I think perhaps an efficient idea for space access is to use a simpler vehicle for manned launches and a standard type rocket to lift cargo. Launching the manned craft could be done with a multi-stage approach, like using a jet aircraft (even a specially designed one) to bring the craft up to high altitude and then igniting the rocket engine.
Now, descent is another story. I have some ideas about that. The most interesting one, would be to use some sort of magnetic field to shield the craft from the atmosphere. Like a reverse of the magnetic solar sail concept. Magneto-plasma dynamic drives don't seem to have gotten very far, but perhaps Magneto-plasma dynamic "brakes" could.
All too often people cut and paste blocks of code and then change parts of the pasted blocks and don't look at the rest of it enough to recognize problems.
There was an interesting article yesterday in the NY times (http://www.nytimes.com/2003/01/21/science/21RNA.h tml) discussing a possible oversight (surprise!) of the role of RNA in a cell. It is an interesting read. Personally, I am disappointed by scientists that write-off things as "junk" (to quote the article) only to discover they are actually important. Especially interesting is the statement that these discoveries could have happened 20 years ago if there was any attempt to investigate RNA in detail.
I recently finished a server for a client that involved managing RFID tags. They have extremely short range, so anybody wanting to track you would probably prefer something that can support a greater distance.
Once the PS3 comes out it ought to make quite a decent key-cruncher.
see: http://www.theinquirer.net/?article=7078
perhaps the project can be revived when that happens. (once linux is running on it)
There was a mention of an investment in sendo by MS being converted to a loan. It is obvious (after the fact) that tactic was clever on MS part so that they could get collateral for their $$$ (the IP) after they possibly came to some conclusion that sendo would go (or be pushed) off the cliff.
The interesting thing is now more than ever it is possible for a band to get wide exposure for their music through the net and make a name for themselves without ever needing a RIAA etc. Perhaps more musicians should consider their options.
Considering the fact that the Computer itself is an invention designed in order to enable complex problems to be solved, how do you determine whether a particular patent application is in fact non-obvious and should be granted?
How in fact do you determine if the average software developer might come up with the same solution or not? Who are these 'average' developers and are they actually presented with problems to see if they will come up with similar solutions or is this part of the examination phase actually an estimate of believed capabilities instead of actual measurement of actual creativity of an average developer?
Do you take into account whether a particular patent application would make it legally impossible for a skilled developer to implement a solution to a problem using a computer that was invented for the specific purpose of enabling problems to be solved?
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I think perhaps an efficient idea for space access is to use a simpler vehicle for manned launches and a standard type rocket to lift cargo. Launching the manned craft could be done with a multi-stage approach, like using a jet aircraft (even a specially designed one) to bring the craft up to high altitude and then igniting the rocket engine. Now, descent is another story. I have some ideas about that. The most interesting one, would be to use some sort of magnetic field to shield the craft from the atmosphere. Like a reverse of the magnetic solar sail concept. Magneto-plasma dynamic drives don't seem to have gotten very far, but perhaps Magneto-plasma dynamic "brakes" could.
All too often people cut and paste blocks of code and then change parts of the pasted blocks and don't look at the rest of it enough to recognize problems.
There was an interesting article yesterday in the NY times (http://www.nytimes.com/2003/01/21/science/21RNA.h tml) discussing a possible oversight (surprise!) of the role of RNA in a cell. It is an interesting read. Personally, I am disappointed by scientists that write-off things as "junk" (to quote the article) only to discover they are actually important. Especially interesting is the statement that these discoveries could have happened 20 years ago if there was any attempt to investigate RNA in detail.
I recently finished a server for a client that involved managing RFID tags. They have extremely short range, so anybody wanting to track you would probably prefer something that can support a greater distance.
Then you could charge license fees for them to call you!
Once the PS3 comes out it ought to make quite a decent key-cruncher. see: http://www.theinquirer.net/?article=7078 perhaps the project can be revived when that happens. (once linux is running on it)
There was a mention of an investment in sendo by MS being converted to a loan. It is obvious (after the fact) that tactic was clever on MS part so that they could get collateral for their $$$ (the IP) after they possibly came to some conclusion that sendo would go (or be pushed) off the cliff.
The interesting thing is now more than ever it is possible for a band to get wide exposure for their music through the net and make a name for themselves without ever needing a RIAA etc. Perhaps more musicians should consider their options.
Considering the fact that the Computer itself is an invention designed in order to enable complex problems to be solved, how do you determine whether a particular patent application is in fact non-obvious and should be granted? How in fact do you determine if the average software developer might come up with the same solution or not? Who are these 'average' developers and are they actually presented with problems to see if they will come up with similar solutions or is this part of the examination phase actually an estimate of believed capabilities instead of actual measurement of actual creativity of an average developer? Do you take into account whether a particular patent application would make it legally impossible for a skilled developer to implement a solution to a problem using a computer that was invented for the specific purpose of enabling problems to be solved?