Hacker News Board Hacker News, browsed like a classic message board
Live data from Hacker News

Paul Allen has died

cnbc.com

Post reply on HN
Print view View original

261–270 of 308 posts

Re: Paul Allen has died

#261

Post by Delmania »

donohoe wrote: post #145
Delmania wrote: post #105

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I'm 100% certain he did more good for this world with his wealth than someone like you can even begin to dream of. He helped to build a successful computer company, intelligently navigated the exit to make significant wealth, and then donated 2 billion to various causes. Tell me, what the hell have you done for anyone?

That’s not the point. While it’s great to remember the good he did, it’s fair to remember that he was also a bit of a patent troll. That’s all.

He's not a saint, I don't think anyone would claim that. My point was that after he amassed all that wealth, he did a lot of good with it. He's more proof that you can make a lot of money and help people.

Re: Paul Allen has died

#262

Post by marsRoverDev »

PostOnce wrote: post #180

Many here have noted his many large-scale philanthropic efforts, which are fantastic, and often benefit our whole species. But my personal favorite, even if it doesn't benefit large swaths of humanity in the same way as a cell research insitute: https://livingcomputers.org/ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Living_Computers:_Museum_%2B_L... It's a computer museum, but they work. They're turned on, and you can use them! Y…

This place is wonderful - for someone like me who works with languages like C, but is quite young it was very valuable to be able to see how programming with older machines worked - and seeing the progression of things like Vi/Vim etc.

Re: Paul Allen has died

#263

Post by efigle2501 »

Stratoscope wrote: post #226
PostOnce wrote: post #180

Many here have noted his many large-scale philanthropic efforts, which are fantastic, and often benefit our whole species. But my personal favorite, even if it doesn't benefit large swaths of humanity in the same way as a cell research insitute: https://livingcomputers.org/ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Living_Computers:_Museum_%2B_L... It's a computer museum, but they work. They're turned on, and you can use them! Y…

That Sigma 9 photo brings back fond memories. An earlier version, the Sigma 5, was my first personal computer! Back in 1968. I was hired as "night operator" for a timesharing company in Phoenix called Transdata. Their service ran on a Sigma 5, but they didn't offer the service at night. So my graveyard shift gave me full access to the Sigma 5 to do whatever I wanted. I learned BASIC, assembly language, and Algol 60.…

That story really makes me wonder if my understanding of computers would be deeper, or more complete in some way, if I'd had that sort of background/experience...

Re: Paul Allen has died

#264

Post by ainiriand »

zamalek wrote: post #163
Qworg wrote: post #147

I worked as Paul's technical adviser at Vulcan - he was funny, warm, and prickly in turns, well aware of the outsized shadow he cast, and absolutely dedicated to bringing the sci-fi future he so loved into reality. His legacy in the Institutes, in his philanthropic ventures, and in the bones of Seattle itself cannot be overstated. Outside of the sciences, he built South Lake Union (home of Amazon and many other tech…

> absolutely dedicated to bringing the sci-fi future he so loved into reality. We need more people like this. Some of this stuff might be impossible, but there is only one way to find out. It takes a great person to throw themselves into the machine of failure for the benefit of humanity. It is, ultimately, also philanthropy - it's just philanthropy on a timescale that is far greater than one life and far more than a…

I will remember him as long as I'm alive and I'll try that my sons remember him as well. He was one of those humans which we don't have a replacement for.

Re: Paul Allen has died

#265

Post by whywhywhywhy »

ribs wrote: post #83
6nf wrote: post #43

Earlier quoted context omitted.

My uncle went to the dentist complaining of bit of bleeding in his gums. The dentist immediately sent him to get blood tests done and the next day he was diagnosed with leukaemia. Three days later he passed away.

Like Arthur Kane, bass player for the New York Dolls. Goes to the hospital thinking he has the flu, is diagnosed with leukemia, 2 hours - HOURS - later, he dies.

Last time I went to the doctor with extreme flu like symptoms (Pretty sure I had pneumonia) the doctor treated me like I was wasting her time and actually ridiculed me. Hearing stuff like this stresses me the heck out.

This was the often praised UK NHS btw

Re: Paul Allen has died

#268

Post by giancarlostoro »

chris_wot wrote: post #204
hk__2 wrote: post #13

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Adding a death date on the page on a well-known individual without any source is the easiest way to get quickly reverted.

As it should be.

Indeed though if a bunch of different users are doing it, you might want to allow it with a citation needed marker. I've been to so many articles with a "citation needed" marker for years, but surely it would not be too complex for someone to find a source.

Re: Paul Allen has died

#269

Post by moccachino »

youcantseeme wrote: post #256
cyborgx7 wrote: post #250

Earlier quoted context omitted.

phillantropy is a marketing ploy by rich people you don't amass this much wealth without profiting off of the work of others by exploiting a position of power, usually gained through ownership

Exactly. The world's a better place now that this leech has died.

Well, I can't see you but I would wager Paul Allen made the world a better place than you do.

The real leeches are the ones you don't condemn because you've never heard of them. They amass their wealth and live lavish lifestyles in private, never doing anything worthwhile that would bring attention.

Someone with real wealth tries to use it to make some positive impact on the world - Oh look, he has so much money! Kill the leech!

Re: Paul Allen has died

#270

Post by Infernal »

franciscrick1 wrote: post #235
ribs wrote: post #83

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Like Arthur Kane, bass player for the New York Dolls. Goes to the hospital thinking he has the flu, is diagnosed with leukemia, 2 hours - HOURS - later, he dies.

By the time you notice the symptoms, in a serious way, you're unfortunately already as good as gone. :(

How do you find out you have it if it is asymptomatic? Should we be getting blood tests for leukemia right along? Or is it too rare to consider...?
Post reply on HN