However, convicting an innocent man destroys that mans life without question, there is no "it wont matter anyway", because it takes away his liberty and destroys the credibility of the entire system. Allowing a guilty man to go free because you didn't have the evidence increases the credibility of the system because it shows that the system plays by its own rules.
I think that's the most compelling argument that I've read in this thread. If only this could be modded up further....
The Hanford cleanup project has been one of the most expensive American projects for nuclear cleanup. Plans are in place to create a treatment plant to turn the hazardous material into less hazardous glass (proposed to cost $13.4 billion), but for now officials are trying just to stop the leaking from the corroded tanks.
Don't think of it as a nuclear waste clean-up project, environmental fiasco, or other government boondoggle. Consider it a gift of a $13.4 billion dollar jobs program.;-) (one with reeeeeally high stakes if it's screwed up).
How about instead of having a database of lawful gun owners, we have a Free, Open and Searchable database of all people with mentally unstable, or have violent tendancies. It makes much more sense.
That was semi sarcastic, in that nobody is suggesting that anyone that has had a mental breakdown or violent episode be put in a national database.
Actually, Wayne LaPierre of the NRA did suggest we keep a National Database of the Mentally Ill. (see page 3 of the transcript at http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2012/12/21/us/nra-news-conference-transcript.html). Here are two (admittedly oversimplified) reasons to why we should have a Gun Owners' database vs. a Mentally Ill Database.
1. Gun owners WANT to own a gun, and (theoretically) take on the rights and responsibilities of ownership.
2. People who have a mentally illness DON'T WANT IT. They have enough problems receiving help and dealing with the stigma as it is.
jeebus cristo, you people are TECHIES. act like it. 'big content' hosting sites are not the only way to serve your own photos and html, even free forum software.
lazy. do your own site and html. its not rocket science!
...and while you're at it, code your own web server (without violating Apache's license!), your own operating system, and do it all on your own home-built computer, with silicon you smelted and mined by your own self! Stop being so lazy, you dumb techie!
CyberDong writes "Roscosmos, Russia's Federal Space Agency, will start working on a project to save planet Earth from a possible collision with Asteroid Apophis
....
I don't think the news is that another asteroid is coming to crush us - the problem is that vibrators have apparently obtained sentience!*
Meteorite rings are fine for some nerdy couples. For those people who like to be more hands-on and build stuff ourselves (like my wife and I), we made our own rings (with a little help from an instructor).
Question is: If it takes a 40 foot high wing to move a 1 ton car, how big of a wing would you need to move a 50,000 ton container ship?
I think a better question is: Why do you need to move a ship that big on sail power alone? While it would be cool to do so, using wind power in conjunction with conventional engines improves efficiency reducing fuel consumption between 10 and 35 percent, which is a good start.
For example, an EMR that reminds me my diabetic patient is overdue for annual eye screen and should be on an ACE-Inhibitor is a great idea.
For the non-medical people out there: EMR = Electronic Medical Record
Of course what I always find to be funny is the very same people who have zero tolerance for any risk or error and decry doctors for an untoward fear of cookbook medicine are the first ones to ask you to depart from standard practice for their personal special case...
I'm finding this to be a more common practice of patients for a variety of reasons, but the problem is often compounded by the doctors not listening to the patient's concerns. I'm not saying that doctors don't have the patient's best interests at heart, but most patients find it difficult to establish that rapport where they can rule out the doctor is being "lazy" or even downright "evil" unless the doctor is able to spend time with them to hear out their perspective (and likely have to correct them all the way).
Could someone clarify if this is even one of the roles/responsibilities of the Attorney General? Given the size and the scope of the "problem", wouldn't it be beyond him? And if it is beyond his control then, so what? (I have a pretty good answer in mind, but I'll wait to hear from what others might say).
...*cough* ahem. I don't know what came over me there. Seriously, psychology is, as the GP poster suggested, an exciting field for those who choose to pursue it further down the line; while there are nerdy moments, there are moments of great fun and an opportunity to explore just about any human endeavor.
I've worked at a prison for a couple of years now, and have tried to help encourage the inmates to read - it keeps them from being "bored" and getting into trouble, provides them with some knowledge, and gives them something more to talk about with other people than "thug life". The books wear out quickly for two reasons: 1) they're used, donated books to begin with. 2) they're read and shared A LOT. Especially when there is very little else to do.
They do get thrown about from time to time (by officers searching their cells, or as emergency "body armor" if things are about to jump off), but generally books are respected as they can be. Sure, some hide contraband in them (usually ineffective, at least in the cell searches I've seen - the officers have seen the same bad movies about prison you have). People are most likely asking for computer books because they're legitimately interested in the subject area. If they're looking for generic, thick books, they could easily have access to a Bible or other classic book of literature. (I suddenly have the image of an inmate saying, "Sure, I'll read 'War and Peace' it's not like I don't have the time anymore.":) )
Actually, both of those projects can be done in a shorter time frame, but are probably better for the beginning of spring, rather than the end of summer. (Although the latter will be done again 9/19/08 in San Francsico).
*with apologies to websites in case of slashdotting.
If you are looking for sentimental reasons behind the liking of the metal, you can find meaning in the blending of two/multiple metals into one new structure without losing either. If you are looking for functionality, they can be made form and backed in standard precious metals cuttable at an emergency room, and can be resized within a limited range. We had a set, engagement ring and two bands, done by Krikawa, and we love them.
Just to pile-on to the suggestion of mokume-gane rings, I will say "why stop yourself at buying them? Why not make them?" (see my other post here.)
My wife and I made ours too, but we had some help. (see my other post here.) I think that making the rings adds a unique value to the objects, beyond the value of their material.
Consider getting a ring made of damascus steel. Just make sure they've smoothed off the rough edges first. Rings made this way are quite beautiful.
Very nice options... When I initially presented the idea of wedding bands to my wife, we looked at those, but then found a more fun option of making our own rings...
As someone who just married (we're celebrating our 1 week anniversary this afternoon) a wonderful girl (who has her incredible moments of geekiness, and manages to put up with mine) might I make a slightly different recommendation?
My wife and I made ours, a pair of tri-gold Mokume-gane rings. The "star" pattern created in our rings is unique, and our rings are mirror images of each other. Or you can do some other combinations of metals, or other styles. It was a great experience, and in the end, that's more valuable than the rings themselves. (Plus, I've gotten no end of compliments in how beautiful the rings are, and/or how romantic I am for doing such a thing - serious bonus points for me!)
I'm rapidly approaching 31, and I started learning Kung Fu at 29. At my school, there are 3 other regular students between 30 and 36 (and as you get to know the other students, you learn of their inner geek), and a few over 40 who have been there for at least as long as I have (like many gyms or other Martial Arts, there are always some who come and go as they find out it's either "not for them," or "too tough." If it got easy, it'd stop being a workout!). Several of the black belt students are in their 30's (several in their 20's), our Sifu is in his 40's, and Sigung is... well, I'm sure he's approaching his 70's, and he's going strong as well. In case you're in the NYC area (or Miami, Orlando... Aberdeen and Edinburgh Scotland, or Tai Shan, Guangdong Province) look them up.
Perhaps that should be an additional piece of advice to fellow students/geeks looking for a Martial Art to study - there should be a broad age range in the adult classes. It means it won't completely devastate your joints from the workout of it, and will still be useful to you in your older ages...
Because of the pastor story I lean towards McCain.
In the interest of fairness, let's briefly examine the religious supporters that are getting behind Senator McCain:
In the wake of securing the Republican nomination, I'm sure a few more like Pat Robertson will come out in support, but let's start with these two winners.
McCain is currently accepting the endorsement of Pastor John
Hagee, who said Hurricane Katrina was God's punishment for
homosexuality. (Let's not even get started on his remarks about Catholics being "a cult," or his blaming the Jews for anti-semitism).
Or how about McCain's recent acceptance of the endorsement of Rev. Rod
Parsley, who stated (amongst other things) "I do not believe our
country can truly fulfill its divine purpose until we understand our
historical conflict with Islam. I know that this statement sounds
extreme, but I do not shrink from its implications. The fact is that
America was founded, in part, with the intention of seeing this false
religion destroyed, and I believe September 11, 2001, was a
generational call to arms that we can no longer ignore."
While Rev. Wright has said some angry and stupid things, I think they were coming from a place about being upset with American foreign policy and the historical inequities in this country. Many of his remarks could have been taken out of context (I haven't seen the full sermons, just clips). On the other hand, Pastor Hagee and Rev. Parsley were/are just spewing hate out of misunderstanding, and I don't think any amount of context would help make their statements any less bigoted or stupid.
I think the best part of this story is the fact that it gets modded "70% Informative, 30% Funny." Like thousands of Slashdot users are thinking, "okay, if I want to get through the security checkpoint faster, I need to take out any metal pins in my joints.";)
But I couldn't help but think how much that sounds like the reasons why the Catholic Church conducted mass in Latin for so long, and why they were initially reluctant to have the Bible translated to English. Yeah, and look how that turned out! We end up with complete Christian loonies instead of reasonable Catholics. (sarcasm intended)
Seriously, though, what I'm wondering is how this whole things got started. They guy is charged with "transporting" illegal pornography on a laptop. Do people crossing the border get the contents of their hard drives examined by customs agents? What generally happens when you (legally) cross the border? The Border Patrol says "papers, please," and they check your paperwork and background. If this person's background check comes up as someone who has a history of an offense such as "Distribution of Child Pornography," his personal belongings might undergo additional scrutiny.
What I'm guessing is that Mr. Suspect in this case had additional material in his possession that was questionable, and he has definitely-bad material on the laptop that he doesn't want to give up. But that's just a guess.
Slashdot Mirror
However, convicting an innocent man destroys that mans life without question, there is no "it wont matter anyway", because it takes away his liberty and destroys the credibility of the entire system. Allowing a guilty man to go free because you didn't have the evidence increases the credibility of the system because it shows that the system plays by its own rules.
I think that's the most compelling argument that I've read in this thread. If only this could be modded up further....
The Hanford cleanup project has been one of the most expensive American projects for nuclear cleanup. Plans are in place to create a treatment plant to turn the hazardous material into less hazardous glass (proposed to cost $13.4 billion), but for now officials are trying just to stop the leaking from the corroded tanks.
Don't think of it as a nuclear waste clean-up project, environmental fiasco, or other government boondoggle. Consider it a gift of a $13.4 billion dollar jobs program. ;-) (one with reeeeeally high stakes if it's screwed up).
How about instead of having a database of lawful gun owners, we have a Free, Open and Searchable database of all people with mentally unstable, or have violent tendancies. It makes much more sense.
That was semi sarcastic, in that nobody is suggesting that anyone that has had a mental breakdown or violent episode be put in a national database.
Actually, Wayne LaPierre of the NRA did suggest we keep a National Database of the Mentally Ill. (see page 3 of the transcript at http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2012/12/21/us/nra-news-conference-transcript.html). Here are two (admittedly oversimplified) reasons to why we should have a Gun Owners' database vs. a Mentally Ill Database.
1. Gun owners WANT to own a gun, and (theoretically) take on the rights and responsibilities of ownership.
2. People who have a mentally illness DON'T WANT IT. They have enough problems receiving help and dealing with the stigma as it is.
jeebus cristo, you people are TECHIES. act like it. 'big content' hosting sites are not the only way to serve your own photos and html, even free forum software.
lazy. do your own site and html. its not rocket science!
...and while you're at it, code your own web server (without violating Apache's license!), your own operating system, and do it all on your own home-built computer, with silicon you smelted and mined by your own self! Stop being so lazy, you dumb techie!
Thank you for learning me something *hic* about my *hic* favorite bread *hic* I mean beverage.
CyberDong writes "Roscosmos, Russia's Federal Space Agency, will start working on a project to save planet Earth from a possible collision with Asteroid Apophis
....
I don't think the news is that another asteroid is coming to crush us - the problem is that vibrators have apparently obtained sentience!*
* at least enough to post on slashdot.
Meteorite rings are fine for some nerdy couples. For those people who like to be more hands-on and build stuff ourselves (like my wife and I), we made our own rings (with a little help from an instructor).
http://www.newyorkweddingring.com/
Question is: If it takes a 40 foot high wing to move a 1 ton car, how big of a wing would you need to move a 50,000 ton container ship?
I think a better question is: Why do you need to move a ship that big on sail power alone? While it would be cool to do so, using wind power in conjunction with conventional engines improves efficiency reducing fuel consumption between 10 and 35 percent, which is a good start.
For example, an EMR that reminds me my diabetic patient is overdue for annual eye screen and should be on an ACE-Inhibitor is a great idea.
For the non-medical people out there: EMR = Electronic Medical Record
Of course what I always find to be funny is the very same people who have zero tolerance for any risk or error and decry doctors for an untoward fear of cookbook medicine are the first ones to ask you to depart from standard practice for their personal special case...
I'm finding this to be a more common practice of patients for a variety of reasons, but the problem is often compounded by the doctors not listening to the patient's concerns. I'm not saying that doctors don't have the patient's best interests at heart, but most patients find it difficult to establish that rapport where they can rule out the doctor is being "lazy" or even downright "evil" unless the doctor is able to spend time with them to hear out their perspective (and likely have to correct them all the way).
Could someone clarify if this is even one of the roles/responsibilities of the Attorney General? Given the size and the scope of the "problem", wouldn't it be beyond him? And if it is beyond his control then, so what? (I have a pretty good answer in mind, but I'll wait to hear from what others might say).
most so-called "psychology" that I've seen is a big stinky pile of bull shit.
I know I shouldn't be feeding the troll here (mod parent down), but I got to stick up for my field. (PhD in Clinical Psych).
Woe be unto those who mock the research of great Mad Scientists and the research conducted in the name of psychology! We lead the scientific fields in alien abduction research and other feats of astounding science. Clearly, the Anonymous Coward is unaware of their own ignorance - he or she will rue the day!
...*cough* ahem. I don't know what came over me there. Seriously, psychology is, as the GP poster suggested, an exciting field for those who choose to pursue it further down the line; while there are nerdy moments, there are moments of great fun and an opportunity to explore just about any human endeavor.
I've worked at a prison for a couple of years now, and have tried to help encourage the inmates to read - it keeps them from being "bored" and getting into trouble, provides them with some knowledge, and gives them something more to talk about with other people than "thug life". The books wear out quickly for two reasons: 1) they're used, donated books to begin with. 2) they're read and shared A LOT. Especially when there is very little else to do.
:) )
They do get thrown about from time to time (by officers searching their cells, or as emergency "body armor" if things are about to jump off), but generally books are respected as they can be. Sure, some hide contraband in them (usually ineffective, at least in the cell searches I've seen - the officers have seen the same bad movies about prison you have). People are most likely asking for computer books because they're legitimately interested in the subject area. If they're looking for generic, thick books, they could easily have access to a Bible or other classic book of literature. (I suddenly have the image of an inmate saying, "Sure, I'll read 'War and Peace' it's not like I don't have the time anymore."
Heh. Next "Politics" thread, I'm just going to copy/paste your comments - they're exactly what I was thinking.
And the next thing you know, you'll be growing your own lawn chairs or sprouting trees in your parking space.
Actually, both of those projects can be done in a shorter time frame, but are probably better for the beginning of spring, rather than the end of summer. (Although the latter will be done again 9/19/08 in San Francsico).
*with apologies to websites in case of slashdotting.
If you are looking for sentimental reasons behind the liking of the metal, you can find meaning in the blending of two/multiple metals into one new structure without losing either. If you are looking for functionality, they can be made form and backed in standard precious metals cuttable at an emergency room, and can be resized within a limited range. We had a set, engagement ring and two bands, done by Krikawa, and we love them.
Just to pile-on to the suggestion of mokume-gane rings, I will say "why stop yourself at buying them? Why not make them?" (see my other post here.)
I cold forged mine from a silver quarter.
My wife and I made ours too, but we had some help. (see my other post here.) I think that making the rings adds a unique value to the objects, beyond the value of their material.
Consider getting a ring made of damascus steel. Just make sure they've smoothed off the rough edges first. Rings made this way are quite beautiful.
Very nice options... When I initially presented the idea of wedding bands to my wife, we looked at those, but then found a more fun option of making our own rings...
As someone who just married (we're celebrating our 1 week anniversary this afternoon) a wonderful girl (who has her incredible moments of geekiness, and manages to put up with mine) might I make a slightly different recommendation?
Don't buy the rings. Make them, together.
My wife and I made ours, a pair of tri-gold Mokume-gane rings. The "star" pattern created in our rings is unique, and our rings are mirror images of each other. Or you can do some other combinations of metals, or other styles. It was a great experience, and in the end, that's more valuable than the rings themselves. (Plus, I've gotten no end of compliments in how beautiful the rings are, and/or how romantic I am for doing such a thing - serious bonus points for me!)
Note to editors, please fact check articles before posting summaries.
Now that would be a sure sign of the Apocalypse.
I'm rapidly approaching 31, and I started learning Kung Fu at 29. At my school, there are 3 other regular students between 30 and 36 (and as you get to know the other students, you learn of their inner geek), and a few over 40 who have been there for at least as long as I have (like many gyms or other Martial Arts, there are always some who come and go as they find out it's either "not for them," or "too tough." If it got easy, it'd stop being a workout!). Several of the black belt students are in their 30's (several in their 20's), our Sifu is in his 40's, and Sigung is ... well, I'm sure he's approaching his 70's, and he's going strong as well. In case you're in the NYC area (or Miami, Orlando ... Aberdeen and Edinburgh Scotland, or Tai Shan, Guangdong Province) look them up.
Perhaps that should be an additional piece of advice to fellow students/geeks looking for a Martial Art to study - there should be a broad age range in the adult classes. It means it won't completely devastate your joints from the workout of it, and will still be useful to you in your older ages...
That was a joke. HA-HA! Fat Chance.
...now if you'll excuse me, I'm going back to my job at the Aperture Science Enrichment Center.
In the interest of fairness, let's briefly examine the religious supporters that are getting behind Senator McCain:
In the wake of securing the Republican nomination, I'm sure a few more like Pat Robertson will come out in support, but let's start with these two winners.
McCain is currently accepting the endorsement of Pastor John Hagee, who said Hurricane Katrina was God's punishment for homosexuality. (Let's not even get started on his remarks about Catholics being "a cult," or his blaming the Jews for anti-semitism).
Or how about McCain's recent acceptance of the endorsement of Rev. Rod Parsley, who stated (amongst other things) "I do not believe our country can truly fulfill its divine purpose until we understand our historical conflict with Islam. I know that this statement sounds extreme, but I do not shrink from its implications. The fact is that America was founded, in part, with the intention of seeing this false religion destroyed, and I believe September 11, 2001, was a generational call to arms that we can no longer ignore."
While Rev. Wright has said some angry and stupid things, I think they were coming from a place about being upset with American foreign policy and the historical inequities in this country. Many of his remarks could have been taken out of context (I haven't seen the full sermons, just clips). On the other hand, Pastor Hagee and Rev. Parsley were/are just spewing hate out of misunderstanding, and I don't think any amount of context would help make their statements any less bigoted or stupid.
I think the best part of this story is the fact that it gets modded "70% Informative, 30% Funny." Like thousands of Slashdot users are thinking, "okay, if I want to get through the security checkpoint faster, I need to take out any metal pins in my joints." ;)
Yeah, and look how that turned out! We end up with complete Christian loonies instead of reasonable Catholics. (sarcasm intended)
What I'm guessing is that Mr. Suspect in this case had additional material in his possession that was questionable, and he has definitely-bad material on the laptop that he doesn't want to give up. But that's just a guess.