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November 30, 2005

Yeah, that'll sure get your attention! We all know that financial independence and success are just one "How To" course away. Well, here are a couple guys who've targeted bloggers that, like most I suspect, barely make enough to pay for their bandwidth. Darren and Randy claim to have the answers, neatly packaged in a course they're willing to sell for the discounted (until December 2 -- at midnight) price of $245. Interested? Then make your way over to Six Figure Blogging for the details...

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November 29, 2005

Polar Bears Attack Sub?

The Los Angeles-class fast attack submarine Honolulu (SSN-718) approximately 280 miles from the North Pole. Commanded by Cmdr. Charles Harris, Honolulu, while conducting otherwise classified operations in the Arctic, collected scientific data and water samples for U.S. and Canadian Universities as part of an agreement with the Arctic Submarine Laboratory (ASL) and the National Science Foundation (NSF). Honolulu  is the 24th Los Angeles-class submarine, and the first original design in her class to visit the North Pole region. Honolulu is assigned to Commander Submarine Pacific, Submarine Squadron Three, Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.

Despite detente, representatives from Ivan prove 'unbearable' as they check out the Honolulu.

Photo courtesy of Larry Lee

A young polar bear stands up to get a better look at the submarine while surfaced. Sighted by a lookout from the bridge (sail) of the submarine, the bear investigated the boat for almost 2 hours before leaving.

U. S. Navy photo by Chief Yeoman Alphonso Braggs, courtesy of news.navy.mil.

Honolulu (SSN-718) prepares to repel boarders in the High Arctic, November 2003.

U. S. Navy photo by Chief Yeoman Alphonso Braggs, courtesy of news.navy.mil.

Honolulu (SSN-718) with the setting Arctic sunset.

U. S. Navy photo by Chief Yeoman Alphonso Braggs, courtesy of news.navy.mil.

As spring approaches, polar bears head for land. During winter, they stay on the ice, feeding on seals that surface for air. These three bears are probably a mother and two adolescent cubs. Normally, polar bears travel and hunt alone. These three were no doubt disappointed that this big seal wasn't edible.

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November 28, 2005

Enough Already!

Hat tip to Barbara

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November 26, 2005

Black Friday

Black Friday can more accurately be called "Black and Blue Friday" as Americans across the fruited plain have been stampeding and, in many cases, fighting each other in the rush for -- "seasonal bargains."

Is this what Christmas has become? Who are these people? Have they completely forgotten what Christmas is about? Have they no common decency, courtesy, manners? Were they raised in a cave somewhere by wolves?

This is sad on so many levels I don't know in which direction to scream first. So, like many, most I suspect, I refuse to play. Sure, I'll probably pay a little more for some gifts, but I won't subject myself or anyone I care for to such lunacy. These folks may get some great bargains, but they'll show who they really are in the process. And how they were brought up. And how they lack manners. And how the real meaning of Christmas has completely eluded them.

Do retailers really need this to make their annual nut? I don't think so. Folks would still shop -- even these folks -- if retailers simply agreed to quit feeding this annual frenzy. But they won't...

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November 25, 2005

Eat Too Much Turkey Yesterday? Here's One Way To Work It Off...

It's called the Treadmill Bike and, yes, I think the developer is serious. He claims you get the same calorie burn as you would in a "stuffy old gym" while enjoying the great outdoors. He even suggests using it for shopping and other local errands (I'm not sure where you'd put your groceries... Maybe there are accessories.) Anyway, take a look at his site, and be sure to watch the video of it going over some "sweet jumps."

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November 24, 2005

In other turkey news: President Bush Sends Pardoned Turkeys to Disneyland... Frozen Turkey Saves Couple From Burning Car... and Turkeys Make Daring Escape On New Jersey Turnpike.

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November 22, 2005

Yes, Elizabeth, there is justice in the world. It's in Texas!

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Texas sues Sony over rootkits -- YEE-HAW!

Yee-haw! Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott has brought an anti-spyware lawsuit against Sony over its rootkit DRM:

"Sony has engaged in a technological version of cloak and dagger deceit against consumers by hiding secret files on their computers," said Attorney General Abbott. "Consumers who purchased a Sony CD thought they were buying music. Instead, they received spyware that can damage a computer, subject it to viruses and expose the consumer to possible identity crime..."

Because of alleged violations of the Consumer Protection Against Computer Spyware Act of 2005, the Attorney General is seeking civil penalties of $100,000 for each violation of the law, attorneys' fees and investigative costs.

[Link]

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Latest news on Sony lawsuits

"This website tracks the class action lawsuits surrounding the Sony BMG Music Entertainment/First4Internet XCP Rootkit. Additionally, it offers information about how individuals who do not wish to wait for the class action can sue Sony in their local small claims court."

(Via BoingBoing)

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November 21, 2005

Next for the video iPod: TiVoToGo

It's phenominal how fast this technology is developing. Seems like only yesterday when wifey gave me my 1G 5GB iPod...

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TiVo expands to iPods, PSPs for TV playback

SAN JOSE, Calif. — TiVo is expanding its video recording service so users will be able to transfer recorded television shows onto Apple Computer's iPods or Sony Corp.'s PlayStation Portable — the latest move aimed at putting TV in people's hands for viewing anywhere.

The enhanced TiVoToGo feature being announced Monday will also add more copy-protection measures to discourage possible copyright abuse that would anger Hollywood.

TiVo officials said shows recorded via TiVoToGo will have digital watermarks. The extra encoding will follow the copied program wherever it goes, giving TiVo the ability to trace the origin of a transferred program that might get posted freely onto the Internet.

With its introduction in January of TiVoToGo, the digital video recording pioneer gave its broadband Series2 subscribers the ability to transfer recorded shows to Windows-based PCs and laptops as well as portable media players. But the service was available only to devices compatible with Microsoft Corp.'s Portable Media Center platform, such as Creative Technology Ltd.'s Zen.

Now, by adding support for the MPEG-4 video format, TiVo hopes to capitalize on the popularity of iPods and PSPs, which are among today's hottest handheld gadgets with video capabilities. [...]

[Link]

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I'm trying to imagine instances where I'd know ahead of time not to watch a show on the big screen so I could TiVo it to my iPod and watch it on the small screen a day later... Long flights?

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November 18, 2005

Performance Enhancing Beans

Wonder what will give top athletes their competitive edge now that major sports are finally cracking down on steroid use? Jelly Belly wants it to be sport beans. Yep, beans.

"Introducing Sport Beans™ jelly beans, the newest hot product from the makers of Jelly Belly®! Sport Beans are formulated with carbohydrates, electrolytes, and vitamins C and E. They're the ideal portable power™ for endurance athletes, weekend warriors, and sports enthusiasts of all types. In fact, Sport Beans fit the needs of anyone looking for a fast, great-tasting source of energy..."

In the same vein as Gummi bear vitamins for kids and hair gel that looks like a Listerine strip, comes another interesting half-breed: Performance Candy. Nutritional information on the site puts them against the popular sports supplements (where they appear to do pretty well.) And we thought natural products like Zico were gaining ground against sugary energy drinks...

Hmmmm...

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November 18, 2005

Will Work For Food

I couldn't resist this article on Wednesday's Washington Post site about how one mom is addressing a not-too-uncommon problem. And I was amused by some of the comments from people who think any demonstration of consequences for bad behavior is "psychologically damaging..."

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Mom Makes Teen Stand on Street With Sign

EDMOND, Okla. -- Tasha Henderson got tired of her 14-year-old daughter's poor grades, her chronic lateness to class and her talking back to her teachers, so she decided to teach the girl a lesson.

She made Coretha stand at a busy Oklahoma City intersection Nov. 4 with a cardboard sign that read: "I don't do my homework and I act up in school, so my parents are preparing me for my future. Will work for food."

"This may not work. I'm not a professional," said Henderson, a 34-year-old mother of three. "But I felt I owed it to my child to at least try."

In fact, Henderson has seen a turnaround in her daughter's behavior in the past week and a half. But the punishment prompted letters and calls to talk radio from people either praising the woman or blasting her for publicly humiliating her daughter. [...]

Coretha has been getting C's and D's as a freshman at Edmond Memorial High in this well-to-do Oklahoma City suburb. Edmond Memorial is considered one of the top high schools in the state in academics.

While Henderson stood next to her daughter at the intersection, a passing motorist called police with a report of psychological abuse, and an Oklahoma City police officer took a report. Mother and daughter were asked to leave after about an hour, and no citation was issued. But the report was forwarded to the state Department of Human Services. (Continue reading...)

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"Huh? 'Consequences' ..?"

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November 17, 2005

World’s slimmest, lightest and most compact digital movie camera?

The slimmest, lightest and most compact digital movie camera in the world - that’s what Sanyo is claiming for its new ultra-compact VPC-C5 - may well be true. It doubles as a pocket-sized 5-megapixel digital camera and a  full-motion MPEG-4 video camera with built-in digital image stabilization. And it can take digital still images while simultaneously shooting video. Users can also select real-time interpolation up to 10 megapixels which allows photos to be enlarged to "bigger than life" proportions without sacrificing image fidelity.

The C5 employs SANYO's proprietary digital optimization technology to remove color moirés and reduce aliasing and noise caused by dots. This technology improves the high-frequency characteristics of the image and enhances diagonal resolution for higher-quality images.

Still images and video files recorded by the C5 can be quickly uploaded via USB 2.0 to a PC or Mac for viewing, editing or sharing via e-mail. Images and video can also be played back directly on a TV, or transferred to a VCR or DVD player.

Though the MSRP is $699, street prices are already down to less than $550 (The Apple Store is offering it at $599.) Features include: Dimensions: 2.7" (W) x 0.9" (D) x 4.3" (H) * Weight: Approx. 5.5 ounces (including battery and SD card) * 5X optical zoom lens; 12X digital zoom (combined up to 58x) * Voice Recorder Function lets the user record hours of audio notes and memos * Super Macro Shooting for sharp close-ups down to 1 cm from the subject. More information at Sanyo's web site.

Samsung is offering their Miniket VP-M110S, similar in size and apparently equally capable, although I'm not sure this exact model is available in the U.S.

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November 16, 2005

Shy? Then this might give you stage fright...

It's the new men's restroom at a Sofitel (a chain of 5-star hotels operated by Accor Hotels) in Queenstown, New Zealand, which has attracted a fair bit of interest and commotion. A news report on the Sofitel's unusual restroom decor can be viewed here. It answers the obvious question: What's in the women's?

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November 16, 2005

More TV?

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One Month Changes Entire TV Universe

NEW YORK — "Desperate Housewives" on your iPod. Jay Leno's monologue on your cell phone. Brian Williams delivering the night's news on your computer. And "CSI: Crime Scene Investigation" available whenever you want to watch it — not just Thursday night.

Each of those developments became possible in the past few weeks, part of an extraordinarily tumultuous period in TV.

The autumn of 2005 will doubtless be remembered as the time when all assumptions about the rules of television were thrown into the air and scattered, with no certainty about what happens when they land.

The most shocking event clearly was Apple's deal with The Walt Disney Co. in October to make reruns of "Lost" and other programs available for downloading to iPods for $1.99. In less than three weeks, Apple said a million videos were sold.

"That's a significant amount of money," said Rob Enderle, an analyst for the Enderle Group. "I honestly believe that's going to change a lot of minds in terms of providing programming for this medium." [Link]

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No thanks, I'm trying to cut back...

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November 15, 2005

Meet Valerie, she's a domestic android

Meet Valerie.

Valerie is a domestic android. Valerie will clean your house, change light bulbs, wash the dishes, do the laundry, check the sports scores for you, book plane tickets and call the police if there's an emergency. She speaks English but more importantly, understands English and hence [can] be programmed by non-programmers. [...]

The Personal robotics industry may still be in its infancy, but ten years from now, Chris Willis expects that 10% of the American population will have some form of personal robotic assistant. Willis' Androidworld.com is tracking the development of the industry and he is in the process of developing his own domestic android prototype named Valerie, for sale by the end of 2005.

Willis' site lists and links to 60+ major android projects around the world and a further 50+ entertainment android projects, so it's fair to say that he is keeping in touch with the competition and the prospects for the industry.'Androids are going to be the best thing since sliced bread,' enthuses Willis. 'You get a 24 hour security guard, a helper which will do most of your household chores and help you organise your life and one which will work tirelessly 24 hours a day for the price of the electricity required to provide power - it's a very compelling proposition, and the technology is all there to create it now.

''I'm expecting that in 10 years we'll see a huge market developing and that the US, Europe and Japan will each account for around a third of global sales. By that time, I expect 10% of US households will have a robotic assistance of some kind, and that will only be the beginning. [read entire article]

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November 14, 2005

File-trading website crumbles under legal assault

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Grokster will stop offering its file-sharing software and pay $50 million in damages as part of a legal settlement with the entertainment industry.

A prominent online file-sharing company has been forced to close following a lengthy legal battle over alleged copyright infringement.

As part of a legal settlement with the entertainment industry, announced on Monday, Grokster said it would stop offering its file-sharing software for download and pay $50 million in damages. Grokster's software connected internet users so that they could search each other's hard drives and trade files.

"This is a chapter that ends on a high note for the recording industry, the tech community and music fans and consumers everywhere," said Mitch Bainwol, head of the Recording Industry Association of America.

The RIAA and the Motion Picture Association of America first brought legal action against Grokster, and a similar service called Kazaa, in 2001. The major US music and movie studios say the software offered by the firms encourages users to illegally trade copyrighted music and movies. [Continue reading]

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Is Limewire in the crosshairs?

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November 9, 2005

Hello MOTO...

Well, Motorola admits that it dropped the marketing ball with its iTunes-integrated ROKR mobile phone and so has slashed the price by $100! U.S. mobile operator Cingular has lowered the price of the Motorola (NYSE: MOT) Rokr, better known as the iTunes mobile telephone, by 40 percent.

When the phone was initially introduced, Cingular started selling it for $249.99 with a two year contract. Over the past weekend, the operator cut the price by $100 to $149.99.

But even more interesting is Motorola's announcement yesterday of a new version of their best selling RAZR -- the RAZR V3i. The new unit, which apparently won't be available in all markets, includes all the RAZR V3 features plus iTunes.

The RAZR V3i has an updated and streamlined design, offering consumers a large internal color screen, quad-band technology and Bluetooth wireless technology.

I think the current RAZR is pretty sleek already and I don't think I need iTunes in my telephone. What's more, the photos of the new model make it look a little thicker than its predecessor. If that's true, then I'll probably prefer the current model. Thin is in, and I already have an iPod... But I'll wait to compare the two before I decide.

More information here and here.

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November 8, 2005

Curfews? Zat should clear up zees mess...

Scott says it best -- "Not driven by 'Islamic groups?' HA!! Hey France, wake up and smell the terrorism around you.

Can surrender be far away?"  

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November 8, 2005

Grand Canyon to Get Glass Bridge

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Fear of heights? This is definitely no place for you

The all-glass, balcony-like "Skywalk" -- shown in an illustration released this week--will extend over the edge of the Grand Canyon, 4,000 feet (1,200 meters) above the Colorado River.

"The Skywalk will be an attraction unlike any other in the world," said Sheri Yellowhawk, CEO of the Grand Canyon Resort Corporation. The company is building the bridge in the Hualapai Indian Reservation on the south rim of the canyon.

The Skywalk is scheduled to open to the public in January 2006 as part of a new resort on the reservation. The resort, known as Grand Canyon West, is to include a re-created Indian village and a restaurant perched on the edge of the canyon. Tourism is the reservation's biggest source of income.

Grand Canyon West will be on the western edge of Grand Canyon National Park, about 120 miles (about 200 kilometers) from Las Vegas. But perhaps not even the Las Vegas Strip's over-the-top attractions will be a match for this glass-bottom walkway over the world's biggest gorge. [Link]

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The Skywalk is built with more than a million pounds of steel beams, and includes dampeners that minimize the structure's vibration. It's designed to hold 72 million pounds, withstand an 8.0 magnitude earthquake 50 miles away, and withstand winds in excess of 100 mph. Tourists will pay $25 to walk out 70 feet into the canyon on the four inch thick glass walkway.

Just what's needed: Tacky tourist attractions in the National Park. Wonder what it'll look like from the opposite rim? And will there be slot machimes?

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November 7, 2005

Yet Another Pit Bull Attack?

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Escaped Pit Bulls Attack Six in Illinois

CARY, Ill., Nov. 7, 2005

(AP) A 10-year-old boy was in critical condition Sunday after three pit bulls escaped from a home and went on a rampage, attacking six people before police shot and killed the dogs, authorities said.

No charges had been filed Sunday, but McHenry County Sheriff Keith Nygren said it was being investigated as a crime scene.

Neighbors said the attacks started late Saturday afternoon when children going door-to-door for a fundraiser arrived at the home of Scott Sword, 41, who owned the dogs.

"We had music playing, and I heard this bizarre sound," said Debby Rivera, who lives three houses away. "I looked out the window, and I saw a young boy. The dogs were just jumping on him."

"The screams were horrible," she said. The dogs were "relentless, like they were possessed."

The pit bulls attacked the two children, and when the dogs' owner tried to stop them, the dogs turned on him and bit off his thumb, Nygren said. The boy's father also tried to protect his son and was attacked. The dogs went after another neighbor as well.

"The scene sprawled over a couple blocks, it was a very chaotic scene," said Lt. Michael Douglas of the Cary Fire Protection District.

Residents threw rocks at the dogs and honked car horns to try to distract them from attacking before police arrived and shot the animals.

Jim Malone said he and a neighbor tried to beat the dogs back with baseball bats. "He'd hit them, they'd run, and they'd come back," Malone said. "This went on for 15 minutes."

The boy who was attacked, Nick Foley, was hospitalized in critical condition Sunday. His friend Jordan Lamarre, also 10, was in serious condition. Nick's father was listed in good condition. Sword and two others were treated for injuries and released.

Last week, another 10-year-old boy in Colorado was mauled by a pack of pit bulls that attacked him in his own back yard. The boy was in critical condition after the attack, and the hospital said Sunday his family had requested no further information about his condition be released.

The attack in the Denver suburb of Aurora came two days after the City Council banned pit bulls and other "fighting dogs." Owners who already had the dogs could keep them if they paid a $200 annual license fee. [Link]

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This is so sad. And so unnecessary. Wake up, people!

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November 6, 2005

Bird Flu Hits Disneyland

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November 5, 2005

An 8-megapixel camera phone?

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Samsung Electronics Demonstrates the World's First 8 Megapixel Camera Phone

Today Samsung Electronics unveiled the world's first 8.0 megapixel camera phone, the WCDMA SPH-V8200. Ki-Tae Lee, President of Samsung’s Telecommunications Network was the first to demonstrate the Samsung SPH-8200 model on Thursday.

Understandably very enthusiastic about the SPH-V8200, President Lee said, “Increasing the number of pixels while realizing digital camera-quality is a main task of developing handset camera module.” Samsung recently revealed a 7.0 megapixel digital camera, which shows their dedication to leading the camera phone market. “The new phone offers image quality of premium digital camera and will be available in domestic market with in November.” he added.

At 8-megapixels, you can rest assured that the Samsung SPH-V8200 camera phone will be one of the high quality camera phones on the market. So what do we know about this megapixel masterpiece? Not much, but we do know it looks nothing like it’s 7.0 megapixel brother, the SCH-V770, and very much like the SGH-i300 3GB multimedia smartphone being held up by Ki-Tae Lee at the press conference earlier today. [Link]

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If the cell phone component is any good, I may want one of these!

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November 4, 2005

A-380 RC Model Takes to the Skies

Did you fly RC model planes when you were a kid? Well, some "big" kids still do. These guys take the hobby to a new level...

I'd like to find one of these under my Christmas tree this year!

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November 3, 2005

I've resisted letting this become a political news site, but I couldn't resist this via GOC:

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November 2, 2005

Bouncy Balls: The BRAVIA Commercial

Sending bouncing balls down the streets of San Francisco may seem a strange way to advertise this tv line, but that's exactly what Danish director Nicolai Fuglsig did for the BRAVIA commercial in July this year. San Franciscans have seen some unusual things in their time, but how about 250,000 multi-coloured 'superballs'?

Click image to view. 60 seconds, 18.3 MB. Quicktime 7 required.

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November 1, 2005

Día de los Muertos

Día de los Muertos, or "Day of the Dead," is a Mexican tradition combining native Aztec and Roman Catholic practices and beliefs.

November 1, All Saints Day, and November 2, All Souls Day, are marked throughout Mexico by a plethora of intriguing customs that vary widely according to the ethnic roots of each region. Common to all, however, are colorful adornments and lively reunions at family burial plots, the preparation of special foods, offerings laid out for the departed on commemorative altars and religious rites that are likely to include noisy fireworks.

In most localities November 1 is set aside for remembrance of deceased infants and children, often referred to as angelitos (little angels). Those who have died as adults are honored November 2.

The spirits of the dead are expected to pay a holiday visit home and should be provided with an enticing repast and adequate sustenance for the journey. Frequently a wash basin and clean hand towel are provided so that visiting souls can freshen up before the feast. The offering may also include a pack of cigarettes for the after-dinner enjoyment of former smokers, or a selection of toys and extra sweets for deceased children.

In Mexico, the Day of the Dead is a holiday that tends to be a subject of fascination for visitors from abroad. With its rare mix of pre-Hispanic and Roman Catholic rituals, it is also a perfect illustration of the synthesis of pre-Hispanic and Spanish cultures that has come to define the country and its people.

Read about this facinating part of Mexican culture here and view photos here. Also watch a terrific National Geographic video here.