Star Trek Phaser Auto Destruct

Some thoughts about the Star Trek phaser's overload function. My main question is why did the overload function exist at all. If it was a hack by the users, why wasn't it corrected by the engineers in future editions. I mean, I remember the captain self-destructing phasers in the first Star Trek, but Riker, Wharf and others were destructing phasers still in the Next Generation.

Initially, I thought I could understand why the phaser would need a self-destruct, but since it is already a weapon of undefinable strength, namely the kill function, and the rock warming function, I can't understand why anyone would really want to blow it up.

Also, as my friend JR pointed out, could you imagine the liability insurance the phaser manufacturer must have had to pay to sell that thing to the federation? The costs must have been astronomical. I wonder, did the first edition phaser have the timer on it, or did people just blow themselves up.

Furthermore, what did the product request look like, "Dear Engineer, We'd like to add a self-destruct function to the phaser. We know we can kill, destroy, or stun anything short of a Romulan Space Cruiser, but we really want to blow ourselves and everyone around me up." What kind of request is that? Why would Starfleet, an otherwise very intelligent and benevolent group, albeit with lax rules around the prime directive, allow such a weapon to be given to its people.

Well, maybe they had Aflac and there are no lawsuits in the future. Still, I'd be worried that the Ferengi would sue the Federation over the use of such dangerous weapons. They would certainly interfere with their pursuit of Gold Pressed Latinum.

London to Close 9 Miles of Roads to Encourage Cycling

London is serious about climate change, I wish our cities would take cycling specifically, and the environment generally more seriously. However, even though it isn't here, its good to see someone trying to change transportation habits, even for just one day.

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Review: 07 Tirreno Razza 900 Road Bike

Frame: 7005 Aluminum w/ Carbon seatstays
Handlebar: PZ Racing Components 3.3 Aluminum 31.8 clamp
Stem: PZ Racing Components 5.3 Aluminum 31.8 clamp
Fork: SRC Carbon Blade/ Alloy steertube
Seatpost: PZ Racing Components 2.2 Carbon/ Alloy 27.2 x 300
Tape: Cork w/ Gel
Crankset: FSA Gossamer ISIS Compact, 50/34T
Bottom Bracket: ISIS (Platinum?)
Headset: FSA Orbit 1 1/8 integrated
Tires: Hutchinson Quartz 700x23
Chain: KMC DX10S
Saddle: Selle Italia XO Trans Am
Front Derailleur: Shimano 105 FD-5600 double 31.8 clamp
Rear Derailleur: Shimano 105 FD 5600 SS 10 speed
Shift/ Brake Levers: Shimano 105 STI 10 speed
Cassette: Shimano 105 11/23T 10speed
Brakes: Tektro R-570
Wheelset: Easton Vista
Pedals: Wellgo W-40B Look Style

Well, let me start by saying that I am 5'10" and about 240 lbs. I was definately worried about the off brand frame with carbon stays, and the Easton Velomax rims. The Velomax rims have enough spokes to support my weight, although they do produce a whispering noise while riding.

I am now about 350 miles in on the bike. I average about 22o miles per week. My biggest surprise was in the Hutchinson Quartz tires. They provide incredible grip, and have fairly low rolling resistance. I have yet to get a flat (knock on wood) and have rode over some nasty stuff with my heavy frame.

I have shorter legs and a pretty tall torso so the 54" frame seemed like a good choice. So far the cornering is great, the FSA Orbit headset is decent. I didn't like the Selle Italia Trans AM seat until I was able to adjust the seat into a more aggressive position, although I am putting a lot of weight on the fork now. From what I understand this is the way I should be set up on the bike, but it definitely makes my arms more tired.

The FSA Gossamer ISIS crank is good so far. It is really good looking in silver, it doesn't make any noise so far, although I think I'll have to replace the bottom bracket before long. It is hard to determine which ISIS bottom bracket they used and if they have the QuadMax bearings, I think it uses the ISIS Platinum which does not have the additional ring of heavy duty bearings. But so far it hasn't given me any problems.

Of course what can I say about the Shimano 105 group shifters and the Tektro R-570 brakes. They all work the way they are supposed to, there are no surprises there. Once the brakes were broken in, they worked well, but the first couple of rides I had some scary stops.

This is my first compact crank, and I notice that I do miss the 53t or 52t large ring, but all-in-all it is versatile enough for me. I am now finding myself doing decent cadences. I noticed immediately that I have much better climbing habits, and people who used to leave me behind are having a much harder time shaking me now.

While the PZ Race Components probably won't set off any bells in any one's mind, in fact it is hard to find a website for this company, their components are strong and light. The only carbon component on the bike is the seat post. All of the PZ stuff looks good and works good. So far I am really happy with this bike. It retailed for $1499, but I got it on clearance for $899. Right now Bike Nashbar has the bike in most sizes. Except for the ISIS crank everything else is on the up-and-up. The only problem with the ISIS is that everything has gone to external cranks, so getting the FSA ISIS bottom brackets has become a fairly expensive proposition. At my rate of riding, I'll probably have to replace the BB every 6 months, but for most riders it should be fine.

Anyway, it is a great bike, at a great price. If you have the bread and need a bike I'd definitely recommend it.

China backs Russia over US missile plans in Europe - Asia-Pacific

China and Russia against the US on strategic policy. That is starting to look like a new Warsaw Pact vs NATO conflict. I really hope we reconsider our position, unless we like the idea of starting at best a new cold war, and at worst world war three. Is ballistic missile defense really worth it?It certainly looks like the US and Western Europe are trying to surround northern and central Asia with weapons systems. If we really want this, why not make them partners and ask them to build the parts of the system in their areas with our help. Why are we always pitching war instead of cooperation? I can't wait until this administration changes. I just hope the rest of the world can stay cool until then.



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Microsoft Google and Yahoo not leading the Web Standards Movement

Why aren't the biggest web companies building standards compliant sites, why aren't they leading the standards movement. I'd think they have the most to gain, yet they don't help, in fact yahoo and google's sites don't even have doctype declarations.



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