The idea of starting a compulsory national database of DNA profiles was deemed "unpractical and morally questionable" by the home office.
Now, only people who are detained for a criminal act have their DNA sampled and submitted to the current database, even when no charges are pressed.
This is great news! It's a dangerous slope to go down to, getting the DNA of evry individual citizen. It would also take a very long time indeed. Getting somebodies (1 person) dna (through the Polymerase Chain Reaction and tandem pair recognition method) into a database takes only a couple of hourse, and a good 15 minutes of a labworkers time.
At a relaxed pace a phorensic DNA lab could run about three tests per PCR/TPR machine per day, without cutting much into the time of labworkers. DNA samples provided by the police, taken from arrested criminals would be given priority of course. let's say 6 tests * 5 days a week * 51 weeks a year = 1530 tests per lab per year.
Even if the government called up on the civillian "market" for DNA analysis, limited itself to just the demographics most prone to criminal behavior, it would take an extremely long time.
This can be worked around though; working in a continuous fashion, taking the DNA from people at (say) age 12, maybe even outsourcing the majority of the work to India or China, they could have a sizeable Database withing aproximately ten years, much faster if a lot of money is trown at it.
So make no mistake, it could be done. I like to believe that the Brittish government still cares a bit about steering away from Orwells predictions, maybe they just being cheap :p
Saturday, February 23, 2008
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
Oil now at $100 per barrel
Well, I don't think prices will be dropping fast, if at all.
Soon, gasoline will no longer be economic to be used in cars, and the petrochemical sector will finally start to restrict the use of crude oil to polymers (plastics) and medication!
By then, let's hope we've got some decent alternatives.
Soon, gasoline will no longer be economic to be used in cars, and the petrochemical sector will finally start to restrict the use of crude oil to polymers (plastics) and medication!
By then, let's hope we've got some decent alternatives.
Sunday, February 17, 2008
Belgium celebrates the day of the artisan.
A lot of artisans and craftsmen opened up their shops to the general public today. On the news: a woodcarver and a micro-brewery brewing a local specialty.
There were calls to not let these forms of art, traditions and products that have additional value over mass produced num-equivalents go to waste.
I hope that the future will bring prosperity to the degreee that people can continue to do these things in their ample spare time, or alow rich patrons of the arts to support people with the skills to provide others with these amazing objects and foodstuffs.
Litterary equivalent: The diamond age by Stephenson: the Victorians buying handmade objects such as furniture and paper for their artistic value, in spite of being able to have them made by advanced machinery.
There were calls to not let these forms of art, traditions and products that have additional value over mass produced num-equivalents go to waste.
I hope that the future will bring prosperity to the degreee that people can continue to do these things in their ample spare time, or alow rich patrons of the arts to support people with the skills to provide others with these amazing objects and foodstuffs.
Litterary equivalent: The diamond age by Stephenson: the Victorians buying handmade objects such as furniture and paper for their artistic value, in spite of being able to have them made by advanced machinery.
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Piezoelectric fibers
Piezoelectricity has always been a fascinating concept to me, getting electrical energy directly out of friction. Now, humans have succeeded in growing piezo-active fibres around kevlar, this opens perspectives to turning objects like clothes, flags and sails into power generators.
Will you soon be recharging your cellphone by plugging it into your pants? Will you save on your power bill by putting wall to wall piezocarpet into your appartement?
Read more on wired.com!
Will you soon be recharging your cellphone by plugging it into your pants? Will you save on your power bill by putting wall to wall piezocarpet into your appartement?
Read more on wired.com!
Monday, February 11, 2008
Reflection upon the tax system.
Hat tip to TSLR:
Suppose that every day, ten men go out for beer and the bill for all ten comes to $100. If they paid their bill the way we pay our taxes, it would go something like this:
The first four men (the poorest) would pay nothing.
The fifth would pay $1.
The sixth would pay $3.
The seventh would pay $7.
The eighth would pay $12.
The ninth would pay $18.
The tenth man (the richest) would pay $59.
So, that's what they decided to do. The ten men drank in the bar every day and seemed quite happy with the arrangement, until one day, the owner threw them a curve. He said, "Since you are all such good customers, I'm going to reduce the cost of your daily beer by $20. Drinks for the ten now cost just $80."
The group still wanted to pay their bill the way we pay our taxes, so the first four men were unaffected. They would still drink for free. But what about the other six men -- the paying customers?
How could they divide the $20 windfall so that everyone would get his "fair share"? They realized that $20 divided by six is $3.33.
But if they subtracted that from everybody's share, then the fifth man and the sixth man would each end up being paid to drink his beer. So the bar owner suggested that it would be fair to reduce each man's bill by roughly the same amount, and he proceeded to work out the amounts each should pay!
And so:
The fifth man, like the first four, now paid nothing (100% savings).
The sixth now paid $2 instead of $3 (33%savings).
The seventh now pay $5 instead of $7 (28%savings).
The eighth now paid $9 instead of $12 (25% savings).
The ninth now paid $14 instead of $18 (22% savings).
The tenth now paid $49 instead of $59 (16% savings).
Each of the six was better off than before. And the first four continued to drink for free. But once outside the restaurant, the men began to compare their savings.
"I only got a dollar out of the $20," declared the sixth man. He pointed to the tenth man, "but he got $10!"
"Yeah, that's right,' exclaimed the fifth man. "I only saved a dollar, too. It's unfair that he got ten times more than I!"
"That's true!!"shouted the seventh man. "Why should he get $10 back when I got only $2? The wealthy get all the breaks!"
"Wait a minute," yelled the first four men in unison. "We didn't get anything at all. The system exploits the poor!"
The nine men surrounded the tenth and beat him up.
The next night the tenth man didn't show up for drinks, so the nine sat down and had beers without him. But when it came time to pay the bill, they discovered something important. They didn't have enough money between all of them for even half of the bill!
And that, boys and girls, journalists and college professors, is how our tax system works. The people who pay the highest taxes get the most benefit from a tax reduction. Tax them too much, attack them for being wealthy, and they just may not show up any more. In fact, they might start drinking overseas where the atmosphere is somewhat friendlier.
David R. Kamerschen, Ph.D.
Professor of Economics, University of Georgia
Suppose that every day, ten men go out for beer and the bill for all ten comes to $100. If they paid their bill the way we pay our taxes, it would go something like this:
The first four men (the poorest) would pay nothing.
The fifth would pay $1.
The sixth would pay $3.
The seventh would pay $7.
The eighth would pay $12.
The ninth would pay $18.
The tenth man (the richest) would pay $59.
So, that's what they decided to do. The ten men drank in the bar every day and seemed quite happy with the arrangement, until one day, the owner threw them a curve. He said, "Since you are all such good customers, I'm going to reduce the cost of your daily beer by $20. Drinks for the ten now cost just $80."
The group still wanted to pay their bill the way we pay our taxes, so the first four men were unaffected. They would still drink for free. But what about the other six men -- the paying customers?
How could they divide the $20 windfall so that everyone would get his "fair share"? They realized that $20 divided by six is $3.33.
But if they subtracted that from everybody's share, then the fifth man and the sixth man would each end up being paid to drink his beer. So the bar owner suggested that it would be fair to reduce each man's bill by roughly the same amount, and he proceeded to work out the amounts each should pay!
And so:
The fifth man, like the first four, now paid nothing (100% savings).
The sixth now paid $2 instead of $3 (33%savings).
The seventh now pay $5 instead of $7 (28%savings).
The eighth now paid $9 instead of $12 (25% savings).
The ninth now paid $14 instead of $18 (22% savings).
The tenth now paid $49 instead of $59 (16% savings).
Each of the six was better off than before. And the first four continued to drink for free. But once outside the restaurant, the men began to compare their savings.
"I only got a dollar out of the $20," declared the sixth man. He pointed to the tenth man, "but he got $10!"
"Yeah, that's right,' exclaimed the fifth man. "I only saved a dollar, too. It's unfair that he got ten times more than I!"
"That's true!!"shouted the seventh man. "Why should he get $10 back when I got only $2? The wealthy get all the breaks!"
"Wait a minute," yelled the first four men in unison. "We didn't get anything at all. The system exploits the poor!"
The nine men surrounded the tenth and beat him up.
The next night the tenth man didn't show up for drinks, so the nine sat down and had beers without him. But when it came time to pay the bill, they discovered something important. They didn't have enough money between all of them for even half of the bill!
And that, boys and girls, journalists and college professors, is how our tax system works. The people who pay the highest taxes get the most benefit from a tax reduction. Tax them too much, attack them for being wealthy, and they just may not show up any more. In fact, they might start drinking overseas where the atmosphere is somewhat friendlier.
David R. Kamerschen, Ph.D.
Professor of Economics, University of Georgia
Thursday, February 7, 2008
Walmart arcology?
I just read that walmart will be opeing up medical facilities in some stores ...
People have attempted to "live" in walmarts, they offer food, shelter, restrooms, now medical facilities ... couple that with a decent café/resteaurant and a motel, coupled to an office building, and you're halfway towards arcology.
Okay not really, but they're a coming, you hear!
People have attempted to "live" in walmarts, they offer food, shelter, restrooms, now medical facilities ... couple that with a decent café/resteaurant and a motel, coupled to an office building, and you're halfway towards arcology.
Okay not really, but they're a coming, you hear!
Paying with Euro's in the big apple
Shopkeeprs in NYC are beginning to accept Euros as legal tender, eyeing the poor exchange rate of the us dollar. The same low rate has attracted boatloads of tourists whose money will buy a lot more accross the pond.
Inflation can be a very painfull affair indeed ... now if you excuse me, I'm going to check out radioshacks overseas shipping policy.
Inflation can be a very painfull affair indeed ... now if you excuse me, I'm going to check out radioshacks overseas shipping policy.
Tuesday, February 5, 2008
Drugs in the future?
It's been a recurring, if not central element in cyberpunk and science fiction: widespread use of legal dugs.
William Gibson shaped his sprawl flooded with designer drugs, and the inability to consume them was a major factor in convincing the main character of "neuromancer" to join Armitrages crew, similar themes exist throughout the other two books of the sprawl triology.
The BBC made a great short movie with very strong cuberpunk themes to accompany "the If debate" ... if drugs were legal. Which emulates the future with almost complete drug legalization: the good sides the bad sides, police and corporate world and criminals etc. ...
The government in Huxleys "brave new world" used drugs to control the population, todays situation is similar in a paradoxal way.
Thousands of people go to jail on drug related charges, often victimless crimes. These people come out of jail economically weaker, destitute sometimes. Their property is often seized and sold to further the means of hunting down drug criminals; the proceeds of selling seized property fuel the militarisation of police forces.
No-Knock warrants are a hazard to both the residents of the house being invaded, and the police officers carrying out the warrant. All of this despite the meager amounts of drugs seized on average. Still, these actions are a major source of revenue, which serves to strengthen the seizing forces even more.
This money comes from ordinary citizens who buy drugs. Ideally, the consumers will stay out of jail and keep pumping money into the black market. Then police officers will be able to seize the money (and hopefully arrest a professional criminal in the process). No other tax system drains the population so effectively of money, which they willingly give up.
Why on earth would a government decriminalize drugs? It wouldn't really have a huge impact on availability to come down harder or softer, and they could be taxed. But those taxes are nowhere near the funds seized from the drug trade, especially if you can build a police force that seizes as much as possible from criminals without destroying the black market entirely.
Meanwhile, the war on drugs is a great "reason" to maintain a strong police force, and it provides tools of propaganda for the war on terror, as well as effectively making a growing demographic a slave to the penal system.
In comes the incorporated government: Would they legalise drug use?
If it would benefit them, then yes. If it would allow them to permanently bind employees without causing significant damage to profits, yes. If it would reduce the cost of keeping a working population entertained during their time off, yes. If it would allow them to prolong a mans working day without loss of concentration, yes. If it would make people break down and die before the age of retirement, yes. If it would turn their corporate slaves into an apathic mass unable to rise up and break free ... of course they will.
William Gibson shaped his sprawl flooded with designer drugs, and the inability to consume them was a major factor in convincing the main character of "neuromancer" to join Armitrages crew, similar themes exist throughout the other two books of the sprawl triology.
The BBC made a great short movie with very strong cuberpunk themes to accompany "the If debate" ... if drugs were legal. Which emulates the future with almost complete drug legalization: the good sides the bad sides, police and corporate world and criminals etc. ...
The government in Huxleys "brave new world" used drugs to control the population, todays situation is similar in a paradoxal way.
Thousands of people go to jail on drug related charges, often victimless crimes. These people come out of jail economically weaker, destitute sometimes. Their property is often seized and sold to further the means of hunting down drug criminals; the proceeds of selling seized property fuel the militarisation of police forces.
No-Knock warrants are a hazard to both the residents of the house being invaded, and the police officers carrying out the warrant. All of this despite the meager amounts of drugs seized on average. Still, these actions are a major source of revenue, which serves to strengthen the seizing forces even more.
This money comes from ordinary citizens who buy drugs. Ideally, the consumers will stay out of jail and keep pumping money into the black market. Then police officers will be able to seize the money (and hopefully arrest a professional criminal in the process). No other tax system drains the population so effectively of money, which they willingly give up.
Why on earth would a government decriminalize drugs? It wouldn't really have a huge impact on availability to come down harder or softer, and they could be taxed. But those taxes are nowhere near the funds seized from the drug trade, especially if you can build a police force that seizes as much as possible from criminals without destroying the black market entirely.
Meanwhile, the war on drugs is a great "reason" to maintain a strong police force, and it provides tools of propaganda for the war on terror, as well as effectively making a growing demographic a slave to the penal system.
In comes the incorporated government: Would they legalise drug use?
If it would benefit them, then yes. If it would allow them to permanently bind employees without causing significant damage to profits, yes. If it would reduce the cost of keeping a working population entertained during their time off, yes. If it would allow them to prolong a mans working day without loss of concentration, yes. If it would make people break down and die before the age of retirement, yes. If it would turn their corporate slaves into an apathic mass unable to rise up and break free ... of course they will.
Monday, February 4, 2008
The Q bacteria
After processing a wheat or corn harvest, a lot of "waste" remains. Many plant parts contain very though components such as cellulose (found in cotton, paper, wood etc. ...)
A new bacteria, equipped with amazingly strong enzymes, is capable of digesting cellulose and turning it into ethanol, which is suited as generator fuel, carburant and a reagens in the production of ethylene, gasoline and plastics.
Our society, which relies heavely on hydrocarbons as a means of energy storage and transport, will endure long after the oil well have dried up.
...
Oh yeah, this means we can now make booze out of kudzu!
A new bacteria, equipped with amazingly strong enzymes, is capable of digesting cellulose and turning it into ethanol, which is suited as generator fuel, carburant and a reagens in the production of ethylene, gasoline and plastics.
Our society, which relies heavely on hydrocarbons as a means of energy storage and transport, will endure long after the oil well have dried up.
...
Oh yeah, this means we can now make booze out of kudzu!
Sunday, February 3, 2008
New tool to track people.
Hair could already be screened for drug metabolites, allowing investigators to track a subjects (1) history of drug (ab)use. Now, hair samples could also be used to track said subjects whereabouts throughout time.
Studying the compositions of a trees annual rings allows scientists to determine the composition of the soil as well as other enviromental factors. Human hair also absorbs certain agents from it's enviroment. By analysing the exact composition of a hair, and comparing it to reference samples taken at a location, it is now possible to determine when someone has spent time at a certain place, and for how long.
This new technology is of course being touted as a crime-fighting tool, as well as a means of screening people applying for political asylum.
1: ambiguity intended
Studying the compositions of a trees annual rings allows scientists to determine the composition of the soil as well as other enviromental factors. Human hair also absorbs certain agents from it's enviroment. By analysing the exact composition of a hair, and comparing it to reference samples taken at a location, it is now possible to determine when someone has spent time at a certain place, and for how long.
This new technology is of course being touted as a crime-fighting tool, as well as a means of screening people applying for political asylum.
1: ambiguity intended
Saturday, February 2, 2008
Biofuel aviation
Airbus just had a plane fly on a combination of kerosene and GTL.
GTL being the lazyman equivalent of "Gas To Liquid", essentially a liquid carburant made from natural gas. Natural gas: methane, ethane and some other light hydrocarbons can easely be made on an industrial scale, as well as in your backyard. A big enough pile of pig manure is a great source of methane. Farmers across Holland are using "biogas" installations.
One thing I love about mankind: We will always find a way to cope with our problems. when oil runs out, there will be alternatives. The minions might not be able to afford them though ... something to keep in mind.
GTL being the lazyman equivalent of "Gas To Liquid", essentially a liquid carburant made from natural gas. Natural gas: methane, ethane and some other light hydrocarbons can easely be made on an industrial scale, as well as in your backyard. A big enough pile of pig manure is a great source of methane. Farmers across Holland are using "biogas" installations.
One thing I love about mankind: We will always find a way to cope with our problems. when oil runs out, there will be alternatives. The minions might not be able to afford them though ... something to keep in mind.
Friday, February 1, 2008
Ever so much bigger they grow
It was recently reported that Yahoo was laying off a rather substantial amount of people.
Now, both Microsoft and Google are bidding for ownership of the company.
Remember that governments can only dream of having the voluntairely-provided information on citizens that Google has, and that Microsoft is pretty much the biggest and most powerful player on the software market. I wonder which of them will manage to absorb sun microsystems when the time comes.
Seriously, I'm running a blog on Google servers, they know my real names, address, phone number, bank account, my mail runs through them, ...
How much do they know about you, and would you ever divulge that information to a uniformed public servant?
Now, both Microsoft and Google are bidding for ownership of the company.
Remember that governments can only dream of having the voluntairely-provided information on citizens that Google has, and that Microsoft is pretty much the biggest and most powerful player on the software market. I wonder which of them will manage to absorb sun microsystems when the time comes.
Seriously, I'm running a blog on Google servers, they know my real names, address, phone number, bank account, my mail runs through them, ...
How much do they know about you, and would you ever divulge that information to a uniformed public servant?
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