While you have one very valid point that I can't argue--that digital audio will one day be 'nearly seamless'...and 'just about perfect'....it will have seams.
I agree that one day--soon, at that--analog will be dwarfed in every way by what we do in the digital realm....it still won't be the same an equivalent analog counterpart...I'll let you choose what determines 'counterpart'
Analog is a continuous wave....digital is not. Period. Aside from the idiosynchrosies that make analog a great medium (creative) to work in, digital has that one drawback.
My point: For the love of God, man, do not confuse 'quality' with 'expense based level of accessability'.
To get an 'audiophile quality' analog reproduction you need to have the higest in quality--and highest in price--equipment. For digital the entry level is much lower.
My example: a $39 portable CD player (Via its line out) will have roughly the same (if not damn near identicle) quality output as a $1200 CD player....THD and frequency response being more limited by the output circuitry than any pickup circuitry.
it'd take (Est.) roughly $5000 worth of analog gear...(being just the turntable and tone arm) to reproduce that.
Take the high-end of analog audio....store bought vinyl reproducing ~60kHz signal, versus the high end of digital....DVD audio reproducing ~48kHz of signal...that's just the frequency...the real knock-out punch comes from the amplitude. The practically infinite variations between levels. As opposed to digital where it's quite tightly restricted. 16-bit audio (CD) does 65k discreet levels of amplitude....24-bit does 16.7mil. Quite a bit, yes....but, nowhere near par for reality, or even 'reference super-high-end-analog'
Yes, digital high-end is far more (economically) accesible...but analog high-end is far more 'real'....'hiss' aside;)
Where I'm going with all this: I am not going to run 2" tape to listen to the latest album by my favorite band....but I want the studio that records them to. I want that level of 'actual perfect' to exist in some form and to be one day accessible...even if for nothing more than being able to either archive it digitally (using the real top-shelf digital technology for later down-sampling to the lowest-common-denominator of digital playback tech)...or for actual remasterability in later years.
Remember: In the analog world, you CAN turn things up and down...in digital, all of it is artificial.
Reel-to-reel with a fat bandwidth (that you can actually measure with a ruler), and high inch-per-second rate is currently unbeatable in dynamic range and frequency response.
As the proud owner of 2 brands of 24/96 cards (the good ones...or I would have 'settled' for a much cheaper 24/192 card--you know who I'm talking about) I can honestly say that analog--even my limited 1/4" experiences--is far more flexible with signal, has far more 'air' to it--a sound guy term for something we can't quite describe...try if you must--can handle a steading hammering greatly in excess of +0db...and all you get is a nice saturation....natural compression practically....try that with digital.......I can honestly say that if this is indeed the truth, I'm not only dismayed but horrified.
Digital--no matter how sophisticated...no matter how high the sampling rate, no matter how deep the bits--is no comparison for super-highend analog tape.
...while you can pick up a 'good enough' or 'way beyond good enough' audio card for reasonable money--and 'pro gear spec' for much more money--it's damn impossible to get the same recording characteristics in digital.
Don't get me wrong, I've always 'done it digital', for nearly 13 years now...except for the 'accessible' (Read: affordable) analog tape I've had access to....which even then was shown to be far easier to work with....but...good god.....no more 2" tape!????? anywhere!??!?!?
If this is actually true--and I have many doubts that it is--well, then, this truely shows modern day mankind's ignorance...that, and savvy...in economic endeavors on "economy scale".
I don't know whether to 'tsk' at those who believe it, or the fact--if it is indeed true.
I have a really tough time believing that all of the analog tape ('pro gear' type, as measured in inches...ha) is going to be gone soon.
As an 'audio guy' I have encountered so many 'analog heads' that I think for the wound-up-no-clue-audiophile-asshole market alone this would be worth somebodies while to maintain.
...I only wish I could be one of them. Analog recording offers so many advantages (read: quirks) to the producer/recordist...and not to mention the highest bandwidth available in analog audio media.
Once again, before I ramble too far off topic... I don't believe it. There are far too many studios run by far too many producers which insist--for one reason or another (read: valid or not)--insist on nothing but analog...high quality analog....1" reels, 2" reels...1/2" reels....for mixdown, for final masters...etc. I simply do not believe it. Too many 'big name studios' operate with this techonlogy as the centerpiece of their of hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of equipment. There's something to think about.
While I am continually saddened at the migration away for more sturdy analog ancestors of our current-day digital equipment, I simply do not believe that such a market--small but used to paying top-$$$ for everything....even tape--would be abandon outright.
I'm either in disbelief like denial, or disbelief like 'I genuinely don't believe it'
This is a meme that reappeared in various forms for a long time. Essentially a return to the mainframe/terminal model. The first I heard about the modern implimentation I thought "Wow, this is going to dominate for Joe user...but I don't like that idea for myself."
...and I still don't. However, now more than ever I believe it is coming, and will arrive shortly. However, there are a certain type of user who will never accept the fact that they can't use a non connected computer...for a variety of reasons. A few being that apps may or may not be useful without a connection, fear of not being able to get to your remote data (should it be remote), etc, etc.
For Joe user, and anyone who has to service their spyware, would have far less work and worry.
...Joe Hacker, on the other hand, will not care about the benefits, especially compared to any potential drawbacks. Joe hacker, and another subset of users who are nearly reknowned for their ability to demolish the backbone of whatever network they happen to be plugged into: Content producers.
I fall into this category. Not only do I have hundreds upon hundreds of gigabytes of videe and audio that I create...but I need instant, immediate, reliable and super-fast access to it. That, and the most important reason--I don't trust their server or their operators.
Which begs the question: Will general purpose computers still exist? Or will I have to pony up absurd amounts of money for a production workstation of some sort? I'm well familiar with the technique in the audio and video world...the vast gap between 'consumer' and 'pro' gear--specs aside. It seems that something just a little better on the i/o quality side, that is considered for professional use, usually costs far more...if for nothing else than a 'creation tax'....(I always thought it was a penalty for being a small thorn in the side of their pablum distribution business...but I digress)
Unless, of course, capturing and logging have anything to do with his trip.
...or even capture and analysis, correspondence, etc...
As much as I'd love a chance to romp about the planet, I'd equally love to have as many of my technological creature-comforts with me as is easily possible, if for nothing else than documentation and transmission of my captured media and text...
You don't (or haven't) work(ed) in high level corperate or government level IT, have you?
This isn't a customized "mystify" windows standard screensaver running in the front of a mom and pop shop here...these are his employers computers doing things that I'm willing to bet are strictly prohibited by his employers use and/or employment policy.
The comments from his ex-boss, however, are extremely unprofessional...at the least
But just because what he was doing may have been trivial doesn't mean that it isn't a firable offense.
While I whole-heartedly agree with you that having no prior political record certainly makes them appear very green, if not simply crazy...I have to disagree that holding any office neccesarily says a god damn thing about any candidate.
So far as wooing the majority, yes... They certainly need to spit-shine their resumes and get a little clout behind them. This, however, has absolutely no effect on me.
...to me, it seems to be that the candidates we have (and have had) in office are the very career politicians that I'd like to oust. These minority parties (once again, seemingly) have goals in mind. None of which are a career in politics so much as a desire to make some improvements and make a difference, which a career in politics seems to derail handily.
If you want to impress Joe and Joanne Blow, by all means, have a career in politics. But if you just want to bolster a sense of popularity (as if that has ever meant a damn thing besides 'popular') I think that there are 2 parties in particular that would gladly have you among their ranks.
Me, personally, I'd much prefer to vote for somebody who hasn't jaded, tarnished and corrupted by status-quo political operation.
Funniest part is, of all of the candidates with all of their campaign promises...the only ones I actually believe are the ones that have had no career in politics. (Not in politics, meaning, elected to office...not politically motivated or involved).
Of course...this is the idealist in me. I can't expect even the slightest sliver of the population to be so easily detached from their rhetoric spewing favorites in favor of 'actually getting some [useful, productive, moral, etc] things done'.
while it's nowhere near the same scale--be it on the econonics side or the intentions side--but please--somebody, moderate this up to +5...very insightful.
Human nature can be boiled-down and disected into billions of little pieces, but...shit, man...when do YOU stop being a machine and start being human....and when do THEY stop being human are start being machine?
As someone who has designed PC boards, I can tell you that it's not going to happen. That's like worrying that your soup spoons will "go bad."
Someone mod this up as funny--I nearly spit beer all over my monitor after reading this well written and seemingly very informed comment...only to end up with one of the funniest things I've heard all week at the end.
I'm gunna try to use that "that's like worrying that your soup spoons will [insert situation here"
Most CD-ROM drives past 2x can read CD-RW perfectly. Besides, why not just use CD-R? I rarely (if ever these days) have problems with CD-R's being read by any type of device. (Video game systems, CD-ROM's, DVD's, audio players, etc)
...and judging from my own experiences, computers were equipped (standard) with CD-ROM's long before USB became standard, let alone ubiquitous.
I hate floppies myself...I also hate moving parts. USB key-chain type drives are quite alluring to me, but, still not alluring enough.
...and one more thing, about the noisy fans. I just don't understand why CPU fans and PS fans etc are so very noisy. I have a 116CFM fan installed in my (lack-of) case....and it is huge, very fast, and very quiet. Wind-noise, mechanical noise and vibration are all well below my noise floor....yet my CPU and PS fan often make me worry if my harddrive has blown a bearing...(anyone who had old 80-340meg seagate drives--that often sounded like "chainsaws in action"--would know exactly what i'm talking about)
Scared. Definitely scared - maybe I'm a pessimist, but I think that this will be just more commercialization.
No kiddin, I mean, I remember when Starwars used to be cool, before they sold out. They were just doin' it for the wookies man, now they are only in it for the money...back in the day man, it wasn't man. It wasn't.
Moderation be damned...and my keyboard is broken, so pardon some repacements.
I am no\/\/ 25 years old, I have been 'online' since the age eleven, and on the internet (via a shell account I 'discovered' from a then local university...and then the first-run commercial nets of the time...delphi, bi\net, later compuserv and then aol even for a time).
I have gro\/\/n highly dependant on instant access to the ans\/\/ers to \/\/hatever absurd question happens to captivate my mind at the moment.
Every day I do a fair amount of reseach on many fields. My mind, no\/\/ very much a reflection of the internet, has varied and random islands of information...over time all of \/\/hich slo\/\/ly become integrated, linked and/or conte\tually relevant. sometimes it's absolutely esoteric information the likes of \/\/hich \/\/ould probably never be useful to me...other times it's related to either of my chosen trades. (no\/\ Audio Production and screen printing...used to have computers/net\/\/orking too for almost 10 years).
Granted, I don't kno\/\/ ho\/\/ entirely addicted I am so much as "practically dependant". \/\/hen I do go for unplanned stretches \/\/ith no internet, I dunno, I usually feel just fine...though, \/\/hen I do get back to it I feel much better--especially after i check my email.
Internet Addiction? I dunno I don't care. For me? For them? I don't care. I've gotten a far many more vices of considerably less value.
But, please don't claim the the vast majority must obviously be spending all of their time consumed by frivolity, triviality and minutae.
I don't even know what to say...but I had to respond with something.
The DMCA is obviously a scourge to the freedom of information. When it was first introduced--and abused--I thought to myself "Excellent, now the absurdity and obvious problems with this law can finally be addressed, how can any rationally minded lawmaker not noticed these issues?"
Ha.
Now I realize that logic like that ranks right up there with "If it wasn't totally true, they wouldn't put it on the news..." and "The FCC can't do that....cmon, like people would let them get away with that!
Ha.
I don't know what or how, but, critical mass is obviously upon us...some day (in my lifetime anyway) I expect to see the recoil of all of these actions. What this means is a mystery to me....but, things like this can't go much farther untill the proverbial Joe Q. Sixpacks of the world become personally and financially affected...but, then again, by then....I'm sure "their" plan will be in full swing and such rogue thinkers will be dealt with appropriately.
Sickening....truely. Someone show me a glimmer of hope...please.
DSP tech has to work within a limited set of frequencies. It's sampling rate. Not to mention personal preference from the analog model they are based upon....I hate the opinions of most of the guys making these analog/amp/dist simulation DSP's and plugins. Low in detail, high in irreversable colouration....post-production is mostly pointless on things processed with these....you love it how it is, or you don't use it....cuz you'll just make an instrument sound so processed that unless you are using that as an effect, it'll be obvious....
Analog equipment is rated for it's highest and lowest frequencies, much like sample rate, but the rolloff is far smoother, far more natural, and also can eek out harmonics that are technically out of it's reach. Digital can not do such a thing.
Untill I see DSP's doing 192kHz@64-bit precision, I wouldn't even consider such a thing as a mediocre substitute for high-end analog gear....let alone any type of replacement.
If you couldn't tell, I'm a die-hard digital-audio producer. Why, then, if I hold analog audio and DSP's in such a regard would I be rooted in digital audio?
Entry Level.
for the $2000 I spend on a decent analog mixer and a ADC/DAC interface (soundcard, essentially) I get unlimited tracks (software limited).... perfection up to the filter rolloff, and far more features than I could afford for even $50,000 of top-shelf analog production equipment.
This article was very well written, very informative...and finally gives some substance to the claims of tube's superiority. I never doubted it. Just, the crackpot zealots that audiophiles and sound-guys typically appear to be have seriously tainted me on even entering such arguments.
In fact, with the information gleaned from said article, I can even take my digital production methods and incorperate filters and EQ to compensate for the exact effects the analog and digital display, depending on what I'm going for.
....yes, I do use a couple tube-sim DSP tricks... but I use that as a buffer....I use it to 'do what I can', though I realize it is nothing compared to what I would like to do.
This article, basically, convinced me to get a very good tube preamp...and stick to transistors and digital for all of my other purposes.
amen to that...I love Opera, even though it seems to get shit on by the Mozilla and Firebird crowd.
3.4meg download, loads up instantly, and is still by far the fastest rendering engine i've seen. all of this talk about IE's rendering speed being a reason why people stick to IE is total horse shit.
I've already posted in this discussion, so I'm moot for the job...even though I have points.
DXM is an insidious drug. I've done it a handful of times, and while it's hallucinogneic abilities should not be diminished, taking it safely is far more complex than "make sure you get just DXM in your syrup."
Beyond that, dosage titration is incredibly difficult. The mg/Kg ratio depends on a variety of factors...and the drug has contraindications with just about every type of chemical out there.
Add in to that the fact that it routinely comes in formulas containing itself, acetominophen (tylenol--drink a 4oz bottle with that acetominophen inn it and there's a good chance you're dying 18 hours later...of a miserable type of toxicity....your organs will shut down one at a time, and you'll be there for the whole shebang), psuedoephedrine hCl (the synthetic--though more predictable, and arguably safer--form of ephedra. This will crank your heart up, and while even in very high doses (such as found in 1 4oz bottle) probably won't cause you much beyond a pounding heart, by it's nature makes you more prone for anxiety attacks...leading to panic attacks, etc...a bad time, at the least).....and then that still leaves the various maleates they put in there (depending on brand, locality, and popularity).....but let's not also forget Gueifennison.....an expectorant, which is put in there to help you cough stuff up. Well, if you drink alot of it, your able to cough shit up straight from your stomach. A horrible time, to say the least...
DXM (dextromethorphanhydrobromide hcl) is seratonergically active....so it contraindicates with any SSRI or MAOI type antidepressant. (if you're on antidepressants, 90% chance it's one of these two types, or a closely related derivitive). Google for "seratonin syndrome" if you wanna see how you'll die (or live miserably) after that.
It's also an Opoid...a synthetic opiate. I've heard that it was being tested for addiction therapy...
It is also a disassociative anesthetic...most popular of which (ketamine, and dxm) have both been shown to cause vacuoles (micro perforations) in your brain. debate the merits of these findings all you wish--I care not to risk it
Granted, the effects on the brain when administered in appropriate (and low) doses (usually by accident) are very interesting. It is not a fun drug. It isn't a bad experience, but, it's more intellectual than it is entertaining. That may equate to entertaining to you. YMMV The music enhancing effects it seemed to have around threshold doses were very nice, just as the FAQ told me it would be. But, at higher doses it became a terribly bizzare experience. Which, for that sake alone, was very entertaining...I'm wierd.
But then we come to the negetive side effects. the racing heart....or the perception of it.....(I haven't hammered down what is is, but i'm sure its one of the two)....very bad. Cigarettes (as I'm a dedicated smoker) tasted like crap, and made me feel strange. I've theorized that it's the presence of small amounts of MAOI in cigarette smoke....but, I digress.
It turned 3 hours into 3 days....it would take a though and endlessly reproduce it, as if an an infinite feedback loop. Just as the FAQ described. I would ordinarily credit the FAQ with colouring my experience...but if you've tried this drug you know that it isn't very likely. the FAQ documented it, and I reccomend it to anyone with any questions AT ALL about this drug. It's very matter of fact, and the interpretation of the data is--for the most part--left up to you.
Don't get me wrong, I'm all for thorougly researching and then performing very stupid things in the name of personal psychological, chemical, and "psychonotical" experimentation and exploration...but, do some reading...
Always be as safe and informed as you can in any situation, but in a situation as obviously precarious as this, at least be informed of the risks and reasons.
"Flashbacks" are nothing more than a psycological condition in which you are reminded of a certain perspective or frame of reference that you previously only remember from (though not neccesarily exclusive to) a hallucinogenic experience.
I've done, shit, I can't even count how much....150, 180 hits of acid? (all of various degrees of quality and consistency) I relish every single flashback that I get. Not only is it a 'freebie', but given the moments that they occur (for me), usually is at just the right time and place to give me the 'perspective check' that I so desperately need (at the moment).
I'm quite sick of hearing about 'flashbacks' as if it were some physical condition that only LSD could bring on...cuz it just ain't true. I've had flashbacks from strong coffee, traumatic events, acid trips, mdma use, or even just 'deja vu'.... it's not a physical condition, the LSD does not crystalize and reside in your spine, and it is not a "poison, so that's why you trip".
Granted, my anecdotal evidence is just as anecdotal as all other evidence you may have. But, as an experienced (and thoughtful) psychonaut, I have done my fair share of research prior to and after the fact. All of which has led me to the conclusion that trying to detail, catalog, and timeline an LSD trip--much like your own sober perceptions of the world--are futile, given the subjective nature of result.
I have plenty of flashbacks....and they are all wonderful.
To everybody all hopped up about these flashbacks: Enjoy the ride, or get in control of your mind
Slashdot Mirror
While you have one very valid point that I can't argue--that digital audio will one day be 'nearly seamless'...and 'just about perfect'....it will have seams.
;)
I agree that one day--soon, at that--analog will be dwarfed in every way by what we do in the digital realm....it still won't be the same an equivalent analog counterpart...I'll let you choose what determines 'counterpart'
Analog is a continuous wave....digital is not. Period. Aside from the idiosynchrosies that make analog a great medium (creative) to work in, digital has that one drawback.
My point: For the love of God, man, do not confuse 'quality' with 'expense based level of accessability'.
To get an 'audiophile quality' analog reproduction you need to have the higest in quality--and highest in price--equipment. For digital the entry level is much lower.
My example: a $39 portable CD player (Via its line out) will have roughly the same (if not damn near identicle) quality output as a $1200 CD player....THD and frequency response being more limited by the output circuitry than any pickup circuitry.
it'd take (Est.) roughly $5000 worth of analog gear...(being just the turntable and tone arm) to reproduce that.
Take the high-end of analog audio....store bought vinyl reproducing ~60kHz signal, versus the high end of digital....DVD audio reproducing ~48kHz of signal...that's just the frequency...the real knock-out punch comes from the amplitude. The practically infinite variations between levels. As opposed to digital where it's quite tightly restricted. 16-bit audio (CD) does 65k discreet levels of amplitude....24-bit does 16.7mil. Quite a bit, yes....but, nowhere near par for reality, or even 'reference super-high-end-analog'
Yes, digital high-end is far more (economically) accesible...but analog high-end is far more 'real'....'hiss' aside
Where I'm going with all this: I am not going to run 2" tape to listen to the latest album by my favorite band....but I want the studio that records them to. I want that level of 'actual perfect' to exist in some form and to be one day accessible...even if for nothing more than being able to either archive it digitally (using the real top-shelf digital technology for later down-sampling to the lowest-common-denominator of digital playback tech)...or for actual remasterability in later years.
Remember: In the analog world, you CAN turn things up and down...in digital, all of it is artificial.
Reel-to-reel with a fat bandwidth (that you can actually measure with a ruler), and high inch-per-second rate is currently unbeatable in dynamic range and frequency response.
...while you can pick up a 'good enough' or 'way beyond good enough' audio card for reasonable money--and 'pro gear spec' for much more money--it's damn impossible to get the same recording characteristics in digital.
As the proud owner of 2 brands of 24/96 cards (the good ones...or I would have 'settled' for a much cheaper 24/192 card--you know who I'm talking about) I can honestly say that analog--even my limited 1/4" experiences--is far more flexible with signal, has far more 'air' to it--a sound guy term for something we can't quite describe...try if you must--can handle a steading hammering greatly in excess of +0db...and all you get is a nice saturation....natural compression practically....try that with digital.......I can honestly say that if this is indeed the truth, I'm not only dismayed but horrified.
Digital--no matter how sophisticated...no matter how high the sampling rate, no matter how deep the bits--is no comparison for super-highend analog tape.
Don't get me wrong, I've always 'done it digital', for nearly 13 years now...except for the 'accessible' (Read: affordable) analog tape I've had access to....which even then was shown to be far easier to work with....but...good god.....no more 2" tape!????? anywhere!??!?!?
If this is actually true--and I have many doubts that it is--well, then, this truely shows modern day mankind's ignorance...that, and savvy...in economic endeavors on "economy scale".
I don't know whether to 'tsk' at those who believe it, or the fact--if it is indeed true.
I have a really tough time believing that all of the analog tape ('pro gear' type, as measured in inches...ha) is going to be gone soon.
...I only wish I could be one of them. Analog recording offers so many advantages (read: quirks) to the producer/recordist...and not to mention the highest bandwidth available in analog audio media.
As an 'audio guy' I have encountered so many 'analog heads' that I think for the wound-up-no-clue-audiophile-asshole market alone this would be worth somebodies while to maintain.
Once again, before I ramble too far off topic... I don't believe it. There are far too many studios run by far too many producers which insist--for one reason or another (read: valid or not)--insist on nothing but analog...high quality analog....1" reels, 2" reels...1/2" reels....for mixdown, for final masters...etc. I simply do not believe it. Too many 'big name studios' operate with this techonlogy as the centerpiece of their of hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of equipment. There's something to think about.
While I am continually saddened at the migration away for more sturdy analog ancestors of our current-day digital equipment, I simply do not believe that such a market--small but used to paying top-$$$ for everything....even tape--would be abandon outright.
I'm either in disbelief like denial, or disbelief like 'I genuinely don't believe it'
This is a meme that reappeared in various forms for a long time. Essentially a return to the mainframe/terminal model. The first I heard about the modern implimentation I thought "Wow, this is going to dominate for Joe user...but I don't like that idea for myself."
...and I still don't. However, now more than ever I believe it is coming, and will arrive shortly. However, there are a certain type of user who will never accept the fact that they can't use a non connected computer...for a variety of reasons. A few being that apps may or may not be useful without a connection, fear of not being able to get to your remote data (should it be remote), etc, etc.
...Joe Hacker, on the other hand, will not care about the benefits, especially compared to any potential drawbacks. Joe hacker, and another subset of users who are nearly reknowned for their ability to demolish the backbone of whatever network they happen to be plugged into: Content producers.
For Joe user, and anyone who has to service their spyware, would have far less work and worry.
I fall into this category. Not only do I have hundreds upon hundreds of gigabytes of videe and audio that I create...but I need instant, immediate, reliable and super-fast access to it. That, and the most important reason--I don't trust their server or their operators.
Which begs the question: Will general purpose computers still exist? Or will I have to pony up absurd amounts of money for a production workstation of some sort? I'm well familiar with the technique in the audio and video world...the vast gap between 'consumer' and 'pro' gear--specs aside. It seems that something just a little better on the i/o quality side, that is considered for professional use, usually costs far more...if for nothing else than a 'creation tax'....(I always thought it was a penalty for being a small thorn in the side of their pablum distribution business...but I digress)
~Dan
I can't imagine a plausible counter-suite...
But I get the SCO joke...
I don't neccesarily agree with the phrasology of this post, but, of the thread it makes the most logical sense.
As such, mod parent up.
mod parent up
+5 Succint
I don't really think it's fair to compare this with the hubble, unless the hubble can see far into space.
Unless, of course, capturing and logging have anything to do with his trip.
...or even capture and analysis, correspondence, etc...
As much as I'd love a chance to romp about the planet, I'd equally love to have as many of my technological creature-comforts with me as is easily possible, if for nothing else than documentation and transmission of my captured media and text...
You don't (or haven't) work(ed) in high level corperate or government level IT, have you?
This isn't a customized "mystify" windows standard screensaver running in the front of a mom and pop shop here...these are his employers computers doing things that I'm willing to bet are strictly prohibited by his employers use and/or employment policy.
The comments from his ex-boss, however, are extremely unprofessional...at the least
But just because what he was doing may have been trivial doesn't mean that it isn't a firable offense.
either it's a defiency with myself, or perhaps the media...I'll leave it up to the readers to negotiate.
Where you there? Who told you this? Do you trust them? Why?
I'm sorry, but, I've been permenently scarred from taking anything from corperate media at face value.
YMMV, but I Doubt it.....unless you are of the 'others'
While I whole-heartedly agree with you that having no prior political record certainly makes them appear very green, if not simply crazy...I have to disagree that holding any office neccesarily says a god damn thing about any candidate.
...to me, it seems to be that the candidates we have (and have had) in office are the very career politicians that I'd like to oust. These minority parties (once again, seemingly) have goals in mind. None of which are a career in politics so much as a desire to make some improvements and make a difference, which a career in politics seems to derail handily.
So far as wooing the majority, yes... They certainly need to spit-shine their resumes and get a little clout behind them. This, however, has absolutely no effect on me.
If you want to impress Joe and Joanne Blow, by all means, have a career in politics. But if you just want to bolster a sense of popularity (as if that has ever meant a damn thing besides 'popular') I think that there are 2 parties in particular that would gladly have you among their ranks.
Me, personally, I'd much prefer to vote for somebody who hasn't jaded, tarnished and corrupted by status-quo political operation.
Funniest part is, of all of the candidates with all of their campaign promises...the only ones I actually believe are the ones that have had no career in politics. (Not in politics, meaning, elected to office...not politically motivated or involved).
Of course...this is the idealist in me. I can't expect even the slightest sliver of the population to be so easily detached from their rhetoric spewing favorites in favor of 'actually getting some [useful, productive, moral, etc] things done'.
btw: I'm a staunch MS hater.
while it's nowhere near the same scale--be it on the econonics side or the intentions side--but please--somebody, moderate this up to +5...very insightful.
Human nature can be boiled-down and disected into billions of little pieces, but...shit, man...when do YOU stop being a machine and start being human....and when do THEY stop being human are start being machine?
As someone who has designed PC boards, I can tell you that it's not going to happen. That's like worrying that your soup spoons will "go bad."
Someone mod this up as funny--I nearly spit beer all over my monitor after reading this well written and seemingly very informed comment...only to end up with one of the funniest things I've heard all week at the end.
I'm gunna try to use that "that's like worrying that your soup spoons will [insert situation here"
I love it.
Just a minor pedantic correction:
...and judging from my own experiences, computers were equipped (standard) with CD-ROM's long before USB became standard, let alone ubiquitous.
...and one more thing, about the noisy fans. I just don't understand why CPU fans and PS fans etc are so very noisy. I have a 116CFM fan installed in my (lack-of) case....and it is huge, very fast, and very quiet. Wind-noise, mechanical noise and vibration are all well below my noise floor....yet my CPU and PS fan often make me worry if my harddrive has blown a bearing...(anyone who had old 80-340meg seagate drives--that often sounded like "chainsaws in action"--would know exactly what i'm talking about)
Most CD-ROM drives past 2x can read CD-RW perfectly. Besides, why not just use CD-R? I rarely (if ever these days) have problems with CD-R's being read by any type of device. (Video game systems, CD-ROM's, DVD's, audio players, etc)
I hate floppies myself...I also hate moving parts. USB key-chain type drives are quite alluring to me, but, still not alluring enough.
Scared. Definitely scared - maybe I'm a pessimist, but I think that this will be just more commercialization.
No kiddin, I mean, I remember when Starwars used to be cool, before they sold out. They were just doin' it for the wookies man, now they are only in it for the money...back in the day man, it wasn't man. It wasn't.
...and you don't think Star Trek--despite Star Wars many efforts as of late--hasn't beaten Starwars handily already?
I mean...I remember thinking ST:TNG was a stretch.
Oh, That poor puddle of goo that used to be a horse...
Moderation be damned...and my keyboard is broken, so pardon some repacements.
I am no\/\/ 25 years old, I have been 'online' since the age eleven, and on the internet (via a shell account I 'discovered' from a then local university...and then the first-run commercial nets of the time...delphi, bi\net, later compuserv and then aol even for a time).
I have gro\/\/n highly dependant on instant access to the ans\/\/ers to \/\/hatever absurd question happens to captivate my mind at the moment.
Every day I do a fair amount of reseach on many fields. My mind, no\/\/ very much a reflection of the internet, has varied and random islands of information...over time all of \/\/hich slo\/\/ly become integrated, linked and/or conte\tually relevant. sometimes it's absolutely esoteric information the likes of \/\/hich \/\/ould probably never be useful to me...other times it's related to either of my chosen trades. (no\/\ Audio Production and screen printing...used to have computers/net\/\/orking too for almost 10 years).
Granted, I don't kno\/\/ ho\/\/ entirely addicted I am so much as "practically dependant". \/\/hen I do go for unplanned stretches \/\/ith no internet, I dunno, I usually feel just fine...though, \/\/hen I do get back to it I feel much better--especially after i check my email.
Internet Addiction? I dunno I don't care. For me? For them? I don't care. I've gotten a far many more vices of considerably less value.
But, please don't claim the the vast majority must obviously be spending all of their time consumed by frivolity, triviality and minutae.
the OS that picked up where AtheOS left off over two years ago
Finally!
I've been severely missing an Os that excells in lack of support, lack of compatibility and an unsurpassed vapor-are factor.
I'm in...
I don't even know what to say...but I had to respond with something.
The DMCA is obviously a scourge to the freedom of information. When it was first introduced--and abused--I thought to myself "Excellent, now the absurdity and obvious problems with this law can finally be addressed, how can any rationally minded lawmaker not noticed these issues?"
Ha.
Now I realize that logic like that ranks right up there with "If it wasn't totally true, they wouldn't put it on the news..." and "The FCC can't do that....cmon, like people would let them get away with that !
Ha.
I don't know what or how, but, critical mass is obviously upon us...some day (in my lifetime anyway) I expect to see the recoil of all of these actions. What this means is a mystery to me....but, things like this can't go much farther untill the proverbial Joe Q. Sixpacks of the world become personally and financially affected...but, then again, by then....I'm sure "their" plan will be in full swing and such rogue thinkers will be dealt with appropriately.
Sickening....truely. Someone show me a glimmer of hope...please.
DSP tech is very good now.
....yes, I do use a couple tube-sim DSP tricks... but I use that as a buffer....I use it to 'do what I can', though I realize it is nothing compared to what I would like to do.
DSP tech is nothing like the real thing.
DSP tech has to work within a limited set of frequencies. It's sampling rate. Not to mention personal preference from the analog model they are based upon....I hate the opinions of most of the guys making these analog/amp/dist simulation DSP's and plugins. Low in detail, high in irreversable colouration....post-production is mostly pointless on things processed with these....you love it how it is, or you don't use it....cuz you'll just make an instrument sound so processed that unless you are using that as an effect, it'll be obvious....
Analog equipment is rated for it's highest and lowest frequencies, much like sample rate, but the rolloff is far smoother, far more natural, and also can eek out harmonics that are technically out of it's reach. Digital can not do such a thing.
Untill I see DSP's doing 192kHz@64-bit precision, I wouldn't even consider such a thing as a mediocre substitute for high-end analog gear....let alone any type of replacement.
If you couldn't tell, I'm a die-hard digital-audio producer. Why, then, if I hold analog audio and DSP's in such a regard would I be rooted in digital audio?
Entry Level.
for the $2000 I spend on a decent analog mixer and a ADC/DAC interface (soundcard, essentially) I get unlimited tracks (software limited).... perfection up to the filter rolloff, and far more features than I could afford for even $50,000 of top-shelf analog production equipment.
This article was very well written, very informative...and finally gives some substance to the claims of tube's superiority. I never doubted it. Just, the crackpot zealots that audiophiles and sound-guys typically appear to be have seriously tainted me on even entering such arguments.
In fact, with the information gleaned from said article, I can even take my digital production methods and incorperate filters and EQ to compensate for the exact effects the analog and digital display, depending on what I'm going for.
This article, basically, convinced me to get a very good tube preamp...and stick to transistors and digital for all of my other purposes.
I'm a very happy reader at this point.
amen to that...I love Opera, even though it seems to get shit on by the Mozilla and Firebird crowd.
3.4meg download, loads up instantly, and is still by far the fastest rendering engine i've seen. all of this talk about IE's rendering speed being a reason why people stick to IE is total horse shit.
I've already posted in this discussion, so I'm moot for the job...even though I have points.
DXM is an insidious drug. I've done it a handful of times, and while it's hallucinogneic abilities should not be diminished, taking it safely is far more complex than "make sure you get just DXM in your syrup."
Beyond that, dosage titration is incredibly difficult. The mg/Kg ratio depends on a variety of factors...and the drug has contraindications with just about every type of chemical out there.
Add in to that the fact that it routinely comes in formulas containing itself, acetominophen (tylenol--drink a 4oz bottle with that acetominophen inn it and there's a good chance you're dying 18 hours later...of a miserable type of toxicity....your organs will shut down one at a time, and you'll be there for the whole shebang), psuedoephedrine hCl (the synthetic--though more predictable, and arguably safer--form of ephedra. This will crank your heart up, and while even in very high doses (such as found in 1 4oz bottle) probably won't cause you much beyond a pounding heart, by it's nature makes you more prone for anxiety attacks...leading to panic attacks, etc...a bad time, at the least).....and then that still leaves the various maleates they put in there (depending on brand, locality, and popularity).....but let's not also forget Gueifennison.....an expectorant, which is put in there to help you cough stuff up. Well, if you drink alot of it, your able to cough shit up straight from your stomach. A horrible time, to say the least...
DXM (dextromethorphanhydrobromide hcl) is seratonergically active....so it contraindicates with any SSRI or MAOI type antidepressant. (if you're on antidepressants, 90% chance it's one of these two types, or a closely related derivitive). Google for "seratonin syndrome" if you wanna see how you'll die (or live miserably) after that.
It's also an Opoid...a synthetic opiate. I've heard that it was being tested for addiction therapy...
It is also a disassociative anesthetic...most popular of which (ketamine, and dxm) have both been shown to cause vacuoles (micro perforations) in your brain. debate the merits of these findings all you wish--I care not to risk it
Granted, the effects on the brain when administered in appropriate (and low) doses (usually by accident) are very interesting. It is not a fun drug. It isn't a bad experience, but, it's more intellectual than it is entertaining. That may equate to entertaining to you. YMMV The music enhancing effects it seemed to have around threshold doses were very nice, just as the FAQ told me it would be. But, at higher doses it became a terribly bizzare experience. Which, for that sake alone, was very entertaining...I'm wierd.
But then we come to the negetive side effects. the racing heart....or the perception of it.....(I haven't hammered down what is is, but i'm sure its one of the two)....very bad. Cigarettes (as I'm a dedicated smoker) tasted like crap, and made me feel strange. I've theorized that it's the presence of small amounts of MAOI in cigarette smoke....but, I digress.
It turned 3 hours into 3 days....it would take a though and endlessly reproduce it, as if an an infinite feedback loop. Just as the FAQ described. I would ordinarily credit the FAQ with colouring my experience...but if you've tried this drug you know that it isn't very likely. the FAQ documented it, and I reccomend it to anyone with any questions AT ALL about this drug. It's very matter of fact, and the interpretation of the data is--for the most part--left up to you.
Don't get me wrong, I'm all for thorougly researching and then performing very stupid things in the name of personal psychological, chemical, and "psychonotical" experimentation and exploration...but, do some reading...
Always be as safe and informed as you can in any situation, but in a situation as obviously precarious as this, at least be informed of the risks and reasons.
"Flashbacks" are nothing more than a psycological condition in which you are reminded of a certain perspective or frame of reference that you previously only remember from (though not neccesarily exclusive to) a hallucinogenic experience.
I've done, shit, I can't even count how much....150, 180 hits of acid? (all of various degrees of quality and consistency) I relish every single flashback that I get. Not only is it a 'freebie', but given the moments that they occur (for me), usually is at just the right time and place to give me the 'perspective check' that I so desperately need (at the moment).
I'm quite sick of hearing about 'flashbacks' as if it were some physical condition that only LSD could bring on...cuz it just ain't true. I've had flashbacks from strong coffee, traumatic events, acid trips, mdma use, or even just 'deja vu'.... it's not a physical condition, the LSD does not crystalize and reside in your spine, and it is not a "poison, so that's why you trip".
Granted, my anecdotal evidence is just as anecdotal as all other evidence you may have. But, as an experienced (and thoughtful) psychonaut, I have done my fair share of research prior to and after the fact. All of which has led me to the conclusion that trying to detail, catalog, and timeline an LSD trip--much like your own sober perceptions of the world--are futile, given the subjective nature of result.
I have plenty of flashbacks....and they are all wonderful.
To everybody all hopped up about these flashbacks: Enjoy the ride, or get in control of your mind