Three Waves of Massive Change in Human Society

Published March 29, 2013  ·  All posts on Mar 29  ·  

The Republicans fondly remember 1860, when the common man stood behind a plow, and the Democrats fondly remember 1960, when the common man stood behind a stamping machine. … the Republicans shovel money at farmers, endorse prayer in school, and tell us to worship our heroes fighting for manifest destiny, and the Democrats shovel money at unionized teachers, endorse government run mass transit, and tell us to worship dense urban living.

~ Patrick Clark from, «http://www.popehat.com/2013/02/12/one-wave-behind/»

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From a great piece about the waves of change in society; You might want to bone up on your Alvin Toffler too…

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RFC for HTTP 700-series errors

Published March 28, 2013  ·  All posts on Mar 28  ·  

oh. my. god. https://github.com/joho/7XX-rfc

This is, hands down, the geekiest piece of humor I have ever seen. HT to @dmuth who now owes me a cup of coffee to replace the one I blew out my nose onto my keyboard.

If you, my dear reader, care to do the ‘what the hell?’ deep dive:

  1. What’s an HTTP header?
    (it’s the glue that makes all the interwebs parts work together)
  2. What are the actual HTTP response codes?
    (200 good, 404 bad, 759 – Unexpected T_PAAMAYIM_NEKUDOTAYIM !)
  3. What’s an RFC?
    (request for comments, i.e. “hey, uh, fellows, maybe we should do it this way…”)
  4. The HyperText Coffee Pot Control Protocol (HTCPCP/1.0)
    (ie, prior art in RFC humor. Please notice the honest-to-gawd IETF.org URL on that one kids. Yes, the IETF like kinda determines how the intertubes work, and they have absolutely THE ugliest website.)
  5. An obscure HTTP response code joke
    (you do know to read the “alt-texts” on XKCD cartoons, right?)

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Noriaki Inoue, Aikido’s Forgotten Pioneer

Published March 27, 2013  ·  All posts on Mar 27

Of the areas I have explored …, I think two in particular stand out for having caused a fundamental rethinking among the aikido community of how our art evolved. … The second is the part played by the Inoue family of Tanabe, especially Morihei’s nephew Yoichiro, in the progression of early events that allowed the Founder to pursue his martial arts career, and eventually develop the art we practice today.

~ Stanley Pranin from, «http://blog.aikidojournal.com/2011/10/30/historical-photo-noriaki-inoue-aikidos-forgotten-pioneer-by-stanley-pranin/»

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Quality happens only when someone is responsible for it

Published March 25, 2013  ·  All posts on Mar 25

…to anyone who has ever wondered if using m4 macros to configure autoconf to write a shell script to look for 26 Fortran compilers in order to build a Web browser was a bit of a detour, Brooks’ book offers well-reasoned hope that there can be a better way.

~ Poul-Henning Kamp, “A Generation Lost in the Bazaar“, CACM vol 55.10

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The article is a scathing condemnation of, well, an entire generation of programmers. There is merit to Kamp’s criticism, but he’s thrown the baby out with the bath water.

The explosive growth “of IT”, (as Kamp calls it,) in the last 15 years was made possible by the behavior and activities he’s condemning. The pendulum is, in my opinion, now swinging in the direction of “craftsmanship” and “professionalism”, and the chaos is settling out. I’ve encountered several projects where a small group of people, operating ala Raymond’s “bazaar” have undertaken replacing foundations of things for the right reasons.

We still build “cathedrals”. The definition of “cathedral” has simply been improved.

You might want to read…

Brooks, F. The Design of Design. Addison-Wesley Professional, 2010

Raymond, E. The Cathedral and the Bazaar. O’Reilly Media, Sebastapol, CA, 1999

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Find evidence for a comparison of President Obama to Stalin

Published March 19, 2013  ·  All posts on Mar 19  ·  

Upon reading my title, were you…

a) incredulous; you disagree with the premise.
b) happy; you agree with the premise.
c) curious; you already understand what this blog post is about.
d) other; because this author isn’t omniscient, (and you can stop reading now.)

This post is about logic, discourse and discussion; Not in a dry, academic sense, but in the sense that, “lack of logic, discourse and discussion is the root problem in America today.” It’s just a bonus that I have a wickedly inflammatory example to use as a framework for this post to keep things interesting and lively.

Background

The catalyst for this post was a news item which I stumbled upon via Facebook:
‘Obama socialism’ homework angers students at Cobb County high school

find_evidence_for_a_comparisonKnowing that the news outlet will eventually move/remove that story, at right is an image of the homework assignment in question. The original news story indicated this was from a social studies class at the high school level.

After seeing the news item posted on Facebook by a friend, I shared the link to the CBS Atlanta affiliate’s story. Two of my friends — and I mean “friends” in the real world sense of people with whom I would break bread, or to whom I would give money — joined me in the comment thread. (Names withheld here of course.) My first “wait what?” comment is the one I included with my sharing of the news item; These comments are unedited, just as they appeared on Facebook.

Craig: wait what?

I don’t see any problem. Did the verb ‘compare’ get a new definition? The first definition from dictionary.com is…

“to examine (two or more objects, ideas, people, etc.) in order to note similarities and differences: to compare two pieces of cloth; to compare the governments of two nations.” (It’s even apropos!)

So, upon comparing the two items in question, students might draw various conclusions; The items are similar, or different, to varying degrees.

mmmmmmmmm, semantics and pragmatism for the win.

Person A: I don’t know exactly what the teacher said when setting the tone for this assignment but in the article “find evidence for a comparison” is a leading statement. Otherwise as you suggested, you just compare. “Compare (and contrast) the change in Russia during the time of Stalin and Lenin, with the change in the United States during the time of Obama.” The notion that the time period in question for the United States is marked by a shift from capitalism to socialism is plain heresay. I don’t know enough about the evolution of Russia to suggest whether that shift is also heresay. The leading and heresay reaks of a “teacher” agenda.

Craig: how does “find evidence” change the meaning of the word “compare”? …it certainly means one may not simply state opinion when comparing. But does “find evidence” bias “compare”? If the question had said “contrast” the teo, that’d be leading since contrast means highlight the diffs. But “compare” is very clearly NOT an antonym of contrast. “compare” is neutral.

Person A: I don’t disagree with your posted definition of compare. That is clear. “Find evidence for comparison” clearly suggest (to me) that the author does believe that compare is an antonym of contrast. You simply compare. if you “find evidence to compare” this suggest to me that you are looking for parallels, how are the two things similar or the same, in other words find evidence that these two things are similiar. If you simply compare two things it will be evident if they are similar or dissimilar. semantics perhaps.

Person B: What I believed to be in poor taste, and the reason I posted the article, is that there is a pretty clear motive in comparing someone like Stalin, a clearly awful figure in human history, with the current president. It is, to me, a pretty obvious dig on someone that the teacher in question just doesn’t like. If this were a purely intellectual exercise, sure. Why not. But invoking the name of ‘Stalin’ never brings up a discussion of what socialism is and what it does and doesn’t do *first*, it brings up themes of genocide and corrupt government.

Craig: I find this discussion to be very interesting. There’s something at the center here; Something which I can’t quite identify… perhaps it’s the projection of, what one assumes one knows about the teacher, onto the instructions. Why do that? I mean, wouldn’t it make more sense (as a student following the assignment, or a person generally in life) to just follow the instructions guided by your own person context?

So you see these instructions. You think about the teacher’s sub-text — whatever you think about the teacher, they’re wrong in their bias, they’re right, they’re intending satire, whatever. Then you proceed on the assignment. Why must one (who is given the assignment) “react”, when one could “converse/discuss/discover” based on the direction given.

If this story had been about a kid failing (or getting a zero etc) for showing evidence why the President is different, THEN I’d have an issue.

Person C:  I’m on board with Craig on this. The language of the assignment was pointed, but whether it is inflammatory is based on the views of the reader. In the end, the assignment may have left an impression of what the teacher’s viewpoint may be, but it does not direct the student to provide a conclusion that conforms to that viewpoint. It may just be a happy accident, but this assignment provides the opportunity for the offended students to confront a differing or even opposing viewpoint and argue rationally against it rather than hiding the fact that viewpoint exists. I have to say that the idea that the principal pressured the teacher to withdraw the assignment and then disavow the teacher as a “fill-in” was a cop-out…better to work with the teacher to reword the assignment to preserve the intent– including providing a potentially inflammatory topic–and make sure the students understand they are to express their opinions on the matter and argue their points freely.

Craig:  I still agree with my initial thoughts. But, I’m changing my position…

I don’t believe *high school* students possess the same strength of individual thinking that I have. (Which is not meant to be derogatory. I’m simply trying to peel away my bias in assessing the issue.) So the teacher holds an increased responsibility to present work/questions/assignments in a way that ensures the primary goal of the work/Q/A is education.

The core of the assignment is clearly legit: “find evidence for a comparison of A to B”. But the context and connotation brought by the actual examples is too strong. If the teacher had added just the slightest nudge, something like, “You may find evidence for your comparison to support the similarities or differences of these two cases,” then I’d stand to my original position. Or, if the class had been a debate class, or college level social studies, then too it would be fine. However, as it was written, in a high school social studies class: It’s too biased.

(I also agree with the comment that the administration handled it wrong. But that’s an entirely different cup of tea.)

Logic, Discourse, Discussion

I hope you were struck by the dissection of ideas; the point and counterpoint; the sifting of wheat from chaff. That comment thread hosted some enlightened sparring! (*serious* Yes, I’ve awesome friends.) I’d venture that my friends put some honest thought into their conception of the word “compare”; Is it, in fact, NOT an antonym of “contrast”? …and would high school students be capable of thinking around their teacher’s bias in the manner Craig claims they should? …what is the burden of responsibility of the teacher? …of a high school teacher? …in a social studies context?

Never mind that I actually changed my mind as a result of the discussion. (Although, the fact that I did is apropos of something I mentioned before.)

Here’s my point

If you present your ideas in a logical fashion, perhaps with a flourish of passion or a touch of panache, while honestly thinking, “I hope they change their mind, but I’m open to changing my own.” … then bravo! You are a member of a society. Thank you for putting your shoulder behind our great American society.

If you open your mouth and spew hatred, vitriole, or can only speak in emotional platitudes. Congratulations! You are a part of the problem.

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Why Honor Should Be Revived

Published March 17, 2013  ·  All posts on Mar 17

Honor is the moral imperative of men; obedience is the moral imperative of boys.

At the crux of the argument for the revival of honor is this: honor based on respect is a superior moral imperative to obedience based on rules and laws.

When you’re a child, you do the right thing out of obedience to authority, out of the fear of punishment.

As you mature, you begin to see that the world does not revolve around you, that you belong to groups larger than yourself, and with this discovery comes a new awareness of the needs of that group and how your behavior affects others. This change in perspective (should) shift your motivation in doing the right thing from obedience to authority/fear of punishment, to respect for other people.

. . .

Honor acts as a check on narcissism.

Honor begins as an inner-conviction of self-worth, but then you must present this claim to your peers for validation. Other people serve as a mirror of the self and a check to your pride – they are there to call bullocks on an inflated or false self-assessment. Without this important check, people become like Narcissus – staring at only themselves all day and absolutely loving what they see. At the same time, the ability to give and receive feedback openly and honestly creates affability among you and your peers – the bonds of respect.

Too many men today think they are the sh*t, when they’ve never had to prove themselves to anyone else – they’ve never shown their abilities outside their own bedroom. An honor group is crucial in teaching you that not only are you not wearing any clothes, you ain’t the emperor either.

~ Brett and Kate McKay from, Manly Honor

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Brett and Kate McKay have put together an enormous, seven-part, treatise on honor. It begins with the relatively simple task of describing what is honor, before going into an excellent overview of the history, and ancient history, of honor. Eventually, with enough of the groundwork in place, they lay out a strong case for reviving certain parts of an honor system for our modern world.

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A Duck Tape Story

Published March 8, 2013  ·  All posts on Mar 8

IMG_0908Hi there!

Some time ago my wife, Terry and I prepared for a few days vacation aboard a friend’s boat. On a similar previous trip, Terry had done all the packing and we arrived with way too much baggage. This became readily apparent when I discovered she had brought along, for herself, nine (9) white sweaters… to Florida.

She argued, one was a top, one was a shell, one was beige, and another off-white, etc. There was not a lot of storage room aboard the boat and we had to share the space allotted us.

So this time, while Terry packed, I supervised saying, “Don’t take this. Why are you taking that? Are you sure you need these?” Finally she said, “Pack your own stuff! I’ll pack mine. You pack yours.” OK. I was determined to show just how light I could travel.

Fast forward to our arrival. We climb aboard and exchanged greetings. I was intensely proud of the fact that I had only one small bag. We quickly got underway and started cruising. However, the boat was sailing only a short time when a minor disaster struck. I split my pants! Big time! My well-worn, soft, comfortable jeans tore open in front at the crotch. The tired cloth had separated thread by thread, and once the tear started, the entire area opened exposing my wildly colored skivies! Everyone laughed hysterically, (except me.) Finally Terry says, “For goodness sake, go change your pants. You’re an embarrassment. Put on your other jeans.” I say, “What other jeans? I only brought these.” Everyone laughed hysterically, (except me.) One of our friends disappeared below, and returned with a giant roll of Duck Tape. “Here. Seasoned boaters never leave the dock without Duck Tape!” while placing a large piece across the front of my pants. Everyone laughed hysterically, (except me.)

But this gave me an idea. I went below, took off my tattered pants, turned them inside out, pushed the cloth back together and criss-crossed several pieces of Duck Tape on the inside. I smoothed the tape carefully, put my pants on and returned topside. All were amazed at the nearly invisible repair. Everyone laughed hysterically, (including me.) The repair lasted for the rest of the trip! Duck Tape saved my vacation!

Fast forward to the present. These days we have our own boat and I always carry a fresh roll of Duck Tape and, oh yes, an extra pair of pants.

~ Bruce Constantine

Yes, this type of tape was originally used to seal up DUCTS, and is generally called “duct tape.” However, this story is about the brand name, “Duck Tape.” My father wrote this intending to mail it as a submission to a “Duck Tape Saves the Day” contest. So there.

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Nice. Attorney General Says President Can Kill Citizens

Published March 6, 2013  ·  All posts on Mar 6

… Just to review, the Attorney General just said yes, the President does have “the power to authorize lethal force, such as a drone strike, against a U.S. citizen on U.S. soil, and without trial.” That’s funny, because I’m looking at some amendments here (I’m thinking IV, V, VI, and VIII) that say he doesn’t.

~ Lowering the Bar from, Can the President Kill a U.S. Citizen in the U.S. Without Trial? Attorney General Says Yes

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…and before you get all, “Craig you’re splitting hairs!” on me: Reasoned and pragmatic analysis is exactly what our [U.S.] governmental system of checks and balances is about.

Why, it’s almost as if the founders thought the executive branch might get out of control and created the judicial branch on purpose. And then down the road some more smart people felt the Constitution should be amended to make things even more clear.

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The Evolution of Classical Jojutsu

Published March 5, 2013  ·  All posts on Mar 5

When one considers it is really only a short, round stick of wood, it is even more intriguing to ponder what an elemental gap the hardwood jo has filled in the history and evolution of the martial disciplines of Japan…

~ Dave Lowry from, The Evolution of Classical Jojutsu

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There are also some apropos comments on weapons by Kanai Sensei in Aikido News issue 36:

[O-Sensei] would throw the uchideshi, (live-in disciples), with very little in the way of explanation and we would grasp what we could of the feeling of the technique while we were flying through the air…

~ Aikido Journal from, Interview with Mitsunari Kanai Sensei

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Science, yes. Politics or Religion, nope.

Published March 2, 2013  ·  All posts on Mar 2  ·  

In science it often happens that scientists say, ‘You know that’s a really good argument; my position is mistaken,’ and then they would actually change their minds and you never hear that old view from them again. They really do it. It doesn’t happen as often as it should, because scientists are human and change is sometimes painful. But it happens every day. I cannot recall the last time something like that happened in politics or religion.

~ Carl Sagan

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Our profession has a long way to go

Published February 26, 2013  ·  All posts on Feb 26  ·  

old_timey_sysadmins

Here is the 2013 Super Bowl Dodge Commercial, “God Made a Farmer.”

https://youtube.com/watch?v=GdR5TOhHJGM

Here is the recent spoof, “God Made a Sysadmin.”

There are important differences.

Obviously the ‘farmer’ video is a commercial. It intends to stir up empathy and appreciation for hard work, solid work ethics, traditional American values, (and perhaps some spirit of ‘rally around the under-dog,’) and then the corporation hopes everyone will associate those positive characteristics with their product. (This is also known as, ‘Intro to Marketing.’)

The ‘sysadmin’ video is a spoof. It engenders a healthy dose of pride, enables those who work in the profession to smile at the references, and to have a bit of winsome fun.

There are also important similarities.

Both professions entail difficult work, (the type of difficulty is of course different,) and have clear work ethics. Without the farmers, or without the sysadmins, life as everyone knows it would end rather quickly.

But, here’s the rub:

The average person will understand all of the things which the farmers are said to do, but will understand almost none of those things which the sysadmins are said to do.

Sysadmins like to think, and I’ve said this myself, that they are part of a profession with a “long” history. In reality, computers and the profession are in their infancy. We have just 70-ish years of history if we measure from Alan Turing’s ideas, and we have just three different generations of people who have worked in our profession.

If we want to be treated as professionals, if we want to be individually granted a measure of respect based on our chosen profession the way farmers, doctors, and (some) lawyers are, then we must continue to work hard as we have done for 70-ish years.

We also need to work hard to raise awareness of our profession. We need to work together more, as a community of people, rather than an archipelago of individuals. We need to take better care of ourselves; We must not sacrifice our own physical and mental health at the alter of short-term advancement. We need to work to solve the larger problems — the ones which aren’t even system administration problems, but which are organizational, societal and philosophical problems — which put many of our fellows into untenable situations.

Our profession has a long way to go.

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Willpower

Published February 21, 2013  ·  All posts on Feb 21  ·  

Self-possession implies the capacity for self-restraint, self-compulsion and self-direction; and he who has these, if he live long enough, can have any other possession that he wants.

~ William Hanna Thompson

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