Otto Z. Stern is a director at The Institute of Technological Values - a think tank dedicated to a more moral digital age.
He criticizes the fact that planes don't fly faster without stopping to think why that is. He criticizes the people that promote opensource. He criticizes opensource, while doing it in a way that seems to say opensource is linux. Open sourced includes a lot more things than that. After all of the insults, the article states he is a director at a think tank dedicated to a more moral digital age. There is a difference between insulting and informing on the negative aspects and, apparently, he does not know it.
Slashdot is a blog of sorts. The people, such as cmdrTaco, that run it usually stick to recent news that is submitted to them. However they still put personal stuff as they see fit. Remember this? http://slashdot.org/article.pl?sid=02/02/14/143254 &tid=166
And you are right on one thing... they are often biased. For every good thing you find on Microsoft or SCO on slashdot, you will find MANY more bad things. If you don't like blogs or the way in which information is presented, stop reading it.
In a sense they already do have simple 'bionic eyes.' While they are by no means high definition (actually, they are almost as low-def as you can get), they are a step forward. I have seen stories on a blind person that had some circuitry inserted into his eye that consisted of a 4x4 array of sensors.... these electrodes could then allow the person to detect light and movement. I have also read that similar projects are in the works that will use more electrodes and will allow a slightly 'higher-def.' I have also read though that the paticular method they are using will still be limited, even as technology progresses, and to get something that will truly be able to replace vision, they will have to find other methods/techniques and have better technology. Search for 'bionic eyes' on Google and within the first couple links you will see articles to the things I am referring.
What is the size of the market for people who need a new hand? It is probably the size of the existing market for prosthetic hands.
Are there profitable products that can be extended from this one? Other prosthetic devices and limbs would probably be a good place to start.
Maybe cybernetics for the non-handicapped in controlling machinery or possibly military purposes? It is worth looking into. But because these devices work by interacting with an individuals nerves/nervous system, I suspect that creating such devices will be unlikely. This is because a great deal of time and money would be spent to attatch a machine to the nerves, calibrate it, and learn to use it.
I'm not saying that there shouldn't be research for the handicapped, I'm just trying to see how a corporation justifiesthe expenses. When you consider the fact that these devices will be very expensive (and insurance companies will probably pay most of that cost), the potential for profit is quite large. That sounds like justification.
Or is this a government-funded (theft) product? If so, I'll say it is a waste. Ummmm.... why did you bring the government into this?
"I've noticed you guys have a regard for the scientific method, and make quite an effort to try and keep things controlled with regards to how you run your experiments and derive your conclusions."
My question deals with the opposite of this. While yes they try and keep things controlled (and in many of their things, this is very difficult, considering their topics), they don't always stick to the scientific method when drawing conclusions. I have noticed on many occasions they test something and assume that because it didn't work in a few cases, it will never work in any case. This is part of the reason why certain myths were reversed in a show in which they reviewed myths because the number of fan-mail arguing against their previous results. I know it would be difficult given the time allotted to the show (and keeping thing interesting), but have you ever considered using a method closer to the scientific method? Or as the post above me says, have you considered getting a formally trained scientist (off camera) to help review your methods? (keep him off camera though....you guys are cool... don't ruin it by bring more characters into the show). Anyways, I love your show. Keep up the good work.
-Kruton
Yes, this is very similar. However, there is a difference. This uses algorithms to compare one type of music to successful songs. However The others only used hard facts such chart ratings, money earned, etc. This one also uses information gathered from message boards and blogs to aid in the comparisons. The article states this.
Lesse now, I have a shelf full of PS2 games that didn't need patches.
I would just like to point out to you that PS2 games run on a set architecture with predefined specifications allotting a set ammount of ram, processor speed and architecture, etc. There are fewer variables to work with. No 'driver compatibility' issues... No 'stupid user' errors...etc.
PC's have multiple OS's (Linux, Windows XP, 2K, FreeBSD, etc), many different specs (ram, cpu speed, cpu type, video, etc). This is why games have options menu's that allow users to change resolutions and video quality. But allowing variations allows bugs to appear that wouldn't appear otherwise. But don't get me wrong saying that they should allow the software to go out with levels not working and such...... I am just saying a few bugs are to be expected. Besides, many patches I have seen are performance improving patches instead of the 'major flaw' patches. If the developers want to make the game run better, then they can be my guest.
-Kruton
Relax, yes, I know software needs patches. I was just joking around a bit... I just found it a bit interesting they had that on a promotional site, aimed at drawing people to the game, before the game was out. Nothing wrong with it (it will make it easier for them to add the patches when they need to). I do a lot of programming and software development. I know how it is nearly impossible to release something that large without bugs. I was just joking around a bit with that comment.
-Kruton
Q4 webpage
on
Quake 4 Linux
·
· Score: 5, Interesting
Just a note: The quake 4 webpage is flash based. So if you try to access it, either have a broadband connection (and you will still have to wait), or a lot of patience with a modem. Also, if you block pop-ups with firefox, you won't be able to access anything but their main page unless you turn off the pop-up blocker.
One more thing... if a company already has a patches section with the words "Coming Soon" before the game is released, is that suggesting something about the quality of the product?
"Seriously though, put a turbine outside of a black hole, and as everything is sucked into the blackhole, electricity is generated."
I must point out that time is relative and (from our perspective) time appears to slow around a black hole. Would that not drastically reduce the usable amount of power for those away from the blackhole?
Hold as many Uno games as you can beneath the hole. The hole is bound to start shrinking with that many reverse cards being played. Just make sure it is an odd number.
Newsweek May 19, 2003 has an article about similar technology. I have also seen an old episode of Nova (or some other scientific show on PBS) that talked of this technology. This isn't new stuff. -Kruton
If an ISP shutdown my outgoing connections, I would get a new ISP. Maybe ISP's can use this data to help them, but not the way you mentioned.
You say that internet access is a privilege and not a right. True. But if I sign with an ISP and they do not disclose they they will block my access beforehand, aren't they breaking a legal agreement? In that case, do I not have a right to take legal action? If their contract does state they can shut down my connection, then fine. But in that case, I can switch ISP's if they decide to act upon that.
And if you believe that people need internet access licenses, then you are just a moron trying to get a rise out of people on the message boards. -Kruton
Did you look at the system requirements? 64 is required, but 128MB is maximum. 1.5GB hd space is required, but 40 is maximum. But the list gets even better. It gets rid of support for multiple use accounts, computer to computer networking and sharing printers (and files?). You mentioned that it only allows three programs to run concurrently. However, there are even more stipulations on that feature of 'simplified task management.' Each program is limited to 3 windows. When you combine these facts with the 'features' you mentioned, I just can't help but wonder what Microsoft is thinking.
I mean, I have had malware that has screwed up my computer that gave results similar to this OS's 'features'
-Kruton
How do they go about testing the speed on such a thing? If it is the fastest, wouldn't that prevent any testing device from being able to 'keep up' with the new transister and give accurate readings?
Where did he get the quotes "DNS is good" and "We should probably have some more TLDs?" I did not see those in the article he posted. If he read the report, why does he not provide a link to the report? The report has 283 pages of conclusions. If it just came out, how did he read all of that and then post the quotes?
Sure, checking the odometer anually is nice for the people that don't leave the state. But what about the people that regularly drive in and out of state, or drive (instead of fly) places for business or vacation.? If I were to drive 1500-2000 miles out of state this year, I would not want to be taxed for those. That is why they are considering the gps. It would only apply to those in state. But taxing with gps, is a bad idea in general. -Kruton
If this is only a way of taking attendance, then why do it? It is going to cost a lot of money to get all of the new RFID cards. Not only that, but the school is going to have to have the sensors installed throughout the school, which will cost quite a bit more money. The school is either going to need expensive software that takes this information and inputs it directly to their attendance logs, or have someone manually copy the data over. The cost of tech support fees for everytime something goes wrong with it are going to be high (and if the students don't like it, they WILL find a way to make something go wrong). And finally, I would like to point out they installed sensors on the bathroom doorways..... I know I am always glad to see that the school is taking time to take bathroom attendance. Between the cost and the fact that it is being installed everywhere in the building, I doubt it is only "a way of taking attendance." It is a tracking measure. I don't like the idea of all of the students being tracked like a bunch of livestock. -Kruton
Why do people post articles like this? Many similar articles have written in the past. Writing about the number and readiness of attacking worms targeting windows seems to be a frequent topic of advocates for alternative operating systems that have run out of story ideas. It is not news. It is an excuse to bash Windos. Newsflash: windows is not perfect. However, software/ease of use make it easiest for people to use when all they do is access email and check ebay. So stop asking why people use it.
Headlines like this posted on slashdot are annoying and incredibly stupid. Yes, windows has flaws--some major ones. Every OS has problems. But with a headline like "Why Does Windows Still Suck?" all that is displayed is a bait for thousands of geeks to bash Microsoft and say, "Linux is perfect. People should use linux. Window sucks. Windows users are morons. OSX is where its at. My dick is bigger than your dick," and other BS. This is not news. This is a flamebait, and judging by the 1700 responses, I would say a successful one. -Kruton
Slashdot Mirror
Otto Z. Stern is a director at The Institute of Technological Values - a think tank dedicated to a more moral digital age. He criticizes the fact that planes don't fly faster without stopping to think why that is. He criticizes the people that promote opensource. He criticizes opensource, while doing it in a way that seems to say opensource is linux. Open sourced includes a lot more things than that. After all of the insults, the article states he is a director at a think tank dedicated to a more moral digital age. There is a difference between insulting and informing on the negative aspects and, apparently, he does not know it.
Slashdot is a blog of sorts. The people, such as cmdrTaco, that run it usually stick to recent news that is submitted to them. However they still put personal stuff as they see fit. Remember this? http://slashdot.org/article.pl?sid=02/02/14/143254 &tid=166
And you are right on one thing... they are often biased. For every good thing you find on Microsoft or SCO on slashdot, you will find MANY more bad things. If you don't like blogs or the way in which information is presented, stop reading it.
In a sense they already do have simple 'bionic eyes.' While they are by no means high definition (actually, they are almost as low-def as you can get), they are a step forward. I have seen stories on a blind person that had some circuitry inserted into his eye that consisted of a 4x4 array of sensors.... these electrodes could then allow the person to detect light and movement. I have also read that similar projects are in the works that will use more electrodes and will allow a slightly 'higher-def.' I have also read though that the paticular method they are using will still be limited, even as technology progresses, and to get something that will truly be able to replace vision, they will have to find other methods/techniques and have better technology. Search for 'bionic eyes' on Google and within the first couple links you will see articles to the things I am referring.
What is the size of the market for people who need a new hand?
It is probably the size of the existing market for prosthetic hands.
Are there profitable products that can be extended from this one?
Other prosthetic devices and limbs would probably be a good place to start.
Maybe cybernetics for the non-handicapped in controlling machinery or possibly military purposes?
It is worth looking into. But because these devices work by interacting with an individuals nerves/nervous system, I suspect that creating such devices will be unlikely. This is because a great deal of time and money would be spent to attatch a machine to the nerves, calibrate it, and learn to use it.
I'm not saying that there shouldn't be research for the handicapped, I'm just trying to see how a corporation justifiesthe expenses.
When you consider the fact that these devices will be very expensive (and insurance companies will probably pay most of that cost), the potential for profit is quite large. That sounds like justification.
Or is this a government-funded (theft) product? If so, I'll say it is a waste.
Ummmm.... why did you bring the government into this?
My question deals with the opposite of this. While yes they try and keep things controlled (and in many of their things, this is very difficult, considering their topics), they don't always stick to the scientific method when drawing conclusions. I have noticed on many occasions they test something and assume that because it didn't work in a few cases, it will never work in any case. This is part of the reason why certain myths were reversed in a show in which they reviewed myths because the number of fan-mail arguing against their previous results. I know it would be difficult given the time allotted to the show (and keeping thing interesting), but have you ever considered using a method closer to the scientific method? Or as the post above me says, have you considered getting a formally trained scientist (off camera) to help review your methods? (keep him off camera though....you guys are cool... don't ruin it by bring more characters into the show). Anyways, I love your show. Keep up the good work. -Kruton
Don't you know how dangerous that is? http://www.dhmo.org/
Nope.
Yes, this is very similar. However, there is a difference. This uses algorithms to compare one type of music to successful songs. However The others only used hard facts such chart ratings, money earned, etc. This one also uses information gathered from message boards and blogs to aid in the comparisons. The article states this.
It has bugs while still in beta?! *Gasp* How could someone release a beta in such a state?!
Come on, what did you think would happen?
-Kruton
Lesse now, I have a shelf full of PS2 games that didn't need patches. I would just like to point out to you that PS2 games run on a set architecture with predefined specifications allotting a set ammount of ram, processor speed and architecture, etc. There are fewer variables to work with. No 'driver compatibility' issues... No 'stupid user' errors...etc. PC's have multiple OS's (Linux, Windows XP, 2K, FreeBSD, etc), many different specs (ram, cpu speed, cpu type, video, etc). This is why games have options menu's that allow users to change resolutions and video quality. But allowing variations allows bugs to appear that wouldn't appear otherwise. But don't get me wrong saying that they should allow the software to go out with levels not working and such...... I am just saying a few bugs are to be expected. Besides, many patches I have seen are performance improving patches instead of the 'major flaw' patches. If the developers want to make the game run better, then they can be my guest. -Kruton
Relax, yes, I know software needs patches. I was just joking around a bit... I just found it a bit interesting they had that on a promotional site, aimed at drawing people to the game, before the game was out. Nothing wrong with it (it will make it easier for them to add the patches when they need to). I do a lot of programming and software development. I know how it is nearly impossible to release something that large without bugs. I was just joking around a bit with that comment. -Kruton
Just a note: The quake 4 webpage is flash based. So if you try to access it, either have a broadband connection (and you will still have to wait), or a lot of patience with a modem. Also, if you block pop-ups with firefox, you won't be able to access anything but their main page unless you turn off the pop-up blocker.
One more thing... if a company already has a patches section with the words "Coming Soon" before the game is released, is that suggesting something about the quality of the product?
-Kruton
You say they must have something. I say they lack something.
-Kruton
I don't think he meant that to be funny. I was thinking the same thing and was dead serious.
Hold as many Uno games as you can beneath the hole. The hole is bound to start shrinking with that many reverse cards being played. Just make sure it is an odd number.
Now if they could only make a plugin that prevents Windows explorer from crashing every time IE does.
Newsweek May 19, 2003 has an article about similar technology. I have also seen an old episode of Nova (or some other scientific show on PBS) that talked of this technology. This isn't new stuff.
-Kruton
If an ISP shutdown my outgoing connections, I would get a new ISP. Maybe ISP's can use this data to help them, but not the way you mentioned.
You say that internet access is a privilege and not a right. True. But if I sign with an ISP and they do not disclose they they will block my access beforehand, aren't they breaking a legal agreement? In that case, do I not have a right to take legal action? If their contract does state they can shut down my connection, then fine. But in that case, I can switch ISP's if they decide to act upon that.
And if you believe that people need internet access licenses, then you are just a moron trying to get a rise out of people on the message boards.
-Kruton
Did you look at the system requirements? 64 is required, but 128MB is maximum. 1.5GB hd space is required, but 40 is maximum. But the list gets even better. It gets rid of support for multiple use accounts, computer to computer networking and sharing printers (and files?). You mentioned that it only allows three programs to run concurrently. However, there are even more stipulations on that feature of 'simplified task management.' Each program is limited to 3 windows. When you combine these facts with the 'features' you mentioned, I just can't help but wonder what Microsoft is thinking. I mean, I have had malware that has screwed up my computer that gave results similar to this OS's 'features' -Kruton
How do they go about testing the speed on such a thing? If it is the fastest, wouldn't that prevent any testing device from being able to 'keep up' with the new transister and give accurate readings?
Where did he get the quotes "DNS is good" and "We should probably have some more TLDs?" I did not see those in the article he posted. If he read the report, why does he not provide a link to the report? The report has 283 pages of conclusions. If it just came out, how did he read all of that and then post the quotes?
-Kruton
Sure, checking the odometer anually is nice for the people that don't leave the state. But what about the people that regularly drive in and out of state, or drive (instead of fly) places for business or vacation.? If I were to drive 1500-2000 miles out of state this year, I would not want to be taxed for those. That is why they are considering the gps. It would only apply to those in state. But taxing with gps, is a bad idea in general.
-Kruton
If this is only a way of taking attendance, then why do it? It is going to cost a lot of money to get all of the new RFID cards. Not only that, but the school is going to have to have the sensors installed throughout the school, which will cost quite a bit more money. The school is either going to need expensive software that takes this information and inputs it directly to their attendance logs, or have someone manually copy the data over. The cost of tech support fees for everytime something goes wrong with it are going to be high (and if the students don't like it, they WILL find a way to make something go wrong). And finally, I would like to point out they installed sensors on the bathroom doorways..... I know I am always glad to see that the school is taking time to take bathroom attendance. Between the cost and the fact that it is being installed everywhere in the building, I doubt it is only "a way of taking attendance." It is a tracking measure. I don't like the idea of all of the students being tracked like a bunch of livestock.
-Kruton
Why do people post articles like this? Many similar articles have written in the past. Writing about the number and readiness of attacking worms targeting windows seems to be a frequent topic of advocates for alternative operating systems that have run out of story ideas. It is not news. It is an excuse to bash Windos. Newsflash: windows is not perfect. However, software/ease of use make it easiest for people to use when all they do is access email and check ebay. So stop asking why people use it.
Headlines like this posted on slashdot are annoying and incredibly stupid. Yes, windows has flaws--some major ones. Every OS has problems. But with a headline like "Why Does Windows Still Suck?" all that is displayed is a bait for thousands of geeks to bash Microsoft and say, "Linux is perfect. People should use linux. Window sucks. Windows users are morons. OSX is where its at. My dick is bigger than your dick," and other BS. This is not news. This is a flamebait, and judging by the 1700 responses, I would say a successful one.
-Kruton