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

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

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Arthur C. Clarke dies at 90 - washingtonpost.com

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."

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Technology Review: Identifying Manipulated Images

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

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Technology Review: 10 Emerging Technologies 2008

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

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Office 2007 interface prototypes - istartedsomething

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

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

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

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Flash video not suitable for iPhone, Apple CEO says

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

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Internet Explorer 8 Readiness Toolkit

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

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

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

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

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

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The Ray Gun In Action (CBS News)

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.




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Daylight Saving Wastes Energy, Study Says - WSJ.com

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

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

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

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Encrypting an USB Drive with True Crypt

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

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Magneto Boy: Science Videos - Science News - ScienCentral

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

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Cracking Open the Apple MacBook Air | TechRepublic Photo Gallery

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

Cracking Open the Apple MacBook Air | TechRepublic Photo Gallery

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Ubuntu brainstorm

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

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BetaNews | Apple looks set to introduce iPhone SDK next week

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

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

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

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Trade group lists top 10 pirated software - TechSpot News

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

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

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

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Gaffes Keeping Geeks Out of the Board Room

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

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MAKE: Blog: DIY camera GPS project for Nikon DSLRs

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

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Application Information - OpenOffice.org OpenXML Translator

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

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How to Make A Inexpensive Light Tent

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

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

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

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5-Minute Projects: DIY Slime | Popular Science

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

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

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

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ExclusiveStarWars.com - Online Web Shop

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

ExclusiveStarWars.com - Online Web Shop

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Spread Firefox | The Home of Firefox Community Marketing

Congrats Mozilla! Firefox hits 500 million downloads! I can't wait for v3 to come out (and Thunderbird v3 :0)).

Spread Firefox | The Home of Firefox Community Marketing

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Next Ubuntu release to be called Intrepid Ibex, due in October

I was wondering what curious animal the Ubuntu team was going to pick for the "i" release... It seems it is the illustrious Ibex (I had never heard of this animal before now :-)). I had my money on Iguana but I suppose that would be too SuSE-esque...

Next Ubuntu release to be called Intrepid Ibex, due in October

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MAKE: Blog: 7,200 bananas

WOW -- "living art" -- a wall of 7200 real bananas -- complete with rotting smell. Two words: "Fruit Flies". They should be in a position to make massive quantities of banana bread (yummy) in a day or so...

MAKE: Blog: 7,200 bananas

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DisplaySearch Reports Q4'07 Worldwide LCD TV Shipments Surpass CRTs for First Time; TV Revenues Reach a Record High, Up 10% to $33B

I thought this would have happened a LONG time ago... at least in North America. These are however world wide numbers...

DisplaySearch Reports Q4'07 Worldwide LCD TV Shipments Surpass CRTs for First Time; TV Revenues Reach a Record High, Up 10% to $33B

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Obsolete Skils: Skills/Skills

Wow - I'm surprised at how many of these I know how to do... I feel so OLD!! Worth a look -- you'll get a chuckle out of it I'm certain!

Obsolete Skils: Skills

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Live from Toshiba's HD DVD press conference in Tokyo - Engadget

RIP HD DVD...

Sony wins a battle with Blue Ray (vindicated from Betamax loss?). Microsoft is in talks to come out with a Blue Ray XBox 360 drive... I'm glad I didn't buy either... I'm not likely to move to Blue Ray any time soon -- I suspect that on-demand content is just around the corner for early adopters -- Netflix / Apple TV and others have already started... Personally, I think Blue Ray is just as dead as HD DVD.

Live from Toshiba's HD DVD press conference in Tokyo - Engadget

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Bill Gates’ last day, take two (video) - istartedsomething

LOL @ another video of Bill Gates' last day :-) Enjoy - LOLLLLLL

Bill Gates’ last day, take two (video) - istartedsomething

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End of the line for Polaroid film - ABC News (Australian Broadcasting Corporation)

It's the end of an era :( The famed Polaroid picture will be no more... Now that digital is everywhere and people do not need to "print" pictures OR if they do, it's very simple and economical to do it at home -- there is little defense to keep the Polaroid around (apart from nostalgia)...

note: a picture I took in Seattle -- used Inkscape to add a "Polaroid" look to it thanks to a tutorial from Heathenx (http://screencasters.heathenx.org/episode-045/)

End of the line for Polaroid film - ABC News (Australian Broadcasting Corporation)

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First look: Firefox 3 beta 3 polishes rough edges

A very good review of Firefox 3 B3 by the pros at Ars. Looks like firefox 3 is going to be very compelling. I've used earlier builds and it is what I expected -- a GREAT browser that is fast and extensible. I have not used IE in a very long time (unless work requires I use some ActiveX stuff to perform tasks) and I don't miss it for a second. I find using IE 7 a step backwards and cannot wait to get back to my 'fox ;-).

First look: Firefox 3 beta 3 polishes rough edges

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Springlets for your iPhone

Springlets allows you to put some quick access springboard links on your iPhone or iPod Touch. Allowing you to directly access things like Wikipedia, IMDB, I'm feeling lucky (google) etc... Pretty slick... works for me :-)

Springlets for your iPhone

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TrueCrypt - Free Open-Source On-The-Fly Disk Encryption Software for Windows Vista/XP, Mac OS X and Linux - Downloads

New major version of TrueCrypt is out -- Go get it and ask questions later. This is a GREAT encryption tool -- it's open source and works beautifully. Version 5 works on the Mac, adds a GUI to Linux and can encrypt your system volume! Well worth the price of admission (FREE)!

Use it - love it!

TrueCrypt - Free Open-Source On-The-Fly Disk Encryption Software for Windows Vista/XP, Mac OS X and Linux - Downloads

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YouTube - Official Duke Nukem Forever Teaser Video

Probably the World's most famous example of vaporware... "Duke Nukem Forever" -- it's been a rumor since forever (nearly 10 years)... It looks like a 1 min teaser video has been released... I wonder if they will change rendering engine again and halt development like they've done in the past... I'm not holding my breath on this one...

YouTube - Official Duke Nukem Forever Teaser Video

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HDRwalls.com - Your source for HDR wallpapers for desktop, Blackbery, iPhone, iPod, and PSP.

Very cool pics at this site -- common theme: High Dynamic Range (HDR) pics where a composite of different exposures of the same picture is blended to create vivid and mystically saturated images. Mucho Coolio!

HDRwalls.com - Your source for HDR wallpapers for desktop, Blackbery, iPhone, iPod, and PSP.

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Sigma's APO 200-500 F2.8 telephoto lens gets close to wildlife, your wife - Engadget

Got 25G to drop on a telephoto lens? Got strong enough shoulders to lug around a 35lb lens? :-)

Sigma's APO 200-500 F2.8 telephoto lens gets close to wildlife, your wife - Engadget

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MacBook Air splayed -- multi-touch trackpad controller chip same as iPhone - Engadget

The previous post was all about unboxing the hot little number called the MacBook Air... Engadget's post takes this even further and strips the little minx down to it's core components *blush*.

MacBook Air splayed -- multi-touch trackpad controller chip same as iPhone - Engadget

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MacBook Air in the House, Unboxing Photos

The MacBook Air has started to ship... Here's a set of pics revealing the unboxing of the sexy technology!

MacBook Air in the House, Unboxing Photos

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WOW. Microsoft Offers $44.6 Billion To Acquire Yahoo

There have been numerous articles on this bid from Microsoft to acquire Yahoo... I just liked the graphic best on this one :-)



It will be interesting to see how Google reacts to this. Part of me feels this will actually benefit Google since these big mergers are typically plagued with all sorts of integration issues... Given Google is the clear leader in search and web-based advertising -- this is the perfect opportunity for Google to pull further ahead of the combined #2 and 3 players in the space...

Disclosure: long GOOG

WOW. Microsoft Offers $44.6 Billion To Acquire Yahoo

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$1 Image Stabilizer For Any Camera - Lose The Tripod

This looks like a great idea if you just don't want to lug around a tripod... Fit-in-your-pocket solution for when you just need to get a good shot but can't get to a Tripod or your camera's image stabilization sucks (or is non-existent).

$1 Image Stabilizer For Any Camera - Lose The Tripod

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DNS celebrates 25th birthday - vnunet.com

nslookup -- oh, Happy 25th b-day DNS!!! W00T!

DNS celebrates 25th birthday - vnunet.com

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Firefox share up over 20% in Europe, mostly at expense of IE

Firefox is taking up share in Europe... Interesting to see the country by county breakdown of FFox penetration... worth a look. Go Firefox!

Firefox share up over 20% in Europe, mostly at expense of IE

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Hands on with XIOS, the Cloud OS that runs in a browser

Virtualization is a very trendy theme these days... How about running all of your work in the cloud all the time... Just find a spot to squat and work. High cool factor but I wonder about the productivity / speed constraints that are likely at play here.

Hands on with XIOS, the Cloud OS that runs in a browser

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iClarified - iPhone - How to Officially Update and Jailbreak to 1.1.3 iPhone Firmware (Windows)

Tested this method with the iPod Touch -- worked like a charm :-)
This method updates your firmware to 1.1.3 and puts the "Installer" program on your device.
NOTE: You will not get the icon "wiggles" and iPhone Apps on your iPod Touch -- you will need to install these as a post-process.

ENJOY!

iClarified - iPhone - How to Officially Update and Jailbreak to 1.1.3 iPhone Firmware (Windows)

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Lotus Notes 8.5 to fully support Ubuntu Linux 7.0 - Computerworld UK - The Voice of IT Management

This should be an interesting addition for Ubuntu -- maybe I'll be able to lose Windows completely?

Lotus Notes 8.5 to fully support Ubuntu Linux 7.0 - Computerworld UK - The Voice of IT Management

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[1.1.3] Jailbreak on PC released > Use this thread for your Problems - Hackint0sh

Unlock your iPhone with the new Jailbreak (don't wait until Feb to get 3rd party apps -- get 'em now and get ones that Apple doesn't need to certify in any way).

PC Version: [1.1.3] Jailbreak on PC released > Use this thread for your Problems - Hackint0sh

and the Mac version: click

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Feast Your Eyes on the Leaked Screenshots of Windows 7 M1 Ultimate Edition! - That's right! - Softpedia

Could it be? First screen shots of the forthcoming (rumor calls it in the 2nd half of 2009) Windows 7 (not a very sexy name MSFT).

Feast Your Eyes on the Leaked Screenshots of Windows 7 M1 Ultimate Edition! - That's right! - Softpedia

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Ten years of Mozilla : Mozilla Links

Happy 10th b-day Mozilla!!!
Thanks for all of your contributions and I look fw to another 10 yrs of creative innovation!




Ten years of Mozilla : Mozilla Links

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Amazon.com: EGG CRACKER: Kitchen & Dining

I suppose this "invention" would be good for people with manual dexterity issues like arthritis sufferers...

Amazon.com: EGG CRACKER: Kitchen & Dining

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What the heck was Xbox 360 Project Helium? A Hybrid Xbox 360 Windows PC

Interesting concept -- high powered PC with an Xbox 360 daughter board :-) SWEEEET :) It's not known whether this concept will ever see the light of day but it's a pretty neat idea!

What the heck was Xbox 360 Project Helium? A Hybrid Xbox 360 Windows PC

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KDE goes cross-platform with Windows, Mac OS X support

Hell has frozen over folks :-)

KDE apps on Windows (thanks to the Open Source Qt platform). Finally -- Amarok on Windows *gush*.

KDE goes cross-platform with Windows, Mac OS X support

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IBM: Lotus Notes for iPhone not ready yet | CNET News.com

I really enjoyed the quote below in this article... I happen to agree with it :-)

IBM: Lotus Notes for iPhone not ready yet | CNET News.com:

"I can't really imagine someone who's really hip and cool--like an iPhone user--wanting to use Lotus Notes"

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Roswell Girl Scout earns every badge available | ajc.com

I have fond memories of my time in the Scouting movement. This young girl has more motivation than I've had my entire life! She went and earned EVERY Girl Scout badge that could be earned (all 104). I think they should have a commemorative 105th badge that you get by earning all 104... would be a good gesture -- anyone can get any singular badge but it would be a rare event indeed to get the 105th...

Roswell Girl Scout earns every badge available | ajc.com

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BetaNews | IBM adds support for a third Linux flavor: Ubuntu

Interesting that IBM will add support for Symphony, Lotus Notes and other tools in Ubuntu :-)
The company I work for uses Lotus Notes so... maybe I'll be able to ditch Windoze.

BetaNews | IBM adds support for a third Linux flavor: Ubuntu

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Refrigerator offers door-mounted tablet PC

Like a server rack... for your fridge! :-)

Refrigerator offers door-mounted tablet PC

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RIAA wiped off the net | The Register

RIAA's web site was wiped out over the weekend... Maybe they need to put some DRM on their web site to protect themselves :-S

RIAA wiped off the net | The Register

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4 Seriously Underutilized Ways to Make Your House Rules Stick | Today with Vanessa Van Petten

Kids not listening ... these might help... "MIGHT" :)

4 Seriously Underutilized Ways to Make Your House Rules Stick | Today with Vanessa Van Petten

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Lessons to Teach Kids about Money | Children Learn about Saving

Good article on how to teach your kids about cash, credit, interest ++ pretty neat stuff!

Lessons to Teach Kids about Money | Children Learn about Saving

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Criminals Beware: Computerized Lip Reading - TFOT

Beware of prying eyes... or cameras... feeling paranoid yet? Maybe you should be... ;-)

Criminals Beware: Computerized Lip Reading - TFOT

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Chess genius Bobby Fischer dies in Iceland | Top News | Reuters.com

R.I.P Bobby Fischer... Check-mate from the Big Chess Master in the Sky.

Chess genius Bobby Fischer dies in Iceland | Top News | Reuters.com

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News from The Associated Press

Lots of M&A today... market slowdown is allowing for some consolidation...

The Associated Press: Oracle to Buy BEA Systems for $7.85 Billion

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Sun to fork out $1 billion for open-source firm MySQL | Tech news blog - CNET News.com

Lots of M&A today... market slowdown is allowing for some consolidation...

Sun to fork out $1 billion for open-source firm MySQL | Tech news blog - CNET News.com

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Poll: Are you spending $20 on new iPod touch apps? - Engadget

iPhone applications were not shipped with the iPod Touch. This new build released yesterday will give you that IF you pay 20$. I find that disgusting since the iPod Touch (16GB) is the same price as the iPhone without the phone technology!! So why would the iPod Touch user PAY for this??

My device is "jailbroken" and I have ALL of these apps on my 1.1.2 iPod Touch. I'm not updating! Fill out this poll to see if Engadget has some pull with Apple.

Poll: Are you spending $20 on new iPod touch apps? - Engadget

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Bink.nu | Microsoft to release Windows Vista Plus Pack - Bink.nu

It seems there is a plus pack for Vista on the horizon. Frankly, I would expect Microsoft to provide this for free given the mess they've achieved to create with Vista.

Bink.nu | Microsoft to release Windows Vista Plus Pack - Bink.nu

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Getting Started With Microsoft Windows Home Server -- Home Networking -- InformationWeek

Good overview document on Microsoft's Windows Home Server. I've been using this product for nearly a year (through the betas) -- I must say that it does fill a niche market and I really appreciate having it in my house. You could obviously setup a file server, media server, automate some backup scripts, stand up a VPN server and a Web server (etc...etc..) but then you'd have to manage each service, each script -- it's a hassle and who has time to do this these days? Check this out -- it might help give you back some of that weekend / evening time you miss so much :-)


Getting Started With Microsoft Windows Home Server -- Home Networking -- InformationWeek

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Microsoft Watch - Business Applications - Enterprises Are Deploying Office 2007 Without Vista

It seems that Microsoft has not build sufficient synergies between Vista and Office 2007... Also, Office 2007 is viewed as superior product to Office 2003 and Vista is seen as adding very little. Conclusion: Enterprises are migrating to Office 2007 and leaving Vista on the shelf.

Microsoft Watch - Business Applications - Enterprises Are Deploying Office 2007 Without Vista

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Windows Vista, Office 2007 Expelled From British Schools -- Windows Vista -- InformationWeek

Well, the title says it all... it seems the British school system doesn't see a compelling reason to migrate to a newer OS and Office version. They site compatibility concerns and Microsoft's failure to support the Open Document Format which is a recognized international standard.

Windows Vista, Office 2007 Expelled From British Schools -- Windows Vista -- InformationWeek

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Bloomberg.com: iPhone in Canada?

Another Macworld rumor -- could Apple finally launch the iPhone in Canada? I know a few Cannucks that have an iPhone via Rogers... hopefully they can make it legit soon :-)

Bloomberg.com: iPhone in Canada?

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35 Common Sense Rules for Investing | Moolanomy

If you're interested in the stock market -- you might want to take a peak at these rules... they are more suggestions than rules but they are common sense. Invest wisely!

35 Common Sense Rules for Investing | Moolanomy

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KDE 4.0 Screenshots | The Coding Studio Linux & Unix Screenshots | Linux & Unix Distro Screenshots | Screenshots of Linux & Unix

KDE 4 was released on Jan 1th -- reviews will start trickling in any time now... some mixed initial reactions are already out:

Ars
OSNews

Screen shots are here:
KDE 4.0 Screenshots | The Coding Studio Linux & Unix Screenshots | Linux & Unix Distro Screenshots | Screenshots of Linux & Unix

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Study: Telecommuting makes work worse for non-telecommuters

Interesting study on telecommuting where they look at the people left in the office and the effect of telecommuters on this demographic. The results are interesting....

Study: Telecommuting makes work worse for non-telecommuters

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DIY Macro Lens Made From Binoculars Video

Save yourself some dough :-) get some cheap binoculars and build your own Macro lens! :-)

DIY Macro Lens Made From Binoculars Video

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"iPod Tax" smacked down in Canada

It seems that Canada's equivalent to the RIAA has pulled the notion of an "iPod Tax" in Canada. They figured that the way the tax was setup {and it would have been expensive for the user 75+$ more when you buy a large MP3 player {>30GB}} -- it would allow or at least condone P2P file sharing. In other words, if you paid the tax, you could do what ever (non-commercial) you wanted to with the music. I'm sure there will be another battle -- this is not over yet.

"iPod Tax" smacked down in Canada

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Macworld.Ars: Rumors ad infinitum

Macworld rumors abound! An ultra-light solid-state notebook (Newton anyone?) seems to be the big rumor. We'll see if it pans out... New software update for the iPhone / Touch -- I saw some of the new features in an episode of GeekBrief... mostly eye candy (which I like).

Macworld.Ars: Rumors ad infinitum

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The Old New Thing : How does the calculator percent key work?

Explaining the mysterious percent calculation in CALC.EXE (and your cheap-o) Staples {That was easy} calculator. I feel mildly enlightened.

The Old New Thing : How does the calculator percent key work?

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Sun's Goal: No In-House Data Centers by 2015 - Data Center Knowledge

Talk about going green... Sun would like to have zero Data Centers by 2015. They have already decreased the number of servers they run substantially but will continue to reduce aggressively. They will need to outsource (or OutHost as they call it) some data center functionality but good on them for taking this approach. Focus will also be made to offer SaaS (Software as a Service) to reduce costs -- another clever initiative.

Sun's Goal: No In-House Data Centers by 2015 - Data Center Knowledge

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Screenshots | Ubuntu Tweak

Some Ubuntu users get confused on where to make certain changes. Well, the Ubuntu forums are fantastic for much of these questions but I stumbled on a tool called "Ubuntu Tweak" that seems to group many of these FAQ-type configuration questions into a nicely presented GUI. Think of it as TweakUI for Ubuntu. I have not yet used it but the feedback looks positive.

Screenshots | Ubuntu Tweak

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Ubuntu Hardy Heron Alpha 3 | Ubuntu

For those of you with a "hardy" appetite -- you might want to take a look at the recent Alpha from Ubuntu... It has an updated kernel, Xorg 7.3 and a beta of Firefox 3.

Ubuntu Hardy Heron Alpha 3 | Ubuntu

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AOL Money & Finance Beta

I've been a long time fan of Yahoo finance and to a certain extent, Google finance but this new beta offering from AOL looks really slick and is very informative. It is jacked up with all the Web 2.0 you can think of and provides a great deal of information at a glance. Worth taking a look and track some stocks... On the other hand, given the volatility in the market these days... maybe you don't :-)

AOL Money & Finance Beta

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Revealed: USB 3.0 jacks and sockets | Reg Hardware

A view of USB 3.0 -- 10x as fast as today's USB 2 xfer rates! That's about 4.7gb/s -- nice! Looks like it will be backwards compatible as well so your investment in a USB fan for your notebook won't go to waste (oh, and your external USB HDDs too ;)).

Revealed: USB 3.0 jacks and sockets | Reg Hardware

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Penguinistas hack Android onto real hardware

Looks like Google's cell phone OS (Aka Android) has been hacked to run on real hardware (as opposed to the emulation software provided in the SDK). Looks like this project might become reality quicker than most Google project (with beta cycles lasting years :-)).

Penguinistas hack Android onto real hardware

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Neowin.net - Market Share 2007: Mac OS gains 3.15%, Vista grabs 10.48%

Interesting metrics on OS market share from Net Applications

Neowin.net - Market Share 2007: Mac OS gains 3.15%, Vista grabs 10.48%:

Windows XP - 76.91%
Windows Vista - 10.48%
Mac OS - 7.30%
Windows 2000 - 2.66%
Windows 98 - 0.70%
Linux - 0.63%"

-ZB

Canada's labels slam proposed digital 'tax' - Yahoo! Canada News

A progressive view on paying for music. This is Canada we're talking about here so of course it's yet another tax... Just what we need... That being said, it's an idea that will stimulate some discussion -- flat tax on all ISP customers (5$/mo) and you have access to all of the music you want...

Canada's labels slam proposed digital 'tax' - Yahoo! Canada News

-ZB

Bill Gates’ last day at Microsoft (video) - istartedsomething

Well, one thing is for certain -- Bill Gates came make fun of himself. This is a funny video with a TON of celebrity cameo appearances. Worth a look :-)

Bill Gates’ last day at Microsoft (video) - istartedsomething

-ZB

Exclusive: Mozilla Secretly Launches A Viral Campaign For Firefox

This is funny -- viral video to promote Firefox. It ha a real "We are the world" feel to it. I cracked up when I saw the "Chocolate Rain" guy. Just what I needed on the 1st day back to work!

Exclusive: Mozilla Secretly Launches A Viral Campaign For Firefox

-ZB

Geek To Live: Power replacements for built-in Windows utilities

Another great post from LifeHacker -- Power Tools for Windows Users...

Geek To Live: Power replacements for built-in Windows utilities

-ZB

Best Of 2007: Twenty Top 10's of 2007

Lifehacker is a GREAT source for all sort of gems... Here is a round up of their best Top 10 lists of the year!

Best Of 2007: Twenty Top 10's of 2007

-ZB

PC World's Techlog PCWorld.com Year-End Stats: IE7, Firefox, Vista, Mac

Great stats on visitors to PC World's web sites...

PC World's Techlog PCWorld.com Year-End Stats: IE7, Firefox, Vista, Mac

-ZB

Ho-ho-horrible: album sales plunge 20 percent this Christmas

Interesting article on the demise of the CD... as a side effect, it will also ring in the demise of the "album" as we know it... The masses will pick up DRM-free music but will be very selective on their purchases. So getting the latest Alice Cooper "album" will be a thing of the past -- you might just pick up one or two tracks (the ones that hit the radio or the satellite broadcast).

Ho-ho-horrible: album sales plunge 20 percent this Christmas

Disclosure: I'm a HUGE Alice Cooper fan ;-)

-ZB

AOL Pulls Plug on Netscape Web Browser- Columbian.com

Netscape is dead. It's been a long time coming. I don't think Netscape ever recovered from Microsoft's onslaught early in the browser wars. But Netscape's little cousin Firefox is kicking butt and taking names ;-). Let's all have a moment of net-silence as this early trend setter of the World Wide Web retires into darkness...



Now go get Firefox!!!

AOL Pulls Plug on Netscape Web Browser- Columbian.com

-ZB

Pope's exorcist squads will wage war on Satan | the Daily Mail

The Pope believes in the Devil :-) And wants to crush him like a worm with prayer. It seems that the youth of today are corrupted by the internet and rock music... "The night time is the right time, the night time is the right time" (Adam Sandler reference). It's comments like these that are turning people away from the church -- at least IMHO...

Pope's exorcist squads will wage war on Satan | the Daily Mail

The Vatican is particularly concerned that young people are being exposed to the influence of Satanic sects through rock music and the Internet.

-ZB

21 ways to use old coffee grounds - Green Daily

Go green in '08 :-) I've heard of using old grounds as fertilizer but there are a lot of interesting ideas here...

21 ways to use old coffee grounds - Green Daily

-ZB

Happy Holidays & Happy New Year!

Wishing you all the very best in 2008! Happy New Year Everyone!!!

This is a great time to reflect on the year that was... take some time -- go back and look at the photos you've taken this year. Look at your busy calendar and see what you've accomplished! What would you have liked to accomplish? Are these goals still within reach? Make a plan and take some action!

All the best from my family to yours!


-ZB