Posts by Richard Gomer

Google Wave opens extensions gallery

Was unimpressed intiitally...

... but I must admit, having used it for a while Wave's growing on me. It has even pulled some of my friends away from Facebook messaging! I just wish it wasn't so damn slow.

SeaWorld killer killer whale must die, Bible insists

But what about the shellfish?

Do killer whales eat shrimp? 'cus that's also an abomination according to the old testament. At least killer whales don't wear polyester-blend clothing!

OLPC designer styles goes-like-stink electric motorbike

Back Brake?

Why not put the regenerative brake on the front? That is, after all, where most of the braking is done. (The weight of the bikes presses the front wheel on to road and lifts the back one off of it while your brake, meaning that the back wheel locks up if you brake on it too hard)

Schools minister touts 'one interweb per child' pork barrel

@Steve Browne

IT does generally contain some technical concepts - But no more than is necessary to appreciate what the whirring box in front of you is.

At A-level the subject is split into ICT and Computing. Computing deals with programming and how a processor works whilst ICT deals more with using the computer to get things done. It is the difference between becoming a mechanic and learning to drive.

I would have loved to teach my classes in Malawi how to program the computers - But there is no point until they can use what has already been programmed. Most people are never going to need to program a computer, but the vast majority are going to have to use a word processor and an increasing number will use databases, too.

I think it is the neutrality of the syllabus (which stays away from naming specific products) that is part of the problem - If nothing is mentioned, schools and colleges just default to Windows + MS Office. It would be far better if the syllabus contained something along the lines of "candidates must be exposed to at least one non-Windows non-Office operating system and office productivity suite."

South Korea cracks down on draft-dodger advice sites

Ask the north!

I bet North Korea would _love_ to mirror websites that help deplete the south's army!