http://www.spacedaily.com/news/spacetravel-04zzn.html Anyone interested? I have severe doubts as to the worth of these types of things, but the publicity might be useful in piquing people's interest. "Dr. Dobb's Journal of Software Tools has launched a contest designed to challenge the skills of master software builders and software architects to solve a "Mars Rescue Mission," a hypothetical manned spacecraft that has crashed on Mars. The challenge and its published entries will demonstrate that there are many viable approaches to solving software design problems. The challenge will be published in the May 2005 issue of Dr. Dobb's Journal and will be posted on DDJ.com early February 2005. Because the Dr. Dobb's Journal audience members tend to program in multiple languages and on multiple platforms, the challenge allows them to solve the problem using any program they choose. Prizes will be given for shortest program, most efficient use of rocket fuel and for overall creativity." But not reliability, maintainability, proof of correctness etc. Oh well. -- Alan & Carmel Brain http://aebrain.blogspot.com mailto:[log in to unmask]