"the model for our heuristic consists of four independent components: simulated annealing, active networks, flexible modalities, and the study of reinforcement learning....We implemented our scatter/gather I/O server in Simula-67, augmented with opportunistically pipelined extensions." - from "Rooter: A Methodology for the Typical Unification of Access Points and Redundancy", a paper written by a program that auto-generates jargon-filled research papers. The program was written by Jeremy Stribling and two other MIT graduate students.

Source: Reuters. http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=573&e=1&u=/nm/odd_gibberish_dc

"Progressively Super-Active Configuration-Level Parameter Alternative Executive Contingency Device... Semantically Intra-Innovative Initiative-Dependent Machine Supplier Impact Positioning Contingency...Cooperatively Neo-Technical Process-Capable Tool Strategy Positioning Initiative Parameter" - three buzzphrases generated by BuzzPhraser, by Doc Searls and Charles Roth at buzzphraser.com. (The source is available as a tarfile at the site.)

"But how many people pay attention at conferences any more anyway? I'm thinking about submitting 'Live Demo of a Microwave Oven Modified To Run With The Door Off: The Conference Talk That You Wi-Fi Addicts Will Actually Pay Attention To'." - Don Marti

Source: http://zgp.org/linux-elitists/[email protected]

"There has been anecdotal and case-study evidence suggesting that successful business executives share personality characteristics with psychopaths...

"Our sample was small, but the results were definitive... The character disorders of the business managers blended together with those of the criminals and mental patients.

In fact, the business population was as likely as the prison and psychiatric populations to demonstrate the traits associated with narcissistic personality disorder: grandiosity, lack of empathy, exploitativeness and independence. They were also as likely to have traits associated with compulsive personality disorder: stubbornness, dictatorial tendencies, perfectionism and an excessive devotion to work.

"But there were some significant differences.

"The executives were significantly more likely to demonstrate characteristics associated with histrionic personality disorder, like superficial charm, insincerity, egocentricity and manipulativeness. They were also significantly less likely to demonstrate physical aggression, irresponsibility with work and finances, lack of remorse and impulsiveness.

- Belinda Board, in The New York Times, May 11, 2005

Source: http://www.nytimes.com/2005/05/11/opinion/11board.html