14 Jan 2004
The iPod, the Apple and HP

From over at Daring Fireball comes this fine commentary on the ramifications of the deal in which HP licensed the iPod from Apple. Here's a sample:

You might make a case that the iPod could support unprotected WMA files, but [...] How could it possibly benefit either HP or Apple to cut Microsoft in on this? They might as well pull down their pants and get out the Vaseline while they’re at it.

Get over there and read it - funny and enlightening at the same time.

00:00 /Technology | 0 comments | permanent link

Ancient DNA mutations permitted humans to adapt to colder climates

This is just an interesting and well written piece on the mysteries of the human diaspora.

(link) [Science Blog]

00:00 /Home | 0 comments | permanent link

Warm, Fuzzy Feelings for East Germany's Gray Old Days

Sometimes people can be pretty strange ...

A wave of nostalgia for East Germany has become a phenomenon.

(link) [New York Times: NYT HomePage]

00:00 /Humor | 0 comments | permanent link

India lobbies Asia to fight outsource backlash

Well, I actually agree with the Indian IT minister! He said

protectionism is a major issue facing trade talks under the aegis of the World Trade Organization as well. "They can not expect us to go on opening our markets to their goods, while protecting their own markets and services," he said.

Exactly so! We cannot be expected to go on opening our markets to immigrants and guest workers from your country while your country remains closed off to the return movement of labor! You open up your labor and service markets, Mr. Minister, and the backlash will subside. Otherwise ...

India's minister for information technology calls upon Asian countries to make a united stand to challenge the outsourcing backlash taking root in the Western world.

(link) [CNET News.com - Front Door]

00:00 /Politics | 1 comment | permanent link

Bush Plans $1.5 Billion Drive for Promotion of Marriage

Gee, what an important issue to spend over a billion dollars on ... especially when such a "promotion" is naught but the extension of a religious agenda.

At this point, I'd come closer to voting for that nutcase Denis "The Menace" Kucinich than I would for George Bush.

The initiative comes at a time when the administration is under pressure from conservatives eager to see the government defend traditional marriage.

(link) [New York Times: NYT HomePage]

00:00 /Politics | 3 comments | permanent link

Imam rapped for wife-beat book

News from the "religion of peace" ...

A Muslim cleric whose book advised how to beat a wife without leaving marks is sentenced by a Spanish court.

(link) [BBC News | World | UK Edition]

00:00 /Politics | 0 comments | permanent link

The N.F.L.'s Passer Rating, Arcane and Misunderstood

I will never complain about the (sometimes) arcane math required in computer programming again ...

The numerical ideal for N.F.L. quarterbacks is 158.3, and it is derived from a formula that has survived 30 years without tweaking or rounding.

(link) [New York Times: NYT HomePage]

00:00 /Home | 0 comments | permanent link