I was diagnosed as allergic to caffeine some years back. I was more than unhappy, as I was also a true coffee-holic, putting down 3-4 pots (not cups) or more of coffee every day.
Those folks who are declaring that you can't be addicted to caffeine need to learn more about immunology, you can be addicted to a lot more things than most people think.
Quitting was not fun, and I did it cold turkey, as my allergic reaction was distinctly unpleasant (I won't go into detail). It worked for me, I don't know if it will work for you. Tapering off is another option. Again, ymmv. Will power is the real issue: Do you REALLY want to quit?
I don't recommend starting a new addiction to end an old one. You're just trading problems.
The folks who are telling you to drink lots of water are right. I would say a minimum of a gallon a day, and more, even a lot more, won't hurt things a bit.
FYI, there are some six or seven compounds that masquerade under the common appelation of caffeine. The stuff in coffee and black tea is one and the same. Green tea is a different compound, and chocolate is a third. The caffeine in soda can be any one of several variants, depending on the brand. Green tea and chocolate in moderation don't bother me. Coffee, black tea, Mountain Dew, etc., I don't go there any more.
Don't try to child-proof the world, because it'll never happen. Better to world-proof your children.
This will never happen, though, because it requires parents to take responsibility for their actions (having children) and for the results of those actions (their children), plus it actually requires effort.
For Linux, use AntiVir (http://www.hbedv.com/infos/prices.htm#personal and scroll to the bottom of the page), it is free of charge for private (individual, non-commercial) use.
On Windoze, I always install MailWasher. (It also works with WinE, for Linux.) It's the best thing I've ever seen for spam. I also use Pegasus e-mail for those who want a stand-alone e-mail program.
I am an extra-class ham (the highest license class) and I strongly support keeping the morse code requirement, primarily as a low, but viable, entry barrier. FYI, I learned morse code and passed the 5wpm requirement in two weeks, and I was working a 60-hour per week job at the time. It is not difficult! It just takes some practice and desire.
To answer your questions:
1. Morse code was required originally because that was the only mode available at the time. This was prior to about 1925, during the days of spark gap transmitters (think Tesla coil). Voice, in any mode, just wasn't possible.
2. Morse code isn't used as much today as it has been in the past. But it is still popular. Unfortunately, the only radio service still using it is the amateur service, afaik.
3. As other posters have stated, it will get through, especially with minimal equipment, when nothing else can. I have copied morse code successfully when I wouldn't even have been able to tell that there was a signal present with any other mode.
Hey, at least MailWasher lets you check what's tagged, and does it before you download. Nobody else that I'm aware of does this.
I've been running MailWasher on my Windows box, and I've reduced my spam by about 75%, due to MailWasher's bounce feature. My name is getting deleted from the spam lists, by the spammers. This is the best solution yet.
Here's my take on the subject, which I received in an e-mail a couple of years ago:
Toddler Property Laws
1. If I like it, it's mine.
2. If it's in my hand, it's mine.
3. If I can take it from you, it's mine.
4. If I had it a little while ago, it's mine.
5. If it's mine, it must never appear to be yours in any way.
6. If I'm doing or building something, all the pieces are mine.
7. If it looks just like mine, it's mine.
8. If I think it's mine, it's mine.
9. If it's yours and I steal it, it's mine.
10. If I... Whoops! Sorry! I goofed! Instead of reading the Toddler Property Laws, I've been reading Microsoft's Business Plan.
Of course you should vote. As stated in several earlier posts, if you don't vote, don't complain about the government you have, because you have opted out of the process.
What I have done in every election I have ever voted in (and that's a sad statement when it covers more than three decades) is vote against the greater of the evils, rather than for the lesser. I realize the distinction is only in my mind, but it counts.
These days I usually vote Libertarian. At least they still believe in liberty for the individual.
I have an elderly lady neighbor that I help, a similar situation. She is running Windows 98, and won't change because of the ads and stories she sees in the media.
I go over about once a week, because every time something doesn't work the way she wants, she starts opening and closing anything she can find. And she thinks "Settings" is where to fix (what isn't broken). Last week I found 17 copies of the printer driver, all mangled (edited with Word!) and renamed, and the original driver nowhere to be found. About and hour and a half to re-install and reconfigure.
The *nix advantage: Users CAN'T modify system files. IMHO either Debian or FreeBSD, but that's just my opinion.
I definitely recommend Gnome (October Gnome appears to be a significant improvement, but I've just installed it) for the GUI, tho, because there is a built-in app that allows users to shutdown, eliminating one of the larger hassles. You have to be root to access and enable it, but it's under user priviledges. Since I haven't changed it for over a year, I don't remember exactly where, and I'm at work and using Win95, so I can't go look for it.
Aongus Never underestimate the power of human stupidity - Lazarus Long
Lets not forget one small benefit that came directly from NASA and the space program: the integrated circuit. Because of this, the machine/toy/PC/workstation you are using now exists. Without it, the PC would not exist, along with the internet, WWW, and many other neat things. They created the IC, by the way, because discrete component circuits were too heavy and bulky to be lifted into space.
Research never looks good when you look at the bottom line. But almost all major breakthroughs come from research into something else. Look up "serendipity" in the dictionary.
At 49, I am considerably older than most slashdotters, and I believe I have a somewhat wider perspective based on those years of life. I was a nerd in high school myself, in the mid to late 60's. I was so much a nerd that I carried a briefcase, because it was so much easier than fighting a stack of books. And I remember the unending, although low-key, harassment because of it. I was the outsider, an early computer geek because the math club had access to a business' mainframe computer so we could practice programming. I understand being an outsider.
In some ways, I understand the kids at Columbine High School. But I do NOT condone what they did. I do CONDEMN the system, the parents, and the (so-called) FRIENDS!
No way could those kids obtain the guns and explosives legally! Someone else had to buy them, or else the kids were buying black market. Did that person think about what these kids would do with that stuff? Or if they were going to the black market, where did they get that much money?
Someone, quite a few someones, had to know what was going on. Did anyone try to stop it? I have seen news reports that claim that reports were turned in, at school (to both administration and teachers) and to the parents. Apparently, no one listened. There is a point where teen angst stops and true violence starts and these kids were past that point a long time ago.
For the kids in this story, who suffered that backlash and scapegoating, and all of those who are like them (as I was), try not to let the backlash get to you too much. There are ways to compensate. Each will be different, for no two of us are the same, but if you look, and especially if you look together with the friends you have, you can find an answer. Face to face friends are better than internet friends for this, if for no other reason than sharing hugs. It might not be macho, but it sure feels good.
It is hysteria, an unthinking reaction by the unthinking media, administration and parents to something they don't really understand and are frightened by. It will pass, over the summer.
As you move on into the real world and try to survive, like all the rest of us, remember this and don't do everything the same way it was done before. Some of you will become teachers, and those I salute. You, especially, can prevent the future from echoing the past!
Slashdot Mirror
I was diagnosed as allergic to caffeine some years back. I was more than unhappy, as I was also a true coffee-holic, putting down 3-4 pots (not cups) or more of coffee every day.
Those folks who are declaring that you can't be addicted to caffeine need to learn more about immunology, you can be addicted to a lot more things than most people think.
Quitting was not fun, and I did it cold turkey, as my allergic reaction was distinctly unpleasant (I won't go into detail). It worked for me, I don't know if it will work for you. Tapering off is another option. Again, ymmv. Will power is the real issue: Do you REALLY want to quit?
I don't recommend starting a new addiction to end an old one. You're just trading problems.
The folks who are telling you to drink lots of water are right. I would say a minimum of a gallon a day, and more, even a lot more, won't hurt things a bit.
FYI, there are some six or seven compounds that masquerade under the common appelation of caffeine. The stuff in coffee and black tea is one and the same. Green tea is a different compound, and chocolate is a third. The caffeine in soda can be any one of several variants, depending on the brand. Green tea and chocolate in moderation don't bother me. Coffee, black tea, Mountain Dew, etc., I don't go there any more.
GO FOR IT! The goal is worth the journey.
Don't try to child-proof the world, because it'll never happen. Better to world-proof your children.
This will never happen, though, because it requires parents to take responsibility for their actions (having children) and for the results of those actions (their children), plus it actually requires effort.
How politically correct . . . NOT!
For Linux, use AntiVir (http://www.hbedv.com/infos/prices.htm#personal and scroll to the bottom of the page), it is free of charge for private (individual, non-commercial) use.
On Windoze, I always install MailWasher. (It also works with WinE, for Linux.) It's the best thing I've ever seen for spam. I also use Pegasus e-mail for those who want a stand-alone e-mail program.
The links on the FTC and FCC websites both point to the same database.
The judge, and his clerks, need to do some basic research (i.e. do their jobs).
I am an extra-class ham (the highest license class) and I strongly support keeping the morse code requirement, primarily as a low, but viable, entry barrier. FYI, I learned morse code and passed the 5wpm requirement in two weeks, and I was working a 60-hour per week job at the time. It is not difficult! It just takes some practice and desire.
To answer your questions:
1. Morse code was required originally because that was the only mode available at the time. This was prior to about 1925, during the days of spark gap transmitters (think Tesla coil). Voice, in any mode, just wasn't possible.
2. Morse code isn't used as much today as it has been in the past. But it is still popular. Unfortunately, the only radio service still using it is the amateur service, afaik.
3. As other posters have stated, it will get through, especially with minimal equipment, when nothing else can. I have copied morse code successfully when I wouldn't even have been able to tell that there was a signal present with any other mode.
Hey, at least MailWasher lets you check what's tagged, and does it before you download. Nobody else that I'm aware of does this.
I've been running MailWasher on my Windows box, and I've reduced my spam by about 75%, due to MailWasher's bounce feature. My name is getting deleted from the spam lists, by the spammers. This is the best solution yet.
Well, if you want to get pedantic, it should actually be dihydrogen monoxide. (And I haven't had this good of a laugh in a long time.)
BTW, I think you'll find Scotty in Golden Gate Park. If you hurry.
I do not have words to express my outrage at this behavior.
This makes Falwell and Robertson, in my eyes, worse than the terrorists.
Here's my take on the subject, which I received in an e-mail a couple of years ago:
Toddler Property Laws
1. If I like it, it's mine.
2. If it's in my hand, it's mine.
3. If I can take it from you, it's mine.
4. If I had it a little while ago, it's mine.
5. If it's mine, it must never appear to be yours in any way.
6. If I'm doing or building something, all the pieces are mine.
7. If it looks just like mine, it's mine.
8. If I think it's mine, it's mine.
9. If it's yours and I steal it, it's mine.
10. If I... Whoops! Sorry! I goofed! Instead of reading the Toddler Property Laws, I've been reading Microsoft's Business Plan.
'Nuff said?
Of course you should vote. As stated in several earlier posts, if you don't vote, don't complain about the government you have, because you have opted out of the process.
What I have done in every election I have ever voted in (and that's a sad statement when it covers more than three decades) is vote against the greater of the evils, rather than for the lesser. I realize the distinction is only in my mind, but it counts.
These days I usually vote Libertarian. At least they still believe in liberty for the individual.
I have an elderly lady neighbor that I help, a similar situation. She is running Windows 98, and won't change because of the ads and stories she sees in the media.
I go over about once a week, because every time something doesn't work the way she wants, she starts opening and closing anything she can find. And she thinks "Settings" is where to fix (what isn't broken). Last week I found 17 copies of the printer driver, all mangled (edited with Word!) and renamed, and the original driver nowhere to be found. About and hour and a half to re-install and reconfigure.
The *nix advantage: Users CAN'T modify system files. IMHO either Debian or FreeBSD, but that's just my opinion.
I definitely recommend Gnome (October Gnome appears to be a significant improvement, but I've just installed it) for the GUI, tho, because there is a built-in app that allows users to shutdown, eliminating one of the larger hassles. You have to be root to access and enable it, but it's under user priviledges. Since I haven't changed it for over a year, I don't remember exactly where, and I'm at work and using Win95, so I can't go look for it.
Aongus
Never underestimate the power of human stupidity - Lazarus Long
Lets not forget one small benefit that came directly from NASA and the space program: the integrated circuit. Because of this, the machine/toy/PC/workstation you are using now exists. Without it, the PC would not exist, along with the internet, WWW, and many other neat things. They created the IC, by the way, because discrete component circuits were too heavy and bulky to be lifted into space.
Research never looks good when you look at the bottom line. But almost all major breakthroughs come from research into something else. Look up "serendipity" in the dictionary.
Aongus
At 49, I am considerably older than most slashdotters, and I believe I have a somewhat wider perspective based on those years of life. I was a nerd in high school myself, in the mid to late 60's. I was so much a nerd that I carried a briefcase, because it was so much easier than fighting a stack of books. And I remember the unending, although low-key, harassment because of it. I was the outsider, an early computer geek because the math club had access to a business' mainframe computer so we could practice programming. I understand being an outsider.
In some ways, I understand the kids at Columbine High School. But I do NOT condone what they did. I do CONDEMN the system, the parents, and the (so-called) FRIENDS!
No way could those kids obtain the guns and explosives legally! Someone else had to buy them, or else the kids were buying black market. Did that person think about what these kids would do with that stuff? Or if they were going to the black market, where did they get that much money?
Someone, quite a few someones, had to know what was going on. Did anyone try to stop it? I have seen news reports that claim that reports were turned in, at school (to both administration and teachers) and to the parents. Apparently, no one listened. There is a point where teen angst stops and true violence starts and these kids were past that point a long time ago.
For the kids in this story, who suffered that backlash and scapegoating, and all of those who are like them (as I was), try not to let the backlash get to you too much. There are ways to compensate. Each will be different, for no two of us are the same, but if you look, and especially if you look together with the friends you have, you can find an answer. Face to face friends are better than internet friends for this, if for no other reason than sharing hugs. It might not be macho, but it sure feels good.
It is hysteria, an unthinking reaction by the unthinking media, administration and parents to something they don't really understand and are frightened by. It will pass, over the summer.
As you move on into the real world and try to survive, like all the rest of us, remember this and don't do everything the same way it was done before. Some of you will become teachers, and those I salute. You, especially, can prevent the future from echoing the past!