David's Babblings -
I have nothing to add.
Saturday, July 30, 2005
Hillary Clinton vs. Video Games
I stumbled on this via Justin's Del.icio.us feed. It's an LA Times article in the form of an open letter to Hillary Clinton by Steven Johnson.
Read it here.
I completely agree with Mr. Johnson here. I'm all for having a study on how games affect youth. But let's take the good with the bad.
I played high school football in Alabama. While I will not insult the intelligence of those who played the game better than me, it isn't exactly a mental game (don't flame me as an ignorant sap - I know it requires a lot of mental toughness and focus - but the physical far outweighs the mental, in my opinion, which is the one that counts for the purposes of this post). It doesn't flex those brain muscles the same way as it does the others. Sports are like that. Great for physical activity, not for brain activity.
Video games work an entirely different section of the brain. They focus on hand-eye coordination and reaction time. You don't have to go to the gym to be successful...you just have to play. They allow you to experience things that you wouldn't (and probably shouldn't at times) normally experience.
Which is better? My opinion is you don't have to decide. Get the kids out of the house and immerse them into sports. However, when they're home (and the homework's done), let them play video games. But don't be a fool. Censor what they play. Once they are (by your parental determination) old enough to play, let's say, Halo 2, talk to them about it.
Letting your children play anything they want just because they want to is bad. Don't be an absentee with your child's entertainment. However, do let them play something.
To the powers-that-be: The best way to ensure that kids don't get games they shouldn't (according to the parent) is to not sell it to them. So, let's hold the businesses that sell the games to a higher standard.
If it's not being sold to the children and parents are regulating what their kids are seeing, this "problem" becomes much more moot. As a country, we shouldn't regulate creativity. We do, however, need to provide parents the proper tools and safeguards to ensure kids' activities meet their approval - not the government's.
My $0.02.
Read it here.
I completely agree with Mr. Johnson here. I'm all for having a study on how games affect youth. But let's take the good with the bad.
I played high school football in Alabama. While I will not insult the intelligence of those who played the game better than me, it isn't exactly a mental game (don't flame me as an ignorant sap - I know it requires a lot of mental toughness and focus - but the physical far outweighs the mental, in my opinion, which is the one that counts for the purposes of this post). It doesn't flex those brain muscles the same way as it does the others. Sports are like that. Great for physical activity, not for brain activity.
Video games work an entirely different section of the brain. They focus on hand-eye coordination and reaction time. You don't have to go to the gym to be successful...you just have to play. They allow you to experience things that you wouldn't (and probably shouldn't at times) normally experience.
Which is better? My opinion is you don't have to decide. Get the kids out of the house and immerse them into sports. However, when they're home (and the homework's done), let them play video games. But don't be a fool. Censor what they play. Once they are (by your parental determination) old enough to play, let's say, Halo 2, talk to them about it.
Letting your children play anything they want just because they want to is bad. Don't be an absentee with your child's entertainment. However, do let them play something.
To the powers-that-be: The best way to ensure that kids don't get games they shouldn't (according to the parent) is to not sell it to them. So, let's hold the businesses that sell the games to a higher standard.
If it's not being sold to the children and parents are regulating what their kids are seeing, this "problem" becomes much more moot. As a country, we shouldn't regulate creativity. We do, however, need to provide parents the proper tools and safeguards to ensure kids' activities meet their approval - not the government's.
My $0.02.
Wednesday, July 27, 2005
Konfabulator Now Free
Konfabulations!
Konfabulator, runner of Widgets, is now free to the world! Apparently Yahoo is purchasing the software, which crosses over both Windows & Mac platforms.
It's a beautiful thing, IMHO. I will be downloading it ASAP.
Read more, o faithful entropy seekers!
(Thanks to Mike McBride's blog, where I first picked this info up.)
Konfabulator, runner of Widgets, is now free to the world! Apparently Yahoo is purchasing the software, which crosses over both Windows & Mac platforms.
It's a beautiful thing, IMHO. I will be downloading it ASAP.
Read more, o faithful entropy seekers!
(Thanks to Mike McBride's blog, where I first picked this info up.)
Tuesday, July 26, 2005
This is really weird...
Via Boing Boing some time ago and as heard on Howard Stern:
Lil' Markie sings "Diary of an Unborn Child."
If you can't guess what this is about, I can't help you. However, don't listen to this with children present - it may creep them out beyond repair. Listen at your own risk.
Is this really what a person needs to do to get their message across? Wow.
Lil' Markie sings "Diary of an Unborn Child."
If you can't guess what this is about, I can't help you. However, don't listen to this with children present - it may creep them out beyond repair. Listen at your own risk.
Is this really what a person needs to do to get their message across? Wow.
What a wonderful way to run a monarchy
Surely an administration so singlemindedly interested in stamping out individual privacy and freedom while simultaneously closing off access to background investigations of potential SCOTUS members can't be all bad?
W.House says won't hand over some Roberts papers - Yahoo! News
(Edit from Sam - 7/27 10:50 am)
That's not all they won't hand over (via TalkLeft):
White House refuses to turn over Roberts's tax returns
Right or wrong - that's interesting...
Read more.
W.House says won't hand over some Roberts papers - Yahoo! News
(Edit from Sam - 7/27 10:50 am)
That's not all they won't hand over (via TalkLeft):
White House refuses to turn over Roberts's tax returns
Right or wrong - that's interesting...
Read more.
Not good for GOOG
If the allegations are founded, this seriously impacts my respect for Google. If they arent, its still an ugly PR blemish.
John Battelle's Searchblog: Another Google HR Lawsuit
John Battelle's Searchblog: Another Google HR Lawsuit
Oh no. I cannot let this pass...
Utter utter pinnacle of geekdom. RC Star Wars models. Via BoingBoing
Livin La Vista Loca, Part Deux
You know, for the life of me I cannot recall a time when the name of a Windows release DID impress anyone in the geek community. There's a great deal of negative buzz in the blogosphere regarding the collective disdain for Microsoft's (sorry /. wankers, I'm fresh out of dollar signs) choice this round.
Frankly, I don't get it.
Not that it excites me, but that's nothing new. Camry doesn't either, but plenty of those get sold. I've never really been heavily invested in the names. It certainly doesn't offend me, at least not enough to inspire me to blog about the utter horror that is Vista.
<opinion>
You see, there's 2 groups of people Microsoft cares about reaching here. One group is the teeming unwashed masses of home users who will inherit a new copy of Longhorn ^B^B^B^B^B^B^B^B Vista by virtue of a new system purchase. I doubt a significant number of the home consumer market will acquire it any other way. And I doubt they care, certainly not enough to make a different buying decision. They're not, by and large, going to buy an Apple unless it runs the software they're comfortable using - and argue as you may about the alleged superiority of the Mac user interface design, to the average Windows user its...funky. I'm NOT flaming here and I am not challenging Apple's capacity to build a good UI, but there are enough differences to cause the typical user some grief. Too painful.
Group 2 is the IT guys with the purchasing dollars at small businesses, corporations and mega-conglomerates 'round the globe, from Mike McBride all the way to Gary Reiner. They DON'T CARE. They just don't. Well, maybe Mike does, but that's because he still has his geek soul. They'll either
Neither of these groups really includes the people complaining loudest. So don't go expecting a change.
Frankly, I don't get it.
Not that it excites me, but that's nothing new. Camry doesn't either, but plenty of those get sold. I've never really been heavily invested in the names. It certainly doesn't offend me, at least not enough to inspire me to blog about the utter horror that is Vista.
<opinion>
You see, there's 2 groups of people Microsoft cares about reaching here. One group is the teeming unwashed masses of home users who will inherit a new copy of Longhorn ^B^B^B^B^B^B^B^B Vista by virtue of a new system purchase. I doubt a significant number of the home consumer market will acquire it any other way. And I doubt they care, certainly not enough to make a different buying decision. They're not, by and large, going to buy an Apple unless it runs the software they're comfortable using - and argue as you may about the alleged superiority of the Mac user interface design, to the average Windows user its...funky. I'm NOT flaming here and I am not challenging Apple's capacity to build a good UI, but there are enough differences to cause the typical user some grief. Too painful.
Group 2 is the IT guys with the purchasing dollars at small businesses, corporations and mega-conglomerates 'round the globe, from Mike McBride all the way to Gary Reiner. They DON'T CARE. They just don't. Well, maybe Mike does, but that's because he still has his geek soul. They'll either
- Just stay with what they know
- Do some research and decide based on the cost effectiveness of Windows vs Mac vs Linux
- Consult the local witch doctor.
Neither of these groups really includes the people complaining loudest. So don't go expecting a change.
Livin' La Vista Loca
Didja hear? Probably, because you've been on the Internet more than I have since Friday. Well, bah to you.
So, Microsoft has announced their newest operating system, Windows Vista. I'm happy "Longhorn" has a name, but "Vista?" Really?
I'll let Justin get into the tech plusses and minuses if he wants (as he's vastly more qualified to comment there) or you can just click the links in the posts (or check out Scoble or someone else in the Computers section of the blogroll).
However, I will criticize the name.
No sir, I don't like it.
It sounds hokey. Not unlike Mac OS X Tiger, which has an even dumber name. I liked the old names, which sounded less like they came from marketing and more like they were meant to...oh, I don't know...run a computer.
Actually, I've got a great idea. For the next generation of operating systems, let's try to make the craziest names possible. Some ideas:
Windows "You're Going to Use It Anyway"
Mac OS "We're Phoning It In Here, but Check out the iPod!"
Linux "Sminux"
Just food for thought...
(By the way, I'm sure Vista will be excellent. I just had to comment on the funky name.)
So, Microsoft has announced their newest operating system, Windows Vista. I'm happy "Longhorn" has a name, but "Vista?" Really?
I'll let Justin get into the tech plusses and minuses if he wants (as he's vastly more qualified to comment there) or you can just click the links in the posts (or check out Scoble or someone else in the Computers section of the blogroll).
However, I will criticize the name.
No sir, I don't like it.
It sounds hokey. Not unlike Mac OS X Tiger, which has an even dumber name. I liked the old names, which sounded less like they came from marketing and more like they were meant to...oh, I don't know...run a computer.
Actually, I've got a great idea. For the next generation of operating systems, let's try to make the craziest names possible. Some ideas:
Windows "You're Going to Use It Anyway"
Mac OS "We're Phoning It In Here, but Check out the iPod!"
Linux "Sminux"
Just food for thought...
(By the way, I'm sure Vista will be excellent. I just had to comment on the funky name.)
Monday, July 25, 2005
Friday, July 22, 2005
Musings of Sam
I really like Halo 2. I just wanted to say that. Double Team is an excellent new game variant.
I hate poker right now. Of course, that's probably because I got the crap kicked out of me last night. In 24 hours, I'll probably be chomping at the bit again. I have really got to kick this weird run I've been on the last two months. I've been on a terrible streak of bad cards and bad beats. It doesn't help that I've played terribly the last two weeks. Oh, well. There's always next time.
The new Clerks hat seems quite awesome. Getting one would be even better...
Site update: We've added some Google ads at the top of the page. Click 'em if you dig 'em. We've also added a Google search bar between the profiles and the links. It will open up in a new window should you take advantage, so you can get your search on and come back to your favorite dose of entopy. And we are your favorite right? Right?
Later...
I hate poker right now. Of course, that's probably because I got the crap kicked out of me last night. In 24 hours, I'll probably be chomping at the bit again. I have really got to kick this weird run I've been on the last two months. I've been on a terrible streak of bad cards and bad beats. It doesn't help that I've played terribly the last two weeks. Oh, well. There's always next time.
The new Clerks hat seems quite awesome. Getting one would be even better...
Site update: We've added some Google ads at the top of the page. Click 'em if you dig 'em. We've also added a Google search bar between the profiles and the links. It will open up in a new window should you take advantage, so you can get your search on and come back to your favorite dose of entopy. And we are your favorite right? Right?
Later...
Thursday, July 21, 2005
James Doohan (1920 - 2005)
James Doohan passed away yesterday. A couple posts from the blogosphere:
Wil Wheaton
Polite Dissent
The Moderate Voice: Jack Grant
The Moderate Voice: Joe Gandelman
Boing Boing
I'm sure there are plenty more, but this what I've seen.
He gave it all it had, and then a little more. Rest in peace.
Wednesday, July 20, 2005
Tuesday, July 19, 2005
7 Deadly words
From the mouths of babes. OMFG funny, but probably NSFW
7 words you can't say in kindergarten
Via BoingBoing
7 words you can't say in kindergarten
Via BoingBoing
Fun with Google
I Googled "long live randomness" just now.
The result: A comic titled "Long Live Randomness."
The title is much more impressive than the work therein, but I thought I'd link it up anyway.
Check it out if you want...it's an OK read (but don't expect an RSS feed if you like it- there isn't one).
The result: A comic titled "Long Live Randomness."
The title is much more impressive than the work therein, but I thought I'd link it up anyway.
Check it out if you want...it's an OK read (but don't expect an RSS feed if you like it- there isn't one).
Monday, July 18, 2005
True, so true...
One of today's quotes given to me by my Google homepage definitely fits:
Statistician: A man who believes figures don't lie, but admits that under analysis some of them won't stand up either. -- Evan Esar
Ah, yes. Numbers, numbers, numbers. Can't live with them, can't live without them...such is that which is my life.
Statistician: A man who believes figures don't lie, but admits that under analysis some of them won't stand up either. -- Evan Esar
Ah, yes. Numbers, numbers, numbers. Can't live with them, can't live without them...such is that which is my life.
So...
...This morning at work, I looked outside, as one often does. I saw our contracted lawn-mower guy riding away. Not weird until you add the fact that the sprinklers were on and it was raining. I wondered for a moment - just a brief moment - if I should say something. Of course, then I decided that if that much water was hitting him and he didn't care, who was I to spoil his fun?
...I was loaned the new Harry Potter book today. Since its a loaner, I'll have to push it to the front of my reading line. I have a question for the audience (and you are a lovely audience, to be sure):
Should I reveal the character who dies on this here website once I finish the book?
My vote is yes, but I will listen to others. Comment on what you think I should do and I'll weigh my decision based on that. Otherwise, I will reveal it once the book is completed.
EDIT 7/21 -- The spoiler is already on Wikipedia, so I'm not going to bother to reveal it. However, if you want to know - click here.
Until next time...
...I was loaned the new Harry Potter book today. Since its a loaner, I'll have to push it to the front of my reading line. I have a question for the audience (and you are a lovely audience, to be sure):
Should I reveal the character who dies on this here website once I finish the book?
My vote is yes, but I will listen to others. Comment on what you think I should do and I'll weigh my decision based on that. Otherwise, I will reveal it once the book is completed.
EDIT 7/21 -- The spoiler is already on Wikipedia, so I'm not going to bother to reveal it. However, if you want to know - click here.
Until next time...
Sunday, July 17, 2005
Saturday, July 16, 2005
Portals
re Mike McBride's hunt for that elusive prey, the Intranet Portal business sponsor..
I don't know what to tell you. I think search is the single most important reason to have a portal, but it's hard to sell search to a business guy.
Maybe they do get it, and they don't have a burning need yet. Maybe, you're already doing too good a job of organizing their IT world?
Sharepoint's advantage (in your case Mike. Its a huge disadvantage at the 40,000+ employee enterprise where i work) may be the licensing - per seat. The other big players wanna charge you tens of thousands per server cpu. Not that the open-source crowd doesn't have anything to offer. The integration widgets (portlets...web parts...whatever) are a usually a big selling point, but dont lose sight of administration, customization, and search.
My .000000002$
I don't know what to tell you. I think search is the single most important reason to have a portal, but it's hard to sell search to a business guy.
Maybe they do get it, and they don't have a burning need yet. Maybe, you're already doing too good a job of organizing their IT world?
Sharepoint's advantage (in your case Mike. Its a huge disadvantage at the 40,000+ employee enterprise where i work) may be the licensing - per seat. The other big players wanna charge you tens of thousands per server cpu. Not that the open-source crowd doesn't have anything to offer. The integration widgets (portlets...web parts...whatever) are a usually a big selling point, but dont lose sight of administration, customization, and search.
My .000000002$
Friday, July 15, 2005
Fun with Google - Part 2
And just in case you're bored and want to go to a random Google page...
http://bleb.org/random/
You're welcome.
We're here for you.
(Link will eventually be permanently posted on the right.)
http://bleb.org/random/
You're welcome.
We're here for you.
(Link will eventually be permanently posted on the right.)
Fun with Google
As I was sitting around here at Justin's, I decided to have some fun
with Google. I Googled "fun with entropy" and got this:
FRESH YARN presents Fun with Entropy... by Elizabeth Warner
It isn't a bad read. A bit jaded, a bit cooky. Fun for all.
It is my gift to all of you. Enjoy.
Thursday, July 14, 2005
July 14 Musings
Here are some random observations:
- I watched the MLB All-Star Game on Tuesday. Apparently I'm among a select few. Sad.
- I really hope to catch one or two hands tonight at poker. I figure I'm due after the past two weeks. If you never get cards, it doesn't matter how well you play. Ask Daniel Negreanu.
- Speaking of poker, how about the World Series? Greg Raymer (the 2004 champion) is currently in the top ten, which is crazy and nigh impossible. I'm really rooting for him and Phil Ivey, who is one of the best players in the world. I can't wait for the TV coverage, which begins this Tuesday. Woo hoo! Something to watch on TV! By the way, check out the Tao of Poker for continuous updates.
- Batman Begins kicked ass. I'm going to see Fantastic Four sometime, but I'm not expecting much. By the way, where's the Green Lantern movie?
- I'm good enough, I'm smart enough, but dog-gone-it, why doesn't anyone like me?
And that's the end.
Later...
Sunday, July 10, 2005
Friday, July 08, 2005
Repent!!!!
Yeah, I'll get right on that.
Transcript:
AMERICA REPENT
Demoncrats, Drunks, Rock&Rollers, Adulteresses, Potheads, Homosexuals, Lesbians, Masons, Shriners, Mormons, Muslims, Jews, Hindus, Buddhist, Evolutionist, Catholics, Satanist, Abortionist, Seventh Day Adventist, Jehovah's Witness, Liberals, Fornicators, Prosperity Preachers, Atheist, Rich People and Worldly Luke Warm Once Saved-Always Saved Christians are in Danger of HELL'S FIRE
So, boys and girls, don't leave the house or you'll go to Hell. Needless to say, this blog does not agree with short-sighted bastards that make waking up a sin and preach their propaganda on the side of the road at a fireworks show.
But we will post a picture of the sign.
God bless Justin's phone - unless it's a fornicator.
Later (if I'm not in Hell)...
[JP] Update - cleaned up and brightened picture for your protection.
What a week...
A lot of crap - good, bad, random, not-so-random - happened this week. I (and maybe Justin) will be blogging about them this weekend...or so I hope. Some of the topics will include...
- Poker in the dark
- Brad
- Red, White, & Boom
- 47 (give or take) ways to get to Hell
- Origins
- Suburban fireworks
- White Castle
- A certain drunk person who will remain nameless until Justin or I out her
- Thrills, chills and spills! (Ouch, my head hurts...)
We're even going to try posting photos. It may suck, but it may be cool. Check back later on to find out.
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