ShadowNode's New Writeups

Why I haven't changed to Linux (idea)

2001-06-26T02:24:13Z

I haven't changed from Linux to Windows because Linux is better at doing what I require. So, what is it that I require? At the moment, I'm writing up some e2 nodes. I have Evolution in the background, checking my e-mail regularly (every three minutes). XMMS is playing my collection of MP3s.

I can't node from my Windows machine because I can't get the resolution above 640x480. I can get 1280x1024 in X Windows, but Windows won't change to anything above 640x480, no matter what I do. I'm using an Asus v7700 GeForce 2 GTS graphics card, so it might be to do with that; Windows doesn't come with drivers for it. Alternately, it could be the monitor; it's an old 17" Sony tube, that won't go above 60Hz. Windows might notice this and try and lower the resolution until it can get a decent refresh. But it can't, so it gives me the lowest resolution possible.

I can't find anyone who knows what's going on with my monitor/graphics card, or how I could fix it. So I'…

Sexism, Racism and Pet Overpopulation in Star Trek (idea)

2001-04-28T01:44:17Z

Sexism

Perhaps they realized that hyphenated names are a bad idea, especially after a few generations of the practice. Hardly sexism in any case.

Racism

IIRC Star Trek was the first show to have an interracial kiss, so critisisms on that front fall kind of flat. Besides, did any other TV show in the 60's have that much diversity?

Pet Overpopulation

3 unneutered tomcats on a ship with over 1000 people, (I think, feel free to correct me.) and a few puppies being born. Where do you think they come from, the replicators?

How to get past the alarm gates in retail stores (idea)

2001-04-02T18:16:09Z

Shoplifting is stealing, and stealing is wrong (most of the time, anyway). However, scanning people as they leave a store is also wrong and should not be tolerated.

Interfering with these scanners is both an ethical, and productive thing to do. I applaud anyone who reduces their efficacy, even if they shoplift in the process. Sometimes, two wrongs do make a right.

Many retail stores have forgone the scanners in favour of door nazis, who will attempt to search your belongings as you leave the store, and compare them to your reciept. I urge everyone to refuse this search; remember, you have no obligation to prove your innocence. I cannot speak for US law, but here in Canada if a search is forced, and no evidence is found, you get to sue them till they bleed. (of course, IANAL).

Pakaran: Not in my country (Well, except perhaps for #3). What's illegal about carrying around one of those little stickers that triggers the sensors?

Tips for renting a place to live (idea)

2000-10-30T03:40:10Z

It is also very important to have at least a basic understanding of local tenancy and contract law. Most of the time, landlords will put things into the lease agreement that they don't actually have the right to require. This is not a bad thing (at least in my juristiction). Here, those clauses cannot actually be enforced, but their presence gives the tenant the right to desolve the agreement at will.

Shut down Napster, not Metallica (idea)

2000-09-09T18:38:32Z

Just because something is illegal, does not make it wrong. People generally ignore unjust laws, if they can (see: The War on Some Drugs), and these silly copyright laws are unjust.

Besides the moral justifications, it isn't possible to shut down Napster. Even if they shut down the commercial server, there are lots of independant ones around.

DMan, by your logic, it would be wrong for someone with a photographic memory to read a book. Copying isn't stealing.

bigmouth_strikes, are you insane? Are you aware of the fact that the Nazi party was democratically elected? No system of government is perfect, and neither are the laws they pass.

Canuck (thing)

2000-08-25T17:56:11Z

Not derogatory.

Also the name of the professional (NHL) hockey team in Vancouver, Canada.