August 2005 Archives

Things are a bit slow here at the time thanks to the fact I live in south FL and mother nature has a thing for us lately. We just finished getting slammed by hurricane Katrina and are in the process of recovering. I was fortunate in that we only suffered a power outage for about 24 hours and FPL was able to get us back online. I can't say the same for the other million + homes in south FL. Katrina is still pounding the Keys and looks like she is headed north for the pan handle. Normal posting will resume as soon as I can get my UPS batteries replaced. My APC UPS battery literally BLEW UP after getting hit by lightning. That makes 2 this year. The other battery literally fried the UPS and it was smoking when i found it. I think this UPS made it through ok. I'll know by Monday, when I can go grab a new battery. Until then...peace out and stay dry...

Google is on a friggin rampage to take over the word.  Check out this post from Rob:

Gmail email masking now operational:

This is yet another example of corporate America (and apparently China) gone wrong.  There is nobody to blame but the corporate greed mongers and idiotic state legislators that allow such ludicrous demands to be met.  Someone explain to me why the taxpayers have to pay to fund courses in Chinese?  Don't they make enough from the students which PAY to go to school?  And lets not even get into Dell, which paved the way for these ludicrous demands.  The solution to this problem is simple.  You want to hold a state hostage?  Go somewhere else.  The trick is making sure that no other state agrees to give in to a corporate entities demands.  There aren't exactly a whole lot of places where you can put a high-tech factory.

[ via The Register ]

China's Lenovo wants North Carolina to pay to keep jobs - report | Channel Register:

Chinese PC maker Lenovo wants to empty the pocketbooks of North Carolina taxpayers and pump their minds full of Asian culture, if the state hopes to keep the company's business.

The Herald-Sun has obtained documents showing that Lenovo expects up to a $14m incentive package to maintain its 1,800 strong workforce in the Research Triangle Park hi-tech area located near Durham. The company, which acquired IBM's PC business in May, appears set to play different states off each other as it decides where to build a new facility. Along with the incentives package, Lenovo requested that North Carolina subsidize courses in Chinese at local universities and create joint programs with schools in China, according to the paper.

Every now and then, it is easy for us here in the states to forget that there are other things happening in life around us besides what we are going through.  The media rarely reports on the continuing war in Iraq, and that is just wrong.  I think it is vital to keep every American continuously updated on the events of the middle east.  Our troops are fighting their hearts out and giving their lives every day so that we can enjoy the very freedom we have today.  As a former active duty Navy sailor during the 1st Gulf War, and National Guard veteran, it kills me to hear about stories such as what happened to one of our SEAL teams recently.  Every single American needs to read this story and understand that we are conducting these types of operations on a daily basis.  For obvious reasons, we can't always know about them, but that doesn't mean we should forget about it.  Please keep our troops in your minds and in your prayers.  We owe them quite a bit.  Next time you pass a serviceman in uniform, stop them and just say "thank you".

Can I buy my advanced tickets NOW?  It's gonna be a looooong wait boys and girls.....lets hope we don't get disappointed.

Variety.com - 'Halo' makes a date:

Master Chief is gunning for the bigscreen in summer '07.
Fox and Universal have closed their deal to make a movie based on Microsoft's hit vidgame "Halo," with plans for a tentpole in two years. Studios will pay the tech giant $5 million against 10% of the gross.

More news on the Cobb County homefront. As of Tuesday evening, Superintendent Redden has resigned.  This is just frickin unacceptable.  I am saddened to see that one of the few people who "got it" has been ousted by a bunch of idiots that couldn't see beyond their petty politics to do what was in the best interest for the kids.  Thinking Different was obviously beyond the scope of these people.  Chief Redden, a former Air Force General was grossly overqualified for the position, and that is now obvious.  Chief Redden....hold your head up high and march on.  You've still won the respect of many others and will do well in another district.  Although, why you would want to deal with the crap is beyond me.  Enjoy your retirement and thanks for your service to our great nation.

For the full story via the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, click here.

[via PalmInfoCenter ]

Palm and Audi Launch Bluetooth Treo Handsfree System:

Palm and Audi of America, today announced their collaboration in a new generation of communications solutions designed to improve safety and convenience for drivers: easy and totally integrated hands-free calling inside the car. Using built-in Bluetooth wireless technology and the Palm Treo 650 smartphone, drivers of 2006 Audi A6 and A8 vehicles can make and receive calls totally hands-free using the car's MMI (Multi Media Interface) console, voice-recognition interface or steering-wheel controls.

And now an update on the continuing laptop saga in Cobb County, GA.  It is becoming more and more apparent that this entire mess is nothing more than a feeble attempt at railroading the current Superintendent of Cobb's school district.  This poor guy is getting hammered by people, NOT because of the laptop program, but because he spoke too soon about the planned magnitude of the program.  Forget about the fact that Cobb was going to roll out the school in a handful of pilot schools and evaluating the results before gradually proceeding with additional schools.  This was simply a pissed off former county commissioner on a witch hunt.

The real shame here is that they have hurt the very students these "parents" are claiming they want to help.  To emphasize the level of stupidity within this district, here is a comment from an East Cobb mother:

East Cobb mother Susan Halpert, who was flabbergasted at the laptop program's cost, would like to see attention get back to simpler needs in the schools. The boys' bathroom at Walton High School, one of Cobb's finest, often has no hand soap, Halpert said.
"Before there are laptops given out to everyone," she said, "I'd like for there to be soap in the bathrooms."

So lets summarize that real quick...this parent would rather have SOAP in the bathroom, than to have a laptop for their child to help bring their education into the 21st century.  Hey lady...have you ever heard of those waterless liquid soap bottles that you can drop in your kids backpack?  What an idiot.  That pretty much summarizes the general public residing in Cobb County, GA.  Amazing.  Absolutely amazing.

For more on the full story, follow the link to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Bad political moves may have crashed laptop plan | ajc.com:

The latest version of Toast has just made it easier to rip, errr....BACK UP, your DVD's. ;-)  Overall a solid looking upgrade so far. 

[ via Macsimum News ]

Toast 7 to allow one-step DivX disc creation, more:

Roxio has announced Toast 7, the latest version of its Mac CD and DVD burning suite. The update—which include multi-image high definition slideshows with pan and zoom effects, transitions and background soundtracks, audio DVDs with over 50 hours of Dolby music and data spanning—will be available direct from Roxio starting... [ read more ]

More new announcements from Canon....money being no object, this is what I would have in my arsenal...it's the closest thing to my film-based EOS 3.

Canon EOS-1D Mark II N: Digital Photography Review:

Canon EOS-1D Mark II N
Monday, 22 August 2005  10:00 GMT   

Canon has today announced the successor to the EOS-1D Mark II, this updated camera carries the N suffix to indicate its moderate range of updates. The EOS-1D Mark II N has the same 8.2 megapixel CMOS sensor, the same DIGIC II image processor and 8.5 fps shooting speed. The primary changes are a new 2.5" wide viewing angle LCD monitor, improved buffering characteristics, new 'Picture Style' image parameters and the ability to write different formats simultaneously to SD and CF cards. The EOS-1D Mark II N is priced at $3999.

The long awaited successor to the Canon EOS 20D is finally official.  There have been lots of rumors floating around for a while now, but since I prefer not to speculate on rumors (usually), now I can post this.  My initial reaction is WOW.  12.8 Megapixels!  That's is one heck of an image.  The full-frame features are definitely a plus as well.  But all things being equal, after looking at the specs and my needs in particular, for the difference in price, I think the EOS 20D is still the way to go.  You can buy 2 EOS 20D's for the price of one EOS 5D.  I's prefer to have that 2nd body as a backup.  The difference in quality is definitely there, but that also means other problems to contend with.  I shoot primarily Nature, Wildlife, Landscape & Sports.  The 20D has a higher frame rate and the 1.6x magnification that occurs as a result of the type of CMOS on the 20D is actually a good thing when going long range.  But it also means that those wide angle lenses for the landscapes get cheated too.  Either way, the 5D is a great camera, but it looks like the issues around digital photography are changing.  It's no longer the argument of going film vs. digital, digital has won and that is obvious.  Now the decision lies with you needs as a photographer and what works best.  Bigger is NOT always better.  If you have seen the images captured off an EOS 20D, you will agree that it should be ample for most people's needs.  Check out the full review at Digital Photography Review...

Canon EOS 5D, full-frame 12.8 megapixel:

"The biggest surprise of the day (not) will be Canon's much-leaked EOS 5D. Yes, the specifications floating around for the last two weeks were accurate, this camera slots in above the EOS 20D but below the EOS-1D series with its full-frame (35 mm negative size) 12.8 megapixel CMOS sensor. Other key specifications; 3.0 fps continuous shooting, Spot metering, Custom settings mode, Picture Style parameters, 2.5" wide viewing angle LCD monitor, marginally larger than the EOS 20D, USB 2.0 High-speed,..."

What some people will do to protect their goodies.  Apparently some enterprising whipper snapper got his beloved iPod crushed against a handrail in a crowded Japanese subway and vowed to never have it happen again.  The solution, the Fort Knox of all iPod cases.  Check it out here.

According to a recent job posting at Apple, they are looking for a Handwriting Recognition Engineer.  Could this mean an Apple Tablet is in the works?  Things that make you go hmmmmm....

Title: Handwriting Recognition Engineer 
Req. ID: 2379263
Location: Santa Clara Valley, California 
Country: United States
Req Date: 11-Aug-2005
Are you passionate about providing handwriting solutions to end customers? Do you strongly believe that using a stylus and a tablet is the way to interact with computers?

Apple Handwriting Recognition team is seeking an engineer who will be responsible for advancing gesture and handwriting recognition on Mac OS X. The ideal candidate will be an expert in the area of pattern recognition, with an excellent understanding of handwriting recognition issues. The person will also assume primary responsibility for maintaining existing code and tools.

I just may have to sell my first-born...holy smokes! Boss...I need a raise!!! :-)

[ via Major Nelson ]

Xbox 360 details, prices and images:

Moments ago, we announced Xbox 360 pricing, packages and accessories. Here is the complete list. I’ll have a blogcast posted of the press conference within the next hour. Until then, here are the details you have been waiting for.

Microsoft Announces Xbox 360 Price for Europe and North America: Starts at $299.99 U.S.
Feature-packed system brings high-definition gaming to the masses this holiday season.

LEIPZIG, Germany — Aug. 17, 2005 — Ending weeks of speculation about which upcoming video game platform will give gamers the most bang for their buck, today at the German Games Convention, Microsoft Corp. revealed that consumers can get their hands on Xbox 360™ — the most powerful and feature-packed next-generation video game and entertainment system — for as little as $299.99 U.S. / €299.99 / £209.99 starting this holiday season. For gamers who want to experience the ultimate digital entertainment thrill ride, Microsoft also announced a model with hundreds of dollars worth of accessories for $399.99 U.S. / €399.99 / £279.99, giving consumers the definitive entertainment experience at an unbelievable value right out of the box.

The Xbox 360 and Xbox 360 Core System — along with an impressive lineup of high-definition game titles from the world’s best publishers and developers — will make their debut in North America, Europe and Japan in time for this Christmas holiday, several months ahead of the competition. Although details for the Japan launch will be addressed at the Tokyo Game Show in September, the unprecedented three-region launch signifies an industry first. The Xbox 360 platform will deliver the most powerful console, the best games, the next generation of the Xbox Live® service, and amazing digital entertainment experiences never seen in console entertainment.

“The sheer entertainment value of Xbox 360 cannot be overstated,” said Robbie Bach, chief Xbox officer for Microsoft. “While the system has the muscle to power awe-inspiring graphics, audio and online play, it’s also got the intelligence to serve as a one-of-a-kind entertainment device that plays CDs, DVDs, MP3s and digital content from an array of devices, including portable music players and digital cameras.”

With its built-in Ethernet port and free Silver level of service right out of the box, Xbox 360 also connects players to Xbox Live, the premier global online console games and entertainment network. With Xbox Live, gamers can chat with friends online, build and share gamer profiles, send and receive text and voice messages, and access Xbox Live Marketplace for new content such as game demos, trailers and casual games from Xbox Live Arcade. Subscribers to the Gold level of service will also enjoy access to online multiplayer gaming in their favorite games, as well as great promotional programs such as worldwide tournaments, the chance to play online with their favorite celebrities, and opportunities to win big prizes.

For gamers who want the ultimate experience (and the best value) right out of the box, Microsoft will offer the $399.99 U.S. / €399.99 / £279.99 Xbox 360 console. This premium edition — distinguished by signature metallic detailing on the console itself — comes fully loaded for the ultimate gaming experience, with components and accessories that would cost more than $200 if sold separately:

• Xbox 360 console. Sexy styling that packs a punch — three powerful core processors are poised to pump out 720p/1080i output, 16×9 cinematic aspect ratio, anti-aliasing for smooth textures, full surround sound and DVD playback right out of the box.

• Xbox 360 Hard Drive (20 GB). 20 GB and detachable, the hard drive allows gamers to store their games, music, downloaded trailers, levels, demos and community-created content from Xbox Live Marketplace.
•
Xbox 360 Wireless Controller. Hassle-free high-performance precision wireless gaming features the Xbox® Guide Button for quick access to digital movies, music and games libraries as well as a range and battery life of up to 30 feet and 30 hours of life on two AA batteries.
•
Xbox 360 Faceplate. The removable Faceplate comes in stylish “chill” (white) and can be swapped out with custom Faceplates to reflect gamers’ personalities or decor.
•
Xbox 360 Headset. This lets gamers strategize with teammates or trash-talk opponents while playing games on Xbox Live.
•
Xbox 360 Component HD-AV Cable. This connects gamers to the world of Xbox 360 games and graphics through high-definition and standard-definition connections.
•
Xbox Live Silver membership. With this, gamers can chat with friends online, send and receive voice and text messages, and access new content from Xbox Live Marketplace demos such as trailers and casual games from Xbox Live Arcade.
•
A bonus Media Remote. Included for a limited time, the integrated control center for the entire digital experience lets consumers play DVDs, movies and music, as well as access their Windows® XP Media Center Edition 2005-based PC’s controls with a single remote.

At $299.99 U.S. / €299.99 / £209.99, the Xbox 360 Core System comes standard with what consumers need to jump right into next-generation games and media, and is fully expandable to the complete Xbox 360 experience:

• Xbox 360 console. As with the premium edition, three powerful core processors pump out 720p/1080i output, 16×9 cinematic aspect ratio, anti-aliasing for smooth textures, full surround sound and DVD playback right out of the box.
•
Xbox 360 Controller. This wired controller features an extended nine-foot cable and a comfortable, enhanced ergonomic design.
•
Xbox 360 Faceplate. Like no other console before, the Xbox 360 console allows customization and a removable Faceplate that comes in stylish “chill” (white), which can be swapped out with other custom Faceplates to reflect gamers’ personalities or decor.
•
Xbox 360 Standard AV Cable. This connects gamers to the world of Xbox 360, delivering great next-generation graphics and games using standard-definition connections.

The Xbox 360 console also comes ready for customization. With an array of Xbox 360 accessories, gamers can trick out their systems to suit their individual tastes and personalize their experiences. In addition to an ever-growing selection of eye-catching Faceplates ($19.99 U.S./€19.99/£14.99), Xbox 360 Controller (estimated retail price $39.99 U.S./€34.99/£24.99*) and Component HD AV Cable (estimated retail price $39.99 U.S./€29.99/£19.99*), the lineup includes a wealth of accessories that brings next-generation gaming entertainment to its optimum:

• Xbox 360 Hard Drive (20 GB). 20 GB and detachable, the hard drive allows gamers to store their games, music, downloaded trailers, levels, demos and community-created content from Xbox Live Marketplace and more (estimated retail price $99.99 U.S./€99.99/£69.99*).

• Xbox 360 Memory Unit (64 MB). Easily portable, this lets gamers save games, in-game achievements and unique gamer profiles for quick and easy access on the go (estimated retail price $39.99 U.S./€34.99/£22.99*).

• Xbox 360 Wireless Controller. The same hassle-free high-performance precision wireless gaming that comes with the premium edition features the Xbox Guide Button for quick access to digital movies, music and games libraries as well as a range and battery life of up to 30 feet and 30 hours of life on two AA batteries (estimated retail price $49.99 U.S./€44.99/£32.99*).

• Xbox 360 Play & Charge Kit. This allows plug and play for high-performance, precision wireless gaming with the Xbox 360 Wireless Controller. Gamers will be given ample warning when the end of battery life is nearing so they can connect the Play & Charge cable for uninterrupted play (estimated retail price $19.99 U.S./€19.99/£14.99*).

• Xbox 360 rechargeable battery pack. This provides up to 25 hours of gameplay for wireless gaming fun (estimated retail price $11.99 U.S./€14.99/£9.99*).

• Xbox 360 Wireless Networking Adapter. With this, gamers can chat with friends and play games via Xbox Live, as well as stream videos and music to Xbox 360 from a Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005-based PC, all without the clutter of wires (estimated retail price $99.99 U.S./€79.99 /£59.99*).

• Xbox 360 Headset. This heightens the Xbox Live experience by letting gamers strategize with teammates or trash-talk opponents while playing games (estimated retail price $19.99 U.S./€19.99/£14.99*).

• Xbox 360 Universal Media Remote. Sold as an accessory, this integrated control center for the entire digital experience lets consumers play DVDs, movies and music, as well as control a TV and their Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005-based PC controls with a single controller (estimated retail price $29.99 U.S./€29.99/£19.99*).

• Xbox 360 S-Video AV Cable (U.S. only) Xbox 360 SCART AV Cable (Europe only). This versatile cable works for both high-definition and standard-definition TVs that use S-Video or composite video inputs. It provides optimal audio and video signal transfer (estimated retail price $29.99 U.S./€24.99/£17.99*).

• Xbox 360 VGA HD AV Cable. Gamers can experience high-definition gaming on flat-panel TV or VGA monitors. This cable provides optimal audio and video signal transfer (estimated retail price $39.99 U.S./€29.99/£19.99*).

“With both the Xbox 360 and the Xbox 360 Core System, we’re offering consumers real choice and real value,” said Peter Moore, corporate vice president of worldwide marketing and publishing for the Home Entertainment Division at Microsoft. “We’re bringing true next-generation experiences into gamers’ living rooms this Christmas holiday.”

*subject to change

This is a great article on something that is often overlooked by our employers. There is nothing more frustrating than to have your company bring in an outsider before giving someone internally a chance to progress up the career ladder. Kudos to whoever came up with this software and the concept of Succession Planning.

[ via InformationWeek ]

Why Promote From Outside When The Talent Is Inside? Aug. 16, 2005

Succession-planning software can help employers figure out who to promote and develop.
By Marianne Kolbasuk McGee
InformationWeek

When an employer needs to replace a key leader who's left the company, whether it's a CEO or a middle manager, oftentimes the hunt for a replacement candidate relies on the gut instincts and memories of other managers and executives to offer suggestions for possible successors from within the company.
Viable candidates within the company are sometimes overlooked because they're not as visible or because they lack some key skills that could have been developed along the way. That can prompt a company to search externally for a successor, even though solid talent might've been cultivated and promoted...

It's pretty safe to say that you all know I am not a huge Microsoft fan when it comes to their Windows OS. I am a pretty hard critic and I don't deny that. But there are times when Microsoft actually does get it. A perfect example is this job ad just placed on Careeerbuilder.com. Looks like they are trying to clone Robert Scoble! :-)

Microsoft is making a valid attempt at placing people in strategic positions where they can interact with the community and head off misconceptions or potentially bad rumors before they get out of control. This also puts more of a human face on Microsoft and if you ask me, shows some really progressive thinking and cutting edge gorilla marketing tactics. The million dollar question is: Why can't Apple do this? Why does it seem that Apple still just doesn't get how to market to the masses and build a community for those potential switchers with a ton of questions out there?

We have all been pretty disappointed that Apple hasn't stepped up their marketing with TV ads for OS X or the smattering of kick-ass products like the G5 or Powerbook. How can people buy what they don't know about? It's just silly. There is more to life than the iPod! Apple hiring this kind of evangelist would be a great start in the right direction. No matter how many of us are out there blogging about Apple and giving them positive PR, it is no substitute for having an "official" Apple Blogger that can dish out the goods coming straight from the source. This doesn't happen often folks....but....I commend Microsoft for their forward thinking and progressive attitude on marketing. Now lets see if Apple is listening and starts to get on the ball with the rest of the blogging world.

Ahhhh...the stupidity tirade continues full force. This one is pretty interesting as it seems to be legit. The problem I am having is....how does a foreign national have the right to file a patent (or anything for that matter) in the United States? I am no attorney and totally ignorant to patent and trademark law, but it just seems silly that we let any idiot around the world file for anything here in the US. Does this mean I can go to Hong Kong and file for a patent over there? I say give him a nickel and tell him to have a coke and a smile and shut the fuck up!

For the full scoop on continuous stupidity, follow the link to AppleInsider:

AppleInsider | Apple, Sony among those named in new DRM lawsuit:

This has been posted everywhere, but just in case you missed it, this is too damn funny not to post...

[ via Gizmodo ]

Apple iBook Riots in VA:

What do you get when you mix record heat, $50 4-year-old iBooks, and a burgeoning back-to-school season? Riot! Folks in Richmond, Virginia piled up at the doors of the Richmond International Raceway to get their hands on one of about 1,000 laptops. The ensuing chaos caused one intrepid shopper to lose her footwear:

"This is total, total chaos," said Latoya Jones, 19, who lost one of her flip-flops in the ordeal and later limped around on the sizzling blacktop with one foot bare.

Another charming and telling quote:

One woman went so far to wet herself rather than surrender her place in line.

They couldn't donate these things? Tell the kids to take one home?

Panic ensues in rush for cheap laptops [CNN]
iBook frenzy, as it happened [GatewayVA]
Video [NBC12]

I think the main theme of my blog should be changed to Stupidity. There just seems to be an overwhelming proliferation of stupidity in our country. The latest addition to our collection stems from none other than the leader of all morons in this country, our very own President.

For those of you who aren't aware, ICANN has proposed creating a new top level domain (.xxx) which would be used for, you guessed it...porn. It is a way for the internet community to differentiate adult pornographic sites from commercial domains, which in turn would hopefully make it a little easier to block and filter porn at all levels in any organization. Overall, a pretty good thing you would think right?

Well, it seems that the Bush Administration is pressuring ICANN to put a halt on creating this new TLD. The genius bible thumpers of America somehow concluded that creating this TLD would lead to a "flood of porn in our homes." Are these people that stupid? Apparently the answer is a resounding yes. Having lived right smack in the middle of the bible belt in a conservative republican town (Jacksonville, FL) for 4 years, I can tell you that these folks and this mentality is out there in full force. They are usually techno-phobes and have no clue about technology or what is good for the industry, yet they are the very decision makers passing judgement and legislation. Amazing. Absolutely amazing. Follow the link below to Search Engine Journal for the more on this story...

Search Engine Journal » BushAdmin Asks For Hold On Porn .XXX Domains:

In the most recent study by the University of Michigan's American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI), the consensus is that happy customers make good customers. In a study of some of Americas most famous brands, the ACSI concludes that revenue growth is directly correlated to customer satisfaction. It should be no surprise that Apple Computer beat out all other computer manufacturers with a score of 81, beating out Dell by a full seven points.

For the full story, check out ZDNET...

In following yet another recurring theme (Stupidity), this one ranks among the all-time high. The Atlanta Journal-Constitution is reporting that Cobb County, GA apparently thinks that the school system "deceived" them when they tried to actually do something cutting edge and worthwhile for their students. Check out the story for the full scoop. Hey Cobb County, enjoy your PC boxes. Hope you actually get more than 5 days use on them after dealing with the viruses and spyware you'll have to clean up after.

Mental Note: Never move to Cobb (Snob) County, GA. General population polluted by extreme-morons.

It seems that all I am posting about lately is the stupidity of people and large organizations, like our government for example. I just read on CNET that the US Copyright Office is soliciting feedback on whether they should create an "IE Only" website for registering your copyrights. This is absolutely the most idiotic thing I have seen yet. As a tax paying citizen of the United States, I should not be forced to use ANY particular platform in order to access what I am entitled to by law. What about those who choose not to contribute to a monopolistic anti-competitive and convicted antitrust violating company like Microsoft? America is about freedom of choice, yet I am being forced to use a Microsoft product in order to do what should be available to EVERYONE? What the hell is that? To add insult to injury, there is no electronic means of voicing your feedback to the government. Is it so damn hard to create an electronic form? And how about using plain english? Does everything have to look like a damn legal document to get anything done? You have to jump through all sorts of hoops and hurdles just to get your voice heard. Yeah, I feel like they really care and want to hear my opinion. NOT.

This kind of stupidity makes me sick to my stomach. It further confirms the incompetence of the so called "professionals" that run the IT organizations within our government. They clearly know nothing about Open Standards and how to code to compliance so that EVERYONE can have equal access via products that are both commercial and FREE like Mozilla based browsers. There is an overabundance of inept, lazy and just plain BAD programmers within our government, I have worked with them firsthand, and it is sad. It is mind-boggeling how some of these people are able to get jobs in IT, much less call themselves "professionals" in the trade. Yet this is what our tax dollars are going towards.

The majority of this snafu is a result of Siebel's incompetence and inability to write proper code themselves. Apparently Siebel is being quite selective in what browsers they will support, and is it a surprise Apple's Safari is NOT one of them? Don't we as tax payers deserve a voice in this? I think so. I would urge you to write your congressman and voice your opinion about the stupidity of IT in our government today. Stand up for your rights and don't let the clueless dictate how we should be able to communicate within our government!

[ Update ]

Looks like a lot of folks have found out about this and are up in arms. Check out the slashdot trail of comments.

A while back ago I posted about a guy who got pretty creative by outfitting his apartment with nothing but furniture created out of FedEx boxes. Well, it seems that FedEx didn't like that too much and sent him some cease & desist letters going as far as citing that his website violated the DMCA and that he violated copyright law by attempting to make money from his site (which he wasn't trying to do). FedEx lawyers claimed that because the website was registered with the .com (commercial) top level domain, it was being used for business. What idiots does FedEx have working in their legal department? This stupidity combined with recent shipping disasters via FedEx have solidified that I will no longer ship via FedEx. UPS has my business from here on out. Besides, UPS is racing the TRUCK! :-)

One thing that really irritates me is to see how some of our local community "leaders" can't seem to take responsibility for their own actions (or lack thereof). Case in point: Kutztown, PA. To make a long story short, due to a lack of common sense and simple security precautions, what is intended to be a cutting edge 1:1 laptop program in this school, gets turned into a witch hunt because the administration and technology leaders were outsmarted by a bunch of kids.

The solution here is to properly discipline and educate the kids on what it means to have this privilege. If the rules are broken, the maximum penalty should be the loss of the priviledge. This program was never intended to have the students come out of this with a criminal record. What kind of an idiot administrator resorts to this type of punishment? If you ask me, the real issue and case here is the lack of competence of the staff at this school. This is certainly not a case where the punishment fits the crime. It is an outrage that as a parent, I would not take sitting down. To be perfectly honest, I can't understand why a class-action lawsuit has not been filed against the administration and the parents of the 13 accused teens have not gone after them personally as well.

I would encourage the parents of those 13 accused kids to contact the EFF and inquire as to their rights and if they qualify for their representation.

Still alive here! Sorry I haven't been posting for the last couple of weeks. I was on vacation and took a long needed break from the computer. I am back and now trying to catch up on the news from when I was on vacation and this weeks news. School is back in session and I have been busy busy busy....

Swweeeeeeeet. Thanks to [ Macologist ] for the update!

Americas Army 2.40 begins testing:

Developer Ryan Gordon's .plan revealed that the highly-anticipated America's Army version 2.40, has now begun beta testing with his "MacNinjas" testing group. This new version features the upgraded Unreal Engine 2.5, from the previous UE 2.0 in version 2.30. One of the most significant additions in UE 2.5 is vehicle support (as in UT2004), which sets the stage for the addition of the Hummer and Stryker in future versions of AA.

The full title of "America's Army: SF (Q Course)" refers to the qualifications course for training to become a part of the Special Forces as a member of the Green Berets. The Windows version has already been at v2.40 since mid-May while the Mac and Linux versions have remained at v2.30 since their late March release.

Although a few official servers are still up for 2.30, it will be a welcome relief for Mac ArmyOps gamers to rejoin with the broader online community for deployments. Current player accounts in 2.30 will be compatible with the newer version. Gordon told us that fully rendered shadows might be a possibility if the upcoming OS X 10.4.3 ships in time with the GL_EXT_framebuffer_object." The AA 2.40 download will weigh in at over 800Mb, and we'll keep you posted as we are able on the latest news regarding any upcoming release.

Links:
America's Army Official Site
Unreal Engine 2.5
AA Forums: Databank on the Future
AA Forums: CEM update in 2.4