Seriously though, even if RotS is every bit as dark and well-written (and freakin' well-acted please!) as one could hope, am I the only one who is beyond giving a damn?
Looking at the last 2 from Lucas, it would be like having a 3-course meal where the final dish was fantastic but the first 2 gave you projectile-vomiting food poisoning. No real way to salvage the meal.
If I do see it, it'll be the DVD rental. A $5 rental for the entire family is all I'm willing to risk.
"The sun pushes them. when one side of the planet is hot, and the other is cold, the hot air tries to move into the cold air. hot air expands, and pushes itself into neighboring areas."
I think it's more a matter of warmer "air" (generic atmospheric gases) wanting to rise, and colder air wanting to sink. You get a convection thing going.
For a good effect here on earth, cooler evening winds coming off of mountains and down canyons is a good example. Large thunderstorms as well - rising warm air slurps up a bunch of surrounding ground air with it (winds radially toward center of buildup) then when it all cools high in the atmosphere it cuts loose and the cold air rapidly sinks back toward the ground, creating strong winds radially away from the storm's center.
Here's some background on Val from her brother. Sheds her in the light she apparently deserved, rather than from the weaseling vulture we know as Maureen O'Gara.
"Are you HONESTLY going to tell me that this machine is going to perform worse than a $500 spec mini if you throw a $50 Radeon in it?"
After the Winbox has spent a few weeks on the Internet? Yeah, I can pretty much guarantee it. Remember - low-end boxes are generally targeted toward low-end users. Non-savvy "hey, Mr. Mseko is offering me $20K for my help in this matter!" low-end users.
Ask yourselves this - if a family member was asking you for a system, and you knew you'd be stuck supporting it, would you be happily touting Windows? Not me. I value my time, been there done that. Kill a few hours of my valuable time and any "savings" have vaporized. And that's just for the first malware crisis.
I've got a mixed Win/MacOS LAN here. It takes time, effort and good deal of active forethought to keep a Windows box from getting 0wned. Trivial for us tech types, but beyond the grasp (or cares) of the low-end user.
I mean really, this is God's actual order? 1Sa 15.2: "Now go and smite Amalek, and utterly destroy all that they have, and spare them not; but slay both man and woman, infant and suckling, ox and sheep, camel and ass."
Infants?!? Toddlers?!? Wow! I guess those babies sure had that coming! God condones slaughtering babies depending on the circumstances. So yeah, I guess depending on your definition of evil, there's plenty of that to go around in the scriptures for all to be inspired by. Changing the rules later doesn't erase the fact that believers can still claim "under the right circumstances..." to push their hate.
Let's face it: Fringes exist in Islam, Christianity, Judaism who can and will find plenty of scriptual justification for their bloodthirsty hate, and all three groups have that fringe actively promoting mindless violence and murder.
When one group labels the others as "evil" based on the fringe maniacs, they may as well be pointing in a mirror.
" As soon as that 20% realizes there's no games for that shiny Mac in the store window, they'll stay right where they are."
Maybe, maybe not. Around our house we realized that for the price of one good gaming PC system, you can pick up a trio of dedicated network-capable gaming consoles, each with their own small TV. Makes a fine gaming LAN.
So the Winboxen are in the process of being replaced by Web-surfing Macs, plus a Linux box running an glue layer for the odd Windows game.
And I'll be worrying a lot less about worms, viruses, malware, etc.
"Computers can making teaching more effective, but they can't make it just happen, that's what teachers are for."
Exactly! Wish I could mod you up. Sounds more like an issue of what those kids are actually doing with the computers and for how long.
Sure, if they're planted in front of them like an interactive TV to "keep Bobby busy", you're likely to end up with a script-kiddie Spud who doesn't realize "HotBlonD69" is a 50-year old dude with a beer gut.
But pick the right programs appropriate for the circumstances and incorporate them properly into a comprehensive curriculum, suddenly you have a very useful learning tool. And of course parents, you still have to read to/with them yourself, etc.
This summer my oldest is going to start his first programming language plus work with a game editor (group project around here). Another is going to pursue a foreign language, and the computer is going to help (along with dinner table conversation in the target tongue).
Tools are what they are. You can build total crap with the best hammer. People who think computers are some magic bullet are sadly misinformed, with tragic consequences.
"Fallwell is a complete idiot, as is Robertson. I think that you'll find that while they have a big following, not everyone agrees with everything they say."
That's my fear though, FG - They have a big following, and they're hosing the face of Christianity in America - staining the 90% with their perversion of the message in their 10%. And it's a damn shame. The New Testament (ignore Revelations) is full of compassionate acts and messages of tolerance. And they throw it in the dirt.
"I know many people from Texas and agree that racism tends to be more of a problem down there, which I guess would lead to very real issues within the religious organizations as well. "
I'm very sad to say that it does indeed. Glad to hear there's a bastion of sanity up in WI, but could you guys PLEASE get more vocal and start countering these wingnuts?
The most effective action can only come from within the community.
"Perhaps a "I believe in God but I'm tolerant of your beliefs" one?"
If I saw a church parking lot in southern Alabama full of those, I'd be smiling and very thankful.
"Do you agree with everything the tinfoil hat group thinks? If not, where's the "Mulder and Scully Aren't Real" buttons? How about the "Elvis Is Really Dead" campaign?"
If national leaders associated with my sect were claiming that Elvis Is Alive, and this had been going on for decades, and were now pushing to have an "Elvis May Still Be Alive" disclaimer sticker placed in history books? Yes, you damn well better believe I'd be organizing my sect to shut them down.
"The tinfoil hat crowd and the vocal fundamentalist Christians are the same to me... they're not going to accomplish anything since common sense will hopefully prevail."
Well, they've already accomplished the watering down of biology education in many states. And it seems they've kept a few IMAX theaters from showing science movies that smack of evolution. Then there's embryonic stem cell research, stymied because of the inaccurate belief that it's somehow tied to abortions. I can go on. They've already accomplished plenty. That doesn't bother you?
"I'm more than willing to have reasonable debates about my beliefs. I think that if you sat down and tried talking reasonably with most other fundamentalists, you'd find the same is true."
I have found it, time and time again, to not be true with Christian fundamentalists. Perhaps you are the exception. There is no debate. There's nothing TO debate in their minds. They know what they know, period. I can bring up geology, oceanography, biology, astronomy, etc, all with examples of how the Earth and life on it is incredibly ancient, and they can't mentally navigate past a geneology from an old book full of fantastic stories. They can't accept the fact that science and religion have different standards of proof.
Oh sure, they'll talk about their view of things, but only from a monologue "preaching the word" point of view. Never, not once, have I had a bible-literalist do a 180 during a conversation and say, "you know what, you're right - science is at odds with the literal interpretation of the bible, and the evidence is damn solid. Maybe the bible is more metaphor and general guidance."
"Jerry Fallwell called the founder and revered prophet of Islam, Muhammed, a 'terrorist' on CBS's '60 Minutes' on Sunday, October 6. In so doing, Fallwell set off a firestorm in the American Muslim community to which MPAC responded. Fallwell's comments came on the heels of a slew of other vicious attacks lodged by the radical sector of the Evangelical Christian denomination...The Reverend Franklin Graham called Islam a 'very evil and wicked religion' and said the Qur'an, Islam's revealed text, 'preaches violence.' Pat Robertson said Islam is a 'monumental scam' and claimed the prophet Muhammad was 'an absolute wild-eyed fanatic...a robber and brigand...a killer.'"
Hmmmm. Nothing but tolerance there alright. How many followers do you think Fallwell, Graham and Robertson have? And that doesn't even touch on the crap I've heard directly, in person.
"I think the few responses you've received to your posts should be enough to show you that your stereotype of fundamentalist Christians ISN'T accurate."
To the contrary, the responses have shown me that you, as a community, are ignoring the rotting buffalo carcass in the living room that is the very real hate-mongering within your ranks. My interaction with Christian fundamentalism comes largely from Alabama, Texas and rural California. Lots of racism even without the religious overtones added in. Maybe that's the difference. From where do you hail?
"Because I AM a fundamentalist Christian, in America. Certainly I know more of them than you, too."
Maybe, maybe not. I grew up in fundamentalism, in America, and I have a large family and plenty of friends and associates. Just because I moved on philosophically doesn't mean I severed ties.
"The ones screwing the pooch are the ones that even we fundamentalist Christians get annoyed with."
Then why aren't you (the annoyed fundamentalist majority) DOING something about it? It just doesn't make any sense. Either you approve of this "minority" face, or you as a group are too unconcerned to do anything about it? Where are the "Jesus is cool with evolution" awareness campaigns? Where are the statements from fundamentalist church leaders supporting the teaching of evolution in science textbooks?
Believe me, I'd *love* to see a face of reason and tolerance on the American Christian fundamentalist movement. So where is it?
"MOST Christians don't have a problem with scientific movies about evolution being shown at IMAX theaters"
Of course they don't, but we're not talking about most Christians (worldwide). We're talking about Christian fundamentalists, American in particular. That's the key distinction. Certainly many of the ones I know view evolution as some kind of "culture war" mantra, the Vietnam "Domino Effect" of Satan's "attack" against the bible.
Heck even the Vatican has turned around from branding as heretics astronomers of old to now declaring that The Big Bang and evolution are compatible with Christian teachings.
It's American Christian fundamentalists that are screwing the pooch here, not Christians in general (American or otherwise).
"We [reasonable Christians] tend to be generally peaceful and inoffensive, so you don't hear about us much. Yeah, it pisses me off, but how much can I really do about it? Who's gonna listen or care?
"
Lots of us will listen and care! Please please PLEASE speak up and put out an intelligent, compassionate message of your religion! The extreme fundamentalists end up grabbing headlines with their crap and smearing your chosen faith as some kind of Dark Ages hate group.
"Why is it that people insist on categorizing all fundamentalists as being the same?"
Because, by and large, the core "features" of Christian fundamentalism that they promote are the same. For example there doesn't seem to be any large debate within the fundamentalist community about the validity of evolution (and all the supporting evidence from biology, astronomy, cosmology, geology, etc). It's simply rejected out of hand.
"I am a fundamentalist Bible-believing Christian, but that doesn't mean that I checked my intelligence at the door."
Then I wish there were far more of you, and I wish you were much louder than those who would see us enter the Dark Ages again. Given my direct personal experience with friends, relatives and associates who claim to be Christian fundamentalists, intelligence (where intelligence == rational reasoning) is the first thing checked at the door. "Fundamentalist" is generally synonymous with "bible literalist" in these folks.
I was speaking to a woman the other day who, with a straight face, told me that lions, tigers, etc. used to graze on the grass in Eden with the deer. Never killed prey or even scavenged meat. Vegetarians. That "carnivore thing" only started after "The Fall". Yes, intelligence checked at the door and the claim check thrown into the shredder.
"It makes me sick that people can't fathom the concept that within such a large group you will have people at all extremes."
Then I hope you loudly and persistently educate those in your religious circles who cannot separate Islam from terrorism, and see all Muslims as "forces of evil". I hope that makes you just as sick. Does it? And do you speak out on their behalf? If so you have my deepest, genuine gratitude. If not, your just another member of a hate group who cries out when receiving the same treatment you give others.
Also please educate me, what are the different extremes in Christian fundamentalism? And who are their leaders? Because all we hear coming from the leadership (and the door-knockers and "sudden friends" on college campuses) is the same thing. That's not flamebait, I really want to know. It'll give me some hope.
"certainly true. however, let us not forget that osx is not perfect either. nor, thou it saddens me to admit it, is linux. [...] i think it would be difficult to react in a worse way than microsoft."
Fully agree. Every OS requires updates and user education to maintain a secure system. The problem with Windows however is just how bad by design things are from the start.
I liken it to a building a high security spook facility that for some inexplicable reason has dozens of underground tunnels leading from the neighboring field straight into the heart of the inner sanctum, supposedly to "make it easier for the agents to get to work".
Intel can make whatever shaped/sized box they want, but it's still going to ship with Windows for Joe Consumer. A box that can get easily 0wned is what people are growing weary of. Mac Mini targets those folks as well as iPod users (not necessarily separate groups there). This knock-off once again misses the point.
What makes this interesting is how well it runs Linux. Otherwise.... pfffft!
"I finally told my boss I was leaving and if he was nice about it I would remain available for a period of time after my departure."
A pleasant side effect of "going big" is actually changing the situation you're in vs. switching employers.
I was utterly miserable at a particular job. Absolutely destroying-my-soul miserable. A friend of mine heard my stories and was equally horrified, but then made a point of asking me what I had done to change the environment. I muttered the usual, all ineffective.
He pointed out that I had nothing to lose and everything to gain by charging the proverbial windmills with all my might, right to the top. If it was truly as bad as I described it, it certainly couldn't get any worse.
Turns out the Grand Poobahs had been equally frustrated but in a different direction. They too wanted change. They were miserable. It's just that nobody was really stepping forward with what needed to be said and how maybe to fix things. I ended up being the person who broke the ice, then many others finally felt able to talk as well.
One year later and I'm happy, doing the same job and getting better pay in the bargain. Pleasant working atmosphere, everyone feeling more like we're all in the same boat vs. "who's liver is next on the dinner plate?" It's still hard work, but after 20 years I know the difference between tough deadlines vs. death march. I feel good.
But I was fully prepared to be fired for my windmill charge. That was a definite possibility. When the situation is intolerable however, what's left to lose? And you've everything to gain.
"Could a small-sized object be hidden from radar by this "invisibility" shield?"
Millimeters to centimeters typical for radar. If you're looking to hide a large object, as in plane/ship length, you need to get into HF radio wavelengths (10-160m).
So you could hide it from... ham radio operators. On a single section of one band. Yeah, the Romulans ain't sweatin' this one.:-)
Slashdot Mirror
"Hong Kong Boy Scouts Association has teamed up with the MPA to create an intellectual property merit badge."
I think the "l33t skillz" merit badge is going to trump that one any day of the week...
"Murphy claims to be 'a 20-year veteran of the I.T. consulting industry, specializing in Unix and Unix-related management issues'."
Man, Darl's got more personalities than a Sweeps Week episode of "The Love Boat".
Seriously though, even if RotS is every bit as dark and well-written (and freakin' well-acted please!) as one could hope, am I the only one who is beyond giving a damn?
Looking at the last 2 from Lucas, it would be like having a 3-course meal where the final dish was fantastic but the first 2 gave you projectile-vomiting food poisoning. No real way to salvage the meal.
If I do see it, it'll be the DVD rental. A $5 rental for the entire family is all I'm willing to risk.
"They promised to "wow" us all with a whole new Windows experience"
And they succeeded. I can honestly say their new "Shut Do..." menu option in the Beta truly did make me go "wow".
As in "Wow, WTF are they thinking?"
Seriously, just how much work do they have left on this "Beta"? Getting kind of late in the game to have such glaring UI problems.
"The sun pushes them. when one side of the planet is hot, and the other is cold, the hot air tries to move into the cold air. hot air expands, and pushes itself into neighboring areas."
I think it's more a matter of warmer "air" (generic atmospheric gases) wanting to rise, and colder air wanting to sink. You get a convection thing going.
For a good effect here on earth, cooler evening winds coming off of mountains and down canyons is a good example. Large thunderstorms as well - rising warm air slurps up a bunch of surrounding ground air with it (winds radially toward center of buildup) then when it all cools high in the atmosphere it cuts loose and the cold air rapidly sinks back toward the ground, creating strong winds radially away from the storm's center.
Here's some background on Val from her brother. Sheds her in the light she apparently deserved, rather than from the weaseling vulture we know as Maureen O'Gara.
Might be slumping, but what a legacy. Can't think of a single show where the writing stayed so good for such a long stretch.
"Here's to alcohol, the cause of, and solution to, all life's problems." -Homer Simpson
"I'm betting on a couple of turtledoves and at least one four-eyed virgin..."
I don't think it's the eyes you should be wishing that virgin has four of.
This monkey only has three asses! It is of no use to me! -Dr. Mephisto
"Are you HONESTLY going to tell me that this machine is going to perform worse than a $500 spec mini if you throw a $50 Radeon in it?"
After the Winbox has spent a few weeks on the Internet? Yeah, I can pretty much guarantee it. Remember - low-end boxes are generally targeted toward low-end users. Non-savvy "hey, Mr. Mseko is offering me $20K for my help in this matter!" low-end users.
Ask yourselves this - if a family member was asking you for a system, and you knew you'd be stuck supporting it, would you be happily touting Windows? Not me. I value my time, been there done that. Kill a few hours of my valuable time and any "savings" have vaporized. And that's just for the first malware crisis.
I've got a mixed Win/MacOS LAN here. It takes time, effort and good deal of active forethought to keep a Windows box from getting 0wned. Trivial for us tech types, but beyond the grasp (or cares) of the low-end user.
"But you'll have to look a long, long time before you find another faith which motivates its converts to try to blow up airliners."
The method is just a technicality. I sure won't have to look hard to find another faith that condones genocide (verses 10-12) repeatedly (15.2, 15.3), or moving into modern times (as opposed to holy doctrine) bombing clinics and gay bars and murdering non-believers.
I mean really, this is God's actual order? 1Sa 15.2: "Now go and smite Amalek, and utterly destroy all that they have, and spare them not; but slay both man and woman, infant and suckling, ox and sheep, camel and ass."
Infants?!? Toddlers?!? Wow! I guess those babies sure had that coming! God condones slaughtering babies depending on the circumstances. So yeah, I guess depending on your definition of evil, there's plenty of that to go around in the scriptures for all to be inspired by. Changing the rules later doesn't erase the fact that believers can still claim "under the right circumstances..." to push their hate.
Let's face it: Fringes exist in Islam, Christianity, Judaism who can and will find plenty of scriptual justification for their bloodthirsty hate, and all three groups have that fringe actively promoting mindless violence and murder.
When one group labels the others as "evil" based on the fringe maniacs, they may as well be pointing in a mirror.
" As soon as that 20% realizes there's no games for that shiny Mac in the store window, they'll stay right where they are."
Maybe, maybe not. Around our house we realized that for the price of one good gaming PC system, you can pick up a trio of dedicated network-capable gaming consoles, each with their own small TV. Makes a fine gaming LAN.
So the Winboxen are in the process of being replaced by Web-surfing Macs, plus a Linux box running an glue layer for the odd Windows game.
And I'll be worrying a lot less about worms, viruses, malware, etc.
"Computers can making teaching more effective, but they can't make it just happen, that's what teachers are for."
Exactly! Wish I could mod you up. Sounds more like an issue of what those kids are actually doing with the computers and for how long.
Sure, if they're planted in front of them like an interactive TV to "keep Bobby busy", you're likely to end up with a script-kiddie Spud who doesn't realize "HotBlonD69" is a 50-year old dude with a beer gut.
But pick the right programs appropriate for the circumstances and incorporate them properly into a comprehensive curriculum, suddenly you have a very useful learning tool. And of course parents, you still have to read to/with them yourself, etc.
This summer my oldest is going to start his first programming language plus work with a game editor (group project around here). Another is going to pursue a foreign language, and the computer is going to help (along with dinner table conversation in the target tongue).
Tools are what they are. You can build total crap with the best hammer. People who think computers are some magic bullet are sadly misinformed, with tragic consequences.
"Is our Age of Reason once again in twilight?"
Well how else would you interpret the timely appearance of... Satan's Turtle!
"Fallwell is a complete idiot, as is Robertson. I think that you'll find that while they have a big following, not everyone agrees with everything they say."
That's my fear though, FG - They have a big following, and they're hosing the face of Christianity in America - staining the 90% with their perversion of the message in their 10%. And it's a damn shame. The New Testament (ignore Revelations) is full of compassionate acts and messages of tolerance. And they throw it in the dirt.
"I know many people from Texas and agree that racism tends to be more of a problem down there, which I guess would lead to very real issues within the religious organizations as well. "
I'm very sad to say that it does indeed. Glad to hear there's a bastion of sanity up in WI, but could you guys PLEASE get more vocal and start countering these wingnuts?
The most effective action can only come from within the community.
"Perhaps a "I believe in God but I'm tolerant of your beliefs" one?"
If I saw a church parking lot in southern Alabama full of those, I'd be smiling and very thankful.
"Do you agree with everything the tinfoil hat group thinks? If not, where's the "Mulder and Scully Aren't Real" buttons? How about the "Elvis Is Really Dead" campaign?"
If national leaders associated with my sect were claiming that Elvis Is Alive, and this had been going on for decades, and were now pushing to have an "Elvis May Still Be Alive" disclaimer sticker placed in history books? Yes, you damn well better believe I'd be organizing my sect to shut them down.
"The tinfoil hat crowd and the vocal fundamentalist Christians are the same to me... they're not going to accomplish anything since common sense will hopefully prevail."
Well, they've already accomplished the watering down of biology education in many states. And it seems they've kept a few IMAX theaters from showing science movies that smack of evolution. Then there's embryonic stem cell research, stymied because of the inaccurate belief that it's somehow tied to abortions. I can go on. They've already accomplished plenty. That doesn't bother you?
"I'm more than willing to have reasonable debates about my beliefs. I think that if you sat down and tried talking reasonably with most other fundamentalists, you'd find the same is true."
I have found it, time and time again, to not be true with Christian fundamentalists. Perhaps you are the exception. There is no debate. There's nothing TO debate in their minds. They know what they know, period. I can bring up geology, oceanography, biology, astronomy, etc, all with examples of how the Earth and life on it is incredibly ancient, and they can't mentally navigate past a geneology from an old book full of fantastic stories. They can't accept the fact that science and religion have different standards of proof.
Oh sure, they'll talk about their view of things, but only from a monologue "preaching the word" point of view. Never, not once, have I had a bible-literalist do a 180 during a conversation and say, "you know what, you're right - science is at odds with the literal interpretation of the bible, and the evidence is damn solid. Maybe the bible is more metaphor and general guidance."
"Just like another poster, I've never known any Christians that believe Muslims are evil or that people of Arab descent are automatically terrorists"
Then my I respectfully suggest that you've got your head in the sand. Here's a sample:
"Jerry Fallwell called the founder and revered prophet of Islam, Muhammed, a 'terrorist' on CBS's '60 Minutes' on Sunday, October 6. In so doing, Fallwell set off a firestorm in the American Muslim community to which MPAC responded. Fallwell's comments came on the heels of a slew of other vicious attacks lodged by the radical sector of the Evangelical Christian denomination...The Reverend Franklin Graham called Islam a 'very evil and wicked religion' and said the Qur'an, Islam's revealed text, 'preaches violence.' Pat Robertson said Islam is a 'monumental scam' and claimed the prophet Muhammad was 'an absolute wild-eyed fanatic...a robber and brigand...a killer.'"
Hmmmm. Nothing but tolerance there alright. How many followers do you think Fallwell, Graham and Robertson have? And that doesn't even touch on the crap I've heard directly, in person.
"I think the few responses you've received to your posts should be enough to show you that your stereotype of fundamentalist Christians ISN'T accurate."
To the contrary, the responses have shown me that you, as a community, are ignoring the rotting buffalo carcass in the living room that is the very real hate-mongering within your ranks. My interaction with Christian fundamentalism comes largely from Alabama, Texas and rural California. Lots of racism even without the religious overtones added in. Maybe that's the difference. From where do you hail?
"Because I AM a fundamentalist Christian, in America. Certainly I know more of them than you, too."
Maybe, maybe not. I grew up in fundamentalism, in America, and I have a large family and plenty of friends and associates. Just because I moved on philosophically doesn't mean I severed ties.
"The ones screwing the pooch are the ones that even we fundamentalist Christians get annoyed with."
Then why aren't you (the annoyed fundamentalist majority) DOING something about it? It just doesn't make any sense. Either you approve of this "minority" face, or you as a group are too unconcerned to do anything about it? Where are the "Jesus is cool with evolution" awareness campaigns? Where are the statements from fundamentalist church leaders supporting the teaching of evolution in science textbooks?
Believe me, I'd *love* to see a face of reason and tolerance on the American Christian fundamentalist movement. So where is it?
"MOST Christians don't have a problem with scientific movies about evolution being shown at IMAX theaters"
Of course they don't, but we're not talking about most Christians (worldwide). We're talking about Christian fundamentalists, American in particular. That's the key distinction. Certainly many of the ones I know view evolution as some kind of "culture war" mantra, the Vietnam "Domino Effect" of Satan's "attack" against the bible.
Heck even the Vatican has turned around from branding as heretics astronomers of old to now declaring that The Big Bang and evolution are compatible with Christian teachings.
It's American Christian fundamentalists that are screwing the pooch here, not Christians in general (American or otherwise).
"We [reasonable Christians] tend to be generally peaceful and inoffensive, so you don't hear about us much. Yeah, it pisses me off, but how much can I really do about it? Who's gonna listen or care? "
Lots of us will listen and care! Please please PLEASE speak up and put out an intelligent, compassionate message of your religion! The extreme fundamentalists end up grabbing headlines with their crap and smearing your chosen faith as some kind of Dark Ages hate group.
If you don't take back the reins, who will?
"Why is it that people insist on categorizing all fundamentalists as being the same?"
Because, by and large, the core "features" of Christian fundamentalism that they promote are the same. For example there doesn't seem to be any large debate within the fundamentalist community about the validity of evolution (and all the supporting evidence from biology, astronomy, cosmology, geology, etc). It's simply rejected out of hand.
"I am a fundamentalist Bible-believing Christian, but that doesn't mean that I checked my intelligence at the door."
Then I wish there were far more of you, and I wish you were much louder than those who would see us enter the Dark Ages again. Given my direct personal experience with friends, relatives and associates who claim to be Christian fundamentalists, intelligence (where intelligence == rational reasoning) is the first thing checked at the door. "Fundamentalist" is generally synonymous with "bible literalist" in these folks.
I was speaking to a woman the other day who, with a straight face, told me that lions, tigers, etc. used to graze on the grass in Eden with the deer. Never killed prey or even scavenged meat. Vegetarians. That "carnivore thing" only started after "The Fall". Yes, intelligence checked at the door and the claim check thrown into the shredder.
"It makes me sick that people can't fathom the concept that within such a large group you will have people at all extremes."
Then I hope you loudly and persistently educate those in your religious circles who cannot separate Islam from terrorism, and see all Muslims as "forces of evil". I hope that makes you just as sick. Does it? And do you speak out on their behalf? If so you have my deepest, genuine gratitude. If not, your just another member of a hate group who cries out when receiving the same treatment you give others.
Also please educate me, what are the different extremes in Christian fundamentalism? And who are their leaders? Because all we hear coming from the leadership (and the door-knockers and "sudden friends" on college campuses) is the same thing. That's not flamebait, I really want to know. It'll give me some hope.
"If Joe User were required to start by using Linux or BSD, it would set computing back 10 years."
To a time before rampant SpambotNets and the DMCA. Sign me up! :-)
"certainly true. however, let us not forget that osx is not perfect either. nor, thou it saddens me to admit it, is linux. [...] i think it would be difficult to react in a worse way than microsoft."
Fully agree. Every OS requires updates and user education to maintain a secure system. The problem with Windows however is just how bad by design things are from the start.
I liken it to a building a high security spook facility that for some inexplicable reason has dozens of underground tunnels leading from the neighboring field straight into the heart of the inner sanctum, supposedly to "make it easier for the agents to get to work".
Intel can make whatever shaped/sized box they want, but it's still going to ship with Windows for Joe Consumer. A box that can get easily 0wned is what people are growing weary of. Mac Mini targets those folks as well as iPod users (not necessarily separate groups there). This knock-off once again misses the point.
What makes this interesting is how well it runs Linux. Otherwise.... pfffft!
"I finally told my boss I was leaving and if he was nice about it I would remain available for a period of time after my departure."
A pleasant side effect of "going big" is actually changing the situation you're in vs. switching employers.
I was utterly miserable at a particular job. Absolutely destroying-my-soul miserable. A friend of mine heard my stories and was equally horrified, but then made a point of asking me what I had done to change the environment. I muttered the usual, all ineffective.
He pointed out that I had nothing to lose and everything to gain by charging the proverbial windmills with all my might, right to the top. If it was truly as bad as I described it, it certainly couldn't get any worse.
Turns out the Grand Poobahs had been equally frustrated but in a different direction. They too wanted change. They were miserable. It's just that nobody was really stepping forward with what needed to be said and how maybe to fix things. I ended up being the person who broke the ice, then many others finally felt able to talk as well.
One year later and I'm happy, doing the same job and getting better pay in the bargain. Pleasant working atmosphere, everyone feeling more like we're all in the same boat vs. "who's liver is next on the dinner plate?" It's still hard work, but after 20 years I know the difference between tough deadlines vs. death march. I feel good.
But I was fully prepared to be fired for my windmill charge. That was a definite possibility. When the situation is intolerable however, what's left to lose? And you've everything to gain.
"Could a small-sized object be hidden from radar by this "invisibility" shield?"
Millimeters to centimeters typical for radar. If you're looking to hide a large object, as in plane/ship length, you need to get into HF radio wavelengths (10-160m).
So you could hide it from... ham radio operators. On a single section of one band. Yeah, the Romulans ain't sweatin' this one. :-)