Monthly Archives: August 2006

Open Sourced, Except for Killing

robot attacksThe GPL is designed to let people modify the code for almost any purpose. Every so often the GPL is modified to reflect our changing needs and wants of software.

Right now there is a debate whether or not to include Isaac Asimov’s first law of robotics:

“A robot may not harm a human being, or, through inaction, allow a human being to come to harm.”

I hope this is included into the GPL even if it isn’t really enforceable.

Workout to be More Successful?

Apparently in order to become a successful entrepreneur you need to workout. Conveniently there is a list of five reasons why entrepreneur should workout:

1. Confidence
2. Productivity
3. Growth
4. Networking
5. Health

I actually think that everyone should workout for these same five reason just for the sake of it. Although, the networking one seems kinda random.

Funny Look at Media Ownership

Mainstream media is owned by only a handful of corporations, and those corporations also own many subsidiaries.Find out who owns what at the Columbia Journalism Review. Lots and lots of people have argued that media conglomeration perpetuates self-censorship of news outlets, therefore depriving people of reason and intellectual analysis of current events.

The folks at Saturday Night Live (owned by NBC, who is owned by General Electric)made a funny animation showing this, the video was never aired after it’s original airing.

Wal-Mart Wants to Sell E85

E85 is a blend of ethanol mixed with gasoline, the mixture is arguably less damaging to the environment than using just oil. It looks like Wal-Mart, who has questionable practices, is questing whether they should sell E85 at their Sam’s Club stores.

“It’s the single largest commitment to renewable fuels in the history of the auto industry – a good move for the automakers, and for the planet, too.

That’s because running cars and trucks on E85, a blend of 85 percent ethanol and 15 percent gasoline, could turn out to be a cost-effective way to reduce the carbon emissions that cause global warming and curb our dependence on imported oil”

Hope Spreads Faster than AIDS

my faceToday I was at the International AIDS Conference happening here in Toronto (previously). I was there representing TakingITGlobal, whom I work for, of course there were plenty of other wonderful organizations. Conviently, there is a list of every organization there, but one organization that had a really creative booth was CUSO.

CUSO setup a series of “rooms” where you had the chance to express what you really wanted to say to whomever. I wrote a message to those jerks who hold back HIV/AIDS medicinebecause I hate how they put profits before people. Despite my short tirade, other people had novel ideas and heart-warming messages.

It is just fantastic to see that so many people care about HIV/AIDS, and that they are doing something about it! TakingITGlobal has conveniently made an online resource of what you can do!

If you are in the Greater Toronto Area I strongly urge to get to the conference! There is a free section called the Global Village where many organizations have information booths.