brilliant!
Category Archives: Tech – Geek
Study Promises Benefits of Exercise in a Pill
Wired has an article that it an interesting read.
People are always looking for the ‘quick fix’ magic pill. And, as we continue our way into the future it continues to present itself in different ways. This is a very conflicting subject though. The part of me excited about the future (and also the part of me that knows we’re already there) is quite interested to see this type of study. Healthy or not, this is fascinating. The part of me that enjoys bodybuilding is interested to know what this type of treatment would do to enhance progress in weightlifting. But, the ethical part of me is worried about this. Not only for the animal testing I imagine that went into this research, but the long-term benefits/risks associated with quick fix pills, and the unhealthy expectations this could have for people.
Bottom line is – if it’s worth doing, the hard work is typically the more rewarding path to go.
Cuil
Yep, another “I’m going to be better than Google” site has popped up. According to a Wired.com article ‘Cuil’ “Anna Patterson’s last Internet search engine was so impressive that industry leader Google Inc. bought the technology in 2004 to upgrade its own system.
She believes her latest invention is even more valuable – only this time it’s not for sale.
Patterson instead intends to upstage Google, which she quit in 2006 to develop a more comprehensive and efficient way to scour the Internet.
The end result is Cuil, pronounced “cool.” Backed by $33 million in venture capital, the search engine plans to begin processing requests for the first time Monday.
Cuil had kept a low profile while Patterson, her husband, Tom Costello, and two other former Google engineers – Russell Power and Louis Monier – searched for better ways to search.
Now, it’s boasting time.
For starters, Cuil’s search index spans 120 billion Web pages.”
… well then. Now, according to the article, today is the first day of availability, but, let’s give it a test. I put my last name in, and I even have a domain registered for it. That didn’t even come up. My twitter account shows, followed by an obituary for a couple dead relatives, and a few other things. Then there are two sites that come up that appear to be completely unrelated. (the reason I know they’re unrelated is this – per all my research, and knowing my family history, we are the only family to have this last name – anywhere.)
The site is nifty looking, polished, but, also slow and appears to be inaccurate. Granted, this is a new engine, and those do take time to ‘learn’, but I have to agree with a quote in the article for now: “I doubt (Cuil) will be keeping anyone at Google awake at night.”
FSF: 5 reasons to avoid iPhone 3G (uh, ok!?)
http://www.fsf.org/blogs/community/5-reasons-to-avoid-iphone-3g
now honestly guys – a lot of what you do is amazing, but this is such a lame list
The 5 real reasons to avoid iPhone 3G:
- iPhone completely blocks free software. Developers must pay a tax to Apple, who becomes the sole authority over what can and can’t be on everyone’s phones.
(making a profit is bad for business?)
- iPhone endorses and supports Digital Restrictions Management (DRM) technology.
(uh, ok. Or, it wants things to work properly. I would to if I had created something this nice)
- iPhone exposes your whereabouts and provides ways for others to track you without your knowledge.
(hello, it’s Big Brother. They’re looking for you. Run!)
- iPhone won’t play patent- and DRM-free formats like Ogg Vorbis and Theora.
(newsflash – Ogg Vorbis is bloat. newsflash 2 – MP3 files are the standard now – stop complaining)
- iPhone is not the only option. There are better alternatives on the horizon that respect your freedom, don’t spy on you, play free media formats, and let you use free software — like the FreeRunner.
(seriously? It’s like comparing an Audi to a Yugo.)
Flower shop on Google Maps
Flower shop on Google Maps, originally uploaded by Larsz.
this is great. so Gibson-esque to me. The meatspace world and cyberspace world continuing to intersect in interesting ways.
Danny and the iPhone Dance
Google TiSP (Happy April 1st)
This is great. Found on the Official Google Blog:
TiSP in-home wireless broadband is:
* Free, fast and highly reliable
* Easy to install — takes just minutes
* Vacuum-sealed to prevent water damage
you must read the install instructions. Nice… hahaha
R2D2 USPS
I was so happy when I found out about the US Postal Service’s plans for R2D2 mailboxes!!! If you hadn’t heard – check this out:
http://www.uspsjedimaster.com/index.html
Well, one of my coworkers sent me an email today that they’re officially here, and installed. We’re quite lucky in SoCal – we get two of them. (there were a very limited number made). And, to top it off, someone had posted addresses for them! Yes, we went tonight to see one – it was great!
…yes, I’m a big nerd. so what… hahhaa
IKEA Dave
Went to IKEA this weekend and finally bought myself the ‘Dave’ laptop stand. It’s fairly nice, thought slightly wobbly, which is unfortunate.
I think it will help my back though. The kitchen table just isn’t the best to sit at with my powerbook.
ipod (RIP)
yep. After my last update I was quite happy that the iPod was working again. Then it happened. It decided to ask for a reset…. again….
so, I’ve sadly come to the conclusion that my wonderful friend is deceased. RIP my friend…
On a happier note, my bday is coming, so <fingers crossed> hahahahhahaahhahhaa