> It was an electric motor that turned a big > flywheel that was then connected to an > generator. A very effective if not efficient way > to decouple you computer from the power lines.
Quite efficient, actually.
> Of course they often added a diesel motor and > clutch to the mix. Power drops clutch connects > the engine to the flywheel, generator combo and > instant UPS.
A no-break system. The Bell System used them at their microwave repeaters in the sixties. I'd love to get my hands on one.
>...an RFID tag system is easy to manage and opt > out of, whereas DNA sampling or facial > recognition, well, isn't.
Don't assume that just because they want to put an RFID tag in you they are not going to also use DNA and facial recognition (if they ever get it to work).
> Now, my employer is trying to lay claim to this > software and has filed at least one patent on it > that I know of.
They can do that, assuming that the patent is embodied entirely in the lines of code that you wrote (and that the contract is enforceable: doubtful).
> They have also distributed it but refuse to make > the source public.
If what they have distributed includes portions of the original GPLd works they are infringing the copyrights of the authors of the originals. Contact the authors and inform them.
> They claim that because of my IP agreement, they > have full rights to this source code.
Assuming that the contract is enforceable, they own the copyright in the exact lines that you wrote. They do not, however, own any rights to the original works and must abide by the terms under which the authors licensed them.
> What happens if it's used for so long the UV > breaks down the plastic bag and the environment > instantly destroys the shell?
The plastic bag is on the inside and doesn't matter once the cement has cured. The outside is _cement_. Neither UV nor "the environment" break concrete down "instantly". Or even slowly.
> P.S. the European Parliament (and thus the > democratic process) will be strengthened > significantly when the new EU constitution > [eu.int] is finally ratified by the member > countries. Let's only hope that the referendums > held in many countries are not used as a vote > "over the European Union" but instead as a vote > "over more democracy".
How many of those who are expected to vote on that constitution have read it?
Slashdot Mirror
> It was an electric motor that turned a big
> flywheel that was then connected to an
> generator. A very effective if not efficient way
> to decouple you computer from the power lines.
Quite efficient, actually.
> Of course they often added a diesel motor and
> clutch to the mix. Power drops clutch connects
> the engine to the flywheel, generator combo and
> instant UPS.
A no-break system. The Bell System used them at their microwave repeaters in the sixties. I'd love to get my hands on one.
> ...an RFID tag system is easy to manage and opt
> out of, whereas DNA sampling or facial
> recognition, well, isn't.
Don't assume that just because they want to put an RFID tag in you they are not going to also use DNA and facial recognition (if they ever get it to work).
...You're getting it.
> ...moving at the speed of light away from the
> epicenter.
There is no epicenter.
> IE doesn't support gopher:// URLs any longer...
An excellent reason to use Gopher.
Yes but is the entrapment defense valid in Sweden?
> At these energies and distances, gravity is not
> the dominant force in a black hole.
Where do they _find_ these people?
> Now, my employer is trying to lay claim to this
> software and has filed at least one patent on it
> that I know of.
They can do that, assuming that the patent is embodied entirely in the lines of code that you wrote (and that the contract is enforceable: doubtful).
> They have also distributed it but refuse to make
> the source public.
If what they have distributed includes portions of the original GPLd works they are infringing the copyrights of the authors of the originals. Contact the authors and inform them.
> They claim that because of my IP agreement, they
> have full rights to this source code.
Assuming that the contract is enforceable, they own the copyright in the exact lines that you wrote. They do not, however, own any rights to the original works and must abide by the terms under which the authors licensed them.
Talk to a lawyer.
> what's wrong with a good old tent?? I can put one
> up in just a few minutes!
Never actually lived in a tent, have you? Do you like dry feet? Not having your home blow away?
> Are these thing sturdier?
Much, much sturdier.
> Lighter?
Much heavier. That's a _plus_.
> What happens if it's used for so long the UV
> breaks down the plastic bag and the environment
> instantly destroys the shell?
The plastic bag is on the inside and doesn't matter once the cement has cured. The outside is _cement_. Neither UV nor "the environment" break concrete down "instantly". Or even slowly.
It isn't a half-cylinder. It's a flattened egg shape. You cut doors and windows after the cement has cured.
The comparison with "portable" buildings is correct because they are the available alternative for the proposed uses.
> Last I looked, fibreglass burns.
Fiberglass doesn't burn. It's _glass_. The plastic component of fiberglass reinforced plastic burns.
> Well, they're unreinforced concrete.
It's reinforced by the fabric. In any case if properly designed and erected the load will be entirely compressional.
> I wonder what the next step will be - taking
> advantage of local aggregate as well, so that
> you only have to have cement in the bag?
You don't use aggregate for this sort of thing.
> The second reading will require a 2/3 majority.
I don't think so. I believe it requires an absolute majority: that is, abstentions or absentees are counted as votes in favor.
That's why it's such a good analogy for the behavior of computer users.
> P.S. the European Parliament (and thus the
> democratic process) will be strengthened
> significantly when the new EU constitution
> [eu.int] is finally ratified by the member
> countries. Let's only hope that the referendums
> held in many countries are not used as a vote
> "over the European Union" but instead as a vote
> "over more democracy".
How many of those who are expected to vote on that constitution have read it?
No it wasn't.
The OBE has long been interpreted as "Other Bloke's Effort".
> Even if some of the states listed passed
> True.com's desired bills, anyone(probably the
> owner of a rival site) could sue them.
No. Someone would have to violate the law, be convicted, and appeal the conviction.
> If it reached the supreme court, the supreme
> court would clearly have the power to overturn
> the law...
Yes, of _course_ they have the power to overturn it. They "have the power" to overturn any law.
> states can't regulate interstate commerce,
> etc.
However, it is not at all clear that the proposed law would violate the interstate commerce clause or be overturned for any other reason.
Are you prepared to create the test case and pay the fines if you lose? How about the legal costs?
Salutes are all well and good, but how about some money?
> Wouldnt eliminating exclusive contracts for stuff
> like the super bowl eliminate this problem.
Not watching the super bowl would eliminate this problem. Doing so is neither compulsory nor a Constitutional right.
...A "nuclear mishap" won't gain the power company more young male viewers.
> There is a whole are of study involved in
> correctness checking, which is related to
> the SAT (Satisfiability) problem.
Knuth:
"Please don't assume that the above code is error-free. I have only proven it correct, not tested it." (or words to that effect)
> Honestly, how do we know we aren't being
> influenced?
Because I don't buy anything.
Or is that because I don't have any money?