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Recent Posts

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151
Living Room / Re: Worth Reading: Trevor Pott's editorial on NSA PRISM and its real ramifications
« Last post by barney on June 20, 2013, 08:25 AM »
That concept was developed pretty much in conjunction with the original Internet plans, as I recall.  Remember, the Internet was originally developed by/for DARPA as a distributed communication system to be used in case of an attack on US infrastructure - wonder of any of 'em foresaw just how distributed 'twas to become? - and in order to facilitate total communication, although that latter concept was pretty hazy.  The IAO (Information Awareness Office) was pretty much conceptualized at the same time, by many of the same folk, but didn't really get much attention 'til the World Trade Center was destroyed.  Then later, when the congressional lights realized just what IAO could become, they tried to put the genie back in the bottle by defunding it - kinda like unspilling the milk - but by then the security wights had a taste of what it could be and liked the flavour  :(.
152
Living Room / Re: Peer Review and the Scientific Process
« Last post by barney on June 19, 2013, 07:26 PM »
Y'know, it strikes me that DC is a source of much peer review.  Someone requests a coding snack, for instance.  One (1) of you takes up the challenge, offers a product.  Then, usually, several folk in addition to the requester critique the product.  Then the creator revises it, republishes it - often with code that purveyors can examine - and it goes through review again, often, multiple times.

Yeah, I realize that's not the greatest analogy, but the process is not dissimilar.  We have out naysayers - a few - and we have our innovators and we have our reviewers (wallflowers like me don't count  :P.).  There's not a significant difference, save for the range of recognition, methinks.
153
Living Room / Re: The DonationCoder.com 30-Day Healthy Eating and Exercise Challenge!
« Last post by barney on June 19, 2013, 05:14 PM »
Gained five (5) pounds so far - by intent  ;)! - by exchanging suet for sinew.  At the same time, lost six (6) inches - hey, there was a lot of suet  ;D.  Current combination of diet and exercise seems to be working, for the nonce  :-\.  Doubt I'll lose many more inches, but so far, so good.
154
Living Room / Re: Peer Review and the Scientific Process
« Last post by barney on June 19, 2013, 02:42 AM »
Separately from the money side, I have pondered a bit on different types of "weighted rating" systems for papers, then the reviewers. So very basically, Researcher A produces a Good Paper, and gets a "Good Researcher" score. Reviewer A reviews it correctly, and gets a Good Reviewer score. So in a simple world, if you get a paper from those two, you can generally "trust it".

But if one or the other goes rogue, then they will begin to collect "bad scores", and eventually like crying wolf game theory, they won't be believed even if later they start to turn around.

I know, everything can be gamed, but at the top of the basic theory, it becomes a shorthand for quality.
-TaoPhoenix (June 18, 2013, 06:49 PM)

Personalities weigh in as well, sometimes quite heavily.  For instance, say I dislike TaoPhoenix.  Any paper submitted with that name on it - even if it was research done by someone else! - is likely to get a bad review from me ... assuming I bother to read it!  Peer review has a place, as does any other form of review,  but consideration has to be afforded the attitudes of the reviewers, regardless their position(s).
155
Living Room / Re: Now you can "Log-In with PayPal"
« Last post by barney on June 19, 2013, 02:31 AM »
On the other hand -- for years paypal has provided a super-easy-to-use, free security key hardware device which provides a serious and real extra layer of security to logging into their site.  They are way ahead of the banks in this regard and it's a genuinely excellent security enhancement.  I don't know why we haven't more use of such devices.  A single-login system that supported such hardware keys would be quite useful.
-mouser (May 14, 2013, 10:37 AM)

It's actually a pretty good idea, but there are downsides.  During my last corporate life, I was working for MCI - before Bernie Ebbers destroyed it - and a number of the senior managers had a credit-card sized device.  They'd log in to some internal Website, be prompted with a code which they then entered into the device.  They would then enter the response code from the device, and be allowed in.  The code/response had to be in a sixty (60) second time frame, or the login was voided.  Three (3) such void instances and they'd be locked out for the {day|week|month} and would be getting a call from the IT security folk.

However, battery life turned out to be a problem, as did the fragility of the device - you couldn't put it a hip wallet, so carrying it was problematic.  And, since it wasn't walletable, those senior managers would oft forget to bring it to work.  Even if they did remember, it was relatively fragile, often got broken.  But they were forbidden to leave it in their office, 'cause anyone who had access to their particular card had access to personnel and financial records that would otherwise have been unviewable.
156
Living Room / Re: Worth Reading: Trevor Pott's editorial on NSA PRISM and its real ramifications
« Last post by barney on June 14, 2013, 04:18 AM »
I think it is only a truism, i.e. if you get absolute power, you will eventually be absolutely corrupt.  Not that you can't become absolutely corrupt without absolute power.  See: politician.
-wraith808 (June 13, 2013, 11:26 PM)

Even truisms need qualifiers.  And politicians ... yechh  :P.
157
Living Room / Re: Worth Reading: Trevor Pott's editorial on NSA PRISM and its real ramifications
« Last post by barney on June 13, 2013, 10:56 PM »
Absolute power corrupts absolutely.
-Stoic Joker (June 13, 2013, 06:27 PM)

I don't trust that quote.  I've known of several instances where an absolutely corrupted person never even approached absolute power.  While the statement is true, it is an Aristotlean statement - it needs a qualifier or three (3)  :-\.
158
Living Room / Re: Microsoft keyboard sticking keys
« Last post by barney on June 13, 2013, 08:17 PM »
Does anyone know of a way to set up hotkeys or mouse wheel to control volume?
-bit (June 13, 2013, 02:16 PM)

  Look in your sound card properties.  I have that option with my Audigy 2 ZX.  I also came across a free app that would allow you to use your mouse wheel to control volume, but I've slept since then and can't remember when/where....
-Tinman57 (June 13, 2013, 07:08 PM)

Try Volumouse by Nir Sofer.  Been using it for years, works like a charm.  And you can set the control key for the mouse wheel in case you have something else that conflicts.
159
Living Room / Re: Worth Reading: Trevor Pott's editorial on NSA PRISM and its real ramifications
« Last post by barney on June 11, 2013, 08:17 PM »
Basement?  Doesn't belong there.

This thread is about folk who want security, the ability to avoid decisions (i.e., avoid thinking), and the few of us that choose not to follow that particular route.  Franklin said it best (please forgive any misquote), "Those who would exchange liberty for security deserve neither."  Apart from the political side, this thread has impact upon every person who creates software and many who use that software, regardless of their political stance.  In the 1984 position we find ourselves, such creation and usage is anathema to the powers that [would try to]  rule over us.  Given that precept, this thread is timely and important to most everyone here, even the lurkers.  'Tis not a basement topic so much as it is a survival topic.  (I'm not much into Viva la Revolucion, but I'm damned proud of my freedoms, and will do my best to keep them.)
160
Living Room / Re: Gadget WEEKENDS
« Last post by barney on June 10, 2013, 12:31 PM »
When drinking from the polycarbonate, does it feel more like plastic or glass? I like the implied durability but... I really hate drinking from plastic.
-allen (June 10, 2013, 09:38 AM)

For me, neither.  Not a plastic sensation, nor a glass sensation.  Has a feeling all its own, although that could be - probably is  ;) - influenced by my perceptions and knowledge that it ain't glass.
161
General Software Discussion / In search of ... QR code generator recommendations
« Last post by barney on June 09, 2013, 07:10 PM »
Folk,

I'm looking for recommendations on QR code generators.  Yeah, I've searched, but I seek opinions from some of you who have actually used such, not new search recommendations.

In particular, although I can do the Website link thing, I'd like to also create a code that will implement the option to add information to a smartphone's contact list.  Not add it automatically, but provide a button that provides that function as an option.  Ideally, this would be a single 2D code, but I suspect 'twill be two (2) different codes - I'm not feeling particularly lucky today.
162
Living Room / Re: Worth Reading: Trevor Pott's editorial on NSA PRISM and its real ramifications
« Last post by barney on June 09, 2013, 06:39 PM »
... treating it as recent news when they hear about it again.
-app103 (June 09, 2013, 05:34 PM)

Well ... wouldn't that be repeating history  ;)?

But I totally agree with you.  And, while I can't quote chapter and verse, I remember similar reports back in the Kennedy administration and again in the Clinton administration.  This is definitely something akin to the seven (7) year itch, in that it keeps happening, and we don't do anything about it.  Only difference is that collection methodology keeps improving.  Next step?  Maybe rfid/barcode tattoos becoming mandatory?  Implants?  The possibilities on the horizon are endless  :P.
163
General Software Discussion / Re: From the B.F.D. Dept. - Microsoft releases first video preview of Win 8.1
« Last post by barney on June 09, 2013, 01:08 AM »
Fringe benefits?
-cranioscopical (June 08, 2013, 10:34 PM)

Or lunatic fringe???
164
Living Room / Re: Worth Reading: Trevor Pott's editorial on NSA PRISM and its real ramifications
« Last post by barney on June 09, 2013, 01:05 AM »
They weren't one hit wonders... they were prophets and doomsayers!

...Too soon?
-wraith808 (June 08, 2013, 09:23 PM)

Isn't that pretty much the fate of all prescients?  Then we damn them because they didn't warn us enough  :(, instead of placing blame and accusation where it belongs, and then taking action to correct what was predicted <sigh />.
165
Living Room / Re: Gadget WEEKENDS
« Last post by barney on June 07, 2013, 08:56 PM »
After a couple of sets I've given up on them and switched over to these unbreakable polycarbonate kind
-mouser (June 07, 2013, 05:30 PM)

Yeah, I quit Bodum after the first glass broke in my grip - had not been aware that my grip was that strong  :o.  As did you, I switched to polycarbonate.  There was a local outlet store that sold them quite cheaply.  Then it got raided, put out of business (they don't allow you to run a commercial warehouse from prison  :tellme:), and I'm not quite ready to put out online prices, even though they're nearly as unbreakable as the advertisements present.

<sidenote>
Not certain I'd want to drink from vessels with lizards or frogs - 'specially anything green or yellow  :-\ :P.
</sidenote>
166
General Software Discussion / Re: From the B.F.D. Dept. - Microsoft releases first video preview of Win 8.1
« Last post by barney on June 07, 2013, 08:38 PM »
Could those here who have used Win 8 for some time and who don't use the new Start Screen stuff say what you wish for in 8.1 (or subsequent updates)? Is there any feature in Win 7 that you miss, and haven't found an adequate replacement/workaround for, in Win 8? Let us put the start button aside however - anything other than the start button? I'm still on Win 7 but am getting closer and closer to move up to  8.
-Nod5 (June 07, 2013, 04:39 PM)

Yeah, but the start button or Windows Key is indirectly involved.

I can remember the names of my primary programs, those that I use on a near-daily basis.

However, there are a number of apps installed whose names I cannot recall, hence cannot search for them.  These are applications that were installed for [usually] one (1) specific function not available in my mainstream programs.  For instance, there are three (3) different regex programs installed, each for a specific usage - a usage that I found lacking while working in other, sometimes similar, programs.

Since I cannot call their names off the top of my head, I've installed them in specific start menu subdivisions, e.g. _dev, _net, _note & pim, ..., ad nauseum.  When I have need, I browse the specific start menu subdivision.  The shortcut titles there will remind me which program I need.

Since there are upward of a thousand entries in the start menu, this greatly enhances what productivity I can eke out.  Lack of that listing significantly cripples my output.

Granted the Win8 Start Screen is a side-scrolling pictogram of the [/i]start menu[/i] to which I'm accustomed,  but it takes too long to traverse, and it is not, so far as I am aware, editable.  (Besides, I don't care for side scrolling  :P.)

That's my primary problem win Win8 ... finding the program I need to run when I need to run it!
167
Living Room / Re: SSD's - How They Work Plus Tips
« Last post by barney on June 07, 2013, 06:40 PM »
Hm-m-m ... performant isn't even on my list, as yet  :down:.  I'm still stewing/struggling over conversate  :down: ;D!
Edit:  add curate.
168
Living Room / Re: More legislation regarding privacy.
« Last post by barney on June 06, 2013, 07:37 PM »
... they will be getting strung up in the town square.
-Stoic Joker (June 06, 2013, 02:07 PM)

Not anymore  :(.  'Twould seem that protection has been lost to us - again! - if government has its way  >:(.  To paraphrase Lincoln, we now have government of the people, by the government, for the government ... but, in reality, that's [very] old news.
169
Living Room / Re: Magnetic North Pole migration seems to be accelerating.
« Last post by barney on June 06, 2013, 07:06 AM »
Am I missing something? :huh:

If the polarity reverses, wouldn't it just be easier to announce that south is now the colored end of the compass needle and north is the silver end? That and simply recalibrate electronic compasses since it shouldn't matter if true north is out from magnetic by 4 or 184 degrees as long as you know how much the deviation is?

It would only be a real problem while it's shifting. Once it stabilized it shouldn't matter.
-40hz (June 05, 2013, 09:24 PM)

Navigationally, as you say, there should be no problem.  However, the doomsayers are of two (2) minds.  One (1) faction predicts life-threatening exposure to solar events during the shift.  (While that is semi-verifiable, it is also predictable.)  The other faction warns of unknown, possibly weather-related, life-threatening events during the shift (can you say Mayan calendar  ;D?).
170
Living Room / Re: Magnetic North Pole migration seems to be accelerating.
« Last post by barney on June 04, 2013, 10:07 PM »
Won't compasses be affected?
-AndyM (June 04, 2013, 09:32 PM)

There's been debate on that aspect.  Some say that the reversal - assuming it occurs - would have no long-term effect, as the poles will completely reverse.  Others argue that North and South will be completely reversed, but the overall effect would be minuscule.  And there have been a few complaining about the current traversal radically changing the difference 'tween true and magnetic north.  Since any navigator is aware of that existing difference, 'twould be simply a matter of making appropriate adjustments.  That's a simplistic description, but I don't have the math to understand significant parts of the arguments.

Basically, the arguments have become that you can still find your way through Yellowstone Park, but you might end up at the wrong port if you're making a sea passage from one (1) continent to the other.  Mostly, the theorists agree that it won't affect air travel, since radar will pretty make up the difference.

I don't know that I countenance any of the positions espoused ... just have to wait and see (and hope the doomsayers are as incorrect as usual  ;)).
171
Living Room / Re: Magnetic North Pole migration seems to be accelerating.
« Last post by barney on June 04, 2013, 07:00 PM »
  If the earth flipped polarity, wouldn't that make electrical motors run backwards?   :P
-Tinman57 (June 04, 2013, 06:14 PM)

If so, would that mean that Tesla vehicles would have several speeds backward, one (1) speed forward  :-\?
172
Living Room / Re: SSD's - How They Work Plus Tips
« Last post by barney on June 03, 2013, 04:26 PM »
I'll wait until they get all the bugs worked out
-Tinman57 (June 02, 2013, 07:25 PM)

Gonna be a looooonnngg wait.  Bugs exist.  Period.  Most every bug fix I've ever seen had its own crop of [new] bugs.

I never really liked being a beta tester, especially for hardware....   :D
-Tinman57 (June 02, 2013, 07:25 PM)

Sorry, but you don that mantle every time you power up a PC or a mobile phone, start a vehicle, use an appliance, ...,  :P.
173
General Software Discussion / Re: Opera 15 Preview
« Last post by barney on June 03, 2013, 04:40 AM »
New is not necessarily better, or safer.
-pilgrim (June 03, 2013, 03:49 AM)

Sorry, but that's not a true statement when it comes to IE.  Been proven - sometimes the hard way - too many times.  I still use it, in its latest incarnation, when a site requires it, but I excepted that with IE6 - too many attackers.  Wasn't wild about IE8, but IE9 and IE10 have provided significant security enhancements.  Still not my favorite browser, but it works.  Yeah, YMMV, but my mileage indicates updating.
174
Living Room / Re: The DonationCoder.com 30-Day Healthy Eating and Exercise Challenge!
« Last post by barney on June 02, 2013, 07:40 PM »
Though i'm still craving snacks and sweets like mad.
-mouser (June 02, 2013, 05:07 PM)

Might think about berries and fruits.  I've found blueberries and strawberries and cantaloupe to be [finally  :-\] a satisfying snack most any time of day.  Not too fond of bananas, but they can be satisfying at times.  Peaches, pears, apples ... mostly low-sweet, but the varying textures can satisfy most tastes.  (Don't do, for instance, strawberries, if you are subject to diverticulitis, nor nuts.)  Almonds or hazelnuts are, while not particularly sweet, are also very satisfying snacks.  So are pistachios, but I find them to require more work than I'm willing to perform just for a nut  ;).
175
Living Room / Re: The DonationCoder.com 30-Day Healthy Eating and Exercise Challenge!
« Last post by barney on June 02, 2013, 05:01 PM »
Also found out, after I made that post, that it's also National Fruit and Vegetable Month.  :D
-app103 (June 02, 2013, 04:27 PM)

Now there's a combo:  fruit, vegetables, and candy  ;).  Sounds the ideal non-diet  :P.  Wonder whether the meal would be a stew, a salad, ...  :-\?
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