lesterbuck

"We envision a system where all Defense Department computers worldwide are connected with reliable networks based on packet switching." I'm sure language like that was in the original proposal for ARPAnet circa 1968, and I'm sure most professionals looked at that and were "very, very skeptical". DARPA has that "advanced research" in its name. If most professionals aren't "very, very skeptical" about the ultimate commercial success of their projects, I'd say they are doing it wrong.

This is rather impressive. In the video, for just a moment I thought he was going to take off directly from the freeway. Top speed of 100mph, range of up to 500 miles. How can I get a test ride?

It does require a pilot's license, and has lots of regulatory hurdles...

It has everything to do with it being a funny hat. The power structure had decided that women wore low power clothes, and the men wore high power clothes. So we can snicker at their clothes, even if they were an admiral.

For example, waiters wear those funny aprons or other uniforms. Because that way you can tell who is serving the meal and who is buying the meal.

As an aside, in today's U.S. Navy, the clothing is somewhat less important. My cousin was recently promoted to two star, and the ceremony was performed by the Chief of Naval Operations. He hung around for chatting afterwards and I couldn't help myself. I asked why my cousin had more medals on his chest than he did. CNO gave a great reply (he was a submariner, fewer chances for medals) and we agreed that the rigid linking of number of medals to rank has been relaxed in the modern military.

>Most ridiculous Putin's requirement is to weld all manhole covers.

At least in the past, welding manhole covers closed for the presidential motorcade was standard procedure in the US.

But that was when the Secret Service had a clue...

No, the GP is correct and "calories consumed >> calories burned" is a gross oversimplification. For example, one extra Oreo cookie a day ends up in several pounds gained over a year. Tiny changes in net calories can have very large effects in equilibrium weight. In addition, it is so easy to say "just eat less", but it is very (very) well documented that some overweight people can eat less and lose weight, but they are looking at being extremely hungry every second for the rest of their lives. Once a weight set point has been established, your body can scream at you forever until you regain that weight setting. So easy for "normal" weight people to say "Just eat less".

This seems like a fascinating book, written to a general audience. Alas, it is priced more like a textbook, way out of the range of the average public. What a shame it will have a very small reach.

Where is the Burning Man Auto Wash service? With powerful vacuums for that special "no residual seeds" detailing? Or at least the Burning Man Avoid The Man infoproduct? It must not be common knowledge if so many cars hit the highway with dust.