Month: November 2005

According to an AP report, “TiVo Inc. is expanding its video recording service so users will be able to transfer recorded TV shows onto Apple Computer’s iPods” via its TiVoToGo feature. Very cool, although I’m guessing that it might Reuters confirms that this will only work on the new Video iPods…

Just in case you’re insane enough to brave the crowds and shop on Black Friday, Flexdeals has compiled its Black Friday 2005 Complete List of deals.

Have a Safe and Happy Thanksgiving!

The Register reports on a new “liquid condom:”

China’s first liquid condom went on sale today after the country’s health and drugs administration formally gave the hi-tech prophylactic the thumbs-up.

Dubbed the Nanometer-silver Cryptomorphic Condom (NCC), it’s designed for female rather than male usage. The condom-in-a-can is essentially an antiseptic foam spray that the manufacturer claims forms a physical membrane inside the vagina, protecting it from infection, acting as a barrier to pregnancy and providing a lubricating effect.

I’m not quite sure what to say about this. Kudos?

Google is introducing another service, Google Click-to-Call:

We’re testing a new product that gives you a free and fast way to speak directly to the advertiser you found on a Google search results page – over the phone.

Here’s how it works: When you click the phone icon, you can enter your phone number. Once you click ‘Connect For Free,’ Google calls the number you provided. When you pick up, you hear ringing on the other end as Google connects you to the other party.
…
Google foots the bill for all calls – local and long-distance. However, if we call a mobile phone number, you may incur airtime fees depending on the mobile phone plan.

This could definitely be interesting, although getting called and then connected to the desired advertiser is bound to be weird initially…

The news about Sony’s horrible rootkit DRM has been around for several weeks, but I obviously haven’t gotten around to posting about it. Rather than try and summarize all of the news, I’ll refer you to Boing Boing, which has done an excellent job of keeping up with all of the developments in its Roundups: Part I, Part II, and Part III.

What I find most disturbing is that many spyware and antivirus companies apparently knowingly excluded this rootkit from their scans, allowing systems to become infected by it. That’s right, I said it, infected. It is complete bullshit that this was allowed to happen, not only because of Sony’s obliviousness in ignoring the seriousness of including such DRM in the first place, but also that the security software industry turned a blind eye to the code because of Sony’s industry clout. Several class-action suits have been filed against Sony BMG, and I hope to see more.

I am glad to see that this fiasco has opened the eyes of some music artists and executives, discrediting the asinine practice of including DRM on paying consumers’ CDs in the first place:

Some of the top Sony BMG artists who had XCP placed on their CDs are complaining directly to the label heads, furious that it will hurt their relationship to their fans and their sales as they go into the massively important Christmas season. Add that to rising number of anti-DRM voices within in the company who have been against DRM as only hurting “the people that are doing the right thing and buying our music.” This all means that some of the label heads are finally starting to believe that DRM is just bad for business.

Now they are starting to stand up to the corporate leaders who are pushing DRM as the solution to their sliding revenue, particularly Thomas Hesse who notoriously said “Most people don’t even know what a rootkit is, so why should they care about it?”

Some people just don’t get it.

CNN reported that Sam, hailed by some as the “world’s ugliest dog,” died at the age of 14. I hate to make fun of the passing of someone’s beloved pet, but all I can think of when I see Sam’s picture is Salacious Crumb from Return Of The Jedi. Am I wrong?

You may have already seen or heard about this, but W’s recent door mishap in Beijing was too good for me not to post. There is video available on that BBC page in case you missed it. 🙂

Mr. Bush answered a range of questions before one reporter said: “Respectfully, sir – you know we’re always respectful – in your statement this morning with President Hu, you seemed a little off your game, you seemed to hurry through your statement. There was a lack of enthusiasm. Was something bothering you?”

The president answered: “Have you ever heard of jet lag? Well, good. That answers your question.”

The reporter asked for a follow-up question but the president then thanked the attending journalists and said “No you may not” as he walked away.

He strode from the lectern to the door, trying both handles and then breaking into a laugh.
…
[W] tugged at both handles on the double doors before admitting: “I was trying to escape. Obviously, it didn’t work.”

I think The J-Walk Blog (whose post title I appropriated) said it best: “No doubt, this will become a defining photo for the president’s second term.”

Digital Inspiration posts that Windows Genuine Advantage now supports Firefox:

Microsoft Windows Genuine Advantage program is an online validation process that enables you to verify that your copy of Windows XP is genuine (non-pirated). You will be prompted to validate your copy of Windows if you request a genuine Windows download from the Microsoft Download Center or Windows Update.

The initial WGA 1.0 program downloaded an ActiveX control to check the authenticity of your Windows software. Since it was an ActiveX control, only Internet Explorer (IE) users could use it.

But the recent growth of Firefox has forced Microsoft to rethink their strategy. Microsoft Genuine Windows Validation process now works in Firefox and other Mozilla browsers. Firefox users can download and install the Windows Genuine Advantage validation Firefox plug-in – WGAPluginInstall.exe available on Microsoft’s website to complete the Windows validation process.

Microsoft WGA Plug-in for Mozilla Firefox provides the same Windows validation as the original IE ActiveX control. The Windows Genuine Advantage Diagnostic Site will automatically detect settings of your Mozilla Firefox web browser (1.0.5 or higher) to ensure that the appropriate helper applications such as the WGA Plug-in for Mozilla Firefox is installed.

I’m happy to see this, as it removes one of the few reasons left to use Internet Explorer…

Republican Senators refused to honor Bruce Springsteen on Friday:

An effort by New Jersey’s two Democratic senators to honor the veteran rocker was shot down Friday by Republicans who are apparently still miffed a year after the Boss lent his voice to the campaign of Democratic presidential candidate John Kerry.

The chamber’s GOP leaders refused to bring up for consideration a resolution, introduced by Sens. Frank Lautenberg and Jon Corzine, that honored Springsteen’s long career and the 1975 release of his iconic album, Born to Run.

No reason was given, said Lautenberg spokesman Alex Formuzis. “Resolutions like this pass all the time in the U.S. Senate, usually by unanimous consent,” he said.

Pitiful…

BBspot’s list Top 11 Signs You’re at a Geek’s House for Thanksgiving is pretty funny:

• Dark meat is separated from white meat using a light probe.
• Everyone mentions broadband, Linux or dual-core processors in their “I am thankful for…” speech.
• A round of Counter-Strike: Source determines who gets to carve the turkey.
• House decorated with plush microbes to celebrate the pilgrims bringing diseases to the new world.
• Someone constantly keeps saying “The pilgrims had coffee, didn’t they?”
• Plates have a heatsink attached to them so you don’t burn your mouth.
• The cranberries are caffeinated.
• Whipped cream for the pumpkin pie made with Dremel.
• Three words: Lego gravy boat.
• Pilgrim decorations have red hats instead of black ones.
• The turkey is given the opportunity for a saving throw before being butchered.