- AJAX, Web 2.0 and the Threat to Digital Archives
For historians, this problem is particularly painful; as information gets wrapped in more and more layers of technology, the profession increasingly relies in a very real sense on the work of preservationists who keep this “stuff of history” around for future generations.
(Hat tip: Zeldman)
- Napster Executives do the Math, Consider Selling or Shutting Down
Ahead of a Napster earnings call scheduled for early February, reports of a dire company situation have emerged. According to sources close to the situation, a substantial round of layoffs are now imminent. In comments to Digital Music News, the sources noted that executives at the company are also reportedly considering various exit options, including a fire sale or liquidation.
But if Napster goes out of business, how will people be able to continue playing their music? Hmm… perhaps there’s a better way…
- Use the ExpressCard Slot to Add FireWire 800 to Apple’s New MacBook Pro
Well, I guess it isn’t so bad, then. It still would have been nice to have FireWire 800 built-in, but this is okay.
- Microsoft Ends Development of Windows Media Player for Mac
In place of a new version, the software-maker is offering for free a Flip4Mac plug-in that will allow Mac OS X users to play Windows Media files (.wma and .wmv) from within Apple’s QuickTime Player software.
One down, one to go.
- Worlds With Multiple Suns Abundant
This result may have profound implications in that it increases the likelihood of the formation of planetary systems resembling our own.
The cool thing about this is that as the probability of other earth-like planets existing rises, so to does the probability of sentient life out there in the universe.
- Arthur C. Clarke’s “Newspad” Finally Arrives
I read a lot of Arthur C. Clarke growing up, and the Newspad wasn’t described exactly like this, but the Sony Reader seems to solve many of the problems that competing paper replacement devices bore for so long. I definitely want one of these.
- Ancient Egyptians Held Dwarves in High Esteem
Which is interesting, given that just across the Mediterranean, in Rome, dwarves were outcasts of society.
- Transmitting to a Million Worlds
Even though Earth has had detectable biology for two billion years, it’s had technically sophisticated life for only a century or so. Let’s assume that our modest attempts at civilization last for another 20 thousand years. Then, doing the desperately simple math, you’ll realize that a random transmission to Earth would have a roughly 0.00001 chance of arriving when its inhabitants have the technology for noticing.
- “Doomsday” Seed Bank to be Built
So maybe it will be Norway who eventually launches the Titan.
- Early Man Was Hunted by Birds
The Ohio State study determined that eagles would swoop down, pierce monkey skulls with their thumb-like back talons, then hover while their prey died before returning to tear at the skull. Examination of thousands of monkey remains produced a pattern of damage done by birds, including holes and ragged cuts in the shallow bones behind the eye sockets.
- Corporate IT Buyers Fuming That Apple Has Intel Core Duo Macs Shipping While Dell and HP Wait
Oh, you mean for once Windows users have to wait for something while Mac users get it first? Cry me a fuckin’ river.
- The Most Beautiful Machine
In this special case the observers are supposed to push the ON button. After a while the lid of the trunk opens, a hand comes out and turns off the machine.
- Linux’s Difficulty with Names
I’ve always said that nerds need to stop their obsession with recursive names for software.
- Only Christians will not find this funny…
(Hat tip: Linkbunnies.org)
- Eight Myths About Video Games Debunked
A large gap exists between the public’s perception of video games and what the research actually shows.
- Longest Concert Changes Chords
Now this is cool shit!
- Warp Engines in Development?
Welcome to Mars express: only a three hour trip.
(Hat tip: Slashdot.org)
- Mac OS X, Safari Web Browser Show Significant Market Share Gains in 2005
Now it’s starting to get interesting…
- Stepping Back to the Moon
Replanting human footprints on the Moon in the 21st century not only draws upon a rekindling of skill and daring, it also revisits a future interrupted.
- Whales Found to Speak in Dialects
So when does the probe show up to communicate with them?
- Ottawa Program Offers Drinks to Homeless Alcoholics
Apparently it’s been helping considerably with curbing alcoholism. Who knew?
- Only 5 Corporations Now Control Majority of US Media
All seriousness aside, does anyone else think it’s scary that AOL has a 25% market share in the US?
(Hat tip: Disinfo.net)
- Halliburton, Other Lobbyists Stall Pentagon Ban on Human Trafficking
Really, is anyone surprised by this point?
(Hat tip: Disinfo.net)
- Hackers Rebel Against Spy Cams
Austrians take up arms against surveillance.
- Girls Gone Wild… for Monkeys
According to a recent study, women are aroused by watching monkey sex. Now how do I get a grant to do studies like these?
- Guess the Windows Vista Launch Date (contest)
This is not a joke.
- DNA of Woolly Mammoth Fully Sequenced
They were related to the asian elephant. Go figure. What I want to know is when we’re going to see wooly mammoth clones!
- Bush Impeachment: Go for the Field Goal
It would be nice, but I just don’t see it happening.
(Hat tip: Disinfo.net)
