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User: opti6600

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  1. Windows CE, oddly enough on TRON: The Unknown Open-Source? · · Score: 0

    Sadly enough, actually Windows CE has found itself into the workings of certain onboard computers in home appliances. Scary, isn't it?

  2. ah, so you live in miami too? on Big Brother Gets a Brain · · Score: 1

    Nah, not naive, however I figured I'd venture on the bright side of things for a moment before returning to my dimly-lit abyss of pessimism.

    Don't you just love the smell of napalm in the morning? Good stuff!

  3. Re:Frankly...This isn't so bad... on Big Brother Gets a Brain · · Score: 1

    Bingo. Thanks for clarifying, and well put.

  4. Certainly not.... on Big Brother Gets a Brain · · Score: 1

    And this concept applies (in most cases, and ideally) to US government.

    Yeah, sure, the government has at least one or two MAJOR brainfarts on a daily basis. This might be one of them. What I was explaining though was that I can see the light side to this, unlike the DMCA and PATRIOT acts. I live in Miami, it'd be nice to be able to walk around without worrying about thugs and random idiots.

    That's all. I just want to see our streets and pedestrians safe again. It'd be heartwarming. On the other hand, I could end up on a first-name basis with the folks in Kevlar down here, too. Eh, oh well.

  5. Re:Frankly...This isn't so bad... on Big Brother Gets a Brain · · Score: 1

    I know this was modded down, but I'd like to go ahead and respond anyway.

    Bud, just remember - if you give up all hope now, there won't be any to go around later. I'm only optimistic about all of this because I can see a positive side (what I explain to you folks) and the negative (which I'm likely to randomly debate somebody at school). Both are strong points, but imagine what this could do IF IT WORKED. Neat, huh?

    And in response to the high school civics bit...haven't hit the civics class yet (AP American Governmnet), and yeah, you're right, I didn't pay too much attention to my middle school Civics class, heh.

    Best regards,
    Jordan

  6. Re:Good on Big Brother Gets a Brain · · Score: 1

    Yeah, that's my "if" and "properly executed" part of my comment...

    We can't have systems like this working properly in conjunction with stuff like PATRIOT and the Homeland Security Act. Terrorism is really quite ridiculous - just crack down on everything, folks, and stop doing things in the name of terrorism. The fact of the matter is that we don't have enough security - period.

    And remember, this computer system if they can pull it off, would be cheaper than having Jim Bob watching you from a series of computer monitors. Woohoo, more money for edjumacation!

  7. Frankly...This isn't so bad... on Big Brother Gets a Brain · · Score: 2, Funny

    Frankly, I don't mind -proposals- and -concepts- like this, if they can be executed properly.

    Yeah, I'd like to meet Bob at the server farm, and Bill behind the data feeds, but hey, that's not realistic. I can't remember who said it, but those who do nothing wrong have nothing to fear really. Now sure, if they hit my house with cameras, I might have some qualms, but being out on sidewalks, things like that, it's not too bad if somebody knows that I just got my arse mugged and hunts the perp down using a network of cameras.

    Just imagine, something like this could end the high speed police chase once and for all. Just let your perp go right on home, the cameras follow him home. All you need to do is go up there after he parks, "hi, you're under arrest", read the rights, and no death, mayhem, or destruction associated with a chase.

    Another thing I heard recently was that maybe, just maybe, the government is actually there to protect and serve. Sure, I would probably run screaming from the USA if they put a Bush behind the controls of a system like this, but they aren't.

    I just think it'd be neat if they could actually get this system to work. Just imagine - being able to walk the streets wherever you are without fear of getting mugged, raped, murdered (you might not want to live there if that's a common fear), or anything. It'd be incredible. A system like this is a fine balance between privacy concerns and legality.

    So you ask, what happens if the system sees you go from your house to the porno shop? Big deal in my opinion. If somebody leaks the information and you're running for office, big deal - we all have hormones, you know.

    So I say let them show what they can, and if they can help out our police force in enforcing laws (yes, they're there, folks), that'd be awesome. I just don't want to see these cameras report DMCA infractions, but I want to see them report muggings, murders, you know, the usual gamut of things one person does to the other on a sidewalk or street. Although it makes me wonder...would a system like this put the guys behind COMAND and OnStar out of business?

  8. Re:For some reason... on Quakeworld Physics Captured in Quake3 · · Score: 0, Offtopic

    I wish we had more postal workers on Segways, it'd be a nice bit of PR. Yah, I know, I'm astroturfing, but the fact of the matter is that it's a cause I support. Heh.

    Now postal workers going crazy...on segways...not likely...my Segway actually kept me from going postal!

  9. Re:Morons on X-Box Hackers Trying to Blackmail Microsoft? · · Score: 2, Funny

    Peter Gibbons, you have lived a trite and meaningless life, and you are a bad, bad man!

  10. Re:Messing with the telemarketers on National Do Not Call List Opens for Registrations · · Score: 1

    Leave it to us Americans to turn 69 into something that you can't joke about, jeez...

  11. Re:Fastest Slashdotting ever? on National Do Not Call List Opens for Registrations · · Score: 2, Funny

    Here's my best one yet...

    "Hello sir, may I please speak to whoever is in charge of the major decisions for this household?"

    "SATAN MAKES THE MAJOR DECISIONS IN MY HOUSEHOLD!"

    "Uhh...have a nice day!" *click*

    or then there's the classic "turnaround"

    "Good afternoon sir, I'm calling from..."

    "Hi there, would you like to contribute to the Pinecrest Police annual funding drive? We'll even throw in a sticker showing your generous contribution if you act now! You can donate as little as $20, it's that simple!"

    "Er..." - this is where they try to figure out why they, the telemarketer, have just been given a sales pitch

    "If you're not sure about $20, we could lower the minimum contribution just for you to $15, and we'll even throw in a license plate badge!"

    "No thanks" *click* - now they know how you feel

    Ahh, screwing with telemarketers...

    Best regards,
    Jordan

  12. Re:Why? on Rent a Segway · · Score: 1

    Well, I'll have to say I'm impressed. *points to demonbug's comment* - what you wrote was mature, well-written, and objective. Thanks!

    Okay, I'll be happy to recap for you. First let's start on the reasons I cannot use a bike.

    - My commute is 5.7 miles a day. This is in Miami weather, so I would show up as a complete sweatball by the time I hit my school.
    - 5.7 miles is if I use the Metrorail. Unfortunately, Metrorail doesn't allow bikes during rush hour (from 7-9 AM). My school gets in at 8 AM, so that makes a bit of a trouble to get to school in a timely manner in the mornings.
    - There are a number of situations where bikes can't be used as safely as a Segway can, particularly in Miami. This is mostly where we have low-hanging branches, sidewalk obstructions, things like that, and Miami streets aren't exactly fun experiences.

    What attracts me to using a Segway? Well, I've covered it so many times I don't think it needs repeating, but I'll sum it up in one sentence. The Segway is clean, simple, fun, effective, different, advanced, and above all low-cost and efficient (you have to think in long-term).

  13. Re:Why? on Rent a Segway · · Score: 1

    Well, I don't know about other users...but I charge my HT on solar power quite a bit. MAST Academy is home to the only Solar I/II curriculum in the state of Florida, and as such, we have a good bit of equipment. At least half of my charges are done at school, where I've rigged up my HT to charge off of a few photovoltaic panels and an inverter. It's quite neat.

    By the way...anybody in Miami this week should get in touch with me if they're interested in the Solar Celebration this Wednesday.

  14. Re:Why? on Rent a Segway · · Score: 1

    Actually I've been looking into getting a Litespeed...I got the chance to demo one when a friend at camp brought his. I just need to find the time these days to actually use it.

    I'll agree with you in frowning on SUVs, they're such a waste. And for those of you that didn't know, wavelengths Journal is an alternative energy publication - I'm actually -officially- using the Seg as alternative transportation!

  15. Re:Why? on Rent a Segway · · Score: 1

    Although there's a neat loophole. My friends and I don't use this too often, but it can come in handy (although with the Seg I don't need it anymore). We all have our own business ventures, some properly incorporated under Florida law. Therefore, we can take advantage of the Florida clause stating something to the effect of learner's drivers being able to drive to and from work unaccompanied, and I -know- you can circumvent the time restrictions on a 16-year old license using that method also.

    Ahh...loopholes!

  16. Re:Why? on Rent a Segway · · Score: 1

    Oh, definitely! I'm just saying it's more exercise than sitting on my butt here all day, that's all. People seem to think it's just standing there, but it's a lot more than that.

  17. Re:Why? on Rent a Segway · · Score: 1

    Right on what network consulting constitutes.

    What do you think about deploying Cisco/Microsoft networks for 50-client corporate networks? That's what dNS does. Usual rate nets about $75/hr. We also mop up after idiot MIS/IT staff, which apparently aren't in short supply.

    Perhaps that'll give you an idea of what a "real job" at 15 is. Oh, or is a real job at 15 mowing lawns for $5 an acre?

  18. Re:Why? on Rent a Segway · · Score: 0

    I'm afraid it makes that statement only to the average ignorant individual. It's unfortunate you can't realize what people strive for these days.

    And if you had read the previous post, I was simply responding to his points. We call that "intelligent discussion". Rant somewhere else, I'm afraid you simply can't understand the underlying concept here, and hence have no real purpose in providing your unfortunately uninformed opinion.

  19. Re:Why? on Rent a Segway · · Score: 1

    I know it sounds ridiculous, but consider it for a moment. To move on a Segway HT, you must apply continual forward force. Granted, its not much, but it's more than I'd get sitting in a car. You're using muscles the whole ride.

    You aren't standing on a Segway, you're always leaning. There is no simple throttle other than your body weight. And while yes, you can just throw yourself forward, it's not safe or appropriate to do so. You have to keep fine motor control over yourself at all times.

    If you're ever in the Miami are, just drop me a line and we can set you up for a demo.

  20. Astroturfing...not quite. on Rent a Segway · · Score: 1

    I'm an enthusiast. That's all. Check out my associations, I'm quite unaffiliated with Segway LLC or its related companies.

    I only have direct work relationships with wavelengths Journal, dreamlabs Network Services, and indirect associations with Miami-Dade County Public Schools and CRESA Partners LLC.

  21. Re:Why? on Rent a Segway · · Score: 1, Insightful

    I'm sorry here buddy, but could we keep this at a mature level for a minute? I'd love to know why the moderators even considered giving you anything more than flamebait for a minute.

    All of my kvetching aside, though. Listen, I'm an Early Adopter because of where I live, the time I live in, and my mindset. I live in Miami. The traffic is to say the least, hellish. Gas prices are through the roof, and even regular unleaded nowadays can cost upwards of $1.80 a gallon. Insurance costs? Insanity.

    Using a Segway is a statement and a way I live my life. It says that I'm not an ignorant peon who realizes the folly of using 100-year old technology to move from point A to point B at the cost of our environment. It says that I'm enough of a geek to realize the potential of this technology. Above all, it's an opportunity for me to gain simple independence and unique standing at the benefit of my own mind.

    My HT was paid for in large by my father, but also in part by myself, with the profits from a small network consulting firm I run (about a 70-30 split of the cost there). He would have ended up paying for a car in less than a few months, so even a Kia Rio (MSRP $5k) would cost more than a HT. Funny you mention United Way...I'll mention round figures for a moment - our family contributes in excess of $30k a year to various charitable organizations, United Way amongst them (yes, real organizations, not the NRA or Walk America).

    Do you for some strange reason think that a bike would resolve my transportation issues, or that of anyone else? I don't dispute the exercise potential of a bicycle for a minute, however its real transportation value is little, if any. My morning commute is 5.7 miles on the street, and another 10 miles or so on the Miami-Dade Metrorail. As a matter of fact, bicycles aren't allowed on the Metro during rush-hour, and as such, I wouldn't be able to use it for my commute if I wanted to. I carry about 30-40 pounds of stuff on a daily basis between my laptop, backpack, and any other gear I may have with me. Bikes are not only less safe, but they are more of an inconvenience and less rugged than the HT for my purposes. I can't bike to school every day in khakis and a decent shirt and show up in proper condition in 90F weather with 80-95% humidity and sunshine.

    Take a break from ignorance, perhaps ask some questions first next time. I don't mind questions, I do however mind being insulted (ignorant little shit - how low can you go?).

    Oh, and no, I'm probably not going to be looking at a car. The costs are prohibitive, and I don't see a need for one at this point. My HT works perfectly for my needs.

    Once again, if you have any questions (or insults even), please contact me whenever you like at opti6600@bellsouth.net.

    Best regards,
    Jordan Prevé

  22. Re:Why? on Rent a Segway · · Score: 4, Interesting

    Stu, allow me to tell you something. This is probably the biggest misconception amongst people in the community.

    I'm 15, and probably the youngest Early Adopter out there. An Early Adopter is an owner who purchased their Segway HT through Amazon, and was one of the first units shipped. I ordered mine, for example, an hour and a half after the launch back in November. A Segway i-Series is by no means cheap, about $5000 retail. I chose mine in lieu of a car for now, and hoped that it would make my life a bit easier and productive.

    Now, over two months in use, my i-Series has in no way disappointed. My commute to school leaves a smile on my face as I follow the scenic route I plan in the morning, a beautiful alternative to driving on US-1. I no longer contribute to the thermal and chemical pollution of cars or even buses, and my method of transportation is just as unique as the people whose smiles reach from ear to ear as they see me. I've made new friends and acquaintances with the HT as my conversation piece, even. It has actually made Miami a safer place for me.

    Now, to address your "fat" comment. Most of us have come to a definite conclusion about the Segway in regards to concerns like yours. I'm a geek, like so many others out there in /. are. I used a car to get everywhere before my HT, and I never walked much farther than from my computer chair to the fridge, or from class to class. Now not only do I get out and see the environment (as shoddily preserved as it may be!), but I have a new form of exercise. It may not seem like much here, but you would be quite surprised to learn that using an HT is a good bit of work for your legs. You don't notice it at first, but the ache is there for about two weeks. The fine muscle control over muscles you didn't really know existed is a definite exercise. Okay, I understand how someone -could- get fatter if they were a fitness nut, walked or jogged everywhere, and suddenly replaced that with a Segway HT. But that's not the point of the Seg, folks. The company itself states, and those of us in the community agree, that the Segway HT isn't intended to replace walking, it's designed to replace short car trips that have disastrous effects on our environment, and our pockets too.

    If anybody has any further questions or comments regarding the Segway, my experiences, or just about anything, feel free to drop me an email (opti6600@bellsouth.net).

    Best regards,
    Jordan Prevé

  23. Hah, forget the shoes...look in the CAT5 Forest! on Search for the Missing Universe · · Score: 1

    No way! Definitely in my cable pile...I found a fire extinguisher and a Talking Heads CD in there the other day (no joke!)!

  24. Re:ummmm... on AOL Bans Mail From DSL-Hosted Servers · · Score: 1

    Okay. As-is, I'm using $0 (zero) additional dollars for our hosting, which is our budget for the most part. As it is, we had to use our own funds to get the domain name and search engine listing for a school project!

    We can't move DSL providers, nor even get off-site hosting. It just costs too much. Have you ever seen the state of Miami-Dade schools? We can barely afford new textbooks for the students, how high of a priority do you expect web hosting to be on their list?

  25. Re:Learn to properly configure your mail server on AOL Bans Mail From DSL-Hosted Servers · · Score: 1

    The problem though is that to the best of my knowledge, my Bellsouth server doesn't allow that sort of thing, particularly from residential accounts.

    As it is, it's only by their good graces that we're still in existence! They don't look kindly upon home servers of any kind, and probably wouldn't even be hosting off of an ADSL line if it weren't for my school essentially strongarming us out of their hosting when we said we wouldn't let them have total control of our site.

    -Jordan