I haven't seent he movie either, but I can make a reasonable guess that might answer one of your questions. Assuming of course that the statue was a human, then is was likely St. George, since that saint is usually depicted with a sword (it could be St. Michael, but that is less likely). A statue of St. George with a sword is not that uncommon (our church has one). As for the reall sword, I guess it is a plot device that didn't work =) Hope that answers that question.
First off, the arguments were not ridiculous given what you posted. If meant something else, then perhaps in the future you will be more cautious of what you write. Perhaps you should go back and read them from and objective point-of-view.
Second, to take one of your suggestions: they burn a copy and immediately order the Linux version. Then, the order arrives they suddenly have two copies, but only one purchased license. (just a little flaw). The advocation of any kind of theft is deplorable in my eyes, even if you disagree with the patent and copyright laws. Avenues exist to combat them, and even if they are difficult avenues to pursue, I can guarantee you that you will not win by breaking the laws. Now, if you want id to release a time-delayed crippleware then you have an entirely valid argument. But anything dealing with the breaking of either the letter or the intent of the law is something that, as an expectant buyer of the Linux copy, I do not want to associate myself. I hope you will realize this, but if you do not, then I hope you will contain your excitement in such matters and not encourage others.
I have to agree here; I do have limited experience in this area (only used one), but I can vouch for Raritan. We use them at work, an 8-port switch to check the servers. We normally would use a network solution, but being in the middle of multiple mergers, integrating an entirely new ethernet system, and adding T1 routers by the week, we needed something besides a network solution to check on the servers (databases mainly). On this 8-port switch we have an RS-6000 running Redhat 6.1, an RS-6000 enterprise server running AiX (I forget the version, we bought it two weeks ago), two DEC Alphas (one Redhat, one VMS), a Dell PII running SuSE, and a Win98 laptop (the chief admin's comp). We have never had a problem with the scrollock switching, or with the membrane switch. It is a serious advantage, also, to have it running off the computers' power (frees a slot on the UPS's). I would give these a serious lokk for their reliability.
What you need to realize is that the best place to carry the fight is to the enemy; if MIT can be convinced of the worthiness of this program and its results (we'll see in 4-6 years), then, despite the protests, kicking, etc. of Stallman, Berners-Lee and others, it will be considered a victory of major proportions. It is like 1928, when no one thought the US economy would collapse, that nothing like the Holocaust would happen, that the world would in ten years be gearing up for a war that would cost the lives of well over 50 million people. Sinclair Lewis, in his book _It Can't Happen Here_ demostrates this attitude and its ramifications perfectly. The lesson: it can here anywhere, no matter who is fighting, what the fight is. Like someone said, the dissenting voices have to be in control to prevent it and that isn't always going to be the case.
Think about it; if you want to develop a user base, and find future employees, a university is a perfect place; several thousand students using is for 4 years, learn it, train on it. Then, when they graduate, they take that knowledge with them, and, as MS hopes, they will purchase their products. It is a perfect business option (albeit not good academically), but we will have to deal with it.
As far as the chiropractor, I concur; I have been seeing one since I was 5 (mother took me with her). I am 20 now, and I must say that whenever I get too bad (soccer can hurt, for instance), I find a lot is caused to back mis-alignment. You'll be amazed to find the symptoms caused by it: pain in any extremity, numbness, hot/cold spots, organ misfunction (particularly urinary tract), etc. This might actually be the best route to go as a first step; if would really suck to have surgery when your back is merely sitting wrong!
Additionally, anyone from the Texas School of Chiropractics is good, too (in addition to Palmer); both are basically the in the same class as far as methods and quality. Hope this helps.
I have to agree here; my working knowledge of chemistry, when I was in high school, would have been suficient alone to make a fair amount explosives (that, coupled with the easy availablity of various chemicals through mail-order catalogs, which have significantly fewer restrictions). I also do not own a gun, although I have used one (and even took our university's riflery course, and train with the riflery team); personally, I am not sure if I could ever take another human's life, but I will not push aside guns, banning them, simply because they cause problems among a significant minority of the population. If we are going that path, then let's ban alcohol, cars, cigarettes (whoops... we are already trying to get there on that one), knives, steel bars, construction sites, physical games, crossing the street, hiking, cliff climbing, installation of ceiling fans, etc. I can list mumerous thing that have killed or maimed, accidently or purposely (no officer, honest; I didn't push him off that cliff...). Basically, I would rather live in danger than give up freedom; THAT is the wild west attitude that many have mentioned, and it is a defining part of the American psyche. Just as many of you cannot imagine, or do not understand why Americans still have guns despite the lowered crime rate your countries have exhibited, I cannot understand why you would want a freedom of choice eliminated. Like I said, I do not own one, but neither do I approve of not being able to own one. I value my ability to decide for myself how to live everyday, where to go, what to do; even if it gets me in trouble, destroys my life, or even prevents me from functioning within society, so be it. I refuse to let my freedom of choice (which is what everyone of the first ten Constitutional Amendments insures) be removed, even if it means a harsher, more violent world to live in. I guess one of our founding fathers, Benjamin Franklin, said it best: "Those who would sacrifice freedom for safety deserve neither freedom nor safety." It may not be the best attitude to have, but it is one ingrained into me since birth, and one that will be difficult for me to let go. -Grandpa_Spaz
I have to agree with you there; by not having those known actors in there, the audience has no pre-conceptions of the characters. If they are little known (like Natalie Portman), then that is just as good. I can see using an actor in a part that fits like a glove (Liam Neeson, for example), but I feel that trying to accomplish a task like that is hit and miss (and missing more than hitting). I personally feel that open casting calls would be best (and it would give me a chance:-) but, just as long as it is well cast, I will be happy...
What he should do (heh... here I am suggesting ideas to Lucas) is issue a casting call, with meetings at several sites around to country, and let whoever come. That way he can truely dredge the populous for ability and the physical description he wants. Hmmm... I'm 6'4.5", and I have the long hair for the Padawan braid (I'll cut the rest), and some experience... I'll go; I bet a lot of you out there would too... if fact, how about all the major roles unassigned for the next film be filled that way? I feel that would be great (and, if you are proficient, you can cover the US in one, maybe 1.5 months, and then spend some time overseas), effective (thousands to choose from) and pleasing to the viewing public (no DiCaprio... yeah!). And when you have the budget he has, its not like you can't afford it (since he did recoop all (or most) of the expenditures in the box offices sales this week alone)... -G.
I KNEW I should have gone to Washington and Lee University...:-)
Seriously though, with the resolution provided from the overhead, it kind of hard to say whether that is sphere or a depression. My instincts tell me sphere, since you could either house one mother of a dish in those puppies, or several smaller ones in an array. But, on the other hand, I can easily see on that greyscale how is could be inverted to a depression. If we know the time of day those were taken, then we could use the shadows as a guage. Hmmm... I do live in Tennessee, though, and I have always wanted to go to Snowshoe , so maybe a side trip isn't out of the question...
Does some actually know if those are spheres or depressions? I for one want to know for sure...
-G.
Alpha Barebones are being given away!
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LinuxExpo Report
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· Score: 2
I was there yesterday, I registered (did I win) for a DEC Alpha Barebones system that was being given away. In fact, they were giving away one every 15 minutes! I believe it was the Linux Store (it is definitely the people across from Compaq allow us to play the Q3Test LAN they had set up). So there... some cool stuff was being giving away (you just have to win it =)
Oh yeah, Alpha Processor, right next to Loki Entertainment, was also giving away a FULL Alpha system (just, though, folks).
Yesterday was the first Linux conference I have ever attended, and I was pleased with its organization, exhibits, and conferences (the APEmille super-computer and the MOSIX cluster conferences were PACKED! You couldn't breath!)...
Anyhow, just wanted to alert you to some things that the/. boys missed back in their booth. Its just too bad I have to work today =( and I have to go to Tennessee tonight for my brother's birthday tomorrow. Oh well... hopefully, next year I won't have these conflicts.
"...you need to stop watching the X-Files and start reading few more newspapers." Oh... newspapers... that wonderous organ of Truth... Frankly, nowadays, with all of this slant reporting going on, with frequent out-right falsehoods, I find it difficult at times to decide what to believe... which is in part why I DON'T keep up with the news; I figure if it is important enough, someone will say "Hey, did you hear about X?" -G.
A little antedote to relate to you about our favorite inventor: When Ne McWherter first ran for governor of Tennessee back in 1986, Al Gore was at first announcement ceremony as the introductory speaker. My mother, my older brother, and a friend attended the ceremony, after which both Gore and McWherter came out and shook hands with the crowd as they left the auditorium. A simple greeting and an exchange of names was all that took place. Two years later, the same friend dragged my mother back to a rally held for Gore's Senate run. After all the speeches and everything, Gore then went to the door and did the same with as before. When my mother reached him, he looked at her and said "How are you doing Mary? And how is your son? Did high school finish well for him?" After affirmative responses, he then asked if he had gone to TN Tech University liked he had planned, which he had. It turned out that Gore has a photographic memory (my mother asked him then and there about it) along with perfect recall (having one does NOT mean having the other). Normally, remember that many names would be considered useless, but, would it be so for a politician? Additionally, how do know anything about the brain's storage capacity? I have never read anything that was even approaching a definitive answer on that one. As far abilities like multitasking, photographic memory, and perfect recall, I feel that these may result as a combination of genes rather than one for each. Example: my mother does have a photographic memory and perfect recall herself, but lacks any sort of physical coordination on the order of chewing gum and walking at the same time. My father has a limited multitasking ability, but neither of the other two. I have near photographic memory, better than average recall, and some multitasking ability, but none of them surpass there respective parent's ability. Just something to mull over... -G.
You were right that Avagadro's number has something to do with volumes of gases. Specifically, one mole of ANY gas at 1 atmoshpere of pressure and 273K (0 Celsius for those who had chemistry a while ago) occupies 22.4 Liters. -G. (And if i am wrong... well, that'll teach me to open my mouth...)
>- Chas said: "If Mitnick had actually sold/distributed the information. Then there might be some way to justify PART of the development cost being compromised. But since they STILL had copies of their own source code, what actual damage did they accrue? They're still able to utilize the code, bugtrack, and refine it." Their ABILIIY to use the code has not been compromised; what these companies are worried about are market values. Take this instance (as a possiblity): mitnick downloads the source for a program, A, at company A. He posts it (as folks like him are want to do), and someone at company B sees it, recognizes it, and grabs it. Now, you have a situation of Mitnick performing a common act, which may or may not be difficult to prove (probably is, if he is at all intelligent), but, if he knows the prosecution does not know about it, then there is no way in hell he will say anything. Company B will not say anything, cause it gives them a leg up on A by knowing what their product is going to be like, how it will work, and its various compatiblities and other aspects. In other words, Mitnick has unwittingly (or wittingly, depending on circumstances) committed industrial espionage without the feds knowing it. That is what companies like A are worried about; in the world or proprietary software and hardware, you have to worry about give your competition advanced knowledge of you designs, cause they might implement them sooner, otherwise, and this is not the friendly world of Linux. Now, whether or not they are correct in their estimates, whether or not the competitor actually has the code is another question. But the paranoia that must go with the closed-source economy requires them to think of this and compensate for it. As for the dollar amount, I will refrain from comment; I don't work there, I don't really know the value. -G.
I read the majority and dissenting opinions (ugh... I hate legalese...), and from what I gathered there, the principle foundation of the decision was the fact that source code was readable and understandable by a person and was thus able to clearly communicate ideas, such as encryption algorithims. Binary code was not intended for this purpose (hmm... just know thought about the ramifications of intent), and beyond that, it was not dealt with, so I would assume (I am a physic/comp sci major, so I might be wrong here) that is is not covered by the decision. As far as the munition part, that deals with prior restraint, which is one of the three main points used in the majority opinion. Basically, since they have decided that source code (in this case, the encryption program) was a language, then the code was a language and thus falls within the confines of free speech. The Supreme Court already has numerous decisions stating that prior restraint of speech is unconstitutional, and that, in turn, is what the munition label is doing; it is a prior restraint. Well, I hope that answers those questions... as far as your company, maybe it falls under regulation due to the contract (pure speculation here, but worth looking into)? You might want to check that out... would shed some light... too bad we don't get many constitutional lawyers reading/. -G.
Perhaps I should narrowed my comments a bit on the matter; I do not have much knowledge as to the export laws regarding "restricted technology." Can you point me to a site or book that will enlighten me on this matter? I would not at all be suprised to find most of these tech restriction restrict the technology being developed under government contract and hence have restriction therein, but then, these are just musings on my part... I am serious about that site, however; I feel it would be good to know the current laws on the matter. On the same matter, remember that crytography can (and I think is) classified as a technology and a munition; it is still illegal to transport it internationally as a binary (ie, a technological model), but the source can be sent (ie, the simple text mentions in the previous post). As with any new court rulings, it is important to read the legal review to get the full understanding of the matter. Juast something to consider.... -G.
>- Bryan Ischo said: "Even if source code is speech [snip], how does it relate to export laws? A document describing top-secret military plans is speech too, but I'm not allowed to give it to a foreign party (and probably not allowed to pass it around within the U.S. too). So how is source code, given that it is free speech, any different from this?" Actually, when you look at it from the abstract legal stand point, this is the strongest position to hold (at least within the US). By taking advantage of the strict anti-censure measures granted in the First Admendment, this will ensure future Comstock-like laws will either not be created or shot-down rapidly; basically, assume the Supreme Court case is one, nothing can be done to stop it short of another Supreme Court ruling or a constitutional admendment. Once the position is firmly establish that is free speech, NOTHING can be done to restrict it (remember, this precisely the reason we have such an invasive press and no one can do anything about it). Using any other method would apply some ability to restrict; basically this professor and his lawyer(s) wanted to get it established with as few restrains or hooks as possible. As for the government document bit, remember, by the same token, you may only freely print and disseminate what you own; the government owns those documents, not those who read them, and thus they may decide who can and cannot read them; that professor owns his crypto, he can decide who can read it... that is the whole principle, in fact. Free speech merely gives YOU, not the government, the right to decide who can read your work. Hope that clarified it a bit for you... -G.
>- Visigothe said: "...UltraWide SCSI 3 you can't have a total length greater than 2 feet [they say 3 but even with the best shielded cables, I've found I have problems over 2 feet]..." isn't the cable length 3 METERS, not feet? Cause a lot of cabling comes in 3 feet length in enterprise-level servers... At Paralan.com I found an extender cable to give SCSI a length of 2.5 MILES! I do not know how well it works (they say 40MB/Sec throughput), and it is pricey (fiber optic cabling), and I am not exactly sure why one should use it, but it is pretty nifty... you can spread your computer all over town! -G.
Re:Anyone going to the Expo have a solution?
on
Taking May 19 Off?
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· Score: 1
Moviefone will start on 12:00 pm that day (at least, that was what they were going to do a few weeks ago); So, stay at you desk for lunch and grab those tickets... btw, are there any theaters to try to avoid? I know if it comes down to it, I'll go to one of those, but I really would like a nice theater for viewing... -G.
You need to go back and re-read; the critical word here is "non-PC". I do not see him criticizing the PC application of it (which was the original intent of Linux) so much as criticize the others, say, the SPARC, Alpha, and other RISC-based systems. I think this is something that we all need to keep in mind; he is talking non-PC applications of Linux. -G.
I guess something else that would need to be considered is the enforcement issue. If the UN cannot even get the US to pay their dues, than how are they going to enforce this? Sure, ICANN might go with it, but, and correct me if I am wrong, doesn't NSI's contract run through 2000? And isn't there the possiblity it will be renewed? If yes, than mighten it be possible, as an American corporation, that they migh not adhere to this proposal (assuming it passes)? Then, you have to consider the US laws in the matter; Congress has several times specified that no foreign entity's laws and/or regulations shall superceed US law on US territory without express permission from Congress (actually, the Senate; it was ruled these regualtions where in effect treaties). So, what if Congress doesn't agree? Will the NSI directly conter ICANN? Gosh I hope NSI can renew their contract (and I believe that was the first time I have ever said that)...
Slashdot Mirror
I haven't seent he movie either, but I can make a reasonable guess that might answer one of your questions. Assuming of course that the statue was a human, then is was likely St. George, since that saint is usually depicted with a sword (it could be St. Michael, but that is less likely). A statue of St. George with a sword is not that uncommon (our church has one). As for the reall sword, I guess it is a plot device that didn't work =) Hope that answers that question.
Grandpa-Spaz
First off, the arguments were not ridiculous given what you posted. If meant something else, then perhaps in the future you will be more cautious of what you write. Perhaps you should go back and read them from and objective point-of-view.
Second, to take one of your suggestions: they burn a copy and immediately order the Linux version. Then, the order arrives they suddenly have two copies, but only one purchased license. (just a little flaw). The advocation of any kind of theft is deplorable in my eyes, even if you disagree with the patent and copyright laws. Avenues exist to combat them, and even if they are difficult avenues to pursue, I can guarantee you that you will not win by breaking the laws. Now, if you want id to release a time-delayed crippleware then you have an entirely valid argument. But anything dealing with the breaking of either the letter or the intent of the law is something that, as an expectant buyer of the Linux copy, I do not want to associate myself. I hope you will realize this, but if you do not, then I hope you will contain your excitement in such matters and not encourage others.
-Grandpa_Spaz
I have to agree here; I do have limited experience in this area (only used one), but I can vouch for Raritan. We use them at work, an 8-port switch to check the servers. We normally would use a network solution, but being in the middle of multiple mergers, integrating an entirely new ethernet system, and adding T1 routers by the week, we needed something besides a network solution to check on the servers (databases mainly). On this 8-port switch we have an RS-6000 running Redhat 6.1, an RS-6000 enterprise server running AiX (I forget the version, we bought it two weeks ago), two DEC Alphas (one Redhat, one VMS), a Dell PII running SuSE, and a Win98 laptop (the chief admin's comp). We have never had a problem with the scrollock switching, or with the membrane switch. It is a serious advantage, also, to have it running off the computers' power (frees a slot on the UPS's). I would give these a serious lokk for their reliability.
-G.
Hmm... Is IDG going to issue a 'cease and desist' order to Mr/Ms Anonymous Coward now?
-Grandpa_Spaz
You are right... it was April (or there abouts), and it was on /. because that's how I knew to read it...
-Grandpa_Spaz
What you need to realize is that the best place to carry the fight is to the enemy; if MIT can be convinced of the worthiness of this program and its results (we'll see in 4-6 years), then, despite the protests, kicking, etc. of Stallman, Berners-Lee and others, it will be considered a victory of major proportions. It is like 1928, when no one thought the US economy would collapse, that nothing like the Holocaust would happen, that the world would in ten years be gearing up for a war that would cost the lives of well over 50 million people. Sinclair Lewis, in his book _It Can't Happen Here_ demostrates this attitude and its ramifications perfectly. The lesson: it can here anywhere, no matter who is fighting, what the fight is. Like someone said, the dissenting voices have to be in control to prevent it and that isn't always going to be the case.
Think about it; if you want to develop a user base, and find future employees, a university is a perfect place; several thousand students using is for 4 years, learn it, train on it. Then, when they graduate, they take that knowledge with them, and, as MS hopes, they will purchase their products. It is a perfect business option (albeit not good academically), but we will have to deal with it.
Grandpa_Spaz
As far as the chiropractor, I concur; I have been seeing one since I was 5 (mother took me with her). I am 20 now, and I must say that whenever I get too bad (soccer can hurt, for instance), I find a lot is caused to back mis-alignment. You'll be amazed to find the symptoms caused by it: pain in any extremity, numbness, hot/cold spots, organ misfunction (particularly urinary tract), etc. This might actually be the best route to go as a first step; if would really suck to have surgery when your back is merely sitting wrong!
Additionally, anyone from the Texas School of Chiropractics is good, too (in addition to Palmer); both are basically the in the same class as far as methods and quality. Hope this helps.
-Grandpa_Spaz
I have to agree here; my working knowledge of chemistry, when I was in high school, would have been suficient alone to make a fair amount explosives (that, coupled with the easy availablity of various chemicals through mail-order catalogs, which have significantly fewer restrictions). I also do not own a gun, although I have used one (and even took our university's riflery course, and train with the riflery team); personally, I am not sure if I could ever take another human's life, but I will not push aside guns, banning them, simply because they cause problems among a significant minority of the population. If we are going that path, then let's ban alcohol, cars, cigarettes (whoops... we are already trying to get there on that one), knives, steel bars, construction sites, physical games, crossing the street, hiking, cliff climbing, installation of ceiling fans, etc. I can list mumerous thing that have killed or maimed, accidently or purposely (no officer, honest; I didn't push him off that cliff...). Basically, I would rather live in danger than give up freedom; THAT is the wild west attitude that many have mentioned, and it is a defining part of the American psyche. Just as many of you cannot imagine, or do not understand why Americans still have guns despite the lowered crime rate your countries have exhibited, I cannot understand why you would want a freedom of choice eliminated. Like I said, I do not own one, but neither do I approve of not being able to own one. I value my ability to decide for myself how to live everyday, where to go, what to do; even if it gets me in trouble, destroys my life, or even prevents me from functioning within society, so be it. I refuse to let my freedom of choice (which is what everyone of the first ten Constitutional Amendments insures) be removed, even if it means a harsher, more violent world to live in. I guess one of our founding fathers, Benjamin Franklin, said it best: "Those who would sacrifice freedom for safety deserve neither freedom nor safety." It may not be the best attitude to have, but it is one ingrained into me since birth, and one that will be difficult for me to let go. -Grandpa_Spaz
I have to agree with you there; by not having those known actors in there, the audience has no pre-conceptions of the characters. If they are little known (like Natalie Portman), then that is just as good. I can see using an actor in a part that fits like a glove (Liam Neeson, for example), but I feel that trying to accomplish a task like that is hit and miss (and missing more than hitting). I personally feel that open casting calls would be best (and it would give me a chance :-) but, just as long as it is well cast, I will be happy...
-G.
What he should do (heh... here I am suggesting ideas to Lucas) is issue a casting call, with meetings at several sites around to country, and let whoever come. That way he can truely dredge the populous for ability and the physical description he wants. Hmmm... I'm 6'4.5", and I have the long hair for the Padawan braid (I'll cut the rest), and some experience... I'll go; I bet a lot of you out there would too... if fact, how about all the major roles unassigned for the next film be filled that way? I feel that would be great (and, if you are proficient, you can cover the US in one, maybe 1.5 months, and then spend some time overseas), effective (thousands to choose from) and pleasing to the viewing public (no DiCaprio... yeah!). And when you have the budget he has, its not like you can't afford it (since he did recoop all (or most) of the expenditures in the box offices sales this week alone)... -G.
I KNEW I should have gone to Washington and Lee University... :-)
Seriously though, with the resolution provided from the overhead, it kind of hard to say whether that is sphere or a depression. My instincts tell me sphere, since you could either house one mother of a dish in those puppies, or several smaller ones in an array. But, on the other hand, I can easily see on that greyscale how is could be inverted to a depression. If we know the time of day those were taken, then we could use the shadows as a guage. Hmmm... I do live in Tennessee, though, and I have always wanted to go to Snowshoe , so maybe a side trip isn't out of the question...
Does some actually know if those are spheres or depressions? I for one want to know for sure...
-G.
I was there yesterday, I registered (did I win) for a DEC Alpha Barebones system that was being given away. In fact, they were giving away one every 15 minutes! I believe it was the Linux Store (it is definitely the people across from Compaq allow us to play the Q3Test LAN they had set up). So there... some cool stuff was being giving away (you just have to win it =)
/. boys missed back in their booth. Its just too bad I have to work today =( and I have to go to Tennessee tonight for my brother's birthday tomorrow. Oh well... hopefully, next year I won't have these conflicts.
Oh yeah, Alpha Processor, right next to Loki Entertainment, was also giving away a FULL Alpha system (just, though, folks).
Yesterday was the first Linux conference I have ever attended, and I was pleased with its organization, exhibits, and conferences (the APEmille super-computer and the MOSIX cluster conferences were PACKED! You couldn't breath!)...
Anyhow, just wanted to alert you to some things that the
-G.
"...you need to stop watching the X-Files and start reading few more newspapers." Oh... newspapers... that wonderous organ of Truth... Frankly, nowadays, with all of this slant reporting going on, with frequent out-right falsehoods, I find it difficult at times to decide what to believe... which is in part why I DON'T keep up with the news; I figure if it is important enough, someone will say "Hey, did you hear about X?" -G.
Yeah, but making all the lights in "TECH" glow red during a home football game vs. UGA would qualify... hmmm, when does GT play UGA at home? =)
Grandpa
A little antedote to relate to you about our favorite inventor: When Ne McWherter first ran for governor of Tennessee back in 1986, Al Gore was at first announcement ceremony as the introductory speaker. My mother, my older brother, and a friend attended the ceremony, after which both Gore and McWherter came out and shook hands with the crowd as they left the auditorium. A simple greeting and an exchange of names was all that took place. Two years later, the same friend dragged my mother back to a rally held for Gore's Senate run. After all the speeches and everything, Gore then went to the door and did the same with as before. When my mother reached him, he looked at her and said "How are you doing Mary? And how is your son? Did high school finish well for him?" After affirmative responses, he then asked if he had gone to TN Tech University liked he had planned, which he had. It turned out that Gore has a photographic memory (my mother asked him then and there about it) along with perfect recall (having one does NOT mean having the other). Normally, remember that many names would be considered useless, but, would it be so for a politician? Additionally, how do know anything about the brain's storage capacity? I have never read anything that was even approaching a definitive answer on that one. As far abilities like multitasking, photographic memory, and perfect recall, I feel that these may result as a combination of genes rather than one for each. Example: my mother does have a photographic memory and perfect recall herself, but lacks any sort of physical coordination on the order of chewing gum and walking at the same time. My father has a limited multitasking ability, but neither of the other two. I have near photographic memory, better than average recall, and some multitasking ability, but none of them surpass there respective parent's ability. Just something to mull over... -G.
You were right that Avagadro's number has something to do with volumes of gases. Specifically, one mole of ANY gas at 1 atmoshpere of pressure and 273K (0 Celsius for those who had chemistry a while ago) occupies 22.4 Liters. -G. (And if i am wrong... well, that'll teach me to open my mouth...)
>- Chas said: "If Mitnick had actually sold/distributed the information. Then there might be some way to justify PART of the development cost being compromised. But since they STILL had copies of their own source code, what actual damage did they accrue? They're still able to utilize the code, bugtrack, and refine it." Their ABILIIY to use the code has not been compromised; what these companies are worried about are market values. Take this instance (as a possiblity): mitnick downloads the source for a program, A, at company A. He posts it (as folks like him are want to do), and someone at company B sees it, recognizes it, and grabs it. Now, you have a situation of Mitnick performing a common act, which may or may not be difficult to prove (probably is, if he is at all intelligent), but, if he knows the prosecution does not know about it, then there is no way in hell he will say anything. Company B will not say anything, cause it gives them a leg up on A by knowing what their product is going to be like, how it will work, and its various compatiblities and other aspects. In other words, Mitnick has unwittingly (or wittingly, depending on circumstances) committed industrial espionage without the feds knowing it. That is what companies like A are worried about; in the world or proprietary software and hardware, you have to worry about give your competition advanced knowledge of you designs, cause they might implement them sooner, otherwise, and this is not the friendly world of Linux. Now, whether or not they are correct in their estimates, whether or not the competitor actually has the code is another question. But the paranoia that must go with the closed-source economy requires them to think of this and compensate for it. As for the dollar amount, I will refrain from comment; I don't work there, I don't really know the value. -G.
I read the majority and dissenting opinions (ugh... I hate legalese...), and from what I gathered there, the principle foundation of the decision was the fact that source code was readable and understandable by a person and was thus able to clearly communicate ideas, such as encryption algorithims. Binary code was not intended for this purpose (hmm... just know thought about the ramifications of intent), and beyond that, it was not dealt with, so I would assume (I am a physic/comp sci major, so I might be wrong here) that is is not covered by the decision. As far as the munition part, that deals with prior restraint, which is one of the three main points used in the majority opinion. Basically, since they have decided that source code (in this case, the encryption program) was a language, then the code was a language and thus falls within the confines of free speech. The Supreme Court already has numerous decisions stating that prior restraint of speech is unconstitutional, and that, in turn, is what the munition label is doing; it is a prior restraint. Well, I hope that answers those questions... as far as your company, maybe it falls under regulation due to the contract (pure speculation here, but worth looking into)? You might want to check that out... would shed some light... too bad we don't get many constitutional lawyers reading /. -G.
Perhaps I should narrowed my comments a bit on the matter; I do not have much knowledge as to the export laws regarding "restricted technology." Can you point me to a site or book that will enlighten me on this matter? I would not at all be suprised to find most of these tech restriction restrict the technology being developed under government contract and hence have restriction therein, but then, these are just musings on my part... I am serious about that site, however; I feel it would be good to know the current laws on the matter. On the same matter, remember that crytography can (and I think is) classified as a technology and a munition; it is still illegal to transport it internationally as a binary (ie, a technological model), but the source can be sent (ie, the simple text mentions in the previous post). As with any new court rulings, it is important to read the legal review to get the full understanding of the matter. Juast something to consider.... -G.
>- Bryan Ischo said: "Even if source code is speech [snip], how does it relate to export laws? A document describing top-secret military plans is speech too, but I'm not allowed to give it to a foreign party (and probably not allowed to pass it around within the U.S. too). So how is source code, given that it is free speech, any different from this?" Actually, when you look at it from the abstract legal stand point, this is the strongest position to hold (at least within the US). By taking advantage of the strict anti-censure measures granted in the First Admendment, this will ensure future Comstock-like laws will either not be created or shot-down rapidly; basically, assume the Supreme Court case is one, nothing can be done to stop it short of another Supreme Court ruling or a constitutional admendment. Once the position is firmly establish that is free speech, NOTHING can be done to restrict it (remember, this precisely the reason we have such an invasive press and no one can do anything about it). Using any other method would apply some ability to restrict; basically this professor and his lawyer(s) wanted to get it established with as few restrains or hooks as possible. As for the government document bit, remember, by the same token, you may only freely print and disseminate what you own; the government owns those documents, not those who read them, and thus they may decide who can and cannot read them; that professor owns his crypto, he can decide who can read it... that is the whole principle, in fact. Free speech merely gives YOU, not the government, the right to decide who can read your work. Hope that clarified it a bit for you... -G.
>- Visigothe said: "...UltraWide SCSI 3 you can't have a total length greater than 2 feet [they say 3 but even with the best shielded cables, I've found I have problems over 2 feet]..." isn't the cable length 3 METERS, not feet? Cause a lot of cabling comes in 3 feet length in enterprise-level servers... At Paralan.com I found an extender cable to give SCSI a length of 2.5 MILES! I do not know how well it works (they say 40MB/Sec throughput), and it is pricey (fiber optic cabling), and I am not exactly sure why one should use it, but it is pretty nifty... you can spread your computer all over town! -G.
Moviefone will start on 12:00 pm that day (at least, that was what they were going to do a few weeks ago); So, stay at you desk for lunch and grab those tickets... btw, are there any theaters to try to avoid? I know if it comes down to it, I'll go to one of those, but I really would like a nice theater for viewing... -G.
Or maybe AMD... then we would have fewer processor shortages... =) and more K6-3 and, in time, K7's Now that would be sweet... -G.
You need to go back and re-read; the critical word here is "non-PC". I do not see him criticizing the PC application of it (which was the original intent of Linux) so much as criticize the others, say, the SPARC, Alpha, and other RISC-based systems. I think this is something that we all need to keep in mind; he is talking non-PC applications of Linux. -G.
I guess something else that would need to be considered is the enforcement issue. If the UN cannot even get the US to pay their dues, than how are they going to enforce this? Sure, ICANN might go with it, but, and correct me if I am wrong, doesn't NSI's contract run through 2000? And isn't there the possiblity it will be renewed? If yes, than mighten it be possible, as an American corporation, that they migh not adhere to this proposal (assuming it passes)? Then, you have to consider the US laws in the matter; Congress has several times specified that no foreign entity's laws and/or regulations shall superceed US law on US territory without express permission from Congress (actually, the Senate; it was ruled these regualtions where in effect treaties). So, what if Congress doesn't agree? Will the NSI directly conter ICANN? Gosh I hope NSI can renew their contract (and I believe that was the first time I have ever said that)...
-G.