When I was a security policeman in the Air Force back in the 80's, I was stationed at Clark Air Base, Philippines. The base came under attack during WWII so there were a lot of unexploded bombs that would come up once in awhile.
One day we were notified, along with EOD, of a bomb found in the backyard of military housing. Turns out some kid was digging in his back yard and hit the fins of one! EOD carefully removed it, then took it about 2 miles away to detonate the munition. You could feel the pressure from the explosion that far away!
I have a coworker who is an evangelical Christian. I tried to convince him of your argument but he stated the theory doesn't fit the biblical account of creation, ie: six days to create the world, etc.
We've had numerous talks on things like the distance of stars and galaxies to gauge the age of the universe, transitional fossils and the like. He's interested in the evidence but it all comes down to the Bible and how it, in his opinion, is the overriding law of everything.
Centuries ago you had famous scientists like Galileo who made wondrous discoveries of the universe--only to be silenced by the church and threatened with excommunication or worse, death. Many only wanted to discover the "greater glories of God."
What galls me the most is that these people don't understand how far behind we are in this country when it comes to science. If we dilute the discipline then it will make matters worse for not only the children, but the country as a whole when it comes to science.
I had an older friend who was a CS student in college during the late 70's. He had his final semester program on punch cards. Like a typical student he was rushing to class to turn in his project but tripped on the stairs thus sending the cards all over the place. You could hear his anguish miles away!
I was in the military overseas when I got a loan to buy a new computer. The BX had the new Amega 1000's and I wanted one badly, but couldn't afford it. So I settled for a C64 and didn't regret it, but a guy in my barracks had one and I spent a lot of time playing with it. It was truely way ahead of it's time in terms of graphics. To say it was the most powerful computer at the time isn't quite true, but for the home market it had the best graphics of anything out there.
When I was growing up in the early 80's I played D&D and military role playing games with my friends, most of whom were in band and were into nerdy things. We even had some 'freaks' who joined with us. Most of the time we would game at my friends house, even without his dad being around; most parents knew this but we never got into any trouble so it was cool.
Then a new pastor moved into town and his wife found out about our D&D gaming. Of course, being the uptight, morally-holier-than-thou-type she was, there had to be something done to save us!:( She got all of our parents together for a discussion and started in on the "evils" of this game. My one friends mother stood up and asked her, "so you want them to quit playing this game?! Should we just go out and buy them booze and let them party?" Unfortunately her logic was lost on a few parents and we lost several of our players.:( This didn't stop us though, albeit the preaching continued.
Forward to a couple of years later when I was in the USAF stationed at a northern tier base. I brought my D&D and Axis and Allies games with me, but saw a notice posted on our barracks dorm from the ultra-rightwing First Sgt stating that no role playing or dice games allowed! Sensing another zealot trying to control what I did I went to complain to our company commander. During the hearing I stated that since we were in the military wouldn't it be foolish to ban a military game (I left D&D out of it)? And, using the same logic as my friends mom, asked him would it be better if we went downtown to drink and possible get into trouble? He agreed and our group was allowed to enjoy a hobby with my new friends.
I've lived here for 6 years and love the fact that I don't have to play the fall back/forward time game! It's very nice to be able to leave work in the winter while it's still light (it doesn't get dark here until 5:30). The only bad thing is that my family and friends in other states can never remember what time it is here. I've read where our legislature wants to change this to be more business friendly...however the issue has been on the voting ballet for several years without successfully passing. People here don't want to have to join the game, but now it's out of the voter's hands -- I'm sure we'll be playing this stupid game next fall!:(
I too, am sick of all the businesses that leave all of their lights on during the night and weekend! Whenever I work late at my office I go around and shut down most of the lights, leaving a couple on for safety purposes. I've always been turning lights out around my house because my father taught me how to conserve due to the fact he lived through the Great Depression. If we all did this just think of all the energy we'd save!
I'll agree with you that most sitcoms aren't very good today. Reality TV is popular with the networks because it doesn't take much thought or money to produce those pieces of shit.
As far as the news goes, I tend to read many online newspapers and blogs--which in my opinion gives you more info than TV ever could. However (I do watch the Daily show from time to time) I disagree with you regarding replacing real world news via Daily Show. Comedy has it's place, but not with the news. Plus you might as well watch the evening news cause you can't get much info in a 1/2 hour show (actually, it's only about 18-20 minutes due to commercials).
I'd have to agrree with this post. I work in IT via networking with Cisco WAN gear. There hasn't been any posts regarding networking as a viable alternative to coding. Many coders would be happy with my job because you get to program routers and switches. Yes networking might not be as challenging as writting code, but it does keep you on your feet with regards to changes -- this is always happening in my field.
There's been mention of alternative jobs like construction and plumbing. However I think many ex-coders here would be better off learning skills in networking as it's an excellent second choice. If you're like me you don't want to leave the computer field. Let's face it, there's not much chance of networking jobs being outsourced. Companies and organizations will always need a "hands on" approach. When a router or switch goes down you'll need someone to physically be there to fix the problem. Not much chance for someone to take my job in India!
Another thing I've always liked about networking is the self reliance and study needed in the field. Most of my learning has been done by myself, either on my own time or while at work which my employer supports. There may be some who thinks network can be a slow job; there are times when there's not much to do between projects or trouble tickets, but you can always learn and increase your skill knowledge.
I understand a lot of people's frustration with the situation we face in this country. But you have to be flexible and learn new skills to be competitive. If you sit around and bitch or do nothing different to change things then you'll be lost. Good luck to all you you!
My father probably has everyone beat with an outdated Mac. It was the first Power Mac (running at 66mhz) and he bought it over 10 years ago. I remember he spent a pretty penny on it (around $9,000 for the computer, 21" monitor, laser printer, high end desktop publishing programs) for him to do his freelance art work. He said that he was never, ever going to buy another computer as long as he lived! Since then he's put more RAM into it, replace a Hard Drive, and monitor, but the little Apple runs just fine for him to do some artwork--he's since retired.
I'll bet if I won the lottery and bought him a new G5 imac he'd probably wouldn't take it! This computer does exactly what he needs it to do...albeit a little bit slower than anything out today.
Besides all the debates on what's changed, I viewed the first DVD. I cranked up my stereo and was blown away by the quality of the sound and widescreen adaptation. IMO I was taken back to 1977 when I was 12...sitting in my local movie theatre (they had just installed a new sound system to accomodate the movie) and was in awe! It felt like the first time I heard the score being played and the Stardestroyer firing on the smaller ship; it send shivers up my spine. So to be honest, I don't mind the changes, the effect was the same on me. Even though I only have a 27" TV the widescreen works very nicely..the sound is what really got me (and having my wife yell at me to turn it down--now you know it's working!).
After seeing "sky captain" yesterday (and being pissed at the crappy acting and non memorable lines), i can say that george has taken me back to my childhood! somehow I can forgive him (just a bit) for the crappy prequels he vommited out! Excuse me...but i have a date with the episode v!
I also think the older games had more personality. Today's games tend to be clones of one another. For example, I like FPS type of games, but find that they copy one another. Classic games tended to be more original. Plus you can give 5 minutes to one, unlike modern games which require more game play to be enjoyable.
Actually I have several (besides the Atari Anthology) arcade ports for the Game Boy Advance. Something like 80+ games. Yeah the screen is smaller than a TV set, but I don't mind playing on a smaller screen. I really enjoy taking it to boring appointments (DMV, Dr. Vists, etc) and of course when my wife goes shopping. I sit in the car and play a way.:) My only gripe is that i sometimes wish for a trackball for games like Tempest. But i'm happy overall with the GB advance solution.
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When I was a security policeman in the Air Force back in the 80's, I was stationed at Clark Air Base, Philippines. The base came under attack during WWII so there were a lot of unexploded bombs that would come up once in awhile. One day we were notified, along with EOD, of a bomb found in the backyard of military housing. Turns out some kid was digging in his back yard and hit the fins of one! EOD carefully removed it, then took it about 2 miles away to detonate the munition. You could feel the pressure from the explosion that far away!
I have a coworker who is an evangelical Christian. I tried to convince him of your argument but he stated the theory doesn't fit the biblical account of creation, ie: six days to create the world, etc. We've had numerous talks on things like the distance of stars and galaxies to gauge the age of the universe, transitional fossils and the like. He's interested in the evidence but it all comes down to the Bible and how it, in his opinion, is the overriding law of everything. Centuries ago you had famous scientists like Galileo who made wondrous discoveries of the universe--only to be silenced by the church and threatened with excommunication or worse, death. Many only wanted to discover the "greater glories of God." What galls me the most is that these people don't understand how far behind we are in this country when it comes to science. If we dilute the discipline then it will make matters worse for not only the children, but the country as a whole when it comes to science.
I had an older friend who was a CS student in college during the late 70's. He had his final semester program on punch cards. Like a typical student he was rushing to class to turn in his project but tripped on the stairs thus sending the cards all over the place. You could hear his anguish miles away!
I was in the military overseas when I got a loan to buy a new computer. The BX had the new Amega 1000's and I wanted one badly, but couldn't afford it. So I settled for a C64 and didn't regret it, but a guy in my barracks had one and I spent a lot of time playing with it. It was truely way ahead of it's time in terms of graphics. To say it was the most powerful computer at the time isn't quite true, but for the home market it had the best graphics of anything out there.
When I was growing up in the early 80's I played D&D and military role playing games with my friends, most of whom were in band and were into nerdy things. We even had some 'freaks' who joined with us. Most of the time we would game at my friends house, even without his dad being around; most parents knew this but we never got into any trouble so it was cool. Then a new pastor moved into town and his wife found out about our D&D gaming. Of course, being the uptight, morally-holier-than-thou-type she was, there had to be something done to save us!:( She got all of our parents together for a discussion and started in on the "evils" of this game. My one friends mother stood up and asked her, "so you want them to quit playing this game?! Should we just go out and buy them booze and let them party?" Unfortunately her logic was lost on a few parents and we lost several of our players.:( This didn't stop us though, albeit the preaching continued. Forward to a couple of years later when I was in the USAF stationed at a northern tier base. I brought my D&D and Axis and Allies games with me, but saw a notice posted on our barracks dorm from the ultra-rightwing First Sgt stating that no role playing or dice games allowed! Sensing another zealot trying to control what I did I went to complain to our company commander. During the hearing I stated that since we were in the military wouldn't it be foolish to ban a military game (I left D&D out of it)? And, using the same logic as my friends mom, asked him would it be better if we went downtown to drink and possible get into trouble? He agreed and our group was allowed to enjoy a hobby with my new friends.
I've lived here for 6 years and love the fact that I don't have to play the fall back/forward time game! It's very nice to be able to leave work in the winter while it's still light (it doesn't get dark here until 5:30). The only bad thing is that my family and friends in other states can never remember what time it is here. I've read where our legislature wants to change this to be more business friendly...however the issue has been on the voting ballet for several years without successfully passing. People here don't want to have to join the game, but now it's out of the voter's hands -- I'm sure we'll be playing this stupid game next fall!:( I too, am sick of all the businesses that leave all of their lights on during the night and weekend! Whenever I work late at my office I go around and shut down most of the lights, leaving a couple on for safety purposes. I've always been turning lights out around my house because my father taught me how to conserve due to the fact he lived through the Great Depression. If we all did this just think of all the energy we'd save!
I'll agree with you that most sitcoms aren't very good today. Reality TV is popular with the networks because it doesn't take much thought or money to produce those pieces of shit. As far as the news goes, I tend to read many online newspapers and blogs--which in my opinion gives you more info than TV ever could. However (I do watch the Daily show from time to time) I disagree with you regarding replacing real world news via Daily Show. Comedy has it's place, but not with the news. Plus you might as well watch the evening news cause you can't get much info in a 1/2 hour show (actually, it's only about 18-20 minutes due to commercials).
I'd have to agrree with this post. I work in IT via networking with Cisco WAN gear. There hasn't been any posts regarding networking as a viable alternative to coding. Many coders would be happy with my job because you get to program routers and switches. Yes networking might not be as challenging as writting code, but it does keep you on your feet with regards to changes -- this is always happening in my field. There's been mention of alternative jobs like construction and plumbing. However I think many ex-coders here would be better off learning skills in networking as it's an excellent second choice. If you're like me you don't want to leave the computer field. Let's face it, there's not much chance of networking jobs being outsourced. Companies and organizations will always need a "hands on" approach. When a router or switch goes down you'll need someone to physically be there to fix the problem. Not much chance for someone to take my job in India! Another thing I've always liked about networking is the self reliance and study needed in the field. Most of my learning has been done by myself, either on my own time or while at work which my employer supports. There may be some who thinks network can be a slow job; there are times when there's not much to do between projects or trouble tickets, but you can always learn and increase your skill knowledge. I understand a lot of people's frustration with the situation we face in this country. But you have to be flexible and learn new skills to be competitive. If you sit around and bitch or do nothing different to change things then you'll be lost. Good luck to all you you!
My father probably has everyone beat with an outdated Mac. It was the first Power Mac (running at 66mhz) and he bought it over 10 years ago. I remember he spent a pretty penny on it (around $9,000 for the computer, 21" monitor, laser printer, high end desktop publishing programs) for him to do his freelance art work. He said that he was never, ever going to buy another computer as long as he lived! Since then he's put more RAM into it, replace a Hard Drive, and monitor, but the little Apple runs just fine for him to do some artwork--he's since retired. I'll bet if I won the lottery and bought him a new G5 imac he'd probably wouldn't take it! This computer does exactly what he needs it to do...albeit a little bit slower than anything out today.
Besides all the debates on what's changed, I viewed the first DVD. I cranked up my stereo and was blown away by the quality of the sound and widescreen adaptation. IMO I was taken back to 1977 when I was 12...sitting in my local movie theatre (they had just installed a new sound system to accomodate the movie) and was in awe! It felt like the first time I heard the score being played and the Stardestroyer firing on the smaller ship; it send shivers up my spine. So to be honest, I don't mind the changes, the effect was the same on me. Even though I only have a 27" TV the widescreen works very nicely..the sound is what really got me (and having my wife yell at me to turn it down--now you know it's working!). After seeing "sky captain" yesterday (and being pissed at the crappy acting and non memorable lines), i can say that george has taken me back to my childhood! somehow I can forgive him (just a bit) for the crappy prequels he vommited out! Excuse me...but i have a date with the episode v!
I also think the older games had more personality. Today's games tend to be clones of one another. For example, I like FPS type of games, but find that they copy one another. Classic games tended to be more original. Plus you can give 5 minutes to one, unlike modern games which require more game play to be enjoyable.
Actually I have several (besides the Atari Anthology) arcade ports for the Game Boy Advance. Something like 80+ games. Yeah the screen is smaller than a TV set, but I don't mind playing on a smaller screen. I really enjoy taking it to boring appointments (DMV, Dr. Vists, etc) and of course when my wife goes shopping. I sit in the car and play a way.:) My only gripe is that i sometimes wish for a trackball for games like Tempest. But i'm happy overall with the GB advance solution.