I have no idea who Terence Mckenna is but this clip of him talking about rational thought and politically correct foolishness is definitely worth listening to: http://freethoughtblogs.com/pharyngula/2011/10/29/episode-cclxvii-clarity/
Monday, October 31, 2011
Sunday, October 30, 2011
Cream of Celery Soup - a Top Tip
It is vitally important, when making cream of celery soup, to remember the final instruction (often unaccountable omitted from mainstream cookbooks):
Once the soup is prepared, and before it can be served, tip the revolting substance down the drain and rinse the pan with an industrial cleaning agent.
Your guests will be hugely grateful for your compassion and care.
Saturday, October 29, 2011
Simon Singh risks legal action to help a "psychic" prove her abilities
Interesting story; science journalist proposes a fair test for a "psychic", who first agrees then, through her lawyers, declines, and threatens a lawsuit. Pity, really - it would have been interesting to see Sally Morgan's "psychic" powers demonstrated in a scientifically rigorous test.
Sally Morgan’s lawyer sends me an email
http://slsingh.posterous.com/sally-morgans-lawyer-sends-me-an-email
Friday, October 28, 2011
Double-dipping – Marco.org
Interesting article on iPad magazines from Marco Arment:
It was $4.99. Most entire apps (including mine) cost $4.99 or less, once, and this magazine is $4.99 for just one issue. Ignoring what content and apps “should” cost, and despite knowing that this is a very good magazine, this feltexpensive.
As I was flipping through it, when I saw the first of many full-page ads, I was offended. I thought, “I paid good money for this and it’s full of ads?”
I don't but many magazines but I'm tempted, occasionally, by an iPad version. Stories like this make me think twice; do I really want to pay real-world costs for a virtual magazine that suffers all the flaws of its printed counterpart? I might test it over the weekend and report back.
Thursday, October 27, 2011
Porsche Design make a BlackBerry
I've never really liked BlackBerrys but if I had to have one I think I might choose the P9981. It isn't the most attractive phone around (I really don't like physical keyboards on a phone) but it is, by far, the most interesting example of its genre. http://ae.blackberry.com//devices/p9981/features.jsp 
the understatement: Android Orphans: Visualizing a Sad History of Support
Thinking of buying a new smart phone? Want to know if you're likely to be able to keep the operating system current? Check out this great report to see which phones have been updated and which haven't. Spoiler: iPhones updated quite a lot, Android not so much. http://theunderstatement.com/post/11982112928/android-orphans-visualizing-a-s...
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
BBC News - China 'won't follow US' on carbon emissions
China will not allow its carbon dioxide emissions per person to reach levels seen in the US, according to the minister in charge of climate policy.
Xie Zhenhua, vice chair of the National Development and Reform Commission, said that to let emissions rise that high would be a "disaster for the world".
via bbc.co.uk
Politician's often say things they don't mean but sometimes just saying them is a big step forward. This probably isn't the first time that China has made this sort of comment but it's certainly the first I can recall. The report isn't exclusively good news but it's an awful lot better than it could have been - at least the Chinese aren't denying the science and ignoring the problem, unlike many western "leaders".
Sunday, October 23, 2011
Satellite Images Show the World’s Power Lines, Global Cities, and Transport Networks
These images are worth a look. Amazing stuff.
Stunning Satellite Images Show the World’s Power Lines, Global Cities, and Transport Networks
http://inhabitat.com/stunning-satellite-images-show-the-worlds-power-lines-global-cities-and-transport-networks/
Saturday, October 22, 2011
Baladeo 34 Grams Pocket Knife
I don't really need an ultra-light pocket knife but it's good to know that they exist, just in case I need one in the future. That said, if I was after a new pocket knife, this one has considerable aesthetic appeal.
David Attenborough: 'I'm an essential evil'
Fascinating David Attenborough interview. I can't help thinking that we'd all be a lot worse off if he had chosen a career outside broadcasting.
David Attenborough: 'I'm an essential evil'
http://www.guardian.co.uk/tv-and-radio/2011/oct/21/david-attenborough-frozen-planet-climate-change?CMP=twt_fd
Friday, October 21, 2011
Quantifying history: Two thousand years in one chart
According to this chart, 78% of the economic output of the last 2,000 years has been produced since 1900. That's a pretty remarkable statistic.
http://www.economist.com/node/21522912
Thursday, October 20, 2011
China’s Spiraling Shanghai Tower Breaks Ground
More striking architecture. I love this sort of thing. Not to everybody's taste, certainly, but I think it's great that people are building architecturally interesting and ecologically friendly towers.
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
This is how Windows get infected with malware
Just found this, courtesy of Flipboard:
When a Microsoft Windows machine gets infected by viruses/malware it does so mainly because users forget to update the Java JRE, Adobe Reader/Acrobat and Adobe Flash.
That's a bit worrying because I normally avoid updating Adobe Reader due to the sheer number of updates they push out; I won't be doing that any more. On the plus side, my slightly unusual decision to avoid Flash seems to have been vindicated.
CSIS: This is how Windows get infected with malwarehttp://www.csis.dk/en/csis/news/3321/
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
Sitting and Standing at Work
I don't really like the idea of standing at my desk so this article, which says that standing desks are a waste of time, nicely reinforces my existing prejudices.
http://ergo.human.cornell.edu/CUESitStand.html
Simply standing is insufficient. Movement is important to get blood circulation through the muscles. Research shows that you don’t need to do vigorous exercise (e.g. jumping jacks) to get the benefits, just walking around is sufficient.
(via Instapaper)
Monday, October 17, 2011
Bird's-eye view of solar plant that works at night
Love it. A solar plant that works at night as well? Genius.
Bird's-eye view of solar plant that works at night
http://www.newscientist.com/blogs/shortsharpscience/2011/10/birds-eye-view-of-solar-plant.html
Sunday, October 16, 2011
Thursday, October 13, 2011
Road sign review moves announced
Plans to improve the "jungle of signs" on Britain's roads following the biggest review in 40 years have been announced by the government.
via bbc.co.uk
Not before time. I hadn't realised that central Government had so much involvement in local road signs but maybe that's why our signage is so consistent across the country. Keep the consistency, reduce the number of signs, cut the bureaucracy; everyone wins.
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
London's Covent Garden Apple Store hit by burglars
By lunchtime today (and possibly much earlier) everything had been cleaned up, no sign of damage at all. Except for the mime artist. http://www.tuaw.com/2011/10/10/londons-covent-garden-apple-store-hit-by-robbers/
iPhone 4S CPU faster than all Android phones
The first test results are out. iPhone 4S is quite quick.
iPhone 4S CPU faster than all Android phones
http://venturebeat.com/2011/10/11/iphone-4s-cpu-slower-than-ipad-2-still-faster-than-all-android-phones/
Monday, October 10, 2011
What, no posts?
I have just realised that most of my blog posts, which many of my readers find as stimulating and enjoyable as an extended Caribbean water-boarding holiday at Uncle Sam's favourite Cuban resort, have not been copied to my FaceBook news stream. Sorry about that; normal service should now resume. Feel free to swear.
California and Warrantless Mobile Phone Searches
Call me paranoid but I like to think that any state I visit will take reasonable steps to ensure my safety, especially at the hands of it's agents. If I was arrested I would like to think that the police would exercise restraint; searching my phone, which holds private information, without a warrant is beyond the pale (if they have a court order then clearly it's a different matter).
Anyway. Knowing that police in California can seize and search my private electronic devices wouldn't stop me visiting but it doesn't enhance the state's reputation. Warrants might be fiddly and time-consuming for the police but they're quite useful when defending people's rights.
California Governor Vetoes Bill Requiring Warrant to Search Mobile Phones
http://www.wired.com/threatlevel/2011/10/warrantless-phone-searches/
Sunday, October 09, 2011
I've ordered an iPhone 4S; want to know why?
And no, it's not because I'm a fanboy, compelled by some terrible spell to purchase every product Apple makes (I'm discounting any evidence to the contrary that you might think you've seen). I’ve spent the last few days thinking about it and this morning I placed my order. but now I have made my decision; I have ordered an iPhone 4S from Apple. Would you like to know why?
Firstly, the hardware is quite an improvement over the iPhone 4. A dual-core processor, improved graphics performance, better battery life, completely redesigned antenna (for better signal strength and greater download speeds), 8MP camera with new optics and Bluetooth 4.0. Everything’s changed but the case, which I like.
Secondly, the new Siri assistant sounds like a fantastic bit of software. If it works as advertised - and I don’t think Apple would have launched it unless they were happy with it - it may well be The Next Big Thing and I want to play with it as soon as possible.
Thirdly, by recycling my iPhone 4 (O2’s website offers £266.50 for my 16Gb model) and upgrading to the next iPhone when it is launched (so that I can also recycle the 4S, hopefully for a similar amount) I’ll cover most of the purchase cost of a 32Gb 4S (£599). I say “most” because there are bound to be other expenses (like the cost of the iPhone 6, or whatever it’s called) but I’m glossing over those to help me make the case for the 4S.
Finally, when it comes right dow to it, I want a new toy and the iPhone 4S looks like a pretty good one to try. Updates to follow.
Siri on iPad 2, maybe. Mac OSX Lion as well?
TUAW have an article (http://www.tuaw.com/2011/10/08/why-siri-should-and-probably-will-come-to-ipad... about Siri and iPad 2. Sounds sensible - having Siri on the iPad seems to make a lot of sense - but the real win for me would be Siri in OSX Lion so that it runs on my MacBook Air. This, I think, is a no-brainer. It would give OSX a killer feature that Microsoft and Google would struggle to replicate, establishing a clear difference between the operating systems. There may be all sorts of commercial or technical impediments but for me this would be a hugely attractive feature.
Saturday, October 08, 2011
World’s Largest Solar Bridge At Blackfriars
Stunning piece of architecture.
World’s Largest Solar Bridge Crosses The River Thames in London
http://inhabitat.com/worlds-largest-solar-bridge-crosses-the-river-thames/
Apple and the iPhone 4S
Some people were disappointed that Apple didn't unveil a brand new phone. Some were dismayed that the 4S was only modest incremental improvement over the 4 (despite the fact that all new internals makes it a completely different phone). Some people went so far as to suggest that Apple are in some sort of trouble after a lacklustre product launch (given what the presenters knew about Steve Jobs' health, it's a wonder the made it on stage at all). It's all rubbish but don't take my word for it - the details are in this post by John Gruber: http://daringfireball.net/2011/10/thoughts_and_observations_iphone_4s
Thursday, October 06, 2011
iPhone 4S: What can you say to Siri?
The feature that most tempts me to buy an iPhone 4S is the Siri assistant. I like the idea of talking to my phone to get it to do things for me.
For an idea of the sort of things Siri will understand, have a look at TUAW's (not comprehensive) list: http://www.tuaw.com/2011/10/05/iphone-4s-what-can-you-say-to-siri/
My favourites are the reminders because I am forever forgetting to do things. Some examples (apologies for the Americanisms):
- Remind me to call mom
- Remind me to call my mom when I get home
- Remember to take an umbrella
- Remind me take my medicine at 6am tomorrow
- Remind me to pick up flowers when I leave here
- Remind me when I leave to call Jason
- Remind me to finish the report by 6
It doesn't really matter what you think of Apple or the iPhone - Siri is a really cool piece of technology.
Wednesday, October 05, 2011
Quick summary of Apple's iPhone 4S
The iPhone 4S has a much faster CPU, a much faster GPU, a much better camera, a highly advanced voice-AI system like nobody has ever seen, better battery life, an improved antenna, international GSM roaming ability on CDMA-locked phones, a 64 GB option, and better carrier availability. It is extremely likely to become the best-selling smartphone in the world.
via marco.org
That says it all, really.
Tuesday, October 04, 2011
LED Lenser X21 Flashlight
When you absolutely positively have to light every single thing within 1500 feet on a dark night, look no further than the Lenser X21. But it's a tad expensive ($400).
Monday, October 03, 2011
Massive Security Vulnerability In HTC Android Devices (EVO 3D, 4G, Thunderbolt, Others) Exposes Phone Numbers, GPS, SMS, Emails Addresses, Much More
Oops. Private information (enough to clone the phone and potentially
embarrass the owner) exposed by an HTC app in their version of
Android. Not good, but at least it's "open". http://www.androidpolice.com/2011/10/01/massive-security-vulnerability-in-htc...
embarrass the owner) exposed by an HTC app in their version of
Android. Not good, but at least it's "open". http://www.androidpolice.com/2011/10/01/massive-security-vulnerability-in-htc...
Sunday, October 02, 2011
Home Secretary Theresa May wants Human Rights Act axed
via bbc.co.uk
Apparently Theresa May wants to scrap the Human Rights Act because it often restricts the Home Office's ability to take action. Good job too - it would be a pretty useless act if it allowed the Home Office to do anything they liked, regardless of the rights of the individuals involved.
Theresa May might not like the HRA but its purpose is to protect individuals from abuse by Government and other agencies. The fact that she wants to get rid of it suggests it may be working.
Saturday, October 01, 2011
RIM PlayBook; RIP?
Here's a quote from RIM spokesperson Marisa Conway, rejecting claims of the PlayBook's demise as speculation:
"Rumours suggesting that the BlackBerry PlayBook is being discontinued are pure fiction. RIM remains highly committed to the tablet market and the future of QNX in its platform."The key part is "RIM remains highly committed…". If the PlayBook was selling well they would have said "The PlayBook is selling well and is on course to take x% of the market in 2011", or something along those lines. I suspect that PlayBook is dead and RIM are just waiting for it to stop twitching before they give it a decent burial. PlayBook hasn't taken anything from iPad and anyone wanting a smaller form factor will almost certainly now buy Amazon's new Kindle Fire. I give PlayBook about six weeks.
How much is an iPhone?
Three days before Apple announce their new phones and almost sixteen months after it was launched the price of the iPhone 4 on a 2-year contract with O2 is pretty much unchanged at £140 (which, if memory serves, is what I paid when I bought my phone in July 2010). In a market where models have short lives and are normally heavily discounted once the initial hype dies away, Apple's achievement with the iPhone is remarkable. What a turnaround from the first iPhone, whose UK sales in early 2008 where not terribly impressive.
If you want answers, why not run your own trials?
Nice idea from Ben Goldacre. He suggests a bored coder could build a suitable platform (to manage test subjects, dispense instructions and gather results) in a few days. This may well be the case but what are the chances that a bored coder would read the Guardian?
If you want answers, why not run your own trials?
http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2011/sep/30/run-your-own-scientific-trials?CMP=twt_fd
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