I cannot believe I have never heard of Sage before (see also the online version). It is very cool. This is a cool and seemingly mature open source alternative to Mathematica/MATLAB etc. Python based, with a slick web interface.
I wonder when Google Docs will open up to let 3rd parties incorporate file-types - it would fit right in.
HT: Michael Nielson
6 May 2008
5 May 2008
The mongrel mob in NZ
I've just finished watching Ross Kemp's documentary on the NZ mongrel mob
Part 1, 2, 3 (Warning: This contains descriptions of disturbing violence)
I think overall Ross manages to make the documentary about understanding the mob more than simple sensationalism and therefore worth watching. I never knew the origins on the mob or much about changes modern recreational drugs were having.
I wasn't sure how to react. Sadness? Anger? Empathy? But I think actually this documentary exposes hope. The mob form from a dissatisfaction with the way society is and a need for strong friendship, a search for loyalty, respect and a place to belong. Heartbreakingly, this leads them to band together in a grab for power. Thoughtless, violent short-term efforts to gain respect (through violent intimidation, forced sex) and fulfillment (drugs) abound. But underneath all that, are people, needy humans trying to solve their problems. I don't have answers, but that gives me hope that there is some.
In considering the origins of the mob as hurt, abused, social welfare kids I thought of the positive. Those who do show love and acceptance to hurting children, far more than any police drug raid, are solving NZ's gang problems.
PS. It's not clear to me how trying to ban gang patches is anything other than a pointless infringement of freedom of expression (giving local councils the unilateral ability to designate a group as a gang is problematic, to say the least) and that will have little effect on the gangs who are already openly at war with society and the law.
Part 1, 2, 3 (Warning: This contains descriptions of disturbing violence)
I think overall Ross manages to make the documentary about understanding the mob more than simple sensationalism and therefore worth watching. I never knew the origins on the mob or much about changes modern recreational drugs were having.
I wasn't sure how to react. Sadness? Anger? Empathy? But I think actually this documentary exposes hope. The mob form from a dissatisfaction with the way society is and a need for strong friendship, a search for loyalty, respect and a place to belong. Heartbreakingly, this leads them to band together in a grab for power. Thoughtless, violent short-term efforts to gain respect (through violent intimidation, forced sex) and fulfillment (drugs) abound. But underneath all that, are people, needy humans trying to solve their problems. I don't have answers, but that gives me hope that there is some.
In considering the origins of the mob as hurt, abused, social welfare kids I thought of the positive. Those who do show love and acceptance to hurting children, far more than any police drug raid, are solving NZ's gang problems.
PS. It's not clear to me how trying to ban gang patches is anything other than a pointless infringement of freedom of expression (giving local councils the unilateral ability to designate a group as a gang is problematic, to say the least) and that will have little effect on the gangs who are already openly at war with society and the law.
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