Sunday, April 25th
No News
Here's some news for ya. I have figured out the combination. To explain the celebrating I have done this evening, I must explain the signifigence of the number 6034.
Over a month ago, I had a meeting downtown with a client. I grabbed my laptop and jumped on my bicycle. I took Nicole's bike lock because it is smaller. Her bike u-lock is unlocked with a combination. I got to downtown, locked up my bike. Unfortunately, in locking up my bike, I unknowingly changed the combination to the bike lock before locking my bike to the bike rack. I returned after my meeting to realize this: I had unlocked the u-lock, scrambled the comb, reset the master combination, and locked my bike up. It could be any number from 1 to 9,999. After some cussing, I borrowed some tools and proceeded to unbolt the bike rack from the sidewalk (without getting arrested). I got my bike back, but the u-lock was still locked to my frame... for over a month...
Until today.
Starting at 0001, I have tried every combination leading to 6,034 on this u-lock. You may call me a cheap bastard for not calling a locksmith, or just cutting the damn thing off...
But patience pays off.
In other news... yesterday I saw a young person almost commit suicide downtown. He had laid down in between the railroad tracks right before the train reached him. It went right over him. Almost.
After the train passed, he did not get up. Some folks nearby had a cell phone and called for help. The kid left in an ambulance.
I feel lucky that most of my mistakes have been minor enough not to haunt me the rest of my life. Some folks aren't so lucky. I hope he makes it.
Chris on 04.25.04 @ 11:44 PM PST [link]
Thursday, April 15th
Mind Reading Technology is Hear
For all intents and purposes, this company wants to do good. Some humans are prone to self-destructive activities, and instead of confronting their fear, will try to contain a situation. I hope this technology does not fall into the hands of the Bush administration. George Orwell explored the possibility of a "thought crime," let's hope his fiction remains fiction.
FDA Approves Human Brain Implant Devices
By JUSTIN POPE
"BOSTON (AP) - For years, futurists have dreamed of machines that can read minds, then act on instructions as they are thought. Now, human trials are set to begin on a brain-computer interface involving implants.
Cyberkinetics Inc. of Foxboro, Mass., has received Food and Drug Administration approval to begin a clinical trial in which four-square-millimeter chips will be placed beneath the skulls of paralyzed patients.
If successful, the chips could allow patients to command a computer to act - merely by thinking about the instructions they wish to send."
Chris on 04.15.04 @ 01:27 PM PST [link]
Friday, April 9th
Strange Fires Burn in Sicily
CANNETO DI CARONIA, Sicily (Reuters) - The gate at the entrance to this tiny Sicilian village has come off its hinges and swings in the wind as cats wander into homes abandoned after a series of mystery fires.
A series of spontaneous fires started in mid-January in the town of Canneto di Caronia in about 20 houses. After a brief respite last month, the almost daily fires have flared up again -- even though electricity to the village was cut off.
An endless flow of scientists, engineers, police and even a few self-styled "ghostbusters" have descended on the town searching for clues to the recent spontaneous combustion of everything from fuse boxes to microwave ovens to a car.
Reuters
or click on the more link for the whole Reuters report
Chris on 04.09.04 @ 03:29 PM PST [link]