I would, however, like to see more people living up to their putative beliefs by refusing to make use of technology derived from practices they claim to find morally objectionable.
I,(your signature), hereby identify myself as a supporter of animal rights and agree to live my life in accordance with all animal rights principles.
(on other side of card)
So as not to violate my animal rights principles, I hereby request that in the event of an accident or illness, all medical treatments developed and tested on animals be withheld, including, but not limited to: blood transfusions, anesthesia, pain killers, antibiotics, insulin, vaccines, chemotherapy, CPR, coronary by-pass surgery, reconstructive surgery, orthopedic surgery, etc.
When they ask me to sign a petition, I ask them to sign the card and keep it in their wallet/purse.
Seriously. All this technology to check your TIRE PRESSURE? Who the fuck is kidding who?
An ex GF of mine once got a friend to show her how to drive a manual transmission ("stick"). The engine on her friend's car seized up on the highway during the trip home.
Why? Because there was no oil in the car and the friend was too stupid to know how to read the Oil Pressure gauge on her dashboard.
Quote - "Oh! We were wondering why that thingy was bouncing all over the place!"
People pay for convenience and stupidity all the time. It's nothing new, and it's getting worse. I know of quite a few drivers that can't do basic checks and maintenance such as tire pressure, oil level, tire treads, and change the wiper blades. It's how "idiot lights" got invented, and why people depend on an automotive club to change their flat tire. The days of having a mechanic along in the front seat are long gone.
JavaScript code is the core code - What???
on
Mastering Ajax Websites
·
· Score: 4, Interesting
From the article:
JavaScript code is the core code running Ajax applications and it helps facilitate communication with server applications.
Depending on JavaScript could be its downfall, since JavaScript has so many functional work-arounds for each browser. Even the article mentions (but dismisses) this problem.
From the article (again): Microsoft's browser, Internet Explorer, uses the MSXML parser for handling XML (you can find out more about MSXML in Resources). So when you write Ajax applications that need to work on Internet Explorer, you need to create the object in a particular way.
"Particular Way" for browser one... "Particular Way" for browser two...
Sounds like in an inherently poor design.
So its okay for someone who's gay to be screening because they're "of the same sex"???
Its naive to assume that someone of the same sex isn't necessarily turned on by the near-nakedness produced by the x-ray. Also, how do you know that the person screening your kids isn't a pedophile with a hidden camera?
I've heard people say that the screeners are "professionals", and therefore won't be arroused/stimulated by the experience any more than doctors. A physician with years or training may only see a few naked bodies a day in a clinical context, but a screener who has a few weeks/months of training can be expected to view hundreds or thousand of bodies a day. To me there's no comparison.
I predict that people will be shocked after "x-rays" of small children get posted to web sites, or a screener gets convicted as a sex-offender or child molester. By then however, the government may argue its not "economicaly feasable" to remove the devices.
****
They who would give up an essential liberty for temporary security, deserve neither liberty or security - Benjamin Franklin
I'm a contract Java programmer and work is spotty right now. I occasionally do volunteer work for non-profits, but they usually call me at odd hours and expect me to perform miracles on a shoe-string budget. Right now I'm helping my senior neighbors install and use their new PC. I'm moving at the end of the month and they bought a new machine and a store service contract (at my recommendation). They're paying me in free meals and beer.
I fixed a (non geek) friend's girlfriend's PC and she's asked me to help a few of her friends. I make it a point when I install things like Firefox to emphasize that I "customize it" with special features, so she when she bragged to her friends about her experience there was only one place to go to - ME. Another advantage is that if you're dating someone and she doesn't work out, either she won't bother you for tech support any more or she'll go out of her way to ensure that you remain good friends.
The best "side-job" I've found... learning. Keeping my skills current and playing with the parts of my skillset that I like. It may not directly bring in a paycheck, but it can enhance your marketability and make you more effective/efficient at your current position.
I know some a creative mechanic who drives a "tweaked" car, an electrician with a fantastic christmas display, a chef who likes to throw dinner parties to show off, and a few carpenters with some really nice home interiors. If you're not happy using your skills outside of work, then you're probably not totally happy with your career. To me, that's difference between a career and a job.
* Some honest user reports their illegal version, which is most likely just a copy installed using illegal serial number.
* Microsoft logs the stolen serial number into their windows update database.
* When other users with that serial number get windows updates (which are usually automatic), as much personal information as possible gets stole^h^h^h^h logged. After all, this person is a criminal, right?
* Then their PC downloads and installs the latest "update", which permanently disables their PC and displays a phone number to call.
This all seems to be a way that Microsoft can get a few serial numbers and disable many illegal installs.
I was surprised to notice that the bottle and applicator in the poster's link looks just like that for regular nail polish.
UV reactive color-changing nail polish has been around for a few years, and is available in many colors. The nail polish changes from Color A to Color B and a few brands have 3-Color transitions. Unlike the Flexiglow product mentioned, I don't think these are available in Clear.
Its available at several nail polish sites like
Del Sol
and Solar Magic. Its sometimes called Mood Change nail polish.
BTW - I've never used the stuff myself (lol), but I've seen worn by several women. Some of the color changes are quite dramatic.
"Wall Street says that gasoline prices will rise 40-50% within the next two years, a move to hybrids will cause the real cost of operating the fleet to fall dramatically."
I agree with poster about the historical prices of LNG, but I've also done a lot of coding for the financial sector. Their standard legal disclaimer is - Past Performance Is Not Indicative Of Future Results.
I fixed a (non geek) friend's girlfriend's PC and she's asked me to help a few of her friends. I make it a point when I install things like Firefox to emphasize that I "customized it" with special features, so she when she bragged to her friends about her experience there was only one place to go to - ME.
Another advantage is that if you're dating someone and she doesn't work out, either she won't bother you for tech support any more or she'll go out of her way to ensure that you remain good friends.
Yes, realize that you have to score that first "in", but let's face it guys... women usually know lots of other women.
Maybe the brief linked to in the posting was the wrong one.
There is a mention of associated with the overall circuit of messages sent and received but it is just a small quote.
From the PDF brief...
The issues presented here are:
* Whether the FCC reasonably concluded that the Communications Act provides authority for it to adopt broadcast flag rules.
* Whether the particular rules the Commission adopted were reasonable and supported in the record
* Whether the rules conflict with copyright law.
Although the expansion of FCC authority is of valid concern its neither the topic of, nor addressed in, the brief mentioned.
Regardless of how effective some of the features are, Microsoft is labeling SP2 as a security-related bundled patch. Out of their Top 10 Reasons to Install XP, six are clearly mentioned as being there to improve security.
IIRC, wasn't SP2 first mentioned when their new Trustworthy Computing initiative was announced?
Tomcat is NOT a J2EE server
on
How Tomcat Works
·
· Score: 5, Informative
It is useful for not only those using Tomcat or those working with servlets/JSP/J2EE...
As a J2EE programmer, I find the reviewer's statement to be a bit misleading.
Tomcat is not a J2EE server. The J2EE specification deals with Web Components (Servlets, JSPs) and EJBs (various EJB types and related services). Tomcat only satisfies part of the the full J2EE specification by serving Servlets and JSPs. Therefore, Tomcat is only a Web Container.
JBoss is an example of a J2EE compliant app server.
This year, more than ever, people will be glued to their televisions because of all the media hype about the election being so close. Many clueless people will follow exit polls like sheep and wait until the last minute to vote, because they want to ensure that they vote for "the winner".
As the day progresses, some minor irregularities will be noticed in a few small towns and both sides will get their chance to whine about unfairness even before the polls close.
Of course *after* the polls close is an entirely different story.
We'll know the *first* set of official results by midnight, even before polls close in Hawaii (but who cares about Hawaii). This will be followed by subtle accusations by the [major losing party] and, as media attention builds during the remainder of this week, recounts and legal actions will be initiated.
We'll eventually get a president elected, but because the "final" results were so close, the [major losing party] will complain about how they were cheated out of the election and bitterness will ensue for the next 4 years.
The American system has become an embarrassment.
So I have to ask... *why* would you want to monitor election coverage in real-time???
"my friend Susan's home was broken into while she was away on vacation... So I started thinking in terms of security cameras... With the system fully set up, I'm free to monitor the cameras or not, as I choose... I spent less than $500 total on the project... That's a lot of money to me, but I can't imagine spending it for a better cause."
Rrrrright buddy. Uh huh.
Does anyone else find it strange that the article doesn't mention what Susan's response was to having her house wired and monitored remotely? Seriously?
If then ban murder then they will ban assault and then they will ban name calling and then they will ban looking bad at people and then they will ban thinking bad thoughts
Sounds similar to the premise for the movie Equilibrium, where all emotions were forbidden.
Suicide is "consenting" but it is a decision made when your deck isn't full.
I disagree. A "do not recussitate" decision is quite rational, and legally enforcable. Does this also count as suicide?
How about being in a porn video? How can you ensure that the decision is informed and isn't made under duress?
There hasn't exactly been flood of ex-porn stars screaming duress. Of course there's the story of Tracy Lords who claimed she was kept drugged the entire time during her three year career as porn star. Yes she was underage when she started, but kept drugged for three years...
"gives flight controllers several suggestions of what might have gone wrong"
The current design only offers suggestions and doesn't implement any solutions to the problem.
The "fix" is still made by the people on the ground.
>> And what about if a problem occurs that prevents sending diagnostics to ground ?
Since the AI isn't autonomous, they'd (still) be screwed. I'm sure there are many functions that are handled onboard first, such as the simple statement if (batteryFull) then turnOffCharging( ).
I was thinking that the ideal implementation would be to flag the problem, route all diagnostics through a ground-based AI, and see how well the evaluation and solution provided by the ground-based AI compares to the human conclusions. In that way, with the system running in parallel, the AI could be (easily) adjusted/tweaked.
Implementing in parallel to human diagnostics seems like a logical first step, and I'm surprised it wasn't mentioned if NASA started with that scenario.
Personally, I find the article a bit misleading.
The heading:
Software enables satellite self-service in space
There isn't self-service, only (preliminary) diagnostics.
NASA scientists recently radioed artificial intelligence (AI) software successfully to a satellite
Uploading new software has already been done as far away as mars! Is this such a big deal just because the software was labeled as "AI"?
It just seems to me that it would be better to install more sensors, data-gathering, and reporting capabilities and then leave the trouble-shooting to the people on the ground. Payload costs are expensive, so why put the diagnostic end in orbit?
Given the same data and placed groundside, it could then it could be tuned and upgraded more easily.
I recall how the Mars lander had problems and the ground team worked out a novel solution. I'll bet that they would have like to had extra information to work with, instead of an onboard AI.
BTW - I can understand this approach better for a long-range craft, just not an orbital satellite.
As an ex-military person, gun owner, concealed-carry permit holder, martial artist, and computer person... yes, I have an opinion.
First, I would say that protecting your electronics is not a good reason for carrying a gun. Protecting your life when the electronics you carry puts your life at risk, is a good reason.
IANAL, but this is what I have learned from my gun courses.
The primary reason for carrying a firearm is almost always for self-defense, NOT defense of property. In many of the states in the US it is not acceptable to shoot someone simply because they are robbing you. In most instances there must be a threat of bodily harm and you must be unable to safely remove yourself, back away, or escape from the situation.
When a robber puts a gun/knife to your head and gives you instructions on how not to get hurt, the best solution is usually to comply. However, never "trust" a person who obviously doesn't care about your life. Just because you've handed over your goods does not guarantee that you won't get shot anyway. Escaping or using your firearm at the first opportunity are all viable options.
Regarding martial arts training -
My instructors have said that when defending your life, the primary goal is to neutralize the threat and/or remove yourself from the situation. Handing over material items to gain you that opportunity is totally acceptable.
Although I have trained for using Karate against an armed gun/knife opponent, the techniques are neither simple nor foolproof. One of our black-belts, although he disarmed his attacker and broke the guy's collarbone and wrist, still took a 22 slug in his thigh. To complicate the matter, the criminal later accused him of using excessive force!
That said, the best solution is to always avoid trouble.
The NRA recently opened up their Refuse To Be A Victim! seminars to men too. The seminars "provide participants with the information needed to minimize their chances of criminal attack." And no, they don't push guns as an easy solution. The seminar is inexpensive, and the web site offers some tips to minimize your chances of criminal attack. In London, I would seek out advice from local police stations, women's groups, colleges, and self defense instructors (ie. karate, etc) as to where similar education can be obtained.
And regarding the parent post... some studies show that firearms are used more than 2 million times a year for personal protection, often without the need for a shot to be fired. Personally, I don't like the feeling I get walking in areas where only the criminals have guns.
I bought an Irock from RadioShack for $30. I plug it into the back of my PC, prime WinAmp with a playlist, and I can receive music through any FM stereo in my house.
The sound quality isn't perfect, but it works great for when I'm moving throughout the house. It also doubles as a transmitter from my CD walkman to my (cheap) car stereo.
I know that the Squeezebox has added features, such as a display and a remote, but I can go wireless from PC to stereo for only $30.
Slashdot Mirror
Pope Picks God Over Physics For Universe Creation.
I would, however, like to see more people living up to their putative beliefs by refusing to make use of technology derived from practices they claim to find morally objectionable.
I share an Animal Rights ID Card with the animal rights people I meet.
It reads ...
I,(your signature), hereby identify myself as a supporter of animal rights and agree to live my life in accordance with all animal rights principles.
(on other side of card)
So as not to violate my animal rights principles, I hereby request that in the event of an accident or illness, all medical treatments developed and tested on animals be withheld, including, but not limited to: blood transfusions, anesthesia, pain killers, antibiotics, insulin, vaccines, chemotherapy, CPR, coronary by-pass surgery, reconstructive surgery, orthopedic surgery, etc.
When they ask me to sign a petition, I ask them to sign the card and keep it in their wallet/purse.
Seriously. All this technology to check your TIRE PRESSURE? Who the fuck is kidding who?
An ex GF of mine once got a friend to show her how to drive a manual transmission ("stick"). The engine on her friend's car seized up on the highway during the trip home.
Why? Because there was no oil in the car and the friend was too stupid to know how to read the Oil Pressure gauge on her dashboard.
Quote - "Oh! We were wondering why that thingy was bouncing all over the place!"
People pay for convenience and stupidity all the time. It's nothing new, and it's getting worse. I know of quite a few drivers that can't do basic checks and maintenance such as tire pressure, oil level, tire treads, and change the wiper blades. It's how "idiot lights" got invented, and why people depend on an automotive club to change their flat tire. The days of having a mechanic along in the front seat are long gone.
No glowing artifacts, but it looks like there could be an alien in the left side of the hotel Polissia photo.
A product like the UbiKey, along with a password, would be a good solution.
Something you know combined with something you have.
The problem with (most of) today's online services is that they only rely on the "something you know" part.
Pirate sheep rejoice!
This almost makes up for the advantage of Velcro gloves.
Connecticut has a similar outdoors initiative.
http://www.nochildleftinside.org/
Many states do. Not just the obese ones.
In Soviet Russia, Pony rides YOU!
(hmmm ... or was that Tijuana?)
From the article:
... "Particular Way" for browser two ...
JavaScript code is the core code running Ajax applications and it helps facilitate communication with server applications.
Depending on JavaScript could be its downfall, since JavaScript has so many functional work-arounds for each browser. Even the article mentions (but dismisses) this problem.
From the article (again):
Microsoft's browser, Internet Explorer, uses the MSXML parser for handling XML (you can find out more about MSXML in Resources). So when you write Ajax applications that need to work on Internet Explorer, you need to create the object in a particular way.
"Particular Way" for browser one
Sounds like in an inherently poor design.
So its okay for someone who's gay to be screening because they're "of the same sex"???
Its naive to assume that someone of the same sex isn't necessarily turned on by the near-nakedness produced by the x-ray. Also, how do you know that the person screening your kids isn't a pedophile with a hidden camera?
I've heard people say that the screeners are "professionals", and therefore won't be arroused/stimulated by the experience any more than doctors. A physician with years or training may only see a few naked bodies a day in a clinical context, but a screener who has a few weeks/months of training can be expected to view hundreds or thousand of bodies a day. To me there's no comparison.
I predict that people will be shocked after "x-rays" of small children get posted to web sites, or a screener gets convicted as a sex-offender or child molester. By then however, the government may argue its not "economicaly feasable" to remove the devices.
****
They who would give up an essential liberty for temporary security, deserve neither liberty or security - Benjamin Franklin
I'm a contract Java programmer and work is spotty right now. I occasionally do volunteer work for non-profits, but they usually call me at odd hours and expect me to perform miracles on a shoe-string budget. Right now I'm helping my senior neighbors install and use their new PC. I'm moving at the end of the month and they bought a new machine and a store service contract (at my recommendation). They're paying me in free meals and beer.
I fixed a (non geek) friend's girlfriend's PC and she's asked me to help a few of her friends. I make it a point when I install things like Firefox to emphasize that I "customize it" with special features, so she when she bragged to her friends about her experience there was only one place to go to - ME. Another advantage is that if you're dating someone and she doesn't work out, either she won't bother you for tech support any more or she'll go out of her way to ensure that you remain good friends.
The best "side-job" I've found
I know some a creative mechanic who drives a "tweaked" car, an electrician with a fantastic christmas display, a chef who likes to throw dinner parties to show off, and a few carpenters with some really nice home interiors. If you're not happy using your skills outside of work, then you're probably not totally happy with your career. To me, that's difference between a career and a job.
Try this logic
* Some honest user reports their illegal version, which is most likely just a copy installed using illegal serial number.
* Microsoft logs the stolen serial number into their windows update database.
* When other users with that serial number get windows updates (which are usually automatic), as much personal information as possible gets stole^h^h^h^h logged. After all, this person is a criminal, right?
* Then their PC downloads and installs the latest "update", which permanently disables their PC and displays a phone number to call.
This all seems to be a way that Microsoft can get a few serial numbers and disable many illegal installs.
I was surprised to notice that the bottle and applicator in the poster's link looks just like that for regular nail polish.
UV reactive color-changing nail polish has been around for a few years, and is available in many colors. The nail polish changes from Color A to Color B and a few brands have 3-Color transitions. Unlike the Flexiglow product mentioned, I don't think these are available in Clear.
Its available at several nail polish sites like Del Sol and Solar Magic. Its sometimes called Mood Change nail polish.
BTW - I've never used the stuff myself (lol), but I've seen worn by several women. Some of the color changes are quite dramatic.
"Wall Street says that gasoline prices will rise 40-50% within the next two years, a move to hybrids will cause the real cost of operating the fleet to fall dramatically."
I agree with poster about the historical prices of LNG, but I've also done a lot of coding for the financial sector. Their standard legal disclaimer is - Past Performance Is Not Indicative Of Future Results.
Seriously.
... women usually know lots of other women.
I fixed a (non geek) friend's girlfriend's PC and she's asked me to help a few of her friends. I make it a point when I install things like Firefox to emphasize that I "customized it" with special features, so she when she bragged to her friends about her experience there was only one place to go to - ME.
Another advantage is that if you're dating someone and she doesn't work out, either she won't bother you for tech support any more or she'll go out of her way to ensure that you remain good friends.
Yes, realize that you have to score that first "in", but let's face it guys
Maybe the brief linked to in the posting was the wrong one.
...
... IANAL
There is a mention of associated with the overall circuit of messages sent and received but it is just a small quote.
From the PDF brief
The issues presented here are:
* Whether the FCC reasonably concluded that the Communications Act provides authority for it to adopt broadcast flag rules.
* Whether the particular rules the Commission adopted were reasonable and supported in the record
* Whether the rules conflict with copyright law.
Although the expansion of FCC authority is of valid concern its neither the topic of, nor addressed in, the brief mentioned.
But
Regardless of how effective some of the features are, Microsoft is labeling SP2 as a security-related bundled patch. Out of their Top 10 Reasons to Install XP, six are clearly mentioned as being there to improve security.
IIRC, wasn't SP2 first mentioned when their new Trustworthy Computing initiative was announced?
It is useful for not only those using Tomcat or those working with servlets/JSP/J2EE ...
As a J2EE programmer, I find the reviewer's statement to be a bit misleading.
Tomcat is not a J2EE server. The J2EE specification deals with Web Components (Servlets, JSPs) and EJBs (various EJB types and related services). Tomcat only satisfies part of the the full J2EE specification by serving Servlets and JSPs. Therefore, Tomcat is only a Web Container.
JBoss is an example of a J2EE compliant app server.
This year, more than ever, people will be glued to their televisions because of all the media hype about the election being so close. Many clueless people will follow exit polls like sheep and wait until the last minute to vote, because they want to ensure that they vote for "the winner".
As the day progresses, some minor irregularities will be noticed in a few small towns and both sides will get their chance to whine about unfairness even before the polls close.
Of course *after* the polls close is an entirely different story.
We'll know the *first* set of official results by midnight, even before polls close in Hawaii (but who cares about Hawaii). This will be followed by subtle accusations by the [major losing party] and, as media attention builds during the remainder of this week, recounts and legal actions will be initiated.
We'll eventually get a president elected, but because the "final" results were so close, the [major losing party] will complain about how they were cheated out of the election and bitterness will ensue for the next 4 years.
The American system has become an embarrassment.
So I have to ask
"my friend Susan's home was broken into while she was away on vacation ... So I started thinking in terms of security cameras ... With the system fully set up, I'm free to monitor the cameras or not, as I choose ... I spent less than $500 total on the project ... That's a lot of money to me, but I can't imagine spending it for a better cause."
Rrrrright buddy. Uh huh.
Does anyone else find it strange that the article doesn't mention what Susan's response was to having her house wired and monitored remotely? Seriously?
If then ban murder then they will ban assault and then they will ban name calling and then they will ban looking bad at people and then they will ban thinking bad thoughts
...
Sounds similar to the premise for the movie Equilibrium, where all emotions were forbidden.
Suicide is "consenting" but it is a decision made when your deck isn't full.
I disagree. A "do not recussitate" decision is quite rational, and legally enforcable. Does this also count as suicide?
How about being in a porn video? How can you ensure that the decision is informed and isn't made under duress?
There hasn't exactly been flood of ex-porn stars screaming duress. Of course there's the story of Tracy Lords who claimed she was kept drugged the entire time during her three year career as porn star. Yes she was underage when she started, but kept drugged for three years
"gives flight controllers several suggestions of what might have gone wrong"
The current design only offers suggestions and doesn't implement any solutions to the problem. The "fix" is still made by the people on the ground.
>> And what about if a problem occurs that prevents sending diagnostics to ground ?
Since the AI isn't autonomous, they'd (still) be screwed. I'm sure there are many functions that are handled onboard first, such as the simple statement if (batteryFull) then turnOffCharging( ).
I was thinking that the ideal implementation would be to flag the problem, route all diagnostics through a ground-based AI, and see how well the evaluation and solution provided by the ground-based AI compares to the human conclusions. In that way, with the system running in parallel, the AI could be (easily) adjusted/tweaked.
Implementing in parallel to human diagnostics seems like a logical first step, and I'm surprised it wasn't mentioned if NASA started with that scenario.
Personally, I find the article a bit misleading.
The heading:
Software enables satellite self-service in space
There isn't self-service, only (preliminary) diagnostics.
NASA scientists recently radioed artificial intelligence (AI) software successfully to a satellite
Uploading new software has already been done as far away as mars! Is this such a big deal just because the software was labeled as "AI"?
It just seems to me that it would be better to install more sensors, data-gathering, and reporting capabilities and then leave the trouble-shooting to the people on the ground. Payload costs are expensive, so why put the diagnostic end in orbit?
Given the same data and placed groundside, it could then it could be tuned and upgraded more easily.
I recall how the Mars lander had problems and the ground team worked out a novel solution. I'll bet that they would have like to had extra information to work with, instead of an onboard AI.
BTW - I can understand this approach better for a long-range craft, just not an orbital satellite.
As an ex-military person, gun owner, concealed-carry permit holder, martial artist, and computer person
First, I would say that protecting your electronics is not a good reason for carrying a gun. Protecting your life when the electronics you carry puts your life at risk, is a good reason.
IANAL, but this is what I have learned from my gun courses.
The primary reason for carrying a firearm is almost always for self-defense, NOT defense of property. In many of the states in the US it is not acceptable to shoot someone simply because they are robbing you. In most instances there must be a threat of bodily harm and you must be unable to safely remove yourself, back away, or escape from the situation.
When a robber puts a gun/knife to your head and gives you instructions on how not to get hurt, the best solution is usually to comply. However, never "trust" a person who obviously doesn't care about your life. Just because you've handed over your goods does not guarantee that you won't get shot anyway. Escaping or using your firearm at the first opportunity are all viable options.
Regarding martial arts training -
My instructors have said that when defending your life, the primary goal is to neutralize the threat and/or remove yourself from the situation. Handing over material items to gain you that opportunity is totally acceptable.
Although I have trained for using Karate against an armed gun/knife opponent, the techniques are neither simple nor foolproof. One of our black-belts, although he disarmed his attacker and broke the guy's collarbone and wrist, still took a 22 slug in his thigh. To complicate the matter, the criminal later accused him of using excessive force!
That said, the best solution is to always avoid trouble.
The NRA recently opened up their Refuse To Be A Victim! seminars to men too. The seminars "provide participants with the information needed to minimize their chances of criminal attack." And no, they don't push guns as an easy solution. The seminar is inexpensive, and the web site offers some tips to minimize your chances of criminal attack. In London, I would seek out advice from local police stations, women's groups, colleges, and self defense instructors (ie. karate, etc) as to where similar education can be obtained.
And regarding the parent post
The sound quality isn't perfect, but it works great for when I'm moving throughout the house. It also doubles as a transmitter from my CD walkman to my (cheap) car stereo.
I know that the Squeezebox has added features, such as a display and a remote, but I can go wireless from PC to stereo for only $30.