Underhanded C Contest

Underhanded C Contest

In many ways this is the exact opposite of the Obfuscated C Code Contest: in this contest you must write code that is as readable, clear, innocent and straightforward as possible, and yet it must fail to perform at its apparent function. To be more specific, it should do something subtly evil.

Originally inspired by a similar contest from last fall to write subtly broken vote-counting code.

Very, very interesting. I look forward to seeing the submissions.

a sobering look at the state of Iraq's army

Washington Post: Building Iraq's Army: Mission Improbable

Doesn't look good.

I have to say that I find it ironic that four years ago, we would have rejoiced at such a portrayal of their armed forces' capabilities.

what role should the state play in ensuring children's welfare?

Hodgkin's Returns to Girl Whose Parents Fought State

This is a tough one. I'll go into more detail later--this is a placeholder--but the essence is that I am having a lot of trouble coming up with a general principle that I believe should inform our laws regarding the welfare of children. There are some very strong examples and principles on both sides.