Inmates sue to end ban on computers in cells

Article Abstract:

Prisoners at Washington State Reformatory are suing the prison to regain the use of microcomputers that prison officials say are security risks. The computers are part of an innovative vocational rehabilitation credited with getting nine prisoners jobs in data processing after their release. The officials are claiming the computers are being used to hide escape plans and are concerned about an eventual breach of the prison computer system. The prisoners are claiming a breach of contract and some suggest the administration is angry at the use of computers to write legal appeals and grievances. Legal experts say the prisoners case will have a tough time in court because judges tend to side with prison administration in security matters.

Safety and security measures, Cases, Correctional institutions, Contracts, Prisoners, Vocational education, Breach of contract, Vocational rehabilitation, Security, Lawsuits, Reformatories

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Physics and computers create a science of aquatic thrills; designers avoid perilous oscillation, reckless speed and rider pileups

Article Abstract:

Designers of water slides and other aquatic amusement park rides are using complex computer simulation and parabola physics to create hair-raising yet safe rides. Designers are using computers to create water slides that seem like roller coasters, and pools with eight-foot artificial waves for surfing. By using computer modeling, designers have been able to reduce accidents due to overcrowding, undertow, and excessive speeds. Designers are able to take into account the coefficient of friction of different bathing suits with different construction materials to determine how fast riders can go, and how closely they should be spaced for maximum speed and safety.

Amusement parks, Design and construction, Computer simulation, Water amusement parks, Modeling, Data modeling software, Simulation, Water Supply

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Analyzing poetry with assistance from computers

Article Abstract:

Networked microcomputers connected to a central computer linked to a video projector are used in Richard Rust's class on American literature, which Rust teaches at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Professor Rust can project information onto students' computer screens or onto a large screen at the front of the room. Using Microsoft Word, the word processing program, Rust and his students can rearrange text, omit sections or view separated paragraphs simultaneously. This last capability is especially useful for comparing examples of a writing technique that might be pages apart in the original document.

Colleges and universities, Microcomputers, Universities and colleges, Beliefs, opinions and attitudes, English literature, Technology application, Study and teaching, Poetry, Microsoft Word (Word processing software), University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Rust, Richard

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