Random Ramblings – Page 67 – Blah, Blah, Blahg

John McCain – new posterboy for “Flip-flopper” designation?

Have the Democrats, after many Presidential campaigns with candidates labeled flip-floppers or similar, finally found a break from the designation while a conservative worms into that position now? John McCain certainly looks to be front-runner for the flip-flopper title as we start seeing Presidential campaigns start up.

McCain went from saying he would not support repeal of Roe v. Wade to saying the exact opposite.
McCain used to oppose Bush’s tax cuts for the very wealthy, but he reversed course in February.
McCain took a firm line in opposition to torture, and then caved to White House demands.
And now McCain has gone from insisting that the war in Iraq would be easy to insisting that he’s always said the war in Iraq would be hard. And yet, you’ll still find most of the political establishment arguing that McCain’s strength as a candidate is his credibility.

That’s just a sampling of the switches McCain has made. Of course, he’ll not be labeled a flip-flopped for them, because the conservatives only seem to use that and similar terms against liberals, whether or not the label is actually accurate.

I should point out here that I like John McCain. He’s one of the few politicians that I have any inkling of respect for. And I really don’t think having a change of opinion or taking a new stance after learning more about a topic is a bad thing. But I think every candidate running for President needs very careful scrutiny, and his actions deserve the same review Kerry’s actions got which lead to his being inaccurately called a flip-flopper. I still expect McCain to be a strong candidate for the conservatives, but he needs a sharp review the same as any other politician.

[tags]McCain fighting for flip-flopper title[/tags]

IP Radio

Since I’ve recently posted something about the online radio service Pandora, I figured why not post another online radio “thing” here (where “thing” is a highly technical industry term). The Phoenix IP Radio, highlighted in the latest issue of Computer Power User magazine (one of the few geek magazines I find valuable enough to actually pay for), provides IP access to online radio stations, playlists, and RSS feeds (think podcast here) over 802.11b/g connections. It’s battery operated, so you won’t be running a wireless network connection while being required to have a wall-plug to power it (except when charging the batteries, which are supposed to run 4 hours per charge).

From the recent press release with some details on the radio

Features of The Phoenix radio include

alarm clock

eight preset radio station buttons and search mode

rechargeable batteries and integrated internal charger for portability

lightweight – under two pounds

integrated stereo speakers and spatialization enhancer technology for digital sound quality

can plug into any hi-fi stereo system or headphones with analog outputs

connects to any 802.11b/g wireless network with its easy Wi-Fi connection

no computer interface necessary

allows for BluetoothÃ‚Â¨ connectivity with adapter offered through Com One

bookmark favorite stations and songs for instant access

listen to missed shows with radio-on-demand or podcasts

embedded software for easy connection to the Internet-based service distribution platform, content & service customization, firmware upgrade over the air, push & pull interactivity and management of subscription or click & buy functions

lets you listen to MP3, WMA or uncompressed audio (WAV and AIFF) and supports Real Audio

[tags]Wifi IP radio, Take the online radio experience anywhere you have wifi[/tags]

Pandora adds audio ads

If you aren’t already familiar with it, you should check out Pandora. It’s a Flash-based free online music site that tailors a play list to what you like already. Start a personal radio station with three or four songs or artists you like and the site starts streaming songs with similar characteristics to you. As you listen, you can indicate songs you don’t like which should never be played again and songs you like enough to want to hear more like them. I’ve used the site off and on for a while (ever since reading about it over at Bill’s place) and have found a lot of music I really like this way. I’ve been remiss in not pointing any of my 6 regular visitors to Pandora before, but I’ve rectified that now.

With that all out of the way, news is out now that Pandora is testing out audio ads as part of the radio stream.

What formats for ads are you trying? (lengths, styles)

The only ad style we’re testing is NPR-style (“this station brought to you buy…”) The ad we’re running right now is 9 seconds. There are no current plans to test other styles or lengths.

How will Pandora make the final decision about how/how long/what type/which companies any eventual ad system will serve?

By listening to our listeners via support, our blog, and forums like the Digital Music Weblog. We pay a lot of attention to what our listeners have to say about all our decisions.

And I’ve found that to be true. Pandora seems very attuned to their customers. I’m sure there will be some uproar somewhere over this, but honestly I think it is good for companies providing great products (and believe me, I think Pandora really is excellent) to try finding ways to keep end-user costs down. This service has been free for a long time, does a great job of providing good music to listen to, has an easy to use interface, and very low personal information requirement to get started. I almost bought a paid subscription when Pandora first launched, because I think it is good enough a service to pay for. If the providers want to keep it free by running occasional ads, I’m all for that. I’m not like many ‘net-heads who believe everything should be free (as in beer).

[tags]Pandora online radio now streaming ads, Pandora testing ads to maintain free online radio service[/tags]

Apple TV failure predicted

I’ve never seen this site before but found it while searching for a bit of news about the newly announced Apple TV talked about at CES. That means I have no idea how good or bad the predictions are here, but with a site named TV Predictions, hopefully there is some decent insight which would lead them to say Apple TV will be another ‘Steve Jobs Folly’ regardless of the name.

In 2005, Apple CEO Steve Jobs gushed that the 2.5-inch screen video iPod would revolutionize the TV industry.

Today, according to Nielsen Media Research, only two percent of all media used on the video device are actually videos. Consumers have decided that the device’s small screen isn’t suitable to watch TV, whether it’s primetime episodes or user videos.

However, Jobs has not satisfied his thirst to conquer the television world. The tech guru today unveiled Apple’s new iTV,

Jobs said the device will be renamed Apple TV. However, it will be another ‘Steve Jobs Folly’ regardless of the name.

. . .

Americans are tired of buying set-tops for TV-based purposes. They already have a DVD player; a cable and/or satellite set-top; possibly a standalone TiVo DVR and/or DVD recorder; and in some cases, a Audio/Video receiver connected to their TVs.

We shall see. I’m not all the hyped about Apple TV, but maybe I’m not seeing the market Jobs is seeing.

[tags]TV Predictions site expects Apple TV failure[/tags]

Scooby-Doo creator dead

Such sad news for cartoon fans – the creator of the Scooby-Doo cartoons has passed away.

Iwao Takamoto, the man who created the cartoon dog Scooby-Doo, has died of heart failure at 81. Takamoto also directed an animated version of Charlotte’s Web and worked on Disney features including Peter Pan and Cinderella. But he will likely be remembered most for his cowardly, goofy, mystery-solving dog.

The original radio article I heard on this mentioned how Takamoto created the animated Scooby-Doo to have an appearance opposite the natural Great Danes’ features such as a rigidly straight back and recessed chin. No mention was made what, exactly, Takamoto was smoking which inspired him to make the dog talk.

[tags]Scooby-Doo creator has passed away[/tags]

Apple renames itself

Today, Apple Computer, Inc. officially became Apple, Inc. Hard to believe with all the CES news I’m covering this instead. And I can’t even tell you why, but there it is.

Apple Computer, Inc. is no more. After introducing the new Apple TV digital media hub and iPhone at the Macworld Conference on Tuesday, CEO Steve Jobs declared that his company was dropping the word “Computer” from its name and henceforth would be known as Apple Inc.

I understand this change is meant to emphasize the fact that Apple now does more than just computers, but really, I think more people know Apple and “That iPod/iTunes company” than as “That computer company” anyway. So for most of us, it doesn’t mean anything. Just be aware of the change, so when you meet Steve Jobs face to face to discuss your newest technology brilliance that you want the company to license and sell so you can become obnoxiously wealthy, you need to refer to the company by the new “Apple, Inc.” and not accidentally use the old name.

[tags]Apple Computer now just Apple, Apple Computer name change[/tags]

Pat Robertson says “God told me US go Booooom!”

Well, Robertson didn’t quite say that, but he did want the world to know that God says the US will be attacked in the 2nd half of 2007. I actually heard this on the radio a few days back and forgot to report it. I would like to point out that Robertson has, in the past, made just a few inaccurate predictions, so this prediction should be considered with just a taste or 1,532,150,235 grains of salt.

“I’m not saying necessarily nuclear, the Lord didn’t say nuclear,” Mr Robertson said on his television show The 700 Club. “It’ll be mass killing, possibly millions of people, major cities.

“The evil people will come after this country and there’s a possibility, not a possibility, a definite certainty, that chaos is going to rule.”

. . .

He said God conveyed this message to him during an annual prayer retreat. He said he has received other messages during past retreats.

Oh, and remember what the Bible says about false prophets: “But a prophet who presumes to speak in my name anything I have not commanded him to say, or a prophet who speaks in the name of other gods, must be put to death.” I’m absolutely not advocating anyone go and kill Robertson (much like lawyer Jack Thompson, I think Robertson does enough to prove himself irrelevant enough that killing him is absolutely unnecessary), but I wonder if Robertson will recommend to his own “flock” that they kill him when yet another prophecy of his turns out false. After all, he’ll just be telling them to do what the Good Book requires.

This story makes me realize yet again that I don’t have a “Stupid” category, and really need to add one. I wonder if the evil will come to this country because the Democrats get us out of Iraq before the end of the year (my prediction – we’ll not be out of Iraq before the end of the year – hell this prediction stuff is easy to nail) and therefore have no American targets to attack there, or if it will come over because of (or in spite of) our occupying Iraq. I predict neither – there will be no evil attacking and killing millions in major cities in the US. Check back next year to see if Robertson is correct or if I am (prediction – I am).

[tags]Pat Robertson predicts Dooooooom!, US to be attacked 2nd half 2007 according to Pat Robertson[/tags]

15 milestones to modern medicine

Because you never know when you will end up on Jeopardy, I like to point out the things I find which can fill your head with the useless trivia you need to succeed. The latest of these findings is this write-up on The Guardian of the British Medical Journal’s top 15 milestones on the path to modern medicine.

1 Anaesthesia

Revolutionised surgery. By the end of the 19th century, anaesthesia had become a symbol for the wider humanitarian movement. It remains the most vivid example of medicine’s capacity to diminish human suffering.

Unfortunately, it has no lasting effect on diminishing human suffering due to marriage.

7 Germ theory

Realisation that germs carried on the hands of doctors could transmit lethal infections to women in labour by Ignaz Semmelweis in Vienna in 1847 became the accepted germ theory of disease. At the end of the 19th century, infection caused 30% of deaths. By the end of the 20th century it caused less than 4%.

I just thought that was a pretty cool statistic.

11 The pill

The oral contraceptive brought about a social as well as a medical revolution and had huge benefits for women. It was the first potent drug to be taken by millions of healthy people and the active ingredient is virtually unchanged.

Thanks to the pill, both times my wife and I have sex (with each other) every year, her chances of pregnancy are less. Cool. (via Sigma Xi’s Science in the news newsletter – subscribe and you can smartify yourself like I have)

[tags]Modern medicine milestones[/tags]

Restroom automation

A cow-orker sent this to me today. I thought it was too funny to not share with all 3 of my overwhelmingly brillaint readers and both my inept social outcast readers, as well. For the 2 inept readers, make sure to click the “More” link below to finish the joke. It’s even less funny if you stop after 2 paragraphs. 🙂

I remember my excitement the first time I saw a restroom faucet with a motion detector. It was like magic. I just waved my hand in front of the sensor and water spat forth. It was like the food replicator on the Star Ship Enterprise, but Version 1.0 that only produces cooty water.

Eventually the soap dispenser caught up. That was less exciting for two reasons: 1) It was just copying the water faucet, and 2) It is exactly how I imagine it would feel if a bird pooped on my hand.

Lately, some paper towel dispensers have joined the action. Activate the sensor and a paper towel presents itself. Scientists have obviously spent a lot of time calculating the proper dimensions for this towel. It’s precisely the size that is too small to be satisfying and yet large enough that you won’t rip the dispenser off the wall, smash it in the sink and grab a big wad of towels from its stinkin’ guts. But you’re tempted.

Continue reading “Restroom automation”

Captain, we need more, ahhh, stupid header – I want one of these

You know what you can never have too much of? Power. Sure, sure, it corrupts and all. But when you have real power at your fingertips, you can achieve so much. Thinking of power-lusters such as myself, Ultra Products has put out a 2000 watt power supply for good computer fun. I’m guessing you could run a couple of good video cards along with lots of hard drives and a CPU or 2 with this much power.

The Ultra X3 Modular 2000W PSU has a footprint that is similar to the PC Power & Cooling 1000W power supply. This means this PSU comes in at 10.25 inches long and doubles the power rating all while keeping the same form factor!

. . . “It’s not so much that we believe personal computers today need as much as 2000W of power,” explains George Ali, Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Ultra Products. “In fact, most household circuits can’t even provide the AC power this unit would require in order to put out 2000W of DC power. But there’s the always-inevitable questions of ‘Do I have enough power?’ or ‘Does my power supply have enough juice where my high end components need it.’ That is why we have put together this 2000W unit; as the end all of power supplies as far as DC output goes. With as much as 1800W available on the 12V alone, there should be no concern whatsoever that there is enough power available for quad core, quad GPU or large drive arrays.”

The down side is this sucker looks to only have one 12V rail – a potential no-no if you are going by the ATX12V 2.2 guidelines.

The PSU puts out more than enough on the 12V rail that this isn’t a real concern, I think, but there is still a potential for problems in some cases.

[tags]1.21 GIGAWATTS!!!!, New 2000 watt power supply[/tags]

A visual history of home consoles

A friend sent me this link to a history of home consoles via images.Ã‚Â I’m managed to pick a few of the losing consoles in that history – in particular, the TurboGraphx-16, the TurboDuo, and the Dreamcast.Ã‚Â All systems I liked, and which I believe were the best available at the time, but which failed commercially.Ã‚Â If you aren’t familiar with the TurboGraphx-16 and TurboDuo, check out what they were like via the MagicEngine emulator.

[tags]A history of consoles, Console evolution[/tags]

Bush best and worst of 2006

The Associated Press has done a poll of Americans to determine the biggest villain and biggest hero of the past year. In a comfortable lead, President Bush took the villain of the year. However, in another easy win, President Bush took hero of the year. I’m surprised by half the results, given how bad a President he has been in my eyes. But clearly at least 30% of the country has a different view of the man than I have.

Bad guy of 2006: President Bush. Good guy of 2006: President Bush. When people were asked in an AP-AOL News poll to name the villains and heroes of the year, Bush topped both lists, in a sign of these polarized times.

. . .

Bush won the villain sweepstakes by a landslide, with one in four respondents putting him at the top of that bad-guy list. When people were asked to name the candidate for villain that first came to mind, Bush far outdistanced even Osama bin Laden, the terrorist leader in hiding; and former Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein, who is scheduled for execution.

The president was picked as hero of the year by a much smaller margin. In the poll, 13 percent named him as their favorite while 6 percent cited the troops in Iraq.

. . .

Bush was the choice of 43 percent of Democrats for villain, and 27 percent of Republicans for hero.

And while we’re looking at the best and worst, why not see what else the AP poll covered?

Continue reading “Bush best and worst of 2006”