RPG Maker.
This game is a great way to introduce programming logic. I use it in classes and the students that use this game have no problems with going into programming...
There was a TV show about technology from star trek that is around today, cell phones, medical equipment, etc... Shatner did some of the narration, but I never knew the name of it and never spent more than a cursory look on google/imdb for it. What was this show? Where/when was it aired? Thanks.
I'm too young to remember his accomplishments firsthand, but because of his accomplishments with the help of the entire infrastructure of the space race, I was able to grow up with the dream of living in a future in which I could visit the moon and mars... Now I feel that dream has died right along with him.
I usually avoid hospitals and the medical profession in general unless it is needed, ie, broken bones or donating a kidney (Which I did recently.)
A couple years ago while camping my some broke a bone. I put it in a splint then took him to the hospital to get a get it set and placed in a cast. This was on a Saturday in a very "out-in-the-boonies" location. Before the staff would even look at my son, I had to sign a patient's "Bill of Rights." indicating that I had read the items on their list... There were around a dozen items and I don't remember what they were except for the first one. "The Patient has a Right to all medical records assembled during the visit." Maybe this is enforced in other hospitals. I don;t know.
Anyway, My son was X-Rayed and dealt with and released.
On the way out, I asked the secretary, who made me sign the "Patient's Bill of Rights," for a copy of my sons X-Rays and a print out of the Vitals they recorded. I was told "No, Those are not for you." I put on my "Contrary-Old-Bastard Hat" and stated that I have a "right" to those and read back the 1st item on theh "Patient's Bill of Rights." I explained that the X-Ray and vitals were records of the visit and that the hospital, before my son was allowed any medical attention, made me sign a form to acknowledge that I have a right to those records. I was told that I had to go through the Records department and Billing in order to get the records. These offices would not be open until the following Tuesday (due to a Holiday.) Not wanting to get mad at the secretary for doing her job, I asked to talk to her boss or whoever was in charge of the hospital that day. She informed to me with all of her arrogance that since it was the weekend, she was in charge. So I ranted to her for a while and then read the entire "Patient's Bill of Rights" to her. I strongly emphasized that nowhere in this document, which we both signed, did is mention that I should go through Billing and records. After ranting a bit more she let me know that my son's doctor can request the records and the records will be sent without charge. I explained more how I am his parent/Guardian and in charge of his primary care and that I want the records to that I can hand deliver the records when I can return and set an appointment for cast removal. Again I read the entire "Patient's Bill of Rights" to her and then explained that nowhere on it did it say that my doctor was to get the records. I asked her bluntly to obtain a copy of the records. She actually stomped her foot and said, "No."
"OK," I said, "since I have been forced to acknowledge that I have a right to my son's records, I am going to sit right here in the middle of this hallway until I get them." And I did; I sat down in the middle of the hallway. (My son was looking at me in a state of shock -- He was at that Jr. High age when anything a parent does is considered embarrassing.)
The secretary stared at me for about 30 seconds. then left. A minute after that she came out with a doctor and he asked what was up. I mentioned that I was waiting for a copy of my son's medical records. He nodded, went behind the counter and gave me the X-Rays and vitals papers. I said "Thank you" and left.
This anecdote is not so that I can say I am an old cantankerous fart, it it to illustrate that even though people have rights to information, the ones that hold the information feel compelled not to give it up. THis is true with software, medical data, music... I don;t know where this attitude comes from.
Steel Beach: In the first chapter the main character commits suicide. And does it again later in the book... To live in a world that Varley describes would drive anyone to suicide when understanding what is going on...
Blue Champagne: A collection of short stories. "The Pusher" is a story that is going to make you feel dirty, and disgusted with yourself for reading. Then to read how a life devoid of friendships drives the pusher to do what he does is eye opening... "Choices" is a short about just that. Choices in a marriage in which openess and confidentiality can go to far... Where will we be in teh future?
On another note: Armor by John Steakley. A man stuck in a useless war that consumes him and leads to his and other's demise. This shows the brutality of war and the utter exhaustion that pushes us over the edge... I read this book every year.
http://www.viksoe.dk/code/gmail.htm
Been in use for a long time...
If this is as easy to use as Dropbox and as easy to share as that or as easy as google docs, then sign me up.
But if there was a "Life-Sized" enterprise in which I could book passage (rent a room) and visit 10-Forward or see the bridge, I would make the "trek" to vegas. I am sure I am not the only tight ass that would do this... Flop? I don;t thin it would be, espesially if they built the Emporer's imperial cruiser next door and they had weekly geek fights to see which would win.:-)
Education has historically been slow to change. As an example, it was a technological breakthrough in schools to get VCRs in each classroom in the 90's. To communicate with students, the student needs to know how to check email/facebook/twitter/blogs/etc. However each one of these tools is blocked in the school I teach. Students are not allowed to email, no one is allowed to facebook, tweet, blog, etc. Why not? Because the media has shown that every teacher is a perv who uses facebook/twitter/blogs/emails to stalk students in order to molest them. While I know this isn't true, and the slashdot crowd knows this is not true, average Mom and Dad watching the latest Foxnews/CNN feed gets this idea that teachers use these communication tools for evil. Word got out that I collected students cell phone numbers. (I wrote a script to send an sms before tests, quizzes, due dates, etc.) As a result a district wide policy was put in place stating that teachers are not to text students under any circumstance.
Why this fear mongering? Lawyers. The district is afraid that a parent will sue and so the entire educational environment is stifled in the community.
I use Moodle extensively and have set up accounts for parents to view lectures,take quizzes and participate in discussions with the students. it is great. I email with the parents, I set up a blog which parent have the option to subscribe to vis RSS feeds. The parents are slowly getting into the habit of checking the child's grades online....This has been slow going though. I first started posting grades and assignments online ine the mid 90's... it is just now gaining steam... Just like it took the VCR to become commonplace, it will take 15-20 years to get current communication technology in the schools.
Look up common core standards... New "rules" of educations pushing "21st Century" digital learning standards...
Yes. High school students should know this. At the school in which I work, students are allowed to use laptops and devices (ereaders, ipads, etc) that are district property. The students (and Parents in the AUP) sign a consent that explains every time the computer/device is turned on it connects to the school network. All activity on the District owned computer is treated as if it is connected to the network at school. Mainly the District does this so that web traffic can go through the government mandated proxy/filter system.
Kind of obscure as in you won;t find them on any top 25 best sellers but quite well written and worth the effort. Actually there is no effort as these stories are like smoking grass: Easily inhaled, held onto, feels exhilarating, and afterward you feel as if you've experienced something.
John Varley
Titan, Demon, Wizard - Three great futuristic tales of a large, sentient, organic space station out in our solar system. Probably my favorite blend of Sci-fi and fantasy in one setting.
The Ophiuchi Hotline - What if the internet was really a signal from another galaxy? One of the best of the "eight worlds" novels. (Just an opinion)
"The Pusher" - Short story published in Blue Campaign and other places. This is a story that makes you feel dirty but so worth the read.
Roger Zelazny
Chronicles of Amber - Great stuff. Alternate worlds controlled by an elite bloodline. Fun family politics. 5 books each of which are short and can be read in a single setting.
John Steakly
Armor - This is an exciting read and will wear you out and make you feel the physical exhaustion of the characters. As Steakly said this book is the action in starship troopers. Orson Scott Card mentions it in his introduction in one of his books. I forget which one. If you do read this. Don;t stop after part one. You'll want to: Don't.
Vampire$ - This is what a vampire novel should be. People working for the Vatican to slay vampires for fun and profit. The book rocks, but Damn, the John Carpenter movie version in the 80's sucks ass. Don;t ever watch it.
Finally,
Steven Brust
Jhereg - This and all of the 11(?) other books follow an human assassin, Vlad Taltos, that kills "elves." It involves the fantasy elements of gods, sorcery, witchcraft, elves, etc in a world as dark and gritty as you want and as rich as Tolkein. Why these books haven;t "hit the big time," I have no clue.
This has been going on for years in the states. Cameras in the cars spotting plates and running them against databases is common place. What the public (Slashdotters tend to be more educated than the public) seems to not know is that there are cameras at traffic lights that tie into the police departments and Department of Homeland Scrutiny. DHS knows where people are traveling to and from.
In a discussion with a peer the other day, she said, "Is seems we are headed for '1984.' When do you think we will get there?" I told her that we were already there and a better question to ask is, "When did we get there."
Google. This was the first time that I have actively "seen" them get involved and asked the masses to get involved in a political agenda. I know, Every corporation has agendas and will lobby, but with their "Black-out" nearly everyone saw it. If I run for president or if I am going to sponsor a law, I am going to go to bed with Google and get my picture on their front page.
Imagine what will happen when Google wants to actively run this country.
There hasn't been a lot of discussion on Homeland security's take on this.... I know several police officers (friends, family, etc) throughout the United States. These real time scanners are in cars and at "intersections" or off ramps when you get into or leave communities. If Homeland security is watching your tags then they know when you leave DC and drive through NC and end up in Myrtle Beach or Charleston. Of course, even if Homeland security isn;'t actively watching your tag, they have a record of your movements.
Every policemen I know loves them as people with warrents, stolen vehicles, etc are instantly recognized. However several of the policemen don;t like working with homeland security.
What Sweden does with their copyright laws is of the US's businesses' business.
Fixed that for ya.
Everyone knows that it is our collective of corporations that controls the government. What controls the government controls the foreign policy. Isn't one of our largest of our largest exports hollywoodized media/movies/music? It only stands to reason that the **IAA has such a strong influence on foreign policy...
Now that reasoning might be wrong, but it is reasoning nonetheless.
About a year ago, My credit card was billed 150$ for Playstation repairs by Sony. I don; town a playstation. The only credit card info Sony had on me was for an everquest account that I had.
I contacted Sony and let them know that I did not pay for repairs as I do not own a playstation. I was told that they would not remove the charge and that I would have to contest it thought the credit card company. They also informed me that if the charge was contested, they (Sony) would cancel the playstation network account associated with the playstation that was repaired.
I contested the charge through the credit card company and went through the whole hassle of changing ALL credit cards and notifying all business that I do transactions with.
Maybe Sony is charging people for 150 here and there to pay for their lawyers. Now that people are calling Sony on the fraudulent charges, they can say that they were hacked....
(Yea, I know, Who would steal credit card numbers from Sony and use the same info to buy Sony stuff.)
I had stopped buying everything sony, cancelled my EQ, etc when the Rootkit fiasco hit and I was burned by that for putting a CD in my computer.
I mean hell, innocent until proven guilty is only the cornerstone of our legal system..
Sure that is well and good, but we are not talking about legal system. This is a "Bible Belt" reactionary system we are talking about. No teacher is treated as innocent in the Community after an accusation of pedophilia/rape/touching/kissing/inappropriate glances/etc. First the administration is going to give the teacher administrative leave. Basically the teacher is fired before they actually have the school board meeting. The incident will be looked into, but the school board will not give the teacher a classroom again. They schoolboad cannot take that risk. What if the teacher might do something inappropriate in the future? There would be so many lawsuits against the school district because they retained an accused predator. But if the school board stood by the teacher, the parents would have that doubt in the teacher, it would breed feelings of doubt, animosity, and distrust. All of which undermine schools. The parents would demand that their kids not be allowed in the teachers classroom. So the school board lets the teacher go and the teacher will not be able to get a job anywhere else, in or out of education. The teachers career is ruined because some punk student vented and spoke wrong.
May as well go back to the 1950s when we were reactionary against Communists or back to the 1860s when we were afraid of chinks or back to the 1690s when we were afraid of witches.
In this sexually repressive sex crazed culture, there is no win-win scenario when people lightly throw around words like pedophile/rapist.
I'm not a huge MS fan, but doing things this way for the "Hacker" community is a lot better than Sony's response to what hacking has been going on with the PS3. Of course, any academicians that create really good stuff will surely find their work inside of the next MS update/release without any credit given or payment. However, that is better than a cease and desist order followed up with a lawsuit.
Slashdot Mirror
RPG Maker. This game is a great way to introduce programming logic. I use it in classes and the students that use this game have no problems with going into programming...
Perfect. Thanks.
There was a TV show about technology from star trek that is around today, cell phones, medical equipment, etc... Shatner did some of the narration, but I never knew the name of it and never spent more than a cursory look on google/imdb for it. What was this show? Where/when was it aired? Thanks.
I'm too young to remember his accomplishments firsthand, but because of his accomplishments with the help of the entire infrastructure of the space race, I was able to grow up with the dream of living in a future in which I could visit the moon and mars... Now I feel that dream has died right along with him.
when keys are struck at irregular intervals, as an indicator that the test subjects' attention is divided between texting and driving.
So the way to get around that, if you are the teen forced to have this app, is to pay less attention on driving and focus on the texting.
That's a nice clear logo, but there are may people who will still prefer THIS as their DRM free logo of choice.
I usually avoid hospitals and the medical profession in general unless it is needed, ie, broken bones or donating a kidney (Which I did recently.) A couple years ago while camping my some broke a bone. I put it in a splint then took him to the hospital to get a get it set and placed in a cast. This was on a Saturday in a very "out-in-the-boonies" location. Before the staff would even look at my son, I had to sign a patient's "Bill of Rights." indicating that I had read the items on their list... There were around a dozen items and I don't remember what they were except for the first one. "The Patient has a Right to all medical records assembled during the visit." Maybe this is enforced in other hospitals. I don;t know.
.)
Anyway, My son was X-Rayed and dealt with and released.
On the way out, I asked the secretary, who made me sign the "Patient's Bill of Rights," for a copy of my sons X-Rays and a print out of the Vitals they recorded. I was told "No, Those are not for you." I put on my "Contrary-Old-Bastard Hat" and stated that I have a "right" to those and read back the 1st item on theh "Patient's Bill of Rights." I explained that the X-Ray and vitals were records of the visit and that the hospital, before my son was allowed any medical attention, made me sign a form to acknowledge that I have a right to those records. I was told that I had to go through the Records department and Billing in order to get the records. These offices would not be open until the following Tuesday (due to a Holiday.) Not wanting to get mad at the secretary for doing her job, I asked to talk to her boss or whoever was in charge of the hospital that day. She informed to me with all of her arrogance that since it was the weekend, she was in charge. So I ranted to her for a while and then read the entire "Patient's Bill of Rights" to her. I strongly emphasized that nowhere in this document, which we both signed, did is mention that I should go through Billing and records. After ranting a bit more she let me know that my son's doctor can request the records and the records will be sent without charge. I explained more how I am his parent/Guardian and in charge of his primary care and that I want the records to that I can hand deliver the records when I can return and set an appointment for cast removal. Again I read the entire "Patient's Bill of Rights" to her and then explained that nowhere on it did it say that my doctor was to get the records. I asked her bluntly to obtain a copy of the records. She actually stomped her foot and said, "No."
"OK," I said, "since I have been forced to acknowledge that I have a right to my son's records, I am going to sit right here in the middle of this hallway until I get them." And I did; I sat down in the middle of the hallway. (My son was looking at me in a state of shock -- He was at that Jr. High age when anything a parent does is considered embarrassing
The secretary stared at me for about 30 seconds. then left. A minute after that she came out with a doctor and he asked what was up. I mentioned that I was waiting for a copy of my son's medical records. He nodded, went behind the counter and gave me the X-Rays and vitals papers. I said "Thank you" and left.
This anecdote is not so that I can say I am an old cantankerous fart, it it to illustrate that even though people have rights to information, the ones that hold the information feel compelled not to give it up. THis is true with software, medical data, music... I don;t know where this attitude comes from.
[off my soapbox]
Yup, that's about the most depressing thing out there.
Steel Beach: In the first chapter the main character commits suicide. And does it again later in the book... To live in a world that Varley describes would drive anyone to suicide when understanding what is going on...
Blue Champagne: A collection of short stories. "The Pusher" is a story that is going to make you feel dirty, and disgusted with yourself for reading. Then to read how a life devoid of friendships drives the pusher to do what he does is eye opening...
"Choices" is a short about just that. Choices in a marriage in which openess and confidentiality can go to far... Where will we be in teh future?
On another note:
Armor by John Steakley. A man stuck in a useless war that consumes him and leads to his and other's demise. This shows the brutality of war and the utter exhaustion that pushes us over the edge... I read this book every year.
http://www.viksoe.dk/code/gmail.htm Been in use for a long time... If this is as easy to use as Dropbox and as easy to share as that or as easy as google docs, then sign me up.
But if there was a "Life-Sized" enterprise in which I could book passage (rent a room) and visit 10-Forward or see the bridge, I would make the "trek" to vegas. I am sure I am not the only tight ass that would do this... Flop? I don;t thin it would be, espesially if they built the Emporer's imperial cruiser next door and they had weekly geek fights to see which would win. :-)
Education has historically been slow to change. As an example, it was a technological breakthrough in schools to get VCRs in each classroom in the 90's. To communicate with students, the student needs to know how to check email/facebook/twitter/blogs/etc. However each one of these tools is blocked in the school I teach. Students are not allowed to email, no one is allowed to facebook, tweet, blog, etc. Why not? Because the media has shown that every teacher is a perv who uses facebook/twitter/blogs/emails to stalk students in order to molest them. While I know this isn't true, and the slashdot crowd knows this is not true, average Mom and Dad watching the latest Foxnews/CNN feed gets this idea that teachers use these communication tools for evil. Word got out that I collected students cell phone numbers. (I wrote a script to send an sms before tests, quizzes, due dates, etc.) As a result a district wide policy was put in place stating that teachers are not to text students under any circumstance.
Why this fear mongering? Lawyers. The district is afraid that a parent will sue and so the entire educational environment is stifled in the community.
I use Moodle extensively and have set up accounts for parents to view lectures,take quizzes and participate in discussions with the students. it is great. I email with the parents, I set up a blog which parent have the option to subscribe to vis RSS feeds. The parents are slowly getting into the habit of checking the child's grades online....This has been slow going though. I first started posting grades and assignments online ine the mid 90's... it is just now gaining steam... Just like it took the VCR to become commonplace, it will take 15-20 years to get current communication technology in the schools.
Look up common core standards... New "rules" of educations pushing "21st Century" digital learning standards...
Yes. High school students should know this. At the school in which I work, students are allowed to use laptops and devices (ereaders, ipads, etc) that are district property. The students (and Parents in the AUP) sign a consent that explains every time the computer/device is turned on it connects to the school network. All activity on the District owned computer is treated as if it is connected to the network at school. Mainly the District does this so that web traffic can go through the government mandated proxy/filter system.
John Steakly - Armor
Unfortunately, he died before the sequel could be finished.
Oh Crap. I had no idea that Steakley was working on Armor II. really had no idea that he passed away. Double crap.
:(
Thanks for the info.
Kind of obscure as in you won;t find them on any top 25 best sellers but quite well written and worth the effort. Actually there is no effort as these stories are like smoking grass: Easily inhaled, held onto, feels exhilarating, and afterward you feel as if you've experienced something.
John Varley
Titan, Demon, Wizard - Three great futuristic tales of a large, sentient, organic space station out in our solar system. Probably my favorite blend of Sci-fi and fantasy in one setting.
The Ophiuchi Hotline - What if the internet was really a signal from another galaxy? One of the best of the "eight worlds" novels. (Just an opinion)
"The Pusher" - Short story published in Blue Campaign and other places. This is a story that makes you feel dirty but so worth the read.
Roger Zelazny
Chronicles of Amber - Great stuff. Alternate worlds controlled by an elite bloodline. Fun family politics. 5 books each of which are short and can be read in a single setting.
John Steakly
Armor - This is an exciting read and will wear you out and make you feel the physical exhaustion of the characters. As Steakly said this book is the action in starship troopers. Orson Scott Card mentions it in his introduction in one of his books. I forget which one. If you do read this. Don;t stop after part one. You'll want to: Don't.
Vampire$ - This is what a vampire novel should be. People working for the Vatican to slay vampires for fun and profit. The book rocks, but Damn, the John Carpenter movie version in the 80's sucks ass. Don;t ever watch it.
Finally,
Steven Brust
Jhereg - This and all of the 11(?) other books follow an human assassin, Vlad Taltos, that kills "elves." It involves the fantasy elements of gods, sorcery, witchcraft, elves, etc in a world as dark and gritty as you want and as rich as Tolkein. Why these books haven;t "hit the big time," I have no clue.
This has been going on for years in the states. Cameras in the cars spotting plates and running them against databases is common place. What the public (Slashdotters tend to be more educated than the public) seems to not know is that there are cameras at traffic lights that tie into the police departments and Department of Homeland Scrutiny. DHS knows where people are traveling to and from.
In a discussion with a peer the other day, she said, "Is seems we are headed for '1984.' When do you think we will get there?" I told her that we were already there and a better question to ask is, "When did we get there."
Karen? Is that you? I know it was rough, but geez. Give it a break. :-)
Google. This was the first time that I have actively "seen" them get involved and asked the masses to get involved in a political agenda. I know, Every corporation has agendas and will lobby, but with their "Black-out" nearly everyone saw it. If I run for president or if I am going to sponsor a law, I am going to go to bed with Google and get my picture on their front page. Imagine what will happen when Google wants to actively run this country.
There hasn't been a lot of discussion on Homeland security's take on this.... I know several police officers (friends, family, etc) throughout the United States. These real time scanners are in cars and at "intersections" or off ramps when you get into or leave communities. If Homeland security is watching your tags then they know when you leave DC and drive through NC and end up in Myrtle Beach or Charleston. Of course, even if Homeland security isn;'t actively watching your tag, they have a record of your movements.
Every policemen I know loves them as people with warrents, stolen vehicles, etc are instantly recognized. However several of the policemen don;t like working with homeland security.
Go figure.
What Sweden does with their copyright laws is of the US's businesses' business.
Fixed that for ya.
Everyone knows that it is our collective of corporations that controls the government. What controls the government controls the foreign policy. Isn't one of our largest of our largest exports hollywoodized media/movies/music? It only stands to reason that the **IAA has such a strong influence on foreign policy...
Now that reasoning might be wrong, but it is reasoning nonetheless.
Why the fuck is crap like this modded funny?
Now it is modded "Informative." Happy?
It's my 22nd anniversary. 'Bout time the world ended.
About a year ago, My credit card was billed 150$ for Playstation repairs by Sony. I don; town a playstation. The only credit card info Sony had on me was for an everquest account that I had.
I contacted Sony and let them know that I did not pay for repairs as I do not own a playstation. I was told that they would not remove the charge and that I would have to contest it thought the credit card company. They also informed me that if the charge was contested, they (Sony) would cancel the playstation network account associated with the playstation that was repaired.
I contested the charge through the credit card company and went through the whole hassle of changing ALL credit cards and notifying all business that I do transactions with.
Maybe Sony is charging people for 150 here and there to pay for their lawyers. Now that people are calling Sony on the fraudulent charges, they can say that they were hacked....
(Yea, I know, Who would steal credit card numbers from Sony and use the same info to buy Sony stuff.)
I had stopped buying everything sony, cancelled my EQ, etc when the Rootkit fiasco hit and I was burned by that for putting a CD in my computer.
Bastards.
I mean hell, innocent until proven guilty is only the cornerstone of our legal system..
Sure that is well and good, but we are not talking about legal system. This is a "Bible Belt" reactionary system we are talking about. No teacher is treated as innocent in the Community after an accusation of pedophilia/rape/touching/kissing/inappropriate glances/etc. First the administration is going to give the teacher administrative leave. Basically the teacher is fired before they actually have the school board meeting. The incident will be looked into, but the school board will not give the teacher a classroom again. They schoolboad cannot take that risk. What if the teacher might do something inappropriate in the future? There would be so many lawsuits against the school district because they retained an accused predator. But if the school board stood by the teacher, the parents would have that doubt in the teacher, it would breed feelings of doubt, animosity, and distrust. All of which undermine schools. The parents would demand that their kids not be allowed in the teachers classroom. So the school board lets the teacher go and the teacher will not be able to get a job anywhere else, in or out of education. The teachers career is ruined because some punk student vented and spoke wrong.
May as well go back to the 1950s when we were reactionary against Communists or back to the 1860s when we were afraid of chinks or back to the 1690s when we were afraid of witches.
In this sexually repressive sex crazed culture, there is no win-win scenario when people lightly throw around words like pedophile/rapist.
I'm not a huge MS fan, but doing things this way for the "Hacker" community is a lot better than Sony's response to what hacking has been going on with the PS3. Of course, any academicians that create really good stuff will surely find their work inside of the next MS update/release without any credit given or payment. However, that is better than a cease and desist order followed up with a lawsuit.