Wednesday, December 31, 2008

Java Programmers not Humorless


And they have a sense of irony ...

but are more probably like Drew Carey than Jim Carrey.

Who Says Java Programmers Don't Have A Sense Of Humor? | The Onion - America's Finest News Source
I've heard the stereotypes about Java programmers being uptight nerds who don't know how to cut loose. Well, that's about as far from the truth as Enterprise is from Gene Roddenberry's original vision. Contrary to what you may have heard, Javaheads can be quite the cut-ups. In fact, I've been working at Symantec for more than a year now, and compared to the systems administrators and IT support personnel around here, I'm a regular Jim Carrey.

Finding TV Online



A good list of sites, here.   Although its not in this list, I've had some luck finding stuff with Veoh as well.


The Best Tools To Watch TV On Your Computer | MakeUseOf.com
Much like phone companies became complacent with their position of power before the world of VoIP started capturing more of the telecom market, cable TV providers are complacent and oblivious to the rising popularity and reach of Video over IP. More and more people are getting fed up with the exorbitant rates these companies charge, and they are looking to the internet for alternatives.

Monday, December 29, 2008

Anatomically modern humans, in the kitchen, with a lead pipe.


This interesting modeling technique reveals clues that point to extinction most foul.

Competition, Not Climate Change, Led To Neanderthal Extinction, Study Shows
The researchers conclude that the Neanderthal populations that occupied what is now southern Spain were the last to survive because they were able to avoid direct competition with modern humans since the two populations exploited distinct territories during the cold climatic conditions of H4. They also point out that during this population event contact between Neanderthals and modern humans may have permitted cultural and genetic exchanges.

Goodbye, VHS


The last VHS distributor calls it a day, although the owner does not reveal the location of the warehouse full of "free tapes" in the article.


Last major VHS supplier ejects from tape biz • The Register
"It's dead, this is it, this is the last Christmas, without a doubt," Distribution co-owner Ryan Kugler reportedly said. "I was the last one buying VHS and the last one selling it, and I'm done. Anything left in [the] warehouse we'll just give away or throw away."

Goodbye VHS. You outlasted Beta, Laserdisc and RCA's Capacitance Electronic Disc, but it was only a matter of time. Last one to watch that ALF Christmas Special tape, don't forget to rewind on your way out.

Friday, December 19, 2008

Another way to make fine wine.


Another in our on-going series of alcohol alchemy


New Technology Transforms Cheap Wine into 'Vintage' Quality in Minutes
Unpalatable plonk could soon become a thing of the past thanks to new research that has managed to fast-track the aging process necessary to turn astringent young wine into something worth drinking.

...

The accelerated ageing process centres on the exposure of wine to an electrical field.

Sunday, December 14, 2008

If you don't stand for anything ... you don't stand for anything.



In Sweden these guys are as big as the Green Party; close to capturing an EU seat.  Who knew that Pirates would be the next civil rights champions?  Sort of makes Jack Sparrow look like Albert Schweitzer. 

Pirate Parties are “A Classic Civil Rights Movement” | TorrentFreak
It was almost three years ago that the first Pirate Party was formed in Sweden. Its aim is to deal with over-reaching copyright law, and this is exactly what the Pirate Party stands for in most people’s minds. But there is more.

In recent times, the Pirate Party has been more concerned with government actions that affect ordinary citizens. The wiretapping law (FRA) for example, as well as the likes of IPRED, which will give companies chasing an alleged copyright infringer more powers than the police.

Thursday, December 11, 2008

Proving many worlds through failure.



Over at Dynamics of Cats they have a keen sense of how to make use of null results ... clever right down to the last line.

Anthropic Selection of Broken Particle Accelerators
Before the LHC there was the SSC which also met its demise in strange ways.

Coincidence?
I think not...

Friday, December 5, 2008

Y'ule Tide Carols


So I'm not sure what to say about this CD of carols composed and performed by folks who, in a fit of genius,  have connected a couple of ideas that may have been better left separate.

Someone went and put together a little music video tribute (also a genius).  If you haven't read the right books, this will seem very odd indeed.   If you have read them, don't miss this other carol.






via: Pharyngula: Squidmas carols!

Teddies in Space


This will make a great screen background.



Out of this world: British teddy bears strapped to helium weather balloon reach the edge of space | Mail Online
t's not often that Britain can claim a win in the space race. But these teddy bears drifting nearly 20 miles above Earth have become the first soft toys to take part in extra-vehicular activity (to use correct NASA jargon) at such an altitude.

Thursday, December 4, 2008

Will no one rid me of this turbulent priest?


Today's Irony.

Conservative Episcopalians Vote to Create Alternative Branch - washingtonpost.com
Conservatives from the Episcopal Church voted yesterday to form their own branch of Anglicanism in the United States and said they would seek new recognition in the worldwide church because of their growing disenchantment over the ordination of an openly gay bishop and other liberal developments.