That's not true. A sociopath merely lacks empathy - they may be aware that they are hurting someone, but they don't understand why that's a bad thing. Placed in an incentive system where hurting people is penalised and provides no advantages, they'll do what's best for them and stop.
Actually, a sociopath is just someone that has no regard for other people whatsoever. This takes many behavioral forms including the example talked about by the OP.
The kid needs help and I am glad that the situation was resolved the way it was. If the kid had been arrested he may not have gotten the help he needs and gotten far more antisocial. I hope his parents also get some counseling because they are the ones that raised that monster! Obviously they let him spend far too much time on that laptop and not enough time interacting with real people. Far too easy to nurture your psychosis in the fantasy world that is the Internet.
Ok, this is at both of the replies above. The OP didn't ask if everyone could become a professional programmer, i.e., someone who does it for money to support their existence. The question was can anyone become a programmer, i.e., learn to write code. The answer to both you egotistical, pompous pricks is yes. Anyone can LEARN how to program. Can they become proficient at it to make a living, that's a different issue, that I did address in the last sentence of my original post above.
I happen to be one of those blessed with innate abilities in mathematics, music, syntax and morphology. I am also not bad at large system theory and doing related rate calculations in my head, on the fly (I can hit moving targets very easily, most can't). However, I AM NOT A DICK ABOUT IT!!!!! I don't believe that I am better than anyone else for having these abilities. Everyone has their specialty, but that doesn't make them special outside that specialty. So, you can be bound in your nutshell of specialness and master of infinite space, but being a dick about it just diminishes us all. Everyone can learn to do what you do. Can they learn to do it at the same level of proficiency? That's up to them, again, as long as there is no medical or traumatic reason they can learn and take the time to be just as good as you. It might take them LONGER, but anyone can do what you do. If not, then how will we get along after you die? lmao
I am glad that there are people who do excel at some vocations; simply so I don't have to learn to do them. That does not mean that I am incapable. It means I am not as motivated, interested in doing that type of work. It doesn't appeal to me. It's why I don't work for the myriad federal agencies that were recruiting me throughout my younger years. I didn't want to sit in a room writing code and breaking crypto. Not my bag. Not that I'm not good at it, but just because you have a big penis doesn't mean you have to be a porn star, either.
The situation in Pakistan is very similar to what is happening within the GOP, namely that through a process of political decay, they have gradually become beholden to the fringe elements of the community. At some point you pass a threshold where events conspire to turn everything into a self-fulfiling prophecy, especially when it becomes an "us versum them" scenario. So instead of reject the fringe elements and reevaluating their position (the healthy choice), they double down.
And just like the GOP you've created a false equivalency. What we're seeing is not due to political decay. It's not about being beholden to "fringe" elements in their society, because their top-to-bottom societies have been based on these principles for centuries. We are clearly seeing what can happen to a society once feudalism/dictatorship and dogma are washed away by freedom of expression and interaction with other free cultures. A major problem is the level of education in these countries is appalling by Western standards and people are being led around by their religion (see my earlier post for definition: http://yro.slashdot.org/comments.pl?sid=3139989&cid=41439197), not by reason. Again, the faiths of Islam, Christianity, Judaism, Buddhism NOT bad. Religion, bad!
...it would be (morbidly) amusing to watch the epic pileup that would occur if one were actually applied rigorously...
Oh, you mean like the Spanish Inquisition? Yeah, laugh riot that was. History has already shown us what blasphemy laws will do to society, and it's NOT a good thing. I agree with those that have said that Pakistan and other Islamic countries are dealing with a new thing, freedom of expression. They haven't really had it before and their established social norms (based almost solely on feudalism and rigorous religious practice and doctrine) are being wiped away by this freedom of expression thing.
It's very difficult for those of us that have lived in societies that have not only protected but defended free expression for generations to understand what these developing nations are going through. The established, conservative element is going to rail against this because they see it for what it is, a threat to their method of control. Religion, like any other bureaucracy, is a method of control and regulation. Like other bureaucracies the power inherent in the system can easily be abused. I don't think Islam is a bad thing at all, nor do I see other faiths as bad. I see religion (idealism given form and function) as bad no matter what faith is behind it.
Yes, there is a distinct difference between faith and religion. They are NOT mutually inclusive. I consider myself agnostic at best. I have faith in humanity and the overall goodness of mankind, but I don't need a book (I've read the Bible, Quran, Buddist texts and Torah), a preacher, or anyone else to tell me what's right and what's wrong or how I should interpret things. I'm an educated, intelligent human being and I can make my own decisions, thank you very much! Some can't. They lack the skill set or the know how. It's sad. They are sheep being led. Sometimes being led far from what is truly right and wrong. (more on TRUTH later...). I don't see blasphemy as anything more than someone getting bent out of shape because they don't like what was said or done. Don't like it, don't do it, but don't try to hurt the other person because you disagree. As the late Phil Harris would say, "Bad, bad, bad, bad, bad!"
A lot of common sense answers in the thread already, but it all boils down to a few options.
First, and foremost is you. You are the best insurance against damaging your property. It's yours, treat it well, keep it safe and it will work for you for a long time.
Second, a case. I have had good luck with Speck cases for my iPhones. A little rubber padding and I can literally toss the thing over my shoulder and only worry if it lands face first on a pointy object. Other than that, nothing. I have tested this myself and in front of others.
Third, insurance. Whether through the carrier, a third-party or your own existing policies. Have you checked your homeowner's policy or asked them about coverage? If you are this worried, you should.
Fourth, extended warranty, called AppleCare for the iPhone. I always get and recommend AppleCare when buying from Apple. It's worth the expense should something go wrong beyond the regular warranty period, as most things do.
Finally, if you're that worried about breaking it maybe you should get an iPad and a dumb phone instead. Seriously, if you are worried you can't take care of it then you probably have a track record of breaking things or an irrational fear of having nice things. If replacing something you use every day is a hardship, then maybe you don't need it or could use a less expensive alternative.
The mental capacity to follow logic does not mean you can be a good programmer. Codemonkey, perhaps, but not programmer. You need to be innovative too, and be able to make leaps of logic, not just follow logic.
Thank you Mr. Spock Armstrong, but there are no leaps of logic in programming, only logic. The hardware guys get to do logical leaps.
I think it requires a certain level of intelligence as a minimum. Nothing incredibly special but above average and an interest in learning how to control that box. Interest can drive aptitude. But a low IQ is going to hamper working in, say, C. Object-oriented and the workings of inheritance in C++ are going to be hard to work with if you're plain dumb.
Documentation for libraries is not infrequently poor or even wrong and there seems to be some tacit assumption that programmers will work out how things work anyway, even if that just means knowing where to get help.
And it depends what you call "programming". If that includes designing solutions to complex or novel (hence no off-the-shelf libraries) solutions, then you have to design complex algorithms, which requires creativity. You need to be able to evaluate and select the right solution, too, something even very smart programmers get wrong.
AFAIK every professional, in every field I know, says almost the exact same thing, and you know what? The ones who say it are usually insecure about something. Anyone can learn. You did get one thing right, it takes interest, but more importantly it takes motivation (necessity) and inspiration. Unless there is something genetically or mentally wrong with you due to trauma, anyone can learn anything and apply it. We as a species are innately creative. It's why we made tools and developed technology as a species. Now, some people have genetic dispositions for learning things like syntax, morphology, and may even have strong mathematical skills. Awesome for them! They will learn things like programming, foreign languages, music theory, physics and chemistry quicker than others and may be able to develop improvisations quicker to address challenges when applying what is known, but as long as there are no issues with brain function, yes, anyone can learn whatever they want, even programming. Whether they will be able to turn it into a vocation is an entirely different issue unrelated to learning having more to do with the speed of applying what was learned relative to competitors in a market.
Another mobile app dev gets the shaft from a patent troll. Well, I bought the app for my iPad and have had it on my Mac for years, so I think I've donated to the legal defense fund. I do have to say that Google should be addressing this as I can't see how they are not responsible if it's their API presumably violating the patent. Not sure how the devs using the API could be held accountable, but that's why I have a friend who is a patent attorney.
As a paying customer, he treated me like a pirate the one time I asked a support question on his web site.
How about a link to that thread, or a couple emails to back that up. I'm not disagreeing with you, but if you are looking for support for that statement from this crowd how about some proof of assholishness? I don't like some people, but I have also gotten off on the wrong foot with people too and have learned not to judge quickly. I have never met Austin but have had good rapport with the Laminar guys over the years when I have asked questions. I don't think it's been more than once or twice in ten years, though.
... check with your school policies on handling lost and found crap. I assume these were lost on school property, so the school has a say in their disposition.
Loaning is probably OK, but before you donate or otherwise give up possession, check the rules.
I would say 'may' have say in their disposition, but otherwise I must concur. I worked for a university for many years and there are different rules for each state. In Virginia, for instance, anything under $500 value at time of purchase isn't tracked in inventory, and found property need only be advertised for 30-90 (forget how long exactly) days in a public notice (newspaper ad, usually) before you (or your institution) can claim it. Now the institution may also have guidelines for found property, i.e., it becomes theirs not yours and must be disposed of to their guidelines. Who knew property was such a murky thing.
But, I would recommend donating them either way this works out. I am sure there is an organization that would gladly receive them and get them to kids that could use them. If the organization is non-profit and operates in your state there's a high probability that the paperwork would be minimal (half day's work, total).
Problem with your theory...The TSA was started in late-2001, early-2002 when the unemployment rate was not out of control. The whole "it-was-started-to-create-jobs" line just doesn't hold water. Now, it was started by a bunch of control freak conservatives that wanted to "protect" Americans, but clearly all it does is violate their rights.
Eventually we won't be allowed to walk on the sidewalk or drive on a road without a FUCKING PERMISSION SLIP from homeland security letting their agents know that "this person's a good guy, unless he's brown or black and seems suspicious (aka being brown or black)"
I think the TSA answer to that is that they aren't restricting all travel, just airline (and other public transport). You are still free to drive across the country without a single strip search. (unless, of course, you're caught speeding and the police officer is in a particularly bad mood).
Find someone who is competetent at Unix system administration and willing to learn. Regardless of current Windows knowledge, it's more likely she will be able to learn the nuances necessary in a heterogenous environment than the average Windows admin.
I like the use of "she", because it would have been a homogenous environment otherwise.
There is a difference between personal choice and business need. To be a fan is liking something by personal choice. To be a professional is to work with things that are required to get a job done. I personally like Mac OS, but I use and support other operating systems because the tools or services needed to complete a task are there. A professional understands that "right tool, right job" mentality and accepts that broadening his/her horizons is a good thing that will serve his/her career and help them better appreciate the things about which they are fanatical.
I'm not sure how you should start the interview. But I'm pretty sure starting it off by taking a holier-than-thou condescending attitude towards anyone who would sully themselves by being a Windows server admin, and referring to them as a Windows "fan" instead of a Windows professional, is definitely the way to NOT start the interview.
Believe it or not, there are plenty of professionals out there with significant admin experience with both Unix and Windows. Being a Windows professional doesn't make you some sort of dirt-eating Tauron, nor does it necessarily make you a "fan" who's chosen his side in some nerd-rage fight to the death.
I wholeheartedly agree. As someone that has worked supporting several flavors of *nix, and versions of both Windows and Mac OS server (and client) systems I would say that the OPs environment is hostile based on the description. It's certainly not an environment that I would recommend to any of my Windows Server admin colleagues to walk into. There is little place for that kind of "I-only-work-with-Unix-and-the-rest-is-beneath-me" attitude. Personal preference is fine, zealotry is not, especially when in conflicts with the needs of others or is used as a weapon.
Now, if you want a quality Windows admin you look for the same things you look for in any admin; experience, education and certifications, in that order. I know plenty of enthusiastic Windows "fans" that are NOT admin material. Liking something (fan) and having a deep understanding of something (professional) are completely different things. If you don't know what to ask then you have clearly not done your needs requirements for the position and should not even advertise the job until you do. This process will not only help you define the requirements for the position, clearly define the roles and responsibilities (and overlaps for support coverage) it will educate those involved in the process as to what to look for in a candidate. It may also be helpful to contact your Microsoft representative, not only to assist in your edification, but to help define the scope of what you may need. That's what a professional would do over just a "fan".
I think the idea is that we will have already hurled a bunch of people and equipment to the Moon (or are getting ready to do so) and we have a "cheaper" way of getting stuff back than using 1/8th the thrust to get stuff off the Moon's surface than we do the Earth's. 2020 is a bit ambitious for that goal. Be more like 2050 or beyond. Remember, in the 1950s they thought we'd have flying cars by the 1980s.
Who says you have to be an attorney to send a legal notice? Now, impersonating an attorney is another matter, as well as misrepresentation of any kind, but you do not need to be an attorney to send a DMCA notice. It's a good idea to have an attorney look at it to make sure it's not missing something or is just poorly written, but unless it goes to court there's no attorney necessary. In the U.S. you have the right to represent yourself. There's no law saying you have to have an attorney act for you in any matter, civil or criminal.
No kidding. I was thinking shenanigans for not using actual devices, let alone a ridiculously insignificant sample size. Sharp must be running low on funds. That study couldn't have cost more than a few thousand to conduct, even paying the grad students to do it. That's about two weeks worth of work... 13 participants and no devices. Pffff! No wonder some people laugh at science when they have such poor examples to point at.
I read the studies and this really isn't that big a deal. For instance, the chance of autism is increased by 20-30% but there is still only a 2% chance of actually having autism appear. So, effectively there is a 0.6% (at most) additional chance that autism will develop in a child whose father is over 40. Autism is an especially hot topic right now due to the increase in proper diagnosis and therefore the increase in documented cases over recent years. This isn't due to more new babies being born with autism, but that they are better at diagnosing it and not thinking it's something else. The chances are still more-or-less the same.
Firstly, the "contextual details" blew reality in the equation right out the window. Second, doesn't happen. If you witnessed something you shouldn't and the government knows, you got less than 24 hours to escape those you witnessed, especially if they know you saw them. Finally, if the guvment is after you and you have done nothing wrong but witness a crime, wait for them to come or turn yourself in. The Hollywood bullschtein will only get you into real trouble or get you killed. Leave the spy stuff to the professionals. You see, they shake their heads and get flustered when they see what they do dumbed down just like we computer types cringe at movies like Swordfish and Jurassic Park. Some of what they do is depicted but how it really gets done ain't even close.
Slashdot Mirror
That's not true. A sociopath merely lacks empathy - they may be aware that they are hurting someone, but they don't understand why that's a bad thing. Placed in an incentive system where hurting people is penalised and provides no advantages, they'll do what's best for them and stop.
Actually, a sociopath is just someone that has no regard for other people whatsoever. This takes many behavioral forms including the example talked about by the OP.
The kid needs help and I am glad that the situation was resolved the way it was. If the kid had been arrested he may not have gotten the help he needs and gotten far more antisocial. I hope his parents also get some counseling because they are the ones that raised that monster! Obviously they let him spend far too much time on that laptop and not enough time interacting with real people. Far too easy to nurture your psychosis in the fantasy world that is the Internet.
Ok, this is at both of the replies above. The OP didn't ask if everyone could become a professional programmer, i.e., someone who does it for money to support their existence. The question was can anyone become a programmer, i.e., learn to write code. The answer to both you egotistical, pompous pricks is yes. Anyone can LEARN how to program. Can they become proficient at it to make a living, that's a different issue, that I did address in the last sentence of my original post above.
I happen to be one of those blessed with innate abilities in mathematics, music, syntax and morphology. I am also not bad at large system theory and doing related rate calculations in my head, on the fly (I can hit moving targets very easily, most can't). However, I AM NOT A DICK ABOUT IT!!!!! I don't believe that I am better than anyone else for having these abilities. Everyone has their specialty, but that doesn't make them special outside that specialty. So, you can be bound in your nutshell of specialness and master of infinite space, but being a dick about it just diminishes us all. Everyone can learn to do what you do. Can they learn to do it at the same level of proficiency? That's up to them, again, as long as there is no medical or traumatic reason they can learn and take the time to be just as good as you. It might take them LONGER, but anyone can do what you do. If not, then how will we get along after you die? lmao
I am glad that there are people who do excel at some vocations; simply so I don't have to learn to do them. That does not mean that I am incapable. It means I am not as motivated, interested in doing that type of work. It doesn't appeal to me. It's why I don't work for the myriad federal agencies that were recruiting me throughout my younger years. I didn't want to sit in a room writing code and breaking crypto. Not my bag. Not that I'm not good at it, but just because you have a big penis doesn't mean you have to be a porn star, either.
US Patent Office Seeks Aid To Spot Bogus Patent Claims
How about patrolling East Texas court rooms, for starters.
The situation in Pakistan is very similar to what is happening within the GOP, namely that through a process of political decay, they have gradually become beholden to the fringe elements of the community. At some point you pass a threshold where events conspire to turn everything into a self-fulfiling prophecy, especially when it becomes an "us versum them" scenario. So instead of reject the fringe elements and reevaluating their position (the healthy choice), they double down.
And just like the GOP you've created a false equivalency. What we're seeing is not due to political decay. It's not about being beholden to "fringe" elements in their society, because their top-to-bottom societies have been based on these principles for centuries. We are clearly seeing what can happen to a society once feudalism/dictatorship and dogma are washed away by freedom of expression and interaction with other free cultures. A major problem is the level of education in these countries is appalling by Western standards and people are being led around by their religion (see my earlier post for definition: http://yro.slashdot.org/comments.pl?sid=3139989&cid=41439197), not by reason. Again, the faiths of Islam, Christianity, Judaism, Buddhism NOT bad. Religion, bad!
...it would be (morbidly) amusing to watch the epic pileup that would occur if one were actually applied rigorously...
Oh, you mean like the Spanish Inquisition? Yeah, laugh riot that was. History has already shown us what blasphemy laws will do to society, and it's NOT a good thing. I agree with those that have said that Pakistan and other Islamic countries are dealing with a new thing, freedom of expression. They haven't really had it before and their established social norms (based almost solely on feudalism and rigorous religious practice and doctrine) are being wiped away by this freedom of expression thing.
It's very difficult for those of us that have lived in societies that have not only protected but defended free expression for generations to understand what these developing nations are going through. The established, conservative element is going to rail against this because they see it for what it is, a threat to their method of control. Religion, like any other bureaucracy, is a method of control and regulation. Like other bureaucracies the power inherent in the system can easily be abused. I don't think Islam is a bad thing at all, nor do I see other faiths as bad. I see religion (idealism given form and function) as bad no matter what faith is behind it.
Yes, there is a distinct difference between faith and religion. They are NOT mutually inclusive. I consider myself agnostic at best. I have faith in humanity and the overall goodness of mankind, but I don't need a book (I've read the Bible, Quran, Buddist texts and Torah), a preacher, or anyone else to tell me what's right and what's wrong or how I should interpret things. I'm an educated, intelligent human being and I can make my own decisions, thank you very much! Some can't. They lack the skill set or the know how. It's sad. They are sheep being led. Sometimes being led far from what is truly right and wrong. (more on TRUTH later...). I don't see blasphemy as anything more than someone getting bent out of shape because they don't like what was said or done. Don't like it, don't do it, but don't try to hurt the other person because you disagree. As the late Phil Harris would say, "Bad, bad, bad, bad, bad!"
A lot of common sense answers in the thread already, but it all boils down to a few options.
First, and foremost is you. You are the best insurance against damaging your property. It's yours, treat it well, keep it safe and it will work for you for a long time.
Second, a case. I have had good luck with Speck cases for my iPhones. A little rubber padding and I can literally toss the thing over my shoulder and only worry if it lands face first on a pointy object. Other than that, nothing. I have tested this myself and in front of others.
Third, insurance. Whether through the carrier, a third-party or your own existing policies. Have you checked your homeowner's policy or asked them about coverage? If you are this worried, you should.
Fourth, extended warranty, called AppleCare for the iPhone. I always get and recommend AppleCare when buying from Apple. It's worth the expense should something go wrong beyond the regular warranty period, as most things do.
Finally, if you're that worried about breaking it maybe you should get an iPad and a dumb phone instead. Seriously, if you are worried you can't take care of it then you probably have a track record of breaking things or an irrational fear of having nice things. If replacing something you use every day is a hardship, then maybe you don't need it or could use a less expensive alternative.
Computer science is, practically by definition, a subset of math.
No. Try it's by practical definition applied mathematics and you're golden.
IQ isn't exactly an exact science but as an off hand estimate the average IQ is ~100.
It's not freaking estimate. The average is fixed at 100. Sigh. And you complain about people being stupid. Sigh. SIGH.
Actually, average IQ is a range from 85-115. It's not an exact science, at best.
The mental capacity to follow logic does not mean you can be a good programmer. Codemonkey, perhaps, but not programmer. You need to be innovative too, and be able to make leaps of logic, not just follow logic.
Thank you Mr. Spock Armstrong, but there are no leaps of logic in programming, only logic. The hardware guys get to do logical leaps.
I think it requires a certain level of intelligence as a minimum. Nothing incredibly special but above average and an interest in learning how to control that box. Interest can drive aptitude. But a low IQ is going to hamper working in, say, C. Object-oriented and the workings of inheritance in C++ are going to be hard to work with if you're plain dumb.
Documentation for libraries is not infrequently poor or even wrong and there seems to be some tacit assumption that programmers will work out how things work anyway, even if that just means knowing where to get help.
And it depends what you call "programming". If that includes designing solutions to complex or novel (hence no off-the-shelf libraries) solutions, then you have to design complex algorithms, which requires creativity. You need to be able to evaluate and select the right solution, too, something even very smart programmers get wrong.
AFAIK every professional, in every field I know, says almost the exact same thing, and you know what? The ones who say it are usually insecure about something. Anyone can learn. You did get one thing right, it takes interest, but more importantly it takes motivation (necessity) and inspiration. Unless there is something genetically or mentally wrong with you due to trauma, anyone can learn anything and apply it. We as a species are innately creative. It's why we made tools and developed technology as a species. Now, some people have genetic dispositions for learning things like syntax, morphology, and may even have strong mathematical skills. Awesome for them! They will learn things like programming, foreign languages, music theory, physics and chemistry quicker than others and may be able to develop improvisations quicker to address challenges when applying what is known, but as long as there are no issues with brain function, yes, anyone can learn whatever they want, even programming. Whether they will be able to turn it into a vocation is an entirely different issue unrelated to learning having more to do with the speed of applying what was learned relative to competitors in a market.
Another mobile app dev gets the shaft from a patent troll. Well, I bought the app for my iPad and have had it on my Mac for years, so I think I've donated to the legal defense fund. I do have to say that Google should be addressing this as I can't see how they are not responsible if it's their API presumably violating the patent. Not sure how the devs using the API could be held accountable, but that's why I have a friend who is a patent attorney.
As a paying customer, he treated me like a pirate the one time I asked a support question on his web site.
How about a link to that thread, or a couple emails to back that up. I'm not disagreeing with you, but if you are looking for support for that statement from this crowd how about some proof of assholishness? I don't like some people, but I have also gotten off on the wrong foot with people too and have learned not to judge quickly. I have never met Austin but have had good rapport with the Laminar guys over the years when I have asked questions. I don't think it's been more than once or twice in ten years, though.
Fantastic idea! and even less paperwork than others I could see or suggest. Bravo!
Loaning is probably OK, but before you donate or otherwise give up possession, check the rules.
I would say 'may' have say in their disposition, but otherwise I must concur. I worked for a university for many years and there are different rules for each state. In Virginia, for instance, anything under $500 value at time of purchase isn't tracked in inventory, and found property need only be advertised for 30-90 (forget how long exactly) days in a public notice (newspaper ad, usually) before you (or your institution) can claim it. Now the institution may also have guidelines for found property, i.e., it becomes theirs not yours and must be disposed of to their guidelines. Who knew property was such a murky thing.
But, I would recommend donating them either way this works out. I am sure there is an organization that would gladly receive them and get them to kids that could use them. If the organization is non-profit and operates in your state there's a high probability that the paperwork would be minimal (half day's work, total).
Problem with your theory...The TSA was started in late-2001, early-2002 when the unemployment rate was not out of control. The whole "it-was-started-to-create-jobs" line just doesn't hold water. Now, it was started by a bunch of control freak conservatives that wanted to "protect" Americans, but clearly all it does is violate their rights.
Eventually we won't be allowed to walk on the sidewalk or drive on a road without a FUCKING PERMISSION SLIP from homeland security letting their agents know that "this person's a good guy, unless he's brown or black and seems suspicious (aka being brown or black)"
I think the TSA answer to that is that they aren't restricting all travel, just airline (and other public transport). You are still free to drive across the country without a single strip search. (unless, of course, you're caught speeding and the police officer is in a particularly bad mood).
...or you travel through Arizona. This is getting ridiculous!
Find someone who is competetent at Unix system administration and willing to learn. Regardless of current Windows knowledge, it's more likely she will be able to learn the nuances necessary in a heterogenous environment than the average Windows admin.
I like the use of "she", because it would have been a homogenous environment otherwise.
There is a difference between personal choice and business need. To be a fan is liking something by personal choice. To be a professional is to work with things that are required to get a job done. I personally like Mac OS, but I use and support other operating systems because the tools or services needed to complete a task are there. A professional understands that "right tool, right job" mentality and accepts that broadening his/her horizons is a good thing that will serve his/her career and help them better appreciate the things about which they are fanatical.
I'm not sure how you should start the interview. But I'm pretty sure starting it off by taking a holier-than-thou condescending attitude towards anyone who would sully themselves by being a Windows server admin, and referring to them as a Windows "fan" instead of a Windows professional, is definitely the way to NOT start the interview.
Believe it or not, there are plenty of professionals out there with significant admin experience with both Unix and Windows. Being a Windows professional doesn't make you some sort of dirt-eating Tauron, nor does it necessarily make you a "fan" who's chosen his side in some nerd-rage fight to the death.
I wholeheartedly agree. As someone that has worked supporting several flavors of *nix, and versions of both Windows and Mac OS server (and client) systems I would say that the OPs environment is hostile based on the description. It's certainly not an environment that I would recommend to any of my Windows Server admin colleagues to walk into. There is little place for that kind of "I-only-work-with-Unix-and-the-rest-is-beneath-me" attitude. Personal preference is fine, zealotry is not, especially when in conflicts with the needs of others or is used as a weapon.
Now, if you want a quality Windows admin you look for the same things you look for in any admin; experience, education and certifications, in that order. I know plenty of enthusiastic Windows "fans" that are NOT admin material. Liking something (fan) and having a deep understanding of something (professional) are completely different things. If you don't know what to ask then you have clearly not done your needs requirements for the position and should not even advertise the job until you do. This process will not only help you define the requirements for the position, clearly define the roles and responsibilities (and overlaps for support coverage) it will educate those involved in the process as to what to look for in a candidate. It may also be helpful to contact your Microsoft representative, not only to assist in your edification, but to help define the scope of what you may need. That's what a professional would do over just a "fan".
I think the idea is that we will have already hurled a bunch of people and equipment to the Moon (or are getting ready to do so) and we have a "cheaper" way of getting stuff back than using 1/8th the thrust to get stuff off the Moon's surface than we do the Earth's. 2020 is a bit ambitious for that goal. Be more like 2050 or beyond. Remember, in the 1950s they thought we'd have flying cars by the 1980s.
I believe I said in my second sentence that you cannot impersonate (i.e. claim to be when not) an attorney, but thanks for stopping by!
Who says you have to be an attorney to send a legal notice? Now, impersonating an attorney is another matter, as well as misrepresentation of any kind, but you do not need to be an attorney to send a DMCA notice. It's a good idea to have an attorney look at it to make sure it's not missing something or is just poorly written, but unless it goes to court there's no attorney necessary. In the U.S. you have the right to represent yourself. There's no law saying you have to have an attorney act for you in any matter, civil or criminal.
No kidding. I was thinking shenanigans for not using actual devices, let alone a ridiculously insignificant sample size. Sharp must be running low on funds. That study couldn't have cost more than a few thousand to conduct, even paying the grad students to do it. That's about two weeks worth of work ... 13 participants and no devices. Pffff! No wonder some people laugh at science when they have such poor examples to point at.
I read the studies and this really isn't that big a deal. For instance, the chance of autism is increased by 20-30% but there is still only a 2% chance of actually having autism appear. So, effectively there is a 0.6% (at most) additional chance that autism will develop in a child whose father is over 40. Autism is an especially hot topic right now due to the increase in proper diagnosis and therefore the increase in documented cases over recent years. This isn't due to more new babies being born with autism, but that they are better at diagnosing it and not thinking it's something else. The chances are still more-or-less the same.
Firstly, the "contextual details" blew reality in the equation right out the window. Second, doesn't happen. If you witnessed something you shouldn't and the government knows, you got less than 24 hours to escape those you witnessed, especially if they know you saw them. Finally, if the guvment is after you and you have done nothing wrong but witness a crime, wait for them to come or turn yourself in. The Hollywood bullschtein will only get you into real trouble or get you killed. Leave the spy stuff to the professionals. You see, they shake their heads and get flustered when they see what they do dumbed down just like we computer types cringe at movies like Swordfish and Jurassic Park. Some of what they do is depicted but how it really gets done ain't even close.