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Archive: November 10, 2004

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Wednesday, November 10, 2004

Small "is a simple, typeless, 32-bit extension language with a C-like syntax. A Small "source" program is compiled to a binary file for optimal execution speed. The Small compiler outputs P-code (or bytecode) that subsequently runs on an abstract machine. Execution speed, stability, simplicity and a small footprint were essential design criteria for both the language and the abstract machine." Neato.
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TCC : Tiny C Compiler - ooh, pretty.
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PHP: debug_zval_dump. Cool! I didn't know this function existed. Now I can check out the ref counts on things.
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The Farm: RFC 3930: The Protocol versus Document Points of View in Computer Protocols (to read).
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Java theory and practice: A brief history of garbage collection, via The Farm.
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Halo 2 strategy guide, via Anders.
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The Uncanny Valley and the Polar Express

My Dad just pointed me towards this review of the Polar Express -- "This season's biggest holiday extravaganza, "The Polar Express," should be subtitled "The Night of the Living Dead." The characters are that frightening."

I've warned him about The Uncanny Valley in regards to this movie, and my warnings are being borne out.

Here are some more articles about the Uncanny Valley at Wikipedia and Slate, and RobotJohnny applies the principle to The Incredibles, which avoids the valley by making its characters more cartoonish.

Update: Ned has a similar post and links to The Uncanny Valley, or why POLAR EXPRESS is so creepy, which links to this other page on it.

Permalink | Comments? | Tags: TV/Movies | id 5993

15:35 (utc-5)
edited: 23:04 (utc-5)

lgf: The Legacy of a Mass Murderer. It's about Arafat. There's a short movie I'd like to watch.
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Glenn Reynolds rounds up some cold water poured on the "stolen election" claims going around. That's not quite the same topic as the one I posted about earlier, but hopefully it'll have some info pertaining to it. Update: another article via Drudge. Update: Glenn has more.
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Serenity stuff

Some Serenity stuff at WHEDONesque. April, just around the corner! I have such a fear that the movie will be brilliant and wonderful but fail at the box office.

Seriously, screw Shyamalan, I want to see Whedon as the big star director. Here's hoping that he'll be directing X-Men 3 like the rumors say is a possibility.

Permalink | Comments? | Tags: TV/Movies | id 5990

03:45 (utc-5)

A tribute to John Ashcroft

I've been wanting to say something about John Ashcroft resigning his post as Attorney General. I'm sorry to see him go. This post at Power Line puts it well:

Ashcroft's mandate was clear, and he carried it out more successfully than, at that time, I would have considered possible... For that, John Ashcroft deserves a big share of the credit. He has our respect and our thanks for a job superbly well done.

Another one of the site's authors adds:

To me John Ashcroft is the unsung hero of the Bush administration. He has worked tirelessly to make this country safe and has received mostly vilification for his efforts. But then, the left vilified him above all others from the day he was nominated. His original sin, as far as I can tell, is his religious faith.

Update: Roger Simon lauds Ashcroft:

Then 9-11 came and Ashcroft's job became quite serious... We owe Ashcroft a debt of gratitude for his service during exceptionally difficult times. And personally, I think I have learned something from him in a strange way. I used to be rather intolerant of people of faith. I am now less so.

Permalink | Comments? | Tags: Opinions/Politics | id 5989

01:45 (utc-5)
edited: 15:55 (utc-5)