Monthly Archives: February 2008

The suboptimal way to get a copy of a journal article

In 1990, Bob Pease of National Semiconductor published a “design idea” in the June 14, 1990 issue of Electronic Design for the use of a FET for reverse-polarity protection, with the advantage that it will typically have much lower forward … Continue reading

Posted in Hardware, The Suboptimal Way | 4 Comments

AMD (ATI) 3D programming specs released!

AMD announced last year that they would publish the programming specs for their graphics chips.  Last September they started that, with register-level documentation on several chips.  While that was a good start, today they have made many of their customers … Continue reading

Posted in Blog/website/news comments, Hardware | Leave a comment

The suboptimal way to run a primary election

The DNC ruled that because Florida and Michigan held their primaries earlier than party rules allow, Florida and Michigan delegates will not be allowed to vote at the convention. Apparently the party feels that the voters of those states should … Continue reading

Posted in Blog/website/news comments, The Suboptimal Way, Voting | 2 Comments

Eating oatmeal the suboptimal way

I’m eating my oatmeal with a fork today.  As was said in The Matrix, “there is no spoon.” At least, not in the break room at work. I was too lazy to go to another floor in search of one. … Continue reading

Posted in Humor, The Suboptimal Way | Leave a comment

The suboptimal way to pay for lunch

I work at a fairly large company, and the cafeterias will let employee put money on their badges to be used for later purchases. I don’t usually do that, but I suppose it’s convenient for people that don’t want to … Continue reading

Posted in Customer satisfaction, Employment, The Suboptimal Way | Leave a comment

Indoctrinate children from an early age to expect their First Amendment rights to be violated

A friend tells me that at his son’s school, it would be a violation of school policy for a student to give valentines only to other students of his or her choice. If any are given, they must be given … Continue reading

Posted in Blog/website/news comments, Freedom and liberty | 3 Comments

Life imitates art

The people of Bluefields, Nicaraguan have improved their standard of living thanks to bales of cocaine washing ashore. I wonder if they’ve heard the Reverend Horton Heat‘s song Bales of Cocaine?

Posted in Blog/website/news comments, War on (some) drugs | Leave a comment

Ron Paul Has Already Won

Llewellyn H. Rockwell, Jr. explains that Ron Paul Has Already Won. Ron Paul is the only “mainstream” candidate I would prefer over Barack Obama, but it seems unlikely that he’ll be able to win the Republican nomination.

Posted in Blog/website/news comments, Voting | 2 Comments

Larry Lessig on why he supports Barack Obama

Larry’s blog entry links to both a video and a transcript.

Posted in Blog/website/news comments, Voting | Leave a comment

Annoying Valentine’s Day radio ads

Every year I get sick of hearing Valentine’s Day radio ads for jewelry stores. I’m sick of being told that if I don’t buy my sweetheart a diamond, I’m a despicable lowlife schmuck. A few days ago I heard an … Continue reading

Posted in Blog/website/news comments, Rants | 1 Comment