topicalhuman.com

This debate is evolving (a good thing), and I think one of the most important (yet simple) observations recently made is by Doc Searls:

We need symmetricality, not just neutrality

What does this mean? Well, Doc argues that because we are not merely consumers of a product provided by ISP’s (ie your DSL connection), and instead are authors, artists, journalists, employers, employees…basically anything that is creative and productive, we need a service that actually reciprocates what we offer by giving equal bandwidth (symmetricality) to uploads as to downloads. Spot on!

—————-
Now playing: Feist - 1234
via FoxyTunes

Robert Scoble ruminates about the limitations of Facebook, prompted by figures suggesting usage is falling, and also the experience of himself and others.

I’ve recently signed up to Facebook. I did so because my mother posted some photo’s there. Fair enough, I’m just proud that she is able to use a computer at all. Apart from my Mum’s lovely photo’s, I was predictably underwhelmed. Just not my cup of tea I suppose, but I would have probably been willing to persevere a little, until I started getting spam messages and email sent because someone wanted to ‘invite’ me to a game or questionnaire or some other distraction.

I ‘m just not interested in these things. Sure, I can see the benefits in the Social Networking aspect, but it needs more useful ways to use it, not more things that waste my time.

[Bonus Link] Eight Ways to Improve Your Online Networking.

—————-
Now playing: Cat Power - He War
via FoxyTunes

This morning, I was looking through my RSS feeds, and in particular was looking at the BoingBoing feed. There was an article there about a leaked Pentagon document drafted for the President which stated that if the USA didn’t start taking Global warming seriously there was going to be major global upheaval by the year 2020 (this was the gist of it as I remember…you’ll see why I can’t link or be more specific below).

As this was something I was interested in, but didn’t have the time to read it immediately, I opened the link in a new tab, so I could read it later.

However when I went to read it, all I had was a ‘404′ error. But I knew I wasn’t imagining this, as the browser still had the address for the post: http://www.boingboing.net/2008/02/23/pentagon-to-bush-cli.html (I am still getting the ‘404′ error).

So what happened? Was the post pulled? If so, why? Has big brother gotten involved? Perhaps it is something more benign, like BoingBoing’s CMS throwing up old articles (a Google search indicates that this has happened before, as recently as 2006), or am I just an idiot who has missed something really obvious? I’d love to know.

—————-
Now playing: Jane’s Addiction - Been Caught Stealing (12″ Remix Version)
via FoxyTunes

I’ve rather haphazardly followed the progress of the Tesla Electric Car, and this is the latest installment of that line of thought.

(Yes, I badly want one!)

TreeHugger recently had an article about the first one to roll off the production line. Obviously, ramping up production is a big challenge for the company - they apparently have well over 1,000 ordered. And at approximately US$100,000 each, they have lots of incentive to do so.

However, Robert Scoble has had the extreme pleasure of getting a ride in the very same car. It sounds awesome! And not to be sneezed at is Scoble’s observation that “…the Tesla only costs about three dollars to “fill up” with an electric charge that’ll last you more than 200 miles. Let’s put it this way, my Saturn only goes about 20 miles on gasoline that costs that much.”

Sounds Awesome!

[Bonus Link] Treehugger has another interesting post on the ongoing love affair with big, big, mostly stupid cars.

—————-
Now playing: Buzzcocks - Promises
via FoxyTunes

It looks like the weather is clearing, so I may be off to work for a late start this morning. So instead of making some more meaningful posts, I’m just going to dump a bunch of links here. Check them out if you’re interested.

Very, very interesting article by Kevin Kelly called Better than Free. Read this if you have any investment in the digital, online world. Also a great essay by Kevin here I’m yet to finish reading.

I’m a bit late with this, as its already started - record an album in 29 days (this month!).

Interesting Art Dept rules - reminiscent of the Desiderata

Rudy Gay thinks he can dunk a 12 foot ring in the upcoming NBA Slam Dunk contest.

Not sure if I have linked to this in the past, but here it is…the KLF burn a million pounds.

Interesting post on forgiveness, especially self forgiveness. I agree with much, but not all, of what the author says here.

Microsoft wants to buy Yahoo - I can’t help but think that this just smacks of desperation on the part of Microsoft. They’ll screw the pooch if this goes through. More links here and here.

—————-
Now playing: Weezer - Undone (The Sweater Song)
via FoxyTunes

Amazon is apparently going to launch their DRM free music store globally this year. It has the four ‘major’ labels, and a plethora of independent labels on board. And they’ll work with most devices, specifically of interest to me is the iPod.

Should be good.

—————-
Now playing: The Distillers - Seneca Falls
via FoxyTunes

Add to Technorati Favorites

—————-
Now playing: Front End Loader - Pulse
via FoxyTunes

Sun announced yesterday that they are acquiring the MySQL database platform. This is big news to followers and supporters of open software. Sun boss Jonathan Schwartz has the details on his blog. Even more importantly (and fairly predictably, I suppose) is that they are offering Global Support services for the MySQL platform. This will make it an even more attractive option to CTO’s and CIO’s of large organisations. I would imagine this is good news for Sun partners all over the world.

—————-
Now playing: Midnight Oil - US Forces
via FoxyTunes

I just read an article by one of my favorite tech authors, Bruce Schneier, on wired.com that asks if you run a security risk by leaving your home Wi-Fi open and free for others to use.

I’ve always left my Wi-Fi password protected etc at home, but I can see many good points to leaving it open. But I guess I’m still worried that something bad could happen. I’m not a tech guru, and I worry about doing things that could lead to something needing fixing later. In tech matters, I often take the path that less potential ’surprises’.

Nonetheless, after reading this article, I wonder if I do indeed have anything to worry about. As Bruce points out, the computer you (I) use needs to be secure regardless of whether we’re running Open or Closed Wi-Fi.

What do you security conscious techs out there think? I’d love to know. Jimbo? Ben?

P.S. dg pointed towards this online backup - has anyone used it, or have an educated opinion of the service?

[28/01/08] P.P.S. dg gives us reason #1 why mozy sucks.

—————-
Now playing: Powderfinger - Stumblin’
via FoxyTunes

I’ve just read a very interesting article in Rolling Stone on the “Loudness Wars” - a term applied to the practice of mastering new music really loud so it sounds punchy (and usually better as an MP3 and on MP3 players), but lacking in clarity, dynamic range, and ultimately, character.

If you care about the the music you listen to, it is worth a read. But if you’re in a hurry, at least take a look at this excellent short (under 2 minutes) video on Youtube that explains part of the issue. Do it now!

—————-
Now playing: Muse - Plug In Baby
via FoxyTunes