REALbasic 2005 for Linux

REALbasic 2005 (Now called XoJo)

REALbasic says:

“REALbasic 2005 for Linux provides a solution to two issues in the Linux market,” stated Geoff Perlman, president and CEO of REAL Software. “First is the lack of a good Visual Basic-like development environment and the second is the lack of desktop software for Linux. We believe Linux users can benefit from using REALbasic’s powerful, visual development capabilities.”

You can get the Public Beta to try it. Interesting. So if you are an ol’ time BASIC guy (shamefaced… like me.) Then, you, too, can hack out some code on Linux. Sounds like fun!

UPDATE: They have changed their name to XoJo.

Former Linux Architect Moves to Microsoft

This article:
Former Linux Architect Moves to Microsoft
gives me pause! The “main man” at Gentoo Linux, selling out to the “Evil Empire?!?!” What is the world coming to? Also, you have to believe that they are trying to learn what they can about “the other side” in order to take them out! I don’t like it. But then, they didn’t ask me.

I do believe, however, that it means that M$ is taking Open Source as a serious treat. It’s funny that mega-monopoly M$’s biggest competitor is Open Source!

Fedora Core 4 is Out!

Red Hat has announced that Fedora Core 4 is out and on the mirrors. At the same time, CentOS 4.1 has been spotted on some mirrors as well. While I like Fedora… I really, REALLY like CentOS! I mainly work with web servers, and since I am “server oriented,� I just prefer the less than cutting edge distro for stability. So, on my servers I will stick with CentOS. As far as Linux desktops… I like Linspire. Yeah, I know, it isn’t “truly free,� but it is cool. If you want a free, and similar-to-Linspire desktop, then go with free Debian Linux. It isn’t as easy to install as Linspire… in fact, NOTHING is easier to install as Linspire… but you can set it up… and once up, the “apt get� update utility allows you to keep it current. In fact, Linspire’s “CNR� client/server update and software installation tool is built right on top of “apt get.� So, go forth and play!

L-Glutamine: The Craving Fighter!

L-Glutamine is an amino acid that is quite prevalent in the body naturally. Sir Hans Krebs, a pioneer in glutamine research, stated once that “most amino acids have multiple functions, but glutamine appears to be the most versatile.” Let’s look at what L-Glutamine is, and what it does with regard to the body.

“L-Glutamine is an amino acid, and amino acids are small molecules used by the human body to construct proteins. L-Glutamine is part of many of the proteins our bodies produce, including proteins in muscles, immune cells and the protective lining of the intestines.

Under normal circumstances, the body is capable of manufacturing all the L-Glutamine it needs to create these proteins. When the body is under stress from illness or even vigorous exercise, muscle tissue releases L-Glutamine to meet immediate demands in other parts of the body.

Some nutritionists believe that the body’s demand for glutamine may exceed its ability to produce it when the body is under stress for a long period of time, as in HIV infection. One study presented at the 1989 world AIDS conference suggested that the glutamine levels in people with AIDS are 30 per cent lower than they are in both HIV-negative people and those who are newly infected.”1

Under these circumstances (stress or exercise,) supplementing L-Glutamine would therefore be recommended. Stress can also come in many forms. In one of my natural health classes, my instructor, Dr. Dennis Frerking said, “There are three forms of stress: structural, emotional or spiritual.” Any of these types of stress can deplete the body’s nutrients and lead to disease (dis – ease,) that is, a lack of “ease” in the body. That can be one definition of disease. And, in fact, many recent studies indicate the importance of stress with relation to disease. Supplementing L-Glutamine can benefit immune response.

“Glutamine is an important component of many of the proteins in human white cells. Ensuring the body has adequate levels of glutamine at its disposal may also help it to maintain its levels of immune cells. One small study of patients who had undergone bone marrow transplants and were being fed intravenously showed higher levels of CD4+ and CD8+ cells during recovery in those given glutamine. Several studies have shown that people recovering from serious illnesses and operations have fewer infections when they’re given supplements of glutamine. It is not clear what sort of effect glutamine would have on the immune system of an HIV-positive person.”2

This is not to suggest that L-Glutamine is a “cure” for HIV infection. Simply that L-Glutamine helps support the immune system. Therefore, it is beneficial in maintaining good health.

One of the main reasons to consider L-Glutamine supplementation, however, is “closer to the heart” of those on diets! That is, it’s ability to relieve symptoms of craving. L-Glutamine appears to act on the brain directly to naturally suppress and relieve cravings.

“Glutamic acid, with the help of vitamin B6 and manganese, is also a precursor of gaba (gamma-aminobutyric acid), an important neurotransmitter in the central nervous system. Glutamic acid helps transport potassium into the spinal fluid and is itself an excitatory neurotransmitter. (gaba, however, is inhibitory.) Glutamic acid thus has been used in the treatment of fatigue, parkinsonism, schizophrenia, mental retardation, muscular dystrophy, and alcoholism. Supplemented as L-Glutamine, it penetrates the blood-brain barrier and can be used as a brain fuel. Research has shown that L-Glutamine, in a dose of 500 mg. four times daily, decreases the craving for alcohol. This amino acid is now commonly used in alcoholism clinics. L-Glutamine also seems to reduce the craving for sugar and carbohydrates and so may be helpful for some people in dealing with obesity or sugar abuse. It may also help in the healing of ulcers.”3

So we see that L-Glutamine is extremely useful in fighting cravings, especially those related to carbohydrate and sugar! This is a major reason to consider L-Glutamine if you are burdened with uncontrollable desire for carbohydrates. In one study, on a college campus, two groups of students were allowed free access to vending machines with high sugar foods. One group was given L-Glutamine while the other was given a placebo. The placebo group consumed four times as much sweets as the L-Glutamine group.

L-Glutamine has been used, with great success, in fighting other types of cravings and addictions. In a controlled study a group of Alcoholics were supplemented with L-Glutamine without their knowledge (L-Glutamine is odorless.) A reduction in alcohol consumption was seen in 77% of the cases.

“The amino acid (protein building block) glutamine appears to blunt the craving for alcohol in human research studies. Take 200 mg glutamine in tablet or capsule form 5 times daily for 6 weeks. If effective, your response should be improvement of sleep, lessened anxiety, and a reduced desire to drink.”4

Supplementation with L-Glutamine is recommended to suppress cravings while dieting, or while fighting any uncontrolled urge. L-Glutamine is the “craving fighter!”

1 and 2 “L-Glutamine” Michael Smith, Associate Dean of Research, The Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine, January 2000

3 “Staying Healthy with Nutrition, The Complete Guide to Diet and Nutritional Medicine”, Elson M. Haas, M.D., Celestial Arts.

4 “The Doctor’s Complete Guide to Vitamins and Minerals,” Mary Dan Eades, M.D., Dell Publishing Group, May 1994.

Censorship and Technology

Should we censor ourselves because a country like China doesn’t want its citizens to hear nasty words like “freedomâ€? and “democracy?â€? BetaNews reports today that: “Following the lead of competitors Yahoo and Google, Microsoft has blocked the use of words such as ‘democracy’ and ‘human rights’ in some of its services for Chinese users – including its Spaces blogs. The move is likely to appease the Chinese government, which has strongly urged Web sites to self-censor themselves.â€? Should we “cave” to such requests? In a word, “No!â€? We shouldn’t refrain from saying exactly what we think. That is the beauty of the Internet, and blogging, specifically… if you don’t like what I say, you can comment, or you can write your own blog… but such “ominousâ€? concepts as freedom will still get through to Chinese readers even if the ‘net at large does try to appease China’s oppressive government. Freedom is like a virus… it is communicable, and it spreads!

We should continue to say what we think, be free to speak our minds, and engage in critical thinking! “Big Brother,â€? whether in China, or any other country, has no right to force “his” thoughts on the citizenry. I have found technology to be a force for freedom, and freedom of expression. The Internet, and its related technologies certainly is! And, by quickly, and efficiently, disseminating information, I believe it will continue to “spreadâ€? freedom of thought… even if some try and use censorship as the “cureâ€? to it!

So, come on American corporations… stay on the side of freedom… don’t take a stand against it!

More M$ Security Patches Coming!

Microsoft (which I like to shorten to M$, for various reasons) is preparing to release 10 new “Security Fixesâ€? this coming Tuesday. BetaNews says: “Microsoft on Tuesday will release patches for 10 security vulnerabilities, 7 of which affect Windows with a maximum rating of “Critical” – the company’s highest designation. Microsoft will also issue its monthly update to the Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool, which detects and removes malware. Aside from Windows patches, Microsoft Exchange Server will receive a fix for an “Important” vulnerability while Microsoft Services for Unix and ISA Server each will receive a “Moderate” security update.â€?

Can anyone still doubt that no matter how much M$ tries to fix it’s software, it is still horribly bug ridden and full of security holes? It comes from a culture at M$ of “we are Microsoft, we are right, we are in control,� meanwhile they let simple buffer overflow bugs slip through their quality control process… (I assume they have one!) Anyway, until we are all using Linux, and Open Source, we will have to put up with these shenanigans, I suppose. But you would think one of the richest companies in the world could do better! Wouldn’t you?

Vitamin C: A Miracle Vitamin!

In a study in the Journal of Epidemiology (May, 1992) a report indicated that people who have high blood levels of vitamin C live SIX years longer than those who have lower blood levels! The Vitamin C Foundation states: “The optimum intake is likely to be in the region of 1,000 mg (1 gram) to 10,000 mg (10 grams) per day. If you are in the grips of cardiovascular disease, an infectious or immune system disease, or cancer the ideal level may be much higher. If you drink excessive amounts of alcohol, live in a polluted city, have a stressful lifestyle, take drugs including aspirin, or smoke, your optimal intake will again be raised. An intake of 200 to 300 mg of vitamin C per day is required to raise the average smoker’s vitamin C level to that of a non-smoker. An intake of around 50 mg per cigarette probably affords maximum protection. Albert Szent Gyorgi, who isolated vitamin C in 1928, recommends 1 gram daily. Dr. Michael Colgan takes 5 grams daily. Dr. Linus Pauling takes 10 to 18 grams daily.”

I, personally, take 3 grams of vitamin C daily! Why? Because studies show that Vitamin C, even in so called “mega-dosesâ€? help support your overall health. In his article, “Vitamin C: How Much Is Enough?” Patrick Holford states, “The immune system depends on having healthy immune cells and associated molecules such as antibodies. Vitamin C is essential for both. Antibody production increases on supplementing 1 gram of vitamin C. It is also needed for interferon, complement, and prostaglandin production, and is essential for the proper function of immune cells such as lymphocytes and leukocytes. A recent study showed, in the test tube, that vitamin C can even inactivate the HIV virus. Thanks to the work of Linus Pauling and his co-workers we know that 10 grams of vitamin C doubles the life expectancy of cancer patients, and, in some cases effects a complete cure. It’s role is even more pivotal in cardiovascular disease, which is now being postulated as the long-term consequence of vitamin C deficiency. Just about every marker of cardiovascular disease: arterial damage, high blood cholesterol levels, low HDL levels, high levels of oxidized cholesterol, and thick blood are all improved by adequate vitamin C intake at levels up to 10 grams a day. Vitamin C increases resistance to stress, lessens allergic reactions, helps arthritic conditions, slows down the aging process and improves energy production. Beneficial effects of vitamin C in human trials tend to increase with the amount given up to, and above, 10 grams per day. On the basis of research into vitamin C’s effect on disease states it would appear that an intake of somewhere between 1 and 10 grams may be optimal simply for maintaining optimal function of the immune, endocrine and cardiovascular system.”

The US RDA for vitamin C is only about 90mg… this is FAR short of the optimum amount needed to act as an antioxidant, benefit heart function and support overall health. I would encourage you to consider taking additional vitamin C to support your own good health and well-being!

Mac on Intel?

I lot of folks are very excited about Apple announcing that they plan on moving to an Intel processor. Well, let’s put that into perspective! They also said that they are still a HARDWARE company! They have no plans to sell OS/X without a system. Don’t get the idea that you will be able to run OS/X on your beige box! However, what it will give Apple are much faster processors! Motorola has had a very hard time trying to play “gHz keep up” with Intel. Now, Apple can have MUCH faster boxes… and they still plan to sell those boxes. How long will it take until someone runs Windows on a Mac box? Not long… in fact, there was some talk of a “dual boot” environment. We’ll see. I don’t know that Apple would benefit from such a configuration. Now, how long will it take for an enterprising hacker to run OS/X on a “home built” Intel box? Not long! Then what? Well, Apple’s market share SHOULD go up… though it will be with them kicking and screaming! I don’t think they “get” true MASS marketing!

Geek Software EXTRA- Skype

How often do you think about your telephone? Me too, not much. Telephones have become fairly ubiquitous. In fact, in technical (geek) circles the phone system is referred to as POTS (“Plain Old Telephone System”.) I kid you not! The new “buzz” in telephony is VoIP, or “Voice
over Internet Protocol”… Vonage is one company that is doing this in a big way… they are connecting people to the POTS system with an Internet (broadband) connection. But, WHAT IF you didn’t connect to POTS at all? What if you just created an ALL IP based phone system? And what if it was FREE? Imagine calling someone and talking to them over your computer and Internet connection, for as long as you wanted, anywhere in the world… for FREE! That is what Skype is. My Geek Software EXTRA this week is Skype. You simply download the software (they have a client for Windows, Mac and Linux), install it, and then talk over your computer (it is best to get a headset with headphones and “boom” microphone for about $40.00) to any other Skype user for free! Plus, you can conference call to multiple Skype users for free as well!

Let’s say that you travel overseas and want to talk to someone back in the States… now you can, as long as you want, for free! So how does Skype make any money? Well, if you DO want to connect to, and call, a POTS user (normal phone line telephone number,) then THAT will cost you. But as long as you are talking Skype to Skype… then it is free! So, don’t call your friend, Skype them!

https://www.skype.com

My Skype ID is: drbillbailey

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