Geek Stuff category archive
Once More into the Breach 0
If you want a sane discussion of the DNC email leaks and similar hacks by persons who
- know how email and networks work,
- are not grinding political axes, and
- can explain stuff good,
listen to the latest episode of The Sunday Morning Linux Review.
German Engineering 0
Aside:
In the rush to market shiny new computerized things, marketing trumps computer security every day of the week and twice on Sundays.
Pokemon Go and the Pixels of Power 0
At Psychology Today Blogs, Liraz Margalit explores the fascination of a fantasy world.
She left out the part about the stupid.
Facebook Frolics 0
Alas, poor troll.
I knew him, Horatio. But I unfriended him all the same.
I do not miss the Zuckerborg. It makes the Slough of Despond look like a resort town.
Facebook Frolics 0
Shorter Mark Zuckerberg: You will look at my stupid, annoying, obnoxious ad and like it.
Full Disclosure:
I don’t use ad-blocking software. I use a HOSTS file.
The Snaring Economy 1
Dan Baker discusses Uber’s exit from Austin, Texas, ostensibly over a requirement that it’s drivers be fingerprinted and have their backgrounds checked. He suspects that was a ruse:
Rather, the issue was likely that Uber is worried about its drivers being labeled as employees. Uber claims that its drivers are independent contractors, not employees. As independent contractors, Uber is not responsible for paying Social Security taxes, nor is it liable for workers’ compensation for drivers who get hurt in traffic accidents. It also doesn’t have to withhold income taxes. And, independent contractors don’t have the right to unionize.
More at the link.
Make TWUUG Your LUG 0
Learn about the wonderful world of free and open source. Use computers to do what you want, not what someone else wants you to do.
It’s not hard; it’s just different.
What: Monthly TWUUG Meeting.
Who: Everyone in TideWater/Hampton Roads with interest in any/all flavors of Unix/Linux. There are no dues or signup requirements. All are welcome.
Where: Lake Taylor Transitional Care Hospital in Norfolk Training Room. See directions below. (Wireless and wired internet connection available.) Turn right upon entering, then left at the last corridor and look for the open meeting room.
When: 7:30 PM till whenever (usually 9:30ish) on Thursday, August 4.
Directions:
Lake Taylor Hospital
1309 Kempsville Road
Norfolk, Va. 23502 (Map)
Pre-Meeting Dinner at 6:00 PM (separate checks)
Uno Chicago Grill
Virginia Beach Blvd. & Military Highway (JANAF Shopping Center). (Map)
Join the forums.
Funny Money 0
Man skates on money laundering charge when Florida judge rules that Bitcoin is not real money.
Aside:
One more time, all currency is fiat currency. No currency or specie, real or virtual, including gold or silver, has value unless persons believe it has value.
Geeking Out 0
Listening to The Circular Staircase by Mary Roberts Rinehart on QMMP while checking email in Mutt in the Terminator terminal emulator while monitoring computer usage with GkrellM on Slackware –Current with a GUI managed by the Fluxbox window manager, praise Bob!
Tell Me Again Why They Are Called “Smart” Phones? Once More All Over Again 0
The four teenagers had ventured into the network of caves at Box to play the augmented reality game, which launched in the UK this week and is already sweeping the nation.
The stupid. It burns.
Addendum:
And then there’s this.