Obviously it's too easy to get things patented these days, especially in areas of high technology as few if any patent officer workers are well versed in the areas of technology. Most of the patent office stampers would have little inclination as to how an intigrated circuit works or if an item of software recently designed is any different or unique from any other piece of similar software.
Kind of amazing to think 100 years ago Einstein was working in a patent office. My how times have changed.
I've read a lot of insightful posts here about this topic but I think one thing that's missing from a lot of them is what you think about the long-term prospects of each company. You've already said that you took a big pay cut due to the dot-com bubble bursting. I'm assuming that all your co-workers got pay cuts, too. If they didn't, then you need to jump ship. But that's obvious. What you didn't really mention is whether the alternate company is also a dot-com. Are they also in bad shape? How much has their stock price dropped compared to your company? Have you talked with employees of your potential new employeer? Are they happy? Have they taken a big pay cut?
If the company likes you enough to match the offer, and you are otherwise happy where you are, take it.
I think you need to seriously think about the and you are otherwise happy where you are part of this guy's response. And don't just accept your old employeer because it's comfortable and easy to do (don't have to move, etc.). Give serious thought as to whether you think your company is going to survive the dot-com burst. And whether you think they'll keep most of the employees they have when/if they do rebound.
There's no flying in it, if that's what you mean. It's pretty impressive stuff. The only thing that's really fake about it is how much abuse the fighters take. Some of those shots are definitely death blows.
That is one fucking awesome movie! That fight scene you describe in only one of several awesome scenes. What makes that particular scene particularly cool is that neither Jet Li or the old Japanese master really want to fight but feel obligated to do so because of the political strife between China and Japan that is a constant undertone in the film. And while the two hold mutual respect for each other, they are perfectly willing to kill the other if need be. But once they start to fight, they both realize their commonality is much more important than their differences, which are really externally-imposed.
Cool movie! Go rent it if you wanna see some kick-ass martial arts!
Well, I am of similiar mindset to you in someways and not in others.
Finally, you understand that Yoda, although frail physically, has the ability to channel the Force in ways that no other Jedi can, at least as far as we have seen.
I've always thought that the Jedi are a pretty clear reference to martial arts and that The Force is similar to the chinese concept of "chi". Chi is meant to be some kind of biological energy force that flows through the body of an individual (in fact, acupuncture is designed to reroute the chi through meridians in the body -- if you believe in that sort of thing). Chinese martial artists believe their superior fighting ability comes from being able to channel their chi into an opponent and use the opponent's chi against them. In a book by B.K. Frantzis entitled "The Power of Internal Martial Arts," he describes studying under several chinese kung fu masters. One of them was so old and frail that he walked into the dojo with a cane, after warming up was able to toss strong men around effortlessly, and then had to leave again with the assistance of a cane. So the idea that The Force can help one overcome their age-induced physical limitations isn't exactly new.
I don't think that the fight was in any way a detriment to the character, it actually just enhances his mystique.
I don't think that people object to Yoda fighting, it was the way in which he fought. Movies have somehow perpetuated the idiotic notion that martial arts is about jumps and flips. I think it would have been far, far, more impressive if Yoda moved around a lot less and demonstrated his skill with the speed, accuracy and ability to rapidly change his sabre strokes. He expended a lot of useless energy bouncing around. Remember, when you're doing a flip, you're basically defenseless and not doing any real attack. You would think that a wise old Jedi like Yoda would be able to use some pretty efficient moves on Dooku.
The courts have already ruled on "first sale". Once the publisher sells the copy, they have no say over what you do with it, wether its read it and throw it out, give it away, sell it, burn it, etc.
Yeah, that makes sense. I can sell my moldy old couch (this is a hypothetical example: no one in their right mind would buy my couch) because it is, after all, mine. So I'm wondering why this doesn't apply to music in the form of mp3s over the internet? After all, I've sold used CDs to music stores before. Suppose I decide to give my CD to the store instead without payment. And then suppose instead of giving it to a store, I give it to someone over the internet. And then suppose instead of giving them a CD, I give them a lower-quality mp3. Why don't I have the right to do this?
Clearly I'm missing something here. Little help, Anyone?
I smell the faint scent of troll, but it may be from that "hypocrisy" jab from the Israeli...
I'm not trolling, I meant what I said in my post. I don't know what this Israeli thing you're talking about is. I'm really sick of how everyone automatically feels that porn is some obvious crime against humanity.
You're right. Most people doing that at 3AM are playing games:P
Damn straight! As far I'm concerned, what people do with computers at 3am is no big deal. I just hate when people think that playing games is fine while downloading porn is evil. If this guy comes in during the middle of the day and prevents someone from doing their coursework, pulls out his wiener and starts yanking it while moaning, I can see where this would be a problem. And I can also see how universities would want to steer clear of the whole MP3 thing. But, jesus, this poor shmuck just wanted to look at some pictures and wasn't bothering anyone. Why the hell is there a rule against that?
Well, pr0n and mp3z and e-harassment etc. are against the university computer policy, especially if done on the public lab computers. Not my rules.
I just heard about this story from friends who work the clusters here, and it amused me.
Okay, clearly I didn't read your message carefully. I apologize. I thought you had taken it upon yourself to apprehend this "menace to society" and you were gloating about it here. No hard feelings, I hope.
Here at NDSU I heard a story about a habitual public lab pr0n offender. Seems that this character was known to the tech staff here: always coming in very early or very late, sitting in the corner, turning his screen so no one else could see...obviously a pr0n seeker.
Oh yes, obviously. There is certainly no "legitmate" reason why anyone would come in at non-peak hours and reposition the monitor to a convienient viewing angle.
He's not welcome here any more.
Well thank god you put an end to that. Imagine, someone wanting to look at pictures of gorgeous naked women! Terrible.
Pray tell, why exactly is viewing porn considered an ethics violation at your lab? Is it just because he was using university computers for non-university purposes? Something tells me that you don't consider non-porn surfing on the web to be an ethics violation. You also seem to be upset with him turning the monitor away from others while viewing porn. So it seems he was making an attempt to make sure no one else would get offended by what he was viewing. The overhead projector incident wasn't done on purpose.
Face it, you're just another tech staffer who feels power in his belly and likes the taste of it too much. Porn shouldn't be an ethics violation if the guy takes appropriate precautions to make sure it doesn't offend anyone.
MTV themselves provided the information to the AP, so this is hardly a slip up. They clearly want the results known several days ahead of the air date. My guess is they figure this is good publicity to draw people in to watch the show.
Yeah, I agree completely. Let's face it: MTV movie awards aren't a serious event. I'm sure even the people who watch it know that it doesn't compare to the Oscars. No one really cares whether who wins "Best Movie Kiss" on the MTV awards. So there isn't any incentive for MTV to try to create an air of suspense -- no one cares anyway. The MTV awards show is just a forum to showcase all the hip Hollywood types to the young-kids-with-lots-of-disposable-money demographic. Hell, in the same way that people watch the Super Bowl just to enjoy the commericals, I'm sure a large portion of the MTV awards viewing audience is simply watching because of those comedy spin-off shorts they do.
So you can get a few raw facts and draw your OWN conclusions about what works and what doesn't?
There's certainly something to be said about that point of view. Indeed, almost immediately after my original post I realized someone was going to say this. However, it's the "few raw facts" part that bothers me. The review says that the author spent 3 years and interviewed 150 people involved in the dot-com story. I guarantee that she didn't commit each of those 150 stories to paper. I suspect that she just took the most shocking (e.g., the rat story) and wrote about them. And I sure as hell am not going to spend 3 years myself to figure out the facts. The bottom line is that when I read something, I expect the author to give me their "expert opinion." Now I want to emphasize that I am not going to mindlessly accept and assimilate that opinion. I do want to see some good supplementary logic and some case histories. But in my case (someone who was not involved in the dot-com crash) I have NO experience and really do have to rely heavily on someone elses. This is actually the purpose behind my post. Remember I asked for slashdotters to submit their opinions, knowing full well that there is going to be a lot of disagreement. I reserve the right to accept any or none of what I see.
I like to read other people's opinions (provided that I respect them as intelligent and have some knowledge of what they are talking about). That's why I come to slashdot: we've got ample amounts of people from both camps here (and for those of you who think I'm karma-whoring by praising slashdot, I've nearly got my 50).
Bottom line: I agree that you have a point but I am skeptical that this book (or any book) which is simply a collection of "a few raw facts" is going to provide me with a statisically significant amount of data from which to formulate a theory.
GMD
What is the message/point of this book?
on
The Venture Cafe
·
· Score: 4, Insightful
I had a difficult time understanding what this book "does" for the reader from this review. Is it simply a collection of stories of people who succeeded and those who didn't. Or does she provide some kind of analysis and state what she thinks were the important reasons for success?
I would be very interested if this book postulates some reasons (even though it must always be remembered that they are her opinions and not facts) but if it's just a collection of stories, then why should I buy this book? I can read all about the rediculous wastes that went on during the dot-com years in the newspaper. Or see that one documentary movie whose name I forget now (you know, it was that one where the filmakers planned on following the success story of a startup only to end up capturing the true story of a dream gone bad).
Hey, if anyone has some theories about what seperated the winners from the losers, please post a reply to this message. I'd be interested in hearing them. I was never involved in the dot-com bust (except via the stock market) so I really "missed out" on an important lesson here. And I'm not convienced that this book would help me out.
Though their operating systems may be riddled with bugs and security flaws of all sorts, look at their applications. They tend to be the epitome of quality software.
Yeah, right. That one dancing PaperclipDude was the "epitome of quality software".
Me: (starts writing a letter in Word)
PaperclipDude: "Hi there! It looks like you're writing a letter!"
No shit, Shirlock. What gave it away? The "Dear Sirs" opening line? Shees.
Actually when I saw that a former Microsoft employee had written something for Google, I had a flashback to that scene in Return of the Jedi where Vader makes up for a lifetime of evil deeds by tossing the Emperor off the platform. It's never too late for someone to turn back from the Dark Side.;)
My Karma hit 50. Now maybe I can start posting intelligently.
Amen, brother. Am I missing something? Why is this high-tech care package such a necessity? Maybe I'm showing my age but I remember college as being a place where I worked hard at school, hung out with friends, and drank a lot of beer. PDAs and other electronic gismos were simply not required.
I have already included a lockpick set, a UVmarking pen, and an LED flashlight in her care package.
I'm sorry: what classes are these items going to help her with?
Hey, I've got a radical idea for you! Why don't you skip the care package altogether? Let Linda or Betty or whatever her name is figure out for herself what she needs instead of loading her up with pointless trinkets. And then let her figure out how to get the needed items (ask you, buy it herself, construct a makeshift workaround, etc.) Sure, it's not as fancy to do it that way but it gives her a chance to identify a problem, develop a solution and then do whatever needs to be done. That is what growing up is all about, right? If you pack her care package with every damn thing she could ever need, what Life Lession is that helping her figure out?
Several industry sources confirmed that emerging EVD or AVD players will be capable of playing back both EVD/AVD disks and DVD disks.
But other industry sources in Japan acknowledged that if players bear no official DVD logo, it would be difficult for the 6C or 3C groups to go after them.
It's sad that some companies in Asia are going to get away with making their own DVD players for the sole purpose of cheating the DVD patent holders while some poor European kid who writes DeCSS so that he can play his legally purchased DVDs on Linux gets crucified to the fullest extent of the law.
GMD
Someone already beat Katz to it
on
The Empire Stumbles
·
· Score: 3, Interesting
I kid you not. Check out the "Rename 'The Two Towers' to Something Less Offensive Petition". I like the note from the webmaster of petitiononline.com basically stating that the guys who created the petition are idiots. And check out the "View Current Signatures" section for extra chuckles.
Fuck the damn creationists, those bunch of dumb-ass bitches,
every time I think of them my trigger finger itches.
They want to have their bullshit, taught in public class,
Stephen J. Gould should put his foot right up their ass.
In this day and age we need to be thinking about things like making sure there is enough money going into welfare, war on drugs, war on terrorism, enforcement of gun laws, etc and not on crazy stuff like going to mars.
Yeah, alright, we'll just put science on the backburner until every other problem is completely solved. Gees. I got news for you: we're always going to have big problems here on Earth. You need to watch a little less Star Trek. I'm all in favor of social programs but we need to fund science as well.
Now, I'm not an expert on space and, to be honest, I didn't even read the Mars proposal, but the idea of "hold off on the space stuff until we fix problems on Earth" is one of those things that really grates on my nerves. This bill should be judged by the scientific benefits of the Mars trip alone. The fact that there are so many other needy non-space causes shouldn't enter into this.
GMD
Wish There Was An Alan Turing Film
on
Enigma
·
· Score: 3, Insightful
The true story of Alan Turing (see my post below) is a fascinating, albeit disturbing story. Y'know, it's too bad that Hollywood would never make a movie about him and the battles that he faced. I mean, Hollywood is notorious for copying successful movies. When Star Wars came out, everyone was making space films and TV shows. Now that Spider-man is a big hit, there's going to be a slew of comic book movies. I wish that the success of "A Beautiful Mind" would convince Hollywood that there are some fascinating stories about brilliant scientists and the incredible challenges they faced. There are a lot of fascinating stories out there.
GMD
Society Only Appreciates Scientists In Movies
on
Enigma
·
· Score: 5, Insightful
This movie may dramatize the codebreakers as sex symbols and symbols of power but this was certainly not the case in real life. Consider the case of brilliant Alan Turing. He essentially led the effort to break the Engima code. How did society repay him? He was an outcast for being an "out" homosexual. He was harrassed throughout his life (read more). The British government let the professional and personal attacks on him continue because they didn't want to reveal his role in helping to crack the code, even years after the war was over. Unable to accept the fact that the same government he did an incredible service for now actively attacked him, he committed suicide. The "we need to keep his role secret" excuse is rediculous. No one raised a stink when Churchil published his memoroirs, which were filled with sensitive material.
I don't suppose the true story of Turing made it into this film at all.
Before, they could only read comics and fantasize about becoming more powerful.
Yeah, and I'm floored that he didn't stick a "post-Columbine" reference in here! And I didn't see globalism mentioned once! Has the world turned topsy-turvy?
Slashdot Mirror
Obviously it's too easy to get things patented these days, especially in areas of high technology as few if any patent officer workers are well versed in the areas of technology. Most of the patent office stampers would have little inclination as to how an intigrated circuit works or if an item of software recently designed is any different or unique from any other piece of similar software.
Kind of amazing to think 100 years ago Einstein was working in a patent office. My how times have changed.
GMD
I've read a lot of insightful posts here about this topic but I think one thing that's missing from a lot of them is what you think about the long-term prospects of each company. You've already said that you took a big pay cut due to the dot-com bubble bursting. I'm assuming that all your co-workers got pay cuts, too. If they didn't, then you need to jump ship. But that's obvious. What you didn't really mention is whether the alternate company is also a dot-com. Are they also in bad shape? How much has their stock price dropped compared to your company? Have you talked with employees of your potential new employeer? Are they happy? Have they taken a big pay cut?
If the company likes you enough to match the offer, and you are otherwise happy where you are, take it.
I think you need to seriously think about the and you are otherwise happy where you are part of this guy's response. And don't just accept your old employeer because it's comfortable and easy to do (don't have to move, etc.). Give serious thought as to whether you think your company is going to survive the dot-com burst. And whether you think they'll keep most of the employees they have when/if they do rebound.
GMD
There's no flying in it, if that's what you mean. It's pretty impressive stuff. The only thing that's really fake about it is how much abuse the fighters take. Some of those shots are definitely death blows.
That is one fucking awesome movie! That fight scene you describe in only one of several awesome scenes. What makes that particular scene particularly cool is that neither Jet Li or the old Japanese master really want to fight but feel obligated to do so because of the political strife between China and Japan that is a constant undertone in the film. And while the two hold mutual respect for each other, they are perfectly willing to kill the other if need be. But once they start to fight, they both realize their commonality is much more important than their differences, which are really externally-imposed.
Cool movie! Go rent it if you wanna see some kick-ass martial arts!
GMD
Well, I am of similiar mindset to you in someways and not in others.
Finally, you understand that Yoda, although frail physically, has the ability to channel the Force in ways that no other Jedi can, at least as far as we have seen.
I've always thought that the Jedi are a pretty clear reference to martial arts and that The Force is similar to the chinese concept of "chi". Chi is meant to be some kind of biological energy force that flows through the body of an individual (in fact, acupuncture is designed to reroute the chi through meridians in the body -- if you believe in that sort of thing). Chinese martial artists believe their superior fighting ability comes from being able to channel their chi into an opponent and use the opponent's chi against them. In a book by B.K. Frantzis entitled "The Power of Internal Martial Arts," he describes studying under several chinese kung fu masters. One of them was so old and frail that he walked into the dojo with a cane, after warming up was able to toss strong men around effortlessly, and then had to leave again with the assistance of a cane. So the idea that The Force can help one overcome their age-induced physical limitations isn't exactly new.
I don't think that the fight was in any way a detriment to the character, it actually just enhances his mystique.
I don't think that people object to Yoda fighting, it was the way in which he fought. Movies have somehow perpetuated the idiotic notion that martial arts is about jumps and flips. I think it would have been far, far, more impressive if Yoda moved around a lot less and demonstrated his skill with the speed, accuracy and ability to rapidly change his sabre strokes. He expended a lot of useless energy bouncing around. Remember, when you're doing a flip, you're basically defenseless and not doing any real attack. You would think that a wise old Jedi like Yoda would be able to use some pretty efficient moves on Dooku.
Just my two cents,
GMDThe courts have already ruled on "first sale". Once the publisher sells the copy, they have no say over what you do with it, wether its read it and throw it out, give it away, sell it, burn it, etc.
Yeah, that makes sense. I can sell my moldy old couch (this is a hypothetical example: no one in their right mind would buy my couch) because it is, after all, mine. So I'm wondering why this doesn't apply to music in the form of mp3s over the internet? After all, I've sold used CDs to music stores before. Suppose I decide to give my CD to the store instead without payment. And then suppose instead of giving it to a store, I give it to someone over the internet. And then suppose instead of giving them a CD, I give them a lower-quality mp3. Why don't I have the right to do this?
Clearly I'm missing something here. Little help, Anyone?
GMD
They also awarded patents on how to make a peanut butter and jelly sandwich and how to exercise a cat. What's your point?
Hey, hey now! That patent wasn't just for exercising a cat. It was exercising a cat USING A LASER! That makes all the difference in the world! ;)
GMD
I smell the faint scent of troll, but it may be from that "hypocrisy" jab from the Israeli...
I'm not trolling, I meant what I said in my post. I don't know what this Israeli thing you're talking about is. I'm really sick of how everyone automatically feels that porn is some obvious crime against humanity.
You're right. Most people doing that at 3AM are playing games :P
Damn straight! As far I'm concerned, what people do with computers at 3am is no big deal. I just hate when people think that playing games is fine while downloading porn is evil. If this guy comes in during the middle of the day and prevents someone from doing their coursework, pulls out his wiener and starts yanking it while moaning, I can see where this would be a problem. And I can also see how universities would want to steer clear of the whole MP3 thing. But, jesus, this poor shmuck just wanted to look at some pictures and wasn't bothering anyone. Why the hell is there a rule against that?
Well, pr0n and mp3z and e-harassment etc. are against the university computer policy, especially if done on the public lab computers. Not my rules.
I just heard about this story from friends who work the clusters here, and it amused me.
Okay, clearly I didn't read your message carefully. I apologize. I thought you had taken it upon yourself to apprehend this "menace to society" and you were gloating about it here. No hard feelings, I hope.
GMD
Here at NDSU I heard a story about a habitual public lab pr0n offender. Seems that this character was known to the tech staff here: always coming in very early or very late, sitting in the corner, turning his screen so no one else could see...obviously a pr0n seeker.
Oh yes, obviously. There is certainly no "legitmate" reason why anyone would come in at non-peak hours and reposition the monitor to a convienient viewing angle.
He's not welcome here any more.
Well thank god you put an end to that. Imagine, someone wanting to look at pictures of gorgeous naked women! Terrible.
Pray tell, why exactly is viewing porn considered an ethics violation at your lab? Is it just because he was using university computers for non-university purposes? Something tells me that you don't consider non-porn surfing on the web to be an ethics violation. You also seem to be upset with him turning the monitor away from others while viewing porn. So it seems he was making an attempt to make sure no one else would get offended by what he was viewing. The overhead projector incident wasn't done on purpose.
Face it, you're just another tech staffer who feels power in his belly and likes the taste of it too much. Porn shouldn't be an ethics violation if the guy takes appropriate precautions to make sure it doesn't offend anyone.
GMD
If there was any justice in the world:
Best Villain Jack Valenti MPAA
MTV sits back and basks in the flow of \.'ers
Dude, you like totally messed up the "slash" in slashdot!
LOOK HOW MICROSOFT HAS CORRUPTED OUR YOUTH!!
GMD
MTV themselves provided the information to the AP, so this is hardly a slip up. They clearly want the results known several days ahead of the air date. My guess is they figure this is good publicity to draw people in to watch the show.
Yeah, I agree completely. Let's face it: MTV movie awards aren't a serious event. I'm sure even the people who watch it know that it doesn't compare to the Oscars. No one really cares whether who wins "Best Movie Kiss" on the MTV awards. So there isn't any incentive for MTV to try to create an air of suspense -- no one cares anyway. The MTV awards show is just a forum to showcase all the hip Hollywood types to the young-kids-with-lots-of-disposable-money demographic. Hell, in the same way that people watch the Super Bowl just to enjoy the commericals, I'm sure a large portion of the MTV awards viewing audience is simply watching because of those comedy spin-off shorts they do.GMD
So you can get a few raw facts and draw your OWN conclusions about what works and what doesn't?
There's certainly something to be said about that point of view. Indeed, almost immediately after my original post I realized someone was going to say this. However, it's the "few raw facts" part that bothers me. The review says that the author spent 3 years and interviewed 150 people involved in the dot-com story. I guarantee that she didn't commit each of those 150 stories to paper. I suspect that she just took the most shocking (e.g., the rat story) and wrote about them. And I sure as hell am not going to spend 3 years myself to figure out the facts. The bottom line is that when I read something, I expect the author to give me their "expert opinion." Now I want to emphasize that I am not going to mindlessly accept and assimilate that opinion. I do want to see some good supplementary logic and some case histories. But in my case (someone who was not involved in the dot-com crash) I have NO experience and really do have to rely heavily on someone elses. This is actually the purpose behind my post. Remember I asked for slashdotters to submit their opinions, knowing full well that there is going to be a lot of disagreement. I reserve the right to accept any or none of what I see.
I like to read other people's opinions (provided that I respect them as intelligent and have some knowledge of what they are talking about). That's why I come to slashdot: we've got ample amounts of people from both camps here (and for those of you who think I'm karma-whoring by praising slashdot, I've nearly got my 50).
Bottom line: I agree that you have a point but I am skeptical that this book (or any book) which is simply a collection of "a few raw facts" is going to provide me with a statisically significant amount of data from which to formulate a theory.
GMD
I had a difficult time understanding what this book "does" for the reader from this review. Is it simply a collection of stories of people who succeeded and those who didn't. Or does she provide some kind of analysis and state what she thinks were the important reasons for success?
I would be very interested if this book postulates some reasons (even though it must always be remembered that they are her opinions and not facts) but if it's just a collection of stories, then why should I buy this book? I can read all about the rediculous wastes that went on during the dot-com years in the newspaper. Or see that one documentary movie whose name I forget now (you know, it was that one where the filmakers planned on following the success story of a startup only to end up capturing the true story of a dream gone bad).
Hey, if anyone has some theories about what seperated the winners from the losers, please post a reply to this message. I'd be interested in hearing them. I was never involved in the dot-com bust (except via the stock market) so I really "missed out" on an important lesson here. And I'm not convienced that this book would help me out.
GMD
Though their operating systems may be riddled with bugs and security flaws of all sorts, look at their applications. They tend to be the epitome of quality software.
Yeah, right. That one dancing PaperclipDude was the "epitome of quality software".
Me: (starts writing a letter in Word)
PaperclipDude: "Hi there! It looks like you're writing a letter!"
No shit, Shirlock. What gave it away? The "Dear Sirs" opening line? Shees.
GMD
Actually when I saw that a former Microsoft employee had written something for Google, I had a flashback to that scene in Return of the Jedi where Vader makes up for a lifetime of evil deeds by tossing the Emperor off the platform. It's never too late for someone to turn back from the Dark Side. ;)
My Karma hit 50. Now maybe I can start posting intelligently.
Well, you're back down to 49 now!
GMD
Amen, brother. Am I missing something? Why is this high-tech care package such a necessity? Maybe I'm showing my age but I remember college as being a place where I worked hard at school, hung out with friends, and drank a lot of beer. PDAs and other electronic gismos were simply not required.
I have already included a lockpick set, a UVmarking pen, and an LED flashlight in her care package.
I'm sorry: what classes are these items going to help her with?
Hey, I've got a radical idea for you! Why don't you skip the care package altogether? Let Linda or Betty or whatever her name is figure out for herself what she needs instead of loading her up with pointless trinkets. And then let her figure out how to get the needed items (ask you, buy it herself, construct a makeshift workaround, etc.) Sure, it's not as fancy to do it that way but it gives her a chance to identify a problem, develop a solution and then do whatever needs to be done. That is what growing up is all about, right? If you pack her care package with every damn thing she could ever need, what Life Lession is that helping her figure out?
GMD
Now there's a pair i didn't expect to see playing together...
Nothing brings mortal enemies together like a chance to make some bucks at the expense of the evil capitalist American dogs...
GMD
Several industry sources confirmed that emerging EVD or AVD players will be capable of playing back both EVD/AVD disks and DVD disks.
But other industry sources in Japan acknowledged that if players bear no official DVD logo, it would be difficult for the 6C or 3C groups to go after them.
It's sad that some companies in Asia are going to get away with making their own DVD players for the sole purpose of cheating the DVD patent holders while some poor European kid who writes DeCSS so that he can play his legally purchased DVDs on Linux gets crucified to the fullest extent of the law.
GMD
I kid you not. Check out the "Rename 'The Two Towers' to Something Less Offensive Petition". I like the note from the webmaster of petitiononline.com basically stating that the guys who created the petition are idiots. And check out the "View Current Signatures" section for extra chuckles.
GMD
I think the legendary gangsta rapper MC Hawking said it best in F*ck The Creationists
:Fuck the damn creationists, those bunch of dumb-ass bitches,
every time I think of them my trigger finger itches.
They want to have their bullshit, taught in public class,
Stephen J. Gould should put his foot right up their ass.
GMD
In this day and age we need to be thinking about things like making sure there is enough money going into welfare, war on drugs, war on terrorism, enforcement of gun laws, etc and not on crazy stuff like going to mars.
Yeah, alright, we'll just put science on the backburner until every other problem is completely solved. Gees. I got news for you: we're always going to have big problems here on Earth. You need to watch a little less Star Trek. I'm all in favor of social programs but we need to fund science as well.
Now, I'm not an expert on space and, to be honest, I didn't even read the Mars proposal, but the idea of "hold off on the space stuff until we fix problems on Earth" is one of those things that really grates on my nerves. This bill should be judged by the scientific benefits of the Mars trip alone. The fact that there are so many other needy non-space causes shouldn't enter into this.
GMD
The true story of Alan Turing (see my post below) is a fascinating, albeit disturbing story. Y'know, it's too bad that Hollywood would never make a movie about him and the battles that he faced. I mean, Hollywood is notorious for copying successful movies. When Star Wars came out, everyone was making space films and TV shows. Now that Spider-man is a big hit, there's going to be a slew of comic book movies. I wish that the success of "A Beautiful Mind" would convince Hollywood that there are some fascinating stories about brilliant scientists and the incredible challenges they faced. There are a lot of fascinating stories out there.
GMD
This movie may dramatize the codebreakers as sex symbols and symbols of power but this was certainly not the case in real life. Consider the case of brilliant Alan Turing. He essentially led the effort to break the Engima code. How did society repay him? He was an outcast for being an "out" homosexual. He was harrassed throughout his life (read more). The British government let the professional and personal attacks on him continue because they didn't want to reveal his role in helping to crack the code, even years after the war was over. Unable to accept the fact that the same government he did an incredible service for now actively attacked him, he committed suicide. The "we need to keep his role secret" excuse is rediculous. No one raised a stink when Churchil published his memoroirs, which were filled with sensitive material.
I don't suppose the true story of Turing made it into this film at all.
GMD
Before, they could only read comics and fantasize about becoming more powerful.
Yeah, and I'm floored that he didn't stick a "post-Columbine" reference in here! And I didn't see globalism mentioned once! Has the world turned topsy-turvy?
GMD