More importantly, when does a low UID on slashdot indicate that you are somehow more experienced than other IT professionals? Not registering for a glorified blog, until recently, has absolutely no bearing on someone's experience or lack thereof.
Re:That wasn't flying! That was... falling with st
on
Flying Humans
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· Score: 3, Funny
Dammit... Now I want to know about the library incident.
Yeah in any country except most of the world. The only place you can get decent content on Xbox Live is North America. Here in Japan, we can't even download Xbox Originals. Last night I tried to buy the original Halo (1,200 points). It's owned by Microsoft and published by Microsoft so there are no tricky third-party licensing issues. I can see it right there in the store tempting me. I can go through the ordering process. I can get to the download stage, and then when it says "Confirm download" I get a fucking pop-up saying "Sorry not available in your region". Thanks a fucking bunch Microsoft. I bought 2,000 points last night for nothing. No, I don't want a fucking 'theme' instead. Seriously, you don't even deserve to succeed in Japan.
The other day I was searching google for information about the Vista MUI (multilingual user interface) which allows Vista Premium and Enterprise to support several languages in a single install (i.e. you can switch the interface between them). And yes, before you start some of us are in positions where we have to work with Vista in one form or another, so don't even go there.
One of the pages that popped up was on Yahoo Answers. It was from someone asking if Vista supported multiple languages. The answer (chosen by the asker as the 'best' response, I might add) was along the lines of "no, it's impossible. You have to buy a separate copy of Vista for each language you want". I think that just about summed up the service for me.
Re:Couple Thoughts
on
Where are Wii?
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· Score: 2, Funny
I've never heard skint used as a noun before. "You're skint" seems correct to me vs "You're a skint"
( Disclaimer: All corrections contain at least one error. I await correction for whatever I just did wrong. )
Skint isn't a noun, at least as far as British English goes, so you're correct. Given this fact, your comment contained no errors, making your assertion that "all corrections contain at least one error" itself incorrect. However this indeed satisfies the condition that your comment did indeed contain an error (the aforementioned assertion). And now I'm stuck in a paradox from which I may never escape.
Vista release: Jan. 30, 2007. Vista SP1 release date:... uh, you can get the beta.
Leopard (10.5) release: Oct. 26, 2007. Leopard 10.5.1 release date: Nov. 15, 2007.
but don't compare Apples to... well, whatever.
Well at least you're own advice and not comparing apples to whatever...
Apple incremental 10.5.x updates aren't even in the same ballpark as Microsoft service packs. 10.5.1 is more easily compared to Windows update or patch Tuesday when Microsoft roll out a bunch of changes. And as someone who uses Vista and Leopard (dual boot Mac Pro) I can assure you the Vista updates have been coming just as thick and fast. I have no allegiance to Bill or Steve, and I'm a reasonably satisfied customer of both their products (Vista isn't nearly bad as most people who've never even used it would have you believe), but if you want to mindlessly bash Microsoft, at least make sure you're not basing your argument on a complete fallacy.
Unlike botnets though, problems associated with drugs would dry up if they simply removed laws banning said drugs.
Yeah, because there's never been a single incident of alcohol related crime since prohibition ended. I'm in favor of a carefully monitored and controlled legalization of drugs, as I think it would improve the situation, but flippant suggestions that the problem would just disappear are just overly simplistic and worthless.
How on earth did Creationists get categorically thrown into the same class of groups as the RIAA, Nazis, and patent lawyers?
I think it stems from the fact that a lot of the more vocal, high profile creationists tend (at least in the public's perception) to be the same people who also take pleasure in expounding their views on homosexual rights, stem-cell research and just about anything else which allows them to dictate their bigotry or sense of self-importance to the rest of the population at large. Hence they tend to get lumped together, especially by non-believers with all the other public enemies in America right now. I have no doubt that there are plenty of creationists who are really pleasant, honest, decent people, but sadly for them it's the chest-thumping self-promoters that appear on our television screens that cast them in a bad light. Likewise I can believe that there are people who work for the RIAA who are perfectly reasonable (I used to work for one of the big four record companies myself in an IT capacity). But they tend not to be the ones protesting about piracy.
I think a problem the/. crowd has with super snazzy graphics is that games with great graphics are often poorly done in other areas, simply because the game studio concentrated only on graphics and not other (more important) game mechanics, and as a result the game becomes generally un-fun and disappointing. IMHO, from what I've seen, CoD4 is not one of those games--I do think it's going to be a very fun, compelling game, and the graphics, sound and play do make it an immersing experience.
If I could mod you +5 I would. I couldn't agree more. The Wii effect, emphasising gameplay over graphics is a good thing IMHO, but unfortunately it's become so 'trendy' to follow this line, that certain reviewers (including unfortunately the individual who gave this game 3/5) have allowed it to blinker their view to the point that they can't see beyond the graphics, and actually appreciate the quality of the game for what it is.
*** Warning - may contain minor spoilers.
The cinematography in this game is outstanding. From the prologue involving the SAS raid on a cargo ship smuggling nukes, to the main opening car ride through the streets of the Baghdad-like middle-eastern city and the subsequent execution of the country's president, the story is woven with great finesse and attention to detail and it rarely lets up, allowing you to suspend your disbelief and get throughly involved in the action. It is as immersive an experience as I have ever had during a videogame. Clearly a lot of time has been spent on voice acting to produce something which is significantly better than the average. And the enemy AI is excellent, to the point where they actually make more effective use of tactics and cover than I do.
The training mode gives you just enough to get you started, but leave you feeling like a raw recruit. The first mission in particular beautifully combined the calm, coordinated teamwork of highly professional soldiers on a mission, with the utter pandemonium and complete lack of focus that occurs when suddenly enemy combatants start ambushing you from all directions.
Another point the review singularly fails to mention (and this is a sad reflection of the quality of the editorial on Slashdot) is the superb technical achievement Infinity Ward's game engine has turned out to be. I recently downloaded the Crysis demo, which although a demo, appears to be pretty much a feature complete run through of the opening mission. It runs like 3-legged dog, with my rig managing a barely playable 20fps at a resolution of 1280x800 with everything set to 'medium'. From what I've seen so far though, CoD4 is actually at least as good as, if not more beautiful lookin than Crysis, and yet I can run it with every setting on maximum, at 1920x1200 and barely even see a flicker of slowdown. I would never have believed my Radeon X1900XT (these days very much a mid-range card) would be capable of what I've seen with my own eyes.
I'm really glad I bought this game before I read the Slashdot review. Although I've never really placed much trust in the quality of 'journalism' (for want of a better word) on this site, giving this game 3/5 is more about the reviewer's petty prejudices and grandstanding to the 'graphics aren't everything' crowd, and less about the quality of the game. It's true... graphics aren't everything, but that's why it's a shame that Zonk can't see that CoD4 has so much more than just eye-candy.
I hate to tell you this, but anyone who strolls around Japan being loud and western (which most tourists inevitably are) draws a lot of looks or even approaches from complete strangers. Most foreigners who've lived here for a few years learn how to blend into the background a little more, but even if you didn't have an iPhone you'd get more or less the same attention.
In Japan, yes. Stupid, check your facts before posting.
Pot, kettle, err... Japan has plenty of people still using their legacy 2G phones. Your main problem would be finding an Edge network, since Japan uses different standards to most other countries.
There's an old saying in Tennessee... I know it's in Texas, probably in Tennessee... that says, fool me once, shame on... shame on you. Fool me... you can't get fooled again.
Yeah, because quarter after quarter of record revenues AND profits means your company is crumbling.
Well sure, live in the now, and ignore the future outlook for MS. I think most people see a very challenging road ahead for the Redmond beast and Ballmer so far hasn't looked anything like the person to be steering the ship through those waters.
Sounds the most plausible explaination I've heard yet.
What is completely unfathomable however, is that Ballmer, possibly the dumbest fuck ever to run a hugely powerful corporation still goes on, despite the fact that the entire organization is crumbling under his 'leadership'. Mind you, I suppose Bush is still running the country, so clearly these things have a pattern to them.
Heston Blumenthal's Kitchen Chemistry series (which unfortunately didn't make it) was a lot more interesting than this article. You can even find torrents of the pilot episodes.
Actually he's moved on and has made an entire series for the BBC. They've been heavily promoting it recently.
I don't think it's his understanding that is Worthen's problem. More the fact that he posesses all the style and journalistic finesse of a 12 year old. I haven't seen such poor writing from a professional journalist since they let Ann Coulter write a column.
If I can find Iraq on a map, will you stop lumping all Americans together as morons?
I'm sure he'd be delighted. Although he may reserve that title for you, given that you completely missed his point and instead trotted out some kind of knee-jerk response to perceived (and inaccurate) anti-Americanism.
I think your comment indirectly says it all. America, land of liberty, where it's dangerous to buy a child's chemistry set, but an enshrined right to buy a gun.
Uhhh... I can't help but wonder what your hobbies are, that you think some "idiot policeman" is going to throw you in jail for.
How about going to watch soccer?
From the Observer (British Newspaper):
Tickets to a Manchester United game found during anti-terrorist raids sparked fears of a suicide attack on Old Trafford. But they were for an old match and had been kept as souvenirs by the suspects, who were fans of the club.
The revelation will lead to further criticism of the operation which led to the arrest of 10 people by armed Greater Manchester police in dawn raids last month. All have since been released without charge.
These men (I believe they were members of the British Iraqui Kurdish community) were arrested under suspicion of planning a terrorist attack on live television at a major British football (soccer) ground. Except they were just fans going to watch a game, and it turned out to be total bullshit.
Slashdot Mirror
More importantly, when does a low UID on slashdot indicate that you are somehow more experienced than other IT professionals? Not registering for a glorified blog, until recently, has absolutely no bearing on someone's experience or lack thereof.
Dammit... Now I want to know about the library incident.
The other day I was searching google for information about the Vista MUI (multilingual user interface) which allows Vista Premium and Enterprise to support several languages in a single install (i.e. you can switch the interface between them). And yes, before you start some of us are in positions where we have to work with Vista in one form or another, so don't even go there.
One of the pages that popped up was on Yahoo Answers. It was from someone asking if Vista supported multiple languages. The answer (chosen by the asker as the 'best' response, I might add) was along the lines of "no, it's impossible. You have to buy a separate copy of Vista for each language you want". I think that just about summed up the service for me.
Apple incremental 10.5.x updates aren't even in the same ballpark as Microsoft service packs. 10.5.1 is more easily compared to Windows update or patch Tuesday when Microsoft roll out a bunch of changes. And as someone who uses Vista and Leopard (dual boot Mac Pro) I can assure you the Vista updates have been coming just as thick and fast. I have no allegiance to Bill or Steve, and I'm a reasonably satisfied customer of both their products (Vista isn't nearly bad as most people who've never even used it would have you believe), but if you want to mindlessly bash Microsoft, at least make sure you're not basing your argument on a complete fallacy.
Presumably he's got one of those nappies, similar to the ones used by astronauts inside that fancy suit.
Oh no, wait a minute, he doesn't exist, and I'm just making stuff up.
If I could mod you +5 I would. I couldn't agree more. The Wii effect, emphasising gameplay over graphics is a good thing IMHO, but unfortunately it's become so 'trendy' to follow this line, that certain reviewers (including unfortunately the individual who gave this game 3/5) have allowed it to blinker their view to the point that they can't see beyond the graphics, and actually appreciate the quality of the game for what it is.
*** Warning - may contain minor spoilers.
The cinematography in this game is outstanding. From the prologue involving the SAS raid on a cargo ship smuggling nukes, to the main opening car ride through the streets of the Baghdad-like middle-eastern city and the subsequent execution of the country's president, the story is woven with great finesse and attention to detail and it rarely lets up, allowing you to suspend your disbelief and get throughly involved in the action. It is as immersive an experience as I have ever had during a videogame. Clearly a lot of time has been spent on voice acting to produce something which is significantly better than the average. And the enemy AI is excellent, to the point where they actually make more effective use of tactics and cover than I do.
The training mode gives you just enough to get you started, but leave you feeling like a raw recruit. The first mission in particular beautifully combined the calm, coordinated teamwork of highly professional soldiers on a mission, with the utter pandemonium and complete lack of focus that occurs when suddenly enemy combatants start ambushing you from all directions.
Another point the review singularly fails to mention (and this is a sad reflection of the quality of the editorial on Slashdot) is the superb technical achievement Infinity Ward's game engine has turned out to be. I recently downloaded the Crysis demo, which although a demo, appears to be pretty much a feature complete run through of the opening mission. It runs like 3-legged dog, with my rig managing a barely playable 20fps at a resolution of 1280x800 with everything set to 'medium'. From what I've seen so far though, CoD4 is actually at least as good as, if not more beautiful lookin than Crysis, and yet I can run it with every setting on maximum, at 1920x1200 and barely even see a flicker of slowdown. I would never have believed my Radeon X1900XT (these days very much a mid-range card) would be capable of what I've seen with my own eyes.
I'm really glad I bought this game before I read the Slashdot review. Although I've never really placed much trust in the quality of 'journalism' (for want of a better word) on this site, giving this game 3/5 is more about the reviewer's petty prejudices and grandstanding to the 'graphics aren't everything' crowd, and less about the quality of the game. It's true... graphics aren't everything, but that's why it's a shame that Zonk can't see that CoD4 has so much more than just eye-candy.
I hate to tell you this, but anyone who strolls around Japan being loud and western (which most tourists inevitably are) draws a lot of looks or even approaches from complete strangers. Most foreigners who've lived here for a few years learn how to blend into the background a little more, but even if you didn't have an iPhone you'd get more or less the same attention.
I think the answer to all your questions is: It's not going to happen because it isn't real.
Sounds the most plausible explaination I've heard yet. What is completely unfathomable however, is that Ballmer, possibly the dumbest fuck ever to run a hugely powerful corporation still goes on, despite the fact that the entire organization is crumbling under his 'leadership'. Mind you, I suppose Bush is still running the country, so clearly these things have a pattern to them.
I don't think it's his understanding that is Worthen's problem. More the fact that he posesses all the style and journalistic finesse of a 12 year old. I haven't seen such poor writing from a professional journalist since they let Ann Coulter write a column.
I think your comment indirectly says it all. America, land of liberty, where it's dangerous to buy a child's chemistry set, but an enshrined right to buy a gun.
It's unlikely they would. But unfortunately the British police seem to have adopted a policy of arresting anyone who 'looks a bit foreign' these days.
I guess this would be the wrong time to bring up intelligent design then...
...come to think of it. Is there ever a right time?
From the Observer (British Newspaper):
These men (I believe they were members of the British Iraqui Kurdish community) were arrested under suspicion of planning a terrorist attack on live television at a major British football (soccer) ground. Except they were just fans going to watch a game, and it turned out to be total bullshit.