On Mar 31, 2017 13:09, Will Godfrey <willgodfrey@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote: > > There has been much argument as to whether a graphical interface is best with > independent windows, or with a single window (with or without tabs). Here in > the Yoshimi workshop, the only type of arguments we like are the startup CLI > ones! Therefore we've been working on a quite novel idea. > > This came about when one of our team (who still uses a CRT monitor) found that > a cheap ionizer dramatically reduced the static discharges he kept getting. He > quickly realised that ionization could be used to control both static > attraction and repulsion. Thinking there must be an enhanced IT equivalent he > hacked up some software ionization code. > > The idea actually worked. Damp down one window's positive charges and the > other's negative component and they'd immediately stick together - overlapping > (trying to balance their fields). He called this a 'Polarising Object > Stratifier'. Making the windows repel was a bit of a problem as they tended to > get a bit agressive and would fly right off the edges of the screen. > > We were a bit surprised when Mary spoke up. > "It's on a CRT right? So why not use an ion trap magnet?" > We didn't know she was old enough to remember them (nobody was brave enough to > ask her age). Then after a pause. "Everything else is software these days, so > why not a software IoT magnet?" She was on a roll now, and seeing the disbelief > on our faces, said, "Oh you wimps! Can't even sort out this P.O.S. I'll code it > myself with Ada." > > What can I say? She built it, and it worked. However, the IoT magnet had to be > treated with care - it wouldn't do for it to interfere with other unrelated > systems. As the associated hardware was designed and built by most of the team > we decided to call it the Joint Unified Node Controller. > > Things were going really well. Everyone thought putting P.O.S. code into IoT > J.U.N.C. was a great idea. With some fine tuning of both electrostatic and > magnetic fields in windows, Bonded Ordinate Tracking 'nets' could be made to > attach to each other as a single blob, discretely slip under to work unseen, or > tuck themselves almost out of sight into the corners. They jiggled a bit - > rather adding to the charm. The PR and marketing departments were ecstatic. > > That was yesterday. > > Anyone remember the thunderstorm? We'll never forget it! There was a lightning > strike almost directly overhead. > > We'd left the unit on test overnight and think all those finely balanced forces > were suddenly released, and at the same time the strength of the IoT magnet > must have increased by many orders of magnitude. Fortunately there was nobody > in the building. However, when we went in this morning, we were sorry to see > the kit had sort-of imploded. > > That thunderstorm must have really been something. It seems to have taken out > our ISP for several hours, though he rang me around 2am ranting about something > called a zero day, and service denial. I told him I hadn't a clue what he was > talking about and that I was sure he'd sort out whatever his problem was during > the morning. Well, I think a cigar would make an interesting musical instrument/user interface. Especially if it was filled with magical, mystical herbs. ;) David W. Jones gnome@xxxxxxxxxxxxx authenticity, honesty, community http://dancingtreefrog.com _______________________________________________ Linux-audio-user mailing list Linux-audio-user@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx http://lists.linuxaudio.org/listinfo/linux-audio-user
