MIS blog Fall 2007

"Who is your favorite blogger?"

2007-12-06T14:43:00.000-08:00

Nomination List

2007-11-28T15:38:00.000-08:00

Hi, all. I have counted the numbers of blogs. Basically, I used the following factors to decide nominatees.

A) how many articles posted
B) how many comments made to others
C) how many comments your articles have gained

Though those factors are not the best measurements, they reflect, to certain degree, your activities. Now it's time for you to judge the qualities! Whose posts you like the most? Who do you think contribute the most to the site? you use whatever standard you want to choose 4 people from the following list of 10 nominees. Please be fair. To help you review, I organized a webpage to list all the articles posted. Click here to see them. I know that might be too many. You can use "statistical sampling techniques" if you want. ;)

Nomination:

You are all out now

2007-11-28T08:56:00.000-08:00

Some one dared to try posting after 11:59pm yesterday!(Dr. Fang feel authorities being challenged.) Yeah, I didn't do that because I was too tired to stay up till midnight after a long working day.

I have removed all your names so you couldn't post any more. I will start counting this afternoon and nominate some good ones by tomorrow. But all in all, very impressive job. I learnt a lot from you.

12:01

2007-11-28T00:00:00.002-08:00

12:01

:)

?

12:00

2007-11-28T00:00:00.001-08:00

12:00

:)

11:59

2007-11-27T23:59:00.001-08:00

11:59

:)

11:58

2007-11-27T23:58:00.002-08:00

THE LAST POST

2007-11-27T23:58:00.001-08:00

I wanted to be the last post I just finished doing some homework and saw what time it was. Good luck to everyone on their finals.

Bye Bye Blogosphere!

2007-11-27T23:52:00.000-08:00

Wow! I have blogged for a whole semester. Although this was my first blogging experience I think I have participated in other forums on the Internet that were bloggish in presentation. Nonetheless, I can tell people that I have blogged. I was knocking blogs a few months ago and now I think that they are ok. I am still skeptical of blogs. Good luck to everyone on their test!

MIS = the development and use of information systems that help businesses achieve their goal and objectives.

^

That will be on the test fo’ shizzle my nizzle.

:)

Chapter 5 Part 4 Computation

2007-11-27T23:50:00.000-08:00

Chapter 5 Part 4 Computation

A) 10mbps Ethernet B) Bluetooth technology C) IEEE 802.11b D) IEEE 802.11g

1) Assume that the effective communication rate is 40% for all the above communication technologies. Also assume that the average size of a music file is 4MB per song. Estimate the time needed to download 15 songs.

A)
Effective Speed = 10mpbs * 40% = 10 (1,000,000) bps * 0.40 = 4,000,000 bps
Data Amount = 4MB * 15songs = 4 * 1024 * 1024 * 8 * 15 = 503,316,480 bits
Time = 503,316,480 bits / 4,000,000 bps = 125.83 seconds / 60 = 2.1 minutes

B)
Effective Speed = 1Mbps * 40% = 1 (1,000,000) bps * 0.40 = 400,000 bps
Data Amount = 4MB * 15songs = 4 * 1024 * 1024 * 8 * 15 = 503,316,480 bits
Time = 503,316,480 bits / 400,000 bps = 1258.29 seconds / 60 = 20.97 minutes

C)
Effective Speed = 11Mbps * 40% = 11 (1,000,000) bps * 0.40 = 4,400,000 bps
Data Amount = 4MB * 15songs = 4 * 1024 * 1024 * 8 * 15 = 503,316,480 bits
Time = 503,316,480 bits / 4,400,000 bps = 114.39 seconds / 60 = 1.91 minutes

D)
Effective Speed = 54Mbps * 40% = 54 (1,000,000) bps * 0.40 = 21,600,000 bps
Data Amount = 4MB * 15songs = 4 * 1024 * 1024 * 8 * 15 = 503,316,480 bits
Time = 503,316,480 bits / 4,400,000 bps = 23.30 seconds / 60 = .39 minutes

2) Except for communication speed, discuss other pros and cons of implementing those technologies. Based on your discussion, give your choice.

IEEE 802.11g is obviously the fastest but it can have interference with microwaves and cordless phones. IEEE 802.11b which is the second fastest has similar problems. Bluetooth is the slowest of the four options and has security issues. Ethernet seems to be the safest best. It is not extremely slower than IEEE 802.11b or IEEE 802.11g and it will definitely have less interference because it is hardwired. Therefore, I choose Ethernet as the most efficient way to transfer the songs.

3) Why Wimax is not being considered in this application?

WiMax is not being considered in this application because it is not readily available and is expensive. Companies are still working on it to make it a reality. WiMax is the next wave, not the current wave.

Feds Denied Access to Amazon.com Records

2007-11-27T23:41:00.000-08:00

Federal prosecutors tried to get their hands on the customer records of Amazon.com but failed when a judge denied them. The prosecutors wanted to get access to Amazon.com records in order to prove a tax evasion case against a city official in Wisconsin. If these prosecutors would have gotten their way, they would have opened Pandora's Box. Privacy is one thing that many people rely on and having the government wanting to look into your records of what you buy and scrutinizing it is very discomforting.

http://www.news.com/8301-13578_3-9824635-38.html?tag=nefd.top

Where do you keep your headset?

2007-11-27T23:34:00.000-08:00

This article simply shows a cellphone out on the Asian market which has a secret compartment to store your Bluetooth headset. I don't personally have a Bluetooth headset but I do wonder where people keep theirs when not in use? I know some keep it on their ear but I wonder about those who don't. This cellphone is pretty convenient for Bluetooth headset users. I swear, technology keeps creating devices embodying the "all-in-one" gadget.

Article: http://crave.cnet.com/8301-1_105-9823367-1.html?tag=cnetfd.mt

Yahoo's E-Commerce Mess

2007-11-27T23:22:00.000-08:00

On Monday, Yahoo's e-commerce services that is used by many small merchants started experiencing difficulties in the checkout process. Yahoo's e-commerce service was out for hours and caused many merchants who use Yahoo's service to lose out on business they lost from the problems but it was also magnified because Monday was also "Cyber Monday" which is a big online shopping day after Thanksgiving. The problems have now been fixed but one unhappy merchant brought up the question about when Google will start their own merchant service. Its abundantly clear that e-commerce has grown over the years and how much more business it brings many businesses so having a reliable way to sell merchandise online is very vital.

http://www.news.com/8301-10784_3-9824045-7.html?tag=nefd.top

Holiday Shopping

2007-11-27T23:16:00.000-08:00

Now that Black Friday is over, time for additional shopping for Christmas. This video shows many different gadgets offered as potential holiday gifts. I haven't had time to see what's new out there so a lot of the items shown are new to me. Even if these gifts may interest me, I don't think I can afford them right now. And if I did, I'd be buying them for me! Haha.

Enjoy!

Video: http://www.cnn.com/video/#/video/tech/2007/11/27/taser.torture.cnn

Sony Sells 1 Million PlayStation Portables In Two Months

2007-11-27T23:13:00.001-08:00

Sony is continuing its efforts to take over the gaming world. In an effort to corner the hand held gaming system market, Playstation modified its Play Station Portable to help compete with the Nintendo DS. So far their advancements seem to be working. Over the past couple of months Sony has managed to sell 1 million units. Along with the modifications, a better price point, and incentive packages the PSP is slowing becoming the hand held gaming system to compete with. I’m sure I’ll be investing in one shortly, if the price is right that is.

http://tech.yahoo.com/news/cmp/204204090

Want a cooler Computer?

2007-11-27T23:11:00.000-08:00

This is a really cool video with a different take on building a cooled computer system. The oil doesn't conduct electricity and although his system doesn't disperse the oil very well it could be done differently and the idea could work quite well.

Malware Attacks Through Google Search

2007-11-27T23:02:00.000-08:00

When you go on Google to look for something, you trustingly click on links in hopes of finding what you want but doing so can expose you to malware. Google has been a very reliable search engine for finding what you need but recently their algorithm that allows you to find what you need has been sprinkled with links that have malware. Sunbelt Software, a security firm, has been looking at this trend for some time where "any Google search term–even terms like 'hospice'– can take you to one of these malware sites." Google hasn't fixed the problem yet but they know about the problem.

http://blogs.zdnet.com/security/?p=688

Crash Proof CAR

2007-11-27T22:57:00.000-08:00

At first when I saw this title I thought cars were made up of strong enough material to where it'd be impossible to crash your car.

Nope. Think again.

There are cars with a built-in sensor device which can sense if you're going to run a red light and the car will automatically brake for you and it can also alert the driver if a pedestrian is about to cross the street and that is useful especially at night. I think it's pretty cool to have in the car, especially if you're the type who isn't the best driver around. Maybe one who gets distracted easily while on their phone, doesn't pay attention, has a hard time seeing at night. Or if you are those kind you shouldn't be driving!! Haha J/K, you know what I mean. Technology keeps improving everyday no matter what. There's always going to be something better.

Yet, when it comes to safe driving and the safety of pedestrians, do we REALLY need technology to help prevent accidents? Yes and no. I'd say yes in case of situations where you are blindsided by an oncoming car and it T-bones you and with pedestrians running across the street at night. But then again I don't think we should depend on these because we shouldn't have devices to help control the safety of others when drivers really do have the capability to drive safely. If they don't, they shouldn't be driving.

Video: http://www.cnn.com/video/#/video/tech/2007/11/27/lah.crash.proof.cars.cnn

Firefox Users

2007-11-27T22:55:00.000-08:00

There is a new version released for the Mozilla Firefox browser. This version has fixed three security issues, which could be found on their website. Although this version was intended to protect users, additional issues were found. According to the article, there are two cross-site request forgeries, "which can be used to steal personal information while visiting certain sites, and one concerns memory corruption."

I think this is something to be concerned about especially if you are a Mozilla Firefox user. I personally use it myself because I think it's better than Internet Explorer. However, at the same time I need to be aware of updates that I'm allowing to install and understand what potential risks come with it.

Article: http://www.news.com/8301-10784_3-9823744-7.html?tag=cd.blog

Microsoft Sued Over Halo 3's 'Consistent' Crashes

2007-11-27T22:44:00.000-08:00

Video games are meant to bring joy to those who play them. This isn't the case for one local San Diego resident who is suing Microsoft over problems he's facing with Halo 3. Apparently Randy Nunez's copy of Halo 3 is causing his system to lock up, freeze and crash. One would think that a game developer would make sure its product worked properly before sending it out to mass production. If they were truly at fault, then they should have to make the situation right. I don't know if huge sums of money is the answer, but some ratification is in need.

http://tech.yahoo.com/news/cmp/204204135

Activision CEO sees $199 game consoles

2007-11-27T22:32:00.000-08:00

Competition is definitely a good thing. And in this case it’s win, win for the consumer. The expectations that the price for Sony’s Playstation 3 and Microsoft’s Xbox 360 could drop to $199 within the next couple of years is good news for gamers who are still hanging on to their older systems. With a competitive introductory price of the Nintendo Wii, I’m surprised the PS3 and Xbox 360 aren’t decided to drop in price sooner. A lower price would help in over sales as well as sales in games themselves. All that’s left is for those with PS2’s to sit and wait for the price drop to pick up a PS3…a couple month’s before they release the PS4.

http://tech.yahoo.com/news/nm/media_summit_activision_dc

Verizon to Open its Network

2007-11-27T22:21:00.000-08:00

In a major shift for the mobile phone industry, Verizon Wireless said yesterday that it planned to give customers far more choice in what phones they could use on its network and how they use them.While there are technical limitations involved, the company’s move could lead to an American wireless market that is more like those in Europe and Asia, where a carrier’s customers can use any compatible phone to easily reach a wide array of online services — and take their phones with them when they switch companies. The move, which surprised industry watchers because Verizon Wireless is known to be highly protective of its traditional business, is part of a larger shift in the communications world. I mean, finally. It is rediculous that it has taken this long. O mean so many people spend a good amount of money to get the phone they need for work, and then have to switch when they leave that company. I had verizon a few years ago and loved their plans, and service, but switche for whatever reason to cingular. When I considered switching back a 6 months ago I decided not to simply becuase I couldn't get the I phone.

www.nytimes.com/pages/technology/index.html

What is nanotechnology?

2007-11-27T22:16:00.000-08:00

Despite the consensus that nanotechnology is some new development, it is something that has been around for years and has won multiple Nobel prizes for its outstanding innovation. The basic idea behind it is engineering functional systems at the molecular scale. This ability is leading to all sorts of possibilities. Some ideas for this science include building tiny machines that can insert the body through the blood stream and fight infections, space elevators, and space cultivation. Stronger metals, protective coatings. This list goes on forever. Just think of what this could mean for our future. The possibility of living a disease free life on another planet, In a home that lasts 100 years with no upkeep, and can withstand any natural disaster. OK maybe we’re getting ahead of ourselves. Think about what this could do for the military. Although this stuff is extremely exiting to think about, it really freaks me out more than anything.

http://www.iop.org/EJ/abstract/0957-4484/14/1/001

FCC wants more data for cable TV report

2007-11-27T22:15:00.001-08:00

I can’t be the only one who actually enjoys a little vulgarity, raunchiness, and all around debauchery when it comes to my television programming can I? Well the fellas at the fricking FCC are trying to control what we watch again. They can control basic television as much as they see fit. But when it comes to cable television, I feel they should keep their hands out of the cookie pot. Cable television channels, like Comedy Central, MTV, Spike TV and others are still classified as paid cable channels. Much like HBO and other premier movie channels, they are not regulated by the FCC. They simply charge more to have more flexibility on what they show. Cable channels rely on advertisers to help generate revenue, this is why they regulate themselves when it comes to content. It also always cable channels to show what they want it they choose to do so, a perfect example would be Comedy Central’s South Park. They have episodes with swear words and other vulgarity. I think it should stay this way and the FCC should stay away.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20071128/ap_on_hi_te/fcc_cable

Network Applications Reading Assignment

2007-11-27T22:03:00.000-08:00

Network Applications

The four major categories of network applications that have been discussed in the material are discovery, collaboration, communication, and Web services.

Based on my reading I am most interested in communication. The Internet shrinks the world with each transferred megabyte. According to the reading some forms of communication on the Internet are e-mail, call centers, chat rooms, voice (VoIP), blogging, and Wikis.

Electronic mail known as e-mail is “the largest-volume” application running over the Internet. Naturally the sheer amount of volume has brought mischief. According to the reading in 2003 over half of e-mail was spam. Some of these spam e-mails led to viruses, some simply an annoyance and others computer hellish nightmares.

Web-based call centers allow for total communication by using e-mail, telephone or a voice/Web session. The web-based call centers allow for a holistic approach in helping customers or people in need of assistance.

Electronic chat rooms allow for others to get together and socialize. I think chat rooms have lost their luster however they remain an important element in communication.

Voice communication through VoIP allows users to manage their monthly calls more efficiently. VoIP does have limitations such as the need of an Internet connection.

Webblogging, blogging, or Weblog, blog for short refers to people utilizing the Internet to tell their story. Blogging has become popular in the past year and continues to grow in numbers. Some companies have utilized blogs to maintain better customer relations. Other companies have allowed inner company blogs to help stimulate growth and communication.

Wikis such as Wikipedia allow people to easily share and edit information. Although Wikipedia can be useful at times a strong caution should be raised in the validity of the information. The old methods of research should be utilized for finding concrete and precise information.

Blockbuster in handset maker talks

2007-11-27T21:56:00.001-08:00

I’m definitely a movie going fanatic, and the idea of having movies more accessible is something that really intrigues me. My only concern would be how Blockbuster and the major phone companies could make it so you could download movies quick and easy. I currently have a Nextel phone and I feel it takes way too long to download text messages as is. I wouldn’t want to sit and wait for hours on end to wait for a movie to start. If they can come up would the technology to actually make this procedure efficiently I’m sure they would have a hit product on their hands. People could enjoy their favorite movies on planes, trains, or yes, even automobiles!

http://tech.yahoo.com/news/nm/media_summit_blockbuster_mobile_dc

I Phone. Practical Or Pointless

2007-11-27T21:55:00.001-08:00

This article brings up the idea that the I phone is simply a very overpriced I pod that allows you to make phone calls. It discusses the contention to the technology development world to go in the direction of product convergence. And then sell that product for far more than its real value. For example, you can pick up the 30GB for less than $250, so how do you justify paying $500 for the 8GB I phone. At first this article seems to bring up a good point, until you think a little bit about what this phone can really do. The phone is so much more than what this article talks about. I combines the I pod, a portable media player, video podcasts, organizer, Bluetooth capability, and so many other cool stylish things that can keep you entertained and organized, and less bulky. With blackberries and I pods selling like hotcakes, it seems foolish not to combine the two. Between work, school, and traveling I really used to have my cell phone, DVD player, PDA, and I pod on me at almost all times. Now I carry one thing, the phone. No I not trying to sell it, I’m just saying this thing is the iish. If you are someone that can use its features, I’m telling you, buy this phone.

www.talkiphone.com/forums/iphone-articles/121-iphone

Robotic Exo-Skeleton already in use by humans

2007-11-27T21:39:00.000-08:00

I do not know if you remember the movie Aliens, where Sigourney Weaver takes down an alien with an exo-skeleton. Well, here it is, a prototype that is actually being used in the army. These exo-skeletons can lift heavy objects, and overall achieve monstrous strength while shielding an individual. Therefore this suit can be used not only for combat but also laborious work. Picture a world without physical stress in a work environment. Here is a link to the a video showing the suit in action:http://www.cnn.com/video/#/video/tech/2007/11/27/yeates.ut.robo.soldier.ksl

Blu-ray outsells HD-DVD in Europe

2007-11-27T21:36:00.000-08:00

The battle rages on! The war between Blu-Ray and HD DVD reminds me of the good ol’ days when people had to choose between VHS and Betamax. I remember going to the video store and having to make sure that the movie you were selecting would actually fit inside your electronic playing device. Well those days have returned! Now shoppers and movie renters must choose between the next generation of home movies. While both formats offer superior picture quality and sound then that of traditional DVD’s, consumers are once again forced to pick a horse and stick with it. If I was a betting man, I’d put my money on Blu-Ray. For starters, Sony’s PS3 comes with a Blu-Ray player, while the Xbox 360 requires an additional attachment. Another aspect benefiting Sony is the price gap. Selling PS3’s cheaper than traditional HD DVD players has helped flood the market with their product, eventually leading to higher sales in movies. If you haven’t done so, start saving up for a Blu-Ray player now and say bye to Betamax…I mean HD DVD.

http://tech.yahoo.com/news/nm/bluray_sales_dc

New technology by Coca Cola allows ice-cubes to form in bottles of Sprite

2007-11-27T21:34:00.000-08:00

Coca Cola has come up with a new technology that will create ice cubes right into the bottle as soon as the cap is twisted off. They will be first be testing this product in Sprite, and if it works, they will spread it to all other Coke products, and later try to market it to beer and alcohol makers. This could be a great product, allowing the consumer to have cold refreshing drinks where ever he is. But what products are in this new technology? Could something harmful or cancer causing be released into the drink products. I think there should be plenty of testing before the product is actually released into the retail market. Buyer Beware.

http://techdigest.tv/2007/09/new_technology_1.html

Greenpeace slams Microsoft, Nintendo

2007-11-27T21:32:00.000-08:00

While I appreciate Greenpeace looking after companies to ensure environmental safeties, I find it somewhat unfair to certain companies. Nintendo scored a zero, due to the fact that they didn’t release any data. I’m sure a corporation like Nintendo must follow strict government regulations when it comes to hazardous materials. Why does Greenpeace feel obligated to slander companies, simply because they do not meet up to their standards, or cow tow to their wants and whims. Either way, I’m sure this ranking won’t affect the sales of any of these companies. It seems like a noble cause, just a little misguided.

http://tech.yahoo.com/news/ap/netherlands_greenpeace_electronics

A Grocery Store That Practically Reads Your Mind

2007-11-27T21:31:00.000-08:00

Grocery retailers have been working on new innovations to eliminate the checkout counters. Ideas such as each shopping carts having individual computer scanners that customers would scan in their products upon putting them in the cart, and computers that track past purchases of each customer and offer custom tailored coupons, and scales that could weigh and price the products. These innovations are now a reality, Metro Group a retail store in Europe has already opened a store with these technologies. Customers are very excited. The next step is to make the system cheep enough, and how to make the retailers pay for it. Suppliers will have to imbed their products with new smart computer chips, that will work with the retail stores equipment. As soon as the costs on this new technology are low enough to not impact the overall cost of the consumer products, I think these innovations will be put in place, and customers will be very pleased at the efficiency, and the time saved while shopping.

http://www.sptimes.com/2004/01/13/Business/A_grocery_store_that_.shtml

Online Deals Keep Shoppers Hopping

2007-11-27T21:30:00.000-08:00

Retail companies continue to use the internet to boost their sales. This holiday season retail sales are projected to be at the lowest level since 2002. Traditionally the Monday after the Thanksgiving weekend is the slowest retail sales day. By offering online shopping websites in addition to retail stores, these retailers are able to boost their sales. Retailers are using e-mail with enticing sales and special offers, to keep their customers shopping when traditionally they have been too tired or busy to go out into the market. By taking advantage of the internet shopping deals, both the customer and the retailer benefit.

http://www.boston.com/business/technology/articles/2007/11/27/online_deals_keep_shoppers_hopping/

WiMax is like MadMax

2007-11-27T21:19:00.000-08:00

WiMax stands for Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access. WiMax or WMAN is IEEE 802.16. The WiMax has an incredible range of up to 30 miles with a speed of 75Mbps. The option below WiMax is WiFi which has a meek range of 300 ft with a snail speed of 11-54Mbps. WiMax also has an advantage because it can be used over radio waves. This will allow for routers to be placed at will and people will not have to go through the tearing up of their lawns, driveways, sidewalks, and or streets. The demand is evident for WiMax. The key seems to lie in the hands of the major technology companies behind WiMax. Naturally, the companies have different interests in the technology. Only time will tell if WiMax becomes a reality. With people like Maloney leading the way it just might happen.

WiMax is like MadMax in that Wimax is facing extreme and harsh odds.

Firebrand.com: All Commercials, All the Time

2007-11-27T21:12:00.000-08:00

Just when you thought the internet was filled with enough useless junk, along comes Firebrand!!! A website dedicated to commercials, a web surfer can view commercials from all around the world. They can also view current and past commercials of their favorite products. People will also have the ability to rate their favorite commercials, although I’m not sure what this would ultimately accomplish. It’s pretty fun to watch commercials that I grew up with, some of my favorite super bowl commercials, and commercials I may have never seen from different parts of the world. I’d have to agree with the article’s author though, I’m not sure how many times I’d be drawn back to Firebrand.com, once just might be enough.

http://tech.yahoo.com/blogs/patterson/8653/firebrandcom-all-commercials-all-the-time

MySpace-Not Just A Social Network

2007-11-27T21:05:00.000-08:00

We have all heard of MySpace but do people fully use the potential of this free but powerful business tool. Business tool you might ask? Well today this social network has been a prime target for businesses to gain a competitive edge over competitors using this free network.
For example, SickyDicky productions uses MySpace for their promotions, products, advertisements, and as a business networking web portal (not just for a social networking web portal). This coupled with free video and audio advertisements via you-tube or similar companies can put companies at the top of their game. Here is a link to a small business that uses MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/sickydicky

Is the Internet Evil for Kids?

2007-11-27T20:58:00.000-08:00

I feel this comes back to the basic ideas of responsibility. Parents need to be responsible for monitoring what their kids do on the internet. It’s actually reassuring to see that parents are now taking these necessary steps, wither it be talking with their kids or visiting the same webs sites together, to ensure that their children are safe on the net. I do find it interesting that more fathers find online games and social network sites less inappropriate then mothers do. I would have thought the numbers would be closer to even then a 15 percent gap. I wonder if it’s a matter or father’s being a little more naïve about the internet, or mothers being a little too overprotective…

http://tech.yahoo.com/blogs/devlin/16417

How Precious!

2007-11-27T20:55:00.000-08:00

The panda cub that was born at the San Diego Zoo on Aug. 3 finalyy has a name. The panda cub was named Zhen Zhen (Precious). According to zoo officials Zhen Zhen won out over 2,400 other names submitted to the zoo. Zhen Zhen is not yet living out in public view but can be seen via web cam. Zhen Zhen was born to Bai Yun and her consort, Gao Gao. This panda couple is the most reproductively successful in captivity ever.

http://www.cnn.com/2007/TECH/science/11/27/panda.cub.name.ap/index.html

Reinventing the Wheel Still Pays

2007-11-27T20:47:00.000-08:00

It is always nice to see painting a new face on an old concept still pays. This may be old news too some, but this tale is still inspiring to everyone seeking higher income. A student, Alex Tew,
raised over a million dollars to support his college tuition and much more by advertising advertisements on Web pages via pixel real-estate. This means he would sell for example, 10 by 10 pixels on a web page that was over 1000X1000. Picture how many revenue streams this can produce. Here is an article on his story:http://www.theregister.co.uk/2005/09/20/pixel_student/

And here is a link to his web page:

http://www.milliondollarhomepage.com/

Rock Band hits stores!

2007-11-27T20:42:00.000-08:00

The gaming world does it again. With the huge success of Guitar Hero, a game like Rock Band was just the next step in the natural progression of this game genre. I’ve only played Guitar Hero sparingly; I would hardly call myself a pro. But with the introduction of drums and vocals to the game, I’m sure a lot more people will want to get involved. The price of $170 doesn’t make this a cheap gift for Christmas, but I’m sure all who receive it will definitely get their money’s worth. Another great innovation of this game is its ability to get people together. It has the possibility to entertain people at a party, get the family together for some good ol’ fashion fun, or best of all, allow kids to interact with each other while getting some minor form of exercise. It’s better then just sitting on the couch.

http://tech.yahoo.com/blogs/null/59649;_ylt=As13X_emruY71yCODfO.GSQFLZA5

The Internet is Broken in Class Assignment

2007-11-27T20:39:00.003-08:00

HTM 304
Fang Fang
27 November 2007

The Internet is Broken in Class Assignment

1. According to David Clark security issues is the basic flaw of the current internet design. He references White House counterterrorism czar Richard Clarke notion of the United States vulnerability to a massive attack on the current internet design. Essentially we are at the “forbearance” of the hackers.

2. Nowadays, the basic design flaw has become a much bigger issue compared to the past because of all of the patches that have been employed to fix errors. According to the article the patches will create a “brittle” system and there will be “a dead end.”

3. The saying “humans are good at ignoring problems” means in my own words that humans see what they want to see. The average person wants to see the good, not the bad, and definitely not the ugly. Millions of Americans and others around the world do not care enough about the critically flawed Internet to change it. Essentially, humans are prolonging the inevitable.

4. July 2005, Pew Internet reported 43% of U.S. Internet users have reported having spyware or adware on their computers merely by visiting websites.

We need a new Internet! Woo hoo! That is great news (job security) for HTM majors.

:)

Verizon Wireless opens to other phones

2007-11-27T20:31:00.000-08:00

verizon plans to open its service to other devices not hand picked by the company. this will allow verizon customers the option of using any phone they want. typically phone service providers like verizon will offer discounts on phones if you sign a contract with them. This new plan by verizon could allow customers to get discounts on phones they would want but werent allowed to in the past by signing a new contract or renewing an old one. This is a terrific idea and i think every carrier should do it..

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20071127/ap_on_hi_te/verizon_open_network;_ylt=AoUARY9VsxnTyEAc9nFvaYas0NUE

Social Networking

2007-11-27T20:29:00.000-08:00

Social network is the hot demand for million of users and Myspace is just one of the hot social networks out there. They are a dominant player in the video-share area today. Myspace accounts had been localized in 15 international versions that don’t require registration on the main site. Last year they added 20 million unique users in the U.S nd continue to see growth around the world. Myspace already announce deal with variety of partners for branding channels that will appear on Myspace TV such as National Geographic, New York Times and the Daly Reel.

www.businessweek.com/innovate/content/nov2007/id20071114_257766.htm?chan=technology_technology+index+page_internet

Seizing On Orkut's In Asia And Latin America

2007-11-27T20:26:00.000-08:00

Google Orkut Asp Website is challenging Myspace and Facebook. There are about 10 million Myspace users in and over 12.4 million visitors to Orkut. Orkut is not doing so well in Europe. In November when Orkut API opened to developers you will find that there is a rush to integrate with Facebook. Orkut will offer additional features such as social networking integrations. Google will allow third party Orkut to hosted the outside social network and Orkut application could be with Facebook, to allow ability to drive the traffic. In September when Google purchase Zingku, it will be Orkut’s strategy to compete in the social networking space.

/www.businessweek.com/technology/content/oct2007/tc2007107_530965.htm?chan=technology_technology+index+page_internet

Enviromental technology can save lives

2007-11-27T20:21:00.000-08:00

England has begun installing SolarLite Smart studs along some of their darker roads. These smart studs are reflector bumps on the road that have a tiny LED light in them that is powered by a tiny solar panel. At night the light comes on allowing drivers to see curves in the road better at night time. I think this is a terrific idea and they should begin installing these things here in the U.S.These lights could replace some street lamps too which would lower electricity usage.

http://green.yahoo.com/blog/ecogeek/184/solar-led-road-studs-reduce-accidents-by-70.html

EBay Skype Bubble Bursts

2007-11-27T20:20:00.000-08:00

eBay acquire Luxembourg base Skype Technologies, global internet communications company for 2.6 billion up front cash and stocks. This allows global market place and payment platforms as well as open several new lines of business opportunities for them. This acquisition also allows Skype opportunities to venture into the internet communications market and offer new global online. The key was is for Skype, eBay and PayPal to create ecommerce and communication for buyers and sellers around the world.

As always there are risk and uncertainties in the expected and impact of the acquisition of Skype on eBay’s financial. These factors include the future growth, public acceptance of internet voice communications, rapid technologies changes in the internet voice communication sectors, reactions to competitor, global development, and cash flow.

www.businessweek.com/technology/content/oct2007/tc2007101_499889.htm?chan=technology_technology+index+page_internet

Computers for 3-Year-Olds

2007-11-27T20:18:00.000-08:00

Toys and PC makers are looking at where kids are playing and targeting products like computer and digital tools. Younger children are becoming more comfortable with the technology and it allows these companies to find a new market and demand for computer and digital toys. Children as young as 3 years old are using the computer. According to ratings the internet research company stated that users of computers and digital tools from age 2-11 increase 19% to 15.1 million in December 2006. There is great demand that helps children challenge minds without investing and creating new products. This industry is just adding technology into their toys and enhancing children’s favorite play patterns, such as favorite super hero to personalize information.

Vetch launched a popular kid friendly Tote ‘N Go laptop. It is a computerized learning system for young children with color screen device programmed to teach different topics from Spanish to space exploring. Another product of VTech is the Whiz Kids’s learning books that have 40 different pages of content with 120 learning activities.HP plans to sell it first desktop PC for children. This device will include learning software and kid friendly operating system.

www.businessweek.com/technology/content/aug2007/tc2007087_437013.htm?campaign_id=rss_tech

Squeezebox Seamless Sream

2007-11-27T20:15:00.000-08:00

Squeezebox is an affordable way to deliver music in every room in your home. It supports 802.11g wireless network connection, it plays a wide variety of digital music files including loose formats, compressed and uncompressed. Your listening is not restricted by cables and connectors. It is convenient with a stylish finish. All internet music streaming service are available that allows you to choose you options of digital media collections. Squeezebox also includes a directory of thousands of internet radio stations such as Pandora and Rhapsody’s. It also recognizes your wireless connection once you input your network information and password on the device. Disadvantage feature is the play list. It is hard to add new songs to the listed that is already created on the device.

www.businessweek.com/technology/content/sep2007/tc2007096_078641.htm?chan=technology_digital+music+reviews_digital+music+reviews

Blu-ray #1 in Europe

2007-11-27T20:13:00.000-08:00

High def discs in blu-ray format out sold the traditional HD-DVD fornat discs in Europe this year. breaking the 1 million barrier blu-ray discs constitute about 73% of the HD disc market in europe. The creation of the next generation DVD player has been complicated because of the two dueling technologies . Hopefully one will get a foothold so people won't have to worry about buying dvd's that will be compatible with their dvd player.

http://tech.yahoo.com/news/nm/bluray_sales_dc

More Than Adequate Samsung HDTV

2007-11-27T20:12:00.000-08:00

Samsung’s latest produce on the market is the LN-T3253 HDTV. The 32 inch TV has different features like picture quality, color, and independent input memories. The design is a finish glossy black with touch sensitive icons controls located on the right side. The remote and controls are easy to use. It includes features like the numbers of pixels are scale to fit with independent input that allows customizing different group of pictures. Overall the performance produced is very good, but as market strategy to stay competitive Samsung added a few extras. For example this product offered picture in picture that are not useful to many users. The screen display digital and the picture in picture are analog only. It is an inconvenience of switch back and forth between the two when displaying the picture in picture.

www.businessweek.com/technology/content/sep2007/tc20070911_195673.htm?chan=technology_television+reviews_television+reviews

Will iPhone Dial Up Europe Mac's Sales?

2007-11-27T20:10:00.000-08:00

Apple will expand iPhone sales first to Europe in the fourth calendar quarter, with Asia in 2008. Poor EDGE network, questionable call quality, and speed are concerns for Apple as they enter into international markets. Apple decide to introduce the EDGE phone sale in Europe raised a concern on the lack of "3G" support. This may affect its popularity of entering the European and Asia markets.3G chipset may not allow sufficient battery life and the EDGE cellular network outside of Wi-Fi hot spots. Europe and Asia markets are very demanding and have high expectation on high-technology devices like phones. The two markets are very different from the U.S and are much further advance in cellular network. In the U.S. iPhones 3G technologies are compatible with the base GSM standards using AT&T carrier. In Europe and Asia, 3G technology carriers are compatible are through out the country while in U.S 3G service are in selected cities. Therefore I think Apple will struggle to capture the Europe and Asia market share due to the design and interface of iPhone.

www.businessweek.com/technology/content/sep2007/tc20070919_331039.htm

Oracle: What Market Malaise?

2007-11-27T20:05:00.000-08:00

Oracles first solid quarter resulted in 26% gain in sales, but the concerns lies in the U.S economy. It can have an impact on information technology due to business spending. Because of the U.S. financial service market; decline in housing price and the credit markets send fears through out investors of Oracle. Sales my decrease from the troubled market sectors and may cause an impact on information technology. Oracle strategy is to acquire companies in order to generate sales and to increase profit by reduce cost and increase efficiency. In the last three years, Oracle spent $25 billion to acquire more than 30 companies. As a result 2.7 billion in the first quarter due to the net operations and increase stock with shares 10 cents higher. On September 18 the Federal Reserve cut interest rate by half a percent causing more concerns.

www.businessweek.com/technology/content/sep2007/tc20070920_126602.htm

T-mobile pulls glitchy sidekick slide

2007-11-27T20:03:00.000-08:00

T-mobile has suspended sales of their new phone (sidekick slide) after complaints from customers that the phone unexpectedly powers off when you slide phone open and close. It is also reported that the phone also wipes out data stored when it powers off unexpectedly. If you own a faulty phone you should contact T-mobile and you can either exchange the slide for another phone or get a refund.

http://tech.yahoo.com/blogs/patterson/8509

Free Mobile Service Set To Take Off

2007-11-27T20:01:00.000-08:00

A new mobile service called Blyk, offer subscribers free calls and text messages in return for their agreeing to accept advertising on their phones. Blyk is consider the most competitive and technologically mobile markets that will targeting a new market nitch, the young kids age 16-24 years old.. Network operators, Internet companies, advertising agencies, technology start-ups and phone manufacturers are interested because this mobile advertising is estimating about $1 billion dollars in revenue worldwide this year and expected to grow $19 billion in the next five years.

The objectives of mobile marketing is to increase brand awareness and loyalty, and to encourage consumers to building a database of users that the brand or business can then market to on the mobile phone. With more mobile phone subscribers than there are landline subscribers, mobile marketing is considered as hot demand in the industry. MySpace, the social networking web site is launching a free, advertising-supported cell phone to attract advertising for mobile Web sites. Screen text is an innovative mobile application that allows consumers to send a text message to a short code that will displayed on screen. It allows the ability to interact with each other and fun way that creates buzz and excitement. This technology is being used for things social events like Happy Birthday, comments, jokes, or other things that people want portrayed on screen. Ads will drive the Web onto the cell devices faster than any other mechanism. Cells will become just another device tapping into the Web. Another strategy is to advertise through mobile sweepstakes text. End-users will send a text message to enter to win a prize, and will be charged a small fee for entering.

www.businessweek.com/globalbiz/content/sep2007/gb20070924_112397.htm?chan=technology_technology+index+page_top+stories

Movies on your Phone!

2007-11-27T19:54:00.000-08:00

Blockbuster is in talks with all the major phone makers in an effort to create a partnership aimed at making it easier for people to watch movies on the go. Blockbuster wants to make it both easy and convient to watch movies on your phone. Blockbuster is looking for ways to expand its business. I think since blockbuster got blindsided by netflix they realized they have to keep working on new innovations and sales methods to keep an advantage in the movie rental business.

http://tech.yahoo.com/news/ap/netherlands_greenpeace_electronics

Greenpeace slams Nintendo and Microsoft

2007-11-27T19:32:00.000-08:00

Greenpeace gave Nintendo and Microsoft abysmal ratings on their efforts to get rid of toxic chemicals in their game consoles. Nintendo recieved it lowest rating ever (0 out of 100) because it has no palns to reduce hazardous materials and they failed to inform consumers about hazardous materials used in their products. Microsoft got hit for not having an adequate take back program for hazardous materials. it doesnt seem like companies take these ratings too seriously which i think is a shame since their products are contributing to the destruction of our planet.

http://tech.yahoo.com/news/ap/netherlands_greenpeace_electronics

Universal Digital Library

2007-11-27T18:56:00.000-08:00

The Universal Digital Library is book scanning project backed by several major libraries across the globe. as of this date the Universal Digital Library has digitalized about 1.5 million books and has made them available to the public for free( copyrighted works are only offered as abstracts).This will allow people to find books on more obscure topics that people might not find at their local library. I think this is a great idea and is an excellent way to access knowledge and works from differnt countries.

http://news.zdnet.com/2100-9588_22-6220358.html

take a tour of the antarctic

2007-11-27T18:47:00.000-08:00

Science agencies from America and Great Britian have put together a virtual tour of the antarctic by compiling thousands of satellite images. The images shown in the tour allow you to see first hand the effects global warming is having on the antarctic.here is the website for the virtual tour: http://lima.usgs.gov/

article: http://blogs.zdnet.com/green/?p=530

The power of Steve Jobs

2007-11-27T18:46:00.000-08:00

Go Steve.....! He has had a tough ride to the top. Less than 15 years ago several of the worlds most powerful investors laughed at apples potential comeback. It was comon talk that the only thing to do with Apple stock was dispose of it as soon as possible. Fortune magazine is giving him top honors on there most powerful business individuals list! A rather signifigant achievement as Apple only places in slot 125 on the Fortune 500 list........ARTICLE

HTML and Shoutmix is AWESOME

2007-11-27T18:44:00.000-08:00

View shoutbox

This is a device you can use on any webpage and a lot of blogging sites.
I use it for fantasy football and baseball so that everyone can communicate easier

http://www.shoutmix.com

SOA-Another Category for systems designs

2007-11-27T18:42:00.000-08:00

In HTM 305, we have learned about SDLC, RAD, XP and object-oriented programming but here is an up and growing design system that can improve most small to medium sized businesses to meet the growth they expect. It is called SOA- service oriented architecture. Now that customer service is becoming a greater focus for all business, in order to get a competitive edge people are heading towards a SOA system. For more information look here:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Service-oriented_architecture

For success stories using this design please visit:http://www.infoworld.com/event/soa/index.html

NFL games on sprint

2007-11-27T18:39:00.000-08:00

Sprint will start to offer live coverage of key moments in nfl games. However the games they show will only be the ones that are televised on nfl network. Sprint has decided to do this since a large number of their customers have downloaded nfl related content. The nfl network doesnt televise a lot of games so the number of games to choose from is going to be limited.

http://www.news.com/Sprint-to-offer-NFL-coverage-on-cell-phones/2110-1026_3-6220314.html

Tis the Season

2007-11-27T18:37:00.000-08:00

Holidays are here and so is holiday shopping. With the kick off day of November 23, we're all in high gear to spend spend spend.
So did you all get you fix on Black Friday? No...? So did you all get your fix on Cyber Monday? No...? Why?
WELLLLLL! In some cases Yahoo check out didn't work. Yahoo's check out kept giving off error messages towards the end of the check out process which completely terminates the check out process. Many small business, that mainly rely on Yahoo for check out, didn't see the Cyber Monday spike.
Well, no worries if it didn't work because now Yahoo has fixed. So if you still need to go get some Holiday presents, you're good to go now!

Coke bottles will soon make their own ice....

2007-11-27T18:34:00.001-08:00

Thats right..when you twist the cap off of a coke bottle product, the bottle will begin to create its own ice allowing you to consume the beverage at your own rate and enjoy an icy soft drink until it is gone. This is great news for those of us who like soft drinks, but with the slower consumption of the ice cold drink, coke sales could diminish. It normally takes you 10 minutes to finish your soft drink out of fear that it might get warm and flat. But if you have the confidence that your soft drink will remain cold until you finish drinking it, you will be able to take your sweet time drinking it, and therefore you will drink less. Just like that gum that came out a while back that had the commercials where they are all chewing gum for a really long time and then the plant shuts down cause they don't sell as much gum...it really had that affect on the company! GO COKE! woo!

http://techdigest.tv/2007/09/new_technology_1.html

Think again before buying that less than $500 laptop

2007-11-27T18:34:00.000-08:00

I recently purchased a Compaq notebook with Intel Celeron processor, 512 mb ram, and Windows Vista Home Basic. I had the option to purchase the $229 Toshiba laptop (Best Buy) last month at the price of $399, but decided to get the open box Compaq instead for $50 cheaper at $349.

And it's a decision I must say benefited as well as a stupid mistake. It was a mistake because I didn't need to purchase one, but because the deal was so great at the time I was tempted to buy it. I picked the right notebook because recently I converted it to XP Pro and upgraded the ram to 2 gb. Before the conversion (but with the 2 gb already installed), the computer ran OK with Vista, with minimal crashes. But after, with XP, my computer runs as fast as my girlfriend's Gateway with AMD Turion x64 processor and 1 gb of ram, and up until now hasn't crashed on me one bit.

Here's the article that advises not to purchase cheap laptops with Windows Vista:
http://www.eweek.com/article2/0,1895,2222308,00.asp

Veteren aimed dextrous prosthetic arm in the making

2007-11-27T18:25:00.000-08:00

Thousands of our great armed forces are faced with the loss of limbs all the time. We see it on the news almost every day...car bombs, RPGs and grenades have devestating effects on the human body, and if one is lucky to survive a blast, they are often left with less limbs. This new arm is so dextrous that it can play the piano. it is attached to the body and controlled by the brain. It can perform 25 joint functions which is only 5 short of the 30 that a native arm can perform. God Bless America!!!

Keep your shoes on!!

2007-11-27T18:23:00.000-08:00

Getting through airport security can be a real pain most of the time. One of the many inconviences is having to take your shoes off to have them checked. Well that may now be a thing of the past. Researchers at Argonne national Labratory have developed a t-ray(terahertz radiation) scanner that is able to see through many common materials like leather, cotton, etc. T-rays have a low energy so they are believed to be harmless.

http://www.news.com/Keep-your-shoes-on-T-rays-can-see-right-through/2100-1008_3-6220383.html?tag=nefd.top

Volkl Tigershark 12FT Power Switch Digital Skiis

2007-11-27T18:22:00.000-08:00

Volkl is putting technology on the slopes. Skiing is not just for the lame jock anymore. It is for the tech junky as well. With these sweet new skiis you can adjust the stiffness of each ski with a switch linked up to some carbon fiber stiffening rods. With the flick of a switch you can make the skiis rigid as a ferrari, or soft as a cadillac. If you like to skii and you have a LOT of money, you might want to look into investing in these badboys for your winter needs.

http://www.popsci.com/popsci/whatsnew/39d05865615a5110vgnvcm1000004eecbccdrcrd.html

The best tech company you've never heard of

2007-11-27T18:21:00.000-08:00

Speed of light not fast enough for you? Call Riverbed Technology - they rev up enterprise software better than anyone, reports Fortune's David Kirkpatrick.
http://money.cnn.com/2007/11/21/magazines/fortune/kirkpatrick_fastforward_riverbed.fortune/index.htm?postversion=2007112705
Riverbed Technology is in the business of doing business better, and most importantly - faster! They test and supply WAN optimization products to help applications keep up with the desired speed of networking - the speed of light.

They started by redesigning Microsoft - backwards. They claim that this was relatively easy, being Microsoft is so inefficient. They also claim that their upgrades improve efficiency and speed by anywhere from 60-70%!

With the further expansion of the global marketplace, as well as an increasing lack of patience, this seems like the almost perfect business to be in!

Toshiba and NEC teaming up to create nano-tech

2007-11-27T18:18:00.000-08:00

Yes, it is true--Toshiba and NEC are teaming up to create nano chips. This is good for them, but perspectively bad for Intel and other chip companies. This is a very expensive endeavor, thus the combined incomes of both companies should be synergous enough to allow them to make smaller, lighter, more powerful and also more battery-frugal chips. The idea is to cut cost on the chips by making them use less power thus saving on production. Unfortunately, to keep up with the competition, there must be a lot of money spent on pre-production. Oh well, I say just keep 'em coming!

http://www.nytimes.com/reuters/technology/tech-toshiba-necelectronics.html?_r=1&ref=technology&oref=slogin

A Little Thirsty? Don't want to walk to the Kitchen?

2007-11-27T18:17:00.000-08:00

Here is a good little project that costs less than $5. If you have an old camping cooler and some other supplies you can make a USB powered cooler for drinks. Praise this person for creating this! -

Justin, the humanoid robot with feelings

2007-11-27T18:15:00.000-08:00

Justin is a humanoid robot that can sense as well as a human. It's lightweight arms are capable of sensing when they have hit something in their joints and causing them to react in some (preprogrammed) manner. Personally, I hate robots and don't trust them...but some people may find this to be some really exciting news if they are robot lovers. Rock on!

http://www.newscientist.com/blog/technology/

What The Romantics don't like about 'Guitar Hero'

2007-11-27T18:13:00.000-08:00

80's one hit wonders The Romantics are suing Activision, the makers of Guitar Hero, for the use of their "likeness". The song featured on "Guitar Hero Encore: Rocks the 80's" was too good of a cover for the guys to handle.

http://crave.cnet.com/8301-1_105-9822632-1.html?tag=cnetfd.mt

Monkeys controlling robotic arms with their brains

2007-11-27T18:12:00.001-08:00

I'm sure you have all heard about monkey's using their brains to control robotic arms. Ok, probably not. But it's true! They have gotten to the point medically where they can actually hook a primates brain up to a machine and control a robotic limb with the waves emitted from the monkeys brain. This could have some great practical uses in human beings pelegic (sp?) conditions...but it will probably not become practical for a decade or more cause right now you would have to carry a huge computer system on your back to use your robotic arms, and that is just not acceptable!

http://technology.newscientist.com/article/mg19626315.600

Our Home Computers Can Crack Nazi's

2007-11-27T18:12:00.000-08:00

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21840430/

They put a WWII code cracker up against a home computer in Germany and the home computer WON!
Technology has really come a long way when your home computer is as "high tech" as the ultimate code cracker that existed only 60 some odd years ago. Of course the man behind the home computer knew what he was doing, but consider this. What can the military computers do now?

Computer Slowing Down? What to Do About It

2007-11-27T18:11:00.000-08:00

http://www.10news.com/family/14109383/detail.html?UserFeedGuid=21496f8e-b79c-45cc-9b0c-133de57267c1&ArticleId=950&title=Computer-Slowing-Down-What-to-Do-About-It
I thought that this was a good tip, especially for our parents who always ask us to troubleshoot their computers when we visit for the holidays. One time, I went home and my mom complained that their PC hadn't had sound for MONTHS! She was so frusterated and was begging me to look at it...turns out she had the Mute box checked!! I still give her a hard time about that!

Not that this software app would fix THAT problem, but it's probably a good starting point for your personal PC or laptop, or a good gift for Christmas! There's a free trial version, and the real thing for $29.95. Not too shabby for a quick fix!

Blu-ray outsells HD-DVD in Europe (Reuters)

2007-11-27T18:10:00.000-08:00

I think this is a pretty cool battle being waged. It's reminiscent of the battles between VHS & BETA or Laser Disc & DVD. Eventually one will win and one will fall to the waistside. It already looks like Blu-Ray is getting the better of HD DVD. Blu-Ray was 73% of the High Def DVD's sold and HDDVD was only 27% this year in Europe. I was watching a special on I believe MSNBC earlier this year, and they were interviewing a President of a large adult movie producer. A lot of experts are saying that just like in the past, adult films will eventually decide the winner of this battle as the did with VHS & BETA and Laser Disc & DVD. Generally what ever format they predominately went to, is the format that generally won out. This is because the adult film industry is quitely a huge powerhouse in the home video arena, it's just very few people talk about how many adult videos they have. This war will be decided sooner than later, and the adult movie industry will be a huge factor.

http://tech.yahoo.com/news/nm/bluray_sales_dc

Laser light motor from Japan

2007-11-27T18:09:00.000-08:00

A new laser-powered motor has turned light into motion!! It was built in Japan and consists of a copper disc with a hole in the middle that when heated up by 534 nanometers of laser heat, begins to make the disc move, and when mounted on a spindle, it becomes in essence, a motor! This is the sweetest thing to ever be created and I have a feeling we'll be seeing them in cars in a matter of millenia.

http://technology.newscientist.com/article/dn12972-laserpowered-motor-turns-light-into-motion.html

Ageplay in Second Life: Interview with Jailbait Manager Emily Semaphore

2007-11-27T18:00:00.000-08:00

http://www.secondlifeherald.com/slh/2007/01/ageplay_in_seco.html

This is prettttty carazeeeeeee!! SecondLife virtual underage brothels!! Yes, that's pretty nuts. A husband and wife run the virtual brothel (and met in SecondLife) and host avatar underage sex sessions called AGEPLAY!! How long before Meriam Webster adds this to their top new words?

What's even crazier, is that the owners claim that this allows for sexual healing and not like the song. They claim that people that were abused as children can come here to heal!

As for my two cents...this is just a plain hot-house for perv pedophiles! Nasty!

Verizon Wireless opens to other phones (AP)

2007-11-27T17:57:00.000-08:00

Right on, Verizon is stepping up. This has always been such an annoyance to me. All companies have certain phones you can use with their service. Well, Verizon is raising the bar. They want to be able to open their service to other phones besides just their own chosen phone manufacturing company...but they ain't gonna do it fo free! Each company will have to pay Verizon to be "tested" to make sure it is compatible for it's networks. Hey more power to them. Risk to reward. They're the first company to talk about doing this, so they will reap the benefits if it works out. My company is Nextel, and their phones gotta be by far the most expensive on the average out there. So, if eventually this move will potentially give me some more freedom on what kind of phone I can buy, I say... Thank You Verizon (and Chuck Norris)!

http://tech.yahoo.com/news/ap/verizon_open_network

Wii selling well, but not at record rate (AP)

2007-11-27T17:41:00.000-08:00

I'm sorry... Let's do it again! I know I blogged about this subject before, but it is still really bothering me. Most people you ask who who are low-medium-hardcore gamers will tell you that Nintendo's Wii does not hold a candle to the other games systems (XBox, PS3,etc.) game selection, graphics, and game play... and yet they are selling like hot cakes! I hope everyone see's as I stated before in one of my other blogs, that Nintendo is just fabricated a demand for the system by limiting supply. Quite brilliantly I might add. This article even addresses that question, and Nintendo of America President Reggie Fils-Aime just said, "A shortage benefits no one," he said. "We're disappointed. This was all about how we didn't accurately estimate demand. We need to be more bullish about the potential for the Wii." What a bunch of crap! The truth is, this system is way cheaper than the rest and coupled with this fact that Nintendo has created a fabricated demand for it, it has worked out real well for them.

http://tech.yahoo.com/news/ap/us_holiday_sales_wii

Going greener

2007-11-27T17:17:00.000-08:00

Another interesting article offers a more simple way to go green. Websites such as Zwaggle.com, Peerflix.com, and Bookmooch.com have opened up a new opportunity to recycle. These websites allow you to trade media, books and other items with people all over the world. Members of these sites usually only have to pay shipping costs and trade items in on a point system. One parent remarked that it felt environmentally right to recycle goods. Two of the benefits that can be reaped by companies engaging in recycling programs are, an image of being environmentally friendly and bringing more customers to their website to buy and sell their products. It provides more incentive for people to recycle their goods since they have the opportunity to exchange for something they might want, so it is a win win situation for everyone.

Check it out here!

Google goes green!

2007-11-27T17:04:00.001-08:00

Apparently Google is planning on entering the green technology business. Not only will they be developing green technology, they will be investing in companies that are also developing energy efficient technology. Though this plan forecasts tens of millions of dollars of Google's money to be invested in this sector, analysts say this will not be a significant enough move to cause the whole industry to convert to clean technology. Google's comments on the matter are that they want to stand by their company image and wean their own data centers off of coal power.

Article here.

Attention MacBook Users

2007-11-27T17:03:00.000-08:00

http://www.macworld.com/news/2007/11/27/harddrive/index.php

In almost every class I have at CSUSM, I see at least one student using a MacBook. Apparently the MacBook has been having some hard drive issues. Check the article out. No huge alarm, but good to know if yo use a MacBook.

"The read/write heads appear to fail mechanically, quickly causing deep scratches to the platter surface, and rendering the drives practically unrecoverable,” the company reported.

Most of that is mambo jambo to me, but basically something is wrong. Check it out!

Techonology to Stop Piracy

2007-11-27T16:35:00.000-08:00

http://www.cnn.com/2007/TECH/biztech/11/26/piracy.technology.ap/index.html

Piracy is a growing issue in our country and around the world. Using copyrighted software without a license is illegal and the software companies want to do something about it. They're trying to come up with ways to see when people are using the software with incorrect information. Then it blocks certain software functions that prohibits the user from using it.

I know better than to use pirated software, but I also know that a students low on cash find it as a way out or "free" software just to get through college. Technology will eventually catch on, and so will law enforcement.

From sewage, added water for drinking

2007-11-27T14:27:00.000-08:00

OK...this sound gross and unnecessary, but a real option for those areas that have minimal water supplies. I guess that you would think that countries which are predominately desert would benefit most from this...but they don't have the resources to built such facilities or even sewage facilities for that fact. Well the first facility that is dedicated to purify sewage into drinking water is right in out own back yard...Fountain Valley! Think about that next time you flush the toilet. Personally I think i will stick to bottled water...from far off distant places! An interesting topic that will only make more headlines as we most likely go into mandatory water rationing after the winter... SEWER WATER

Anderson Cooper rules!!!

2007-11-27T14:16:00.000-08:00

I watched AC 360 a few weeks ago and they had a great show PLANET IN PERIL...a highly suggested special that brought many troubling global issues out in the open. I became absolutely disgusted with China in general after watching this show. Not to be judgemental against the people of China but their dining demands for bush meat and endangered species is alarming. As consevancy and the green wave sweeps this planet all countries will have to make changes. One can only hope that something simple like special delicacies can be terminated first!!!

Beijing's Penis Emporium

Save yourself...before it is too late!

2007-11-27T13:59:00.000-08:00

There are many things you don't know about that microwave...i mean cell phone or wireless headset...that you strap to your head everyday! As a previous heavy cell phone user (3000 plus minutes per month) i personally have felt uncomfortable heat emitted from the Nextell phones for years. It is quite obvious to me that this can not be healthly and severe long term damage should result. Researchers have published warnings about this form of radiation as harmful to living organisms, but with the size of the telecommunications industry now outpacing pharmaceuticals......the loudest proponents are systematically silenced. There is endless research to read up on this but the following video clip explains some new technological advancements that may be here to help........Have a look and get that communications device as far away from your body as possible! VIDEO

Windows XP better than Vista

2007-11-27T13:56:00.000-08:00

Windows XP outshines Vista in benchmarking test

A test of Windows XP vs. the new Windows Vista showed that XP is faster than Vista. With the Service Pack 3 for XP and Service Pack 1 for Vista being set to be released, the preliminary test of each OS with these new Service Packs showed that XP is faster. The service pack for Windows Vista is still being worked on and the one used for the test was a beta version. It has been discussed in class how slow things are getting with respect to computers as they are continually updated. This seems to be another result of that. I have heard a lot of bad things about Vista from friends who have it. But then again there was the time when Win2K was working faster than XP when it came out until machines were built tailored to XP but computer manufacturers have succeeded in delaying the use of Vista in all new computers made. Less people have converted to Vista as those who converted to XP right away. Microsoft is depending a lot on the new Service Pack to improve Vista in order for consumers to start relying on and converting to Windows Vista.

A good laugh....

2007-11-27T13:47:00.000-08:00

Well I'm sitting here blogging and listening to some tunes in the quiet area of the library....A recorded prank call from Howard Stern started playing (i did not know this was in my library as it was randomly skipping through all songs) and i started laughing my ass of hysterically. It caught me by surprise and i just looked up to 20 people staring at me....WOW that was a bit uncomfortable...hehe...maybe it will have the same effect on you????? Don't listen to this in the Library with headphones on (the same clip seems to be quite popular)!!! ;)

Click to Listen....

With more than 14 million blogs in existence and another 80,000 being created each day, how is a person supposed to find the ones worth reading?

2007-11-27T13:36:00.000-08:00

Very interesting for those of you who are a little overwhelmed with this blogg stuff. The internet...haha i mean Internet is too coplex and vast to approach on a trial and error basis. Maybe that is the point of blogging....to lose your self in the internet and technology...and the endless stream of information. Wow...im already starting to ramble...so anyways if you are interested in a good summary of 100 frequently used blogg sites, then this article is for you...CNET

Who will Microsoft buy next?

2007-11-27T13:18:00.000-08:00

Interesting...maybe they will find creative artistic geniuses that have business competence and strong IP. As start up techies align their goals with the giants....acquisitions become more and more popular and favorable. A word of advice to all start ups....plan and execute business decisions to create the smoothest possible future acquisition. Your growing company will only benefit from this preparation regardless of what the future dishes out.

http://www.news.com/beyond-binary/8301-13860_3-9824046-56.html?tag=nefd.top

The Future with Wi-Max

2007-11-27T13:14:00.000-08:00

Sprint was supposed to be the cell phone carrier to roll out the next generation in wireless broadband connection with Wi-Max. And, until recently, they were promoting the hell out of it. However, Sprint and Clearwire can't come to an agreement and it doesn't look good to those anticipating the production of Wi-Max.

Here's the articles:
http://www.informationweek.com/blog/main/archives/2007/11/sprint_clearwir.html
http://www.fiercewireless.com/story/wimax-dealt-another-blow/2007-11-09
http://www.telecomweb.com/tnd/25676.html
http://www.nypost.com/seven/11122007/business/sprint_ing_to_big_cable_727174.htm
http://www.muniwireless.com/article/articleview/6606/1/7/

Google to enter clean-energy business

2007-11-27T13:06:00.000-08:00

The effort dubbed RE C (shorthand for "renewable energy less than coal"), calls for Google to invest in companies developing clean-energy technologies and for Google itself to next year invest tens of millions in research and development in renewable energy. The investment will be carried out by a philanthropistic division on the company with two billion in assets. Their main objectives seem to be to move away from coal produced power at a rapider rate than other current green projects. Solar power is a major focus of their attention......have a look
http://www.news.com/Google-to-enter-clean-energy-business/2100-13844_3-6220341.html?tag=nefd.lede

You-Tube-Making Dreams Come True

2007-11-27T13:01:00.000-08:00

The age of video has reached a new pinnacle. By merely using free services like You-Tube to promote yourself, and your company, people can achieve their dreams. Or at least higher profits. Esmée Denters, is a perfect example of such as case. Most people have to work and have to put their dreams aside. With You-Tube Esmee reached her dreams. Also looking at it through a business perspective, the value added for this free marketing and advertising will help companies gain that competitive edge needed over other businesses. More info here:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Esm%C3%A9e_Denters

Her video can be seen here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F2skc1LvYkA

Whats up with Dell?

2007-11-27T12:54:00.000-08:00

The computer giant has shown impressive growth in earnings and stock price in the past, but investors have been waiting for a repeat of this for many years. The performance of the company has been satisfactory, however many continue the business models of hardware companies in general. An added blow to Dell has been an SEC request for the company to re-state its earnings 2003-1st quarter 2007. Investors reacted in their normal manner and share price once again plummeted. Interestingly enough the re-stated earnings came out better than the originally posted ones????? Share price increased and all is merry.....hmmm sounds like wall street and regulators play more games than we could expect....http://news.moneycentral.msn.com/provider/providerarticle.aspx?feed=AP&Date=20071031&ID=7711838

the last day for posting blogs....

2007-11-27T10:03:00.000-08:00

I have to say, blogging isn't so bad. I think if I didn't have to study so much, I would really get into blogging. Its a way to express your view points on things and give a chance for others to respond to your thinking. Although I haven't responded to a lot of the blogs this semester, I did learn a lot of interesting things just by skimming through the blogs. Time is running out in HTM 304 and it was nice to know all of you, GOOOOOOD LUCK in all that you guys do and hope to see you guys around!!!! PEACE OUT!

Windows XP faster with SP3

2007-11-27T02:07:00.000-08:00

For all those who can't use windows vista, or just do not want too. Here is service pack 3 which will increase overall speed on windows xp. If you are not to familiar with previous service packs, they have decreased performance as holes and patches were applied/fixed. It is a first, to see a service pack that will increase performance. The service pack should be available shortly for more details please visit http://www.pcworld.com/.

Dell Goes Retail In China With Gome

2007-11-26T23:48:00.000-08:00

Dell will expand the product line with Gome, Chinese largest electronic retailer in 2008 to improve market share. This decision was base on loosing the market share to HP, top share PC maker. Dell will have to deal with increasing competition in global PC industry such as a retailer like Gome. Dell also has to deal with training Gome’s employees to learn and sell Dell product line. Dell needs to be aggressive in order to make in the Chinese market will be a positive move, however computer sales are driven by market where Gome doesn’t have a strong advantage in expanding because PC sales are not driven at a single retailer, but instead at many IT malls that have more than 100 retailer in one area. Over 80% of PC sales are placed at this mall. As a result this alliance will add growing brand awareness in the PC industry.

http://www.businessweek.com/globalbiz/content/sep2007/gb20070924_415686.htm?chan=technology_technology+index+page_top+stories

Bad Boys Bad Boys

2007-11-26T20:01:00.000-08:00

http://www.popularmechanics.com/technology/military_law/4231942.html

Bad Boys Bad Boys, whatcha gonna do, whatcha gonna do when they come for you? Well you won't be getting away any easier.
This article goes over the Top 5 Next Generation Cop Car Gadgets. First, a Carbon Fiber Engine that goes from 0 to 60 in 6 seconds. Second, Voice attivated system. The cop can push a button and start reading off the license plate and it searches for warrants or any other information automatically in the police system. Cop then says "pursuit" and lights and siren start going. Third, Automatic License Plate Regnition Cameras. Cameras constantly scanning can read the license plate and compare it with data. This could help in such situations as an Amber Alert. Forth, GPS Launcher. Yea, it's about as cool as it sounds. It allows a cop to shoot a sticky GPS tracker on the vehicle and it tracks that vehicles every move. Kind of hard to get away from that. Finally, a more efficient siren. People are getting less and less responsive to sirens. Stereo's and Noisy Cars. With this siren it gets EVERYONE's attention ASAP. This can clear roads quicker and more efficiently in emergencies.
Cops are catching on and to catch the bad guys and keep us safe, they have to get on board with technology. Use technology to progress!