News of the death of Dith Pran caught my eye. Dith’s passing was premature and probably painful as he died from pancreatic cancer. His talent and determination brought the horror of humanity’s Killing Fields to our notice. It follows the shameful murder of Haing S. Ngor, the actor who played Dith in the movie. Ngor’s …
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Author:astraea
1st ever recorded sound
The first recorded sound, made only 148 years ago in 1860, has been digitally remastered. It was made with soot on paper! Hear it here …
Slate Magazine – newsworthy satire
Another good spiel that tells the news as it is and gives the opinion we all share … Slate Magazine
RT61 x64 ralink wlan PCI NIC
A Linksys WMP54g PCI wireless card was bought for a Dell E521 x64 (4400 dual core) dual boot with OSS 10.3 primary. Getting the card installed was a pain – only because of the need for the right driver. If you’re playing the same game, here are all the files I played with – including …
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Farewell Gerry
Our good friend Gert Jan Van Soest died unexpectedly yesterday. We miss him. Gerry died suddenly on Tuesday. He was on a job at his workshop when his body gave up on him. I can not believe that I will not see him again. He has been a good friend. He was fun, social, energetic …
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What peace process in the middle east?
How can anyone be deluded about the unwillingness to compromise in the Middle East. The Annapolis meeting of last year has proven to be worthless (as expected). Poisoning water (of soldiers as well as civilians) is tantamount to chemical warfare and unethical. The bombing raids just exacerbate the problem. Israels belligerents need to grow up …
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Microsoft fined again for ripping-off consumers
Well, the language is a bit strong, but it is meant only to alert the Microsoftphiles to the reality that economic bullying is as unattractive as the physical stuff that happens in school. Microsucks has been fined again by the EU – over € 1 billion this time. No wonder Yahoo doesn’t want to be …
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US dollar at new Euro low
The dollar has fallen to a record low against the euro as traders bet that further interest rate cuts will be needed to stem a US recession. And Bernanke may well drop interest rates further. though that does not mean confidence will return in the same way as previously – or should we say “irrational …
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Art illuminates diplomacy in N.Korea
As usual, it has been art that shows the way social and cultural dynamics must evolve. The New York Philharmonic Orchestra has performed a concert in North Korea, playing western and Korean pieces. It was an un-political event, but will most certainly enlighten hearts and minds in North Korea.
Amnesty reports decline in Russian liberty
Amnesty International released Freedom Limited, a report detailing declining freedom of speech in Putin’s Russia. Unsurprising, but sad news. A backlash is inevitable, but probably later rather than sooner. Intelligent systems naturally tend to open systems; Russia’s wealth is fuelling its intellectual capacities which will demand openness in governance. BBC report