owenfromcanada

Math! Also, noise!

There are algorithms (a set of math steps) that make pseudo-random numbers. These usually involve large prime numbers, because those usually generate fewer repeating patterns.

A truly random number generator is similar to rolling dice: you use some source of randomness and convert it to a number. All electric circuits produce "noise" (which is often received radio waves and such that interfere with the circuits). Think of tuning a radio to a channel with nothing on it--you get "white noise", which can be a good source of random information. Then all you need to do is convert that to a range of numbers, and you're good to go.

These are fairly simplified explanations, so take them with a grain of salt, but they give the general idea.

Not aware of Bill Hicks' take, but marketing effectively amounts to manipulating people into buying things that they otherwise would not.

I use this one regularly

So he can practice his scales.

Probably sleep late, then spend some quiet afternoons digging through the wreckage for a can of something that doesn't seem too radioactive. Maybe get into painting or something.

About 15 years ago, my dad was doing some work on a manufacturing line and needed some technical drawings done (schematics, wiring diagrams, and panel layouts). I was just starting college, but had learned Autocad in high school, so he hired me to make them.

It paid well, and me being relatively inexperienced, I went the extra mile to make them clear, readable, and easy to work with. I think I did several dozen pages of drawings.

Just this year, my dad was chatting with someone from that plant about something unrelated. The person asked how I was doing, and said those drawings were still the best ones anyone had done for them. Felt pretty good.

I usually move static assignments outside the DHCP range, but in general, most routers will avoid re-allocating it even if it's within the DHCP range.

It's actually based on a string of jokes I posted in this community. But that's a fun interpretation! I just added the rubber band as a red herring.

Yeah, does anyone else remember the menu bars that would show up and disappear depending on what you were doing? Those were awful--the ribbon method of context-specific tabs is better (IMO).

Haven't heard that one before. Brilliant.