From extropians-request@extropy.org Wed Nov 9 21:10:36 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 VAA18446 for ; Wed, 9 Nov 1994 21:09:57 -0800 Received: from news.panix.com by usc.edu (4.1/SMI-3.0DEV3-USC+3.1) id AA17668; Wed, 9 Nov 94 21:08:16 PST Received: (from exi@localhost) by news.panix.com (8.6.9/8.6.9) id AAA20928; Thu, 10 Nov 1994 00:08:04 -0500 Date: Thu, 10 Nov 1994 00:08:04 -0500 Message-Id: <199411100508.AAA20928@news.panix.com> To: Extropians@extropy.org From: Extropians@extropy.org Subject: Extropians Digest #94-11-88 - #94-11-103 X-Extropian-Date: November 10, 374 P.N.O. [00:01:29 UTC] Reply-To: extropians@extropy.org X-Mailer: MailWeir 1.0 Status: RO Extropians Digest Thu, 10 Nov 94 Volume 94 : Issue 313 Today's Topics: BOOK: Seeking agent or publisher [7 msgs] Books [1 msgs] Democracy [was: BIOSPHERE SURVIVAL: Desirable Information Tech ...[1 msgs] Forward: Resume [1 msgs] More on genes and height [1 msgs] MOVIE: Frankenstein [1 msgs] PHILANTHROPY [1 msgs] Philantropy (sic?) [1 msgs] Smart Drug / Life Extension Newsletter [1 msgs] Tech/Crypto/Forward: Canadian IRS [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: 28588 bytes. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- From: "Peter C. McCluskey" Date: Fri, 4 Nov 1994 19:09:34 -0800 Subject: [#94-11-88] BOOK: Seeking agent or publisher dkrieger@netcom.com (Dave Krieger) writes in X-Message-Number: #94-11-46: > 1) A Critique of Consensus Reality: Everything They Told You Is A Lie This phrasing makes you sound a bit like conspiracy theorists. I think you need to replace it with something indicating the importance of technological changes and the resulting obsolesence of hierarchical, planned control structures. > This section will present the basic flaws in the conventional > worldview (especially as taught in modern government-run schools). > We'll use, for example, the World's Smallest Political Quiz to > point out the inconsistency of "left" and "right" viewpoints, and > how the left-right paradigm ignores an entire dimension of the > political map. We'll cogently dismantle the widespread > insanities of our society, from apocalyptic environmentalism to > creeping state control of everything. "Apocalyptic environmentalism" is a phrase which perpetuates a bad assumption - that the Luddites are trying to preserve or clean up the environment. Environmentalism originated as a set of mostly harmless natural (instinctive?) memes (minimizing pollution, preserving natural beauty); attacking or appearing to attack them is lousy PR. It is much more effective to point out the differences between environmentalism and fear of change, fear of the unknown, the desire for power over other people, and other memes which the Luddites and bureaucrats are trying to bundle with environmentalism. -- --------------------------------------------------------------- Peter McCluskey | pcm@rahul.net | vivivi - the editor finger for PGP key | pcm@world.std.com | of the beast! ------------------------------ From: jbaker@halcyon.com (James Baker) Date: Sat, 5 Nov 1994 01:42:31 -0800 Subject: [#94-11-89] MOVIE: Frankenstein Go and see Mary Shelley's Frankenstein! Themes include immortality, pushing physical and technological limits, transhuman relationships, uploading, "do AI's have souls?", cryonics and even love. James Baker | Seattle, WA USA | jbaker@halcyon.com | ------------------------------ From: sullivan@blaze.cs.jhu.edu (Gregory Sullivan) Date: Sat, 05 Nov 94 08:52:44 EST Subject: [#94-11-90] More on genes and height Apropos our discussion of height: The Science section of the Tuesday, Nov. 1, New York Times has an article discussing several genetic mutations which have been recently identified which effect skeletal structures. The mutations are in a collection of genes which code for fibroblast growth factor receptors and cause the following conditions: Achondroplasia - the most common genetic form of dwarfism Crouzon syndrome - premature fusion of skull plates Pfeiffer syndrome - also the untimely fusion of cranial sutures The normal forms of these genes were originally identified for their role in the growth of connective skin cells, i.e., fibroblasts. It is now clear that the genes are also involved in regulating skeletal growth. It will now be possible to develop tests for the identified genes which cause these conditions. Therefore it will be possible to screen embryos for these genes. The New York Times has a companion article discussing the ethical implications. The article discusses the viewpoint of John Wasmuth one of the discoverers of the dwarfism gene. He strongly opposes screening for dwarfism (except when there is a possibility that two copies of the dwarfism gene will be inherited which could be fatal). He mentions a dwarf who is president of the city council in a large US city and says ``I would hate to think someone like that would be routinely eliminated from being born.'' Wasmuth also tells an interesting contrasting story. A dwarf couple contacted him because they did not want a child of normal stature. They wanted their child to be a fellow dwarf. The articles are interesting. gfs ------------------------------ From: CurtAdams@aol.com Date: Sat, 5 Nov 1994 09:20:55 -0500 Subject: [#94-11-91] Democracy [was: BIOSPHERE SURVIVAL: Desirable Information Technology] Steve Whitrow (sjw@liberty.demon.co.uk) writes: >Democracy is like two wolves and ninety-eight sheep voting >on what to have for dinner. The good news is that there are >three or four choices on the menu. The bad news is that each >dish includes mutton, although alternative methods of cooking >may be employed. [The wolves' strategy involves writing the >menu, bribing a minority of sheep for their support, making >fraudulent claims, and relying on sheep acting like sheep...] In many countries, more people get money from the government than pay money to the government. 2 wolves and 1 sheep is a sadly appropriate analogy. A Greek theory of government was that there were four types - democracy, tyranny, monarch, and aristocracy. They followed one another in a characteristic path. Democracy's downfall was that once the people realized they could take what they wanted by voting, they did just that (i.e., became wolves), until the society collapsed. ------------------------------ From: "Harry S. Hawk" Date: Sat, 5 Nov 1994 10:15:10 -0500 (EST) Subject: [#94-11-92] Tech/Crypto/Forward: Canadian IRS TAXMAN CHOOSES SOFTWARE SUPPLIER Mobius Encryption Technologies has been selected by Revenue Canada to provide encryption software for commercial tax preparers that choose to file electronic returns. The software will make sure an electronically prepared tax return is kept confidential by scrambling the data using complex mathematical formulas. (Toronto Globe & Mail 10/31/94 B2) -- Harry S. Hawk habs@extropy.org Electronic Communications Officer, Extropy Institute Inc. The Extropians Mailing List, Since 1991 ------------------------------ From: dkrieger@netcom.com (Dave Krieger) Date: Sat, 5 Nov 1994 09:34:32 -0800 Subject: [#94-11-93] BOOK: Seeking agent or publisher At 6:34 PM 11/3/94, nancy@genie.slhs.udel.edu wrote: >Thanks for the explanation of Fredkin's paradox--it sounds rather like >Buridan's ass--a medieval thought experiment that ends up with an >ass starving between two equally attractive bales of hay. (I don't >know what argument Buridan's ass was a part of.) The usefulness of Fredkin's Paradox is that, once you're aware that it exists, you can avoid needless agonizing over decisions -- the harder the decision is to make due to the similar attractiveness of the options, the less the penalty for choosing wrongly. So you can happily flip a coin (or choose in some other arbitrary fashion), knowing that the cost of picking the wrong alternative is less than the transaction cost of working out rigorously which is actually best Extropy Institute Inc. The Extropians Mailing List, Since 1991 ------------------------------ From: dkrieger@netcom.com (Dave Krieger) Date: Sat, 5 Nov 1994 09:34:32 -0800 Subject: [#94-11-93] BOOK: Seeking agent or publisher At 6:34 PM 11/3/94, nancy@genie.slhs.udel.edu wrote: >Thanks for the explanation of Fredkin's paradox--it sounds rather like >Buridan's ass--a medieval thought experiment that ends up with an >ass starving between two equally attractive bales of hay. (I don't >know what argument Buridan's ass was a part of.) The usefulness of Fredkin's Paradox is that, once you're aware that it exists, you can avoid needless agonizing over decisions -- the harder the decision is to make due to the similar attractiveness of the options, the less the penalty for choosing wrongly. So you can happily flip a coin (or choose in some other arbitrary fashion), knowing that the cost of picking the wrong alternative is less than the transaction cost of working out rigorously which is actually best Extropy Institute Inc. The Extropians Mailing List, Since 1991 ------------------------------ From: dkrieger@netcom.com (Dave Krieger) Date: Sat, 5 Nov 1994 09:34:32 -0800 Subject: [#94-11-93] BOOK: Seeking agent or publisher At 6:34 PM 11/3/94, nancy@genie.slhs.udel.edu wrote: >Thanks for the explanation of Fredkin's paradox--it sounds rather like >Buridan's ass--a medieval thought experiment that ends up with an >ass starving between two equally attractive bales of hay. (I don't >know what g to bundle with environmentalism. Good point. dV/dt ------------------------------ From: nancc@netcom.com (Nancie Clark) Date: Sat, 5 Nov 1994 11:13:03 -0800 (PST) Subject: [#94-11-95] Books It looks like there maybe a number of books with the theme of Extropian thought in the works! It is wonderfully exciting to know that so many of us are diligently pursuing this goal. I like the idea that Romana, Dave and Geoff have shared with the list. It appears to be well thought out. I know of a few others who have similar ideas as well as my own. Perhaps we might do as Will Wiser suggested in that duplication of intent be addressed. Yet, with the individuality of each author, it should be very interesting to see what each of us comes out with. On another note, and I hope a high one, I am also working on a concept to encourage more Extropian women into the Institute. Certainly, we already have outstanding women thinkers, let's pull in some more. Nancie Clark ------------------------------ From: nancy@genie.slhs.udel.edu Date: Sat, 5 Nov 94 22:33:25 GMT Subject: [#94-11-96] BOOK: Seeking agent or publisher Dave Krieger wrote: >The usefulness of Fredkin's Paradox is that, once you're aware that it >exists, you can avoid needless agonizing over decisions -- the harder the >decision is to make due to the similar attractiveness of the options, the >less the penalty for choosing wrongly. So you can happily flip a coin (or >choose in some other arbitrary fashion), knowing that the cost of picking >the wrong alternative is less than the transaction cost of working out >rigorously which is actually best. Thanks--there's a possible refinement to flipping a coin--while's it's in the air, you may discover which way you want it to land. Nancy Lebovitz ------------------------------ From: fcp@nuance.com (Craig Presson) Date: Fri, 04 Nov 1994 06:55:19 -0600 Subject: [#94-11-97] BOOK: Seeking agent or publisher At 10:33 PM 11/5/94 GMT, Nancy Lebovitz wrote: [...] >Thanks--there's a possible refinement to flipping a coin--while's >it's in the air, you may discover which way you want it to land. Hmmm ... tails ... how about 2 out of 3? \\ fcp@nuance.com (Craig Presson) CPresson@aol.com\ -- WWW: http://www.nuance.com/~fcp/ -----------------\ -- President & Principal, T4 Computer Security ------> -- P.O. Box 18271, Huntsville, AL 35804 -------------/ // (205) 880-7692 Voice, -7691 FAX -----------------/ ------------------------------ From: minsky@media.mit.edu (Marvin Minsky) Date: Sat, 5 Nov 94 20:06:22 -0500 Subject: [#94-11-98] BOOK: Seeking agent or publisher > Dave Krieger wrote: > >>The usefulness of Fredkin's Paradox is that, once you're aware that it >>exists, you can avoid needless agonizing over decisions -- the harder the >>decision is to make due to the similar attractiveness of the options, the >>less the penalty for choosing wrongly. So you can happily flip a coin (or >>choose in some other arbitrary fashion), knowing that the cost of picking >>the wrong alternative is less than the transaction cost of working out >>rigorously which is actually best. > >Thanks--there's a possible refinement to flipping a coin--while's >it's in the air, you may discover which way you want it to land. > >Nancy Lebovitz That's right. You can't always tell you've made a bad decsion until you make it. -------------------------------------------------------- When you come to a fork in the road, go back. ___________________________________________ "Don't pay any attention to the critics. Don't even ignore them." --------- Sam Goldwyn ------------------------------ From: ahg@lgs.win.net (Andre Gauthier) Date: Sat, 05 Nov 1994 21:06:14 Subject: [#94-11-99] PHILANTHROPY >With all the "BRAINS" here in the extropy list, I thought this would >be a good place to ask about philanthropy. > >I am an artist and need to find an individual or group that will grant >art supplies and/or equipment. My question is where do I start. Here is >a basic list of the type of things I need assitance in attaining: > >calligraphic supplies >pens, markers, paints, brushes, highquality papers, etc >Dark Room supplies (or access to a darkroom) >A high quality printer (300dpi or better) >A computer system capable of performing raytracing (ie.pentium or power pc) >Camera Equipment/Color Scanning Equipment >Professional Software (ie.CorelDraw,Pagemaker,etc) >Drafting Table > >Those are the kinds of things I would like to find help in attaining via >the philanthropic route. If anyone can refer me to a possible individual >or organization, I would really appreciate your assistance. And of course if >there's anyone out there listening who can help, here is my address. I will >be glad to mail samples of my work to any philanthropists for consideration. > >THOMAS KNOX >2590 ALMAND RD >CONYERS, GEORGIA 30207 >(USA) > >Currently I am working on a 386sx20 which cannot handle detailed functions >such as "photo finish"'s standard special effects. > >Thank you for your time, >Thomas Knox > > > If you're successful in finding a philantropic entity willing to supply you with these things, please let me know. I am a business administrator in search of a way to replace my Mercedes at no cost to myself. ------------------------------ From: "Phil G. Fraering" Date: Sat, 5 Nov 1994 21:40:01 -0500 Subject: [#94-11-100] Philantropy (sic?) To the guy who wants his Mercedes replaced: I think I have your problem solved. You can trade it with me for an infinitely better car, a 1967 Chevy Impala. It needs a fair bit of work on the engine, but I can fund that easily after selling the Mercedes and buying a Saturn (for reasonably good values of Mercedes). Do something for the environment, and don't drive one of those air-polluting short-stroke engined cars from the '70's. And it doesn't have any of those ozone-damaging air conditioners, either! Let me know what you decide. Hanno Transportationalist ------------------------------ From: jbaker@halcyon.com (James Baker) Date: Sat, 5 Nov 1994 20:14:29 -0800 Subject: [#94-11-101] BOOK: Seeking agent or publisher minsky@media.mit.edu (Marvin Minsky) wrote: >> Dave Krieger wrote: >> >>>The usefulness of Fredkin's Paradox is that, once you're aware that it >>>exists, you can avoid needless agonizing over decisions -- the harder the >>>decision is to make due to the similar attractiveness of the options, the >>>less the penalty for choosing wrongly. So you can happily flip a coin (or >>>choose in some other arbitrary fashion), knowing that the cost of picking >>>the wrong alternative is less than the transaction cost of working out >>>rigorously which is actually best. >> >>Thanks--there's a possible refinement to flipping a coin--while's >>it's in the air, you may discover which way you want it to land. >> >>Nancy Lebovitz > >That's right. You can't always tell you've made a bad decsion until you >make it. > I think there is more than a grain of truth to this. I usually make a list of all the pro's and con's; then do what I want to regardless of what the lists say. But I tell myself I am making an informmed choice. James Baker | Seattle, WA USA | jbaker@halcyon.com | ------------------------------ From: "Peter C. McCluskey" Date: Sun, 6 Nov 1994 07:56:05 -0800 Subject: [#94-11-102] Smart Drug / Life Extension Newsletter I would like to subscribe to your online newsletter. -- --------------------------------------------------------------- Peter McCluskey | pcm@rahul.net | vivivi - the editor finger for PGP key | pcm@world.std.com | of the beast! ------------------------------ From: "Harry S. Hawk" Date: Sun, 6 Nov 1994 11:51:59 -0500 (EST) Subject: [#94-11-103] Forward: Resume a conscious being, Hong Min wrote: > Dear Harry, > It was nice to get your reply and it was also my pleasure > talking with you. Here I am enclosing a copy of my resume, please > go through it at your convenience. Thank you once again. > Truly, Zhenyu Ma zxm1549@hertz.njit.edu > _________________________________________________________________________ David Z. MA 209N, 36th Street Philadelphia, PA 19104 (215)222-0511 or (201)-955-2967 OBJECTIVE: Seek a challenging and responsible position as an engineer in electrical engineering or material engineering fields. QUALIFICATIONS: Highly motivated, diligent and competent professional.A master's degree will be received from Microelctronics Research Center of New Jersey Institute of Technology in Dec.,1994. Additional qualifications include: __ Micro-sensor design and fabrication. __ Semiconductor materials test and analysis. __ Strong knowledge background in miscellaneous materials science and engineering. __ Scientific analysis and simulation by computer programming. PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE: Research Assistant and Teaching Assistant: 1.New Jersey Institute of Technology(Aug.,1993-now) __ An acclerometer fabricated by the epitaxy layer polysilicon micro- structure. __ CMOS process and test in Class-10 clean room. 2.Tsinghua University,Beijing, China (1989-1990) __ The device of advanced permanent magnet synchronous generator. Engineer: Institute of Semiconductor, Chinese Academy of Science(Sep.,1990- July,1993) __ The determination of oxygen concentration in heavily doped silicon. (The paper was published on Chinese Journal of Semiconductor,1994) __ The effect of annealing process related to oxygen behavior in heavily doped silicon. EDUCATIONS: New Jersey Institute of Technology,1994 __ Master of Science from Microelectronics Center,Department of Applied Physics (will be received in Dec.,1994) (GPA 3.94/4.0) Tsinghua University , Beijing, China, 1990 __ Bachelor of Engineering in Material Science and Engineering(GPA 3.8/4.0) COMPUTER EXPERTISE: __ Systems: UNIX, X-WINDOWS and DOS __ Languages: C, FORTRAN, dBASEIII, BASIC and 8086 ASSEMBLY LANGUAGE __ Softwares: MENTOR GRAPHICS, SIGMAPLOT and EXCEL, etc REFERENCES AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST ------------------------------ End of Extropians Digest V94 #313 *********************************