I can just see it now, some wiseguy is going to have a tweak for the conversion utility that makes "Jack Valenti" appear at the user a couple hundred times.:o
I would consider this just because of the "neato" factor. The problem I have is that it's a laptop-sized keyboard. I'm typing on an IBM 52G9658. Anything more compact than this, and it's really not usable.
If the game industry is using *computers*, but creating all models from *scratch*, then they're not really make good use of their equipment. As the level of detail advances, so should their methods for creating new models. There are already websites popping up which have an inventory of high-poly models, ready to use (and for a fee).
I seriously doubt the number of polygons is going to be the limiting factor. Those dev houses that can't figure out a way to do it more efficiently will just go under.
When you consider the costs of maintaining infrastructure, policing drivers, cleaning up after auto "accidents" (police, fire, rescue and hospital bills), registering and insuring automobiles, and the fact that cars are much less efficient in terms of fuel expended / passengers transported, it becomes apparent that we have a lot of money to burn on personal transportation. The fact that most people trade-in cars in under 3 years also tells me, "lots of disposable income".
I've been hearing this kind of bullshit for the past 30 years, yet in the meantime Europe keeps getting richer and poverty keeps steadily increasing in the US.
I disagree. The US on the whole is fabulously wealthy. The level of poverty isn't a constant that can be directly compared between countries; our governments define the poverty line. Almost 70 per cent of US residents own homes, and most of us have our own private transportation. Perhaps you're thinking of the pay gap between blue collar workers and senior management, which has been increasing (and will continue as long as regulations of wages, benefits, etc. continues to make hiring riskier for small companies, and as long as the majority of our manufacturing infrastructure remains at a technology level somwhere between the 1930s and the 1960s). It also doesn't help that our welfare system has (or had) the tendency to keep generations of families on the dole, instead of helping them become self-sufficient. Considering that the basic system pays according to the number of dependants, you can see how that creates a growing class of people way below the poverty line.
Europe has lower crime, longer lifespans, lower infant mortality, you name it they've got it. Go back to reading "USA Today" and keep dreaming that you live in utopia.
I don't know if it's a lower crime rate, or the fact that we arrest people at the drop of a hat. Having lots of disposable income and harsh drug law enforcement doesn't help (in urban areas), either. I have no mortality statistics for westernized European countries, so I can't compare the mortality rates, but the average lifespan in the US is about 77 years. I don't contend that the USA is the ultimate utopia, but then again the definition of "utopia" appears to be subjective. What some others suggest would be my definition of Hell. This is not to say that the way it is now is my ideal; I do complain, but on the whole I've had a pretty comfortable life.
p.s. USA Today is junk rag as far as I'm concerned.
Oh, come off it. Open up your phone book and look for a local gaming center. There you can make a minimal investment ($5-$6 US) and have an hour or so at the monitor to try out a new title.
The real problem are ISPs and web hosting companies that are using Microsoft NT/200x Server and XP for Internet based services. (And we don't do this but there are tons who do) This is particularly dangerous for e-commerce applications.
I don't understand... Why would ports 445, 5554, and 9996 be open to the general public on any Windows server? Maybe it's time to look for insecure boxes, and find out which companies or contractors are setting up the insecure worm-magnets.
I've always said that GIMP is still somewhere near Photoshop 4.0 in terms of capability (and holding steady). Of course, I'm probably saying that because it's hard to dig out the new features. Its interface is just out there. I've been using it for years, so I'm somewhat used to it. What the GIMP needs is a redesign so that non-GIMP developers can rearrange the UI.
I lived in China for six months last year teaching English at a University. What I found particularly amazing, was that the culture has taught people not to question things.
There has to be a double-standard there. What good would a PhD in the sciences be from a Chinese university?
What's the shell got to do with privledge separation?
If the superuser's shell works exactly the same way as the regular users (with all the application links available), guess which one users are going to pick as a matter of convenience? I'm not saying eliminate the shell entirely, or remove advanced features used in administrating the box. I'm asking that there is clear separation between the two types of accounts, so that users know, "this isn't the account for surfing the web."
No, this is what happens when there is no privilege separation on modern operating systems. Maybe the problem is that superuser accounts are allowed to use the same shell as unprivileged user accounts. It's about time operating system vendors made the shell for a superuser more like a maintenance UI instead of a regular user's UI.
It certainly isn't asking the government to be involved. What does the FTC have to do with this anyway? Did they write the code in question? Do they have the ability to control computers better than the end user? The proper solution is to make the user aware of what is going on, and to properly "sandbox" browser components so that they cannot quietly download and install other things. I don't see what the problem is with having the user download a set-up program and run it. There the user can see the click-through license, and he is very much aware of what is going on.
This is retarded. The reason I suggested you USE JavaScript over the others is that you can't fuck up your computer. And you suggest three languages that really COULD screw up a computer, the reason given that "no browsers come with a decent JavaScript reference?" Name one browser that comes with a good Perl reference. Shit, Perl doesn't even come with a good perl reference!
Go on Netscape's site (a distributor of a browser with Javascript), and show me where are the comparable documents with respect to Active State's TCL references, or PHP.net's references. There is no comparison. So for a beginner, these languages are more accessible. I don't get your argument about "fucking up" the computer. The basic commands for those scripting languages I listed are no more dangerous than the basic Javascript commands. When the user more learned, he is still protected from "fucking up" his computer, but it's a trade-off, because he's also using something that has restricted functionality.
And PHP? PHP requires so much knowledge --how a webserver works, how HTML works, how to set up apache for script execution -- before it can even be approached that I'm just going to assume that you didn't think before typing, those four languages are TERRIBLE for beginners.
PHP doesn't require a webserver, nor does it require great knowledge of HTML. Obviously it's greatest strength is in web-based applications, but a working webserver isn't required to learn PHP. On the other hand, knowledge of HTML and a working web browser is required to use Javascript.
Another dumb statement. Before development was halted on it, MS Java *WAS* Sun Java, only a lot more flexible.
I wasn't speaking historically, I didn't even mention it. As it stands now, you have a much greater amount of functionality available Netscape with Sun Java.
IN BRIEF The national ACLU is neutral on the issue of gun control. We believe that the Constitution contains no barriers to reasonable regulations of gun ownership. If we can license and register cars, we can license and register guns.
And we have. The first major gun control legislation of note came in 1934, when the aftermath of Prohibition (NOT the normal behavior of law-abiding gun owners) caused a major spike in violent crime because crime organizations built and enforced their "territory" using violence (since they obviously could not use government-provided protection). Since then, thousands of federal and state laws hit the books, and violent crime and crime involving firearms has grown despite these laws. I don't think of firearms registration as "infringing", I think of it as more "collection of statistics". But arbitrary limitation of Second Amendment civil rights happens, and it is often associated with the government agencies that also record registration information.
Most opponents of gun control concede that the Second Amendment certainly does not guarantee an individual's right to own bazookas, missiles or nuclear warheads. Yet these, like rifles, pistols and even submachine guns, are arms.
Wow, major misunderstanding by the ACLU. No, the 2nd does not, because those are "ordnance", not arms. None of those listed would be desirable for use in defense of my person, since they'd likely kill me as well. Someone should let the ACLU know that "submachineguns" have been illegal since 1934, and that handguns are outright illegal in some states, and in many urban areas. We've also had federal law in effect for about 10 years now that severly restricts handguns. It hasn't resulted in greater safety, but one provision has managed to nab felons attempting to purchase guns from legitimate dealers (NICS). I specifically mentioned legitimate dealers, because there are crooked dealers as well. The ATF has changed their requirements for FFLs in order to keep a closer eye on those that supply the black market.
The question therefore is not whether to restrict arms ownership, but how much to restrict it. If that is a question left open by the Constitution, then it is a question for Congress to decide.
It has been plenty restricted for quite a while. The restrictions have been growing for a century, but violent crime rates haven't been directly affected by those laws. The reason is that with rare exception, gun control laws mostly irritate law-abiding citizens. Gun-control advocates show total violent crime rates when drumming up support for more gun ownership restrictions, but are very selective about which categories of violent crime to include when showing the results. And, no, it's not a question for Congress to decide, since they've proven themselves derelict of the facts in the past.
All the gun-control laws on the books aren't having a profound effect on violent crime because violent crime isn't caused by availability of firearms, their rate of fire, their size or the accessories attached to them.
The reality is that many right wingers have a serious problem with the ACLU, because the ACLU takes on cases that they consider to be "liberal". The ACLU isn't interested in the politics of the situation - they protect Republicans and Democrats alike. They even defend some people who are quite morally despicable, such as racists.
I don't have a problem with the ACLU skipping over some of our "inalienable" rights. I have a problem with them standing up for one right, and actively working to infringe on another (I consider pushing anti-arms propaganda on members actively working to infringe). If they don't care for the Second Amendment, let them just say, "we don't support this one." If I am a member of both the ACLU and NRA, the net result is that I've done nothing with respect to my *Civil Rights* listed in the Second Amendment.
So those grenade launchers, tanks, attack helicopters, mortars, land mines, and nuclear missiles
This is a extreme example that I really wish would never be mentioned again. You mentioned four types of ordnance and two vehicles. I'm fairly certain the Second Amendment doesn't include "ordnance" or "armored vehicles". It only mentions arms. That could be anything from pepper spray to handguns to a Louisville Slugger.
The problem is there are no groups that can handle that last 5%. The NRA (I'm a member) is more like the White Southern Good Ol' Boys Network. They get the job done, barely, but I don't like their methods. No research, little arguments of substance (and there is plenty to show); They're mostly about paying for votes and name-calling. Heck, they can't even accept the fact that the BATFE is here to stay.
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I can just see it now, some wiseguy is going to have a tweak for the conversion utility that makes "Jack Valenti" appear at the user a couple hundred times. :o
I would consider this just because of the "neato" factor. The problem I have is that it's a laptop-sized keyboard. I'm typing on an IBM 52G9658. Anything more compact than this, and it's really not usable.
If the game industry is using *computers*, but creating all models from *scratch*, then they're not really make good use of their equipment. As the level of detail advances, so should their methods for creating new models. There are already websites popping up which have an inventory of high-poly models, ready to use (and for a fee).
I seriously doubt the number of polygons is going to be the limiting factor. Those dev houses that can't figure out a way to do it more efficiently will just go under.
When you consider the costs of maintaining infrastructure, policing drivers, cleaning up after auto "accidents" (police, fire, rescue and hospital bills), registering and insuring automobiles, and the fact that cars are much less efficient in terms of fuel expended / passengers transported, it becomes apparent that we have a lot of money to burn on personal transportation. The fact that most people trade-in cars in under 3 years also tells me, "lots of disposable income".
I've been hearing this kind of bullshit for the past 30 years, yet in the meantime Europe keeps getting richer and poverty keeps steadily increasing in the US.
I disagree. The US on the whole is fabulously wealthy. The level of poverty isn't a constant that can be directly compared between countries; our governments define the poverty line. Almost 70 per cent of US residents own homes, and most of us have our own private transportation. Perhaps you're thinking of the pay gap between blue collar workers and senior management, which has been increasing (and will continue as long as regulations of wages, benefits, etc. continues to make hiring riskier for small companies, and as long as the majority of our manufacturing infrastructure remains at a technology level somwhere between the 1930s and the 1960s). It also doesn't help that our welfare system has (or had) the tendency to keep generations of families on the dole, instead of helping them become self-sufficient. Considering that the basic system pays according to the number of dependants, you can see how that creates a growing class of people way below the poverty line.
Europe has lower crime, longer lifespans, lower infant mortality, you name it they've got it. Go back to reading "USA Today" and keep dreaming that you live in utopia.
I don't know if it's a lower crime rate, or the fact that we arrest people at the drop of a hat. Having lots of disposable income and harsh drug law enforcement doesn't help (in urban areas), either. I have no mortality statistics for westernized European countries, so I can't compare the mortality rates, but the average lifespan in the US is about 77 years. I don't contend that the USA is the ultimate utopia, but then again the definition of "utopia" appears to be subjective. What some others suggest would be my definition of Hell. This is not to say that the way it is now is my ideal; I do complain, but on the whole I've had a pretty comfortable life.
p.s. USA Today is junk rag as far as I'm concerned.
Oh, come off it. Open up your phone book and look for a local gaming center. There you can make a minimal investment ($5-$6 US) and have an hour or so at the monitor to try out a new title.
The real problem are ISPs and web hosting companies that are using Microsoft NT/200x Server and XP for Internet based services. (And we don't do this but there are tons who do) This is particularly dangerous for e-commerce applications.
I don't understand... Why would ports 445, 5554, and 9996 be open to the general public on any Windows server? Maybe it's time to look for insecure boxes, and find out which companies or contractors are setting up the insecure worm-magnets.
Nevermind, wrong port. >:O
I just wrote a script that just sits there and holds the port open on requests to TCP 9996. How long do you think the worm waits for a reply?
I've always said that GIMP is still somewhere near Photoshop 4.0 in terms of capability (and holding steady). Of course, I'm probably saying that because it's hard to dig out the new features. Its interface is just out there. I've been using it for years, so I'm somewhat used to it. What the GIMP needs is a redesign so that non-GIMP developers can rearrange the UI.
And yet, anything you want to watch is always in the worst-performing proprietary format. :-/
Who would have a problem with using I2 for downloading music? I'd have a problem with them using I2 for copyright infringement.
Why was this modded as funny? It's obviously flamebait, and posted as AC no less.
I lived in China for six months last year teaching English at a University. What I found particularly amazing, was that the culture has taught people not to question things.
There has to be a double-standard there. What good would a PhD in the sciences be from a Chinese university?
I like to call that the Old Testament. May Simon continue to have unlimited power!
What's the shell got to do with privledge separation?
If the superuser's shell works exactly the same way as the regular users (with all the application links available), guess which one users are going to pick as a matter of convenience? I'm not saying eliminate the shell entirely, or remove advanced features used in administrating the box. I'm asking that there is clear separation between the two types of accounts, so that users know, "this isn't the account for surfing the web."
No, this is what happens when there is no privilege separation on modern operating systems. Maybe the problem is that superuser accounts are allowed to use the same shell as unprivileged user accounts. It's about time operating system vendors made the shell for a superuser more like a maintenance UI instead of a regular user's UI.
So what's the solution?
It certainly isn't asking the government to be involved. What does the FTC have to do with this anyway? Did they write the code in question? Do they have the ability to control computers better than the end user? The proper solution is to make the user aware of what is going on, and to properly "sandbox" browser components so that they cannot quietly download and install other things. I don't see what the problem is with having the user download a set-up program and run it. There the user can see the click-through license, and he is very much aware of what is going on.
Too bad you posted as AC, because no one will see this and mod it up as "Informative".
This is retarded. The reason I suggested you USE JavaScript over the others is that you can't fuck up your computer. And you suggest three languages that really COULD screw up a computer, the reason given that "no browsers come with a decent JavaScript reference?" Name one browser that comes with a good Perl reference. Shit, Perl doesn't even come with a good perl reference!
Go on Netscape's site (a distributor of a browser with Javascript), and show me where are the comparable documents with respect to Active State's TCL references, or PHP.net's references. There is no comparison. So for a beginner, these languages are more accessible. I don't get your argument about "fucking up" the computer. The basic commands for those scripting languages I listed are no more dangerous than the basic Javascript commands. When the user more learned, he is still protected from "fucking up" his computer, but it's a trade-off, because he's also using something that has restricted functionality.
And PHP? PHP requires so much knowledge --how a webserver works, how HTML works, how to set up apache for script execution -- before it can even be approached that I'm just going to assume that you didn't think before typing, those four languages are TERRIBLE for beginners.
PHP doesn't require a webserver, nor does it require great knowledge of HTML. Obviously it's greatest strength is in web-based applications, but a working webserver isn't required to learn PHP. On the other hand, knowledge of HTML and a working web browser is required to use Javascript.
Another dumb statement. Before development was halted on it, MS Java *WAS* Sun Java, only a lot more flexible.
I wasn't speaking historically, I didn't even mention it. As it stands now, you have a much greater amount of functionality available Netscape with Sun Java.
No, but I condsider myself of limited financial means. So, Stallman has given me a tremendous gift.
From the ACLU's Website:
IN BRIEF
The national ACLU is neutral on the issue of gun control. We believe that the Constitution contains no barriers to reasonable regulations of gun ownership. If we can license and register cars, we can license and register guns.
And we have. The first major gun control legislation of note came in 1934, when the aftermath of Prohibition (NOT the normal behavior of law-abiding gun owners) caused a major spike in violent crime because crime organizations built and enforced their "territory" using violence (since they obviously could not use government-provided protection). Since then, thousands of federal and state laws hit the books, and violent crime and crime involving firearms has grown despite these laws. I don't think of firearms registration as "infringing", I think of it as more "collection of statistics". But arbitrary limitation of Second Amendment civil rights happens, and it is often associated with the government agencies that also record registration information.
Most opponents of gun control concede that the Second Amendment certainly does not guarantee an individual's right to own bazookas, missiles or nuclear warheads. Yet these, like rifles, pistols and even submachine guns, are arms.
Wow, major misunderstanding by the ACLU. No, the 2nd does not, because those are "ordnance", not arms. None of those listed would be desirable for use in defense of my person, since they'd likely kill me as well. Someone should let the ACLU know that "submachineguns" have been illegal since 1934, and that handguns are outright illegal in some states, and in many urban areas. We've also had federal law in effect for about 10 years now that severly restricts handguns. It hasn't resulted in greater safety, but one provision has managed to nab felons attempting to purchase guns from legitimate dealers (NICS). I specifically mentioned legitimate dealers, because there are crooked dealers as well. The ATF has changed their requirements for FFLs in order to keep a closer eye on those that supply the black market.
The question therefore is not whether to restrict arms ownership, but how much to restrict it. If that is a question left open by the Constitution, then it is a question for Congress to decide.
It has been plenty restricted for quite a while. The restrictions have been growing for a century, but violent crime rates haven't been directly affected by those laws. The reason is that with rare exception, gun control laws mostly irritate law-abiding citizens. Gun-control advocates show total violent crime rates when drumming up support for more gun ownership restrictions, but are very selective about which categories of violent crime to include when showing the results. And, no, it's not a question for Congress to decide, since they've proven themselves derelict of the facts in the past.
All the gun-control laws on the books aren't having a profound effect on violent crime because violent crime isn't caused by availability of firearms, their rate of fire, their size or the accessories attached to them.
The reality is that many right wingers have a serious problem with the ACLU, because the ACLU takes on cases that they consider to be "liberal". The ACLU isn't interested in the politics of the situation - they protect Republicans and Democrats alike. They even defend some people who are quite morally despicable, such as racists.
I don't have a problem with the ACLU skipping over some of our "inalienable" rights. I have a problem with them standing up for one right, and actively working to infringe on another (I consider pushing anti-arms propaganda on members actively working to infringe). If they don't care for the Second Amendment, let them just say, "we don't support this one." If I am a member of both the ACLU and NRA, the net result is that I've done nothing with respect to my *Civil Rights* listed in the Second Amendment.
So those grenade launchers, tanks, attack helicopters, mortars, land mines, and nuclear missiles
This is a extreme example that I really wish would never be mentioned again. You mentioned four types of ordnance and two vehicles. I'm fairly certain the Second Amendment doesn't include "ordnance" or "armored vehicles". It only mentions arms. That could be anything from pepper spray to handguns to a Louisville Slugger.
The problem is there are no groups that can handle that last 5%. The NRA (I'm a member) is more like the White Southern Good Ol' Boys Network. They get the job done, barely, but I don't like their methods. No research, little arguments of substance (and there is plenty to show); They're mostly about paying for votes and name-calling. Heck, they can't even accept the fact that the BATFE is here to stay.