Zombiebrainz's Hutt

Inkscape 0.47 contest entry

2009-06-08T16:45:00.001-04:00

Congrats to sko on his winning Inkscape 0.47 about screen contest!

-ZB

What, Me Worry?: MAD Magazine Going Quarterly

2009-01-26T09:53:00.000-05:00

I've always been a fan of Alfred E. Newman... I must admit that I've not read the magazine in years but it's sad that this iconic magazine (and all of it's back page fold-out glory) is slowing down and only being released 4 times a year...

What, Me Worry?: MAD Magazine Going Quarterly

-ZB

Happy New Year!

2009-01-01T10:25:00.001-05:00

Haven't posted in a while -- guess this is as good time as any! I'd like to wish you and yours the very best in 2009. May you enjoy the health, love and prosperity you deserve!

Let's hope the economy picks up and that the wars and strife around the world calms down < I'd say "stop" the wars but we have to take baby steps >. Let's stop fighting over land and resources and see how we can work together to make this blue planet better for everyone.

It greatly saddens me to know that generations of children are being raised to hate others without knowing exactly why they hate their neighbors... All sides have good and all sides have bad -- I hope that common ground is found and people come to their senses. I know it's optimistic but without hope, what do we really have eh?

-ZB

The Mother of All Demos — 150 years ahead of its time • The Register

2008-12-15T11:34:00.000-05:00

Great article about a visionary computer demo of the late 60's... Lots of it has come true.

The Mother of All Demos — 150 years ahead of its time • The Register

-ZB

Happy Birthday mouse

2008-12-01T09:41:00.001-05:00

Happy Birthday mouse

40 years old and still clicking -- though for the most part, we don't have a big red button on our mice :-)
I have to say, I wouldn't mind having a wooden mouse... that would rock old school!

-ZB

Amazon.com: Pin Clock: Kitchen & Dining

2008-11-27T07:36:00.000-05:00

WANT

Amazon.com: Pin Clock: Kitchen & Dining

-ZB

The big Windows 7 lie | Computerworld Blogs

2008-11-13T11:03:00.000-05:00

The big Windows 7 lie | Computerworld Blogs

I haven't posted in a while... but this article caught my attention... I'm VERY happy with Intrepid Ibex (Ununtu 8.10) but was hoping that Microsoft could pull their act together after the Vista debacle... It's still early days here but this is not a good sign...

-ZB

Wikipedia adopts Ubuntu for its server infrastructure

2008-10-10T09:33:00.000-04:00

Big props for Ubuntu -- Wikipedia will be adopting Ubuntu Server to host its VAST collection of knowledge and information... I think this will be huge to bolster what has historically been Ubuntu's weakest area - Servers.

Wikipedia adopts Ubuntu for its server infrastructure

-ZB

Windows Live Wave 3

2008-09-17T14:10:00.001-04:00

Just installed Windows Live Wave 3 Beta… so far, I’m pretty impressed with the eye candy. It certainly looks good. Windows Live Messenger 9 is bold looking for sure.

I’m putting this post together using Windows Live Writer Beta. It’s working nicely so far. Here is a link to the full download of the installer (~130MB!): http://g.live.com/1rebeta3/en/wlsetup-all.exe

Enjoy!

-ZB

Technorati Tags: Windows Live,Sept,2008

Google search finds seafaring solution - Times Online

2008-09-16T09:15:00.000-04:00

Google search finds seafaring solution - Times Online

Data Centers are VERY costly and not very green. They use a tremendous amount of electricity to keep the systems running and more importantly, to keep them cool. Google is apparently looking at some very innovative approaches to solving this issue...

Move the DCs offshore... no, not to India or Malaysia... (though it could happen there too) but off the shore line about 11KM. They would use the motion of the water and heat from support ships to generate power and cooling for the DCs. Very clever - I don't know what the operating costs of such a setup would be but it is certainly looking at the problem from a very different angle!

W00T GooG!

-ZB

Flickr: "Flickr Bikes" Photo-Map Locales Across the Globe

2008-09-16T08:54:00.000-04:00

Flickr: "Flickr Bikes" Photo-Map Locales Across the Globe

Watch out Google streets :-) Yahoo Bikes is in full effect :-)

GPS & Cameras mounted on bikes take pics and upload geotagged pics to flickr. :)

Boy, I smiled a lot this morning *smile*

-ZB

screencasters.heathenx.org » Blog Archive » The Screencasters Flickr Group

2008-09-11T07:11:00.000-04:00

The Screencasters Flickr Group

I've been a huge fan of the Screencasters {Heathenx & Richard Querin}. They regularly post terrific, high-quality Inkscape tutorials. Inkscape is akin to Adobe Illustrator but it is a free, cross-platform open-source offering.

Download Inkscape, check out the Screencasters tutorials and contribute to the Flickr Group. There is also a discussion group there to make suggestions on future episodes. Help build the community!

-ZB

Don LaFontaine, king of voiceovers, has died | Film | guardian.co.uk

2008-09-03T07:42:00.000-04:00

"In a World" without Don LaFontaine, the movie goers will have a moment of silence. It's amazing how much work this guy got (he was good). I think voiceovers might be my dream job. I just don't know how to get into the business :0)

Don LaFontaine, king of voiceovers, has died | Film | guardian.co.uk

-ZB

Video Demonstration: Aurora Concept Video Proposes the Future of the Web

2008-08-06T10:50:00.000-04:00

Pretty innovative stuff from Adaptive Path (for Mozilla). I don't know that I can wrap my fragile mind around the organization of this data but it is certainly a departure from what we're currently used to. Worth a look -- high geek-factor!

Video Demonstration: Aurora Concept Video Proposes the Future of the Web

-ZB

Photojojo » Reduce, Reuse, Diffuse: Make Your Own Flash Diffuser from an Old Film Container

2008-08-05T11:03:00.000-04:00

I hate the flash on my DSLR. The lighting is much too harsh. This is a clever way to cobble together a flash diffuser from an old 35mm film canister :-)

Photojojo » Reduce, Reuse, Diffuse: Make Your Own Flash Diffuser from an Old Film Container

-ZB

Ars Technica Guide to Virtualization: Part I: Page 1

2008-08-05T10:57:00.000-04:00

A good primer on software virtualization. Well rounded article that explains what it is, why it is and how it works in easy enough terms.

Ars Technica Guide to Virtualization: Part I: Page 1

-ZB

BBC NEWS | Technology | Say goodbye to the computer mouse

2008-07-18T11:42:00.000-04:00

Death of the mouse? dunno... they say 3-5 years but I think it might take longer than that. A mouse is nice and silent and you can still see your work surface if you get peanut butter on it :-)

BBC NEWS | Technology | Say goodbye to the computer mouse

-ZB

25 tech toys we can't live without | Interactive Photo Gallery | News + Notes | Entertainment Weekly

2008-07-18T11:07:00.000-04:00

Neat little page -- click on an image and get the background on why the technology was such an impact on geek-dom.

25 tech toys we can't live without | Interactive Photo Gallery | News + Notes | Entertainment Weekly

-ZB

TheStar.com | Ontario | Stephen Hawking 'mulling' Waterloo move

2008-07-17T14:01:00.000-04:00

Could Stephen Hawking be going to Canada? That would be a nice accolade in the Brief History of Canada ;-)

TheStar.com | Ontario | Stephen Hawking 'mulling' Waterloo move

-ZB

Ubuntu Linux - Linux

2008-07-09T10:34:00.000-04:00

Neat! Best Buy selling Ubuntu :-) Not sure the box is worth 20$ though ;-) -- you can get this for free online. Ah well -- good sign that Linux is becoming more for the masses! w00t!

Ubuntu Linux - Linux

-ZB

Turn broken speakers into a snappy media cabinet - Instructables - DIY, How To, home, music - The Instructables Book Contest Entry

2008-07-07T11:07:00.000-04:00

What a great project to do with older speakers :-)

Turn broken speakers into a snappy media cabinet - Instructables - DIY, How To, home, music - The Instructables Book Contest Entry

-ZB

YouTube - Monkey Dust - The internet is expanding!

2008-07-04T08:28:00.000-04:00

Ever wonder why old-school modems made all that screeching noise? Check this one out :-)

YouTube - Monkey Dust - The internet is expanding!

-ZB

Digital Home Canada - Poll finds number of Canadians playing video games naked

2008-06-30T11:45:00.000-04:00

Since Canada Day is tomorrow -- I thought this piece was very interesting. I can honestly say that I've never gamed naked (a fig leaf counts right - before you laugh -- it was a BIG leaf :P)?

Digital Home Canada - Poll finds number of Canadians playing video games naked

-ZB

Award-winning comedian George Carlin dies - CNN.com

2008-06-23T10:38:00.000-04:00

I've been away for a while -- had a baby :-) No sleep :)
I had to post this sad piece of news... George Carlin was an intellect and brave man (IMHO). His mastery of the English language and his often cynical view of the world were ironically refreshing. My condolences go out to his friends and family.

I proudly exclaimed the seven words you can't say on television upon hearing the news (Google it for you youngsters out there).

RIP Mr. Carlin...

Award-winning comedian George Carlin dies - CNN.com

-ZB

Windows 7 Touch Screen Demo

2008-05-28T09:59:00.000-04:00

In my previous post, I talked about Windows 7 looking like Mac OS X & Ubuntu having a baby... I forgot to put the iPhone / iPod Touch in the mix :-)

I don't know that I'd want to use the touch screen for day to day work on my PC. I suppose for kiosks and possibly restaurant tables, this might make sense...

Windows 7 Touch Screen Demo

-ZB

Winners Of Life: Microsoft Confirms Windows 7 for 2010 (17 screenshots)

2008-05-28T09:56:00.000-04:00

I'd be remiss if I didn't post about the Windows 7 news today... here are some nice screenshots of the 2010 OS -- IMHO: Looks like Mac OSX & Ubuntu had a baby called it Windows 7 -- I'm just saying...

Winners Of Life: Microsoft Confirms Windows 7 for 2010 (17 screenshots)

-ZB

Adieu to the True Audiophile?

2008-05-26T09:51:00.000-04:00

Frustrating article... I am by no means an audiophile but I do enjoy music and love to feel the passion of the artist come through the notes and subtle tones... Good audio equipment is an investment in my mind but it seems that everything is getting some commoditized these days... Enough of my mini-rant... read the article.

Adieu to the True Audiophile?

-ZB

Obtaining SYSTEM level access in Vista without credentials

2008-05-26T09:25:00.000-04:00

For educational purposes only... I've had to use similar techniques to unlock relatives' boxes... Mixed blessing I suppose.

Offensive Security Training - Getting System Level access to Vista Video

-ZB

The 10 best beer names ever - St. Petersburg Times

2008-05-26T09:18:00.000-04:00

Clever list -- a must read for memorial day long weekend :-)

The 10 best beer names ever - St. Petersburg Times

-ZB

The Smelly Bacon Tuxedo

2008-05-22T09:33:00.000-04:00

I'll save you the trouble of clicking on the link... the picture is key -- what a sexy dude!

The Smelly Bacon Tuxedo

-ZB

10 Worst Jobs: Tech's 10 worst entry-level jobs

2008-05-22T09:31:00.000-04:00

Funny (in a sick way) article about the worst jobs in IT -- with pictures and estimated salary :-)

10 Worst Jobs: Tech's 10 worst entry-level jobs

-ZB

Lifehacker Top 10: Top 10 Firefox 3 Features

2008-05-22T09:26:00.000-04:00

Firefox 3 holds a lot of promise... I've been using it on Ubuntu 8.04 (Hardy) and it's been fast and reliable. Here's a breakdown of some of the best features:

Lifehacker Top 10: Top 10 Firefox 3 Features

-ZB

Pulsejet-powered bicycle, for those leisurely commutes - Engadget

2008-05-22T09:16:00.000-04:00

Title says it all... Youtube video embedded... Enjoy :-)

Pulsejet-powered bicycle, for those leisurely commutes - Engadget

-ZB

Microsoft to lure search users with cash

2008-05-21T09:05:00.000-04:00

Sounds like desperation to try and take search market share from Google... Microsoft will pay part of the purchases you make when using their search engine... Not a new concept but sounds desperate.

Article: Microsoft to lure search users with cash
Microsoft's site: http://search.msn.com/cashback

-ZB

Steve Ballmer dodges eggs at Hungarian University - Engadget

2008-05-20T09:51:00.000-04:00

Ever want to toss an egg @ Steve Ballmer? Well this student did. I'm surprised security didn't try to recreate a "Don't Taze me Bro!" scenario :-)

Take a look for a chuckle...

Steve Ballmer dodges eggs at Hungarian University - Engadget

-ZB

Cookware Cleaning & Stain Removal Tips » TipNut.com

2008-05-19T12:54:00.000-04:00

Another cooking related post... This time, a bunch of really good ideas to keep your cookware clean. From copper pots, cast iron pans to cookie sheets and roasting pans!

Happy cooking!

Cookware Cleaning & Stain Removal Tips » TipNut.com

-ZB

Speed tip: Make individual portions in freezer bags | Lunch in a Box: Building a Better Bento

2008-05-19T12:49:00.000-04:00

Out of the "why didn't I think of this" archives comes a clever way to portion and freeze food. We always buy in bulk since it is more economical. We tend to use too many zip-lock bags. This is a clever way to almost create a type of ice cube tray for your meat... now there's an idea... hamburger Popsicles... YUMMY!

Speed tip: Make individual portions in freezer bags

-ZB

Why we can't stop playing computer solitaire. - By Josh Levin - Slate Magazine

2008-05-19T12:45:00.000-04:00

Ever wonder about the history of Solitaire on your PC? Then you might want to check out this article. It seems that solitaire is the most used application on the Microsoft OS :-)

That reminds me, I need to play a few games of Spider Solitaire...

Why we can't stop playing computer solitaire. - By Josh Levin - Slate Magazine

-ZB

The Rise of Contextual User Interfaces - ReadWriteWeb

2008-05-19T12:15:00.000-04:00

Very well written article on the popularity of simple, user-friendly UIs in modern software. Apple is known for it, Web 2.0 is also doing a good job at it -- Microsoft, well, they have the ribbon :-)

Worth a read.

The Rise of Contextual User Interfaces - ReadWriteWeb

-ZB

't Is Goud - WalletCards on my iPhone

2008-05-16T13:08:00.000-04:00

I lived most of my life with a George Costanza wallet (big thick wallet with nothing really in it [stupid loyalty cards mainly]). Over a year ago, I decided to simplify my wallet situation and get rid of most of my cards and various other pieces of paper that found a home in my mock-leather (but not Velcro) wallet. I got a money-clip with a 5 card holder on it from Steinhausen. I now a bit of cash and 5 cards. It's been great (and my back is thanking me for it too)!

Anyhow -- this guy takes things to another level. He has scanned his loyalty cards and put them in his iPhone. For vendors that don't use the magnetic strip and only use the numbers on the card -- this is a cool idea :-)

WalletCards on my iPhone

-ZB

Weird Science! NYU Student Invents Virtual Girlfriend -- Daily Intel -- New York News Blog -- New York Magazine

2008-05-16T12:52:00.000-04:00

Nothing beats the real thing but if you want to sleep with a partially interactive TV... be my guest. Nice reference to an 80's movie...

Weird Science! NYU Student Invents Virtual Girlfriend

-ZB

YouTube - Windows 7 Features, Screenshots, Demo

2008-05-13T11:27:00.000-04:00

Here is a FAST rundown of some of the implemented features in the very early builds of Windows 7 (successor to Vista). Some of these changes to the Windows Explorer are a long time coming (dual work areas).

YouTube - Windows 7 Features, Screenshots, Demo

-ZB

YouTube - Adding Google Friend Connect To Sample Website

2008-05-13T11:23:00.000-04:00

There has been a lot of buzz around Google's Friend Connect beta that allows for the union of many social networking sites on your specific site. This ability sounds interesting but may be a bit difficult to rationalize :-). Being the visual person that I am -- I found this video that demonstrates the feature and its benefits to various types of users.

Enjoy.

YouTube - Adding Google Friend Connect To Sample Website

-ZB

.:: Microsoft presents :: The Ultimate Steal ::.

2008-05-09T10:00:00.000-04:00

Until May 16th -- Get Microsoft Office Ultimate @ a 91% discount (that's right, no type-o there) PROVIDED, you have a .EDU email account {you might have access if you are part of your school's alumni as well ;-) }. Seems to be US only though...

.:: Microsoft presents :: The Ultimate Steal ::.

-ZB

BetaNews | Id Software announces the coming of Doom 4

2008-05-09T09:54:00.000-04:00

For all your FPS fans :-) It seems that DOOM IV is in the pipeline! Get your trigger fingers ready!!

BetaNews | Id Software announces the coming of Doom 4

-ZB

First look: OpenOffice.org 3.0 beta a big step forward

2008-05-08T11:15:00.000-04:00

A OpenOffice 3 Beta is available for download. I'm pretty stoked about this release. It will add support for the Office 2007 file format. This will allow me to have better interoperability with the largest commercial office product in the world :-)

First look: OpenOffice.org 3.0 beta a big step forward

-ZB

Files on a home computer that are compressed by using NTFS compression may not be backed up correctly by Windows Home Server

2008-05-08T11:12:00.000-04:00

For those of you who went out and got a Windows Home Server -- there has been a long standing (and controversial) bug concerning the backup of certain files on user's computers. This bug has taken months to fix and has been a sore point for many users. It seems the fix is finally available -- you do have to install it on each PC manually -- this is a true shame since it should have been something that the server itself controls to update it's clients... I would have appreciated having the server Autoupdate itself via Microsoft and then have the WHS update its clients as they check in. This would have been the right architecture to adopt. I know, I know, it's a home product, not an enterprise product... Still -- Home networks are mimicking enterprise networks these days...

Files on a home computer that are compressed by using NTFS compression may not be backed up correctly by Windows Home Server

-ZB

The heron has landed: a review of Ubuntu 8.04: Page 1

2008-05-08T10:46:00.000-04:00

Ars Technica always has very good reviews of product. Here is a good review of Hardy Heron (Ubuntu 8.04).

The heron has landed: a review of Ubuntu 8.04

-ZB

Criterion Collection coming to Blu-ray in October - Engadget

2008-05-08T10:45:00.000-04:00

For all of your hard core movie buffs -- the Criterion Collection has a very good reputation for putting out excellent quality versions of classic (debatable) movies. Now that the HD format wars are over -- they are announcing the release of some Blu-ray content! W00T!

Criterion Collection coming to Blu-ray in October

-ZB

Create Your Own Smart Bookmarks in Firefox 3

2008-05-07T10:39:00.000-04:00

Very detailed article on using Smart Bookmarks in the upcoming Firefox 3. Looks like a powerful tool! I like it.

Create Your Own Smart Bookmarks in Firefox 3

-ZB

PC World - 18 Features Windows Should Have (but Doesn't)

2008-04-29T14:30:00.000-04:00

Good article showing all sorts of useful (subjective) features that exist (or have existed for a while) in other OSes (Mac OS, Linux, PC-BSD, etc) that don't exist natively in Windows. Wow -- that's a fragmented sentence...

PC World - 18 Features Windows Should Have (but Doesn't)

-ZB

The 20 saltiest foods in America exposed - Diet and nutrition - MSNBC.com

2008-04-29T14:10:00.000-04:00

This is scary stuff... salt certainly makes food taste better and often accentuates their natural flavors but it can and does wreak havoc on your body (kidneys especially). Check out this list of the most salted food in America!

The 20 saltiest foods in America exposed - Diet and nutrition - MSNBC.com

-ZB

Crapware: Superior Alternatives to Crappy Windows Software

2008-04-29T10:50:00.000-04:00

A good list of alternative apps to the common characters... I'm using most of them :-)
Pearls of wisdom can also be found in the user comments (along with the usual noise).

Crapware: Superior Alternatives to Crappy Windows Software

-ZB

The Mac in business: it's easier than you think | InfoWorld | News | 2008-04-21 | By Galen Gruman

2008-04-28T16:18:00.000-04:00

Another story about Macs gaining market share in the "non-creative" enterprise (ie not web / graphic designer companies).

The Mac in business: it's easier than you think

-ZB

The Great Ubuntu-Girlfriend Experiment « Content Consumer

2008-04-28T16:09:00.000-04:00

Many Geeks have done the "Girlfriend experiment" with Linux. I know I have... many end with a similar result -- "Please put windows back on my system". Not for any MAJOR issue -- on many occasions it's just a matter of comfort. This is a very well put together article with explicit tests (and results) from a "girlfriend test" using the new Hardy Heron (Ubuntu 8.04).

The article itself is great but what amazed me more was the amount of feedback the author received (189 at the time of this posting) and the level of detail of said feedback.

Worth a look!

The Great Ubuntu-Girlfriend Experiment « Content Consumer

-ZB

Five important security apps for Linux, Mac OS X and Windows: Page 1

2008-04-25T15:15:00.000-04:00

If you are reading my blog, chances are you know your way around a personal computer (whether a Windows, Linux or Mac). Here's a great review of some key applications you should have on your respective platform.

Some of these are open source and / or may have ports on the Windows side so don't limit yourself to reading your "OS du jour"...

Five important security apps for Linux, Mac OS X and Windows

-ZB

The Heron has landed: Ubuntu 8.04 officially released

2008-04-25T14:16:00.005-04:00

It's hhheeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeerrrrrrrreeeeeeeeeeee

Ubuntu 8.04 - Hardy Heron -- has flapped its wings and landed on servers around the world. I upgraded my main system yesterday. The update went flawlessly over the network. The system is as responsive (if not a bit more responsive actually but it's too early to tell). I did experience a bit of a VERY annoying hiccup. When I use the number pad (in a spreadsheet for example) -- the second I press a number key, I get logged out of the system... This is NOT good. I'll be looking on the forums for an answer for this one!

Apart from that one incident, I'm very pleased with the new OS.

Update: The fix for the annoying number pad issue I was having is to disable the "mouse control in keypad" under "Mouse Tabs" in the "Keyboard Prefs" -- happy Zombie, happy

The Heron has landed: Ubuntu 8.04 officially released

-ZB

Vous Pensez – The geekiest pants… ever?

2008-04-24T08:12:00.000-04:00

I wonder if ThinkGeek will pick this up at some point? Gives you a good reason to touch your private areas ;)

Vous Pensez – The geekiest pants… ever?

-ZB

Linux examined: Ubuntu Hardy Heron

2008-04-17T11:11:00.000-04:00

A decent article describing the virtues of Ubuntu as a Desktop for noobs :-)

Linux examined: Ubuntu Hardy Heron

-ZB

Fat, fatter, fattest: Microsoft’s kings of bloat | InfoWorld

2008-04-16T11:01:00.001-04:00

This is a must read by all IT professionals. There has always been a sense that Microsoft was getting more and more "bloaty" with each release and that upgrading your hardware to run the latest release of Windows or Office was a necessity in order to achieve the same or better level of performance. This study compared each generation of Windows / Office vs the state of the art PC at the time and compared the performance and footprint. Conclusion -- Microsoft is getting fatter and fatter and essentially annihilating any speed bumps achieved from better hardware (RAM, CPU, BUS etc). Worth a read!

Fat, fatter, fattest: Microsoft’s kings of bloat

-ZB

Sternlab.:BodyTechnologyInterfaces

2008-04-16T10:46:00.001-04:00

OK, uhm so, uhm... this is some strange stuff... It's like gloves or a hat (toque) that fits your body part and your electronics... just take a look -- odd.

Sternlab.:BodyTechnologyInterfaces

-ZB

The Ten Most Beautiful Computers

2008-04-14T11:44:00.000-04:00

Not surprisingly, Apple has 2 of the 10 spots :-) I don't see a Cray anywhere though... oh well :-) I feel old looking at this article. I've personally used quite a few of these computers...

The Ten Most Beautiful Computers

-ZB

Microsoft Exec: UAC Designed To 'Annoy Users' - Software - IT Channel News by CRN and VARBusiness

2008-04-11T09:49:00.000-04:00

Nothing like purposely pissing off your client base... Talk about arrogance! I agree with the spirit of what they are trying to do with UAC but I must admit, it IS annoying :-).

Microsoft Exec: UAC Designed To 'Annoy Users'

-ZB

Issues for DSM-V: Internet Addiction -- Block 165 (3): 306 -- Am J Psychiatry

2008-04-08T09:46:00.000-04:00

We all joke about being addicted to the net... it seems the American Journal of Psychiatry is looking at including this addiction as a very real disorder. I'll need my daily dose of prozac to get off the PC :-)

Issues for DSM-V: Internet Addiction -- Block 165 (3): 306 -- Am J Psychiatry

-ZB

The Fastest Ways to Kill a Virtual Team | Geekpreneur

2008-04-08T07:54:00.000-04:00

I've been working in or managing virtual teams for many years. It is a HUGE challenge. I'm a fairly social person and it has always been difficult working with people you rarely or NEVER see. You don't have the benefit of breaking bread with your team and sharing non-work related stories over lunch. It is much harder to bond with your team when you only get 30 min or 1hr increments of time with them a week and that time is primarily focused on the task at hand. Here are some things not to do when working in a geographically disparate team...

The Fastest Ways to Kill a Virtual Team | Geekpreneur

-ZB

Add new functions to Canon’s Digital Cameras

2008-04-08T07:51:00.000-04:00

OK -- Let me start by saying that I've not tried this... though it seems simple enough to back out of the change. There is an alternate firmware for many Canon digital cameras that allow for extra features like faster shutter speeds, longer exposures and RAW support etc... Might be good for those of you that want to squeeze more juice out of your digital cams :-)!

Add new functions to Canon’s Digital Cameras

-ZB

Open Source Decade: 10 years after the Free Software Summit: Page 1

2008-04-08T07:15:00.000-04:00

This is a great interview article with many pioneers of the Open Source movement. No, Stallman isn't there - for those of you that like his panache... Interesting views on what's working, what's not and where people think the movement is going.

Open Source Decade: 10 years after the Free Software Summit

-ZB

Lifehacker Top 10: Top 10 Software Easter Eggs

2008-03-24T11:13:00.000-04:00

In the spirit of Easter -- Top 10 Software Easter Eggs! Now these won't get you fat...

Lifehacker Top 10: Top 10 Software Easter Eggs

-ZB

Feature: Jailbreak Any iPhone or iPod Touch in 45 Seconds

2008-03-24T11:00:00.000-04:00

My iPod Touch is still on 1.1.3 but I'll probably upgrade to 1.1.4 at some point in the near future. I'll be trying this method:

Feature: Jailbreak Any iPhone or iPod Touch in 45 Seconds

-ZB

Finished Installing Windows Vista SP1 ? Now Remove All The Junk Files

2008-03-24T10:56:00.000-04:00

As everyone knows -- Vista SP1 is out -- when you installed it, you do however have the option of uninstalling the behemoth of a service pack. If you are committed (or should be for using Vista) to staying with the SP1, then save yourself some disk space and run the Vista Service Pack 1 Cleaner (creatively called vsp1cln <-- run it from the command line).

Finished Installing Windows Vista SP1 ? Now Remove All The Junk Files

-ZB

Tracking Linux prereleases: OpenSUSE, Ubuntu, and Fedora: Page 1

2008-03-24T10:43:00.000-04:00

So many distros -- so many release dates... how does one keep track? The more I use Linux, the more I enjoy the experience. I must admit that when I run into a problem -- it's usually a tricky fix so for that reason I don't know that it's ready for prime-time just yet. Anyhow -- Ars Technica has a good article that talks about the forthcoming releases of some of the major distributions and explains their individual roadmap process...

Tracking Linux prereleases: OpenSUSE, Ubuntu, and Fedora

-ZB

"Canada's Next Great Prime Minister" to be found on P2P

2008-03-20T09:27:00.000-04:00

Following Norway's lead (a progressive country), Canada's CBC will start making DRM-free copies of it's new series "Canada's Next Great Prime Minister" available for free over bittorrent! This is an experiment that I hope catches on...

"Canada's Next Great Prime Minister" to be found on P2P

-ZB

Arthur C. Clarke dies at 90 - washingtonpost.com

2008-03-20T08:55:00.000-04:00

It's a sad day for science fiction fans... Sir Arthur C. Clarke has passed. It's always difficult when the world loses a visionary... RIP

Arthur C. Clarke dies at 90 - washingtonpost.com:

"Clarke was best known in popular culture as the author of the story that inspired Stanley Kubrick's 1968 film '2001: A Space Odyssey,' but his greatest contribution to technology is creating the conceptual framework for geostationary satellites -- machines that would remain in the same spot above the earth and act as relay stations for signals from the ground, covering a wide area. He published a paper about the concept in 1945, which was ultimately realized two decades later. The orbit into which geostationary satellites are placed is now known as the Clarke Orbit."

-ZB

Technology Review: Identifying Manipulated Images

2008-03-17T14:32:00.000-04:00

Very cool technology out of MIT that allows someone to verify the authenticity of a digital picture (ie see if it wasn't doctored up with Photoshop).

Technology Review: Identifying Manipulated Images

-ZB

Technology Review: 10 Emerging Technologies 2008

2008-03-13T09:55:00.000-04:00

From Science Fiction to reality -- some innovations that may have a dramatic impact on our lives in the near future... One of these is Wireless Power -- I wonder if we would get a shock when it rains? :-)

Technology Review: 10 Emerging Technologies 2008

-ZB

Office 2007 interface prototypes - istartedsomething

2008-03-13T09:50:00.000-04:00

A pretty cool picture-set of prototypes to Office 2007. I really like Office 2007... it took me some time to get used to the ribbon and I still to this day find myself wondering where some functionality now rests but the evolution of the interface is quite nice. Here is some insight on how Microsoft got there.

Office 2007 interface prototypes - istartedsomething

-ZB

New IE8 beta 1 tantalizes, rough edges and all: Page 1

2008-03-06T12:00:00.000-05:00

As you've undoubtedly heard -- IE8 Beta 1 is now available for download. It seems that a concerted effort has been made to adhere to internet standards. I'm still holding on to firefox :-)

New IE8 beta 1 tantalizes, rough edges and all

-ZB

Flash video not suitable for iPhone, Apple CEO says

2008-03-06T09:57:00.000-05:00

Now this is a bummer -- I miss not having flash on my iPod Touch. Now, the article says that Adobe's Flash player is not suitable for the iPhone... so maybe there is another Flash player that is.

Today's SDK town hall at 1PM Eastern should be interesting... Part of me believes that Apple will release a firmware update that will stop all current jailbreaking techniques from working and the carrot will be some sort of Flash playback capability. This might be just enough to get people to jump onto the standard firmware bandwagon... This is purely speculation on my part... If I'm right, then I hope Apple can adopt many of the brilliant applications that are currently available to people that have jailbroken their devices.

Flash video not suitable for iPhone, Apple CEO says

-ZB

Internet Explorer 8 Readiness Toolkit

2008-03-05T11:32:00.000-05:00

Some details on the features of the upcoming IE8 -- so far I can do most if not all of this with Firefox today... *Yawn*. Maybe IE9 might have something of interest...

Internet Explorer 8 Readiness Toolkit

-ZB

D&D cocreator Gary Gygax now beyond scope of healing spells

2008-03-05T11:23:00.000-05:00

RIP Gary Gygax. It is indeed a sad day for all gamers. Gary Gygax is the father of Dungeons & Dragons -- his work has both influenced and inspired the world of gaming as we know it. It is a sad day...

God's speed Dungeon Master...

D&D cocreator Gary Gygax now beyond scope of healing spells

-ZB

Obituary: Sony Trinitron Timeline Shows Why It Will Live Forever In Our Hearts

2008-03-04T12:03:00.000-05:00

RIP Trinitron -- This article has a really nice time-line representing the history of the Television... Muy cool!

Obituary: Sony Trinitron Timeline Shows Why It Will Live Forever In Our Hearts

-ZB

The Ray Gun In Action (CBS News)

2008-03-04T12:01:00.000-05:00

Wow! The "heat gun" used on TV. Pretty amazing and frightening. No bullets -- just intense pain. I would hate for this to fall into the wrong hands.

-ZB

Daylight Saving Wastes Energy, Study Says - WSJ.com

2008-03-04T11:57:00.000-05:00

Very interesting data points on whether or not Daylight savings time actually is a "green" thing to do. It seems that this change in time might actually be much more costly than the benefits of not having as many lights on.

Daylight Saving Wastes Energy, Study Says - WSJ.com

-ZB

BetaNews | Nearly 3% of America became iPod converts over the holiday

2008-03-03T10:09:00.000-05:00

Interesting figures around iPod sales. I can tell you that I've owned many MP3 players in the last many years and nothing, nothing even comes close to the iPod Touch in terms of quality of the audio, video and extra features (Safari, Jailbroken apps {gotta love iPhysics}, etc) so I suppose I'm a convert. I've not jumped off and purchased an OSX box yet but I must admit that I'm VERY tempted considering the quality and ease of use of the iPod Touch.

BetaNews | Nearly 3% of America became iPod converts over the holiday

-ZB

Encrypting an USB Drive with True Crypt

2008-03-03T10:04:00.000-05:00

A very good article on how to encrypt a partition using TrueCrypt. You can use Truecrypt in many different ways (password, keyfile, combo of both, encrypt a "container file" on your disk, a non-system partition, the system partition etc...). Lots of options, lots of security.

Encrypting an USB Drive with True Crypt

-ZB

Magneto Boy: Science Videos - Science News - ScienCentral

2008-03-03T09:57:00.000-05:00

WOW -- This is like Jack Black's upcoming movie "Be kind, Rewind". This kid zaps PCs when he touches them. If he wears an anti-static band on his wrist, then all is well... I guess those things really do work and I should wear them once in a while...

I need to hire this kid to go play on the corporate email servers.... I get WAY too much mail! ;-)

Magneto Boy: Science Videos - Science News - ScienCentral

-ZB

Cracking Open the Apple MacBook Air | TechRepublic Photo Gallery

2008-02-29T10:25:00.000-05:00

The MacBook Air deconstructed... Very amazing engineering went into this thin notebook... worth a look!

Cracking Open the Apple MacBook Air | TechRepublic Photo Gallery

-ZB

Ubuntu brainstorm

2008-02-29T10:18:00.000-05:00

No one has a monopoly on good ideas. Ubuntu recognizes that and has launched the "Ubuntu Brainstorm" site where anyone can post ideas on how to make Ubuntu better. Let's hope they take advantage of all the creative and constructive feedback!

Ubuntu brainstorm

-ZB

BetaNews | Apple looks set to introduce iPhone SDK next week

2008-02-28T09:22:00.000-05:00

This sounds promising but I'm concerned that the community might get pretty locked down in typical Apple fashion. I'll keep my fingers crossed but will not hold my breath.

BetaNews | Apple looks set to introduce iPhone SDK next week

-ZB

Kids don't like CDs: iTunes Store now #2 music retailer

2008-02-27T10:27:00.000-05:00

It won't be long before your beloved CD will go the way of HD-DVD...

Kids don't like CDs: iTunes Store now #2 music retailer

-ZB

Trade group lists top 10 pirated software - TechSpot News

2008-02-27T10:25:00.000-05:00

Interesting list... no big surprises -- nice that they carve it up between consumer and commercial. I would have expected Windows and Office to be tops on both lists (or even ON the lists).

Trade group lists top 10 pirated software - TechSpot News

-ZB

The update is not installed successfully, you receive a message, and the computer restarts when you try to install an update in Windows Vista

2008-02-27T09:58:00.000-05:00

In case you're stuck in reboot hell because of the Vista SP1 prerequisite problem -- Microsoft has released three not so user friendly ways to overcome this annoying problem.

The update is not installed successfully, you receive a message, and the computer restarts when you try to install an update in Windows Vista

-ZB

Gaffes Keeping Geeks Out of the Board Room

2008-02-27T09:54:00.000-05:00

This is too funny... see how many faux-pas you get out of this list (feels like the old BS Bingo). Some of these hurt... what IS wrong with socks and sandals anyhow right? Am I right?

Gaffes Keeping Geeks Out of the Board Room

-ZB

MAKE: Blog: DIY camera GPS project for Nikon DSLRs

2008-02-27T09:42:00.000-05:00

Here's a cool weekend project -- add a GPS to your DSLR! Add location information to the EXIF data in your pictures -- how cool is that?!

MAKE: Blog: DIY camera GPS project for Nikon DSLRs

-ZB

Application Information - OpenOffice.org OpenXML Translator

2008-02-26T09:09:00.000-05:00

One of the recent shortcomings in Open Office has been the inability to open/edit Office 2007 applications. Here's a link to a translator that should solve the problem :-). One of the next releases of OO will include this capability natively.

Application Information - OpenOffice.org OpenXML Translator

-ZB

How to Make A Inexpensive Light Tent

2008-02-25T12:29:00.000-05:00

Never 2 without 3 eh? Here's something that might actually be useful! Ever wonder how they get those really nice photos where you barely see a shadow and no background? Well, it might be Photoshop (please don't use the magic wand tool!) -- OR it might be a "Light tent". Build your own and sell some cool stuff on ebay!

How to Make A Inexpensive Light Tent

-ZB

Magnum Condom LED Music Light - Instructables - DIY, How To, , home

2008-02-25T12:28:00.000-05:00

This was too funny not to post... turn a pair of condoms into non-virtual visualizations for your PC! OMG! Too funny!

Magnum Condom LED Music Light

-ZB

5-Minute Projects: DIY Slime | Popular Science

2008-02-25T12:27:00.000-05:00

Feels like a DIY day today -- I've always wanted to make slime... NOW I CAN! I didn't realize how easy it was!!! Borax, Water and Aylmer's glue... (food coloring too ;-)).

Enjoy!

5-Minute Projects: DIY Slime | Popular Science

-ZB

Microsoft: Vista SP1 will break these programs | CNET News.com

2008-02-22T10:05:00.000-05:00

Be careful of Vista SP1! It seems there are some incompatibilities that may break your 3rd party security tools such as AV and Software-based Firewall.

Microsoft: Vista SP1 will break these programs | CNET News.com

-ZB

ExclusiveStarWars.com - Online Web Shop

2008-02-22T09:58:00.000-05:00

OMG! For the Star Wars lover in your life! An R2-D2 projector / media center!! W00t!!

ExclusiveStarWars.com - Online Web Shop

-ZB