Four Rules to Understand What Makes People Tick - lifehack.org

I've always been interested in social styles and psychology (read: social engineering ).

Four Rules to Understand What Makes People Tick - lifehack.org

-ZB

Global Entertainment Phenomenon “Halo 3” Records More Than $300 Million in First-Week Sales Worldwide: Xbox 360 console sales more than doubled; nearl

I think the post title speaks for itself... Who cares about movies.... look at the sales for a Video Game!!!

Global Entertainment Phenomenon “Halo 3” Records More Than $300 Million in First-Week Sales Worldwide: Xbox 360 console sales more than doubled; nearly 3 million gamers play online

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Microsoft Watch - Vista - Vista: None for All?

Another bearish view on Vista.

Microsoft Watch - Vista - Vista: None for All?

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Linux group calls Microsoft's bluff - vnunet.com

The Gauntlet has been dropped. Microsoft has been threatening the Linux movement with law suits for years over patent infringement but never wanted to disclose what (200+) patents were being violated. This group is saying "Put up or shut up" -- reveal the issues so they can be addressed or go away with the threats... IIt will be nice to see how this plays out...

Linux group calls Microsoft's bluff - vnunet.com

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The State of DirectX 10 - Image Quality & Performance - HotHardware

Direct X 10 came out with Vista and the DX10 capable cards have been out for a while now as well... I didn't know much about the technology other than it was supposed to revolutionize the PC gaming experience. This is a fairly comprehensive article that discusses the technology from an end user benefit perspective. Worth a glance...

The State of DirectX 10 - Image Quality & Performance - HotHardware

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Microsoft updates Vista's speed, stability, again | InfoWorld | News | 2007-10-03 | By Gregg Keizer, Computerworld

Looks like Vista users will be in for more updates to updates... I hope the startup / resume / shutdown speed patching works... Starting up and shutting down takes so much time (especially when I compare it to my Ubuntu box [on the same hardware]).

Microsoft updates Vista's speed, stability, again | InfoWorld | News | 2007-10-03 | By Gregg Keizer, Computerworld

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UC Berkeley puts hundreds of academic lectures on YouTube

Ever wanted to attend Berkeley but couldn't afford it (or simply didn't want to hang out in Cali)? Well, it seems that the University and Youtube have partnered up... Go 'git yerself an edumacation will ya!

UC Berkeley puts hundreds of academic lectures on YouTube

-ZB

China's Great Firewall turns its attention to RSS feeds

How sad is it that a country wants to isolate its people from information (and control information that circulates within the country as well). No more Chinese food for me... I guess they don't 'export' that so I'm not making a difference... oh well -- I guess I'll go eat some egg rolls.

China's Great Firewall turns its attention to RSS feeds

-ZB

openSUSE News » Blog Archive » Announcing openSUSE 10.3 GM

Before jumping on the Ubuntu bandwagon, I was (and still am) a fan of SuSE (or openSuSE). This is a very beautiful and "device-friendly" Linux distribution that is well worth looking at. Version 10.3 has just been released -- nice screenshots on this page as well:

openSUSE News » Blog Archive » Announcing openSUSE 10.3 GM

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Technology Review: Improving Athletic Performance

Lots of sports related stuff this morning :-)... This is pretty cool for all of you physical performance hungry folks. Where's my pizza?

Technology Review: Improving Athletic Performance:

"Researchers at the Imperial College London have developed a sensor worn behind the ear that can measure an individual's biomechanical data, such as his or her posture and gait, during an activity. The data is then wirelessly transmitted to a computer so that the wearer's performance can be measured and assessed in real time."

-ZB

Nike Amp+

Interesting new gear out of Nike:

The Nike Amp+ Sport Remote Control is a watch and a remote for the Nike+ experience. Hear instant voice feedback of your time, distance, calories and pace when you add the Nike+ iPod Sport Kit and Nike+ Ready shoes. Wear the watch alone for a stylish, unique timepiece.

Nike.com

-ZB

Windows Vista SP1 beta lacks 'wow' | Tech news blog - CNET News.com

No WOW for SP1... Though I have access to the Beta, I have not yet installed the SP on my work machine -- given the time it takes to install, I might wait until a weekend...

Windows Vista SP1 beta lacks 'wow' | Tech news blog - CNET News.com

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AFP: Russia marks Sputnik anniversary

Happpy B-Day Sputnik! I'll have a shot of Vodka tonight in your honor!

AFP: Russia marks Sputnik anniversary

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Even without math, ancients engineered sophisticated machines

Who says you need an expensive degree to make brilliant things happen (in fact some would argue that not having formal education frees your mind to look outside of scholastically-imposed notions -- WOW that was deep, even for me).

Even without math, ancients engineered sophisticated machines

-ZB

National Pretzel Month - Celebrate in True Philly Style!

October is National Pretzel Month!!! Yummy -- just love those pretzels @ baseball games. I wonder if this month coincides with national mustard month? ;-)

National Pretzel Month - Celebrate in True Philly Style!

-ZB

The 70 coolest free applications in existence - Seopher.com

Not a complete list and there are TONS of these lists around (check out the lifehacker site). I've used a vast array of these apps during my career and I've seen plenty of these lists. I always find gems in the comments of these list postings... take a gander.

The 70 coolest free applications in existence - Seopher.com


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SQL TOOLBOX: 20+ Tools and Lessons About SQL

I have always wanted to expand my fairly limited knowledge of Databases by picking up one of those "Teach yourself SQL in 21 days" types of books. Time has not been my friend in this endeavor... Please leave me a comment if you do have such a book to recommend!

Here is a site that seems to have a broad range of pointers to SQL (MSFT & mySQL) tools / tips:

SQL TOOLBOX: 20+ Tools and Lessons About SQL

-ZB

Chili Pepper Cocktail Blunts Pain: Scientific American

Now this is cool -- use tobasco to remove pain -- oxymoronic or simply moronic? Interesting read :-)

Chili Pepper Cocktail Blunts Pain: Scientific American

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FileForum | Picasa for Windows

Picasa for Windows v2.7 build 37.32. If you're anything like me (not sure why you would admit to this), you have a collection of digital pictures that you've amassed during the years and would really appreciate a way to catalog, view, repair and share. Picasa is a free tool from Google that allows you to do all of this and then some. Use it - love it!

FileForum | Picasa for Windows

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The AudioFile: Understanding MP3 compression

For all of your audiophiles out there -- or even those of you who have asked "What the heck is MP3 - I know it's digital music buy why M-P-3?". This article covers psychoacoustics to Fast Fourier Transforms (FFT) to Napster :-). Incidentally, much of the theory behind the MP3 stems from the 1920's and 1950's - pretty cool. A really good read.

The AudioFile: Understanding MP3 compression

Enjoy

-ZB

Lifehacker Top 10: Top 10 Wi-Fi Boosts, Tweaks and Apps - Lifehacker

Great compilation of cool stuff to do with your wireless network :-)

Lifehacker Top 10: Top 10 Wi-Fi Boosts, Tweaks and Apps - Lifehacker

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Google tools for OpenOffice

As many of you know, I've switched - no not to the Apple - but to Ubuntu GNU/Linux. OpenOffice is the defacto Office suite in the Ubuntu distribution. Google's "writertools" adds quite a bit of functionality to this great Office suite.

writertools - Google Code

-ZB

Microsoft Active Directory Topology Diagrammer

Having had to suffer through incomplete or non-existent network / AD diagrams, this tool (if it works as designed) would be a godsend!

Download details: ADTD

-ZB

Microsoft SoftGrid PM Hints at Future

A possible glimpse into the future of SoftGrid in the hallows of Microsoft. I think the article has a few mistakes -- the release of System Center Configuration Management is actually SCCM (not MSSCM or even MSCCM).

Enterprise Desktop | Randall Kennedy | InfoWorld | Microsoft SoftGrid PM Hints at Future | October 1, 2007 03:29 PM | By Randall Kennedy

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What Microsoft doesn't want you to know about Vista SP1 - Computerworld Blogs

This is a bit of FUD but thought I'd post it anyhow... Talks about how SP1 allows other suppliers (Google) to integrate / replace into Vista SP1 (and displace Microsoft's Desktop search).

What Microsoft doesn't want you to know about Vista SP1 - Computerworld Blogs

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Slashdot | Major Linux Hardware Donor Is a CNN "Hero"

James Burgett's story is very inspiring... take two mins to watch his story here. He should team up with Al Gore :-)

Source: Slashdot | Major Linux Hardware Donor Is a CNN "Hero"

-ZB

Microsoft releases VoIP-enabled phone software

Hmmm a phone powered by Microsoft software... My security spidey senses are tingling. When you dial 911, will it go to windowsupdate? I'm just reminded of Microsoft's 'trip' into networking gear that flopped miserably. Anywhoooooo

Microsoft releases VoIP-enabled phone software

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BetaNews | After Losing One Appeal, Can Vonage Catch a Break?

Vonage is in HOT water again... I've been a long and mostly happy customer of Vonage -- I really do hope they can turn this around. Their product and service is really good and saves us a lot of money (unless you bought any of their stock lately *ouch*).

BetaNews | After Losing One Appeal, Can Vonage Catch a Break?

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Sony BMG's chief anti-piracy lawyer: "Copying" music you own is "stealing"

*Shakes head* want to go to jail for ripping music to your iPod?

Sony BMG's chief anti-piracy lawyer: "Copying" music you own is "stealing"

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A second attempt at making Applesauce: Microsoft launches new Zunes

Lots of buzz around the Zune today...

A second attempt at making Applesauce: Microsoft launches new Zunes

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Zune vs. iPod specification smackdown - Engadget

For all of you that listen to all of that "digital music stuff" -- you might be interested in this good comparison from Engadget: Zune II vs iPod.

Zune vs. iPod specification smackdown - Engadget

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Sleep: Reboot Your Brain with a Caffeine Nap - Lifehacker

hmmm Brain reboot -- just what I need :-)
I think I'm going to go grab a cup of coffee and ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ <-- à-la Grampa Simpson

Sleep: Reboot Your Brain with a Caffeine Nap - Lifehacker

-ZB

Foxit Software

Adobe has done a great job at promoting the PDF format -- it is cross platform and ubiquitous on the internet. The common perception (which I share) is that Adobe Reader has become a bloated sack of protoplasm (Thanks Ren and Stimpy). It has become HUGE in terms of disk space and memory usage -- not to mention a fairly large attack vector for all of you security conscious folks out there.

Enter Foxit Reader. I've been using this software for quite a while now. I can say that I've had *some* difficulty in printing on the rare occasion but all in all -- it's small and fast (I know there's a joke here somewhere). Use it -- love it.

Foxit Software

For what its worth, it has my seal of approval.

-ZB

ScienceDaily: Technology Could Enable Computers To 'Read The Minds' Of Users

I wonder what would happen if you unleashed this technology on a zombie brain??

ScienceDaily: Technology Could Enable Computers To 'Read The Minds' Of Users

I would think that the result would be Elvis-like gyrations of the cerebral cortex...

-ZB

ScienceDaily: Alzheimer's Disease Could Be A Third Form Of Diabetes

Alzheimer's is a terrible disease... (I know, I'm stating the obvious). Family members of those afflicted with Alzheimer's suffer as much it not more than the patient... This article is really interesting as it talks about Alzheimer's possibly being a "Type 3 Diabetes".

ScienceDaily: Alzheimer's Disease Could Be A Third Form Of Diabetes

-ZB

Demonoid Returns, Forced to Block Canadian Traffic By the CRIA | TorrentFreak

Heard for the RIAA? Well, Canada has the CRIA and they are equally a handful! Though I do not advocate piracy, Demonoid is (was?) a GREAT torrent tracker -- granted they make illegal material available but they also have public domain content as well. It's too bad that governments and these types of agencies don't spend more time, effort and energy on health care and education... sorry folks - this blog isn't support to be political... We *heart* Canada.

Demonoid Returns, Forced to Block Canadian Traffic By the CRIA | TorrentFreak:

"The popular BitTorrent tracker Demonoid is back online after nearly a week of downtime. The website and the tracker are hosted on the same ISP, but Canadian traffic is blocked thanks to pressure from the Canadian Recording Industry Association (CRIA)."

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Scientists Invent 30 Year Continuous Power Laptop Battery

Scientists Invent 30 Year Continuous Power Laptop Battery:

"Your next laptop could have a continuous power battery that lasts for 30 years without a single recharge thanks to work being funded by the U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory. The breakthrough betavoltaic power cells are constructed from semiconductors and use radioisotopes as the energy source. As the radioactive material decays it emits beta particles that transform into electric power capable of fueling an electrical device like a laptop for years."

This seems to have lots of promise! I'm a bit skeptical but that's just my nature...

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BetaNews | Microsoft to Debut Zune 2 on Tuesday

The Zune -- Part Deux

BetaNews | Microsoft to Debut Zune 2 on Tuesday:

"Microsoft will hold a event on Tuesday in Redmond to herald the second generation of Zune music players, BetaNews has learned."

Microsoft feels that the flash-based Zune will sell better than the previous incarnation. Microsoft needs to learn how to bring sexy back like Apple has. And come on guys --what's with the expression "squirt" - I mean seriously -- that's right up there with McDonald's McWrap (say it out loud a few times and you'll get it).

-ZB

The Old New Thing : Why did the shortcut template change in Windows Vista?

Things that make you say "hmmmm"

"Since Windows 95, when you right-dragged an item and selected 'Create Shortcut', you got 'Shortcut to X'. But in Windows Vista, the name is now 'X - Shortcut'. Why is that?"

The Old New Thing : Why did the shortcut template change in Windows Vista?

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Sony Reader PRS-505 - Press Release - MobileRead Forums

Call me old fashion but I still like the warmth and some would say the romance of reading and flipping the pages of a good book. There is something to be said about being able to carry your entire library in a device like a Sony Reader...

Sony Reader PRS-505 - Press Release - MobileRead Forums:

"In its version of a literary sequel, Sony Electronics is taking the cover off a new edition of its ground-breaking Reader Digital Book this month."

-ZB

EBay's Skype Bubble Bursts

Seems eBay might have spent a little too much on Skype... Investing in internet companies is always a risk. Personally, I think Skype is amazing!

EBay's Skype Bubble Bursts

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Bill Jelen Is Giving Away His Book For Free

Stop the presses! We all know (at least you should know) that the spreadsheet is THE killer app. The king of kings is Microsoft Excel. Bill Jelen (AKA Mr. Excel) is a prolific writer on the subject and has written many tomes to help people learn not only the basics but some of the more subtle and hidden idiosyncrasies of the program throughout its many incarnations.

Bill has a history of being quite altruistic with his content (last book was emailed chapter by chapter to subscribers of his podcast). Bill's yet to be released book is now being offered (in low resolution) for FREE at his web site.

Bill Jelen Is Giving Away His Book For Free

Though this book is free -- I encourage you to buy his book(s). They are EXCELlent (sorry - had to do that). Long live the pivot table!

-ZB

Microsoft prepares to take Office online - ZDNet UK

Microsoft getting scared of Google Docs? ;-)

Microsoft prepares to take Office online - ZDNet UK

Thanks Alex :P

-ZB

YouTube - Michael J. Fox Makes Stem Cell Plea

Having grown up with McFly -- this was a bit difficult to watch... I don't want this blog to be political so I won't talk about what side of the fence I'm on about this issue but I do hope for all humanity that this type of disease is cured at some point in our lifetime.



YouTube - Michael J. Fox Makes Stem Cell Plea

-ZB

Microsoft Watch - Vista - XP's Success Isn't Vista's Failure

Well written article about MSFT's recent decision to extend the OEM life of Windows XP. Joe Wilcox makes some good points saying that Microsoft didn't make a Bad OS in delivering Vista. It simply isn't good enough to displace XP and the HW OEMs have not boosted their hardware in step with Vista (presumably to keep margins high).

Microsoft Watch - Vista - XP's Success Isn't Vista's Failure

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6 Die From Brain-Eating Amoeba in Lakes

Well, this ties in with my namesake "Zombiebrainz" -- wow -- remind me NEVER to swim in an outdoor body of water in the Southern US... EVER. What a way to go... Reminds me of the Pink Floyd "Wall" movie -- waiting for worms baby...

6 Die From Brain-Eating Amoeba in Lakes

-ZB

Headphone Hack! Make You Own Noise Eliminating Headset! Video

This might be of interest to some of you... Personally, I like the ear buds :-) They aren't as good for noise cancellation but it doesn't look like I'm trying to guide the space shuttle in for an emergency landing.

Headphone Hack! Make You Own Noise Eliminating Headset! Video

-ZB

Retro Thing: The Atari 2600 celebrates 30 years of low-rez fun

Happy Birthday Atari 2600...

Retro Thing: The Atari 2600 celebrates 30 years of low-rez fun

Hey, where the heck is my Missile Command cartridge?!?!?!

-ZB

OLED TV to be sold by Sony in Dec

This is a translation of an Asia article -- the English is bad but check out the screenshots! Now THAT is a flat screen TV... Seriously...

Translated version of http://www.watch.impress.co.jp/av/docs/20071001/sony.htm

-ZB

Whirlpool Espresso refrigerator - with integrated coffee maker | Appliancist

OK -- well, I'm a TOTAL kitchen gadget geek. This new refrigerator combines my love for food and my thirst for the perfect cup of java. No, not Sun Microsystems (their new stock ticker is JAVA) -- but the yummy, earthy delicious coffee :-)

Whirlpool Espresso refrigerator - with integrated coffee maker | Appliancist

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The New York Times: Happiness for $10 or Less

This is an interesting article on low cost (under 10$) but 'good' wines. A good read that might save you some money at Thanksgiving ;-)

The New York Times > New York City Restaurant Reviews

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Dell Days of Deals!

Dell's got 10 days of deals starting today -- check daily -- you never know what you'll find!

Days of Deals!

-ZB

Understanding SVG with Inkscape

I'm a big fan of computer-created graphics / art. I recently discovered Inkscape -- a wonderful Open Source freeware application allowing you to create and manipulate vector graphics (à la Adobe Illustrator, Corel Draw). I'm amazed at the quality of this application. This video talks about and promotes the SVG Open Standard for Vector Graphics. It talks about how Inkscape implements some of the features of SVG.

Understanding SVG with Inkscape

Enjoy!

-ZB