“We’re not going to use it to be invading somebody’s privacy. It’ll be used for situations we have with criminals,” Gage said.

Wow, if you believe that then I have a bridge in New York I’d like to sell you.  Just look at how they have been using counter-terrorism laws that were rushed onto the books as charges against completely unrelated offenses just a couple of years after 9/11.  What say you?

New Police Drone Near Houston Could Carry Weapons

Update 12/12/11:  Perfect example  [LA Times]

While non-programmers may not know much about the C language, chances are good that every electronic device you have runs software created in C.  Non-IT people may also be less familiar with Unix but the majority of internet servers run a Unix or Unix-like operating system and it also is the basis for Mac OS X and iOS.

Even though the reaction will be less emphatic as those commenting on Steve Jobs, Apple would literally not be where they are today if not for Dennis Ritchie.  So I pay the same respect to Dennis, RIP sir.

Dennis Had A Bigger Effect Than Jobs: Pike [EFY Times]

I thought the mention of ethnicity as a component in the algorithm was quite interesting as well, is it still racial profiling if it’s a machine instead of a live agent making that decision?  I think so, an obvious facet to challenge it on.  It’s no wonder they are so tight-lipped about it.

“That which grows in the shadows and withers in the light of day, does not belong on the vine.” – Unknown

Homeland Security moves forward with ‘pre-crime’ detection [CNET]

Finding myself in need of a cab today to retrieve my vehicle from the repair shop I began calling several companies just to get someone to answer.  I reached a gentleman at the listed number who seemed pleasant enough but he indicated it would be at least 45 minute wait (acceptable actually) and he would call me back.  A few minutes later the phone rang from a different number and it was a woman who asked if I was calling about a cab.  I said yes and asked which company she was from (wanted to make sure it wasn’t another one calling back from caller ID) and she said Express Cab but went on to say that “if I had called other companies she wasn’t going to bother with me” and hung up just like that.

Now I don’t know what their experience has been but I can only assume they are concerned with people booking multiple companies to play them against each other.  However, I was not doing this but rather just making sure I knew who I was talking to.  (Side note:  Why do almost none of these companies answers with the name of the company? Mighty shady if you ask me.)

Moral of the story, I wouldn’t touch Express Cab with a ten-foot pole and someone else’s money at this point.  If you are needing a cab specifically in the eastern region call Dano’s (513-797-4411, although they can be hard to get on the phone–they do cell phone dispatch via the shift leader) or anywhere in Cincinnati/NKY call Towne Taxi (513-761-7700, the heroes today.)  Towne is a big operation with real radio dispatchers and everything and both the dispatcher and driver were helpful and friendly.

Now whether you agree with WikiLeaks’ actions or not, keep in mind that the press (loosely defined) performs an important duty shining light on things the establishment would rather not have seen.  In an age of corporate monopolization of the “news” sometimes it takes outsiders including bloggers and others to perform that service.

I’ll leave you with a thought:

“Four hostile newspapers are more to be feared than a thousand bayonets.” – Napoleon Bonaparte

Gates: Leaked documents don’t reveal key intel, but risks remain [CNN]

Biometrics: The Difference Engine… [economist.com]