9/1     Full text of article on prison healthcare, from August 2003 Harper's:
        http://www.wrongfuldeathinstitute.com/links/sickontheinside.htm
        Just to give you an idea of why you might want to care about this,
        here's a short quote: "It is worth noting, then, that somewhere
        between 20 and 40 percent of American prisoners are, at this very
        moment, infected with hepatitis C, and therefore quite contagious.
        It is also worth noting that most of them will eventually be released
        back into the general population, where the infection rate is, for
        now, only about 2 percent."
        \_ And you know how HepC spreads, right?  No worries here.
           \_ All kinds of ways... pretty much anything that involves
              bleeding.  You didn't read the article, did you?
              \_ And since no one has ever bled on me...
              \_ Since I'm not regularly having penetrative unprotected anal
                 sex with ex-cons I think I'm ok with this.  No, I didn't read
                 the article but I do know how HepC spreads.
                 \_ Ever heard of fistfights?  And why don't you read the
                    article?  Hear no evil, see no evil, eh?
          \_ Or say someone working in food service and who doesn't wash
             their hands well.
             \_ Right.  Hepatitus is thousands of times more virulent than
                say, HIV, and it takes a lot less than unprotected anal
                intercourse to transmit the virus.
                \_ Don't confuse Hep A with C, which is far less easily
                   transmitted.
                http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/diseases/hepatitis/c/fact.htm
                \_ useful! thanks.  as far as i can tell, my risk will
                   remain zero even after some huge population of
                   infected former inmates is reaeased into the general
                   population.
                   \_ Oh I get it.  Since YOU won't be directly affected,
                      you don't care.  Only things that directly endanger
                      overweight semi-virginal system administrators are
                      worth caring about.
             \_ Even if they do, the faucets aren't clean anyway.

9/1     I own a Honda Accord. I want to attach a laptop to the stereo system
        so I can play MP3s. How do I do this? (Essentially I want to figure out
        how to install/find the line-in into the car stereo). Are there kits
        available that I can use? And no, I don't want a cheezy FM
        rebroadcaster. I was thinking there just has to be a kit that does this.
        \_ Why a laptop? use a Mini-ITX system. less expensive.
           \_ Why not? I already own one, I also have a transformer and an
           extra power port in my car. The point is that the source doesn't
           matter, it can be an ipod, jukebox, whatever. What I need is a
           line-in to the car audio. I want to be able to plug something
           physically into it.
        \_ get an archos mini jukebox, nomad, or ipod instead.
           Also, there are cassette tape interfaces.
           \_ I don't have a cassette tape deck, that's ancient. Cassette
           interfaces suck anyway (I used to own one). What I would like is
           a line-in to the car stereo. The source doesn't matter, what I need
           is a line-in. There just has to be a way to do this.
           \_ Or low power FM transmitters
              \_ Apparently you don't read, I said I didn't want a cheezy
                 FM rebroadcaster. They just suck, the reception is usually
                 iffy at best, and it's just another kludge.
        \_ you've nixed lots of the choices: fm retransmitter, cassette
           interface.  Other choices are a built in input to your audio
           system.  or buy a new audio system.  Or a special jukebox add-on
           to your current system.  What else is there?  Maybe some special
           connection to a CD changer?  or is there a special amp in your
           trunk?

9/1     I've figured out how to use procmail to refile mail sa classifies as
        spam into a separate mh folder. Any tips on how best to delete mail
        with a sa score of 8 or higher? tia
        \_ Not sure if the '\'s are necessary, but this should work.
                :0
                * ^X-Spam-Level: \*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*
                /dev/null
           \_ I believe the backslashes are necessary. May I suggest you
              report the spam rather than trash it?
                | /usr/local/bin/spamassassin -r
                \_ Does the pipe belong there?
                   \_ Yes. Pipe means to run a progam (man procmailrc).
                \_ Does the -r send any of my personal info?
                   \_ It sends the incoming email as-was (that is, stripped
                      of SpamAssassin headers and text). So if your name
                      and email address were in the message header or body,
                      they get reported as part of the spam.
                      (man spamassassin).

9/1     Just found out that CHPs use BMW touring bikes. Whatever happened to
        law enforcement agencies buying American?
        \_ Maybe law enforcement is starting to realize what kind of crap
           the American automotive industry produces.
           \_ If not for the SUV craze, the American car makers would go
              bankrupt and beg for government support/protection in the 90s.
              Though, I think the rise of SUVs simply delayed that.
                \_ Mini-vans probably helped out too.
           \_ Like germans don't produce crap. A BWM is much worse than
              a hog.
        \_ They took flap for using cheaper Kawasaki's. I guess buying
           German is ok.
        \_ BMW made a bike specifically to the CHP's specifications.  It
           has a lot of nice saftey feature. (ABS, etc.) The Kawasaki's
           are nice and run for a long time, but are very basic bikes.
           as for Harleys... what idiot would want to have to maintain
           those beasts for a cop force?  WAY too much money and matinence..
           \- i understand oaklands large fleet of harley's was a way to
              attract talent --psb
           \_ Not entirely the whole truth. CHP has a much larger budget
              than most PD. CHP bikes don't need to turn on a dime on
              surface streets - those BMW have horrible turning radiuses.
              most PD that have Kawasakis like them most for that ability
              to turn corners. BTW, Kawaski isn't American.
              \_ Budget is irrelevent - the R1150RTPs came is as the cheapest
                 bid, *and* had ABS.  Any BS about turning radius is funny
                 when HD was the other candidate.

9/1     I'm using RedHat 8 on a machine with 512 MB RAM and I only have
        35 MB of RAM free according to top even with nothing running but
        the OS.  I added up the memory for the 10 biggest processes and
        only got 58 MB.  Does RH 8 really use around 400 MB of RAM???
        \_ The rest of memory is probably used to cache filesystem access.
           Take a look at the output of "free" to see how much is used for
           cache and such.
        \_ Yes, this is one of those funky things about Linux.  You can't
           trust standard tools to tell you how much memory is in use or
           available for other programs.  You can use other things to sort
           of calculate backwards such as the other person says or you can
           look at swap in use but that's just an alternative, not better.
           You might consider writing a script that will parse your top
           output, calculate, and print the numbers you're looking for.  The
           memory used for file cache, etc, isn't permanently lost to the
           system, btw.  Memory will be released from cache as you load more
           programs.

9/1     I have a freebsd stable box, and whenever I try to rebuild
        the ports db or upgrade a port via a package, the load goes
        way up, and the box spawns a new make process every 5 minutes or so
        until eventually the machine locks up and I end up having
        to reboot.  Any idea why? - danh
        \_ You have enough space in your /var directory?
                \_ yes.  gigs and gigs.
        \_ Maybe the core config files used by the ports collection got
           corrupted.  I suggest moving the directory aside and grabbing
           it again and see if that helps.  There are also verbose options
           you can set for debugging these things.

9/1     Anyone here used the HJC Chatterbox? Does the active noise
        cancellation feature work well? Where is a good place to get them
        CHEAP? Thanks.
        \_ They are noisy and have crappy range.  Just use handsignals.
        \_ Is this related to the nweaver thread above?

9/2     Any recommendations for CD/DVD burning software? I need it mostly
        for making mix-CD's, data backup, and making copies of rarer CD's
        that I have (Uneasy Listening and Brainfreeze).
        \_ I've been using Ahead Nero. Haven't had any issues with it.
        \_ Only thieves make copies of copyrighted works.  You should be
           purchasing those extra copies.
           \_ It's legal to make backups.
                \_ Uneasy Listening and Brainfreeze are both bootleg mixes
                   of copyrighted works themselves.
           \_  Whatever happened to 'fair use' rights ?
              \_ The rights to fair use have been bought by the RIAA.
                 All your tunes are... well you know how it goes.
                 \_ under US copyright law as it stands now, this post will
                    be protected for the next 90+ years.  if you copy my post
                    70 years from now, I can still sue you.  if the RIAA
                    gets their way, and it becomes a felony to put
                    copyrighted material on the web, the CSUA would then
                    be guilty of a felony if they posted the motd on the
                    web.  isn't it fun letting corporations write our
                    laws?
                    \_ really miss the days when copyright protects only
                       7 years and one 7-year extension.
                        \_ you're thinking of trademark, goob.

9/2     What is the average density of scrap metal?  I don't have anything to
        measure weight near me and I need that info soon.  Ok tnx.
        \_ STFW?  there's got to be something about this online somewhere.
        \_ Use the scale at the post office.  It also depends on the paper.
           E.g. phone books are pretty light considering their sizes.
           \_ I cannot access a post office right now.  I need to estimate
              very roughly the weight of many boxes of books with only rulers
              and helpful info from the motd.  If you have a big book and can
              measure both its weight and dimensions, please let me know. Tnx.
              \_ I know.  Find a computer book at your office.  Measure its
                 dimensions.  Go to http://Amazon.com, and try to order 100 copies of
                 that book.  See what the shipping charge is, and backward-
                 calculate its weight according to the shipping method.  Then
                 cancel your order at the last step.
                 \_ That's a pretty good idea.  Though you don't even need to do
                    this--Amazon should include the dimensions of the book.
        \_ assume Iron (Fe) and Aluminum (Al)
        \_ Fe (7.86 g/cc), Al 2.7 (g/cc)

9/2     Finally.  A poll that's more than simple fluff and used more
        than a 1000 likely voters instead of the typical 529 random
        people who may or may not vote.
        http://www.rasmussenreports.com/Presidential%20Ballot_Sept2.htm
        \_ it's the arnie effect.  people go for the name they recognize.
        \_ Wow.  Check out the poll where 72% of adults say Fox News is
           a reliable source of news.  Yup, Rasmussen Reports is definitely
           living in the REAL WORLD.  Sheesh.
           \_ That says nothing about Rasmussen.  I bet a fair percentage
              of people might believe that Onion is a serious newspaper.
              of people might get believe Onion is a serious news paper.
              Real people in the real world are real(ly) stupid.  Get REAL!
           \_ Idiot, do you really not know the difference between a polling
              service and the people they poll?  You may disagree with the
              people they talk to but that does not in any way make the service
              any less accurate.  Did I remember to call you an idiot?  Yes, I
              did remember to call you an idiot.
              \_ Its a valid criticism - polls can be based upon invalid
                 assumptions.  I noted absolutely no explanation of how they
                 determine "likely voters."  The love showered on Fox suggests
                 they poll only in rural South Carolina.
                 \_ I don't like Fox but I doubt on south carolinans look to
                    it as the source of the Truth.  Just remember that tabloids
              did remember to call you an idiot.
                 they poll only in rural South Carolina.
                    are sold in every supermarket.
        \_ It was interesting to note that "Democrat" faired better than all
        \_ Zogby uses 1000 likely voters and has a very good track record.
           the available candidates...
           \_ People like the concept but not the candidates presented?
                \_ welcome to the Democrats!
        \_ Zogby uses 1000 likely voters and has a very good track record.

9/2     Nick Weaver in August 30 Economist!  Woo hoo!
        \_ Saying what?  URL?  Does he mention Georgy?!
           \_ Article about MSBlaster--he's quoted saying something
              about his warhol worm paper.  -John
              \_ Yum, so he's on record.  And when someone writes a warhol worm,
                 wonder how much time he'll serve?
                 \_ Nah, he'll just need a lawyer from the gun industry.
        \_http://www.economist.com/science/displayStory.cfm?story_id=2020978
        \_ who the heck is NW and why should I care?
        \_ Is this related to the active noise cancellation thread below?

9/2     Are some nuts more healthy than others?  I eat a lot of dried fruit
        at work and I'd like to branch out.  So do I go almonds, cashews,
        walnuts, peanuts, etc., or are they all pretty much the same?
        \_ French ones are good, but I prefer Italians, since most of them
           are nuts anyway.
        \_ Walnuts are high in omega-3 fatty acids.  Heart health++.
           Almonds have some too, but also have lots of calcium.
           \_ Also, avoid roasted nuts.  It kills the omega-3 fatty acids.
             \_ so what is the point then?
             \_ unroasted almonds still taste pretty good. unroasted cashews
                are pretty gross, though. You might also try to roast the
                nuts yourself in good oil (maybe olive oil?) and lightly
                salt to taste.

9/2     When I double-click the "FOO" part in "FOO_BAR" in an xterm, it selects
        the whole word "FOO_BAR".  However, when I do the same thing in
        Emacs20, it only selects "FOO".  Why?
        \- probably emacs notion of what word boundaries are. where does it
           delete to if you run delete-word or fwd-word. you can change the
           regexp. --psb
           \_ forward-word and kill-word only forwards over and kills "FOO".
              How do I change the regexp?  Thx.

9/2     Tom McClintock
        http://republican.sen.ca.gov/web/mcclintock/issues.asp
        A Citizens' Guide to the State Budget Mess"
        http://republican.sen.ca.gov/web/mcclintock/ppt/cgsbm_1995.pdf
        \_ An 8 year old "guide"?
           \_ Some things never change.
              \_ It was stupid and ignored then and now?

9/2     Why does hairspray in a metal spray can pollute air, while the
        identical hairspray in a plastic spray bottle does not?  Thx.
        \_ the aerosol propellant in spray cans used to contain cfc's.
           i think most don't anymore tho. obviously, plastic spray
           bottles don't have a propellant, you need to pump manually.
           \_ I have heard that they start to use carbon dioxide for
              propellants now.

9/2     What is the average density of yermom?  I don't have anything to
        measure weight near me and I need that info soon.  Ok tnx.
        \_ STFW?  there's got to be something about this online somewhere.
        \_ Use the scale at the post office.  It also depends on the paper.
           \_ I cannot easily access a post office right now.  I need to
              come up with a very rough estimate of lost of book.  I have
              only rulers in my disposal.
           E.g. phone books are pretty light considering their sizes.
           \_ I cannot access a post office right now.  I need to estimate
              very roughly the weight of many boxes of books with only rulers
              and helpful info from the motd.  If you have a big book and can
              measure both its weight and dimensions, please let me know. Tnx.
              \_ I know.  Find a computer book at your office.  Measure its
                 dimensions.  Go to http://Amazon.com, and try to order 100 copies of
                 that book.  See what the shipping charge is, and backward-
                 calculate its weight according to the shipping method.  Then
                 cancel your order at the last step.
                 \_ That's a pretty good idea.  Though you don't even need to do
                    this--Amazon should include the dimensions of the book.