I like Opera and would definately consider giving it another try. It's only weakpoint seems to be that it has trouble with Java applets (often crashes it). Were it not for that, it could have very easily become my default browser. Although, the built-in Bayesian filter that comes with Mozilla is very nice.
As far as cost, I had no issues with using the "Adware" version of Opera. The ads were both visible and out of the way. I've even clicked through these ads when I've seen something I was looking for. Had this same add been presented as a "pop-up", I would have closed it immediately with looking at it (assuming I had pop-ups enabled in the first place). IOW - I don't mind non-intrusive ads.
Nothing against Firebird and Thunderbird, but I actually use Mozilla at work instead of Outlook/Explorer. I've even used chatzilla to go into a #python chat room when I've had a programming questions as I've been working on my pet aircraft fatigue analysis program (of course, I've also use zenirc from withing Xemacs for the same purpose). I think it would be neat to see Mozilla develop into a competitor for those programs.
I just hope I can still get the calandar add-on for the new version.
I don't know the answer to that, but it would seem to me that, if IE were the only browser targeted for patent enforcement, then Microsoft could claim that they are being unfairly singled out.
It seems to me that the computer software industry is bringing out a fundamental flaw in the patent process....
This is actually a quirk of the english language. When gender is ambiguous, the convention is to use the masculine. I've read a few articles where gender neutral pronouns where proposed ("hir" for example), but they seem to be less popular than Esparanto. I've also read a few military handbooks where there was a disclaimer on the opening page saying something to the effect that, "where gender is unspecified, they will use the masculine by convention and this is not intended to be sexist"
On the other point, I would imagine that there has got to be a few grandmaster females out there. I don't really follow the sport enough to know that for certain though.
...another language is that it's very hard for many of us to find opportunities to use it. I wish I could speak more than one language. I also like the concept of everybody learning Esperanto and making that the universal tounge. The problem is, in the entire course of my life, I've met only a handful of people who speak a language other than English. I've tried to learn German, but because I very rarely get to use it, I can't remember it.
Because of this, circumstances do sort of require that if you're going to be living and working in America, you probably need to learn English. As for looking at people who don't speak English as stupid; I can't speak for everyone but I think you've got that backwards. I tend to look at multi-lingual people with a certain degree on envy.
First off, here's hoping that the decision is reversed, but if it's not, how about the following?
Make it illegal for businesses to block their identities over the phone. This way, I can effectively use the existing laws (consumer telecommuications protection act) to accomplish the same thing. As it stands now, they may be legally required to identify themselved to me upon request, but, if they just hang up when I ask, what can I do?
throwing technology and computerization at the problem will necessarily make the system more secure. Not that these aren't good things, but my experience has been that, from a security standpoint, adding complexity can often increase opportunities to compromise a system.
I'm not saying that a state-of-the-art computerized, hi-tech voting booth can't be rock-solid secure. However, I do see the potential for companies to sell hi-tech voting machine soley on the *impression* that the added technology automatically makes them more secure.
I think the focus should be solely on the standard of security. Whatever system can meet that; be it punch card, touch screen, whatever, is the system we use. Sadly, I suspect such a standard will put internet voting a long way off.
Improving ergonomics is still a good thing. It would be nicer if it were upgradable like a desktop (as mentioned elsewhere in this thread). One thing I'd like to see, however, is a keyboard that can be separated and angled like my ergonomic keyboard that I use in the office. My office computer is actually a laptop but I do all of my typing via an external ergo keyboard and these things are getting harder and harder to find.
My family is rife with musicians and, when I was younger, I played the fiddle (or tried to anyways, damned difficult instrument to master). Anyway, my uncle, who was single at the time, was trying to date a violin instructor so he wanted to borrow my violin so he could take her class. At the time, my violin had a cracked bridge so he offered to have it fixed in exchange for being able for borrow it for a while. I agreed.
Fast-forward a couple of months down the road. He was unsuccessful in dating the violin instructor and is now claiming that the violin is rightfully half his because he paid to have it fixed. Of course, this is bullshit as he actually saved money since he did not have to rent/buy an instrument so he could take her class. Nonetheless, this argument went on for several years (that violin now resides with me BTW).
From where I'm sitting, this whole SCO nonsense has some striking similarities. It'll be interesting to see how this plays out. I would agree with other post that it would be foolish to assume victory is assured.
It kinda looks like a framed picture of the classic "gray" alien.
For me, it's the border that makes it such a hard call. It just seems to be too highly ordered to be a natural formation, but not so much so that I'd be certain of that.
It seems like it will take a still closer look. Mostly likely more so than the current probe can manage. Therefore, it is probably better used elsewhere (maybe there is another such "feature" somewhere on the other 97% of the planet).
hit him as hard as they want. However, they also have the right to give him the benefit of the doubt and assume that this is not a willful violation but rather an honest mistake. It's their choice and the choice they made was to make an example out him.
Fair enough....it's within their rights according to the currrent laws. Just like it's within Mr. Ball's right to say f@#k you and your software.
From where I'm sitting, it looks like that decision worked out good for him.
I hope you never make a mistake on your tax return. According to your system of ethics, the IRS should then be able to come after you as if you were a willful tax evader. . . . my 2 cents anyways.
A tad draconian on the software control, but nice to hear they were able to make the switch so easily. Makes me want to see what it would take to set up an engineering consulting business. Doesn't have to all be free software, just FAT free (or VFAT free, or NTFS free...you get the idea).
Last time a tried out a set of Earthwoods was a while ago and I wasn't too happy with them. Prefer Dean Markley or Schecter Guitar Research myself. Still, maybe I'll give them another try next time I get strings.
As a storage medium it has a ways to go yet - and remember, this is for direct conversion of H2. Reformer fuel cells are worse. In other words, you still have to generate the energy. A fuel cell approach just makes it feasible to do it locally and a little at a time.
I think the concept of many interconnected smaller power producing facilities could be more robust than fewer isolated larger units but why focus only on H2? I mean, I like hydrogen fuel cells. In fact, I have a stock portfolio that invest in sampling of all aspects of the fuel cell industry so I'd *love* to see this happen.
Even so, each local climate has one or more aspects about it that can be the basis of power generation. From what I understand, monster wind farms aren't working out as well as we had hoped, but smaller local farms could contribute and be easier to manage. Then there is solar, water, geo-thermal, combustable waste, bio-diesel, etc.
I see a possiblity to tailor power generation to the local environment while improving robustness and even national security....my 2 cents anyways...
When I got my bachelor's degree in Aerospace engineering, it was at a time when defense spending was going down rapidly and, coupled with my somewhat mediocre performance in college, I had a very difficult time finding work after I graduated. To break into the field, I took whatever work I could and got training to get my Aircraft Mechanic's License. That license got me into an aerospace firm, but not as an engineer. From there, I took post-baccalaureate classes at the local university and basically rocked the GRE's. This convinced them to let me pursue my Master's in mechanical engineering. I did this by taking classes as I could around my work schedule.
Eventually, I got my Master's and once again set off in ernest to find engineering work. I had several resume's out and was on a few occasions flat out told that graduate degrees weren't in demand. I finally happened upon a job fair that I had to quickly get to from work (cleaning up and changing into a suit on the way). I got an interview with a manufacturing firm in NY (not aerospace). It wasn't my master's that impressed them, it was the dirt still under my fingernails from the fuel system I had recently finished rebuilding on a turboprop. They took that to mean I had familarity with machinery and mechanical systems. Based on that, I got my second interview, based on a strong follow-up phone call after that second interview (he was actually planning to not hire me when I called), I got the job. It was equipment engineering at a facility with no documentation and/or real process control but at least it was engineering. About a year later, an aerospace engineering firm that I had interviewed with contacted me and offered me a position.
Bottom line is, my Master's degree kept me current, but getting in the door was mostly dumb-assed luck and lots of perseverence.
Are you aware if these designs can operate over a range of power settings? I would envision that, in setting up a workable flow-field, you're going to have to make concessions for operational range.
Also, at it's core, a turbine engine is a pretty simple animal. What makes it complicated is the addition of fuel delivery and lubrication systems. While the core of a PDE engine is even simpler, I see significant engineering problems associated with reliable fuel delivery.
Did any of your (or your universities) research ever get into the noise issue?
Just curious really, if the design problems can be solved, then you've definately got something. Even if it only works for a limited power range, you can use it in a hybrid engine, such as a bleed-burn or hybrid turbojet.
"...I would assume that supersonic flights would be restricted to intercontinental travel...."
Yup, that is correct. However, the actual regulation has been interpreted in the past to mean that you cannot create a shockwave at ground level. When the BD-10J kitplane was available (capable of Mach 1.6 at altitude), the argument was made that it was so small that, even at Mach 1.6, the shockwave it created would dissipate before getting to ground level.
I don't recall how far that argument went and there is no BD-10J anymore. Not to mention that commercial/militiary aircraft will be a lot bigger. Still, interesting interpretation.
All of this may be mute though, assuming they solve lifespan, flow-field, and tuning issues; it's still going to be noisy as hell unless they also plan to use some sort of active system to destructively interfere with the noise - and that will cost energy.
best of luck to them though....very intriguing problem.
I think the engine you refer to was the Tesla disk tubine - which relied on couette (sp?) flow to spin the disk. It would totally work, but would be subject to the same thermodynamic efficiency limitations of conventional turbines. Also, he included a "reedless" valve design that, unfortunately won't work. Ironically, had the design have been workable, pulsejets would have been a lot easier to make.
I need to bring myself up to speed on research done on this new generation of pulse engines. I have a good idea of what the may be doing as I played with this myself for a while. However, I lack the time, experience, and resources to solve many of the problems. It's an intriguing problem though, because if you can make it work reliably and throughout a range of power, you should be able to achieve significantly higher efficiency.
Of course, it will still be noisy as hell, and that may make it difficult to operate out of a commercial airport.
I was a sophmore in college, watched it on TV that morning and my elective psychology class wound up being cancelled because the professor was way too depressed over it to teach the class. By the next day, I was already hearing "Need Another Seven Astronauts", "You feed the kids, I'll feed the fish", and so on. I've yet to hear one wisecrack about the Columbia accident though. It seems that times have changed - for the better I think.
I'm all for the GPL and the sharing of ideas in general but some people just get freakin' militant about it.
As far as I'm concerned, if you or your company want to make a linux driver/program available to me for free but would prefer not to release the source then - hey, it's your program, you should be free to do with it what you want.
If you want to write a program and sell it to me then, if I need it and I think it's worth the money, I'll buy it from you.
To me, free software doesn't mean free as in cost or even necessarily openness but rather freedom of distribution. Personally, I think the open-source model should be adopted for more than just software, but I would not dream of requiring software makers to adopt my beliefs as a condition of making their work available to Linux or any other OS or kernel.
Slashdot Mirror
I like Opera and would definately consider giving it another try. It's only weakpoint seems to be that it has trouble with Java applets (often crashes it). Were it not for that, it could have very easily become my default browser. Although, the built-in Bayesian filter that comes with Mozilla is very nice.
As far as cost, I had no issues with using the "Adware" version of Opera. The ads were both visible and out of the way. I've even clicked through these ads when I've seen something I was looking for. Had this same add been presented as a "pop-up", I would have closed it immediately with looking at it (assuming I had pop-ups enabled in the first place). IOW - I don't mind non-intrusive ads.
Nothing against Firebird and Thunderbird, but I actually use Mozilla at work instead of Outlook/Explorer. I've even used chatzilla to go into a #python chat room when I've had a programming questions as I've been working on my pet aircraft fatigue analysis program (of course, I've also use zenirc from withing Xemacs for the same purpose). I think it would be neat to see Mozilla develop into a competitor for those programs.
I just hope I can still get the calandar add-on for the new version.
....devise an admittedly anemic copy protect scheme then sue the first person to publically point it out.
I can't see myself being terribly sympathetic to their position if I were on *that* jury.
I don't know the answer to that, but it would seem to me that, if IE were the only browser targeted for patent enforcement, then Microsoft could claim that they are being unfairly singled out.
It seems to me that the computer software industry is bringing out a fundamental flaw in the patent process....
This is actually a quirk of the english language. When gender is ambiguous, the convention is to use the masculine. I've read a few articles where gender neutral pronouns where proposed ("hir" for example), but they seem to be less popular than Esparanto. I've also read a few military handbooks where there was a disclaimer on the opening page saying something to the effect that, "where gender is unspecified, they will use the masculine by convention and this is not intended to be sexist"
On the other point, I would imagine that there has got to be a few grandmaster females out there. I don't really follow the sport enough to know that for certain though.
...another language is that it's very hard for many of us to find opportunities to use it. I wish I could speak more than one language. I also like the concept of everybody learning Esperanto and making that the universal tounge. The problem is, in the entire course of my life, I've met only a handful of people who speak a language other than English. I've tried to learn German, but because I very rarely get to use it, I can't remember it.
Because of this, circumstances do sort of require that if you're going to be living and working in America, you probably need to learn English. As for looking at people who don't speak English as stupid; I can't speak for everyone but I think you've got that backwards. I tend to look at multi-lingual people with a certain degree on envy.
First off, here's hoping that the decision is reversed, but if it's not, how about the following?
Make it illegal for businesses to block their identities over the phone. This way, I can effectively use the existing laws (consumer telecommuications protection act) to accomplish the same thing. As it stands now, they may be legally required to identify themselved to me upon request, but, if they just hang up when I ask, what can I do?
throwing technology and computerization at the problem will necessarily make the system more secure. Not that these aren't good things, but my experience has been that, from a security standpoint, adding complexity can often increase opportunities to compromise a system.
I'm not saying that a state-of-the-art computerized, hi-tech voting booth can't be rock-solid secure. However, I do see the potential for companies to sell hi-tech voting machine soley on the *impression* that the added technology automatically makes them more secure.
I think the focus should be solely on the standard of security. Whatever system can meet that; be it punch card, touch screen, whatever, is the system we use. Sadly, I suspect such a standard will put internet voting a long way off.
...you guys are slowing down a little....
If Kenobi was the last Jedi, what happened to Yoda? Seems that him making it to Dagoba has to be in the storyline somewhere.
Improving ergonomics is still a good thing. It would be nicer if it were upgradable like a desktop (as mentioned elsewhere in this thread). One thing I'd like to see, however, is a keyboard that can be separated and angled like my ergonomic keyboard that I use in the office. My office computer is actually a laptop but I do all of my typing via an external ergo keyboard and these things are getting harder and harder to find.
My family is rife with musicians and, when I was younger, I played the fiddle (or tried to anyways, damned difficult instrument to master). Anyway, my uncle, who was single at the time, was trying to date a violin instructor so he wanted to borrow my violin so he could take her class. At the time, my violin had a cracked bridge so he offered to have it fixed in exchange for being able for borrow it for a while. I agreed.
Fast-forward a couple of months down the road. He was unsuccessful in dating the violin instructor and is now claiming that the violin is rightfully half his because he paid to have it fixed. Of course, this is bullshit as he actually saved money since he did not have to rent/buy an instrument so he could take her class. Nonetheless, this argument went on for several years (that violin now resides with me BTW).
From where I'm sitting, this whole SCO nonsense has some striking similarities. It'll be interesting to see how this plays out. I would agree with other post that it would be foolish to assume victory is assured.
It kinda looks like a framed picture of the classic "gray" alien.
For me, it's the border that makes it such a hard call. It just seems to be too highly ordered to be a natural formation, but not so much so that I'd be certain of that.
It seems like it will take a still closer look. Mostly likely more so than the current probe can manage. Therefore, it is probably better used elsewhere (maybe there is another such "feature" somewhere on the other 97% of the planet).
hit him as hard as they want. However, they also have the right to give him the benefit of the doubt and assume that this is not a willful violation but rather an honest mistake. It's their choice and the choice they made was to make an example out him.
Fair enough....it's within their rights according to the currrent laws. Just like it's within Mr. Ball's right to say f@#k you and your software.
From where I'm sitting, it looks like that decision worked out good for him.
I hope you never make a mistake on your tax return. According to your system of ethics, the IRS should then be able to come after you as if you were a willful tax evader.
.
.
.
my 2 cents anyways.
A tad draconian on the software control, but nice to hear they were able to make the switch so easily. Makes me want to see what it would take to set up an engineering consulting business. Doesn't have to all be free software, just FAT free (or VFAT free, or NTFS free...you get the idea).
Last time a tried out a set of Earthwoods was a while ago and I wasn't too happy with them. Prefer Dean Markley or Schecter Guitar Research myself. Still, maybe I'll give them another try next time I get strings.
As a storage medium it has a ways to go yet - and remember, this is for direct conversion of H2. Reformer fuel cells are worse. In other words, you still have to generate the energy. A fuel cell approach just makes it feasible to do it locally and a little at a time.
Still, I think the overall concept is sound.
I think the concept of many interconnected smaller power producing facilities could be more robust than fewer isolated larger units but why focus only on H2? I mean, I like hydrogen fuel cells. In fact, I have a stock portfolio that invest in sampling of all aspects of the fuel cell industry so I'd *love* to see this happen.
...my 2 cents anyways...
Even so, each local climate has one or more aspects about it that can be the basis of power generation. From what I understand, monster wind farms aren't working out as well as we had hoped, but smaller local farms could contribute and be easier to manage. Then there is solar, water, geo-thermal, combustable waste, bio-diesel, etc.
I see a possiblity to tailor power generation to the local environment while improving robustness and even national security.
When I got my bachelor's degree in Aerospace engineering, it was at a time when defense spending was going down rapidly and, coupled with my somewhat mediocre performance in college, I had a very difficult time finding work after I graduated. To break into the field, I took whatever work I could and got training to get my Aircraft Mechanic's License. That license got me into an aerospace firm, but not as an engineer. From there, I took post-baccalaureate classes at the local university and basically rocked the GRE's. This convinced them to let me pursue my Master's in mechanical engineering. I did this by taking classes as I could around my work schedule.
Eventually, I got my Master's and once again set off in ernest to find engineering work. I had several resume's out and was on a few occasions flat out told that graduate degrees weren't in demand. I finally happened upon a job fair that I had to quickly get to from work (cleaning up and changing into a suit on the way). I got an interview with a manufacturing firm in NY (not aerospace). It wasn't my master's that impressed them, it was the dirt still under my fingernails from the fuel system I had recently finished rebuilding on a turboprop. They took that to mean I had familarity with machinery and mechanical systems. Based on that, I got my second interview, based on a strong follow-up phone call after that second interview (he was actually planning to not hire me when I called), I got the job. It was equipment engineering at a facility with no documentation and/or real process control but at least it was engineering. About a year later, an aerospace engineering firm that I had interviewed with contacted me and offered me a position.
Bottom line is, my Master's degree kept me current, but getting in the door was mostly dumb-assed luck and lots of perseverence.
Are you aware if these designs can operate over a range of power settings? I would envision that, in setting up a workable flow-field, you're going to have to make concessions for operational range.
Also, at it's core, a turbine engine is a pretty simple animal. What makes it complicated is the addition of fuel delivery and lubrication systems. While the core of a PDE engine is even simpler, I see significant engineering problems associated with reliable fuel delivery.
Did any of your (or your universities) research ever get into the noise issue?
Just curious really, if the design problems can be solved, then you've definately got something. Even if it only works for a limited power range, you can use it in a hybrid engine, such as a bleed-burn or hybrid turbojet.
From earlier post:
"...I would assume that supersonic flights would be restricted to intercontinental travel...."
Yup, that is correct. However, the actual regulation has been interpreted in the past to mean that you cannot create a shockwave at ground level. When the BD-10J kitplane was available (capable of Mach 1.6 at altitude), the argument was made that it was so small that, even at Mach 1.6, the shockwave it created would dissipate before getting to ground level.
I don't recall how far that argument went and there is no BD-10J anymore. Not to mention that commercial/militiary aircraft will be a lot bigger. Still, interesting interpretation.
All of this may be mute though, assuming they solve lifespan, flow-field, and tuning issues; it's still going to be noisy as hell unless they also plan to use some sort of active system to destructively interfere with the noise - and that will cost energy.
best of luck to them though....very intriguing problem.
I think the engine you refer to was the Tesla disk tubine - which relied on couette (sp?) flow to spin the disk. It would totally work, but would be subject to the same thermodynamic efficiency limitations of conventional turbines. Also, he included a "reedless" valve design that, unfortunately won't work. Ironically, had the design have been workable, pulsejets would have been a lot easier to make.
I need to bring myself up to speed on research done on this new generation of pulse engines. I have a good idea of what the may be doing as I played with this myself for a while. However, I lack the time, experience, and resources to solve many of the problems. It's an intriguing problem though, because if you can make it work reliably and throughout a range of power, you should be able to achieve significantly higher efficiency.
Of course, it will still be noisy as hell, and that may make it difficult to operate out of a commercial airport.
hybrid stem cells awoke from surgury, his first words were:
"ehhh, What's up Doc?"
(Yea I know, bad joke, but we all knew it was going to be posted eventually....)
Rosanne Rosanadanna bit.
I was a sophmore in college, watched it on TV that morning and my elective psychology class wound up being cancelled because the professor was way too depressed over it to teach the class. By the next day, I was already hearing "Need Another Seven Astronauts", "You feed the kids, I'll feed the fish", and so on. I've yet to hear one wisecrack about the Columbia accident though. It seems that times have changed - for the better I think.
I'm all for the GPL and the sharing of ideas in general but some people just get freakin' militant about it.
As far as I'm concerned, if you or your company want to make a linux driver/program available to me for free but would prefer not to release the source then - hey, it's your program, you should be free to do with it what you want.
If you want to write a program and sell it to me then, if I need it and I think it's worth the money, I'll buy it from you.
To me, free software doesn't mean free as in cost or even necessarily openness but rather freedom of distribution. Personally, I think the open-source model should be adopted for more than just software, but I would not dream of requiring software makers to adopt my beliefs as a condition of making their work available to Linux or any other OS or kernel.