".., I think it involves a.45 caliber handgun and about 180 loud bangs." Nah, man, I could do it with a.32 and make much less noise. Either way, though, I'm in favor. (Be sure and use your earplugs though... especially with that.45).
Hell, if I was MS and wanted to move Mt. Fuji, I'd simply buy Japan, tow it over here, and park it off the coast of Washington. Not only do they get Mt. Fuji, but just think of all the smart Japanese folks they can hire!
In response to borgdows: What it means is something I learned in grammar school. If you punch me in the nose, I'm gonna kick your ass, and I don't give a damn HOW big you think you are. That's what happened in Iraq, and the world needs to be put on notice that it can happen again in any country/state harboring terrorists. When the US is forced into action, we will take action. Got a problem with that? Okay.. just don't punch us in the nose. You start it, we'll by God finish it. It's that damn simple.
re: WatertonMan... remember who this company was and let us all know... it helps to have a heads-up on this sort of crap. Ever since Acer stiffed me on a rebate, I've made it a point to let everyone I can know that they ain't worth shootin'. I wouldn't buy anything again that I knew they had anything to do with, and I like to pass this along. I figure, I can cost them more than they can cost me. That is my goal. I'd love to put the scumbags out of business, but I'll settle for costing them as much as I can.
I agree... if they want to save me some money, they can get their hand out of my pocket in the store. I've neglected a few and knew they wouldn't be coming (the companies expect that, and they like it). But some years ago I bought a 24X Acer CD-ROM drive, and those swine stiffed me for $30 or $40 bucks (can't remember). When I called the number on my "rebate card", it was no longer in service. My point with this is I'll never buy a damn thing made by them again. Also, in my small town the only places with computer supplies are Office Max and Walmart, and a few independent builders. I usually go to Office Max, but darn near everything they have on sale has a mail-in rebate. I think mail-in rebates ought to be outlawed, but pending that, I try to avoid buying from them. If they want to save me money, they can get their hand out of my pocket while I'm in the store. Simple.
"...been trying to figure out where my representatives stand on issues involving digital rights". Check and see, but there's a good chance they have websites, or at least e-mail addresses. Send 'em an e-mail and ask. I live in SC, and I think Hollings will drop out after this term (couple of years... kinda hate I won't be able to vote against him, but as long as his sorry store-bought ass is out of there, I can live with it). But yeah, I'll vote against them, campaign against them, anything I can do to knock them out of office (within reason... I won't beat 'em up or shoot 'em or nothin') Oh, almost forgot... an old friend of mine was a retired Navy Commander and retired lawyer, and he used to get right drunk and fire off collect telegrams to his Senators and Congressmen. Anything they were doing that he disapproved of, they'd get a collect (key word) telegram from him. I asked him once, "Man, will they accept those?" and he said, "Hell, yeah, they don't have a choice. They can't refuse them!" I always got a kick out of that. }:~) All the best, -Alph
We, the People, cannot hope to compete against the RIAA and the MPAA unless we can afford to buy more "lawmakers" than they can. I don't think that's going to happen. But we can hit the RIAA & MPAA where they eat, simply by not buying their products, and we can vote the swine out of office who have been supporting them.
re: elmegil and "truth in legislation" laws, absolutely! I agree with you 100%. It's about time that our legislature be forced to justify everything it passes on its own merits. And, regarding a previous post, if a legislator signs something he/she hasn't read, they should be booted out of office for being too stupid to make laws. The fact is, we have far too many laws; if we could get these people busy repealing the garbage instead of passing new crap, we'd be much better off.
The "how stuff works" site is great. There is another site that is good called "how things get done". The link for that one is html:www.ehow/home/home.jsp. I believe that link is correct, but if it doesn't work check Google. I have a rather massive "favorites" file with lots of educational stuff in there... if I can be of further assistance, let me know. Btw, you didn't mention which operating system you were using, etc. Nobody NEEDS to know where you are (I think you're sharp enough to have figured that out for yourself)but some additional information on your computer (os, processor, etc.) could be handy.
All the best, - Alph
Strangely, the bills usually arrive on time (though not always). But I've had letters brought to me from a few doors down the street, or from the next block (same house number, different street), etc. An elderly lady next door failed to get her Social Security check, and someone happened to find it, still in its envelope, wadded up, across town. They were decent enough to bring it to her. The problem is that the USPS keeps hiring people who either can't read, or don't care enough to bother with it.
Hell, no! AOL needs to educate its users to set up antivirus, firewalls, etc., to protect themselves. I use all this fun stuff running DSL, and used most of it before I ever had a DSL connection. You are right, too many people don't know about this stuff, but the solution to AOL's problem is to educate its users, not to block out anyone using DSL. That's just pure head-in-the-sand bullshit. Not surprising, though, from AOL.
"And there will always be people that don't listen to the music that is on the radio."
Radio? Seems like I had a little red AM transistor when I was a kid... used to listen to it at night when I was supposed to be asleep. Picked up WLS in Chicago, and WWL in New Orleans, from 'way over here in South Carolina. I think I had some in a few of the cars I used to have. Hard to remember much about that stuff now, though... been a long time.
Note to the artists/songwriters/musicians: Just be damn careful what you sign. If it doesn't make sense to you (and it probably won't), have your lawyer check it out. Oh, and screw the RIAA. Their day is done. They have outlived whatever usefullness they may ever have had.
re comments by 2short:
Thanks for the advice... sounds good to me. I have a fairly kick-ass computer (well, it was a year ago), but I'm still using a 14" Digital monitor I bought used when I bought my first Internet-capable computer (also used). I really look forward to upgrading the monitor, and the vid card, but right now I don't know if I can afford it. I'd love a 20 or 21 inch CRT, and the video card makes a big difference too. (Mine is an antique). Haven't played with the Trinitron monitors, but I used to work on teevees, and they made the best darn CRTs I'd ever seen. (this was about 30 years ago, and I know things change). When I am able to upgrade, I'll check out the Trinitron line, for sure. Btw, I'm not a gamer, but my vision isn't what it used to be so I need all the help I can get. }:~)
mbogosian, that was a rather long, though interesting post. In response, I have a suggestion for you: go to France, or Iraq, or anywhere you choose, but you are not fit to live on the soil of the USA. I don't give a tinker's damn what your listed publications say, there is no better place in the world to live than right here. If you disagree, then move! No one is chaining you down. And our Country will be a better place without you. Oh, and if arrogance offends you, you might want to skip France and Germany.
"They're (the RIAA) about to loose the same weight in credibility."
They already have. I've been saying for awhile that the RIAA isn't worth the powder it'd take to blow 'em to hell, but thinking about it, powder's not that expensive. CDs, on the other hand, are quite high. Maybe if we all just quit buying CDs and invest that money into powder for awhile... nah, never mind. What I'm thinking is probably illegal in some states.
In my view, there is nothing more obscene than censorship. Back in the late '60s or early '70s, the President of the US established a Congressional committee to study the issue. They could find no link between pornography and crime. This study and its findings were published in the Congressional Record. The President quickly swept it under the rug, as best he could, but the publishers of Zap Comics (popular underground comic books) got hold of it and published an illustrated version. It contained photographs to illustrate just about everything mentioned in the Congressional Record, along with the text, and yes, some of it was damn disgusting, but it made a point: the Committee viewed this same sort of stuff, and though they may have found it disgusting, they saw no harm in it. These dumbass politicians need to look for REAL problems to solve and quit sweating the small stuff. And parents need to keep a closer eye on their kids.
"The Mr Mature option is to send it to them personally and tell them to imagine what it would be like if it got posted publicly..."
Yeah, I agree... I'd hold back, too. I'd send them this message with all data gathered, hold back for 3-4 days, and THEN post it to a Website. This will be beneficial if they're among the imagination-deprived.
Microsoft would do well to fix the crap they've made that is already broken before they delve into areas in which they have little (or no) expertise. That might serve the purpose of elevating their credability, and more people might start to take them seriously again. Oh, and Google is doing fine. I can't imagine using a MS search engine when I can use Google. If they issue an IPO, I hope I'll be able to buy a few shares. -Alph
Interesting post from wideBlueSkies. But I think it depends on what you're doing when you're interrupted. If I were mucking out a stable, or building an engine, or any number of things, no problem. I'll gladly stop and share any knowledge I have with anyone. But if I'm about chest-deep in writing a song and really like the way it's going, if you interrupt me, you may see the business end of my pistol. Depending on who you are, it may be the last thing you ever see. I'd imagine many programmers would feel the same way. If so, put a sign on your door (or cubicle entrance) that says: Until I finish this project, you'd rather french-kiss a rattlesnake than to disturb me. If you have a question, send me an e-mail. I'll get back to you asap... and type/sign your name. Oh, and it doesn't hurt to keep a large caliber handgun on your desk at all times. And an "Out Of Order" sign on your back wouldn't hurt, either.
As a non-programmer (hoping to learn some soon) and an old guitar picker / songwriter, etc., from what little I know of programming, there is no doubt that it is an art. In any artform (includes drawing, painting, photography... but many other things too; I've done a bit of all that), the creator of the work needs to establish where he/she is taking this project. What do you want it to do? To say? What is the purpose here? Once that is established, get the hell out of their way and let them work. I'll tell you, I've seen some programs over the years that could only have been created by artists, and this goes back to some of the old 8086 and 8088 DOS stuff. Fact is, there is art in everything; it's all a matter of attitude. Build an automobile engine, repair a hydraulic system, fix a leaky faucet... doesn't matter. Is it just a task, or is it a labor of love? If it's the latter, it's art. (oh, and I've packed a mess of boxes too... loved it. That was art. -Alph
"When the truth is outlawed, only outlaws will tell the truth". Hell, that ought to make a more truthful world! We're damn near ALL outlaws... most of us just haven't been caught. - Alph
Slashdot Mirror
"Or die." Yeah, finally, somebody got a damn clue.
".., I think it involves a .45 caliber handgun and about 180 loud bangs." Nah, man, I could do it with a .32 and make much less noise. Either way, though, I'm in favor. (Be sure and use your earplugs though... especially with that .45).
Hell, if I was MS and wanted to move Mt. Fuji, I'd simply buy Japan, tow it over here, and park it off the coast of Washington. Not only do they get Mt. Fuji, but just think of all the smart Japanese folks they can hire!
In response to borgdows: What it means is something I learned in grammar school. If you punch me in the nose, I'm gonna kick your ass, and I don't give a damn HOW big you think you are. That's what happened in Iraq, and the world needs to be put on notice that it can happen again in any country/state harboring terrorists. When the US is forced into action, we will take action. Got a problem with that? Okay.. just don't punch us in the nose. You start it, we'll by God finish it. It's that damn simple.
Damn! And for all these years, I thought Pabst was just trying to convey beer! I'm gon' have to be more careful about what I drink.
re: WatertonMan... remember who this company was and let us all know... it helps to have a heads-up on this sort of crap. Ever since Acer stiffed me on a rebate, I've made it a point to let everyone I can know that they ain't worth shootin'. I wouldn't buy anything again that I knew they had anything to do with, and I like to pass this along. I figure, I can cost them more than they can cost me. That is my goal. I'd love to put the scumbags out of business, but I'll settle for costing them as much as I can.
I agree... if they want to save me some money, they can get their hand out of my pocket in the store. I've neglected a few and knew they wouldn't be coming (the companies expect that, and they like it). But some years ago I bought a 24X Acer CD-ROM drive, and those swine stiffed me for $30 or $40 bucks (can't remember). When I called the number on my "rebate card", it was no longer in service. My point with this is I'll never buy a damn thing made by them again. Also, in my small town the only places with computer supplies are Office Max and Walmart, and a few independent builders. I usually go to Office Max, but darn near everything they have on sale has a mail-in rebate. I think mail-in rebates ought to be outlawed, but pending that, I try to avoid buying from them. If they want to save me money, they can get their hand out of my pocket while I'm in the store. Simple.
"...been trying to figure out where my representatives stand on issues involving digital rights". Check and see, but there's a good chance they have websites, or at least e-mail addresses. Send 'em an e-mail and ask. I live in SC, and I think Hollings will drop out after this term (couple of years... kinda hate I won't be able to vote against him, but as long as his sorry store-bought ass is out of there, I can live with it). But yeah, I'll vote against them, campaign against them, anything I can do to knock them out of office (within reason... I won't beat 'em up or shoot 'em or nothin') Oh, almost forgot... an old friend of mine was a retired Navy Commander and retired lawyer, and he used to get right drunk and fire off collect telegrams to his Senators and Congressmen. Anything they were doing that he disapproved of, they'd get a collect (key word) telegram from him. I asked him once, "Man, will they accept those?" and he said, "Hell, yeah, they don't have a choice. They can't refuse them!" I always got a kick out of that. }:~) All the best, -Alph
We, the People, cannot hope to compete against the RIAA and the MPAA unless we can afford to buy more "lawmakers" than they can. I don't think that's going to happen. But we can hit the RIAA & MPAA where they eat, simply by not buying their products, and we can vote the swine out of office who have been supporting them.
re: elmegil and "truth in legislation" laws, absolutely! I agree with you 100%. It's about time that our legislature be forced to justify everything it passes on its own merits. And, regarding a previous post, if a legislator signs something he/she hasn't read, they should be booted out of office for being too stupid to make laws. The fact is, we have far too many laws; if we could get these people busy repealing the garbage instead of passing new crap, we'd be much better off.
The "how stuff works" site is great. There is another site that is good called "how things get done". The link for that one is html:www.ehow/home/home.jsp. I believe that link is correct, but if it doesn't work check Google. I have a rather massive "favorites" file with lots of educational stuff in there... if I can be of further assistance, let me know. Btw, you didn't mention which operating system you were using, etc. Nobody NEEDS to know where you are (I think you're sharp enough to have figured that out for yourself)but some additional information on your computer (os, processor, etc.) could be handy. All the best, - Alph
Strangely, the bills usually arrive on time (though not always). But I've had letters brought to me from a few doors down the street, or from the next block (same house number, different street), etc. An elderly lady next door failed to get her Social Security check, and someone happened to find it, still in its envelope, wadded up, across town. They were decent enough to bring it to her. The problem is that the USPS keeps hiring people who either can't read, or don't care enough to bother with it.
Hell, no! AOL needs to educate its users to set up antivirus, firewalls, etc., to protect themselves. I use all this fun stuff running DSL, and used most of it before I ever had a DSL connection. You are right, too many people don't know about this stuff, but the solution to AOL's problem is to educate its users, not to block out anyone using DSL. That's just pure head-in-the-sand bullshit. Not surprising, though, from AOL.
"And there will always be people that don't listen to the music that is on the radio." Radio? Seems like I had a little red AM transistor when I was a kid... used to listen to it at night when I was supposed to be asleep. Picked up WLS in Chicago, and WWL in New Orleans, from 'way over here in South Carolina. I think I had some in a few of the cars I used to have. Hard to remember much about that stuff now, though... been a long time.
Note to the artists/songwriters/musicians: Just be damn careful what you sign. If it doesn't make sense to you (and it probably won't), have your lawyer check it out. Oh, and screw the RIAA. Their day is done. They have outlived whatever usefullness they may ever have had.
re comments by 2short: Thanks for the advice... sounds good to me. I have a fairly kick-ass computer (well, it was a year ago), but I'm still using a 14" Digital monitor I bought used when I bought my first Internet-capable computer (also used). I really look forward to upgrading the monitor, and the vid card, but right now I don't know if I can afford it. I'd love a 20 or 21 inch CRT, and the video card makes a big difference too. (Mine is an antique). Haven't played with the Trinitron monitors, but I used to work on teevees, and they made the best darn CRTs I'd ever seen. (this was about 30 years ago, and I know things change). When I am able to upgrade, I'll check out the Trinitron line, for sure. Btw, I'm not a gamer, but my vision isn't what it used to be so I need all the help I can get. }:~)
mbogosian, that was a rather long, though interesting post. In response, I have a suggestion for you: go to France, or Iraq, or anywhere you choose, but you are not fit to live on the soil of the USA. I don't give a tinker's damn what your listed publications say, there is no better place in the world to live than right here. If you disagree, then move! No one is chaining you down. And our Country will be a better place without you. Oh, and if arrogance offends you, you might want to skip France and Germany.
"They're (the RIAA) about to loose the same weight in credibility." They already have. I've been saying for awhile that the RIAA isn't worth the powder it'd take to blow 'em to hell, but thinking about it, powder's not that expensive. CDs, on the other hand, are quite high. Maybe if we all just quit buying CDs and invest that money into powder for awhile... nah, never mind. What I'm thinking is probably illegal in some states.
In my view, there is nothing more obscene than censorship. Back in the late '60s or early '70s, the President of the US established a Congressional committee to study the issue. They could find no link between pornography and crime. This study and its findings were published in the Congressional Record. The President quickly swept it under the rug, as best he could, but the publishers of Zap Comics (popular underground comic books) got hold of it and published an illustrated version. It contained photographs to illustrate just about everything mentioned in the Congressional Record, along with the text, and yes, some of it was damn disgusting, but it made a point: the Committee viewed this same sort of stuff, and though they may have found it disgusting, they saw no harm in it. These dumbass politicians need to look for REAL problems to solve and quit sweating the small stuff. And parents need to keep a closer eye on their kids.
"The Mr Mature option is to send it to them personally and tell them to imagine what it would be like if it got posted publicly..." Yeah, I agree... I'd hold back, too. I'd send them this message with all data gathered, hold back for 3-4 days, and THEN post it to a Website. This will be beneficial if they're among the imagination-deprived.
Microsoft would do well to fix the crap they've made that is already broken before they delve into areas in which they have little (or no) expertise. That might serve the purpose of elevating their credability, and more people might start to take them seriously again. Oh, and Google is doing fine. I can't imagine using a MS search engine when I can use Google. If they issue an IPO, I hope I'll be able to buy a few shares. -Alph
Re: Media Player Classic. One question... is it spyware?
Interesting post from wideBlueSkies. But I think it depends on what you're doing when you're interrupted. If I were mucking out a stable, or building an engine, or any number of things, no problem. I'll gladly stop and share any knowledge I have with anyone. But if I'm about chest-deep in writing a song and really like the way it's going, if you interrupt me, you may see the business end of my pistol. Depending on who you are, it may be the last thing you ever see. I'd imagine many programmers would feel the same way. If so, put a sign on your door (or cubicle entrance) that says: Until I finish this project, you'd rather french-kiss a rattlesnake than to disturb me. If you have a question, send me an e-mail. I'll get back to you asap... and type/sign your name. Oh, and it doesn't hurt to keep a large caliber handgun on your desk at all times. And an "Out Of Order" sign on your back wouldn't hurt, either.
As a non-programmer (hoping to learn some soon) and an old guitar picker / songwriter, etc., from what little I know of programming, there is no doubt that it is an art. In any artform (includes drawing, painting, photography... but many other things too; I've done a bit of all that), the creator of the work needs to establish where he/she is taking this project. What do you want it to do? To say? What is the purpose here? Once that is established, get the hell out of their way and let them work. I'll tell you, I've seen some programs over the years that could only have been created by artists, and this goes back to some of the old 8086 and 8088 DOS stuff. Fact is, there is art in everything; it's all a matter of attitude. Build an automobile engine, repair a hydraulic system, fix a leaky faucet... doesn't matter. Is it just a task, or is it a labor of love? If it's the latter, it's art. (oh, and I've packed a mess of boxes too... loved it. That was art. -Alph
"When the truth is outlawed, only outlaws will tell the truth". Hell, that ought to make a more truthful world! We're damn near ALL outlaws... most of us just haven't been caught. - Alph