Although it wasn’t quite what I expected, the Ohio Linuxfest was an interesting get-away. I chatted with some fellow geeks (hello out there Stephen, Ed, John, and Ronnie.) My favorite speaker was Jon “Maddog” Hall who spoke about “computing off the grid.” My favorite tech item was the prototype of the OLPC laptop at the Fedora booth. Blue-GNU has some commentary on the proceedings and of course some pictures. Maybe I will get back there next year, especially if someone else foots the bill. BTW, the Ontario Linuxfest spawned by the Ohio version is imminent if that interests you.
Archive for September, 2007
21
Sep
Anybody watching?
Although I have heard similar assessments before, a new study shows that the UK surveillance society isn’t protecting against crime. With more than 10,000 CCTV cameras in London, crime in general has not improved.
At the very least, it shows that the stated goal isn’t working. In the more cynical view, it was never supposed to. The government has successfully convinced the people that they need a nanny state in order to further their own goals. Sounds familiar here in the US.
A pretty quick reaction by Steve Jobs to the outrage of iPhone early-adopters (regarding the $200 price-cut.)Â A $100 Apple credit is on the way.
I would love to have one of these phones but alas this poor blogger can’t afford it even with the price drop.  To those lucky enough to get one immediately who are now complaining about the reduced price, I say “sour grapes.” That is the risk/price you pay for being the first to have a shiny new toy. Apple is being generous with their credit so enjoy it.
You know the most ironic thing about the Patriot Act? The name. A true patriot respects the government’s critical checks and balances. It seems that the judiciary is slowly waking up to just how perverted the W clan’s view of the world is.
U.S. District Judge Victor Marrero said the government orders must be subject to meaningful judicial review and that the recently rewritten Patriot Act “offends the fundamental constitutional principles of checks and balances and separation of powers.”
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