The Wrong Question

The setup is simple. Put an airplane on a conveyer belt. Run the belt backwards as the airplane “drives” forwards. Does the airplane take off?
The question has caused a big controversy on some corners of the ‘net, and is now the subject of the upcoming Mythbusters episode. But it is the wrong question, and it [...]

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Operating Systems

I’ve just about had it with Windows.  In all fairness, I push it too hard.  I try programs, then delete them.  I scan for viruses and malware constantly.  I program.  I try different things, looking for the next big application.  But after so much of that, Windows implodes.
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The Internet Replaces the Doorbell

I ordered a couple of pair of new pants from one of the big catalog clothing stores (located in Maine, if you must know).  They sent an email with links that allow me to track the order as it moves through the delivery system.  Sometimes this tracking leaves a bit to be desired, with huge [...]

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Using the Tablets

I finally got the tablet PCs working in the classroom.  We use two access points connected by a small network switch.  That, however, only seems to cover about 15 or 16 computers.  The 17th seems to need to be on the campus network.  I’m wondering what the actual capacity of an access point is. 
In the [...]

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Virtual Lecture

I’ve begun to record lectures for my Signals and Systems class using Lecturescribe.  Lecturescribe is a free program that works with the Tablet PC to create flash lectures.  I can record audio and write on an electronic whiteboard to cover material.  The production quality isn’t great, (partly me, partly the program being cumbersome), but for [...]

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First Attempt

I tried my first attempt at using the Tablet PCs in class yesterday (Friday).  Four out of 18 of the tablets managed to connect to the wireless network, and one was found to be nonworking (worked last week).  The wireless guy had put a new access point outside of the room, but that didn’t seem [...]

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Energy Source versus Energy Transmission

In the discussion of new energy sources, I hear a considerable amount of confusion over a key concept.  That being energy sources versus energy storage and transmittal methods.  Understanding of this concept will help us to pursue appropriate solutions to new energy.
Currently we obtain energy through coal, crude oil, natural gas, hydro-power, and nuclear.  Coal, [...]

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A Fragile Existance, Part II

I’ve been away from news and Internet for a couple of days, and was dismayed to see the bridge collapse in Minneapolis.  This is certainly a shock, and hopefully a wakeup call.  Bridges don’t last forever.  We have an immense amount of infrastructure in this country that must be maintained.  That maintenance is expensive, and [...]

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Energy and Shifting Paradigms

With gasoline prices going up and concern about global warming climate change, there has been much talk of alternate energy sources. One source that is continually brought up is corn ethanol. This doesn’t work for several reasons:

We’re combining the energy market with the food market.
Ethanol may take more energy to produce than it delivers in [...]

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A Fragile Existence

This news story caught my eye tonight.  I’ve been following the story of the Brazilian jet crash, and the story keeps getting bigger.  Now Brazil’s air traffic control radar has failed for a few hours, causing delays in their air travel.
To back up, the A320 that crashed seemed to be the victim of several unfortunate [...]

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