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Government

The NSA Is Viewed Favorably By Most Young People 307

cstacy writes: A poll by the Pew Research Center suggests that Snowden's revelations have not much changed the public's favorable view of the NSA. Younger people (under 30) tend to view the NSA favorably, compared to those 65 and older. 61% of people aged 18-29 viewed the NSA favorably, while 30% viewed the NSA unfavorably and 9% had no opinion. 55% of people aged 30-49 viewed the NSA favorably. At the 65+ age bracket, only 40% of people viewed the NSA favorably.

Comment Re:What about those of us who like quiet cars (Score 1) 823

Let's get out a decibel meter and compare. I guarantee my Lincoln Hybrid will beat the pants off your SUV in an objectively measured sound level test.

I didn't say that it would be absolutely quieter than your snooty hybrid :-), but just that it is possible to hold a conversation while seated within with the windows closed without having to yell while driving on the highway at 80 MPH. And I also did not state anything about the sound pressure levels as measured outside the vehicle as it passes.

Comment Re:What about those of us who like quiet cars (Score 1) 823

Give me a quiet car any day of the week. It's wonderful to be able to have a conversation at 80 MPH without having to shout at each other.

Hmm, my 13 year old SUV is quiet enough inside at 80 MPH to have a conversation without shouting. Seems like you just have to buy one that is quiet, regardless of the power source.

AI

AI Experts Sign Open Letter Pledging To Protect Mankind From Machines 258

hypnosec writes: Artificial intelligence experts from across the globe are signing an open letter urging that AI research should not only be done to make it more capable, but should also proceed in a direction that makes it more robust and beneficial while protecting mankind from machines. The Future of Life Institute, a volunteer-only research organization, has released an open letter imploring that AI does not grow out of control. It's an attempt to alert everyone to the dangers of a machine that could outsmart humans. The letter's concluding remarks (PDF) read: "Success in the quest for artificial intelligence has the potential to bring unprecedented benefits to humanity, and it is therefore worthwhile to research how to maximize these benefits while avoiding potential pitfalls."

Comment Re:I find progressives annoying for computer work (Score 1) 464

I guess I'm lucky. I have single-vision glasses that correct for all distances.

That was my case too, until, *GASP*, my eyes got older along with the rest of my body. :-) Even though I had successful LASIK surgery done to correct almost -6 diopter near sightedness, I eventually needed slight astigmatism and reading corrections after about 8 years of glasses-free freedom.

Comment I find progressives annoying for computer work too (Score 1) 464

That is why I have single vision computer glasses and single vision reading glasses in addition to my progressive lenses. When at work with my dual monitor setup, I use the computer pair, and just exchange for my progressives when I need to read or move about the building. At home when I read an ebook reader or other reading material for more than a few minutes, I will use the reading pair. If I am using my laptop on my lap, I frequently dispense with glasses all together. Progressive lenses do take a bit of time to get used to them, but I always thought my first pair was off somehow. I absolutely love my Maui Jim wrap around progressive sunglasses, they do a great job, I think they are easier to use than my non-sunglasses progressive pair.
Christmas Cheer

School Defied Google and US Government, Let Boys Program White House Xmas Trees 355

theodp writes This holiday season, Google and the National Parks partnered to let girls program the White House Christmas tree lights. While the initiative earned kudos in Fast Company's 9 Giant Leaps For Women In Science and Technology In 2014, it also prompted an act of civil disobedience of sorts from St. Augustine of Canterbury School, which decided Google and the U.S. government wouldn't determine which of their kids would be allowed to participate in the coding event. "We decided to open it up to all our students, both boys and girls so that they could be a part of such an historic event, and have it be the kickoff to our Hour of Code week," explained Debra Knox, a technology teacher at St. Augustine.

Comment A Solution to the Santa Quantum Wave Function? (Score 0) 59

The updates could then be used to predict speed and direction in order to predict where Santa will appear next.

I thought that Santa is just a quantum wave function, and it is impossible to determine both quantities simultaneously to any sort of precision. It would explain how he manages to deliver so many presents without turning into an incandescent meteor in the sky.

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