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Comment Re:Good (Score 2) 65

Actually, at the extreme scales, which is the total volume of the observable universe, the universe is quite homogeneous. As I recall, to the order of 1-in-10000 variance. This is why Inflationary cosmology was developed, to explain the distinct lack of lumpiness in the universe, which is what we would expect if the Big Bang alone were responsible.

Comment Re:Bruce66423 is delusional (Score 3, Insightful) 100

The point, which you seem to have missed, is that there's no evidence that this was a targeted theft of extremely valuable intellectual property, rather than a simple theft of luggage, which probably happens several hundred times every day at airports throughout the country.

The relevant question could be posed this way:

If I steal a random box that I see on the street, should I be sentenced more harshly if the box contains the Hope Diamond versus a package of bubble gum?

Comment Re:Bruce66423 is delusional (Score 1) 100

Is there any evidence that this chap knew what was in the suitcases?

It may have been a simple opportunistic theft by someone hoping to find something of value in random luggage. And when he discovered that he hadn't boosted a laptop or some other easily-fenced item, the stuff may have simply been dumped in a nearby alley or dumpster.

Is there any evidence either way?

Comment Re:Use it or lose it (Score 1) 120

Sadly, I have forgotten how to use a slide rule, though my old slipstick is still sitting at the back of the bookshelf near my computer. Probably covered with dust, though.

I do still use my abacus occasionally, but not "as designed". It's handy as all get-out for binary arithmetic and tracking bit flipping. Which isn't what an abacus is for, of course, but that's what I use it for.

Comment Private correspondence? (Score 5, Insightful) 107

"I asked whether I could publish the private correspondence in full for transparency. That request was refused."

If you send me an unsolicited letter then that letter becomes my property.

I don't see what grounds you can order me not to publish it. Or burn it. Or use it as a signal flag on my yacht.

Something is "off the record" or "confidential" only if both parties agree to that beforehand.

Comment Re:Drama, even for something this mundane.... Sad. (Score 1) 67

I'm sure that the average Mac user who just wants to do pointy-pointy-clicky-clicky is going to go to the command line and start typing stuff to install a program that he expects to just show up on his screen.

The mere fact that it doesn't just show up that way tends to delegitimize it in his eyes, plus the fact that even the command "brew" (as in "homebrew" or "witches brew, perhaps?) would add a dash of skepticism.

So yes, it's likely possible to install a program on your Mac without going through the Apple ecosystem. You say it is, I'll take your word for it.

But it's a hurdle that many users won't cross, due to a lack of knowledge or a lack of confidence, neither of which is exactly their fault since Macs are sold and advertised as a kind of an appliance rather than a general purpose computer.

Comment Re:Drama, even for something this mundane.... Sad. (Score 4, Insightful) 67

"Best answer here would have been Don Ho doing a Mac port of Notepad++ himself. I mean, why not?"

There could be a number of reasons.

Two examples are:

1. He may not be interested in Mac programming and/or supporting Apple's closed ecosystem.

2. He may not be prepared to purchase a Mac and pay Apple their ongoing fees for development and distribution of Mac applications.

I'm sure you can think of others.

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