From extropians-request@extropy.org Wed Jul 6 15:05:08 1994 Return-Path: extropians-request@extropy.org Received: from usc.edu (usc.edu [128.125.253.136]) by chaph.usc.edu (8.6.8.1/8.6.4) with SMTP id PAA17379 for ; Wed, 6 Jul 1994 15:05:07 -0700 Received: from news.panix.com by usc.edu (4.1/SMI-3.0DEV3-USC+3.1) id AA13368; Wed, 6 Jul 94 15:05:00 PDT Received: by news.panix.com id AA25713 (5.65c/IDA-1.4.4 for more@usc.edu); Wed, 6 Jul 1994 18:01:31 -0400 Date: Wed, 6 Jul 1994 18:01:31 -0400 Message-Id: <199407062201.AA25713@news.panix.com> To: Extropians@extropy.org From: Extropians@extropy.org Subject: Extropians Digest #94-7-21 - #94-7-27 X-Extropian-Date: July 6, 374 P.N.O. [18:01:14 UTC] Reply-To: extropians@extropy.org X-Mailer: MailWeir 1.0 Status: RO Extropians Digest Wed, 6 Jul 94 Volume 94 : Issue 186 Today's Topics: Extropy Journal Volume [2 msgs] INFO REQUEST: chording/folding keyboards [1 msgs] Libertarians helping handicapped [2 msgs] NIST UPDATE for 5 July 1994 (fwd) [1 msgs] TAKE MY NAME OFF [1 msgs] Administrivia: Note: I have increased the frequency of the digests to four times a day. The digests used to be processed at 5am and 5pm, but this was too infrequent for the current bandwidth. Now digests are sent every six hours: Midnight, 6am, 12pm, and 6pm. If you experience delays in getting digests, try setting your digest size smaller such as 20k. You can do this by addressing a message to extropians@extropy.org with the body of the message as ::digest size 20 -Ray Approximate Size: 26882 bytes. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Andrew Sitzer Date: Tue, 5 Jul 1994 23:07:35 -0400 (EDT) Subject: [#94-7-21] TAKE MY NAME OFF Please un-subscribe me (sitzman@panix.com) from this mailing list. if this is the wrong place for this message please forward it to the maintainer of this list. It is a very good mailing but It is not quite what I was looking for, thanks anyway. ------------------------------ From: "Harry S. Hawk" Date: Wed, 6 Jul 1994 05:18:56 -0400 (EDT) Subject: [#94-7-22] NIST UPDATE for 5 July 1994 (fwd) a conscious being, Stanton McCandlish wrote: > >From BAUM@micf.nist.gov Tue Jul 5 11:33:25 1994 FILE: NIST UPDATE DATE: July 5, 1994 CONTENTS: First Customer Uses New Calibration Service New Thermocouple Can `Take the Heat' Motionless Refrigerator Liquefies Natural Gas Consortium Seeks More Predictable Paints NIST, Chile To Collaborate on Analytical Methods Virtual Reality Testbed Under Way `Farsighted' Detector Sees More Infrared --------------------------------------------------------------------- This is the e-mail edition of NIST UPDATE. NIST UPDATE is a bi-weekly synopsis for journalists of current activites, research results, and program announcements from the National Institute of Standards and Technology. If you would like to subscribe to this e-mail edition, send an e-mail note to: MAILSERV@nist.gov In the body of the message, put the command: SUBSCRIBE NIST_UPDATE (don't forget the underbar between T and U). That's all there is to it. Send reports of problems to: baum@micf.nist.gov NIST UPDATE also may be found on the NIST gopher service: gopher-server.nist.gov --------------------------------------------------------------------- MANUFACTURING First Customer Uses New Calibration Service A step-gage calibration done for Brown & Sharpe Manufacturing Co., North Kingston, R.I., inaugurated a pilot measurement program offered by NIST at the Y-12 facility at the Department of Energy Oak Ridge Centers for Manufacturing Technology. The calibration was performed on Y-12's M-60 large-volume, high-accuracy coordinate measuring machine. The new service leverages NIST's measurement expertise and Y-12's specialized equipment, enabling the two organizations to respond to a previously unmet measurement need voiced by automobile, aircraft and heavy-equipment manufacturers. Under the arrangement, NIST metrologists supervise calibrations of end standards and step gauges up to 1.35 meters long, and issue a calibration report. Manufacturers use these standards to verify the accuracy of their own measurement machines. Previously, U.S. companies were forced to obtain such services from foreign measurement laboratories. In terms of accuracy, cost and turnaround time, the new domestic calibration service tops the performance of the best foreign supplier, which has been benchmarked by NIST. For more information, contact David Stieren, B113 Metrology Bldg., NIST, Gaithersburg, Md. 20899-0001, (301) 975-3197, e-mail: dstieren@enh.nist.gov (via Internet). Media Contact: Mark Bello, (301) 975-3776 bello@micf.nist.gov TEMPERATURE New Thermocouple Can `Take the Heat' A NIST researcher has invented a class of materials for thin-film thermocouples that allows measurement of temperature changes up to 1,200 degrees Celsius in microsecond increments. Made with molybdenum silicide or titanium silicide, the NIST thermo-couples can measure temperature changes in hostile environments such as inside diesel or jet engines. Widely used fine-wire thermocouples have much slower response rates (tenths of seconds). More advanced thin-film platinum/rhodium thermocouples have microsecond response rates but deteriorate at 700 degrees Celsius to 900 degrees Celsius. The patented NIST materials are made with a thin, outer layer of heat-resistant silicon dioxide that protects an electrically conducting molybdenum or titanium silicide layer and a pure silicon layer underneath. Temperature changes cause proportional changes in voltage in the silicide layer. For more information, contact Kenneth Kreider, A303 Physics Bldg., NIST, Gaithersburg, Md. 20899-0001, (301) 975-2619, e-mail: kkreid@enh.nist.gov (via Internet). Media Contact: Linda Joy, (301) 975-4403 joy@micf.nist.gov CRYOGENICS Motionless Refrigerator Liquefies Natural Gas A new cooperative research and development agreement between NIST and Cryenco Sciences Inc., of Denver, aims to apply refrigeration technology developed by NIST and Los Alamos National Laboratory to the task of liquefying natural gas. Ray Radebaugh of NIST and Greg Swift of LANL invented the thermoacoustically driven orifice pulse tube refrigerator (or TADOPTR), which has no moving parts, contains tubes of helium gas and is capable of producing a temperature of 112 Kelvin. The helium gas is repeatedly compressed and expanded with sound waves rather than with a mechanical compressor as in most conventional cooling systems. Cryenco has obtained the development license as well as the exclusive license to the patents through LANL. Radebaugh and Swift will assist Cryenco in upscaling the TADOPTR into two versions that will be manufactured, tested and marketed by the company. The first will liquefy 1,900 liters of natural gas per day, while the second will increase that output to 38,000 liters per day. The cost of TADOPTR liquefaction plants will be very economical, with liquefaction taking place on-site and eliminating transportation costs. This means TADOPTRs may help in areas removed from natural gas pipelines and in the production of natural gas to fuel the clean-car vehicles of the future. For more information, contact Radebaugh at Div. 836.02, NIST, Boulder, Colo. 80303-3323, (303) 497-3710. Media Contact: Fred McGehan (Boulder), (303) 497-3246 mcgehan@micf.nist.gov BUILDINGS Consortium Seeks More Predictable Paints DuPont Automotive, Duron Paints and Wallcoverings Inc., PPG Industries Inc. and the Federal Highway Administration have joined NIST in a cooperative research and development consortium to help get new, highly predictable paint products more quickly to market. Because of health and environmental concerns, the chemical makeup and manufacturing processes for making paints have changed tremendously over the past decade. Unlike older paints, new formulas do not have a well-established history of performance. Also, reliable methods of predicting performance have not kept pace with the changes. As a result, potential problems with painted products could cost manufacturers millions of dollars to repair. The consortium's goal is to find a better way to predict the service life of paint. It is expected to last three years. Membership will be open until Sept. 10, 1994. For information on joining, contact Jonathan Martin, B348 Building Research Bldg., NIST, Gaithersburg, Md. 20899-0001, (301) 975-6717. Media Contact: Jan Kosko, (301) 975-2767 kosko@micf.nist.gov CHEMISTRY NIST, Chile To Collaborate on Analytical Methods Chilean and American scientists are collaborating to improve techniques for analyzing environmental samples and advanced materials. A new international agreement between NIST's Chemical Science and Technology Laboratory and Chile's Commission of Nuclear Energy will expand the analytical capabilities of both institutes. An early goal of the joint program is to develop and apply two neutron beam analytical methods. Scientists in CSTL's Inorganic Analytical Research Division will help the Chileans develop instruments for neutron depth profiling and prompt gamma neutron activation analysis. These techniques offer advantages over other methods in that they do not destroy samples. Chilean scientists will provide NIST with advanced materials samples, such as lithium-based superconductors and ceramics, for analysis and comparison of results. Following the nuclear methods work, the collaboration could be extended to other analytical methods, such as electrochemistry and mass spectrometry. Media Contact: Linda Joy, (301) 975-4403 joy@micf.nist.gov COMPUTERS Virtual Reality Testbed Under Way Virtual reality allows a user to interact with a simulated environment as though it were real. Among its many applications is the ability to realistically practice jobs that are too dangerous, too expensive or impossible to carry out for real. Companies like Boeing Co., Caterpillar Inc. and Ford Motor Co. are using virtual reality techniques to help factory workers fabricate complex wiring assemblies, to test visibility from construction equipment before it is built or to study improved methods of automobile assembly. To enhance the usability and further the development of virtual reality technology, NIST's Computer Systems Laboratory has established an Open Virtual Reality Testbed. The testbed, which includes prototype virtual reality systems, was set up to encourage the development of standard interfaces so that component virtual reality systems from different vendors are interoperable. A description and sample demonstration of testbed activities is available online through the World Wide Web at http://nemo.ncsl.nist.gov/~sressler/OVRThome.html. For more information, contact Sandy Ressler, B266 Technology Bldg., NIST, Gaithersburg, Md. 20899-0001, (301) 975-3549, e-mail: sressler@oops.ncsl.nist.gov (via Internet). Media Contact: Anne Enright Shepherd, (301) 975-4858 aeshep@micf.nist.gov RADIATION MEASUREMENT `Farsighted' Detector Sees More Infrared Night vision goggles that detect infrared radiation are a common feature in spy thrillers. But seeing in the far infrared (longer wavelength infrared radiation) has proved more difficult. Now NIST researcher Joseph Rice and colleagues have developed a detector sensitive enough to do the job. The detector consists of an antenna and strip of superconducting material built into an integrated circuit. The circuit is cooled to 90 Kelvin, the material's superconducting transition temperature. Even tiny amounts of far infrared radiation collected by the antenna heat the superconductor near its transition point causing relatively large changes in electrical resistance. The device is twice as sensitive and responds 1,000 times faster than other nitrogen-cooled thermal detectors. Arrays of the new detectors could be useful for atmospheric studies. For more information, contact Rice at B208 Physics Bldg., NIST, Gaithersburg, Md. 20899-0001, (301) 975-2133. Media Contact: Fred McGehan, (303) 497-3246 mcgehan@micf.nist.gov ------------------------------ From: whitaker@dpair.csd.sgi.com (Russell Whitaker) Date: Wed, 6 Jul 1994 05:56:09 -0700 Subject: [#94-7-23] Extropy Journal Volume On Jul 5, 6:38pm, Jim Stevenson wrote: > Subject: Extropy Journal Volume > As you may know I am blind. > Therefore I like to have my computer read me text. > I don't like to pay a reader for what is already in ascii somewhere. > > Libertarians say the free market will solve problems like helping the handicaped. > Well, can all you lib types demonstrate this? >-- End of excerpt from Jim Stevenson Jim, Who is the "you" referred to in | Perhaps you could demonstrate the first sentence above? | your willingness to be a market | maker in this instance and Who here is under what obligation | pay considerably extra for the to provide you with anything you | the trouble of creating a market haven't offered to pay extra for? | _just for you_ | | Sorry, Jim, but I've gotten | a little tired of this bellyaching | from you over the last few years. | | You want it, you make an offer. | | Russell -- Russell Earl Whitaker whitaker@csd.sgi.com Silicon Graphics Inc. Technical Assistance Center / Centre D'Assistance Technique / Tekunikaru Ashisutansu Sentaa Mountain View CA (415) 390-2250 ================================================================ #include ------------------------------ From: Alexander Chislenko Date: Wed, 6 Jul 1994 11:38:05 -0400 Subject: [#94-7-24] Libertarians helping handicapped In #94-7-20 Jim Stevenson writes: >As you may know I am blind. >Therefore I like to have my computer read me text. >I don't like to pay a reader for what is already in ascii somewhere. >Libertarians say the free market will solve problems like helping >the handicaped >Well, can all you lib types demonstrate this? Jim, As I understand it, the 'lib' ideas not only suggest to allow people to freely trade with each other, but promise to leave their time and resources for free choice of charitable activities. I would much rather work to help you personally than have my money and time be taken away from me for the causes I do not believe in. Unfortunately, they take so much of my time that I have very little left. However, I would be very happy to help you with what I already know. If you have a PC with a Soundblaster board or anything that can emulate it, I can send you the neccessary programs that can read files out to you and help with installation. They are not too good, but you can hear what it is. I doubt there is better stuff out there - I looked, but... Also, the program I have speaks in the same voice Steven Hawking does. I guess if they couldn't find anything better for him, it is not easy. I would be happy to customize this program for you, and look for better alternatives, but sorry - have to work to support the welfare system and pay off the national debt that the American citizens accumulated while I was chased by KGB for doing work more important for American wellbeing than whatever most of them ever tried to do. Now, how could *I* use a free market to exchange my twisted past and horrrible Russian accent for normal education, some money and an extropian girlfriend? Sasha from Russia. ------------------------------ From: kwatson@netcom.com (Kennita Watson) Date: Wed, 6 Jul 1994 08:57:29 -0700 Subject: [#94-7-25] Extropy Journal Volume >On Jul 5, 6:38pm, Jim Stevenson wrote: >> As you may know I am blind. >> Therefore I like to have my computer read me text. >> I don't like to pay a reader for what is already in ascii somewhere. >> >> Libertarians say the free market will solve problems like helping the >handicaped. >> Well, can all you lib types demonstrate this? > And at 9407060556, Russell Whitaker replied: >Who is the "you" referred to in | Perhaps you could demonstrate >the first sentence above? | your willingness to be a market > | maker in this instance and >Who here is under what obligation | pay considerably extra for the >to provide you with anything you | the trouble of creating a market >haven't offered to pay extra for? | _just for you_ First, not all of "us lib types" claimed the free market would _solve_ problems -- personally, I claim only that it would do a better job and be less coercive than what we have now. Certainly Jim should pay for ASCII just like others pay for hard copy, and pay extra because he doesn't have economies of scale to work with. In a free market, I envision online subscription services where people who want ASCII versions of things that are normally distributed on paper would buy them wholesale (multiple licenses?) and sell them to their constituency (blind people, people who want to "read" while driving or whatever, people who want to do OCR and easily extract quotes, etc.). As a lefty, I pay more for left-handed scissors, symmetric measuring cups and spoons, etc., and sometimes I just put up with bad ergonomics (like rooms full of right-handed desks). Because I have size 6-1/2EE-EEE feet, I pay a hundred or more dollars for shoes that cost average people $10 or $20. I grumble about these things occasionally, but I don't expect anybody to lose money catering to me, and I certainly don't expect any laws to be passed requiring lower prices for left-handed scissors or duck-foot shoes. I can see why Jim might be frustrated, in any case -- the short end of the stick can be an annoyance to grip. C'est la vie -- keep gripping, pay for more stick, and/or get together with others to make it easier on all of you. BTW -- I assume that double columns are an annoyance for computers to try to read. Is that true, or have they gotten smarter lately? Kennita Kennita Watson | "Within each of us lies the power of our consent to health kwatson@netcom.com| and to sickness, to riches and to poverty, to freedom and | to slavery. It is we who control these, and not another." | Richard Bach, _Illusions_ ------------------------------ From: Sunah Cherwin Date: Wed, 6 Jul 1994 09:10:20 -0700 (PDT) Subject: [#94-7-26] Libertarians helping handicapped > horrrible Russian accent ...charming Russian accent... ____________________________________________________________________ my homepage: ftp://ftp.netcom.com/pub/slippery/home.html if you want more information finger slippery@netcom.com ------------------------------ From: whitaker@dpair.csd.sgi.com (Russell Whitaker) Date: Wed, 6 Jul 1994 12:19:41 -0700 Subject: [#94-7-27] INFO REQUEST: chording/folding keyboards Several of my co-workers have partially succumbed to what Romana Machado calls a "status affliction": RSI (repetitive strain injury). I engaged in break-room coffee banter with one a few minutes ago, and told him about various goodies, such as folding keyboards, chording keyboards, and cantilevered keyboard holders. I'd like to start introducing my co-workers here to such items, and am here to solicit some extropian "early-adopter" expertise in gathering references and pointers to the hardware. If any of you are budding form-factor hardware entrepreneurs (whatever happened to Doug Platt and his Hip PC?), I could easily arrange to have you meet interested people here at Silicon Graphics to have a look at your wares. This could mean money. Any help is greatly appreciated. -- Russell Earl Whitaker whitaker@csd.sgi.com Silicon Graphics Inc. Technical Assistance Center / Centre D'Assistance Technique / Tekunikaru Ashisutansu Sentaa Mountain View CA (415) 390-2250 ================================================================ #include ------------------------------ End of Extropians Digest V94 #186 *********************************