How Star Trek artists imagined the iPad... 23 years ago
I had to post this, just because Star Trek was (and still is) so cool!!
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Monday, August 09, 2010
Great, but what about the text books?
Mass romance novel publisher going all in on e-books
Great, but where are the text books and academic books?
My wife just bought a Nook at Barnes & Noble. The thought was that she can load all the books required for her graduate courses could be carried in a much lighter format. Unfortunately, out of 16 books, only 2 were available as ebooks. And yes, we looked on Amazon to see if the Kindle would have been better...nope. She will probably keep the Nook, after all, she is a voracious reader...I don't know anyone who reads more than her. But not being able to have her texts and required reading on the Nook was a real disappointment. Frankly, I find it hard to believe that there is ANY book that is not stored in electronic format, so what's the problem???
So here's my request to all the publishers, I know that the profit motive dictates that mass appeal books should be available as ebooks, but please do not ignore the opportunity to support academia by publishing the more esoteric works that students require.
Everyone knows that ebooks are the future. There is a lot to be gained by supporting the students.
Thanks.
Great, but where are the text books and academic books?
My wife just bought a Nook at Barnes & Noble. The thought was that she can load all the books required for her graduate courses could be carried in a much lighter format. Unfortunately, out of 16 books, only 2 were available as ebooks. And yes, we looked on Amazon to see if the Kindle would have been better...nope. She will probably keep the Nook, after all, she is a voracious reader...I don't know anyone who reads more than her. But not being able to have her texts and required reading on the Nook was a real disappointment. Frankly, I find it hard to believe that there is ANY book that is not stored in electronic format, so what's the problem???
So here's my request to all the publishers, I know that the profit motive dictates that mass appeal books should be available as ebooks, but please do not ignore the opportunity to support academia by publishing the more esoteric works that students require.
Everyone knows that ebooks are the future. There is a lot to be gained by supporting the students.
Thanks.
Friday, August 06, 2010
BBC News - Net neutrality talks stall in US
BBC News - Net neutrality talks stall in US
Everyone should be very nervous about this. The idea is simple; all data communications should be treated equally. Net Neutrality is supposed to protect that idea. If this does not pass, then, basically, different types of traffic are treated differently. This would be like charging more to call your parents or friend on the phone, and less to call a business that paid a fee to the phone company. Sounds absurd, right?
The bigger picture is this: If you start a small internet company, you would have to pay the ISP's to get your site served up with the same speed that a larger, more cash rich company, did. It creates imbalance for small companies, and would only stifle creativity and entrepreneurship.
Everyone needs to get involved in this.
For more, go to http://www.freepress.net/taxonomy/term/83
Everyone should be very nervous about this. The idea is simple; all data communications should be treated equally. Net Neutrality is supposed to protect that idea. If this does not pass, then, basically, different types of traffic are treated differently. This would be like charging more to call your parents or friend on the phone, and less to call a business that paid a fee to the phone company. Sounds absurd, right?
The bigger picture is this: If you start a small internet company, you would have to pay the ISP's to get your site served up with the same speed that a larger, more cash rich company, did. It creates imbalance for small companies, and would only stifle creativity and entrepreneurship.
Everyone needs to get involved in this.
For more, go to http://www.freepress.net/taxonomy/term/83
Thursday, August 05, 2010
Manual Android 2.2 Update for Motorola DROID | Droid Life: A Droid Community Blog
Manual Android 2.2 Update for Motorola DROID | Droid Life: A Droid Community Blog
Just in case, but I'm patient and will wait a little while for the OTA update.
Just in case, but I'm patient and will wait a little while for the OTA update.
DIY Datsun EV Does the Quarter in 10.4 Seconds | Autopia | Wired.com
DIY Datsun EV Does the Quarter in 10.4 Seconds | Autopia | Wired.com
This is just too cool not to post...an Electric Vehicle beating a 485HP gas powered car in the 1/4 mile...sweeeeet!!!
This is just too cool not to post...an Electric Vehicle beating a 485HP gas powered car in the 1/4 mile...sweeeeet!!!
true cloud for the masses
LG U+ cloud service links connected devices, requires a relocation to South Korea to enjoy
Finally, someone gets it...read the above article, then continue with the rest of this post...
It's just my opinion, but the future of the cloud must have one main capability to be truly accepted by the masses...real-time interoperability. What I mean is this...I have an ipad, android phone and laptop. At any given moment, anything I do is replicated across the devices through some type of cloud sync mechanism. Sure I use dropbox for my files, but that does not do it all. Sure Apple has mobile me, but that is geared towards apple devices. What I want is to have everything talk to a unified cloud-based environment so that I don't have to wonder if I have the latest version/update/info on whatever device I happen to be using. Did I mention that this needs to be vendor and platform independent (can you hear me, Mr. Jobs and Mr. Ballmer?)
I don't want to leave out the app developers, either. Guys (and Girls), if you build an app for android, PLEASE, PLEASE build it for the IOS and RIM devices (Same for you IOS developers).
As end users, we will go for best of breed devices, and end up with multiple platforms. Providers and developers need to embrace that reality and step up their efforts. Those that do will be pleasantly surprised at the support that they receive from the masses.
I, for one, would be happy to evangelize anyone that develops their apps for multiple platforms, right from the start.
Btw...if anyone has an IOS app that supports Bruce Schneiers Paaswd Safe, let me know...it's the best password manager out there, but sadly, lacks an ipad/iphone app.
Finally, someone gets it...read the above article, then continue with the rest of this post...
It's just my opinion, but the future of the cloud must have one main capability to be truly accepted by the masses...real-time interoperability. What I mean is this...I have an ipad, android phone and laptop. At any given moment, anything I do is replicated across the devices through some type of cloud sync mechanism. Sure I use dropbox for my files, but that does not do it all. Sure Apple has mobile me, but that is geared towards apple devices. What I want is to have everything talk to a unified cloud-based environment so that I don't have to wonder if I have the latest version/update/info on whatever device I happen to be using. Did I mention that this needs to be vendor and platform independent (can you hear me, Mr. Jobs and Mr. Ballmer?)
I don't want to leave out the app developers, either. Guys (and Girls), if you build an app for android, PLEASE, PLEASE build it for the IOS and RIM devices (Same for you IOS developers).
As end users, we will go for best of breed devices, and end up with multiple platforms. Providers and developers need to embrace that reality and step up their efforts. Those that do will be pleasantly surprised at the support that they receive from the masses.
I, for one, would be happy to evangelize anyone that develops their apps for multiple platforms, right from the start.
Btw...if anyone has an IOS app that supports Bruce Schneiers Paaswd Safe, let me know...it's the best password manager out there, but sadly, lacks an ipad/iphone app.
Can you buy me now? Apple and the war for the mobile market
Can you buy me now? Apple and the war for the mobile market
This is an interesting story in that it speaks directly to a current project that we have in development. Apple makes it so complicated to develop for the iPhone that we are actually considering the value in the initiative, especially in light of the growing android market. Apple needs to reevaluate their practices if they want to stay ahead of the curve in mobile apps.
I know that this is not directly related to the article, but the author does describe a corporate mentality that seems to counter the idea of free and easy app dev and distribution.
This is an interesting story in that it speaks directly to a current project that we have in development. Apple makes it so complicated to develop for the iPhone that we are actually considering the value in the initiative, especially in light of the growing android market. Apple needs to reevaluate their practices if they want to stay ahead of the curve in mobile apps.
I know that this is not directly related to the article, but the author does describe a corporate mentality that seems to counter the idea of free and easy app dev and distribution.
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
BBC News - BP boss Hayward says he was 'demonised' over oil spill
Seriously?!?!?! You are an arrogant, self-serving ass! 6mm pound pension???? What about the 1,000's of people who, perhaps for generations, have lost their sole source of income because of the shortcuts taken by the company that you ran???
BBC News - BP boss Hayward says he was 'demonised' over oil spill
BBC News - BP boss Hayward says he was 'demonised' over oil spill
Friday, July 23, 2010
BBC News - India unveils prototype for $35 touch-screen computer
OK, so I have been playing with my iPad for 3 days now. Imagine my dismay at the following story:
BBC News - India unveils prototype for $35 touch-screen computer
The flip side is that it is not an IOS device, which, let's be honest, is one of the most intuitive interfaces ever designed. *BUT* it is a Linux device which means open source, and lots of flexibility. I'm not taking sides, here, because I walk both side of the fence, but this is an interesting development no matter how you look at it.
BBC News - India unveils prototype for $35 touch-screen computer
The flip side is that it is not an IOS device, which, let's be honest, is one of the most intuitive interfaces ever designed. *BUT* it is a Linux device which means open source, and lots of flexibility. I'm not taking sides, here, because I walk both side of the fence, but this is an interesting development no matter how you look at it.
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Corruption Road
One of the groups that is doing really good work is FreePress...they work day and night to keep the Internet open and fair.
Check out this recent initiative by them against Net Neutrality.
Corruption Road
Check out this recent initiative by them against Net Neutrality.
Corruption Road
Monday, July 19, 2010
Vibram Five Fingers: The most comfortable footwear ever
Just got back from traveling in Europe for 16 days. Usually, I have to take some type of pain killers for the excruciating pain in my knees and hops from all the walking. Not this time!!
A friend of mine introduced me to these shoes (if you can call them that) that are basically just foot covers, and have individual toes so your foot works like it was supposed to. I hiked and walked everywhere in these things...paved roads, cobblestone streets, stone and dirt paths, you name it...everything except swim in them (which I could have, but didn't need to), and never felt better.
I can't say enough about these shoes...they are amazing.
A friend of mine introduced me to these shoes (if you can call them that) that are basically just foot covers, and have individual toes so your foot works like it was supposed to. I hiked and walked everywhere in these things...paved roads, cobblestone streets, stone and dirt paths, you name it...everything except swim in them (which I could have, but didn't need to), and never felt better.
I can't say enough about these shoes...they are amazing.
AddThis :: Add-ons for Firefox
Neat little app that I added to Firefox...let you share a site on any number of different sharing services
AddThis :: Add-ons for Firefox
AddThis :: Add-ons for Firefox
Sunday, July 18, 2010
Friday, July 16, 2010
BBC News - In pictures: New sea creatures found on Barrier Reef
Who needs science fiction? These darling images are from our own planet earth, present day!
BBC News - In pictures: New sea creatures found on Barrier Reef
BBC News - In pictures: New sea creatures found on Barrier Reef
Friday, November 14, 2008
celll phone etiquite
I was in a doctors office yesterday. As I checked in, I noticed a prominent sign saying, among other things, "Please refrain from talking on your cell phone in the waiting area".
Of course, on this day, the sign went unnoticed, as two seats down from me was a man talking, not loudly, but certainly not quietly, on his cell phone.
Since there was no way not to hear it became apparent after only a few minutes that he was a doctor and the call was not an emergency or even patient related.
He was discussing finances regarding refinancing his house.
Here's a news flash to the world - we are not interested in hearing your conversations.
Please have some respect for your fellow humans and show a little courtesy when using your cell phone. Take it outside or someplace out of range of the rest of us.
Of course, on this day, the sign went unnoticed, as two seats down from me was a man talking, not loudly, but certainly not quietly, on his cell phone.
Since there was no way not to hear it became apparent after only a few minutes that he was a doctor and the call was not an emergency or even patient related.
He was discussing finances regarding refinancing his house.
Here's a news flash to the world - we are not interested in hearing your conversations.
Please have some respect for your fellow humans and show a little courtesy when using your cell phone. Take it outside or someplace out of range of the rest of us.
Thursday, November 13, 2008
handicapped parking
Greetings all. Today's rant is about handicapped parking.
As most of you have figured out by now, I live in South Florida. To say that we have a high population of elderly people would be like saying that there are a lot of Italians in Italy.
Anyhow...this is my issue...there are way to many people with handicap stickers/tags/miiror tags, that just don't need them. I pulled into my office parking lot and watched an elderly man park in a handicapped space, hang the mirror tag, and just about sprint to the door of the building. Now I may be missing something, but this did not strike me as someone who needs to be parked in a handicap space.
I think that doctors are way too lenient with giving those placards to people and that there should be better management of them. I can't tell you how many times I see people who *clearly* do not need it, park in handicapped spots. I wonder how many who really need it, are subjected to parking with the rest of us *healthy* people.
The sense of entitlement that so many people exhibit is disgraceful. If you have a real need, than by all means, you should have the advantage. But you doctors that give a tag that's valid for a year because Aunt Mable has a bunion removed, is just wrong.
Can I tell you how many times I see some kid getting out of what must be grandpa's lexus just so they can park closer to the movie theater entrance? That should be a ticketable offense. But that's another issue, the cops are already over-worked, so we have to have another solution to that one.
So what would I change? Glad you asked...
Temporary handicap tags should be valid for the shortest amount of time - say a month. after that, it has to be renewed *IN PERSON* If you can't renew in person, than you should not be out driving, in the first place.
No more handicap license plates. Only use mirror tags.
Now that everyone has a mirror hanger, we make all handicap tags with photos on them. If the person for whom the tag was issued is not in the car, than you can't use it.
So that's my issue for today. Thanks for reading.
As most of you have figured out by now, I live in South Florida. To say that we have a high population of elderly people would be like saying that there are a lot of Italians in Italy.
Anyhow...this is my issue...there are way to many people with handicap stickers/tags/miiror tags, that just don't need them. I pulled into my office parking lot and watched an elderly man park in a handicapped space, hang the mirror tag, and just about sprint to the door of the building. Now I may be missing something, but this did not strike me as someone who needs to be parked in a handicap space.
I think that doctors are way too lenient with giving those placards to people and that there should be better management of them. I can't tell you how many times I see people who *clearly* do not need it, park in handicapped spots. I wonder how many who really need it, are subjected to parking with the rest of us *healthy* people.
The sense of entitlement that so many people exhibit is disgraceful. If you have a real need, than by all means, you should have the advantage. But you doctors that give a tag that's valid for a year because Aunt Mable has a bunion removed, is just wrong.
Can I tell you how many times I see some kid getting out of what must be grandpa's lexus just so they can park closer to the movie theater entrance? That should be a ticketable offense. But that's another issue, the cops are already over-worked, so we have to have another solution to that one.
So what would I change? Glad you asked...
Temporary handicap tags should be valid for the shortest amount of time - say a month. after that, it has to be renewed *IN PERSON* If you can't renew in person, than you should not be out driving, in the first place.
No more handicap license plates. Only use mirror tags.
Now that everyone has a mirror hanger, we make all handicap tags with photos on them. If the person for whom the tag was issued is not in the car, than you can't use it.
So that's my issue for today. Thanks for reading.
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Office Literacy
I need some help. Are solicitors stupid, stubborn or illiterate?
It's not that I don't have respect for the sales industry - I do - I used to do it. But seriously, when there is a sign on the door that says "No Soliciting" why can't people get it. We don't want to be bothered. I know what you're going to say - if they did, than no one would ever get ahead.
It's just a pet peeve of mine, if you see a sign that says "No Soliciting", please respect it.
It's not that there is no value in the services being provided, but if I spend 10 minutes with each new salesperson that walks in, than I get nothing done. It's not that I am trying to be rude, but I just don't have the time to entertain each new offer that come in the door.
So please tell me the secret - How do I get their attention to respect my business? And please don't say buy a bigger sign.
It's not that I don't have respect for the sales industry - I do - I used to do it. But seriously, when there is a sign on the door that says "No Soliciting" why can't people get it. We don't want to be bothered. I know what you're going to say - if they did, than no one would ever get ahead.
It's just a pet peeve of mine, if you see a sign that says "No Soliciting", please respect it.
It's not that there is no value in the services being provided, but if I spend 10 minutes with each new salesperson that walks in, than I get nothing done. It's not that I am trying to be rude, but I just don't have the time to entertain each new offer that come in the door.
So please tell me the secret - How do I get their attention to respect my business? And please don't say buy a bigger sign.
2 years is long enough
OK, so I have not been the most prolific blogger. whatever. I think it's about time to start posting again. Since my last post was bout a hurricane, I think that it's only appropriate that I pick up where I left off.
Hurricane season is about to end, and in a remarkable twist, the predictions were mostly wrong. OOOOO, say it isn't so.
OK, so sue me for being a bit jaded, but I am so tired of all the FUD that surrounds the weather in South Florida that I just can't help myself.
So now the weather changes for the better and we enjoy 6 months of some of the most incredible climate anywhere. Now if we could just do something about the economy...
Hurricane season is about to end, and in a remarkable twist, the predictions were mostly wrong. OOOOO, say it isn't so.
OK, so sue me for being a bit jaded, but I am so tired of all the FUD that surrounds the weather in South Florida that I just can't help myself.
So now the weather changes for the better and we enjoy 6 months of some of the most incredible climate anywhere. Now if we could just do something about the economy...
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