New York Red Cross Needs Tech Help 337
zosa writes: "The New York American Red Cross is in dire need of technology equipment and services. The field workers and sites have little, if any, means of communication and the central office is processing way too much on completely paper systems. Your help in acquiring these resources would be greatly appreciated." You can read more over at this page. Finally something that the average Slashdot reader can do to help.
Sprint PCS (Score:5, Informative)
Sprint PCS is donating Cell phones to the red cross as we speak.
I'm sitting at my desk right now writing a script to activate the phones to the network elements and create the account.
cvg [convergys.com]
Re:Sprint PCS (Score:2, Interesting)
Sort of related to you rcomment (Score:4, Interesting)
Re:Sort of related to you rcomment (Score:2)
That's a lot of calls... but it's good to know that local companies are willing to step in and provide essential services free of charge when they're needed. It's also good to know that our telecom system can handle the unexpected increase in volume.
I'll be donating some cash to the Red Cross as soon as their systems get some relief from the flood of people... I'd be willing to help out with the tech problems they're having too, but it would be a little difficult to get from Halifax to NY at the moment.
Interesting Network Layout Challenge (Score:4, Interesting)
I'd think you'd want to use as much commodity hardware as possible -- maybe series of 802.11 hubs with integrated satelite uplinks? Definately useful for mass email, downloading instructions, etc....
Frankly, I'm a little shocked that the Army can't set 'em up on this front.
Re:Interesting Network Layout Challenge (Score:2, Interesting)
Re:Interesting Network Layout Challenge (Score:4, Interesting)
Actually, I'd want cellular modems (Score:2)
In addition, if they aren't RAIDing their database servers, they really need to. What if sore bad shit happens?
Re:The answer is None. Yet... (Score:3, Interesting)
There are two issues here. (Caveat: I used to work for FEMA. I left FEMA four years ago, so things might be better now.).
1. There has been a "movement", for years, to try to get all government agencies on one "bandwidth", technically. during the emergency. To my knowledge, it hasn't happened yet. NO FEDERAL MONEY. (For some reason, the Feds, such as FEMA, the Army, etc., haven't been too enthused about this. Not sure why.) Check out the Extreme Information Infrastructure [niusr.org] Initiative, pushed by the National Institute for Urban Search and Rescue. Still not happening. No money. During big disasters, every single agency and department is on a different wavelength using different info. Literally. Ideas like dedicated Secure Internet bandwidth have been floated, but not enough big dogs are buying into such ideas. Literally. There has not been enough money or agreement to get everyone in the same boat. The XII or something like it needs more consideration. It can work.
2. The Federal Emergency Management Agency has done great stuff getting all Federal agenies communicating together, but mostly in a post-emergency framework. The rebuilding needs,(money, again) and interim needs, the needs of those who have lost everything and sometimes everybody, both personal and commercial, are stunningly huge. To that end, in any big emergency in the USA, as soon as authorized by Presidential Declaration, FEMA rents an empty buildings, both away from and near to the area and completely installs, usually within 24 hours, a telephone system and network system for approx. 300 people. About 20-30 big blue or white trucks pull up with everything inside from telephone switches to servers to network routers, to miles of Cat5 cable and reams of connectors. Sometimes, these trucks get flown in via C-130's or C-5's cargo planes. A small army of experienced, highly qualified technicians fly in from all over the country and work 24-36 shifts to make it happen. All this stuff is for the long-term problems -- coordinating tent city needs, water supplies, electricity generators, hospital supplies, etc. Lots of etc, etc. This is the one agency that goes to "war" many, many times every year. The morale is amazingly high as these people can see everyday how they help make a difference. The stress is unbelievable. You have to get it right the first time since the People who have just lost everything don't need excuses for why something like water and basic help still hasn't arrived, yet.
Emergency Preparedness is, and always has been, the last priority on every gov't. list. It's not glamourous. It used to be worse. Until around 1990, it was considered demeaning to ask for States to ask for Federal help. It wasn't until the State Governors realized that Uncle Sam would practically give away hundreds of millions of dollars for disaster relief that FEMA started getting proper funding, at all. (Actually, FEMA sponsors grants up to around $12k and low-cost personal and commercial loans. I do wonder how much gets repaid. ) (Note: You can scream about big government or you can have good federal programs. You can't do both. ) FEMA is one agency that taxpayers can be very proud of.
ps. I just realized that the Red Cross guy mentioned in the original SlashDot article is someone I used to work with at FEMA. I think he used to be the main IT guy for FEMA in New York for that region. An outstanding person and technically brilliant across the IT field from telecomm to networks to app. development. They have the best man possible in place in NYC.
Re:Interesting Network Layout Challenge (Score:3, Informative)
The easiest way to get this network going? I'd go with DCHP and set up a firewall. Once you get those, the PC's should all automatically connect.
Then a quick file and print server. Get SQL Server going, and load your database(I am assumming the clients are using Access).
A couple of other suggestions. Forget Exchange if all you need is email. Install SLMail [seattlelab.com] instead. If you really want to get this done quickly, use a ghost program like Symantec's. Put everything you need on the first computer, set up the DHCP client and ODBC connection, then let it replicate across the network. Each user can set up his/her own email address with a copied set of instructions.
This could be done in four hours or less by a few good MS-techs.
Finally (Score:4, Funny)
almost 24 hours old...... (Score:2, Informative)
strange list (Score:2, Insightful)
MS Donating $10 Million (Score:5, Informative)
---------------
Thank you for your inquiry to Microsoft.
Microsoft Corporation has announced that it will make a donation of $10 million cash and technical services to support the relief and recovery efforts in the areas devastated by the tragic events of September 11.
The company will make a $5 million cash donation to The September 11 Fund, created by the United Way of New York City and The New York Community Trust. A remaining amount up to $5 million in services, software and volunteers will be made available to organizations serving people in the affected areas who are seeking technology-based solutions.
Microsoft will begin an outreach program to governmental agencies, nonprofit agencies and other community-based organizations to inform these organizations of the availability of technology assistance. Microsoft has already asked NPower New York, a recently created nonprofit technology service provider, to assess and dispatch technology services through their network of local agencies.
The technology assistance could possibly include:
- Providing internet access in temporary shelters,
- Creating a tracking system to assist in relief and recovery efforts,
- Coordinating technical volunteers to set up networks,
Microsoft's intent is to work with the various organizations active in the disaster and recovery response that may be ready to deploy a technology solution though an assessment of the technology needs must be made first.
For more information, please visit our website at
www.microsoft.com/giving.
Sincerely,
Microsoft Community Affairs
Re:MS Donating $10 Million (Score:2, Informative)
First of all, this is a great thing. Thanks to Microsoft and all of the corporations for their generosity in the face of this disaster.
Having said that-- does anyone know how the software component of the second $5 million is being valued? How much does it cost Microsoft that much to give out software licenses?
I'm not trying to tear down what I consider to be an act of great good-- especially as Microsoft has also donated $5 million in cash. But the overvaluing of software and information has been used in so many negative ways that I would hate to see it here. It would be somewhat tasteless to inflate your perceived generosity by valuing software at list price. Perhaps this is not at all what Microsoft is doing. Please set me straight.
Re:MS Donating $10 Million (Score:5, Interesting)
Same thing with cisco donating 4 million, how much do serious cisco routers cost? At least there is a tangible object there.
I don't want to sound overly negative, but at $10 million, it's not like MS will lose any money overall. I'm sure there is some cold hearted motherfucker who calculates this shit out to the penny. I'm sure Bill can spare a bit as well. His house _did_ cost FIFTY million.
Overall, every bit (or $10 million) helps the people in NYC, but I'm sure some more imaginative things (like actually bringing in a "shelter on a truck", or implementing a person finding system would be more productive.
I can't complain too much, something being done is still better than nothing at all.
And the Cheap Bastard Award goes to ... (Score:2, Interesting)
Think of it this way: If you made $60000 per year minus 30% for taxes, divided by 4 and multipled by .2% you would only be giving $21.00. Most people I know that have donated have given atleast $50 and all make less that $60k.
This makes me ill. Thousands died, hundreds of thousands of people will suffer some kind of financial loss and M$ can only cough up $5M. It really pisses me off ...
pherris
Re:And the Cheap Bastard Award goes to ... (Score:5, Insightful)
I simply can not STAND people who judge other charity givers. I personally make a large income for my age, and whenever I give people ALWAYS comment, "Well, that's not much for him". How dare you even have a thought of critisism against a donor. How much have YOU given? Why don't you get a part time job (on top of your full time job) so that you can donate more money. You're not doing enough. Why did you upgrade your computer? You could've donated that money. What, you bought an MP3 player while people go hungry?
What makes ME ill is your arogant attitude. You feel that you have some God given intelect that allows you to determine how much is the "right amount" for an organisation to give to the "right cause".
Some perspective... (Score:2)
Re:Before anyone criticises... (Score:3)
That's a pittance.
Moreover, MS is up to their same tricks, giving away software licenses and claiming the full retail value as a donation.
It's cheap. It's deceitful, and IMHO the IRS should be banging away at the door.
If we're cynical about MS the rest of the time, why can't we be cynical now? Bill has proven time and again that he's willing to lie to a judge and break the law just to make a buck, why should we assume all of a sudden that he's a great humanitarian?
Oh, I forgot... his company (not even Bill himself) donated $5m... And they make how many billion per year? It's a pathetic gimick, like tipping $.05 in a restaurant, to make a statement.
What wonderful human beings. I want, desperately, to carry Bill's child, because he is such a beacon to the world. [/sarcasm]
Re:Before anyone criticises... (Score:3, Interesting)
Most people (those not in the NYC area) went to Amazon, or Paypal's donation page, and quietly gave $100. They might mention it, but only to encourage others. People on Slashdot are effectively anonymous, they aren't posting "I gave $100" to make themselves look good, they're doing it to encourage others.
Now, Microsoft gave essentially sweet fuck all, and they're making a big deal of it.
I have no problem with people giving a lot, or not at all. Whatever, it's up to you. What I have a problem with is people who make a big deal about how holier than thou they are, and yet give essentially nothing.
Microsoft is giving fucking licenses, something of NO real value. And they're crowing about how wonderful they are.
Oh wow! Let me send my old OS/2 licenses, that's just as useless.
If Bill just went to the Amazon page and gave money, any ammount, and someone found out, I wouldn't care how much he gave.
It's the ulterior motive that's disgusting, they give just enough to justify notifying the press. Why did they do that? Why not send the money and not waste people's time with yet another useless press release? Because that press release and the tax write-off are the only reasons they did it.
Wireless, of course! (Score:3, Insightful)
ham radio (Score:5, Interesting)
Yet another reason why the FCC shouldn't auction off the amateur radio spectrum to corporations for a little bit of extra $$.
Re:ham radio (Score:5, Informative)
If you want to help by doing more than just participating in local ARES and RACES nets, you can actually show up to help. As of last night, the place to go was 150 Amsterdam Ave (corner of Amsterdam and 66th St. What you should really do though is check into the 147.000 (-, PL 136.5) repeater on your way into the city or the 444.050 (pl 114.8) repeater. These are controlled nets at the moment, so communicate with net control. You do not need to be currently affiliated with ARES or RACES to help. Over the next few days as the fervor dies down, operators will be needed more and more for the shelters which will be continuing to be open, as well as the support operations in the hot zone.
The area is truly a scary sight (These photos [coed.org] were taken last night by me.) and no matter where you are volunteering for them, you are supposed to participate in a debrief which includes psychological counseling if necessary.
If you are not a licensed ham, the Red Cross can still use your help, they desperatly need volunteers to man the shelters expecially nurses, doctors, and mental health professionals, but volunteers with no special training as well.
73,
Adam pennington - KB1ELI
Re:ham radio (Score:5, Informative)
Great software.... runs on XT laptops and uses 1200BPS standard Packet radio.
real-time inventory list (Score:3, Insightful)
Re:real-time inventory list (Score:2)
Re:real-time inventory list (Score:2)
Expertise is probably going to be in more demand than hardware or software - vendors and large companies will tend to provide HW & SW, but they may have a lack of people to get it set up and support it.
As always, check with them first before throwing someone in a car to go over there. There are normally some training requirements for volunteers, and I don't know how that changes in a situation like this.
Sounds like a job for SuperOEM (Score:2)
IBM (Score:2, Informative)
You may be surprised to learn that more than 1,200 IBM customers were located in the World Trade Center or within a two-block radius.
...
Currently, we're managing or have already resolved 20 full-blown emergency situations. We're rolling in large servers, thousands of ThinkPads and workstations; we're providing thousands of square feet of data center capacity; re-creating data processing environments that were destroyed; and relocating customers' operations to IBM facilities.
Check with the Red Cross FIRST. (Score:5, Informative)
Re:Check with the Red Cross FIRST. (Score:2)
Important note on donating to the Red Cross! (Score:3, Informative)
Red Cross Disaster Services only deals with new items and money, and new items are generally donated in bulk from manufacturers or retailers. Even there items are generally things that are needed for immediate care - sweatsuits, blankets, toiletries. The main exception to this is cleanup kits, which generally consist of a mop and cleaning supplies.
The preferred way to distribute assistance is money (in a way) when possible, particularly for major disasters. By providing Disbursement Orders (DOs) that local merchants have agreed to accept, the Red Cross is able to get money flowing back through affected areas. For the merchants, the DO is treated pretty much like a check, except they send it to the Red Cross instead of depositing it at their bank.
In general, Disaster Services is geared to provide support only during the disaster itself (Mass Care/shelters) and for a few days afterward while people get back on their feet (Family Services). In addition, it regularly provides other services such as canteening for disaster workers and others affected.
I suspect that the need for computers is so they can get more people set up for access to some of the existing systems they have for dealing with disasters. A lot of the software is client-server and even terminal-based, but without enough computers for the staff to use it doesn't do much good.
Advocacy Later (Score:5, Insightful)
Leave advocacy for later!
Do not push Linux. If people can't use it, it won't help right now.
There probably won't be 802.11b links. This will probably networking Pentium class machines so people can do data entry. They will almost certainly run Windows.
This is good, because this will make sense to the people who can directly help. If you go there, be prepared to deal with these systems and don't bitch about it.
Not to mention, you'll give Linux a bad name if you still push it in this time of crisis.
-Dan
Re:Advocacy Later - PLEASE! (Score:5, Insightful)
(Aside - isn't a stupid religious battle at the root of this evil?)
The Red Cross needs technical smarts on the ground right now - you're not in a board room, not in a data center. If you volunteer, just do the job and move on to the next. Concentrate on the users - now is not the time for training, so use what they're used to, or as close as possible to it. Heck, you may even learn something about other systems by deploying them.
I just wish I could get on a plane right now.
Soko
Re:Advocacy Later - PLEASE! (Score:2, Insightful)
(Aside - isn't a stupid religious battle at the root of this evil?)
No, but your other points are all excellent.
Re:Advocacy Later - PLEASE! (Score:2)
>No, but your other points are all excellent.
I hate to tell you it is. Binny has taken Islam and twisted it into his own fucked up religion. To say that this isn't a religous battle is insane. It might not be on our end, but the other side certainly believes it to be.
I fully support any military retaliation that the United States follows through with.
Reality Check (Score:2)
Re:what do you know, troll? (Score:3, Insightful)
I have a few questions for you:
1 - Do you know why the Red Cross needs this software? Are you sure there is a fully functional Linux alternative for each requested piece?
2 - Do you feel it would speed up and help the relief effort to have the users learn new software and new interfaces or slow it down and hider it? NOTE: I'm not saying the interface is bad, but just different, which requires additional education which takes additional time, which is something that cannot be spared right now.
I'm sure the Red Cross will be happy to have anything up and working and that volunteers will follow their directions to the letter with good humor.
IF this happened, the directions from the Red Cross would be "Input data X". I don't think the Red Cross can provide user assistance as to how to use the new, unfamiliar software software. Even if hardcore Linux hackers get involved with supporting the software, it wll only slow down the efforts, to what extent I do not know.
They may then contribute more with the Free software in their hands. You're correct, they may. I feel, and others will agree, the situation warrants "give them what they want, not what we think they should have".
It's doubtful that the Red Cross is dependent on such things...
In response to this statement I'll ask you the same thing you asked the parent: What the hell do you know about Red Cross ops? Do you work for them? Have you ever? I have but not much. They are not a lame bunch.. It seems you're speculating, the same thing you ripped into the previous poster for.
More Microsoft bashing and at a time like this. I think you need to re-assess your priorities right now.
Re:what do you know, troll? (Score:2)
This guys e-mail is so overloaded! (Score:2, Informative)
I tried to get in touch with him early early today, and still have not heard from him. Please don't bog him down with useless stuff, I am sure his e-mail was strained to the max at 9am eastern when I tried, and it is sure to get
Microsoft Licenses ?? (Score:3, Interesting)
50 Microsoft Exchange CALs
35 Microsoft SQL CALs
50 Microsoft Office Professional licenses
Fuckit, its a national disaster just break the god-damn licensing issues.. Love to see MS try to sue the Red-Cross in their time of need.
Then of course, after this disaster switch the gear over to publicly-licensed software.
Re:Microsoft Licenses ?? (Score:4, Insightful)
I think this is rather sad also, but not because of Microsoft. After all, Microsoft is donating money and technical support, which is sorely needed. They should be commended for it, even in this forum.
What I think is sad is that the Red Cross thinks that they NEED software licenses to be donated. As the previous poster so eloquently put it, nobody would be upset, under the circumstances, if they just got ONE copy of Office and put it on all their laptops. But they think they need 50. Sad.
Re:Microsoft Licenses ?? (Score:2)
I had no shoes and complained, Until I met a man with no feet. And stole his shoes.
Re:Microsoft Licenses ?? (Score:5, Insightful)
Pull your head out man. You say that you would "love" to see MS sue the Red Cross? So they'd get egg all over their faces, right?
At a time of national disaster, maybe you should stop worrying about petty shit like this. Of course MS won't mess with the Red Cross over this, and they've given a ton of aid money and resources out of compassion. Guess what - the people who work at MS aren't actually inhuman monsters, but people like you and me. You should be ashamed at taking this opportunity to mock them.
I think you missed the point (Score:2)
Re:Microsoft Licenses ?? (Score:2)
On the MS note... This morning MS donated $5 million to the NYC United Way Sept 11 Fund. Not a bad start -- there may be more. They also gave an additional $5 million in software and services. They are also matching dollar for dollar contributions employees give, up to $12,000 per employee. And I'm sure there are some well-heeled MS employees that will take them up on that.
Re:Microsoft Licenses ?? (Score:2, Funny)
Microsoft Donation (Score:2, Insightful)
Reuters articles is here [yimg.com].
Cisco and GE as well (Score:3, Informative)
General Electric gave $10 million.
All three deserve our respect and thanks for their actions.
Important: Needed supplies in NYC (Score:5, Informative)
Re:Important: Needed supplies in NYC (Score:4, Interesting)
They could probably use new underwear, blue jeans, and work shirts too.
It took me a moment to realise that "underware" wasn't the proper spelling. Been messin' with computers too long.
Re:Important: Needed supplies in NYC (Score:2, Informative)
Items needed:
Food (wrapped, with no need to be cooked)
Power bars
Work gloves
Peanut butter
Sandwiches (dry and wrapped)
Anyone who wants to drop off items can do so at our Industrial Way East site. My user page has my real email address for more info.
There is something very fishy about all of this (Score:3, Interesting)
3Com NICs
Licences? (How long are you planning to use this stuff?)
10/100 Hubs (All the 10 hubs I was going to bring down there (20 ish) would be refused?)
I don't like this at all. I am on 14th I could have dropped the stuff off in about 10 minutes after Stern told us where to look but to be honest there's something very weird with this list. I will help any other way they like.
Re:There is something very fishy about all of this (Score:2)
Most likely there conserned with getting a 100 that can't switch down to a 10.
No, it's just a sign of ignorance (Score:3, Interesting)
Other action. Please mod up. (Score:5, Informative)
In the meantime, my company [angstrom.com] would LOVE to put some stuff together. We've already started helping a bit. rational software [rational.com] is putting together a van full of equipment and people to deliver. Please contact Ali Kaufman [mailto] to see if you can help at all.
If you know of anyone else who can use computers or equipment in the NYC area in relation to this disaster, please tell her or me, dave, [mailto] and we'll try to coordinate!! It's better than just sending a bunch a stuff and people down and saying, "TAKE IT!"
Dave
Im in (Score:2, Informative)
Now the big battle is in how to get there from Queens...
rrdejay
mod this up (Score:2)
Local tech help (Score:3, Informative)
I mentioned this link on the Long Island Linux Users Group [lilug.org] Mailing List. Unfortunatly I cannot make it there until this weekend if that, but at least one member can go down there.
One problem, he can't get through to the contact number for the red cross.
So if anyone figures out how to actually get them on the horn please post it here or on the LILUG Mailing List. [lilug.org]
Matthew Newhall
President of LILUG.
Check Nanog List (Score:2, Informative)
The nanog list has had tons of posts from people willing to lend a hand in networking and communications. Check http://nanog.org/mailinglist.html [nanog.org] for the list archive. Contact info for a lot of people that want to help out can be found there.
-WetDog
Still needed? (Score:3, Insightful)
More to the point, does anyone know of other organizations (managing this crisis) that need tech equipment or services?
CALL TO ALL HAMS (Score:3, Interesting)
When i first heard about it and now I am very glad that I have my ham, No matter what disaster strikes and what communcations systems go down, I will always have a way to contact people. I highly recommend that anyone wanting a reliable means of communication get licensed and get a radio, its not hard to do and is a great thing to have. Plus you are able to provide a valuable service in disasters.
KD5LLI
Re: HAMs (scanners?) (Score:2)
I did some HAM radio stuff in high school, but never got a licence because of the morse code requirement. I think that's been dropped now. Perhaps I should have another look.
BTW: What about CB?
50 Office licenses? (Score:2, Insightful)
Ok, do you really think that Micro$oft would even think of taking legal actions against the Red Cross at a time like this for copying software that can help save lives? Sooo sad
Corporate Donations (Score:5, Informative)
Microsoft donated [microsoft.com][www.microsoft.com] $5M in cash to United Way in NY, $5M in licenses/support/tech help.
Sprint has donated [sprintpcs.com] [www.sprint.com] handsets and redirected a cell from NJ to NYPD. They've also provided phones for city, state and local government officials and to the American Red Cross for use in recovery efforts.
GE has pledged $10 million to a fund that will assist the families of the firefighters, police officers and emergency rescue personnel who perished while responding to the attack on the World Trade Center. [from www.ge.com [ge.com]]
AT&T has donated [att.com] [www.att.com] $1M to American Red Cross and $10M in prepaid calling cards.
Verizon has offered [verizon.com] [newscenter.verizon.com] free local calling to and from payphones on Manhattan streets.
I'm sure there are many more. As I look at Amazon's donation center, it looks like it's going up at about $4000/min.
This makes me proud to be an American.
"Donation" Spammers... (Score:5, Informative)
Re:"Donation" Spammers... (Score:2)
Re:"Donation" Spammers... (Score:2, Informative)
On a personal note, I am an abuse department employee for a major ISP [earthlink.net], and I will eviscerate every one of the bastards that I catch. The /. community has my word.
Is now the time to worry about licenses? (Score:2, Interesting)
If that doesn't make the case for free (as in speech and/or beer) software, nothing will.
I can't even imagine the gall it would take for the BSA to try to audit the Red Cross now.
Software Licenses (Score:2)
Re:Software Licenses (Score:2)
Armed Air Marshals on planes now(?) - FAA (Score:4, Informative)
Yes, FAA Federal Air Marshals who are armed and trained in the use of firearms on board aircraft will be flying anonymously. Federal Air Marshals are FAA civil aviation security specialists who are specially trained for deployment on anti-hijacking missions. The FAA will not reveal the number or identities of the marshals. The DOT is working with the Department of Defense to see if other highly trained agents may be deployed to augment the Federal Air Marshal force.
As seen on the FAA's website http://www.faa.gov/apa/faq/pr_faq.htm [faa.gov]
Re:Armed Air Marshals on planes now(?) - FAA (Score:2)
There are reports they're borrowing members of Delta Force (Army elite hostage rescue team) for this short-term...
Off Topic: Warnings attack not taken seriously (Score:2, Interesting)
"It is a shock. Tracks of the terror lead also to Hannover: A Iran inmate in Langenhagen wanted to warn the American President and the Secret Service. Nobody did take him serious.
Riddle about Ali S.(29) from Iran. The man, who weeks ago immigrated illegaley into Germany. He was arrested in Goslar by Police and was to be deported to his home country until November 6th. For about one month he urged into officers at Langenhagen Deportation jail.
"I habe important information for the USA", he said the to the prison officers. He has to call there at all cost.
This was allowed to him. Consequence: The White House hung up, as soon as Ali S. identified as an inmate.
To the secret service the warnings of the man were just drool. Ali S. depite of this has mentioned this week as time for attacks, which "would change world order".
The Irani was estimated in Langenhagen as psychically disoriented. Yet he didnt give up, turned to the head of the department. He would knew, that something was about to happen next week.
Even hours before the the two airliners rammed into the WTC and another one into the Pentagon, Ali S. talked about information of a danger for world order. He wanted to fax the american president. This was rejected. Prison authority scored this behavior as pomposity.
According NP-information investigators are now taken it granted, that the Irani really had been looking for contact to USA-authorities. It may well be possible, that he has information, which can be useful for the clarification of the attacks.
Only Wednesday the lower-saxxony department of justice heard about the phone calls. The department of state in Hannover was informed. From there the schily-ministry in Berlin was brought into.
Thursday Secret Service and the federal attorney interviewed the Irani. Outcome unknown. "
I don't believe what I'm reading.. (Score:2, Insightful)
Lobby the Red Cross to change to open source after all this is said and done.
This isn't the time to make a stand for the cause.
Just something I've noticed (Score:2, Interesting)
Osama Bin Laden
whereas www.fbi.gov is reporting it as
Usama Bin Laden
which one's right?
Re:Just something I've noticed (Score:2)
Mike
How my company is helping out (Score:2, Informative)
Offer Taxation Benefits in Exchange (Score:3, Insightful)
Re:MS Office (Score:3, Offtopic)
Re:MS Office (Score:2, Interesting)
Before I donated, I checked Netcraft hoping like hell they were not running IIS. Yep, I still made the donation, but I would have felt better if I hadn't also been making a donation to MS. I know, NOW they're getting thousands of free copies of Office XP because Microsoft is being so generous...
And to all those fucknuts who think it's acceptable in a time of crisis, please don't forget that not everyday is a disaster, and they have an IT staff knowing full well that they are spending donation money on inferior products.
What MS is doing in time of crisis.... (Score:2, Troll)
Microsoft is donating millions of dollars to the relief funds, and they're matching employee donations as well.
Here's what is actually in the forefront of the Borg's mind the day after the attack. [msnbc.com]
Re:Dude Fuck off...Let's see Linus pony up some $$ (Score:2)
Office is a stopgap but they dont use office in the field they use disaster management software (office cannot do this task) that is on a Citrix Metaframe system. and they neet Techs that can set up connections with VPN tunneling, wireless secure connections and Systems engineers.
The last thing they need is MS office.
Re:A bit off topic, but (Score:3, Informative)
Re:Wondeful (Score:4, Interesting)
Re:Wondeful (Score:2)
Re:Wondeful (Score:2)
Re:The REAL Great Satan. (Score:3, Informative)
Re:What about the rest? (Score:2)
As if their share prices weren't low enough, they're all probably about to be sold out of existence by stockholders on Monday.
Sad, but true.
Re:What about the rest? (Score:5, Insightful)
As for Sun, they had offices in the WTC and at least one executive on the plane that went into the building, so please have a little respect. Sun have bigger problems than how much they are donating to rescue efforts.
As for VA and RH? I dunno. Maybe just as soon as they have a monopoly on overpriced software and turn a profit, we can expect those companies to donate headline sums as well. In the meantime, consider that Slashdot provided news to a lot of people during this past week and a forum to discuss the events. Slashdot is a free service provided by VA at considerable expense in terms of hardware and bandwidth.
If you want to act three flavors of righteous, first do something yourself, and then take quiet pride in being a good person instead of bitching about what others haven't done. Sheesh.
Re:Proprietary Software Kills People (Score:2)
Microsoft donated $10 million in money and licenses anyway, so they don't have to worry about that.
Re:Not to be MS bashing at a time like this... (Score:2)
Re:Not to be MS bashing at a time like this... (Score:4, Informative)
Re:Not to be MS bashing at a time like this... (Score:4, Informative)
I just called the Red Cross here in MA. They requested that we give blood in about thirty days. Their fear is that once the crisis here has calmed, people will not replenish the much needed supply. Apparently our red stuff has a shelf life of forty-two days.
Do your best to donate anything you can afford. The salvation army is looking for new clothing and medical supplies for the rescue workers.
-Donald
Re:All we can do? (Score:5, Insightful)
The average Slashdot reader can't bleed into a syringe? Can't donate to Red Cross? Hmmmm
INSIGHTFUL My Arse! I'm deeply offended by this comment. I would imagine that I am a fairly average Slashdot reader, and I can't "bleed into a syringe." I'm not allowed to. There are several categories of people that the US just doesn't want blood from. In my case I just happen to have lived in the UK for more than six months.
Please don't claim that giving blood is something that everyone can do. I'm not obese, I'm not underweight, I'm healthy... but I'm a Brit in the US.
Z.
Re:Maybe... (Score:2, Flamebait)
Re:A little bit off topic (Score:4, Insightful)
Re:Free Software (Score:2)
Of course, to be fair, if MS provides the necessary help desk support for that software, *that* will cost them a fortune.
Re:licenses?!? (Score:2)