"This allows you to have a totally autonomous organism that you can 'race'in one pot by evolving the new bacterium alongside its ancestors with 20 amino acids," says Christopher Anderson, a researcher at Scripps and another author of the paper. By racing the organisms -- exposing both to selective pressures at the same time and watching their development -- the researchers hope to see if the organism with the expanded genetic code has an evolutionary advantage over natural organisms.
Geez, is this where the reality tv show "Survivor" is going? "Don't miss the new SURVIVOR 6: YOUR COLON where natural and unnatural E. Coli bacteria compete for control of your ASS!" We already knew it's a shitty show, but it CAN get worse.
Other useless thoughts...
"It's a bona fide unnatural organism now." --Wasn't this a bad guy's line from a SciFi Channel original movie?
"Our unnatural organism will always live in the lab. We have no intention of putting it out in the wild or in commercial products where it could 'get out.'" -- Oh yeah, it wasn't the bad buy that said these things, it was the unwitting scientist-stooge of the bad guy.
"We are now focusing on more 'useful' unnatural amino acids such as ketone- and PEG-containing amino acids," Anderson says. PEG stands for polyethylene glycol, a polymer that can be connected to proteins used in medicines to enhance their therapeutic value. "I don't think it is at all unrealistic to imagine that in the not-too-distant future there will be a transgenic goat that can biosynthesize a PEG amino acid and incorporate it into therapeutic proteins secreted into the animal's milk," Anderson says. --Isn't polyethylene glycol otherwise known as antifreeze? Imagine ice cream that melts in the freezer -- YUM!! Now THAT'S REALLY USEFUL.
I guess that's all for now. Too Much Tee Veee... Slashdot.. Brain... function decreasing. Cerebral cortex failure imminent.
If you're just looking for a logo to advertize to the public that you've got a WAP available to use, I'm working on that right now. Here's the rough website I threw together today:
I'd have put this up hours ago but work kept getting in the way of my goofing-off time (I hate that). I'll put up the original graphics I developed for this after I get home tonight-will be available tomorrow. I wish I had my professional graphics tools at work. I'll also post links to existing sites that show available AP's and add my own list of Hot Spots. I'll start taking list suggestions at my email address (zombvision@cy-co.com) until I get a handy web form put up to automate the process. I'll gladly accept volunteer code and graphics for free distribution, as well as suggestions from arm-chair lawyers (or real lawyers, even) as to how my rules for use of the designs on this page should be amended/modified.
Yup. The vacuum salesman who shows me a machine that sucks more than the one I already own is gonna get a sale. Right now I'm pulling up dirt that was on the floor BEFORE the carpet was installed. Thats powerful suckage there!
The reason your Win95 didn't get brutally murdered on a daily basis is the same reason that even the lowest street thugs wouldn't beat the everliving crap out of a mentally retarded kid with no legs trying to teach his "sleeping cat" how to play fetch. I just ain't macho. You just feel sorry for people with Win95 boxes, and there's just no reason to add to their pain.
(This is supposed to be mildly Funny and/or Insightful but will probably get modded as Troll)
Does gigabit ethernet use unshielded twisted pair?
No, but I run double-shielded UV-resistant weatherproof cat-5, even for my patch cables. Anyone can do this, it's just a lot more expensive than the plain stuff (and a little harder to work with).
I'm no expert on radio, but wouldn't higher speed data (like gig ethernet) use higher frequencies, and would that make it easier or harder to pick up in the hypothetical signals intelligence van?
Higher frequencies generally get less penetration than lower frequencies which is why 802.11b (2.4 Ghz) has such a short range and 801.11a (5 Ghz) is worse. Double-shielded cat-5 (or fiber) + wire mesh in exterior walls & windows + massive shrubbery & trees on the grounds does a damn good job at preventing any (usable) signal from leaking out to that signals van parked on the street outside my house. Though I can't do much about the outside line they tapped, except for best available encryption. With all possible security measures in place, the weakest point is always the outside connection, which is why the most sensitive stuff MUST remain disconnected from any network that has an external connection. Wireless is by definition an external connection, and must be treated as such.
Things that happen to foil network security or Your PHB is the Enemy
As an informed network guru, you already know that wireless networking is inherently insecure, but you are ordered to implement it anyway. Your proposal includes keeping all wired computers wired, running cable to all new pc's that need the network connection. You've got to have a separate server for the AP so you can segregate the wireless and wired networks. You'll have to load firewall, VPN, and intrusion detection software on the new server as well as EVERY client pc, and set things such that the clients will ONLY connect to the server AP and the AP will ONLY accept authorized client connections without broadcasting info to anonymous clients (knowing full well that snort will pick up the signal anyway). The AP(s) will be placed in such a way that signal leaking out of the target area is minimal or as close to unusable as possible (You know you won't be able to use the Langley method of wire mesh in all exterior walls and windows to contain the signal will NEVER be approved). You also request a pay increase because of the additional workload of managing this second network. Here's what happens:
1) The PHB says "sure" and appropriates the equipment for you to deploy, but assigns you a new task as soon as you have it working but before you get all the security implemented. Result: insecure wireless network. 2) A contractor is hired to install the wireless network, but the security implementation they proposed is declined because the PHB says "Our network guy will set that up" and then neglects to assign you the task. Result: insecure wireless network. 3) Miraculously, you get your way and have the wireless network and security installed exactly the way you wanted. Result: your PHB bitches that the security measures are "inconvenient and slow down the network" and you are told to fix it, leaving you with an insecure wireless network. 4) Your massive proposal is rejected, no wireless network is installed, and you still have time to post semi-intelligent crap on slashdot.
The simple security solution for wireless networks is VPN. This could be a bit of a pain in the ass to set up and maintain in an environment where you've got 80 pc's on at any given time. Which is why you run wired (use gigabit ethernet if you got it-spanks wireless any day) in any significant cluster of pc's and only use secured wireless links between clusters where running cable is impractical. Example would be in and industrial/commercial park where you've got several offices that need to be networked together. Providing general wireless access (rather than Point-to-Point bridging) has to be done in an environment that is understood to be insecure, ie. you have to log into a secured environment in order to handle any sensitive information. The bottom line is that you can't trust a wireless connection to your own network anymore than you can trust any connection to the internet.
The reason most wireless LANs go unsecured is that the equipment is defaulted with minimum security setings to make it easy to install and set up. Typically, once the AP is placed and running, people are just happy that it works, and neglect to apply the necessary security devices within the equipment. Additionally, research into appropriate security practice for wireless is rarely done. I've got the appropriate settings and protections on my home WLAN, and even so, if I'm not using the network, I turn it OFF - no need for unnecessary risk. A little paranoia won't hurt you, besides, they really are out to get you.
Looks like a standard PC crammed into a spaceworthy shell. The ultimate case mod? "Look guys I shot my PC INTO SPACE! And I can control it through the INTERNET!!! Just wait till SLASHDOT sees this! I'm the coolest casemodder EVER!"
I agree about White on Black, which is why I prefer Gray or Blue on Black. It's the high contrast that makes the eyes bug. But I just can't look at a bright white screen very long before I start to feel my eyes starting to melt. I'm going blind right now, as I continue to stare at slashdot for hours on end.
In my experience, I've developed a reliable system for extended functional wakefulness. It requires chemical, physical, and environmental stimuli: (caffein + nicotine) + (physical activity of some kind - active mental activity) + (Hard driving music (Prodigy, APB, etc.)) and strategically timed power naps of approximately 20 minutes duration each per 8 hours wakefulness whereby self-hypnosis is used to induce a very relaxed state (I like to call this the recharge period, and it's absolutely critical) which is also useful for combating the halucinations which become most annoying around the 4th day of extended wakefulness (reminding myself that I really DID NOT see a flock of pteradactyls flying by is also helpful) but after about 6 days productivity is pretty close to nil, which requires a hard sleep period of about 18-24 hours duration after which I feel quite refreshed and am ready for the next extended wakefulness period.
Holy Shit!!! This is going on in BROWARD COUNTY FLORIDA!!! We're totally screwed now: Remember what they did to us in the 2000 election? I'm burning off my fingerprints right now...
Now I don't have to worry about going blind from enjoying too much pron! I'll just get me a couple of these. But what to do about all this hair on my palms...
Couldn't they have made A LOT more money by selling the video to one of the networks to for yet another reality tv show? Or is it not about the money, but sharing the fun?
Upon being asked who my favourite author was, I thought for a bit before having to reply that I am my own favorite author. (One example of my sci-fi) Basically what makes great sci-fi is what makes any story great. Well-developed characters that one can relate to facing believable situations and reacting in a believable manner. It's not about gee-wiz gagetry, or the difference between the story's "universe" and our own. The story shouldn't be "What if (one thing) was different and (one other thing) happened?" It should be more like "I Wonder..." and it shouldn't necessarily answer any questions raised.
But to make my (mostly forgotten due to interruption) rant shorter, A few things I expect from good to great sci-fi: 1. I don't want to be treated as though I'm completely ignorant of things/issues presented in the story (even if I really am). Lengthy, detailed explanations of exactly how the fictional science/situation works really bog down the story. Any ABSOLUTELY NECESSARY minutely specific details that I ABSOLUTELY MUST know to "get it" can be worked into the plot whithout bringing the story to a complete halt in order to lecture me. If I have to I can look up the relevant science or pick up the neccessary background info from reading the story itself. 2. Realistic Characters are a must. Even an invulnerable superheroic character has to have some kind of believable motivation for what s/he does. I'll even accept a completely flawless character, so long as it behaves in a reasonably believable manner. Characters should develop and grow through the process of the story. But sometimes, no matter what happens, some people just refuse to learn from their experiences and this is truly tragic, and should be presented that way. 3. Leave out the tired/useless plot devices. I hate useless sidekicks that exist solely for the purpose of comic relief or plot/science exposition. These plague mostly TV/movies, but are not at all uncommon in other media. Deus ex machina pisses me off. I don't mind if an important character gets offed if the situation in the plot indicates that there is a 99.99999% chance that death will happen. Otherwise you've got to have a damn good explanation. Just being lucky enough to have that crucial bit of tech/info/nerve at exactly the right moment to save your butt is not bloody likely. I've personally been dangling 100 feet in the air when that one crucial piece of tech I needed at that exact moment was *dropped* (oh shit!), and I'm only glad that it wasn't a life/death situation.
Well, damn. I forgot the other essentials I was going to list, but those above would correct 90% of the problems with all those almost-great stories out there.
Stupid COWorkers... I gotta have a smoke now... GRRRR
Agreed. This is definitely a superior product, a fact even non-tech users are able to see quite quickly. When I set up a new client's internet connection, I typically also install Moz 1.0.1 with IE skin and add the JRE and Flash plugins. With 2 minutes demonstrating tabbed browsing, pop-up blocking, and other cool, useful features, they are universally impressed and usually hooked.
I'm also sure to tell them about the problems with IE-only websites (PITA) and advise them to write the webmaster complaining about the broken (non-standards-compliant) site.
YMMV, but it seems that most people tech-savvy and otherwise that I've introduced to Moz have not encountered problems that would make them go back to IE.
Also, I would be glad to house-sit, I use very little oxygen.
Maybe one of these guys would use less? Maybe send up a couple dosen and hope they don't start a space colony, revolt, take over the rest of our com sats and invade...
Oh shit! I just gave Hollywood an idea for the next Stuart Little/Independence Day sequel. Filthy's gonna be pissed.
Slashdot Mirror
Instant Vaporware!
yup. they claimed 32k games served over broadband. how do they expect to sell anything at all now that their server is slag?
You mean I can find GOOD STUFF on those old HDs if i don't wipe em first? Shit, I've been missing out. Damn my utter lack of curiosity.
From the article:
"This allows you to have a totally autonomous organism that you can 'race'in one pot by evolving the new bacterium alongside its ancestors with 20 amino acids," says Christopher Anderson, a researcher at Scripps and another author of the paper. By racing the organisms -- exposing both to selective pressures at the same time and watching their development -- the researchers hope to see if the organism with the expanded genetic code has an evolutionary advantage over natural organisms.
Geez, is this where the reality tv show "Survivor" is going? "Don't miss the new SURVIVOR 6: YOUR COLON where natural and unnatural E. Coli bacteria compete for control of your ASS!" We already knew it's a shitty show, but it CAN get worse.
Other useless thoughts...
"It's a bona fide unnatural organism now."
--Wasn't this a bad guy's line from a SciFi Channel original movie?
"Our unnatural organism will always live in the lab. We have no intention of putting it out in the wild or in commercial products where it could 'get out.'"
-- Oh yeah, it wasn't the bad buy that said these things, it was the unwitting scientist-stooge of the bad guy.
"We are now focusing on more 'useful' unnatural amino acids such as ketone- and PEG-containing amino acids," Anderson says. PEG stands for polyethylene glycol, a polymer that can be connected to proteins used in medicines to enhance their therapeutic value. "I don't think it is at all unrealistic to imagine that in the not-too-distant future there will be a transgenic goat that can biosynthesize a PEG amino acid and incorporate it into therapeutic proteins secreted into the animal's milk," Anderson says.
--Isn't polyethylene glycol otherwise known as antifreeze? Imagine ice cream that melts in the freezer -- YUM!! Now THAT'S REALLY USEFUL.
I guess that's all for now.
Too
Much
Tee Veee...
Slashdot..
Brain... function
decreasing.
Cerebral cortex failure imminent.
If you're just looking for a logo to advertize to the public that you've got a WAP available to use, I'm working on that right now. Here's the rough website I threw together today:
ZomBvision's Web Icon
I'd have put this up hours ago but work kept getting in the way of my goofing-off time (I hate that).
I'll put up the original graphics I developed for this after I get home tonight-will be available tomorrow. I wish I had my professional graphics tools at work.
I'll also post links to existing sites that show available AP's and add my own list of Hot Spots. I'll start taking list suggestions at my email address (zombvision@cy-co.com) until I get a handy web form put up to automate the process. I'll gladly accept volunteer code and graphics for free distribution, as well as suggestions from arm-chair lawyers (or real lawyers, even) as to how my rules for use of the designs on this page should be amended/modified.
Now I can use that "On Top of Spaghetti" song to teach geology to my 4-year-old!
Yup. The vacuum salesman who shows me a machine that sucks more than the one I already own is gonna get a sale. Right now I'm pulling up dirt that was on the floor BEFORE the carpet was installed. Thats powerful suckage there!
The reason your Win95 didn't get brutally murdered on a daily basis is the same reason that even the lowest street thugs wouldn't beat the everliving crap out of a mentally retarded kid with no legs trying to teach his "sleeping cat" how to play fetch. I just ain't macho. You just feel sorry for people with Win95 boxes, and there's just no reason to add to their pain.
(This is supposed to be mildly Funny and/or Insightful but will probably get modded as Troll)
Does gigabit ethernet use unshielded twisted pair?
No, but I run double-shielded UV-resistant weatherproof cat-5, even for my patch cables. Anyone can do this, it's just a lot more expensive than the plain stuff (and a little harder to work with).
I'm no expert on radio, but wouldn't higher speed data (like gig ethernet) use higher frequencies, and would that make it easier or harder to pick up in the hypothetical signals intelligence van?
Higher frequencies generally get less penetration than lower frequencies which is why 802.11b (2.4 Ghz) has such a short range and 801.11a (5 Ghz) is worse. Double-shielded cat-5 (or fiber) + wire mesh in exterior walls & windows + massive shrubbery & trees on the grounds does a damn good job at preventing any (usable) signal from leaking out to that signals van parked on the street outside my house. Though I can't do much about the outside line they tapped, except for best available encryption. With all possible security measures in place, the weakest point is always the outside connection, which is why the most sensitive stuff MUST remain disconnected from any network that has an external connection. Wireless is by definition an external connection, and must be treated as such.
Things that happen to foil network security
or
Your PHB is the Enemy
As an informed network guru, you already know that wireless networking is inherently insecure, but you are ordered to implement it anyway. Your proposal includes keeping all wired computers wired, running cable to all new pc's that need the network connection. You've got to have a separate server for the AP so you can segregate the wireless and wired networks. You'll have to load firewall, VPN, and intrusion detection software on the new server as well as EVERY client pc, and set things such that the clients will ONLY connect to the server AP and the AP will ONLY accept authorized client connections without broadcasting info to anonymous clients (knowing full well that snort will pick up the signal anyway). The AP(s) will be placed in such a way that signal leaking out of the target area is minimal or as close to unusable as possible (You know you won't be able to use the Langley method of wire mesh in all exterior walls and windows to contain the signal will NEVER be approved). You also request a pay increase because of the additional workload of managing this second network. Here's what happens:
1) The PHB says "sure" and appropriates the equipment for you to deploy, but assigns you a new task as soon as you have it working but before you get all the security implemented. Result: insecure wireless network.
2) A contractor is hired to install the wireless network, but the security implementation they proposed is declined because the PHB says "Our network guy will set that up" and then neglects to assign you the task. Result: insecure wireless network.
3) Miraculously, you get your way and have the wireless network and security installed exactly the way you wanted. Result: your PHB bitches that the security measures are "inconvenient and slow down the network" and you are told to fix it, leaving you with an insecure wireless network.
4) Your massive proposal is rejected, no wireless network is installed, and you still have time to post semi-intelligent crap on slashdot.
The simple security solution for wireless networks is VPN. This could be a bit of a pain in the ass to set up and maintain in an environment where you've got 80 pc's on at any given time. Which is why you run wired (use gigabit ethernet if you got it-spanks wireless any day) in any significant cluster of pc's and only use secured wireless links between clusters where running cable is impractical. Example would be in and industrial/commercial park where you've got several offices that need to be networked together. Providing general wireless access (rather than Point-to-Point bridging) has to be done in an environment that is understood to be insecure, ie. you have to log into a secured environment in order to handle any sensitive information. The bottom line is that you can't trust a wireless connection to your own network anymore than you can trust any connection to the internet.
The reason most wireless LANs go unsecured is that the equipment is defaulted with minimum security setings to make it easy to install and set up. Typically, once the AP is placed and running, people are just happy that it works, and neglect to apply the necessary security devices within the equipment. Additionally, research into appropriate security practice for wireless is rarely done. I've got the appropriate settings and protections on my home WLAN, and even so, if I'm not using the network, I turn it OFF - no need for unnecessary risk. A little paranoia won't hurt you, besides, they really are out to get you.
na.. the fun doesn't begin until you add FRIKKIN' LASER BEAMS attached TO IT'S HEAD!
Looks like a standard PC crammed into a spaceworthy shell. The ultimate case mod? "Look guys I shot my PC INTO SPACE! And I can control it through the INTERNET!!! Just wait till SLASHDOT sees this! I'm the coolest casemodder EVER!"
I agree about White on Black, which is why I prefer Gray or Blue on Black. It's the high contrast that makes the eyes bug. But I just can't look at a bright white screen very long before I start to feel my eyes starting to melt. I'm going blind right now, as I continue to stare at slashdot for hours on end.
In my experience, I've developed a reliable system for extended functional wakefulness. It requires chemical, physical, and environmental stimuli:
(caffein + nicotine) + (physical activity of some kind - active mental activity) + (Hard driving music (Prodigy, APB, etc.))
and strategically timed power naps of approximately 20 minutes duration each per 8 hours wakefulness whereby self-hypnosis is used to induce a very relaxed state (I like to call this the recharge period, and it's absolutely critical) which is also useful for combating the halucinations which become most annoying around the 4th day of extended wakefulness (reminding myself that I really DID NOT see a flock of pteradactyls flying by is also helpful) but after about 6 days productivity is pretty close to nil, which requires a hard sleep period of about 18-24 hours duration after which I feel quite refreshed and am ready for the next extended wakefulness period.
Holy Shit!!! This is going on in BROWARD COUNTY FLORIDA!!! We're totally screwed now: Remember what they did to us in the 2000 election?
I'm burning off my fingerprints right now...
The American Association of Advertising Agencies Response Group (AAAARG)
Now I don't have to worry about going blind from enjoying too much pron! I'll just get me a couple of these.
But what to do about all this hair on my palms...
Couldn't they have made A LOT more money by selling the video to one of the networks to for yet another reality tv show? Or is it not about the money, but sharing the fun?
You Forgot:
12: ???
13: Profit
Upon being asked who my favourite author was, I thought for a bit before having to reply that I am my own favorite author. (One example of my sci-fi)
Basically what makes great sci-fi is what makes any story great. Well-developed characters that one can relate to facing believable situations and reacting in a believable manner. It's not about gee-wiz gagetry, or the difference between the story's "universe" and our own. The story shouldn't be "What if (one thing) was different and (one other thing) happened?" It should be more like "I Wonder..." and it shouldn't necessarily answer any questions raised.
But to make my (mostly forgotten due to interruption) rant shorter, A few things I expect from good to great sci-fi:
1. I don't want to be treated as though I'm completely ignorant of things/issues presented in the story (even if I really am). Lengthy, detailed explanations of exactly how the fictional science/situation works really bog down the story. Any ABSOLUTELY NECESSARY minutely specific details that I ABSOLUTELY MUST know to "get it" can be worked into the plot whithout bringing the story to a complete halt in order to lecture me. If I have to I can look up the relevant science or pick up the neccessary background info from reading the story itself.
2. Realistic Characters are a must. Even an invulnerable superheroic character has to have some kind of believable motivation for what s/he does. I'll even accept a completely flawless character, so long as it behaves in a reasonably believable manner. Characters should develop and grow through the process of the story. But sometimes, no matter what happens, some people just refuse to learn from their experiences and this is truly tragic, and should be presented that way.
3. Leave out the tired/useless plot devices. I hate useless sidekicks that exist solely for the purpose of comic relief or plot/science exposition. These plague mostly TV/movies, but are not at all uncommon in other media. Deus ex machina pisses me off. I don't mind if an important character gets offed if the situation in the plot indicates that there is a 99.99999% chance that death will happen. Otherwise you've got to have a damn good explanation. Just being lucky enough to have that crucial bit of tech/info/nerve at exactly the right moment to save your butt is not bloody likely. I've personally been dangling 100 feet in the air when that one crucial piece of tech I needed at that exact moment was *dropped* (oh shit!), and I'm only glad that it wasn't a life/death situation.
Well, damn. I forgot the other essentials I was going to list, but those above would correct 90% of the problems with all those almost-great stories out there.
Stupid COWorkers... I gotta have a smoke now... GRRRR
Agreed. This is definitely a superior product, a fact even non-tech users are able to see quite quickly. When I set up a new client's internet connection, I typically also install Moz 1.0.1 with IE skin and add the JRE and Flash plugins. With 2 minutes demonstrating tabbed browsing, pop-up blocking, and other cool, useful features, they are universally impressed and usually hooked. I'm also sure to tell them about the problems with IE-only websites (PITA) and advise them to write the webmaster complaining about the broken (non-standards-compliant) site. YMMV, but it seems that most people tech-savvy and otherwise that I've introduced to Moz have not encountered problems that would make them go back to IE.
What I really want is to have some pockets grafted into my ass so I have someplace to put my wallet/change/keys when I'm at the nudist camp.
Also, I would be glad to house-sit, I use very little oxygen.
Maybe one of these guys would use less? Maybe send up a couple dosen and hope they don't start a space colony, revolt, take over the rest of our com sats and invade...
Oh shit! I just gave Hollywood an idea for the next Stuart Little/Independence Day sequel. Filthy's gonna be pissed.