ee163cz (04/23/83)
Scientists at the Usenet Institute of Absurd Studies today announced
a major breakthrough in bit theory.
A UIAS spokesman reported the new discovery of 'bit radioactivity',
which is believed to account for the phenominon known as 'Software Rot'.
In bit radioactivity, bits may randomly emit lambda particles and
undergo a state change. A '1' bit may emit a lambda particle and become
a '0', while a '0' may emit an anti-lambdon to become a '1'. Since
this is a random process with a low rate of decay, it is more evident
in large programs than in small ones.
The UIAS warns that, since lambda particles can cause serious interference
with VLSI design systems and LISP, all software and databases should be
shielded to prevent erratic operation of these sytems.
In a related development, UIAS net.archaeologists have discovered the
remains of an ancient hyperspatial express route connecting /usr/spool/mail
and /usr/spool/laundry. Many items of net mail formerly believed dead were
disovered adhering to the lint screen of a dryer belonging to Mrs. Enid
McTavish of West Yellowstone, Montana.
A special rescue team from net.unix-wizards is attempting to retrieve
Mr. McTavish's socks from harpo.
-- Gumby News Agency