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Alone in the Universe

For most of pre-history, human societies had words only for "one", "two", and "many". We can easily remember patterns of twos and threes, but give most people a set of 10 numbers to memorize and our eyes glaze over. Humans have an even tougher time conceiving of truly large numbers. Our penchant for the lottery is evidence of this - if we understood the odds better we'd probably never play. Many people confuse million and billion even though they are vastly different in scale - all those zeros make our heads spin. We are just not "designed" to be able to appreciate the vastness of space and time and so I'm not sure that its so much an arrogance as a real disability that makes it difficult for humans to accept that it is extremely unlikely that we are alone in the universe.

Last saved: 05/12/2010
Links: /science / alone.txt

ACDC's logo in ASCII


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  $$$$$$$$$$$$$$ $$$$$$  .s.      d$$$P      $$$$$$   $$$$$$ $$$$$$  .s.
  $$$$$$  $$$$$$ $$$$$$bd$$$$b.  d$$P'       $$$$$$.s$$$$$$$ $$$$$$bd$$$$b.
 ,d$$$$$bd$$$$$b."$$$$$$$$$$$P" d$$'       zd$$$$$$$$$$$$$"  "$$$$$$$$$$$P"
 "$$$$$$""$$$$$P"  "$$$$$$$$"  ;$'          "$$$$$$$$$$P"      "$$$$$$$$"
  "S$S"   "S$S"       "S$S"    '               """"""""           "S$S"

Last saved: 05/06/2010
Links: /media/music / acdc.txt

Response to Gary's Facebook post about Arizona law and immigration problem

While I understand and appreciate the argument of this well-heeled lawyer from New York, please understand he's only showing one side of the problem. Yes, people are breaking (our) law by crossing the border illegally. The other part of the problem is that owners of landscaping firms, construction businesses, restaurants, and big agribusiness (and many others) hire undocumented workers because they know they won't complain, can get away with paying them low wages and can skate on taxes and health care - leaving that bill for the emergency rooms (us). This is creating a demand which migrants are risking their lives to supply. Blaming migrants for disrespecting our laws is probably disingenuous since hungry people will do what they can to feed their families - but greedy business owners (and a voracious American appetite for drugs) has created this problem - they wouldn't be here otherwise. The Russian guy doesn't mention that you can't walk here from Russia and so only the rich can make it here anyway.

its not as simple a problem as our friends at FOX would like everyone to believe. The reality is that during WWII the US and Mexico established the 'Bracero program' where about 500,000 Mexicans migrated to the US to work on farms while US males were at war. The program lapsed in 1964, but of course the migration didn't - it was, by then a way of life. Since US jobs pay about 10:1 to Mexican jobs the migration is almost entirely economic. Since that time the US has resisted any kind of bill to authorize the migrant workers and Mexico decided that if doing nothing about it was the US desire, why should they stand in the way? Mexico has an official "policy of no policy" on this issue. After all, a lot of this money goes back into the Mexican economy! Why should they worry about it? In the 80s, reactionary laws began to get put in place by the states and those who were formerly migrants only, soon decided to become legal citizens to avoid getting in trouble (laws like the one in AZ turned migrants into "immigrants"). Now the "circular" migrants who really lived in Mexico most of the year were settling down and bringing their whole families up. This problem is the same problem its been since 1964 its not new at all - the only difference is that now Mexicans are coming for all sorts of jobs not just agriculture so people see them. Until the US (on a national level) decides to make a legal way for these people to come here and work and easily go home again, we will never solve it. Walls won't solve it neither will poorly thought out NAZI-like programs of stopping people in the street demanding their papers.

Of course stopping people on the street and asking them to prove they are a citizen is fascist. I'm not denying there's a crime problem along the border, but we're already free to check resident status on criminals. Sometimes I feel like I fell asleep and woke up in a foreign nation.

Hopefully the AZ law will force Obama to move the problem up on the priority list so we can actually start work on fixing the problem. Of course, then you'll hear nothing on FOX except why Obama is wasting time on immigration when he should be creating jobs (and since when did it become governments responsibility to create jobs? That doesn't sound like laissez-faire capitalism to me!)

Here's a way we could solve the problem without Congress getting involved: All those people out of work could just drive down to Huntington or Farmingville every day at 6am and stand on the corner by 7-11 and wait for day labor jobs. They'd have to actually work for the money but with all the competition perhaps the migrant workers would just pack up and go home.

Last saved: 05/06/2010
Links: /journal / AZimmigrationlaw.txt

Response to Gary's post on the CA Kids who wore American Flags on Cinco de Mayo and were sent home from school.

A quick aside which is somewhat relevant to the discussion: I remember in 1982, 4 kids came in dressed as KKK goons (my district was about 16% black at the time which was about the national average, but for Long Island's massively segregated schools it was high). Somebody got offended and they banned dressing up entirely from then on. What if some kids decided to wear swastikas? Or better yet - tattoo themselves with Nazi symbols? At some point somebody is going to get offended whether you like it or not.

Donning an American flag shouldn't be an issue in an American school - except of course when it is not worn appropriately. I remember someone being sent home for having the flag sewn on to her bum. It was considered disrespectful. In the context of the recent immigration issue, certainly what the kids did was provocative, but I don't this it could really be proven disrespectful - but a school is no place for making political statements.

What I think is funny though is that Cinco de Mayo celebrates the Mexican victory over the French in 1862. Perhaps if the kids really wanted to rile up the Mexicans they have chosen to wear French flags?

Personally I'm offended by green beer on St Pattys Day, but I won't raise too much of a fuss about it.

@Gary: You know I agree with you that the administration was flat out wrong on this, but surely you can see how expressing pride and opinions can offend people who aren't of the same socio-economic background? Like when I say this is a white nation - statistically that is still correct (though perhaps not for long). Should I wear a 'White Pride' tee shirt to school on a day we're celebrating Martin Luther King Jr. day? Surely you can't tell me there's anything wrong with being proud of my race? MLK was a great civil rights leader for blacks, but I'm a pasty white guy. However, I have a sneaking suspicion that it might be a problem for some people. Perhaps almost like I am going out of my way to make a statement that something that is important to them is worthless. Going out of your way to show disrespect for someone's culture isn't American. Perhaps its even a little bit like how non-Christians must feel when America is referred to as a "Christian nation" because it implies that if you are not Christian you're not really a true American.

Last saved: 05/06/2010
Links: /journal / cincodemayo.txt

Art Scene

In the very early 90s, before the internet was available to regular folks the BBS (Bulletin Board System) scene was where the geeks were. For those who weren't into it, it involved using a PC and a modem to dial into other people's computers where software running there provided an electronic forum. The BBS documentary tells the story of the BBS, but this episode describes how the ASCI art scene grew in this medium as a competition between what is a lot like "gangs" of grafitti artists. Some of the art that was produced by the time the "art packs" were coming out was flat out amazing.

Artscene tells the rarely-heard history of the ANSI Art Scene that thrived in the BBS world, where art was currency and battles waged over nothing more than pure talent.

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-8368209864515842287#

Last saved: 04/23/2010
Links: /media/graphics / artscene.txt

Jon Stewart on 2012

You feel optimism, you're the first person I've met that is optimistic and and this also includes the idea that the world ends in 2012 because the Mayans said so?

You don't believe that? The Mayans said 2012.

Although really, how prescient were they? They didn't see Cortez coming. You know what I'm talking about!

Jon Stewart to Fred Pearce on the Daily Show, April 21, 2010

Last saved: 04/22/2010
Links: /history / stewarton2012.txt

Tea Party at Applebees

I keep hearing from my Tea Party friends about how terrible the current tax system is for regular folks in America, but the rhetoric I'm hearing doesn't square with my own experience which have been steadily declining taxes (as a percentage of income) every single year since I've been working. I don't even have an accountant finding bullshit ways to scam the system like half the people I know. It didn't take very long to find this CBO report which shows pretty clearly that taxes (for 95% of Americans anyway) are at the lowest point they have been in 30 years!

If I do any more writing on this topic I should probably blog about it, but a couple other sources (BEA and BLS) are quoted as showing that real disposable income (adjusted for inflation) has risen 47% since 1972. This means that people have (until recently) had LOTS more money to waste on going out to eat, seeing movies, buying video games, etc... See More. When the recession hit this disposable income was reduced. Suddenly the $140 a month being spent on cable, $80 a month on cell phones, $200 a month on going out to eat, as well as a sundry other non-essential purchases a month were in jeopardy. That modern Americans might have to entertain like their parents did was unthinkable! The ranks of the Tea Party (mostly educated middle class folks) has been swelled by people upset by their shrinking disposable income (money used primarily for entertainment). The Boston Tea Party was an act of resistance protesting taxation without representation. The new Tea Party may as well be shouting "Give me Applebees or give me death!!"

Last saved: 04/17/2010
Links: /history / teaparty.txt

Tafl Rules

The rules are pretty much standard issue: orthagonal moves, stopped by the edge or another man, capture on two sides for all men but the king, corners and center hostile, can't be entered, replace a man of opposing color. Center cannot be crossed, king cannot reenter center once having left it.
Jury's still out on escape to the edge vs corner. I say edge is tough enough, my associate Kennari is still stumping for escape to the corner.
Have a notated game-to the edge that I'll post forthwith.

http://iagoweb.com/forums/comments.php?DiscussionID=359&page=1#Item_0

Last saved: 04/13/2010
Links: /fun/games / Hnefatafl.txt

Re: Set dances?

(from: http://www.thesession.org/discussions/display/206/comments)

As a dancer and musician I hope I can help out here. It seems to me that this is the complete list of traditional sets danced throughout the world:
The BlackBird - These first four are required when
The Garden of Daisies - doing your TCRG (Teacher's Exam)
The Job of Jourbey Work - and ADCRG (Judge's exam)
St Patricks Day - .
Three Sea Captains
King of the Fairies
The White Blanket
Jockey To The Fair

A list of the remaining 'standard' set dances can be found on http://www.irishsetdances.net/tunes/ with the minimum speeds set down by An Coimisiun. (The minimum speed for Is The Big Man Within is 114 for 9/8 step, and 69 for 6/8 set). But these 30 are only a small subset of the some 80 set dances I know, some beautiful tunes have been left out that are thankfully still danced by the other organisations apart from An Coimisiun. Including The Four Masters, The Storyteller, The Wandering Musician, The Galtee Hunt (posted recently), The Fiddler Round The Fairy Tree, The Roving Pedlar, The Blue Eyed Rascal, The Piper's Dream, Planxty Hugh O'Donnell, ... need I go on?

Hope this helps,

GK

Last saved: 02/15/2010
Links: /media/music / setdances.txt

Tempo of traditional tunes

(from http://www.thesession.org/discussions/display/7222)

If you are playing for yourself then please yourself. If you are playing for an audience (performance/concert/gig) then play whatever you think the punters will enjoy without compromising yourself or the music too much. If it is a session it will depend on the mix and mood of other musicians.
If it is for dancers then this another whole question.
From Kevin Warrens and Colm Keoghs CD
Category Dance Tempo
Beginners Reel (122)
Beginners Light Jig/Figure Jig (116)
Beginners Slip Jig(128)
Beginners Single Jig(132
Beginners Treble Jig(88)
Beginners Hornpipe(138)
Intermediate/PreOpen Reel(116)
Intermediate/Pre Open Slip Jig(116)
Intermediate /PreOpen Single Jig(118)
Intermediate/PreOpen Jig(76)
Intermediate/PreOpen Hornpipe(116)
Traditional Set Dance-St. Patrick's Day(90)
Traditional SetDance-Blackbird(142)
Traditional Set Dance-Job of Journey Work(142)
Traditional Set Dance-Garden of Daisies(142)
Traditional Set Dance-Three Sea Captains(85)
Traditional Set Dance-King of the Fairies(133)
Open Reel(113)
Open Slip Jig(113)
Open Single Jig(116)
Open Jig(73)
Open Hornpipe(113)

Cheers
Donough

Last saved: 02/15/2010
Links: /media/music / tempos.txt

Father Daughter Dance

(from Facebook)

thought the "Father/Daughter dance" was more like a "Fathers stand around and talk about stuff while daughters run around and squeal". At least this daughter didn't break down in tears and ask to leave early.

I did get one dance at least ;)

January 29, 2010 at 10:33pm

Last saved: 02/06/2010
Links: /journal / fatherdaughterdance.txt

Chris Mathews forgetting Obama was black

About comments Chris Mathews made on MSNBC after Obama's first state of the union speech, written in response to Cathy's cousin's post on Facebook.

Why can't we even mention race without immediately causing a political correctness controversy? Although you didn't use the word, 'racist' usually denotes a dislike for the subject of the term. Rush Limbaugh has made far more obvious racist comments than this, and his listeners have defended him for making them. Mathews is an older Irish Catholic, who as a group have been accused of bias against blacks in the past (probably because they were both competing for the same jobs) so Mathews saying he forgot Obama was black sounds more like a comment on how far we've come since he was a young man in the 60s than a racist comment to me.

Last saved: 01/29/2010
Links: /history / chrismathews.txt

Letter from Satan to Pat Robertson

Dear Pat Robertson,

I know that you know that all press is good press, so I appreciate the shout-out. And you make God look like a big mean bully who kicks people when they are down, so I'm all over that action.

But when you say that Haiti has made a pact with me, it is totally humiliating. I may be evil incarnate, but I'm no welcher. The way you put it, making a deal with me leaves folks desperate and impoverished.

Sure, in the afterlife, but when I strike bargains with people, they first get something here on earth -- glamour, beauty, talent, wealth, fame, glory, a golden fiddle. Those Haitians have nothing, and I mean nothing. And that was before the earthquake. Haven't you seen "Crossroads"? Or "Damn Yankees"?

If I had a thing going with Haiti, there'd be lots of banks, skyscrapers, SUVs, exclusive night clubs, Botox -- that kind of thing. An 80 percent poverty rate is so not my style. Nothing against it -- I'm just saying: Not how I roll.

You're doing great work, Pat, and I don't want to clip your wings -- just, come on, you're making me look bad. And not the good kind of bad. Keep blaming God. That's working. But leave me out of it, please. Or we may need to renegotiate your own contract.

Best, Satan

LILY COYLE, MINNEAPOLIS

Last saved: 01/17/2010
Links: /fun / fromsatantopat.txt

mc without function keys

The Midnight Commander uses the F1 - F10 keys as keyboard shortcuts for commands appearing in the file menu. The escape sequences for the function keys are terminfo capabilities kf1 trough kf10. On terminals without function key support, you can achieve the same functionality by pressing the ESC key and then a number in the range 1 through 9 and 0 (corresponding to F1 to F9 and F10 respectively).

Last saved: 01/15/2010
Links: /computers/unix / mc-function.txt

Bob on transposing instruments

ok got it. thought that sounded right. However, most band instruments are transposing instruments that music is transposed from concert pitch to the pitch of the instrument. For instance (by the way) when you are learning the fingerings for this tin whistle (which is really a "C-instrument"), you are really learning the 'standard' instrument fingering - that is to say, that for a standard 'wind' instrument, left hand 3-closed pads/holes is a 'G' fingering and both hands 6-closed pads/holes is a 'D'. These fingerings are basically the same for a flute, clarinet, sax, oboe, etc. But the actual frequency of a given fingered note varies with each of these instruments and that is according to what is called the "key of the instrument". For example, the tin whistle is really a C-instrument which means that fingering a C will result in a note of the same frequency as concert-C, which is the same as a C on a standard guitar, cello, or any other C instrument, and matches the C-note on a piano. An "A" on that instrument will be 440 Hz. Since you are learning the standard fingerings, you can play a C-flute with these same fingerings, no problem. I used to have a C-melody sax which I just threw away. These used to be very popular because they used standard fingerings and give concert-C pitches. No transpositions necessary. Play guitar or piano music directly. Trouble is, they were cheap and sound like crap and fall apart. Instead, a natural key for the tenor-sax is Bb. That means that since the horn itself is two half steps lower than concert pitch (or 10 half steps higher), you have to finger 2 half steps higher to get the same pitch as a concert instrument. That means that to play what sounds like a C on a piano, you have to finger a D on the tenor.... It is a bit tricky to explain quickly, but because tenor is flatted two times (2 half steps lower) the song would be transposed down 2 half steps to Bb (on the cycle of fifths) (two flats, Eb and Bb) to get the correct fingerings to match the key of the song. So if you call blues in "G" with one sharp then I know that I will play (finger) in "F" with only one flat (Bb). The other sax I play is alto which is in Eb which means I always think of as either 3 half steps lower or more frequently as 10 half-steps higher than concert-C.

Last saved: 01/05/2010
Links: /media/music / transposing-instruments.txt

Coming home from VT, Xmas 2009

the ride back from Vermont today was grueling. Icy roads (up north) and high winds the whole ride back made it much more tiring than usual. No incidents other than the windshield wiper fluid hoses froze up and ended up having to stop and splash fluid on the window from time to time. Traffic was much lighter than going up on Christmas Eve which had me cursing and uptight by the end of the ride.

Last saved: 12/29/2009
Links: /journal / xmasride09.txt

phpmyadmin won't run on osx

Attempting to login to my local installation of PHPMyAdmin on Mac OS X Leopard for the first time, I received this message:

#2002 - The server is not responding (or the local MySQL server's socket is not correctly configured)

Assuming the server is installed and running, these problems are almost always caused by incorrect path issues. A Google search brought up this solution.

Solution:

1. Open the terminal
2. sudo mkdir /var/mysql
3. sudo ln -s /tmp/mysql.sock /var/mysql/mysql.sock
4. Reload the login page and login

Last saved: 12/17/2009
Links: /computers/mac / phpmyadmin-error.txt

More thoughts on health care

Well put, all very good points. The internet and TV advertising has made everyone an armchair medical professional so we're all demanding expensive services and drugs we wouldn't have even known about 10 years ago. Information is a double edged sword though, as I believe the more transparency we can bring to health care the better it will get. Here's another example of lack of transparency:

Those that run a business know very well how much the insurance plan is costing the company because they are the ones negotiating it with the insurance company. The way insurance has been rising lately, CFOs may be re-negotiating that contract every year, sometimes going with a new plan entirely each time meaning that employees may end up having to change their doctors, or suddenly pay a lot more out of pocket for co-pays. However, the scam seems to be that the insurance company will offer the principals of a company a much better plan and then cheap out on the plan they offer to the employees. The employees never see any of the details of the arrangement or have any way to know how much the plan is really costing the employer so they don't know they are getting the proverbial shaft. This is one very big reason why health insurance should not be an employer-based system - the company actually has an incentive to screw the employees!

Last saved: 11/19/2009
Links: /science / healthcare.txt

Nidal Hasan shoots 13 on Army base

I only started looking into this guy, but he was obviously not dumb with a degree in Biochemistry (97), a medical degree (01) and the rank of Major (08). Ironic (or telling) that he was on track to be a psychiatrist! But he was being looked into, from what I read - after several months of suspicious internet postings federal warrants were being processed to sieze his computer. Such a pity the wheels didn't turn just a little faster. Seems like he felt he'd rather go out shooting the infidels than get deployed to shoot fellow muslims.

Last saved: 11/06/2009
Links: /journal / nidalhasan.txt

Thought on the USS New York

I'm of a slightly different mind about this boat. I realize I am in the minority in this opinion (at least at work), but I think of it as an ironic reversal of the biblical scripture of Isaiah 2:4 in that we're literally "beating our plowshares into swords".

I don't see how this massive vessel, this symbol of American aggression and ... Read Moreimperialism will help us find and bring to trial the criminals who took the towers down; and it's even more ironic to me because it is exactly this kind of imperialism which the 9/11 attackers point to as the motivating factor for their despicable crimes in the first place.

Last saved: 11/03/2009
Links: /journal / ussny.txt

Will of God

Response to post with picture of pickup precariously perched atop precipice

This is one of several such incidents we received photos of a while ago. (We get lots of fire and police related crap). For some reason the sender wants his readers to view them as proof that the survivor's experience could somehow convert a non-believer into a believer. If surviving such an experience can only be the work of God, then the converse is also true - meaning that all the people who die in accidents die by the will of God. Such arguments are philosophically repugnant to me. Perhaps I should pass around pictures showing fatal car accidents as proof that there is no God? But you see my point -

The (two) young guys who survived this were incredibly lucky. I wonder how the experience really did affect them.

Last saved: 10/30/2009
Links: /journal / willofgod.txt

About the Fire Siren

First, there is no uniform US fire signal code so this answer varies from place to place. Second, the siren used to be used to convey more information, but since the advent of the pager system (with tones to alert you that its your FD and a dispatcher who can transmit signal codes in English) it isn't used that way anymore. Most places will have ... Read Moreit sound 2 or 3 times whenever a call goes out over the pager system. If they send the call out more than once you might end up with as many as 6 blasts on the horn. It's annoying.

Last saved: 10/29/2009
Links: /history / firesiren.txt

About Charlie Brown music

@Alex: by the way, when you say "Charlie Brown music" you mean Vince Guaraldi's jazz compositions. One of my all time favorite Christmas shows is A Charlie Brown Christmas. There are a couple subtle things that made that Charlie Brown movie great - not least the lack of a laugh track. It's hard to find many kids shows without one, and personally I think they insult your intelligence. For another, they used real kids voices which was awesome (although I can't imagine how much work that must have been!) and to include a jazz sound track is sheer genius, not to mention that Guaraldi's music is phenomenal.

Last saved: 10/29/2009
Links: /media/music / charliebrown.txt

In response to Johns post about FotF's video about tossing out magazines which don't say Merry Christmas.

The piece has a simple message: Christmas is important to me as a holy day, and if you want to market to me effectively - respect that fact. If you don't, I won't buy from you. I can't think of a more American way to protest. I can't see how this is "culture war" or an "attempt to drive a wedge into this country" - that's just crazy talk, and frankly really good fodder for your opponents it makes you seem incredibly biased. I think this message will resonate with a lot of FotF people who are stuck in terrible economic times, and maybe for the first time in their lives will not be able to afford all the crap they usually buy as gifts for their family. Methinks a lot of people will be re-examining what their holidays really mean this year.

Companies "being nice" and "not excluding" people!? Nice as fantasy perhaps, but it's just a marketing strategy. They want to sell to everyone, and it's much cheaper to just print some non-specific greeting than it is to get stuck with too many Christian or Jewish cards after the season ends. They can send the magazines out to everyone and not worry about what faith they are. Corporate America has usurped nearly all religious holidays (not just Christmas) and twisted them into shallow excuses to profit. The fact that companies are involved so overtly in a religious holiday at all is disturbing. As we see the US become more and more of a corporate state, perhaps we should begin to argue for the separation of that state sponsored corporatism from the church according to the First Amendment?

Many people don't realize that this is exactly the same type of thing that pissed off enough folks in the Middle East to blow themselves up. American companies have for many years acted as a surrogate invading force spreading consumer culture which many folks in the Middle East see as destroying or diluting their culture. I realize the US isn't the first Empire with a history of wiping out indigenous cultures and assimilating them of course, but just think what you're doing here: you all are defending our "good" corporations and denouncing religious folk who feel their holiday is being diluted through corporatism. Why not also defend Haliburton's "good" intentions to rebuild Iraq? Or Blackwater's "good" intentions to impose order out of chaos? Corporations aren't "good" or "bad", they are purely profit driven. Good and Evil are moral constructs usually defined by religion or philosophy.

...and the fact that the Catholics had to shift the date of the holy birth a bit to coincide with ancient Indo-European celebratory dates as they converted folk 2000 years ago doesn't really have anything to do with this guy's message. Rome and the Catholics (who are really just all thats left of Rome) have effectively erased those older culture.

Last saved: 09/20/2009
Links: /journal / xmas-corp.txt

Role of the bard and war images

Having someone document what happens in war is an old tradition which harkens back to the age of the Bards in Gaelic and British culture. Bards were poets and musicians who would travel with an army to record the great deeds of their patron. A Bard was untouchable in war - and they didn't carry weapons only musical instruments. However, with that... Read More great honor came great responsibility. The satirical words of the Bard could ruin a monarch, just as the praise of one could make him more powerful. The role of the bard is partially fulfilled today by reporters (embedded or not), however with this great power (of words and images) comes great responsibility. It is unfortunate that reporters today do not have the same stature in modern society as the Bards did in ancient society, and it is because of this that they function much more like pimps and paparazzi than Bards.

The question about what images are acceptable to publish and when to do so is not a new debate. Have you ever read about Mathew Brady? He was one of several photographers who documented the Civil War. His very graphic images of 'The Dead of Antietam' were first displayed in 1862 (while the war was still raging) at his NY studio and it caused a big sensation at the time. War weary Americans soon tired of seeing these kinds of graphic images and Brady, having risked his fortune on the enterprise died penniless. His images remain an important historical archive of that war.

Last saved: 09/20/2009
Links: /history / bards-photos.txt

Guinness in a keg is brewed here in the USA

Stout is a simple drink that can be brewed anywhere, but people take it very seriously. Because of the Guinness Family's Loyalism and the brewery's location in the Pale, Guinness was long known as (at least outside Dublin) as "The Protestant Drink" and hence the existence of regional alternatives such as Beamish and Murphy's in cities less traditionally Loyalist than Dublin.

The Guinness company moved out of Ireland to the UK in the early 1930s and severed all connections with the new Irish Free State except for the St James' Gate site, for which it negotiated a ground rent of around €50 per year for several thousand years. In the 18th century this was apparently a good deal. The St James' Gate site was heavily developed by Guinness during the 19th century into not just a brewery but an entire urban community that was allowed during the worst years of Ireland's mid-20th century isolationism to become one of the worst slums in Dublin. It's getting better but, having lived there, it's tough to up-sell people on buying some of the new apartments when every few days Guinness disgorges some effluent and everything reeks of burning vegetable matter for hours.

The Guinness family was finally driven out of Ireland during following the Irish Civil War and the low-grade ethnic cleansing of Protestants that continued afterwards. You can walk in St Anne's Park in Dublin and see the remains of the Guinness Mansion that was burned. It's quite evocative.

The way Guinness appropriated all the symbols of the old Kingdom of Ireland (green, harp, etc) and so denied their use by its successor states, and the way it managed to lose its politically dodgy symbolism, is truly remarkable marketing. It's as big as Coke re-colouring Santa to be red and white all over.
posted by meehawl at 4:05 PM on March 17, 2007 [10 favorites]

Last saved: 07/31/2009
Links: /history / Guinness.txt

Life and Death in an ever expanding universe

If the total energy of the universe is finite, then the total energy that any civilization can recover and metabolize is finite as is all recoverable information content. Therefore, life must eventually cease to exist and all record of its existence disappear as well. The only strategy life has is to reduce its energy consumption rate in order to... Read More prolong the inevitable as long as possible. This is a very sucky state of affairs for life - so I say "Damn the Electrons, Full Speed Ahead!" [see Life and Death in an ever expanding Universe, Krauss and Starkman at Case Western, 1999]

Last saved: 07/28/2009
Links: /science / expanding.txt

Space Hulk by Games Workshop

Original 1989 game contents

Books

* Rules
* front cover and back from Patrick Marchal
* Missions

Figures

* 10 plastic Terminator models
* 20 plastic Genestealer models

Sections

* 6 rooms
* 18 corridor
* 6 corners
* 8 T junction
* 6 intersections with 4 entries
* 5 dead end

Doors and Bulkheads

* 20 doors and bases
* 4 bulkheads and bases

Chits

* 21 blips
* 1 Genestealer: 8
* 2 Genestealers: 4
* 3 Genestealers: 9
* 12 flammer marker (6 for each squad)
* 8 overwatch / jammed markers
* 6 command points markers (from 1 to 6)
* 1 C.A.T.

Dice

* d6 dice: 5 (to resolve close or distance combat)

Last saved: 03/29/2009
Links: /fun/games / spacehulk-v1.txt

Quitting Midnight Commander

My F10 key is grabbed by Expose for other nefarious purposes, so this little tidbit comes in handy when using mc over ssh on the Mac:

  1. Esc-1 = F1 ... Esc-0 = F10

Last saved: 03/21/2009
Links: /computers/mac / quittingmc.txt

A list of the junk on my palm pilot using pilot-xfer

[in8spbook:~] in8% pilot-xfer -l -p usb:

Listening for incoming connection on usb:... connected!

Reading list of databases in RAM...
SurveyMateDBD
SurveyMateDBC
SurveyMateDBQ
SurveyMateDBL
SurveyMateDBS
SurveyMateDBA
ACDSee_ACDS_appl_a68k
N8Stocks
Planetarium_AHoP_appl_a68k
CMAuth-View
BigClock_BClk_appl_a68k
Emily b
burglaries
Guild-Verse
N8-HealthNotes
N8-Journal
N8-Notes
N8-Notes-MacOSX
Radio Codes - FireDept
Radio Codes - Police
Songs
Trubisz
Watched Stocks
Linux Diary
N8-hardware
Music Notes
QCWebBookmarks
ZBoxZ_BOXR_appl_a68k
IBPlug WordSmith
Windows Bitmap
BLBookmark
Bookmarks-View
DateBk5_CESF_appl_a68k
Converter_CNvt_appl_a68k
ChangeName_CRM4_appl_a68k
Gammon_CSMT_appl_a68k
ChessGenius_ChsG_appl_a68k
CityTime_CiAa_appl_a68k
ChordDB_Cord_appl_a68k
Datebk5DB
DatebookHistoryDB
CityTimeDB
CordDB-Cord
Default-ETSC
StarSyncDB
hotdateDB
InStep Font Library
LoanHelperDB
Yale Bright Stars
Caldwell Catalog
Jack Bennett Catalog
LauncherIII ToBeDeleted
LauncherIII CachedIcons
LauncherIII Database
Queries
RNWKDB
Schlep
VpadDB
AddressDB
Bluetooth Trusted Devices
DatebookDB
ExpenseDB
locLDefLocationDB
MailDB
MemoDB
ConnectionMgrDB
ConnectionMgr50DB
NetworkDB
npadDB
PhoneRegistryDB
ToDoDB
locLCusLocationDB
FRC-Xmas2004WorkGifts
N8DB-FirBrook
dbScriptCommands
Solara Gas
N8DB-Videos
FRC-Xmas2002WorkGifts
N8DB-DuffyWindowsLabor
N8DB-CamryGas
Sienna
DB_DBOS_appl_a68k
DiddleBug_DIDB_appl_a68k
InterestingLabels
Labels
PastViews
Segments
Daylight Savings Rules
PlnLogDB
PlnCometsDB
UserObjsDB
PlanetariumDB
BoxMan_Solution_DB
BoxManDB
PalmName_prefs
DiddleBugDB
Go169DB
Go81DB
kMoriaScoreDB
kMoriaDB
CalcDB-OpCl
CalcDB-H-OpCl
BBC
powerOneDB
pdQmailTOC
Eudora_Edra_appl_a68k
PlainFTFt
Filez_Filz_appl_a68k
DES Library
MD Library
Z Library
GrxViewLite_GVLt_appl_a68k
Keys-Gtkr
go169_Go16_appl_a68k
Go81_Go81_appl_a68k
Keyring_Gtkr_appl_a68k
DBHelp
Hot Date_HOTT_appl_a68k
MSMount Heap
BLHistory
HypT-View
InStepPrintDocs_ISG3_hide_a68k
InStepPrintDocRtf_ISG3_hide_a68
InStepPrintDocEng_ISG3_hide_a68
InStepPrintDemo_ISGI_appl_a68k
Internet Prefs Database
Internet Prefs Panel_Iprf_panl_
PToolboxLib_JHSU_appl_a68k
Image007.jpg
PlkrKeyboardMap
DBDatabases
LMCache-View
pdQmailLittleTOC
MSDW AppList
PlkrDocList
NewsGroup-7
NewsGroup-6
NewsSubscriptions
NewsGroup-1
NewsGroup-2
NewsScores
NewsServers
NewsGroup-3
NewsHistory
NewsGroup-4
NewsGroup-5
NewsArts
Ref-AmericanPresidents
N8DB-ProjectPriorities
Ref-US Mint 50 State Quarters
PlkrDB
Plkr-METW Rulebook
Plkr-Lyrics-Irish
Plkr1-Guide Penn-Mush God
Plkr1-NYtimes
Plkr1-BBC
Plkr-911 Commission Repor
Plkr1-Lyrics-Rock
Plkr1-Welsh Castles
Plkr-Mammalia
Plkr-Evolutionary Tree
Plkr1-Photoshop trick
Plkr1-Lyrics-Nate
Plkr1-Book of Song
LauncherIII_MjBb_appl_a68k
kMoria_Mria_appl_a68k
pdQmailMsgs
BLNavHistory
RootObj-View
Easy Calc_OpCl_appl_a68k
GRIMMSON_PJUg_appl_a68k
WCALoader_PLMR_appl_a68k
PiNGer_PNGv_appl_a68k
PPur-PlugIn_PPur_appl_a68k
TMP--XXL
HW4 - q1
LIPA KW use
BLParams
Clock_PcLK_appl_a68k
Plucker_Plkr_appl_a68k
Eudora Web_QCwb_appl_a68k
QueriesApp_QRYS_appl_a68k
RealOne_RNWK_appl_a68k
Die Roller_Rolr_appl_a68k
DateBk4HelpDB
CRMASave
kMoriaSaveDB
kMoriaSave0DB
BLSecSess
Tolkien - HOBBIT
Lat/Long/TZ List
Brothertown Indians
TLSSesDBEdra
TattooArtist_TTOO_appl_a68k
Eudora Scratchpad
Voice Pad_Vpad_appl_a68k
Weasel_DocInfo_DB
WordSmith_WrdS_appl_a68k
PACE Data Store Reserve
BluetoothPnl_abtp_panl_a68k
Address Book_addr_appl_a68k
PalmPatch
WebLib Autofill
Planetarium
BigClock
DateBk5
Converter
ChangeName
ChessGenius
CityTime
ChordDB
DB
DiddleBug
Eudora
Filez
GrxViewLite
go169
Go81
Keyring
Hot Date
InStepPrintDemo
PToolboxLib
LauncherIII
kMoria
Easy Calc
GRIMMSON
WCALoader
PPur-PlugIn
Plucker
Eudora Web
RealOne
Die Roller
WordSmith
bkupBackup
smorse
Alarmlist
bkupBackup_bkup_appl_a68k
Buttons_bttn_panl_a68k
BtTransport
Web DB 2
ClipperCache
Calculator_calc_appl_a68k
Web Cert DB
Card Info_cinf_appl_a68k
AddressCitiesDB
CitiesDB
CookieDB
Web DB 3
AddressCompaniesDB
AddressCountriesDB
AISO-Latin2
ADOS-CP437
BISO-Latin2
BigClock data
PPur_Data
Date Book_date_appl_a68k
Dial_dial_appl_a68k
Digitizer_digi_panl_a68k
WrdS_Docs
Date & Time_dttm_panl_a68k
Expense_exps_appl_a68k
WrdS_FontDB
Formats_frmt_panl_a68k
GrxViewJpegLibARM
InStepPrintEngine
InStepPrintDate
InStepPrintDocEng
InStepPrintDocRtf
InStepPrintDocs
Web DB 1
GrxView-UI-ListView
GrxViewLiteSharedLib
RealMP3FF
RealMP3Codec
RealRMFF
RealRMCodec
RealDRM
FATFSPatch
PlnStarData.lib
sslplus
db-DB3vfs
db-memoexport
db-DB2
db-MobileDB
db-informations
MSDW
MathLib
NSBMultimediaLib
RealLib
SpellSmith
ZLib
BtLib
HALSndLib
Net Library
FTFontListDB
Launcher_lnch_appl_a68k
psysLaunchDB
Graffiti ShortCuts
MobileDBCatalog
Memo Pad_memo_appl_a68k
Connection_modm_panl_a68k
MyFavorite_myfv_appl_a68k
Network_netw_panl_a68k
Note Pad_npad_appl_a68k
WordSmithOpen
RealOne_enUS
BtLib_enUS
Owner_ownr_panl_a68k
PalmAudioUpdate_palU_appl_a68k
Internet Prefs Panel
EricssonT68
Phone_phop_panl_a68k
SlotDrvrPnpsApp-pnps_appl_a68k
Power_powr_panl_a68k
Preferences_pref_appl_a68k
Bluetooth Prefs Backup
Unsaved Preferences
Net Prefs
smorse_sMRS_appl_a68k
Security_scrt_panl_a68k
SoundsAlerts_sdal_panl_a68k
Setup_setp_appl_a68k
ShortCuts_shct_panl_a68k
System MIDI Sounds
Saved Preferences
AddressStatesDB
6-36-pm.wav
6-32-pm.wav
6-27-pm.wav
4-59-pm.wav
8-50-pm.wav
7-21-pm2.wav
AddressTitlesDB
To Do List_todo_appl_a68k
World Map
VendorsDB
WrdS_Key

List complete. 337 files found.

Thank you for using pilot-link.

Last saved: 11/07/2008
Links: /computers / pilot.txt

Ovation Guitar notes

I own only two guitars, an acoustic-electric Ovation and a Gibson SG electic. Here's the specs on the Ovation, for reference:

SN 314779
Model 1612 - last made 1983 (at which time it sold for $705)
Custom Balladeer

DISCONTINUED ITEMS Custom Balladeer
Model 1612

Body Type: Deep Bowl
Top: Sitka Spruce A
Bracing: Ovation Modified X
Scale Length: 25 1/4"
Fretboard: Ebony
Fret Inlay: 15 Pearl
Bridge: Walnut
Pickup: Piezoelectric
Nutwidth: 1 11/16"
Machines: Deluxe Chrome

This may be wrong! I can't find this exact serial number in this list
http://www.ovationfanclub.com/serials.asp
or the one on
http://www.ovationguitars.com/?fa=codesix
302670-303319 1984 Elites Only
315001-339187 1984 Balladeers Only
(1971-Present (Except Adamas) (Number range)

Gives
First Digit: FIXED ID (almost always "1" except as listed)
Second Digit = TYPE: 1. Acoustic roundbacks (also semi-hollowbody electrics)
Third & Forth Digits = DEPTH/TYPE: (Acoustics and Acoustic/Electrics)
Folklore or Josh White (deep bowl)
COLOR CODE: (Follows hyphen after model number)
Beige/Adamas and ClearVintage Natural 87C and Nutmeg Lennon

Last saved: 11/03/2008
Links: /media/music / my-ovation.txt

Nate's Diet

or how I lost 40 pounds last year

I adopted the following rules:

1. Weigh myself first thing in the morning
2. A meditation in the morning (usually in the shower since that's when you see how fat you are) that everything I will put into my body that day will count. Every single decision I make about what I eat will impact my goal. Attempt to condition my mind to be aware of all food I put in my mouth.
3. In the morning, I have a cup of coffee (2 sugars and milk) and a granola bar or toast and jam. I don't skip that (obviously not great) breakfast.
4. No snacks before lunch
5. No coffee during the day or evening (not a big deal for me)
6. One 32oz bottle of water for the daytime (and lunch) - no soda or juice at all
7. Lunch is leftovers from last night's dinner (whatever it was). I don't worry about what it is, how greasy it was or otherwise, just that the portion is reasonable. Lunch should be balanced, ie: it should have some meat, starches, as well as veggies. I need to have something sweet to end lunch - a small hard candy is ok, but not a candy bar
8. no snacks before dinner
9. Dinner is whatever we have - I don't worry about it, just that the portion is reasonable (no 2nds or 3rds). I need to have some kind of desert - but nothing is allowed except yogurt (stir up from the bottom fruit Breyers) with some granola or grape nuts or cereal (like froot loops). No soda or juice, just water or a beer.
10. One beer a night, no exceptions - if I skip a night and don't have a beer, it doesn't mean I can have two the next night!
11. No food after 8pm (no exceptions)
12. If I find myself hungry at night, I drink a big glass of water. (sometimes this becomes 2 or 3 before I go to bed)
13. weigh myself before I go to bed

Last saved: 10/28/2008
Links: /journal / diet.txt

Tidying up

from
http://www.ibm.com/developerworks/library/x-tiptidy.html

Obviously, the first step is to download and install HTML Tidy (which you'll find in Resources). HTML Tidy is available on most platforms, including Windows, Linux, and MacOS. The default executable is a command-line tool, but GUI versions are available for Windows and MacOS.

To run HTML Tidy, open a terminal and issue the following command:

tidy -asxhtml -numeric < index.html > index.xml

That's it! HTML Tidy immediately converts index.html into index.xml. HTML Tidy will print messages that highlight issues with the original HTML document during the conversion. In most cases, you can safely ignore these messages.

HTML Tidy runs as a filter, so it expects standard input and it prints the result to the standard output. The redirection operators (< and >) allow you to work with files. By default, HTML Tidy produces a clean HTML page, but you can set two options to output XML, instead:

* -asxhtml outputs XHTML documents instead of HTML.
* -numeric uses character entities instead of HTML entities. For example, î is replaced with î.

Last saved: 08/23/2008
Links: /computers/code / xml-tidy.txt

Induction and Deduction

from
https://www.criticalthinking.com/company/articles/inductive-deductive-reasoning.jsp

Induction and deduction are pervasive elements in critical thinking. They are also somewhat misunderstood terms. Arguments based on experience or observation are best expressed inductively, while arguments based on laws or rules are best expressed deductively. Most arguments are mainly inductive. In fact, inductive reasoning usually comes much more naturally to us than deductive reasoning.

Inductive reasoning moves from specific details and observations (typically of nature) to the more general underlying principles or process that explains them (e.g., Newton's Law of Gravity). It is open-ended and exploratory, especially at the beginning. The premises of an inductive argument are believed to support the conclusion, but do not ensure it. Thus, the conclusion of an induction is regarded as a hypothesis. In the Inductive method, also called the scientific method, observation of nature is the authority.

In contrast, deductive reasoning typically moves from general truths to specific conclusions. It opens with an expansive explanation (statements known or believed to be true) and continues with predictions for specific observations supporting it. Deductive reasoning is narrow in nature and is concerned with testing or confirming a hypothesis. It is dependent on its premises. For example, a false premise can lead to a false result, and inconclusive premises will also yield an inconclusive conclusion. Deductive reasoning leads to a confirmation (or not) of our original theories. It guarantees the correctness of a conclusion. Logic is the authority in the deductive method.

If you can strengthen your argument or hypothesis by adding another piece of information, you are using inductive reasoning. If you cannot improve your argument by adding more evidence, you are employing deductive reasoning.

Last saved: 08/23/2008
Links: /science / in-vs-deduction.txt

Sharpening Reel Mowers

Lapping compound for sharpening any reel mower - approximately one pound.

Here are the instructions for sharpening your manual reel mower.

1. Remove wheel by removing e-clip and pulling off wheel.
2. Remove small gear (pinion gear).
Notice to Agri-Fab Silent Reel owners: the pinion gear is held on by a retainer ring, snap off retainer ring, gear will slide off. Use of retainer ring pliers will make this easier.
3. Remove (pawl) the small metal pin that is in the shaft where the pinion gear was.
4. Turn pawl 1/2 turn clockwise and put back into shaft.
5. Turn pinion gear 1/2 turn -outside of gear, now on inside. Replace pinion gear on shaft.
6. Replace wheel and install e-clip.
7. Adjust the cutter bar so that the cutter bar blade has light but firm contact with the reel blades across the full width of the bar.
8. Spread a thin layer of lapping compound on reel blades (lapping compound available from Reel Mowers, Etc. 1-888-384-1033)
9. Flip push handle to front of the mower and push mower backwards spinning blades.
10. Turn the reel blades backwards until the blades rotate relatively freely. Check the reel blades for smooth, even complete grind. Reel blades will be evenly polished when lapping is completed.
11. Repeat steps 7, 8 and 9 if needed to achieve 10.
12. Repeat steps 1,2,3,4,5 and 6 to return to original position.
13. Using a garden hose, clean lapping compound from the blades. Allow to dry.
14. Put handle back to its mowing position and you are ready to mow.

Last saved: 07/03/2008
Links: /reference / reel-mowers.txt

Sheriff of Nottingham: The King! Your Majesty.

Bugs Bunny: Sheriff of Nottingham, in gratitude for you faithful service, I shall knight thee.
Sheriff of Nottingham: Your Most Gracious Majesty.
Bugs Bunny: In the name of My Most Royal Majesty, I knight thee.
[Conks the Sheriff on the head with his scepter]
Bugs Bunny: Arise, Sir Loin of Beef.
[Conks him again]
Bugs Bunny: Arise, Earl of Cloves.
[Conk]
Bugs Bunny: Arise, Duke of Brittingham.
[Conk]
Bugs Bunny: Arise, Baron of Munchausen.
[Conk]
Bugs Bunny: Arise, Essence of Myrrh,
[Conk]
Bugs Bunny: ... Milk of Magnesia,
[Conk]
Bugs Bunny: ... Quarter of Ten.
Sheriff of Nottingham: [Dazed] You are too kind, Your Majesty.

Last saved: 04/25/2008
Links: /fun / bugs-arise.txt

Creating Motorola RAZR V3 ringtones

from http://www.wirelessforums.org/alt-cellular-cingular/how-transfer-pictures-video-ringtones-motorola-razr-v3-14006.html
01-02-2007, 09:05 PM
Robin Colleen Moore
Guest

Posts: n/a
Default Re: How to transfer pictures, video, & ringtones for Motorola RAZR V3
My first ringtones were distorted and almost blew the speakers so here's
what I found out that I WISHED I had known when I created my first set of
ringtones.

Hints on creating Motorola RAZR V3 ringtones.

  • Create a 21 to 25 second WAV file using Audacity freeware on WinXP
  • Don't go any higher than a sampling rate of 22.05 Khz
  • Effect Fade In at about 2% and Effect Fade Out at around 19%
  • Make sure you "Split Stereo Track" into a single track
  • Then, close one of the two tracks
  • Ctrl+A, Quick Mix,
  • Increase volume with Ctrl+A, Effect, Equalize to +9 db at 1000 Hz
  • Remove base with Ctrl+A, Effect, High Pass Filter, 150 Hz
  • Compress to MP3 with RazorLame freeware
  • Set constant bitrate by unchecking the variable bit rate (VBR)
  • Set bitrate 32 kbps mono, set sampling rate to 22.05 kHz
  • The final ringtone file size should be less than 120 kb on disk

Transfer the ringtone to your Motorola RAZR V3 using Motorola Phone Tools
or P2KTools.

Last saved: 04/14/2008
Links: /media/hardware / razr-ringtones.txt

Hello Mr. Blue Sky

Its the same principle that makes the sky blue (when we're not having wonderful sunsets). Those longer wavelengths of light (the reds and oranges) pass right through the atmosphere, while the shorter wavelengths (blue) hit gas molecules in our atmosphere and scatter about. If we had no atmosphere, not only would we all be dead, but there would be no blue sky at all. A visitor in a space suit standing on the surface would look out at a black sky dotted by tiny stars and a bright white sun about the same angular size in the sky as the moon.

Last saved: 03/31/2008
Links: /science / bluesky.txt

International Characters in Mac OS X

from http://webct.pcc.edu/support/langmac.html

Some language classes at Portland Community College make use of WebCT to compliment their course. WebCT provides excellent tools for online communication. The mail tool, discussion tool, and chat tool can all be used by students and faculty to communicate using what they've learned in class.

One problem that these courses encounter is related to some of the characters in different languages that don't show up on our keyboards. Not to fear, there are ways around this using keyboard shortcuts and using tools built in to the Mac OS.
Keyboard Shortcuts

There are many keyboard shortcuts on the mac for inserting characters. To insert a character with an accent, type the key combination then the letter you want to insert.

For example, if you want to type á, you would press option-e (option and E at the same time), then press the A key.
For French

* ê -- accent circumflex (option-i)
* ü -- accent tréma (option-u)
* á,é,í -- accent acute (option-e)
* à,è,ì -- accent grave (option-`)
* ç -- accent cedilla (option-c)

For German

* ü -- umlaut (option-u)
* ß -- esset (option-s)

For Spanish

* á,é,í -- accent (option-e)
* ñ -- accent tilde (option-n)
* ü -- umlaut (option-u)
* ¿ -- upside-down questionmark (option-shift-/ )
* ¡ -- upside-down exclamation (option-1)

For Other

* ø -- option-o
* è -- option-`
* ñ -- option-n
* å -- option-a
* ü -- option-u
* ç -- option-c

To apply an accent to a capital letter, also hold down the shift key.

Last saved: 03/15/2008
Links: /computers/mac / intl-char.txt

Oops, my secret key expired!

http://docs.indymedia.org/view/Sysadmin/GnuPG

gpg --list-secret-keys
and note down (or copy) the ID of the key whose key expiry you would like to edit (e.g. '277FF772'). Then pass the key ID to gpg and enter its console mode:
gpg --edit-key 277FF772
Now select the first sub key (subkey 0):
Command> key 0
and edit the expiry options:
Command> expire

You can now set the expiry for this subkey (usually this is the public key part of the private/public key pair).

Changing expiration time for the primary key.
Please specify how long the key should be valid.
0 = key does not expire
= key expires in n days
w = key expires in n weeks
m = key expires in n months
y = key expires in n years
Key is valid for? (0) 1y
Key expires at Di 17 Jun 2008 13:26:24 CEST
Is this correct? (y/N) y

GPG will then show the updated key data.

Repeat the above steps for all sub keys. Start by selecting the second subkey:
Command> key 1

Finally, quit the GPG console and save any changes:
Command> quit

Last saved: 03/02/2008
Links: /computers / gpg-expired.txt