Umm, why? Eolas passed all the tests (New, unique, original, no prior art). Just because it took forever for the USPTO to grant their patent, and during this course of time their technology became commonplace, does not mean it is any less valid.
And while no browser is immune to this patent (because they are all using stolen technology), does not mean Eolas is going to come after the others. From what I've read, Eolas just wants MS (apparently MS and the univ prof had a prior existing relationship, which led to Eolas really wanting to nail them), so I say, let them have their fun.
It comes from all that chair-throwing. Triceps, biceps, and the abs all get a great workout! Perhaps Ballmer is looking to upgrade (two chairs at once! or maybe a table!). Kind of makes telling the big boss that you're leaving for Google a little more risky...
But seriously, my karma is going to burn for posting this.
To be honest, I've never seen a business model so evil. On one hand I'm scared to death, on the other hand I'm kind of curious (like a kid with an ant farm).
Think about it. A group of lawyers (or an IP firm, but I repeat myself) buy out patents from inventors for a token sum, then turn around and sue for $$$. Typically, the owner of IP has to put up money for a lawyer to go after infringing companies, and when the money runs out, he's done. But when the owner is a lawyer, well, he's spending his own time; and since his only costs are filing lawsuits...
It's like the perfect antidote to big companies holding out on IP. The way most companies are these days, they all cross-license patents, which keeps the smaller guys out. Kind of like a cartel. And the cure? Groups of lawyers, with patents, and no infringing products, making the cartels rethink their patent policy. What's worse for them, competition or the occaisional lawyer singing "Rape, Pillage, Burn!"?
As I have my own hand to play (or will, very shortly), I'm really enjoying how these patent lawsuits are going. Eolas proves that a lone inventor can take on a giant, and win big. And this lawsuit proves that he who holds the patent holds the keys to the kingdom. Yes, I'm biased, yes, I'm playing on team evil, but it's fun. Everyone else is doing it, try it!
"Seriously, if the rest of us have to suck it up an pay taxes, there's no reason whatsoever that a multi-billion dollar corporation can't do the same."
Yeah, they CAN pay taxes, but that doesn't mean they will or should. You CAN live off bread and water, donating your labor to the state, but that doesn't mean you will or should.
Frankly, I think we should stand with Google against these taxes, not degenerate into warfare over who isn't paying their "share" of taxes. You keep the game your playing, the politicians win. Fuck the services, bring me the head of the local tax man; that's all the service I need from the local government.
*cue evil laugh* Muahahahaha! Power to the patent (I'm biased, having my own hand in the game)!
But in all seriousness, this is both a good and bad thing.
It's a bad thing (in the eyes of most/.ers, OSS, etc.) in respect to the fact that this confirms a broad patent, with all the WMD-type damage that in can incur.
It's a good thing (again, in the eyes of/.ers) in that this patent is pointed at Microsoft. As MS is quite adept at dishing it out (destroying competition, litigating projects out of existance, etc.), it's nice to see a little fair play. Bonus points because it's the little guy (small inventor) giving it to the big guy (corporation).
"whereas you can expect windows to core dump periodically and predictably."
Yeah, about five years ago. Since Windows 2000, the only crashes I've encountered are either my fault (directly tapping into the kernel to do things it wasn't designed to do) or hardware (fuck you Maxtor, and your shitty three-month drives).
It's not 1995 anymore, and this FUD makes Linux users look like a bunch of uneducated zealots. If you can't setup a stable Windows box these days, you're sad.
For the record, I run multiple OSs (Windows XP, Windows 2003 EE, Slackware and TurboLinux (Clustering baby!)).
As a side note, I spent the summer dealing with interns with the same "Linux is God" mentality. They somehow managed to destroy every Windows machine they touched (nevermind the fact that these boxes ran stable for more than several months, and none of the hundred or so other engineers had any trouble with them), all the while whining that it was Windows' fault. To this day, we still do not know how they managed to fuck up their boxes so bad; we just muse that the quality of college education must be dropping.
They innovated in the form of a new business paradigm, a market where a common operating system would run on multiple vendor's hardware. While there are other OSs that were capable of such, they were the first that broke IBM's stranglehold on the PC market, and as such, provided competition among hardware vendors. Like it or not, they really brought the PC to the home user.
Apple had a chance to do the same, but they didn't want to break their hardware/software monopoly. Which isn't to say that they don't make great software and hardware combinations, but they lost a chance to be MS.
Tell me about it. My previous workplace (up until 2 weeks ago, go go dotcom boom 2.0) is suffering war by attrition on two fronts: Microsoft and the ex-CIO.
It's fucking hilarious. You watch as an employee (who's leaving for one of those two mentioned above) goes out to lunch with a group of his fellow workers. They come back, and file their two weeks. It's one of those recursive things, where each leaving employee convinces 10 of his fellow mates to leave with him.
Pretty soon, my old company is going to have to outlaw lunch or they won't have any programmers left. Doesn't help that they're implementing SAP (and no one has told the boys upstairs that it's not going to fly next year, let alone this year).
The fun part are the rumors running around that some of those AEGIS cruisers have been upgraded to deal with ICBMs. Sure, it's only theatre protection (leaving the rest of the US wide open), but they are more than capable of protecting a city, and let's face it: if you're going to launch a nuke at a target, you're going for maximum damage (hitting a large city). Nobodys going to try to nuke midwestern America.
Keep a cruiser in port at all times (in the major cities), and you're virtually covered.
Now, whether or not the AEGIS cruisers would actually intercept an ICBM with their current failure rate is another story, but they have a decent chance (maybe getting off a dozen intercept missiles before a warhead hits).
"Exactly how is more per capita, and less coverage, "cheaper"?"
Easy. We provide better care (no queue for most surgeries) for the more productive of our citizens (the people making enough money to afford coverage). If you're not productive enough, then you probably can't afford medical coverage, so you better become more productive (earn more $$$) or the problem will sort itself out the next time you have a medical issue.
For those of us who can't afford healthcare, or don't 'like' paying for it (lower class - lower middle class typically), the idea of universal coverage seems like a fabulous idea (yay! free healthcare for all! and other people will pay for it!). For those of us actually providing more than a headcount to society, the idea of having to compete Joe Loser for a spot on the cardiovascular surgery list for a heart-valve defect is less than endearing.
But back to the original point, how is it cheaper? By keeping the more productive members of society in tip-top shape (and by eliminating the less desirable elements through attrition), the productive growth gained is far greater than the impact (even at double per capita). Hence, our system is 'cheaper'.
"The real moneymakers come out of nowhere. If it sounds like something you've heard of, but with maybe a tiny twist...look elsewhere."
But if we look at the entire software industry, things tend to build on existing things, with little twists or quirks added in an attempt to get ahead of the competition. The whole "we stand on the shoulders of giants" mess. The iPod is an excellent example. There are other portable music players out there, many which came before the iPod, but Apple added a few twists, and suddenly it owned the music market.
And I'd think that doing something new and doing it well would be the real moneymaker. By virtue of being the first in the market, you have a virtual monopoly, and by doing it well, you can maintain it.
And what of innovations that are not pragmatic, but, if implemented, show incredible potential?
In my case, I've been working on a new interface (think Project Looking Glass, with a "few twists") for over several years now (yes, before PLJ started). Patent applications have been filed, prior art has been checked, marketability verified. In conjunction with any OS, my interface could wipe the floor with the competition (IMHO). Coupled with Windows Vista, people might actually find a reason to upgrade.
The biggest issue is this: to fully implement this technology, I would need a massive amount of capital. But in order to acquire said capital, I would have to prove to the VCs that the technology is pragmatic. You can't do that without a prototype, which requires capital (a lot). Which means you need to get some from VCs...Wash, Rinse, Repeat.
And since the technology affects the general OS interface, the only way to make any real money (for the VCs and myself) would require developing the technology and selling out to someone like MS or IBM.
The only thing keeping this ship alive right now are the patent applications (which interest VCs, and keep us from being screwed). But you understand the insanity. Stress is high, morale is at an all time low.
I don't know where I'm going with this (been up for 20 hours working on the prototype (which is very difficult to write)), but I hope I've said soemthing important.
I'm off to bed, and will respond to comments in the morning.
Apple may be the first to produce a device, but if Microsoft proves that they were working on the invention before Apple shipped their iPod, Apple is screwed. MS could file a permanent injunction (Apple can no longer sell iPod) and sue for damages.
"look at the Bitkeeper debacle: a tool he mandated blew up in exactly the way fs advocates would predict. "
Because of those FS advocates. It's no different if a friend (and I use the term loosely) tells you not to buy a new Ford Mustang, and then steals it when you do. That's what we call fucked up.
"And now he's promoting a patent pool on the same basis which is: if you can't beat them join them. "
Which works. Face it, with MAD agreements with half the software companies out there, patent litigation is somewhat negated. It's not full proof (lone inventors/companies without agreements will still pose a challenge), but it offers some comfort that a number of the big boys will not come knocking.
Do I think this strategy will be successful in the long run? To a limited extent. But I'd be lying if I said that Linux will not be facing a war soon. And unlike MS, it does not have deep enough pockets to fight off all its challengers.
"When you're going 20 over the limit it's somewhat hard to see someone crossing the road around the next corner. And if you're going over the limit you're something like 5 times more likely to kill them."
Not really, you can only take corners so fast. I'm assuming, of course, you are referring to the realistic scenario where someone is taking a 90 degree turn. In my experience, speeders tend to be more aware of their surroundings than those driving 20 MPH under the speed limit. And while they put aside the legality of the speed limit, they are very meticulous about the other laws.
I do not know anyone who speeds who takes a 90 degree turn at >40 MPH, and certainly not in any area where there are crosswalks.
"you can get to work 1 minute quicker"
Actually, I find I get to work 30 minutes earlier.
"Perhaps you speeders should look somewhere other than public roads for your testosterone fix."
I thought I was trying to get to work 1 minute earlier. Well, with your one track mind, I understand it's difficult to stay on task. Here's a bright red ball, go play with it while the grownups talk.
Which is why I love the PA turnpike. Get on it any time but rush hour, and we're all doing about 85 mph (speed limit is 55 mph). Grandpa and grandma get run off the road, usually by the truckers (love those guys). Nothing funnier than seeing a multi-ton truck bearing down on a Ford Focus, even better when the trucker begins speeding up, almost pushing the car.
I drive over 100 miles to and from work each day, and I hate idiot drivers. I hate old drivers. I hate the "we should obey stupid laws, and everyone has a right to drive" drivers. Fuck you. Less than 2% of all accidents happen at high speeds (>45MPH). Most accidents are caused by slow and stupid drivers.
Most of these speed limits were set back when cars could barely handle 50 mph. With all the advances over the past 30 years, if your POS car can't handle something faster, it's time for you to stop driving.
Oh yeah, and in Philadelphia (for all you visitors), the right lane is the passing lane. Seems that all the slow, stupid drivers want to be just like everyone else, so they drive 30 mph in the left hand lane (speed limit is 50). It's a sad sight when people are passing you on the right, even worse when Septa buses are passing you on the right. It's a sign to get the f*ck off the road, to pull into a parking lot, and find out where you went wrong in life.
It's one thing to discover that your product has a bug after it ships, it's quite another to discover that your product has a bug, and to ship it anyways!
Compared to Windows, Linux is harder for "mom and dad" to break.
And it's also harder for mom and dad to use. Some people's time is worth more than f*cking with X to recognize your video card. That's why I switched from Linux back to Windows. Less rhetoric, less stupidity, more time for things that are important in life.
Recognize that not everyone is a computer programmer, and messing with some arcane operating system that promises the ultimate in user configurability is not one of their goals in life. Come, join us, move out of your parent's basement, take a shower, discover women...
I know you do, and that's why it will never happen. Who decides what is a reasonable period time? Or a price within the bounds of the general market? Congress, or you?
"That mentality is what is going to keep the libertarian party a small collection of gun nuts."
The party has been growing, especially after the 2004 election. Democrats are finding that they care more about smoking a J than trying for more programs, and Republicans find that they care more about keeping their own money than whether or not their gay neighbor is getting some. A lot of people on both sides are tired, especially after the bullsh*t candidates both teams fielded last round. The Democrats weren't really feeling Kerry, and the Republicans weren't feeling Bush. More of a going through the motions kind of thing. Their hearts aren't really into it.
"Libertarians could do more then intellectual bitching on the side lines if they just compromised a little."
Libertarians do not work like that. They are not like any other party or philosophy you know of. If you compromise, even a little, you are no longer a libertarian. And libertarians tend to be some of the most intelligent people when it comes to politics. They will drop you like a stone, and think nothing of it. It keeps them from being marginalized or hijacked like the other philosophies.
"If libertarians wanted to make a REAL practical difference"
They would get Democrats and Republicans to shutup and stop putting words in our mouthes. Those two parties field FUD against libertarians like its going out of style! How many times have I had a discussion with a Republican who thought that the Libertarian Party was the "Pot Party"? Or a Democrat, who thinks that we are closet Republicans? Apparently, we are the boogeymen come to carry off your children in the middle of the night.
The time for compromise is over. The first people libertarians need to deal with are the media. The mix and match shit has got to go.
Oh yeah, because if we just stopped buying guns and gave that money away as foreign aid, life would be grand. Kids would have healthcare, education, and jobs.
What *are* you smoking?
How many times have we given away aid, and how many times has that aid ended up in El Presidente's bank account, instead of the hands who need it most?
What I can't understand is how ignorant people can continue to taught these policies in the face of FUCKING REALITY. Tsunami Relief Fund? Great idea, too bad it didn't work. The money went straight into the scammer's and government's (I repeat myself) pockets. Live 8? Great idea, again, won't work.
The problems are not one of money. They never are. They are problems with government.
Unfortunately, you just can't go into a foreign country, and replace a government. That never works. You need to get them to rise up and do it themselves.
Let's start with a more basic approach, the 2R's approach. Rhyme and reason.
It often amazes me how many people cannot think. They can read, write, and count. Actually doing something intelligent with those skills is beyond them.
They're singing my song. Lot's of money + bored = idle rich. I need a patent or company quick. DOTCOM v2.0 is a go!
Seriously though, we should start patenting something or building a company quick. Any OSS who want money (but can't get over the whole morals thing), meet me behind the tool shed with a pair of pliars. Ethicetomys for all! Or you could just cry about it later, telling yourself what a bad, horrible person you are as you take your trophy wide for a spin in your Ferrari.
Slashdot Mirror
Umm, why? Eolas passed all the tests (New, unique, original, no prior art). Just because it took forever for the USPTO to grant their patent, and during this course of time their technology became commonplace, does not mean it is any less valid.
And while no browser is immune to this patent (because they are all using stolen technology), does not mean Eolas is going to come after the others. From what I've read, Eolas just wants MS (apparently MS and the univ prof had a prior existing relationship, which led to Eolas really wanting to nail them), so I say, let them have their fun.
It comes from all that chair-throwing. Triceps, biceps, and the abs all get a great workout! Perhaps Ballmer is looking to upgrade (two chairs at once! or maybe a table!). Kind of makes telling the big boss that you're leaving for Google a little more risky...
But seriously, my karma is going to burn for posting this.
To be honest, I've never seen a business model so evil. On one hand I'm scared to death, on the other hand I'm kind of curious (like a kid with an ant farm).
Think about it. A group of lawyers (or an IP firm, but I repeat myself) buy out patents from inventors for a token sum, then turn around and sue for $$$. Typically, the owner of IP has to put up money for a lawyer to go after infringing companies, and when the money runs out, he's done. But when the owner is a lawyer, well, he's spending his own time; and since his only costs are filing lawsuits...
It's like the perfect antidote to big companies holding out on IP. The way most companies are these days, they all cross-license patents, which keeps the smaller guys out. Kind of like a cartel. And the cure? Groups of lawyers, with patents, and no infringing products, making the cartels rethink their patent policy. What's worse for them, competition or the occaisional lawyer singing "Rape, Pillage, Burn!"?
As I have my own hand to play (or will, very shortly), I'm really enjoying how these patent lawsuits are going. Eolas proves that a lone inventor can take on a giant, and win big. And this lawsuit proves that he who holds the patent holds the keys to the kingdom. Yes, I'm biased, yes, I'm playing on team evil, but it's fun. Everyone else is doing it, try it!
"Seriously, if the rest of us have to suck it up an pay taxes, there's no reason whatsoever that a multi-billion dollar corporation can't do the same."
Yeah, they CAN pay taxes, but that doesn't mean they will or should. You CAN live off bread and water, donating your labor to the state, but that doesn't mean you will or should.
Frankly, I think we should stand with Google against these taxes, not degenerate into warfare over who isn't paying their "share" of taxes. You keep the game your playing, the politicians win. Fuck the services, bring me the head of the local tax man; that's all the service I need from the local government.
*cue evil laugh* Muahahahaha! Power to the patent (I'm biased, having my own hand in the game)!
/.ers, OSS, etc.) in respect to the fact that this confirms a broad patent, with all the WMD-type damage that in can incur.
/.ers) in that this patent is pointed at Microsoft. As MS is quite adept at dishing it out (destroying competition, litigating projects out of existance, etc.), it's nice to see a little fair play. Bonus points because it's the little guy (small inventor) giving it to the big guy (corporation).
But in all seriousness, this is both a good and bad thing.
It's a bad thing (in the eyes of most
It's a good thing (again, in the eyes of
"whereas you can expect windows to core dump periodically and predictably."
Yeah, about five years ago. Since Windows 2000, the only crashes I've encountered are either my fault (directly tapping into the kernel to do things it wasn't designed to do) or hardware (fuck you Maxtor, and your shitty three-month drives).
It's not 1995 anymore, and this FUD makes Linux users look like a bunch of uneducated zealots. If you can't setup a stable Windows box these days, you're sad.
For the record, I run multiple OSs (Windows XP, Windows 2003 EE, Slackware and TurboLinux (Clustering baby!)).
As a side note, I spent the summer dealing with interns with the same "Linux is God" mentality. They somehow managed to destroy every Windows machine they touched (nevermind the fact that these boxes ran stable for more than several months, and none of the hundred or so other engineers had any trouble with them), all the while whining that it was Windows' fault. To this day, we still do not know how they managed to fuck up their boxes so bad; we just muse that the quality of college education must be dropping.
They innovated in the form of a new business paradigm, a market where a common operating system would run on multiple vendor's hardware. While there are other OSs that were capable of such, they were the first that broke IBM's stranglehold on the PC market, and as such, provided competition among hardware vendors. Like it or not, they really brought the PC to the home user.
Apple had a chance to do the same, but they didn't want to break their hardware/software monopoly. Which isn't to say that they don't make great software and hardware combinations, but they lost a chance to be MS.
Tell me about it. My previous workplace (up until 2 weeks ago, go go dotcom boom 2.0) is suffering war by attrition on two fronts: Microsoft and the ex-CIO.
It's fucking hilarious. You watch as an employee (who's leaving for one of those two mentioned above) goes out to lunch with a group of his fellow workers. They come back, and file their two weeks. It's one of those recursive things, where each leaving employee convinces 10 of his fellow mates to leave with him.
Pretty soon, my old company is going to have to outlaw lunch or they won't have any programmers left. Doesn't help that they're implementing SAP (and no one has told the boys upstairs that it's not going to fly next year, let alone this year).
Here's a link backing up what I said:
m l
http://www.missilethreat.com/systems/aegis_usa.ht
The fun part are the rumors running around that some of those AEGIS cruisers have been upgraded to deal with ICBMs. Sure, it's only theatre protection (leaving the rest of the US wide open), but they are more than capable of protecting a city, and let's face it: if you're going to launch a nuke at a target, you're going for maximum damage (hitting a large city). Nobodys going to try to nuke midwestern America.
Keep a cruiser in port at all times (in the major cities), and you're virtually covered.
Now, whether or not the AEGIS cruisers would actually intercept an ICBM with their current failure rate is another story, but they have a decent chance (maybe getting off a dozen intercept missiles before a warhead hits).
"Exactly how is more per capita, and less coverage, "cheaper"?"
Easy. We provide better care (no queue for most surgeries) for the more productive of our citizens (the people making enough money to afford coverage). If you're not productive enough, then you probably can't afford medical coverage, so you better become more productive (earn more $$$) or the problem will sort itself out the next time you have a medical issue.
For those of us who can't afford healthcare, or don't 'like' paying for it (lower class - lower middle class typically), the idea of universal coverage seems like a fabulous idea (yay! free healthcare for all! and other people will pay for it!). For those of us actually providing more than a headcount to society, the idea of having to compete Joe Loser for a spot on the cardiovascular surgery list for a heart-valve defect is less than endearing.
But back to the original point, how is it cheaper? By keeping the more productive members of society in tip-top shape (and by eliminating the less desirable elements through attrition), the productive growth gained is far greater than the impact (even at double per capita). Hence, our system is 'cheaper'.
+10 Mental Gymnastics
+10 Evil
Muhahahahaha!
Indeed.
"The real moneymakers come out of nowhere. If it sounds like something you've heard of, but with maybe a tiny twist...look elsewhere."
But if we look at the entire software industry, things tend to build on existing things, with little twists or quirks added in an attempt to get ahead of the competition. The whole "we stand on the shoulders of giants" mess. The iPod is an excellent example. There are other portable music players out there, many which came before the iPod, but Apple added a few twists, and suddenly it owned the music market.
And I'd think that doing something new and doing it well would be the real moneymaker. By virtue of being the first in the market, you have a virtual monopoly, and by doing it well, you can maintain it.
And what of innovations that are not pragmatic, but, if implemented, show incredible potential?
In my case, I've been working on a new interface (think Project Looking Glass, with a "few twists") for over several years now (yes, before PLJ started). Patent applications have been filed, prior art has been checked, marketability verified. In conjunction with any OS, my interface could wipe the floor with the competition (IMHO). Coupled with Windows Vista, people might actually find a reason to upgrade.
The biggest issue is this: to fully implement this technology, I would need a massive amount of capital. But in order to acquire said capital, I would have to prove to the VCs that the technology is pragmatic. You can't do that without a prototype, which requires capital (a lot). Which means you need to get some from VCs...Wash, Rinse, Repeat.
And since the technology affects the general OS interface, the only way to make any real money (for the VCs and myself) would require developing the technology and selling out to someone like MS or IBM.
The only thing keeping this ship alive right now are the patent applications (which interest VCs, and keep us from being screwed). But you understand the insanity. Stress is high, morale is at an all time low.
I don't know where I'm going with this (been up for 20 hours working on the prototype (which is very difficult to write)), but I hope I've said soemthing important.
I'm off to bed, and will respond to comments in the morning.
G'nite
"First to Invent"-> basis for USPTO.
Apple may be the first to produce a device, but if Microsoft proves that they were working on the invention before Apple shipped their iPod, Apple is screwed. MS could file a permanent injunction (Apple can no longer sell iPod) and sue for damages.
"look at the Bitkeeper debacle: a tool he mandated blew up in exactly the way fs advocates would predict. "
Because of those FS advocates. It's no different if a friend (and I use the term loosely) tells you not to buy a new Ford Mustang, and then steals it when you do. That's what we call fucked up.
"And now he's promoting a patent pool on the same basis which is: if you can't beat them join them. "
Which works. Face it, with MAD agreements with half the software companies out there, patent litigation is somewhat negated. It's not full proof (lone inventors/companies without agreements will still pose a challenge), but it offers some comfort that a number of the big boys will not come knocking.
Do I think this strategy will be successful in the long run? To a limited extent. But I'd be lying if I said that Linux will not be facing a war soon. And unlike MS, it does not have deep enough pockets to fight off all its challengers.
"When you're going 20 over the limit it's somewhat hard to see someone crossing the road around the next corner. And if you're going over the limit you're something like 5 times more likely to kill them."
Not really, you can only take corners so fast. I'm assuming, of course, you are referring to the realistic scenario where someone is taking a 90 degree turn. In my experience, speeders tend to be more aware of their surroundings than those driving 20 MPH under the speed limit. And while they put aside the legality of the speed limit, they are very meticulous about the other laws.
I do not know anyone who speeds who takes a 90 degree turn at >40 MPH, and certainly not in any area where there are crosswalks.
"you can get to work 1 minute quicker"
Actually, I find I get to work 30 minutes earlier.
"Perhaps you speeders should look somewhere other than public roads for your testosterone fix."
I thought I was trying to get to work 1 minute earlier. Well, with your one track mind, I understand it's difficult to stay on task. Here's a bright red ball, go play with it while the grownups talk.
Which is why I love the PA turnpike. Get on it any time but rush hour, and we're all doing about 85 mph (speed limit is 55 mph). Grandpa and grandma get run off the road, usually by the truckers (love those guys). Nothing funnier than seeing a multi-ton truck bearing down on a Ford Focus, even better when the trucker begins speeding up, almost pushing the car.
I drive over 100 miles to and from work each day, and I hate idiot drivers. I hate old drivers. I hate the "we should obey stupid laws, and everyone has a right to drive" drivers. Fuck you. Less than 2% of all accidents happen at high speeds (>45MPH). Most accidents are caused by slow and stupid drivers.
Most of these speed limits were set back when cars could barely handle 50 mph. With all the advances over the past 30 years, if your POS car can't handle something faster, it's time for you to stop driving.
Oh yeah, and in Philadelphia (for all you visitors), the right lane is the passing lane. Seems that all the slow, stupid drivers want to be just like everyone else, so they drive 30 mph in the left hand lane (speed limit is 50). It's a sad sight when people are passing you on the right, even worse when Septa buses are passing you on the right. It's a sign to get the f*ck off the road, to pull into a parking lot, and find out where you went wrong in life.
Yes.
It's one thing to discover that your product has a bug after it ships, it's quite another to discover that your product has a bug, and to ship it anyways!
Compared to Windows, Linux is harder for "mom and dad" to break.
And it's also harder for mom and dad to use. Some people's time is worth more than f*cking with X to recognize your video card. That's why I switched from Linux back to Windows. Less rhetoric, less stupidity, more time for things that are important in life.
Recognize that not everyone is a computer programmer, and messing with some arcane operating system that promises the ultimate in user configurability is not one of their goals in life. Come, join us, move out of your parent's basement, take a shower, discover women...
Really? Cool. I filed an application on August 13th, 2002 that falls under GAU 2173. Recently, I filed for a "Petition to Make Special."
Now, the Official Gazette says that TC2170 is up to 08/26/02...Any idea if that date is accurate? And what GAU are you in?
Thanks.
I know you do, and that's why it will never happen. Who decides what is a reasonable period time? Or a price within the bounds of the general market? Congress, or you?
"That mentality is what is going to keep the libertarian party a small collection of gun nuts."
The party has been growing, especially after the 2004 election. Democrats are finding that they care more about smoking a J than trying for more programs, and Republicans find that they care more about keeping their own money than whether or not their gay neighbor is getting some. A lot of people on both sides are tired, especially after the bullsh*t candidates both teams fielded last round. The Democrats weren't really feeling Kerry, and the Republicans weren't feeling Bush. More of a going through the motions kind of thing. Their hearts aren't really into it.
"Libertarians could do more then intellectual bitching on the side lines if they just compromised a little."
Libertarians do not work like that. They are not like any other party or philosophy you know of. If you compromise, even a little, you are no longer a libertarian. And libertarians tend to be some of the most intelligent people when it comes to politics. They will drop you like a stone, and think nothing of it. It keeps them from being marginalized or hijacked like the other philosophies.
"If libertarians wanted to make a REAL practical difference"
They would get Democrats and Republicans to shutup and stop putting words in our mouthes. Those two parties field FUD against libertarians like its going out of style! How many times have I had a discussion with a Republican who thought that the Libertarian Party was the "Pot Party"? Or a Democrat, who thinks that we are closet Republicans? Apparently, we are the boogeymen come to carry off your children in the middle of the night.
The time for compromise is over. The first people libertarians need to deal with are the media. The mix and match shit has got to go.
Oh yeah, because if we just stopped buying guns and gave that money away as foreign aid, life would be grand. Kids would have healthcare, education, and jobs.
What *are* you smoking?
How many times have we given away aid, and how many times has that aid ended up in El Presidente's bank account, instead of the hands who need it most?
What I can't understand is how ignorant people can continue to taught these policies in the face of FUCKING REALITY. Tsunami Relief Fund? Great idea, too bad it didn't work. The money went straight into the scammer's and government's (I repeat myself) pockets. Live 8? Great idea, again, won't work.
The problems are not one of money. They never are. They are problems with government.
Unfortunately, you just can't go into a foreign country, and replace a government. That never works. You need to get them to rise up and do it themselves.
Urban Legend. Mailing yourself is useless.
The 3R approach sucks. You get robots that way.
Let's start with a more basic approach, the 2R's approach. Rhyme and reason.
It often amazes me how many people cannot think. They can read, write, and count. Actually doing something intelligent with those skills is beyond them.
They're singing my song. Lot's of money + bored = idle rich. I need a patent or company quick. DOTCOM v2.0 is a go!
:)
Seriously though, we should start patenting something or building a company quick. Any OSS who want money (but can't get over the whole morals thing), meet me behind the tool shed with a pair of pliars. Ethicetomys for all! Or you could just cry about it later, telling yourself what a bad, horrible person you are as you take your trophy wide for a spin in your Ferrari.
Anyone?