Many are experts on only one topic and very current. Many have access to unique sources of information. Many are passionate about a topic or two. Yes, it's undoubtedly true that some will distort facts to meet their obsessions. I tend to believe that most are altruistic and bend over backward to uncover unbiased truth.
I have never doubted the overall excellence of Wikipedia. Of course, an article about a controversial person, such as the current US president, may well be spiked with distortions. Such articles draw very emotional editors. We all know that and are cautious in our acceptance. But reading about most subjects should be reasonably worthwhile.
Two links- one to Fortune, one to Slashdot. Fortune rarely works for me, but right there in the article is a link to a previous, better story from Inverse, a more interesting publisher. Why Fortune and not the better article? Kickbacks?
As a literate person who can spell 'omphaloskepsis', I worry about the future when shallow comic characters are the pinnacle of entertainment. People try to convince themselves that this it sci-fi, but it's only fantasy. The pornographic costumes are the main attraction to pubescent viewers and more than a few others. The simplistic moral lessons are mind numbingly stupid; good versus evil over and over with magical powers on all sides.
But there's always a hope that they will gravitate toward real sci-fi and real human drama that makes interesting storytelling. On the other side of the equation are 'literary' types who have no imagination or creativity and look down on sci-fi. ComicCon should be a bridge to bring us all closer.
Gotta say that San Diegans are in turmoil this time of year. Many hate the colorful fans and congestion and confusion. Of course there's money to be made which pleases a few. I'm happy to have this happy chaos in our conservative city.
"happens when the same failures happen in two years and I DON'T have Apple Care?"
I've had design/component failures on two of my Macs, both in and out of warranty. They were always fixed for free, including many nitpicky little things like a missing key cap, added RAM that didn't meet specs, etc. When the Geniuses see a 'known problem' they seem to fix it regardless of warranty. YMMV.
It's OK if they see a dozen bloody murders each hour. OK to commit murders while gaming. But doG forbid they should see lovemaking!
The murdering is OK with most governments because they know it's usually for some patriotic cause, and these mindless masses who love simulated killing will be easy to recruit into warriors for the rich. Cannon fodder.
One of the first colors arrived shortly after the development of chlorophyll, and it wasn't green. Yeah, probably lots of little green things in the blue ocean, but not enough to green the planet as seen from early satellite photos. The little green things brought the first oxygen, making possible little animals. But the oxygen also did something to transform to the appearance of our little planet: it turned earth red. Iron ore on or near the surface of earth began to rust.
Earth was very simple in terms of minerals in the beginning. Organic life has created a far more complex mineral landscape.
Does anyone get respect from Google search? I search for two words, word1 and word2, and right there on page 1 of the results are many that don't include one of the necessary words. Farther down are words that are similar but wrong. And, still on page 1 of the results are finds that include neither word. Some results have oriental characters and no English at all.
Google says there are 52,200 results. I click on the last page and it says "In order to show you the most relevant results, we have omitted some entries very similar to the 300 already displayed.", except that there were less than 200 hits, very few of which matched the criteria.
Google used to inform users of the size of each web page in the results. A search result that was 10K bytes might be a good hit, but a search result page that was 4MB was probably a spam page with a long list of random words.
Much additional information was available about each search result that is now denied us. Those of us who haven't forgotten know that the information is available. Google has simply decided not to give it to us. After all these years is there no competitor that can replicate the original search engine and give Google some competition?
"Besides, have you seen what's passing for a grownup these days? Apparently believing and proliferating insane conspiracy theories or bullying coworkers on social media is par for the professional course. And the U.S. president is only the most prominent example. Before she was unceremoniously dumped by ABC, Roseanne Barr had spent years using social media as a platform for a slew of bigoted comments and ideas it would be generous to call far-fetched. Meanwhile, recently fired EPA administrator Scott Pruitt amassed a staggering list of alleged ethical violations while still enjoying praise from his boss for doing a "fantastic job." And don't get me started on Gen X-er Kanye West - because where to even begin?" -https://www.nbcnews.com/think/opinion/failure-launch-why-so-many-millennials-feel-adulthood-lie-ncna889466?cid=public-rss_20180708
Time to grow up. Rationality has become a rare commodity in the First World. People struggling for their lives in the Middle East, Africa, India, etc have to deal with reality daily. Comfortable people who live in their parent's basements and attend Comicon don't seem interested in reality. Our current government is the result of a public that has 'more important' things to think about- sports, celebrities, fantasies, space travel, horoscopes, imaginary super heroes with sexy costumes...
Dr. Seuss would have been my preference when I was 5 and into children's fantasies. Nothing against Steve Ditko or Stan Lee who certainly created colorful and magical dream worlds. But by the time I was 12, I left all that behind. Heroism that depends on magic doesn't seem heroic to me when there are real human heroes who have no supernatural advantages. I don't understand why an adult would continue to devote time and energy to such foolishness.
Just today, my 4th of July gift to myself, I got a pass to all the museums, galleries and gardens in my city. That's 3 major art museums, 2 history, natural history, aerospace, science, model railroad, antique vehicles, botanical, photography museum and several formal gardens all in a year 'round park setting with great weather. Cost? $99/year.
Perhaps not as sexy as a movie pass where there might be exotic comic book characters with super powers or state-of-the-art cuddly animated animals or seat-of-the-pants chase scenes. Not as accommodating as theaters that offer $8 popcorn, sugary drinks and soft sticky seats. Not as intimate as a vast darkened chasm lit with 36 hand held devices that occasionally ring, beep and chime.
Diabetes was a poor choice for this experiment. Most diabetics ( the common type 2 ) already produce massive quantities of insulin after eating carbohydrates. The insulin floods their body, but because of the frequency of these events, the receptors that use the insulin are exhausted and unable to manage the glucose. This insulin excess combined with the untreated glucose is stressful to the body and the brain, which is why diabetics are often sleepy after a poorly chosen meal, and prone to dementia.
There is no benefit to stimulating more insulin production for most diabetics.
The true measure of emotional feeling, whether enthusiasm, surprise, anger or extreme ambivalence; is FUCK. Very simply, three FUCKS beats five and often six !!!!! The number of fucks, whether in a tweet, a comic book or an action movie is a clear indicator of quality and bold emotion.
When you consider that aliens living in your digestive tract are able to manipulate our hormones, make us hungry, control our immune system and more... is it so hard to think that similar entities are a component of the 'force'?
Yes, it is. We want to live in a superhero world surrounded by cinema magic and sexy women and there is no room here for stupid tiny microbes. How could infinitesimal biojunk stimulate our fantasies in the way that our pea brains require?
If we use our understanding of the past as a predictor, we could estimate that such an extinction event might occur every 1,460 billion days (4 billion years). There has only been one such event thus far and many life forms survived, including many mammals. We may have to wait even longer for the next one. But hey, we have nothing else to worry about so have at it!
I like Dropbox and I'm sure they have a nice algorithm, but . . .
Does nobody remember the ultimate compression algorithm from 1995 that could scrunch any amount of data to less than 1024 bytes. The DataFiles/16 program got quite a lot of publicity for WEB Technologies.
As I recall there were some inconveniences; for instance for really serious compression one had to run the software multiple times- compress, then compress the resulting file, then compress that resulting file. Nevertheless that was a lot of compression! There were minor technical glitches. For example, the decompressed file was quite unlike the original.
Slashdot Mirror
Some Slashdot readers don't recall the invention of the answering machine. You don't recall your parents insisting "I'm never going to talk to a machine!". Other Slashdot readers should be ashamed for forgetting that they once swore "Computer mice are for sissies. What's wrong with command line?".
Now they are saying that they will never talk to a 'smart speaker'. Each of you should tattoo that statement on your arm, along with the date. Look at it every day until you talk to smart speakers. Then shut up and don't say anything so stupid till you die.
The word 'code' is a relic of the telegraph age and WWI encryption efforts and legal documents such as 'building codes'. It is appropriate in programming only in that it is cryptic and unintelligible to anyone other than the coder. It is a poor choice of words to encourage people to learn.
I like 'algorithm'. It reflects the process better than 'code'. It conjures thoughts of creating a path to a desirable destination. Algorithm may be a new word to high schoolers, and not have the baggage of the word code. Used correctly it will give a clear idea of what's being learned along with more attractive connotations.
Beyond computer science, the concept of algorithm is essential to success in life. Everyone faces situations that require making decisions. These decisions should be based upon various facts, weighing various options and working toward an optimal solution. A person with a basic understanding of algorithms will be more successful in life, even if she never codes.
How do these errors in scientific studies relate to Google making us dumber?
There is a terrible gap in this summary indicating that this leads to that, without any explanation of how it happens. Perhaps because it is assumed that we are using Google search to find these studies, and then being mislead about the information presented? There are at least two problems with that thinking: First, a Google search cannot show us the paywalled studies; we may get an abstract or a third-hand comment about the study. Second, being given misleading information does not make us stupid.
Intelligence is not related to the data we store. We may be told that Google searches make us stupid, and that may be true or false, but storing that information does not change our IQ at all. We all have many wrong bits of data in our memory. What you are reading right now may be totally wrong, but it won't make you dumber than you already are.
However, you can avoid negative results from misleading information by storing it in your memory in a different manner: When a wiki tells you, for instance, that 'global warming' will result in this or that by the year 20nn, you can store that information with a tag such as 'this source suggests xxx will happen, and they have a pretty good argument to support the theory'. In this way, you are not accepting the theory as fact, but as a proposition from a source that you tend to respect. Never allow yourself to fully believe or disbelieve any proposition except that which you are reading now.
In my city the Microsoft store is a very short walk from the Apple store. The stores are almost identical large open spaces filled with tables displaying wares. The walls are covered with colorful pictures of products.
One hour before opening, a crowd begins to gather in front of the Apple store. By the opening bell there are about 30 people rushing in the big glass doors. By noon there are over 200 customers milling about and ~30 employees visible (more in the back). There is excitement in the air. Everyone is happy, even the people who need repairs to their equipment.
In the Microsoft store there are never more than 10 customers. It is a vast lonely echo chamber.
Many comments here about protein, and the sources of protein, yadda. For some bizarre reason scientists and the general public assume that low carb means high protein. IT DOESN'T. Every responsible low carb diet makes it perfectly clear that one should not eat much protein. For one thing, your body will use it to make carbohydrates. Why people choose to ignore this is baffling. More fat, less protein, much less carbohydrate is the formula. Is it that difficult to remember?
And let's not fuss about 'good' fat vs 'bad' fat. There are two primary concerns: Trans fats are bad. The other is never mentioned- rancid fat. This is a problem due to the fad of switching from animal fats to vegetable fats that started around the'80s. The good thing about animal fat is you know when it is rancid- it stinks. But vegetable fat doesn't. You don't know that you are poisoning yourself with it. Buy the smaller container of vegetable oil (if you must use it; lard is acceptable) and put it in the refrigerator after you open the bottle. Throw it out if you have any doubt. Coconut and MCT oil seem pretty stable at room temp and they are very good fuel for athletes and diabetics and most people.
It appears to be a 3 wheeler.
In many US states it would qualify as a motorcycle. Few safety standards apply. Personally I think that certain 3 wheeled bikes are much sportier, sexier, more fun--and who cares about fuel consumption in that case? OTOH, shy persons may prefer this wimpy ride.
The MP3 SPORT 500 HPE is one example: http://www.piaggio.com/us_EN/m...
I took a very brief look at internet.org and found this:
"Connecting the world
Means the whole world, not just some of us"
Facebook wants all those Asians & Africans and others deprived of the Facebook social network to join in. That's disturbing me as I recall the days of AOL and CompuServe. Millions of people went to those services and believed that they were the internet. It never occurred to them that there was more than just AOL. And today the same thinking is applied to Facebook. It *is* the internet for billions.
If this thinking reaches a certain point of critical mass, it might be self-fulfilling. Facebook will really be the internet, and those locked out (like me) will find fewer online resources.
Let's think about our 'humanity' ... Finished? For all of recorded history and probably beyond we've killed each other as fast as technology would allow. We are not nice by any standard. Millions worldwide are homeless, hungry, diseased. We help them when there's profit to be had. The mass of humanity is turned inward, sometimes for survival, sometimes for Twitter or YouTube. I can't think of any mammal that has the same disdain for others of its species.
Yes, there are organizations and individuals who care. Teachers & firefighters & medical heroes. But there are also politicians, corporate executives and presidents who don't much care for anyone else.
Our 'humanity' leaves much to be desired. Don't blame Facebook.
Sorry Google. Apple patented that in 1986. Only the attorneys will applaud this change. Consider other possibilities, for instance /tab1\ /tab2\ delimited by some other shape. But whatever, enjoy messing with the minds of all your 2.3 million users. I'll stick with Firefox.
You don't know my sister! Loves to shop, loves it. Groceries at least twice a week. A trip to the mall twice a week. Costco three times a month. Then there are the specialty shops and the book store.
Fine, but she's a terrible driver. Terrible, and she puts a LOT of miles on that tired old Honda. Her mind seems to wander, just as her lane wanders as she passes from one stop light to another. I gotta tell you it's a frightening thing to watch.
Her friends and I are trying to wean her from the car as a matter of public safety. We talk about the joys of Amazon Prime and Next Day Delivery and the fun of opening packages when they arrive. We talk about the dangers of 'other' drivers during her travels and the rising cost of insurance and other auto expenses. It's not easy to get her off the road, but maybe Amazon can do it.
Would you rather share the road with her, and twenty like her, or with a single Amazon driver?
I vaguely recall noting 50 years ago that Encyclopedia Britannica was written by ~100 august scholars with impeccable credentials. So I assumed that these grey haired fossils essentially assigned their grad students to do whatever actual work or research was required. This did not inspire confidence. [yes, you may assume that now I am a grey haired fossil]
This wiki thing is written by thousands of all ages and widely varying credentials. That is wonderful. Many are experts on only one topic and very current. Many have access to unique sources of information. Many are passionate about a topic or two. Yes, it's undoubtedly true that some will distort facts to meet their obsessions. I tend to believe that most are altruistic and bend over backward to uncover unbiased truth.
I have never doubted the overall excellence of Wikipedia. Of course, an article about a controversial person, such as the current US president, may well be spiked with distortions. Such articles draw very emotional editors. We all know that and are cautious in our acceptance. But reading about most subjects should be reasonably worthwhile.
Two links- one to Fortune, one to Slashdot. Fortune rarely works for me, but right there in the article is a link to a previous, better story from Inverse, a more interesting publisher. Why Fortune and not the better article? Kickbacks?
Where are the Youtube links? Perhaps you thought they would be superfluous in a story about clever robots?
Inverse article: https://www.inverse.com/articl...
Cheetah: https://www.youtube.com/watch?...
Boston Dynamics: https://www.youtube.com/channe...
As a literate person who can spell 'omphaloskepsis', I worry about the future when shallow comic characters are the pinnacle of entertainment. People try to convince themselves that this it sci-fi, but it's only fantasy. The pornographic costumes are the main attraction to pubescent viewers and more than a few others. The simplistic moral lessons are mind numbingly stupid; good versus evil over and over with magical powers on all sides.
But there's always a hope that they will gravitate toward real sci-fi and real human drama that makes interesting storytelling. On the other side of the equation are 'literary' types who have no imagination or creativity and look down on sci-fi. ComicCon should be a bridge to bring us all closer.
Gotta say that San Diegans are in turmoil this time of year. Many hate the colorful fans and congestion and confusion. Of course there's money to be made which pleases a few. I'm happy to have this happy chaos in our conservative city.
"happens when the same failures happen in two years and I DON'T have Apple Care?"
I've had design/component failures on two of my Macs, both in and out of warranty. They were always fixed for free, including many nitpicky little things like a missing key cap, added RAM that didn't meet specs, etc. When the Geniuses see a 'known problem' they seem to fix it regardless of warranty. YMMV.
It's OK if they see a dozen bloody murders each hour. OK to commit murders while gaming. But doG forbid they should see lovemaking!
The murdering is OK with most governments because they know it's usually for some patriotic cause, and these mindless masses who love simulated killing will be easy to recruit into warriors for the rich. Cannon fodder.
One of the first colors arrived shortly after the development of chlorophyll, and it wasn't green. Yeah, probably lots of little green things in the blue ocean, but not enough to green the planet as seen from early satellite photos. The little green things brought the first oxygen, making possible little animals. But the oxygen also did something to transform to the appearance of our little planet: it turned earth red. Iron ore on or near the surface of earth began to rust.
Earth was very simple in terms of minerals in the beginning. Organic life has created a far more complex mineral landscape.
Does anyone get respect from Google search? I search for two words, word1 and word2, and right there on page 1 of the results are many that don't include one of the necessary words. Farther down are words that are similar but wrong. And, still on page 1 of the results are finds that include neither word. Some results have oriental characters and no English at all.
Google says there are 52,200 results. I click on the last page and it says "In order to show you the most relevant results, we have omitted some entries very similar to the 300 already displayed.", except that there were less than 200 hits, very few of which matched the criteria.
Google used to inform users of the size of each web page in the results. A search result that was 10K bytes might be a good hit, but a search result page that was 4MB was probably a spam page with a long list of random words.
Much additional information was available about each search result that is now denied us. Those of us who haven't forgotten know that the information is available. Google has simply decided not to give it to us. After all these years is there no competitor that can replicate the original search engine and give Google some competition?
"Besides, have you seen what's passing for a grownup these days? Apparently believing and proliferating insane conspiracy theories or bullying coworkers on social media is par for the professional course. And the U.S. president is only the most prominent example. Before she was unceremoniously dumped by ABC, Roseanne Barr had spent years using social media as a platform for a slew of bigoted comments and ideas it would be generous to call far-fetched. Meanwhile, recently fired EPA administrator Scott Pruitt amassed a staggering list of alleged ethical violations while still enjoying praise from his boss for doing a "fantastic job." And don't get me started on Gen X-er Kanye West - because where to even begin?" -https://www.nbcnews.com/think/opinion/failure-launch-why-so-many-millennials-feel-adulthood-lie-ncna889466?cid=public-rss_20180708
Time to grow up. Rationality has become a rare commodity in the First World. People struggling for their lives in the Middle East, Africa, India, etc have to deal with reality daily. Comfortable people who live in their parent's basements and attend Comicon don't seem interested in reality. Our current government is the result of a public that has 'more important' things to think about- sports, celebrities, fantasies, space travel, horoscopes, imaginary super heroes with sexy costumes...
Dr. Seuss would have been my preference when I was 5 and into children's fantasies. Nothing against Steve Ditko or Stan Lee who certainly created colorful and magical dream worlds. But by the time I was 12, I left all that behind. Heroism that depends on magic doesn't seem heroic to me when there are real human heroes who have no supernatural advantages. I don't understand why an adult would continue to devote time and energy to such foolishness.
Just today, my 4th of July gift to myself, I got a pass to all the museums, galleries and gardens in my city. That's 3 major art museums, 2 history, natural history, aerospace, science, model railroad, antique vehicles, botanical, photography museum and several formal gardens all in a year 'round park setting with great weather. Cost? $99/year.
Perhaps not as sexy as a movie pass where there might be exotic comic book characters with super powers or state-of-the-art cuddly animated animals or seat-of-the-pants chase scenes. Not as accommodating as theaters that offer $8 popcorn, sugary drinks and soft sticky seats. Not as intimate as a vast darkened chasm lit with 36 hand held devices that occasionally ring, beep and chime.
But really, who goes to museums?
Diabetes was a poor choice for this experiment. Most diabetics ( the common type 2 ) already produce massive quantities of insulin after eating carbohydrates. The insulin floods their body, but because of the frequency of these events, the receptors that use the insulin are exhausted and unable to manage the glucose. This insulin excess combined with the untreated glucose is stressful to the body and the brain, which is why diabetics are often sleepy after a poorly chosen meal, and prone to dementia.
There is no benefit to stimulating more insulin production for most diabetics.
The true measure of emotional feeling, whether enthusiasm, surprise, anger or extreme ambivalence; is FUCK. Very simply, three FUCKS beats five and often six !!!!! The number of fucks, whether in a tweet, a comic book or an action movie is a clear indicator of quality and bold emotion.
When you consider that aliens living in your digestive tract are able to manipulate our hormones, make us hungry, control our immune system and more ... is it so hard to think that similar entities are a component of the 'force'?
Yes, it is. We want to live in a superhero world surrounded by cinema magic and sexy women and there is no room here for stupid tiny microbes. How could infinitesimal biojunk stimulate our fantasies in the way that our pea brains require?
If we use our understanding of the past as a predictor, we could estimate that such an extinction event might occur every 1,460 billion days (4 billion years). There has only been one such event thus far and many life forms survived, including many mammals. We may have to wait even longer for the next one. But hey, we have nothing else to worry about so have at it!
I like Dropbox and I'm sure they have a nice algorithm, but . . .
Does nobody remember the ultimate compression algorithm from 1995 that could scrunch any amount of data to less than 1024 bytes. The DataFiles/16 program got quite a lot of publicity for WEB Technologies.
As I recall there were some inconveniences; for instance for really serious compression one had to run the software multiple times- compress, then compress the resulting file, then compress that resulting file. Nevertheless that was a lot of compression! There were minor technical glitches. For example, the decompressed file was quite unlike the original.