The Null Device
2000/3/16
Security expert Simson Garfinkel predicts an onslaught of Linux viruses coming soon:
Most system administrators are incredibly promiscuous with the root account: they will download software from the Internet, compile it, and install it --- all as as root. And these days, with more and more Linux programs being distributed as binary RPMs, many system administrators don't even have the source-code for the programs that they are installing.
...what's stopped the spread of viruses on the Linux platform isn't technology, but the lack of interest from the virus writers. Why write a Linux virus when the same skills will let you bring up a new web-site and become a millionaire in just a few weeks? But if the economy goes south, we're likely to see a suddenly bloom of viruses from out-of-work overachievers.
(Somewhat quirky) English translation of German newspaper article putting forward a theory that the Dark Ages never happened, and that 300 years of history were fabricated by the authorities of the time. (via Psychoceramics)
Emperor Otto III (emperor from 996 to 1002) wanted to be Jesus Christ´s representative on earth at the dawn of the 7th millenium (6000 years after Creation). The pope (999 to 1003) who was enthroned by Otto surported him with his knowledge of Arabian astronomy and mathematics... The invented but still empty centuries had to be filled with history. So Otto and Sylvester made up stories and a very big emperor Karl. Otto could refer to him as well as the pope, who had enthroned and anointed him emperor.
From Otto III to Friedrich II, the figure of Karl got more facets than a real person would ever have had. At other places other stories appeared, such as the fairy tale about (the ficitious) Harun al-Raschid. In this way, the Middle Ages partly invented themselves. Only with this bold thesis the contradictions between buildings, findings and documents disappear.
British MP calls for ban on piped music: (Reuters)
``The dangers of passive, or involuntary listening are only beginning to enter the realm of public awareness,'' opposition Conservative MP Robert Key said... Like other forms of noise pollution its symptoms included raised blood pressure and cholesterol levels, and increased muscle tension, he said.
Key said his bill would ban piped music in the public parts of hospitals, doctors surgeries, public swimming pools, bus and railway stations, airports and public highways.
That rules out playing Bing Crosby at railway stations to drive teenagers away... --acb
Former teen pop star Tiffany teams up with Front Line Assembly on a U2 tribute album (on Cleopatra, natch).