One: NASA uses public property to allow private commerce, encouraging it in fact. (I remember they were quite impressed with SpaceShipOne.)
Two: NASA keeps private rocketry from injuring themselves or others by using an wide, secure area intended for rocket flight
Three: The location is a tourist area, giving the business an opportunity to gain needed funds from spectators.
Robert Goddard hardly had any of this and was still working out the whole liquid-rocket thing as well. Good luck, guys. And no smoking by the LOX tank.
There are fans out there who associate so deeply with their favorite writers that they mistake themselves as "owners" of the work. We see that all-too-often in the fan fiction arena.
Some writers and their publishers will jump all over these people with cease-and-desists. Viacom did that on fan-based Star Trek web sites for a time until CBS took control of the Original Series rights as well as (through their official magazine) lauding notable fan fiction such as the Star Trek: New Voyages episode project.
I'm a contributor on the Battlestar Wiki, which, as that lexicon web site did, serves as an unofficial encyclopedia on all aspects of the three Galactica series. We even have cast and crew visit and answer questions when they have time. It's a nice site. Plenty of equally great sites like it, too.
But the contributors on Battlestar Wiki, and Memory Alpha, and Wookieepedia know very well that we always enjoy what we do so long as we do not profit in any way, don't claim data as our own, or make derivative works (such as what that lexicon does). If any of these were done, the results that occurred for that lexicon would have been the same.
And I don't want to tick off NBC. They're grouchy.
The fact she only sued for a few thousand dollars shows she was out to prove her rights, not to soak the defendant. I'd be surprised if she bothers to collect.
Being an Apple technician, my natural tendency is to avoid new Apple products since they often get a little rushed to market. But yes, some software and some hardware updates later, all is good. My first generation MacBook was a mess. I knew the job was dangerous when I took it...er, bought it. It's a fine system now, 10.5 installed, and one logic board later.
The biggest problem anyone will have with an 10.4 to 10.5 upgrade is installing 10.5 over the 10.4 installation. Welcome to Pain, here's your pitchfork. Don't EVER do this, even if Apple supports it, when moving from one reference release (10.4.0) to another (like 10.5.0). It might work with Windows migrations, but not so much here.
It's not the system level parts that cause issues, but applications that worked OK in 10.4 and user account data will fight with the new 10.5 settings. Making a clean install and transferring your user account with the Migration Assistant might be OK, if you are careful.
Those new to Macs will be happy to know that Apple tends to have the serious bugs squashed flat by the ".3" updates or so. Luckily, Apple also rolls out these counterparts to Windows Service Packs with greater frequency, keeping you from gnashing your teeth for very long.
I wouldn't disagree with you there, especially in the area of "How to create and maintain an operating system with legacy support while not ticking off developers or end-users with cruft and confusing procedures."
Mac OS X Server includes expanded file, print, web, mail and other network tools over OS X client. Structurally, they are very similar in comparison to the bloat of Vista versus Windows Server 2008.
As the Mac is still the lynchpin that holds much of their products together by way of sales, for Apple to unleach OS X would destroy Mac sales and erode the reason why many buy one Apple product and continue to another. Besides, OS X's design works because Apple designs the hardware. Using OS X in any other way just likely introduces the same issues we have in Windows.
It should work fine since the differences between OS X client and Server are similar.
That is, if you happen to have $500 to $1000 to blow away. Legal issues aside, Mac OS X Server isn't something you can get from a friend. Unlike OS X client, OS X Server requires a serial number and, as noted, is pricey.
And why would one run OS X Server when a Linux server distribution is free, tested, generally supported and available. Besides, one would likely take LESS time to tweak a Linux server on supported hardware than any OS X installation on supported hardware.
Surprisingly, no one seems to have brought up the prime reason why you'll not likely see OS X for generic PCs.
Repeat after me:
Apple is a hardware company. Apple is a hardware company. Apple leverages low-cost or free software to sell all hardware.
iTunes is free because it makes using an iPod and the iTunes store a breeze. Mac OS X client is low in cost and works as it does because Apple spent a lot of time and money to ensure you're getting your bang for the buck in a computer you buy from them.
Microsoft sells software. Others leverage Microsoft to sell their hardware. Microsoft doesn't always make the best hardware, nor do they read consumer needs very well (not to be confused with business customers). Zunes don't sell, for instance.
When Microsoft makes crappy software, the whole PC industry suffers a bit.
And Apple just counts its cash reserves since they don't compete in most areas that Microsoft tends to. There is happy crossover with, say, Office 2008 for Mac, but generally Apple and Microsoft are different worlds. When Apple makes a good product, third parties dive in to complement the experience with accessories and the like. Crappy products in the Apple world today get bad press fast.
I tried Linux in several distros back in 2000 and was amused but not pleased. Driver support was crazy, the simple matter of changing screen resolutions was terrible, and useful applications (beyond games) made Linux a poor choice for the basics.
Times change, however. Contrary to Mossburg, who, much of the time, is a very even-handed and well-informed tech columnist that really knows the ins and outs of Windows and OS X, I'd have to disagree with him here.
I've installed Ubuntu client in my Parallels virtual environment on my OS X system. I like it over the past Linux distros for several key reasons:
(1) Ubuntu (actually, GNOME) has greatly simplified its interface, "stealing" good elements from both OS X and Windows. From the Mac, a fixed menu bar at the top of the screen, and only four menus at that. Finding things is easy. From Windows, the notion of menu-launching key applications a'la the Start menu button (rather than mere commands found in OS X menus).
(2) Ubuntu has very good hardware support, but always there will be a system that doesn't like it as well. This is because of the same problem that Windows has (although Microsoft has more money and clout to throw at this problem): Hardware quality and variations in the computer world are astronomically huge. Expecting any operating system to support the myriad of PC hardware variations is just near-impossible. Ubuntu does much better, in my experience in using it, than say another GNOME interfaced-Linux, Fedora. (In fact, Fedora is pretty awful in client form.)
(3) Ubuntu has EVERYTHING that the average Joe Offthestreet needs for basic internet and home needs: A web browser (Firefox, arguably best in the biz), an office suite (OpenOffice, always trying to be something that MS Office thinks it is), a mail client (Thunderbird, a client so nice I've moved from Apple Mail to it on my OS X system) and lots of games and the like.
Software update processes are now less crazy and propellerhead, again taking the ideas from the commercial camps. Security is as good as any Unix/Linux client, and since its not Windows, spyware and viruses are not generally present here.
Ubuntu loses only in the specialized "gimme-gimme" internet needs of the youth and industry, like iTunes (doesn't exist, but good MP3 players and support for them are, although iTunes Music Store reins supreme, IMO), some specialty web features for audio or video, professional-level graphic and audio tools, and enterprise support (this problem is shared with OS X, despite my own personal and professional efforts to the opposite).
Installing further applications outside of the bundled, however, needs work. GNOME needs to expand further with, say, Apple's "package" concept of a single app in a double-clickable folder that contains all the binaries and libraries for the app. For now, Ubuntu works like many Linux clients, so third-party apps are hellish to do for the average Joe Whodoesntdo-cmdlines.
If I had a friend or family member that needed a computer (PC) but didn't want to fight the antiquation battles that MS wants to give its consumers, AND if my friend only needed to do web, email, and general office stuff, Ubuntu is a hands-down favorite.
Mossburg and others, unfortunately, may have had too much exposure to other operating systems to see things more simply. Not everyone needs an enterprise-level operating system...just one that works for them for what they need, at home.
I am not a programmer by trade. I am a phone user, however.
Those of you who have "smartphones" (the term may get blurry as the iPhone debuts) have had crashes in apps, or even the phone itself as you added software or hardware. My Treo is OK, and hasn't given me problems, but its not a very robust thing, either.
Aside from probably not having a true SDK ready, Apple is trying to avoid Terrible Things. The iPhone isn't a computer per se. It's not only an information device as computers are, but a life-saving device for 911 calls and such. The last thing Apple or AT&T want to see is a news report like "Man Dies When iPhone Crashes" after he installed some "nifty" gadget that some third party made that caused a serious failure for the guy's phone in the middle of nowhere, causing him to burn or freeze from exposure. Phones must just work.
The webapps solution was a good compromise (which is also why PC users got Safari to aid in this). Hopefully there may be less regulation on more complex app development, but for now, less is more.
The Mac Plus (of which I was a former owner) is a quintessential example of Apple's past design principles in terms of quality (recent examples such as the Macbooks, which I also own, are having nasty hardware and QC issues). The fact that you can get this old Mac to speak "internet" and continue to run (it has only a SCSI-25 interface for drives and other peripherals) is a testament to good design, whether you're an Apple fan or not.
Finding a contemporary IBM PC to do the same performance test would be more appropriate and interesting, but connectivity and functionality there (it was built years before Windows) would be a big challenge under the non-graphical DOS, if not impossible. I don't know if there's even a Linux out there that could understand that old PC technology. I'm sure it could be done--I just wouldn't want to be the one to try.
Since many posts have taken the opportunity to take pot-shots and cheap jokes about the astronaut program, I'll take time to recommend one docudrama on this astronaut's fine history: HBO's "From The Earth to the Moon" has a beautifully comprehensive episode called "We Have Cleared The Tower" on the events of getting the first Apollo test launch in space, and Wally's efforts to keep "Go Fever" from causing many of the same problems on his Apollo 7 that ultimately killed the Apollo 1 crew. Mark Harmon plays Schirra, and there are many good performances that fairly accurately detail the training, launch setup and pre-flight.
After Scott Carpenter's near-disasterous Mercury flight (where he nearly exhausted his maneuvering fuel, jeopardizing his life on re-entry, and landing 250 miles off-target), Schirra's Sigma 7 mission put the project back on-course with textbook operation and completion of mission objectives, and was a highlight to the necessity of human input in spaceflight.
In terms of spacecraft history, only John Young can be argued as the most experienced astronaut in terms of number of space flights (6), different spacecraft (4) as well as specific projects (3). He's flown two Gemini missions, flew Apollo 10 as Command Module pilot, flew Apollo 16 as Lunar Module commanding pilot, and flew Space Shuttle Orbiter Columbia on its maiden flight and on STS-6. Jim Lovell has a similar history (having flown in Gemini and Apollo twice), but because of the events of Apollo 13, never walked on the moon, and retired before the Space Shuttle project. The only thing Young hasn't done was Mercury.
Some of you may remember Schirra's commercials on Actifed in the 1970s (which he had to use on Apollo 7 when the astronauts caught a sniffle). I think that was one of the very few astronaut commercials (Sally Ride and Buzz Aldrin have done some, I believe).
Apple's offering to the phone world, the iPhone, as well as competing smartphones, may be convincing RIM to make itself more of a wireless communications service than a PDA provider. Palm is an excellent example of what can happen if you hold on too long to your own OS and not extend yourself when competition (Windows CE/Mobile) arrived.
PDAs and phone functionality were blending fast before the iPhone was announced. Although it's still vaporware by definition, the iPhone's introduction is changing the competitive landscape. It's in RIM's interests if they can made any of their services with any phone, although the use of Berries would likely be preferable.
Politics hasn't anything to do with this. Stupidity and conceit is not limited by creed, politics, color or celebrity. Presidents Clinton, Nixon, Bush, Carter, Ford and Reagan have all said remarkably stupid things, and the only thing they have in common is the Oval Office. Another person who replied hit it on the head: People become de facto leaders because they can gain attention, not because they are truly right or not.
I don't know (or care) about your political views, but I now have a good idea, thanks to your snide reply. Neither conservatives or liberals have a lock on what's best or right, so perhaps you should rethink next time how to reply to a comment neutrally without sounding so holier-than-thou, "disenfranchised" or "offended", which guarantees that (regardless of views) you make yourself seem like a smart-ass.
It's amazing how many people confuse popularity for authoritative, scientific thought. This conceit goes so far that many celebrities believe themselves. As we've already noted, people like Tom Cruise, Barbara Streisand, and Jane Fonda do this all too regularly. Why in the world would some actor know more about AIDS or cancer (even testifying in front of Congress, for frak's sake) than the average Joe or a medical professional?
Actors should be reminded that, just because they've played a doctor, doesn't make them one.
Other popular people should be pelted with rotten produce and harsh words by the anti-clique popular people whose feet are well grounded as to who they are and what they really know, like Dennis Miller (most of the time).
The good news, of course, is that Intel-equipped Mac users may not be totally left out with the use of Boot Camp to install Windows XP as a dual-boot configuration for your Mac. If you have an Intel Mac with a robust video configuration (that's MacBook Pro and Mac Pro, and perhaps Intel iMacs), then you can play the game.
Don't bother trying with MacBooks or other systems with Intel GMA video. The game will install, sure enough, but will die when you launch it and attempt to initiate DirectX support that doesn't exist in these systems. I tried. Gods know I tried. (sniff)
This game has a ridiculous graphic overhead as well as a piss-poor design in comparison to NWN1 in terms of portability. It's really as if no one cared. It's still pretty to look at, although one can say the same about someone like Pam Anderson--the smart ones won't touch her, however.
I look forward to playing it, still, once I build a new PC (that is, accost someone in an alley, loot them and sell their XBox, Zune, PS3 and Hello Kitty backpack).
Re:the silent mac minority
on
Leopard Vs. Vista
·
· Score: 4, Informative
Your problems reflect a lack of knowledge in making these features work. I do this for a living. Want SMB volumes to mount on startup? If you're working in a Microsoft Active Directory network, make your Mac a member of the domain for single-sign-on authentication and many other features. Or make an LDAP domain if you have Linux servers and get it done. That's just one way to make that work.
Not all tools are perfect (the Finder does have problems sometimes), but to blame the tool because the building won't go up, well, that's just uncool.
There is nothing you haven't mentioned that hasn't a resolution that requires you to spend a lot of time on it. Tired of using the GUI? Go around it; this is a BSD after all. It'll likely work.
The lack of FireWire 800 may be due to a lack of adoption to the interface (although its speeds do exceed FW 400 and USB2).
Another likelihood to the lack of FW 800 includes Intel (who developed the USB spec and may have asked Apple to push USB2 instead), as well as problems in heat or design that prohibited use of FW 800. I'm betting for simplicity + Intel pressure. We've already seen Apple choose USB2 as its dominate sync interface for iPods, and this is a reflection of that change.
Overall, not a bad introduction for a new 'book, but betware the Rev1 Effect. Remember the first PowerPC systems? Not bad, BUT...
To participate in this tragedy your computer must also meet the following tragic specifications:
Internet Explorer 6
Or you can opt out of online filing and complete one of the following:
>Completing a claim form and sending it by US Mail. (Please wait 6-8 weeks for delivery) >Shooting yourself (Please allow 6-8 nanoseconds for bullet delivery)
The upcoming Katrina 2.0 enhances the disaster experience by mythological proportions:
Slashdot Mirror
There's a lot of good to this.
One: NASA uses public property to allow private commerce, encouraging it in fact. (I remember they were quite impressed with SpaceShipOne.)
Two: NASA keeps private rocketry from injuring themselves or others by using an wide, secure area intended for rocket flight
Three: The location is a tourist area, giving the business an opportunity to gain needed funds from spectators.
Robert Goddard hardly had any of this and was still working out the whole liquid-rocket thing as well. Good luck, guys. And no smoking by the LOX tank.
There are fans out there who associate so deeply with their favorite writers that they mistake themselves as "owners" of the work. We see that all-too-often in the fan fiction arena.
Some writers and their publishers will jump all over these people with cease-and-desists. Viacom did that on fan-based Star Trek web sites for a time until CBS took control of the Original Series rights as well as (through their official magazine) lauding notable fan fiction such as the Star Trek: New Voyages episode project.
I'm a contributor on the Battlestar Wiki, which, as that lexicon web site did, serves as an unofficial encyclopedia on all aspects of the three Galactica series. We even have cast and crew visit and answer questions when they have time. It's a nice site. Plenty of equally great sites like it, too.
But the contributors on Battlestar Wiki, and Memory Alpha, and Wookieepedia know very well that we always enjoy what we do so long as we do not profit in any way, don't claim data as our own, or make derivative works (such as what that lexicon does). If any of these were done, the results that occurred for that lexicon would have been the same.
And I don't want to tick off NBC. They're grouchy.
The fact she only sued for a few thousand dollars shows she was out to prove her rights, not to soak the defendant. I'd be surprised if she bothers to collect.
It's time I applied for my personalized Capital One credit card.
With sharks.
And lasers.
And maybe some ninja midgets.
And warkittens.
On the meltdown of Apple's servers given international demand:
Quoth ABC News and others:
It's the iPocalypse!!!
The Apple revolution may be televised, but streaming is down at this time...
...cause it took a CD up with it containing Earth's greatest hits!
http://fawkes4.lpl.arizona.edu/images/gallery/lg_532.jpg
Either that, or Apple's scored a deal with NASA to lock in the Martian music market...
Being an Apple technician, my natural tendency is to avoid new Apple products since they often get a little rushed to market. But yes, some software and some hardware updates later, all is good. My first generation MacBook was a mess. I knew the job was dangerous when I took it...er, bought it. It's a fine system now, 10.5 installed, and one logic board later.
The biggest problem anyone will have with an 10.4 to 10.5 upgrade is installing 10.5 over the 10.4 installation. Welcome to Pain, here's your pitchfork. Don't EVER do this, even if Apple supports it, when moving from one reference release (10.4.0) to another (like 10.5.0). It might work with Windows migrations, but not so much here.
It's not the system level parts that cause issues, but applications that worked OK in 10.4 and user account data will fight with the new 10.5 settings. Making a clean install and transferring your user account with the Migration Assistant might be OK, if you are careful.
Those new to Macs will be happy to know that Apple tends to have the serious bugs squashed flat by the ".3" updates or so. Luckily, Apple also rolls out these counterparts to Windows Service Packs with greater frequency, keeping you from gnashing your teeth for very long.
I wouldn't disagree with you there, especially in the area of "How to create and maintain an operating system with legacy support while not ticking off developers or end-users with cruft and confusing procedures."
You are correct, sir.
Mac OS X Server includes expanded file, print, web, mail and other network tools over OS X client. Structurally, they are very similar in comparison to the bloat of Vista versus Windows Server 2008.
Another way to say it, as Jobs did, is
Apple is a single-widget company.
And it's worked well for them so far.
As the Mac is still the lynchpin that holds much of their products together by way of sales, for Apple to unleach OS X would destroy Mac sales and erode the reason why many buy one Apple product and continue to another. Besides, OS X's design works because Apple designs the hardware. Using OS X in any other way just likely introduces the same issues we have in Windows.
Apple does make software, of course, but they don't not make their profit from software. Their hardware earns their main dollars by far.
It should work fine since the differences between OS X client and Server are similar.
That is, if you happen to have $500 to $1000 to blow away. Legal issues aside, Mac OS X Server isn't something you can get from a friend. Unlike OS X client, OS X Server requires a serial number and, as noted, is pricey.
And why would one run OS X Server when a Linux server distribution is free, tested, generally supported and available. Besides, one would likely take LESS time to tweak a Linux server on supported hardware than any OS X installation on supported hardware.
Surprisingly, no one seems to have brought up the prime reason why you'll not likely see OS X for generic PCs.
Repeat after me:
Apple is a hardware company.
Apple is a hardware company.
Apple leverages low-cost or free software to sell all hardware.
iTunes is free because it makes using an iPod and the iTunes store a breeze. Mac OS X client is low in cost and works as it does because Apple spent a lot of time and money to ensure you're getting your bang for the buck in a computer you buy from them.
Microsoft sells software. Others leverage Microsoft to sell their hardware. Microsoft doesn't always make the best hardware, nor do they read consumer needs very well (not to be confused with business customers). Zunes don't sell, for instance.
When Microsoft makes crappy software, the whole PC industry suffers a bit.
And Apple just counts its cash reserves since they don't compete in most areas that Microsoft tends to. There is happy crossover with, say, Office 2008 for Mac, but generally Apple and Microsoft are different worlds. When Apple makes a good product, third parties dive in to complement the experience with accessories and the like. Crappy products in the Apple world today get bad press fast.
I tried Linux in several distros back in 2000 and was amused but not pleased. Driver support was crazy, the simple matter of changing screen resolutions was terrible, and useful applications (beyond games) made Linux a poor choice for the basics.
Times change, however. Contrary to Mossburg, who, much of the time, is a very even-handed and well-informed tech columnist that really knows the ins and outs of Windows and OS X, I'd have to disagree with him here.
I've installed Ubuntu client in my Parallels virtual environment on my OS X system. I like it over the past Linux distros for several key reasons:
(1) Ubuntu (actually, GNOME) has greatly simplified its interface, "stealing" good elements from both OS X and Windows. From the Mac, a fixed menu bar at the top of the screen, and only four menus at that. Finding things is easy. From Windows, the notion of menu-launching key applications a'la the Start menu button (rather than mere commands found in OS X menus).
(2) Ubuntu has very good hardware support, but always there will be a system that doesn't like it as well. This is because of the same problem that Windows has (although Microsoft has more money and clout to throw at this problem): Hardware quality and variations in the computer world are astronomically huge. Expecting any operating system to support the myriad of PC hardware variations is just near-impossible. Ubuntu does much better, in my experience in using it, than say another GNOME interfaced-Linux, Fedora. (In fact, Fedora is pretty awful in client form.)
(3) Ubuntu has EVERYTHING that the average Joe Offthestreet needs for basic internet and home needs: A web browser (Firefox, arguably best in the biz), an office suite (OpenOffice, always trying to be something that MS Office thinks it is), a mail client (Thunderbird, a client so nice I've moved from Apple Mail to it on my OS X system) and lots of games and the like.
Software update processes are now less crazy and propellerhead, again taking the ideas from the commercial camps. Security is as good as any Unix/Linux client, and since its not Windows, spyware and viruses are not generally present here.
Ubuntu loses only in the specialized "gimme-gimme" internet needs of the youth and industry, like iTunes (doesn't exist, but good MP3 players and support for them are, although iTunes Music Store reins supreme, IMO), some specialty web features for audio or video, professional-level graphic and audio tools, and enterprise support (this problem is shared with OS X, despite my own personal and professional efforts to the opposite).
Installing further applications outside of the bundled, however, needs work. GNOME needs to expand further with, say, Apple's "package" concept of a single app in a double-clickable folder that contains all the binaries and libraries for the app. For now, Ubuntu works like many Linux clients, so third-party apps are hellish to do for the average Joe Whodoesntdo-cmdlines.
If I had a friend or family member that needed a computer (PC) but didn't want to fight the antiquation battles that MS wants to give its consumers, AND if my friend only needed to do web, email, and general office stuff, Ubuntu is a hands-down favorite.
Mossburg and others, unfortunately, may have had too much exposure to other operating systems to see things more simply. Not everyone needs an enterprise-level operating system...just one that works for them for what they need, at home.
I am not a programmer by trade.
I am a phone user, however.
Those of you who have "smartphones" (the term may get blurry as the iPhone debuts) have had crashes in apps, or even the phone itself as you added software or hardware. My Treo is OK, and hasn't given me problems, but its not a very robust thing, either.
Aside from probably not having a true SDK ready, Apple is trying to avoid Terrible Things. The iPhone isn't a computer per se. It's not only an information device as computers are, but a life-saving device for 911 calls and such. The last thing Apple or AT&T want to see is a news report like "Man Dies When iPhone Crashes" after he installed some "nifty" gadget that some third party made that caused a serious failure for the guy's phone in the middle of nowhere, causing him to burn or freeze from exposure. Phones must just work.
The webapps solution was a good compromise (which is also why PC users got Safari to aid in this). Hopefully there may be less regulation on more complex app development, but for now, less is more.
The Mac Plus (of which I was a former owner) is a quintessential example of Apple's past design principles in terms of quality (recent examples such as the Macbooks, which I also own, are having nasty hardware and QC issues). The fact that you can get this old Mac to speak "internet" and continue to run (it has only a SCSI-25 interface for drives and other peripherals) is a testament to good design, whether you're an Apple fan or not.
Finding a contemporary IBM PC to do the same performance test would be more appropriate and interesting, but connectivity and functionality there (it was built years before Windows) would be a big challenge under the non-graphical DOS, if not impossible. I don't know if there's even a Linux out there that could understand that old PC technology. I'm sure it could be done--I just wouldn't want to be the one to try.
Since many posts have taken the opportunity to take pot-shots and cheap jokes about the astronaut program, I'll take time to recommend one docudrama on this astronaut's fine history: HBO's "From The Earth to the Moon" has a beautifully comprehensive episode called "We Have Cleared The Tower" on the events of getting the first Apollo test launch in space, and Wally's efforts to keep "Go Fever" from causing many of the same problems on his Apollo 7 that ultimately killed the Apollo 1 crew. Mark Harmon plays Schirra, and there are many good performances that fairly accurately detail the training, launch setup and pre-flight.
After Scott Carpenter's near-disasterous Mercury flight (where he nearly exhausted his maneuvering fuel, jeopardizing his life on re-entry, and landing 250 miles off-target), Schirra's Sigma 7 mission put the project back on-course with textbook operation and completion of mission objectives, and was a highlight to the necessity of human input in spaceflight.
In terms of spacecraft history, only John Young can be argued as the most experienced astronaut in terms of number of space flights (6), different spacecraft (4) as well as specific projects (3). He's flown two Gemini missions, flew Apollo 10 as Command Module pilot, flew Apollo 16 as Lunar Module commanding pilot, and flew Space Shuttle Orbiter Columbia on its maiden flight and on STS-6. Jim Lovell has a similar history (having flown in Gemini and Apollo twice), but because of the events of Apollo 13, never walked on the moon, and retired before the Space Shuttle project. The only thing Young hasn't done was Mercury.
Some of you may remember Schirra's commercials on Actifed in the 1970s (which he had to use on Apollo 7 when the astronauts caught a sniffle). I think that was one of the very few astronaut commercials (Sally Ride and Buzz Aldrin have done some, I believe).
Apple's offering to the phone world, the iPhone, as well as competing smartphones, may be convincing RIM to make itself more of a wireless communications service than a PDA provider. Palm is an excellent example of what can happen if you hold on too long to your own OS and not extend yourself when competition (Windows CE/Mobile) arrived.
PDAs and phone functionality were blending fast before the iPhone was announced. Although it's still vaporware by definition, the iPhone's introduction is changing the competitive landscape. It's in RIM's interests if they can made any of their services with any phone, although the use of Berries would likely be preferable.
Politics hasn't anything to do with this. Stupidity and conceit is not limited by creed, politics, color or celebrity. Presidents Clinton, Nixon, Bush, Carter, Ford and Reagan have all said remarkably stupid things, and the only thing they have in common is the Oval Office. Another person who replied hit it on the head: People become de facto leaders because they can gain attention, not because they are truly right or not.
I don't know (or care) about your political views, but I now have a good idea, thanks to your snide reply. Neither conservatives or liberals have a lock on what's best or right, so perhaps you should rethink next time how to reply to a comment neutrally without sounding so holier-than-thou, "disenfranchised" or "offended", which guarantees that (regardless of views) you make yourself seem like a smart-ass.
It's amazing how many people confuse popularity for authoritative, scientific thought. This conceit goes so far that many celebrities believe themselves. As we've already noted, people like Tom Cruise, Barbara Streisand, and Jane Fonda do this all too regularly. Why in the world would some actor know more about AIDS or cancer (even testifying in front of Congress, for frak's sake) than the average Joe or a medical professional?
Actors should be reminded that, just because they've played a doctor, doesn't make them one.
Other popular people should be pelted with rotten produce and harsh words by the anti-clique popular people whose feet are well grounded as to who they are and what they really know, like Dennis Miller (most of the time).
The good news, of course, is that Intel-equipped Mac users may not be totally left out with the use of Boot Camp to install Windows XP as a dual-boot configuration for your Mac. If you have an Intel Mac with a robust video configuration (that's MacBook Pro and Mac Pro, and perhaps Intel iMacs), then you can play the game.
Don't bother trying with MacBooks or other systems with Intel GMA video. The game will install, sure enough, but will die when you launch it and attempt to initiate DirectX support that doesn't exist in these systems. I tried. Gods know I tried. (sniff)
This game has a ridiculous graphic overhead as well as a piss-poor design in comparison to NWN1 in terms of portability. It's really as if no one cared. It's still pretty to look at, although one can say the same about someone like Pam Anderson--the smart ones won't touch her, however.
I look forward to playing it, still, once I build a new PC (that is, accost someone in an alley, loot them and sell their XBox, Zune, PS3 and Hello Kitty backpack).
Your problems reflect a lack of knowledge in making these features work. I do this for a living. Want SMB volumes to mount on startup? If you're working in a Microsoft Active Directory network, make your Mac a member of the domain for single-sign-on authentication and many other features. Or make an LDAP domain if you have Linux servers and get it done. That's just one way to make that work.
Not all tools are perfect (the Finder does have problems sometimes), but to blame the tool because the building won't go up, well, that's just uncool.
There is nothing you haven't mentioned that hasn't a resolution that requires you to spend a lot of time on it. Tired of using the GUI? Go around it; this is a BSD after all. It'll likely work.
You say ta-ma-to...
But that's an important clarification given the importance of Wikipedia. Thanks. --KS
Many of the questions and comments here have been asked and answered before on a growing Battlestar Galactica Wikipedia site.
Visit here for the Wiki containing info on the new and old shows.
http://www.battlestarwiki.org/
The lack of FireWire 800 may be due to a lack of adoption to the interface (although its speeds do exceed FW 400 and USB2).
Another likelihood to the lack of FW 800 includes Intel (who developed the USB spec and may have asked Apple to push USB2 instead), as well as problems in heat or design that prohibited use of FW 800. I'm betting for simplicity + Intel pressure. We've already seen Apple choose USB2 as its dominate sync interface for iPods, and this is a reflection of that change.
Overall, not a bad introduction for a new 'book, but betware the Rev1 Effect. Remember the first PowerPC systems? Not bad, BUT...
To participate in this tragedy your computer must also meet the following tragic specifications:
Internet Explorer 6
Or you can opt out of online filing and complete one of the following:
>Completing a claim form and sending it by US Mail. (Please wait 6-8 weeks for delivery)
>Shooting yourself (Please allow 6-8 nanoseconds for bullet delivery)
The upcoming Katrina 2.0 enhances the disaster experience by mythological proportions:
>Fire
>Locusts
>Lakes of blood
>Frogs
>A greatly expanded FEMA bureaucracy
Get yours today...before it gets you!