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Comment Re:Get him to explain it to you (Score 1) 683

Worst thing that could happen is that he thinks you're stupid. But, even if he does, he should try to write code that you understand.

It's always a good idea to get people in the mindset that their work will need to be maintained by someone else, because they won't be there after they are promoted. So they aren't writing for themselves, but for the next guy, who obviously won't be as brilliant as they are.

Comment Re:No Right to Anonimity when Committing a Crime (Score 1) 342

Nothing beefs up an argument better than bringing the Nazis into it.

While you may feel that broken windows and other acts of vandalism and the fear they instill are not worth pursuing, you would probably feel differently if it was your window that was broken or your family that was scared for their safety.

Some have called these crimes "victimless", but they are not. We are all victims of these useless crimes. We all pay the cost of the cleanup - either through higher costs passed along by the businesses affected or higher insurance rates to cover the losses.

Comment Re:No Right to Anonimity when Committing a Crime (Score 1) 342

A lot of people don't understand that, when you attack the police, you are not making a statement against authority, you are attacking the community served by the police.

I must distinguish that I am not talking about acting against the unjust actions of a police officer, but the unprovoked attacks against people that we, as a community, entrust with preserving the public order. There are many just arguments that individual police officers committed offences during the protests (and some of been deservedly repremanded), but no one car argue that a police vehicle sitting in the street did them wrong.

Those police vehicles were destroyed in a wanton rampage and no matter how long they were left there, there can be no justification for torching them.

Comment No Right to Anonimity when Committing a Crime (Score 4, Interesting) 342

I think it's about time there was a response to this Black Bloc crap. No one should have the right to anonymity preserved in the comission of a crime.

The purpose of protest is to be noticed. Too many people are using legetimate protest as a cover for hooliganism, and it's a shame.

While 10 years is a lot, it's the maximum. I'd be surprised if it wasn't just double the maximum for doing the same thing without a mask, which seems perfectly fair to me. I think the majority of cases will involve people in masks being arrested, identified and released without charge. Hopefully it will reverse the trend of anonymous violence embedded in legitimate protest.

Cellphones

HTC Finally Releases Hero Source Code 123

An anonymous reader writes "After months of prodding by developers, HTC has finally released the long-requested Android source code for the HTC Hero. This follows up on a recent report on Slashdot concerning device manufacturer HTC's perceived stonewalling over releasing source code for the device after repeated attempts to initially obtain source were met with vague responses."
Networking

Submission + - When Accredited Domain Name Registrars Drop Dead! 1

Mike writes: "What do you do when your accredited domain name registrar drops dead? What happens to your domain? Mouzz Interactive at mouzz.com is an ICANN accredited registrar, but on July 19 their domain name expired and their website disappeared. I found out because I have domains registered with them, and I was in the process of renewing a domain name that expires next month, when I was unable to complete the transaction. Now their site is unreachable, so I have no access to my control panel. I cannot renew my domain, and because it's locked, I cannot transfer it. I cannot contact Mouzz because none of their contact emails will work. So now my site, which is listed on google's front page for imporatnt search terms, is going to disappear too. I have contacted ICANN and pointed out that they are listing an accredited registrar that doesn't exit, but they have made no response. I have complained to InterNic whose response is that they will forward my complaint to the registrar (duh... how they didn't say) How am I going to get my domains back? How many people like me are now completely screwed because they have lost control of their domains? If you don't think this is an interesting story then consider this. It could happen to your domain, or even slashdot.org"
The Internet

Submission + - Canadian Gov't asks Public about new Copyright Law

Mike Lawrie writes: "The so-called Canadian DMCA has had a long history. Historically, proposed legislation has favoured the views of CRIA, the Canadian arm of the RIAA almost completely. However, this time around the government is consulting the public before drafting the bill. They have launched a (linux-based!) website designed to provide a public forum for discussion. Now is the time to speak up."
Idle

Submission + - Yelling At Telemarketers Is A "Terroristic Thr (stltoday.com)

BotScout writes: "An Ohio man, fed up with deceptive junk mail, made the mistake of losing his temper while on the phone with a St. Louis company pitching an extended auto-service contract. Now he finds himself behind bars, where he is charged with making a terrorist threat and is being held on $45,000 bond. According to court documents, Charles W. Papenfus, 43, allegedly told a sales representative during a May 18 telephone call that he would burn down the building and kill the employees and their families. He was indicted for making a terrorist threat, a Class D felony; and he could be sentenced to up to four years in prison if convicted. I get a lot of this kind of junk mail too, but I usually just call their 800 number and waste as much of their time as possible."
Government

Submission + - Canada Review Copyright Laws 1

An anonymous reader writes: It looks as if Canada is going to take a harder look at copyright law reform instead of falling into lockstep with the American/international model. While "consultations" are sometimes just a cover for ramming through unpopular legislation, the Canadian government has legitimately come out with good legislation after such exercises.
Transportation

Submission + - Spark Plugs No More? Laser Ignition Cometh?

dusty writes: "Laser Focus World is reporting that researchers from Ford, GSI, and The University of Liverpool are reporting success in using near-infrared lasers instead of spark plugs for automobile engines. The lasers are delivered to the combustion chamber two ways, one is a transmitted method through free space and into an optical plug, the other more challenging method is to utilize fiber optics, however attempts so far have met some challenges on that front. The researchers however are confident that the fiber optic laser cables' technical challenges such as a 20% parasitic loss, and vibration isssues will soon be overcome. Both delivery schemes drastically reduce harmful emissions, and increase performance, meaning that soon spark plugs could soon join Fax Machines as antiquated technology that will never dissapear. The news release from The University of Liverpool has a nice article complete with pictures of the freakin' internal combustion lasers as well. "
Data Storage

Submission + - Plextor Exits DVD drive market

mrshowtime writes: "It's a shame, but Plextor, maker of the best DVD burners in the business has decided to exit the business. They cited competition from Korea and falling profit margins.
http://wesleytech.com/plextor-exits-cd-dvd-marke ts/"
Apple

Why the iPhone Keynote Was A Mistake 507

jcatcw writes "Mike Elgan at Computerworld lists six reasons why it was a mistake to make the iPhone keynote at Macworld. He argues that extremely high expectations can only lead to disappointment for consumers and investors. The focus on the phone during the keynote also took away from the Apple TV announcement, put iPod sales at risk, gave competitors a head start, and (perhaps worst of all) ruined the company's talks with Cisco over the iPhone name. From the article: 'The iPhone, despite its many media-oriented virtues and its sweet design, will do far less than most existing smart phones. The problem Apple now faces because of Jobs' premature detail-oriented announcement is that of dashed expectations. When customers expect more and don't get it, they become dissatisfied.'"

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Top Ten Things Overheard At The ANSI C Draft Committee Meetings: (5) All right, who's the wiseguy who stuck this trigraph stuff in here?

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