Re: AMD planning 45nm 12-Core 'Istanbul' Processor ?

Robert Myers <rbmyersusa@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
> wrote in part:
> On May 25, 11:17 pm, Robert Redelmeier <red...@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
> wrote:
> I should have told you to take up your argument with the
> architect I quoted.  He works there.  You don't.  The quote
> is easy enough to find.  Go argue with him.

Why?  You are the one extending the argument.  
You need to be able to defend it with competence.

> You'd have a lot of work to do to convince me that there is
> such a thing as human nature, never mind that it explains
> anything, never mind that it is a potential cause of
> thanksgiving or regret.

ROTFL!  You believe that people always act rationally, homo
economicus?  Do you think SUVs were foist onto stupid people?
No -- they bought them willingly for advantages such as higher
seating position and perceived (not actual) safety.  In spite
of well-known disadvantages like parking and fuel.

> The only reason that we are not in a colossal world-wide
> depression right now is because we've gotten smarter about
> fiscal and monetary policy and the tools have been created
> to allow that knowledge to be acted upon.  

Hubris!  The only reason we are not in a needed depression
is gross market manipulation by the US FRB and other central
banks who have been serial bubble-blowers:  first tech, then
finance, then real-estate and now commodites.  Each one bigger
than the last to cu****on the fall but worsen the final pop.

> I think the x86 monoculture we have is a lamentable state
> of affairs.

I am far less convinced we have that, nor that it is on balance
negative.  Would a Moto68k or ALPHA monoculture be better?

> Am I certain that patients have died in the modern era because
> of inadequate oversight of drug companies?  Yes, I am.

So am I, but that was not the question.  Of course people
have died.  The question is whether more people have died
than would have been saved.  Many people with HIV are alive
because FDA procedures were waived.  Some have died.

> Because I acknowledge that regulation of markets is often
> necessary does not make me an east coast elitist, never
> mind a socialist, never mind a communist.

Strawman!  I think you are losing the thread.  Where have I
ever accused you of any of these things you seem to consider
objectionable??

> [ISO 9000] How burdensome it can be for a small company.

Only if that company was taking shortcuts in the first place.

> Capitalism works as long as markets and economies are growing,
> but so do Ponzi schemes.  I'm not sure I can see the difference.

I take you at your word.  You might try to learn about zero-sum
games versus net positive sum games.

> I can't begin to imagine how a line-by-line review of software would
> accomplish anything.  You'll find mistakes, I'm sure.  You won't
> find all the mistakes and the code base is a moving target.

The code has legs?  It writes itself?  Have you never heard of
a freeze?  Line-by-line is tedious but remarkably effective
at finding security holes.  With your vast experience, how
would you suggest quality code be written?

> That's true, although the RIAA seems to be proving that
> even massive civil disobedience can be dealt with.

You do live in fear.  The RIAA is fighting a desparate,
failing rear-guard action.  Yes, they hurt a few people 
and really want to scare more (like you).


-- Robert