My goodness! It's been a while since I updated this pile, huh?

Since then, I have been to Hatcher Pass Lodge in Alaska for a friend's wedding. That was the weekend before Thanksgiving. The weather was fine (if you don't mind snow).

And, frankly, I've been up to Alaska twice in my life and both times were around Thanksgiving! Some day, I swear, I will get up there in the summer!

Apple - iBook G4 "speed bump"

Apple has released an upgraded iBook that now comes with a G4. It also comes with Panther.

The Register has reported (scroll down a few pages) that Sharp has begun shipments of its notebook with a 3D screen. The price isn't cheap, but it isn't out of line either.

The Register has a story about how the FTC's popular Do Not Call page hosts a one pixel by one pixel image: a popular tracking ploy that leads back to AT&T, "one of the most persistent telemarketers. "

Apple - Mac OS X (aka Panther) is scheduled for general availability on October 24th. $130. Ouch!

Now playing:
Definitive Jux Presents II

Apple - Mac OS X - Up-To-Date Programs gives purchasers of new G5 systems a chance to upgrade to "Panther" (aka OS X 10.3) when it is released for $20.

The Register reports that AMD, Intel and Apple have tested a new on-chip method of liquid cooling. If this works out well, it could mean that Apple will have a way of putting a G5 into a PowerBook chassis with sufficient cooling for the processor.

PlayStation 2: PSX Release Details comes from IGN.com's PS2 page.

For the uninitiated, the PSX is essentially a PS2 with a built-in HDD, network adapter, and TV tuner. So, a video game console + DVD player + PVR! It comes to Japan this Fall. It will hopefully come to the US next year.

Pitchfork: We Are The World has a review of the B-side off the first single for the upcoming Madlib/MF Doom collabo, Madvillain.

Now playing: Cannibal Ox "The Cold Vein". Def Jux!

Mac OS X 10.3 (aka Panther) has hit "Gold Master Status" and will hopefully see release later this month. There are some questions as to whether Apple will re-release OS X 10.2.8 since the release of 10.3 is so close.

The Register reports on the submission of a lawsuit in Los Angeles claiming damages due to security vulnerabilities in MS software which could be the basis for a class action suit.

So, I'm sitting here at work and doing my darnedest to apparently not do ANY work today. Instead I'm listening to Ninja Tune's Xen Cuts boxset. Tasty stuff.

So, there you have it.

Hughes Network Systems has announced the availability of its DW6000 satellite broadband modem. It's self-hosting (no software to load) and so it's compatible with Macintosh systems. Also, it's a two-way satellite broadband system so no phone line is needed. Good news for folks who can't get DSL or cable broadband due to location.

OpenOffice.org has made release 1.1 available for download. Now. Well? What are you waiting for? Go get it!

GameSpy.com - Hardware has a review of the newly announced ATI Radeon 9800XT and 9600XT. When these two cards ship, they will come with a free copy of "Half-Life 2" (once that game is released).

The Register reports that the recent problems for Cerulean Studio's Trillian users in attempting to access the Yahoo! instant messaging service may be an ongoing problem.

iBlog is blogging software from Lifli Software allows subscribers of Apple's .Mac service to easily create and manage a blog. Nifty!

Well, I've been "off the air" for the past 3 days. It was because my first daughter was born. It's been an amazing experience and I'm still trying to figure out how we ended up with such a pretty little girl. Well, at least I think so. :-)

GamePro.com has put up their "Hands-On" impressions for a preview build of the Spawn video game. It sounds good so far. I hope it survives to become a game worth playing and not just another licensed pile.

The worst of Sobig-F is over. This nifty articles also goes on to rank the worst viruses(? virii?) based on number of e-mails sent, etc. Interesting to read through.

The worst of Sobig-F is over. This nifty articles also goes on to rank the worst viruses(? virii?) based on number of e-mails sent, etc. Interesting to read through.

The Register reports that planning is in the works for an open-source operating system designed to replace Microsoft's Windows operating system. Wouldn't that be nice...

Apple has also unveiled new 20GB and 40GB versions of its popular iPod.

Apple has announced upgraded hardware for its iMac line of home computers. Some features of note include: 1.25GHz G4, USB 2.0 and nVidia GeForce FX 5200 graphics cards. Woo!

Pitchfork is reporting that the Univeral Music Group will unilaterally reduce CD prices to a list price of $12.98 possibly by October 1st. New CDs may be seen at retailers at prices around $10 and $12! Wow!

Currently listening to:
DJ Shadow Live in Austin

CMJ.com has a review of a new Teenage Fanclub retrospective called 4766 Seconds: A Short Cut To Teenage Fanclub. What's criminal is that there is only ONE song off "A Catholic Education" and 3 songs off "Bandwagonesque"! Oh well. I guess I probably won't be getting this...

Will Oldham has re-recorded some Palace Music/Songs/Brothers/Records classics in Nashville for an upcoming greatest hits compilation.

CDs and DVDs are DOOMED, at least according to a Forrester survey. Doomed! Doomed, I tells ya! Ha!

It appears that the Sony Playstation 3 (PS3) will be backward compatible with PS2 and PSOne games. Not surprising. Mmm.... PS3!

Apple has announced that it will not be participating in next summer's Macworld Expo when it moves to Boston. I don't think that this news is all that surprising, really...

The Register also makes mention of a magazine article in a Dutch PC magazine that tested CD-Rs from 30 manufacturers for longevity. The results weren't very good, apparently. But, I can't tell you more about the article because the page that gets pulled up is in Dutch...

The Register reports that due to a recent court ruling in Chicago, Microsoft may be forced to make changes to its Internet Explorer browser. Apparently, Microsoft has even spoken to the W3C about how it might proceed.

According to this preview article on IGN.com, The Simpsons: Hit and Run might actually be a Simpsons-based video game that's worth playing! A first! I hope so.

The Register reports that The Webcaster Alliance has filed suit against the RIAA for anti-competitive behavior. Yes! Finally!

Pitchfork Media has put up their review of Broadcast's latest full-length, "Haha Sound". I already have the limited edition bound copy of the CD. The packaging is very nice. The album is great as well!

Currently playing:
The Neptunes The Neptunes Present... Clones

Mmm hmm! Soul Calibur II comes out this week for GCN, Xbox, and PS2!!!

bash is new default terminal shell in Panther | MacNN News

That's right. Panther will default to bash instead of tcsh. Though, really, in having used both of them regularly for a few years now, either would be fine with me. I'm comfortable in both. But, it also doesn't matter much to me at the moment, because I don't have a machine running OS X!

eBay item 2749159762 - Hercules 3D Prophet 9700 Pro, 128MB, 8x AGP is something I'm selling. If'n you're interested, please bid!

In other news, I heard that Wesley Willis passed away yesterday. That man wrote some great songs. A true genius. He'll be missed for sure.

Commentary on why the GPL will stand up in court.

Currently listening to:
Brother Ali Shadows On The Sun

Ooh! New PowerBook updates could be announced. Maybe as early as sometime this week!

The Register reports that Apple has begun shipping pre-ordered G5s to customers! Big news that!

In other news, you'll see fewer updates from me for a bit. I'm in the midst of a fantasy football draft.

The Register reports that Microsoft is re-releasing Office v.X for Mac OS X and is throwing in a copy of Virtual PC 6.1 with it. Also, Entourage was recently updated to provide connectivity with MS Exchange servers.

oldSpeak commentary on the candidacy of Howard Dean.

The Register also has a story on a new mousing technology (tilt wheel technology) to hit the markets on Sept. 3 of this year.

The Register has a column today by Andrew Orlowski commenting on the IBM counter-suit of SCO and how this case may well put the GPL under scrutiny in the court of law.

The Register reports that IBM has filed a countersuit against SCO in attempting to protect its own intellectual property.

It's about freakin' time!

The Register has a nifty story about how the US Navy, through Lockheed Martin, are buying 260 customized Apple Xserve servers running Yellow Dog Linux through Terra Soft Solutions.

Currently playing:
DUB Sessions

Current track:
Glen Brown & King Tubby Wicked Tumbling (Version)

Pitchfork: Pitchfork Media's review of the Mya single "My Love is Like... Wo".

Tasty! Same with the video for it, too. Wo!

Indie rock critic loves the pop radio beats! And how can you not? Most of the tracks listed there are definitely worth the mention. Personally, though, I could do without the Beyonce & Jay-Z track...

Dead Man's Hand is a FPS for the Xbox that takes place in the Wild West. Due out near the end of this year. From the aformentioned preview, the game sounds like lots of fun! Hopefully, it actuall IS a lot of fun. Something that can't be said for many games once they're released...

The Register has a report that an open source alternate for MS Exchange is in the works. OpenGroupware.org is a sister project to OpenOffice.org. Yay!

IGN.com reports that Infinium Labs is looking for beta testers for their Phantom gaming console...

This is pretty nifty. It's my dad's (very) belated Father's Day and birthday present. I hope to get it setup and tested tonight so I can give it to him soon. If you're in the need for something similar, please check these folks out. Prices are competitive with domestic (US) DVD players, too.

PSP Specs Revealed at IGN.com. The PSP is Sony's upcoming handheld gaming platform (like a GameBoy, etc.).

The Register has an interesting opinion piece by Mark Rasch, a former head of the Justice Department's computer crime unit, and now Senior Vice President and Chief Security Counsel at Solutionary Inc., about some of the legal myths behind US copywright law as it pertains to P2Ps and music filesharing.

Sigur Ros to join Bjork and Bonnie "Prince" Billy for two dates in Brooklyn this summer!

Currenlty playing:
The Notwist Neon Golden

I have a lightsaber!

Currently listening to:
Fennesz Endless Summer

Broadcast have announced fall US tour dates. New album should be due out August 12th!

The Register has a story about a recent subpoena sent to MIT by the RIAA. MIT has refused to comply with the subpoena for the time being. Yay!

Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic (aka KOTOR) is what my free time is all about these days. Xbox and PC-only.

Bioware's page for this game is here.

Currently playing:
Pole Pole

SCO v. IBM. Good analysis here.

Also, please push a link similar to the one I've made above to "SCO" to bump the page up in Google, etc.

Currently playing:
Christ Metamorphic Reproduction Miracle

In the consumption department, recent arrivals from Forced Exposure:
Christ. Metamorphic Reproduction Material.
Fennesz Endless Summer
Pole Pole

Currently rotating:
Christ. Metamorphic Reproduction Material.

Out of boredom (which is stupid because I have plenty to do), I rearranged some of the links to the left.

Currently rotating:
Pernice Brothers Yours, Mine, and Ours

In other Linux news, this article at The Register indicates that Red Hat will soon be dropping distribution of their Linux via shrinkwrapped boxes in retail outlets.

According to this article at InformationWeek, it appears that SCO is after every nickel and dime they can get. SCO is now threatening LINUX end-users that until they purchase a UnixWare license, they are running an "unlicensed" copy of LINUX.

The Register has a report from gamesindustry.biz that indicates that while Xbox is ahead of Nintendo in the console market, it sure as heck isn't by more than a slim margin... The Xbox's biggest market is the US (not surprising) and Nintendo's biggest market is Japan (again, not surprising). And, it goes to show again that Sony is still the king in every market.

But, really, it doesn't matter much to me since I have all three! Yay!

The Register also reports that Canadian notebook maker Voodoo claims to have the first mobile PC with a "modular, upgradeable graphics subsystem."

The Register reports that Netscape is, effectively, dead.

According to this story, Infinium Labs will be unveiling their Phantom gaming console next month. Will it make it past the "vaporware" stage?

It's not a virus, but it sure is malicious...

And, an interesting commentary on why virus hoax e-mails continue to persist.

On July 25th, 2003, Minnesota Public Radio will be broadcasting an American RadioWorks documentary on the Korean War (it's the 50th anniversary of the end of war).

A Pixie's reunion?!? That could be so cool!

A videogame about being a dog!

10 player motion capture for a basketball videogame? Whoa!

According to this story at MacNN.com, Phish recommends Safari to view its latest revision of the band's website over other browsers. Nifty!

According to The Register, the folks at ZoneLabs will be fixing a bug in ZoneAlarm in the next couple of weeks.

Also, according to this story at The Register, Tadpole Computers is offering the SPARCLE(r), a SPARC-powered laptop computer for under $3,000 USD. Boy, that'd be a nifty toy to have for work.

I'm so sleepy... Good thing my friend coffee is here to help me out with that problem!

The "Madden killer"?

Sega has revealed what they are hoping will give them an edge over EA's Madden football video game franchise, first-person perspective! Intriguing to say the least. Whether it gives them that edge over the EA juggernaut is another question.

The only time I played Sega's NFL franchise was NFL 2K1 on Dreamcast. It was a good game. It was the only football game available to me at the time because I didn't have a Playstation2 yet...

By the way, Sega has renamed their sports franchises as "ESPN _____" (Football, Baseball, etc.) with tighter integration of ESPN's presentation.

Now rotating: Ed Rush & Optical The Original Doctor Shade

Maybe you knew this already - I'm pretty sure I read that it would be the case a couple weeks ago... "Panther" (Mac OSX 10.3) will not be a 64-bit OS.

Which doesn't matter since you'll still have to shell out money for the upgrade. It looks like the new G5s will most likely ship with OSX 10.2.7 (codenamed "Smeagol").

Nintendo of America VP claims that "consumers are not ready for online gaming"... So, while Nintendo supports 3rd party online titles. It has no plans to produce its own online titles for the current generation of equipment (GameCube and Gameboy Advances).

Some handy grammar rules thanks to Penny Arcade.

The Register has an interesting story about how a "black box" attached to a car's airbag deployment system helped convict a drunk driver to prison for 30 years. The defense lawyer claimed the driver was going 60 MPH in a 30 MPH zone. The airbag system's black box indicated that the car was travelling at 114 MPH just prior to impact and deployment.

Your car owes you no allegiance!

Mozilla 1.4 is out. Get on it!

Legalizing spam?

According to this article posted at The Register, a bill currently making its way through Congress in the US would legalize OPT-OUT spamming versus the less intrusive method of opting in to receive e-mailed solicitations.

Can you say, "Stop!!!!"?

News to me... Apparently Casady & Greene are shuttering their doors on July 3rd. I've been a dedicated user of Conflict Catcher for a few years now. Plus, they had that great SoundJam MP MP3 software. Sad day...

According to an article at The Register, there is a security vulnerability in the freeware version of ZoneLabs' ZoneAlarm firewalling software.

Keep your eyes open for unexpected requests for access from ZoneAlarm...

Hmmm... Rush Limbaugh doesn't like the politics of Apple's leaders... Boo freakin' hoo!

Don't forget that you can now register for a national "Do Not Call" list for telemarketers (in the US). There's probably loopholes galore, but it's a good start. Oh, yeah, it's busier than all get out!

Now rotating:
Horace Andy Feel Good All Over: Anthology 1970-1976

Please, PLEASE!!! Please stop the madness that is the nth PLEDGE DRIVE of the year at Minnesota Public Radio.

-signed
A current member.

Thanks to ServuStats.com for a wonderfully full-featured (and FREE) site stats counter.

Thanks to /., I was referred to an article with a pretty straightforward explanation of how Bayesian filtering works in attempting to rid your e-mail of SPAM. There's even a pointer to a drop-in Bayesian filter for Outlook 2000 and Outlook XP. Too bad for me, I am still using Outlook 98...

At least the Mozilla mail program implements a Bayesian SPAM filter. Which reminds me... I should probably download the 1.4 RC 3 (Release Candidate 3) release of Mozilla.

Currently rotating:

Bob Marley & The Wailers Live at the Roxy

Some tasty music news today...

The Silver Mt. Zion Memorial Orchestra & Tra-la-la Band With Choir "This Is Our Punk-Rock," Thee Rusted Satellites Gather +Sing

cst027 2xlp/cd

25 august 2003: europe/uk

02 september 2003: asia/australia/n.america

Now spinning: The London Suede The London Suede

Lordy, do I love the Pitchfork Media website some days... Like today! They have a great article listing the 20 worst post-breakup bands. There are some choice ones in there too.

Currently rotating: The Stone Roses The Stone Roses

D'oh! I'm such a space case!

Uh... Currently playing is Radiohead Hail To The Thief.

Oh, also, Kozyndan rock!

Well, thanks to my wonderful wife, I now have my first copy of Epoxy. Specifically, Epoxy 3 by John Pham. I haven't had a chance to read it yet. But, I paged through it rather quickly. Looked pretty cool! I think this was something recommended to me by Rachel at Atomic Books. You should check them out for some cool stuff that's always worth the time to read.

OK, I'm going to try and be a bit more diligent about including what I'm currently rocking out to in my future posts...

Thanks to a friend of mine in Madison, WI, I was turned onto Broken Social Scene and their current album, "You Forgot It In People". Some great rockin' stuff.

Mmm hmm!

It looks like OpenOffice has brought the Mac OSX version out of Beta. The 1.0 GM (General Master) is available for download here. Looks like support for right-to-left languages will not be included until release 1.1 (due sometime this fall). Oh, yeah, the download is 170MB! 56K beware!

As you may or may not know, Apple has finally announced the new PowerMac G5. I'll leave it to you to figure out what the specs are for this sleek new machine.

According to this article at The Register (one of my favorite sites for daily tech news), Steve Jobs is saying that we can expect a 3GHz G5 in about 12 months time. I guess we'll see.

Well, I guess I'm late on this bandwagon... Not surprising. I'm always late on these sorts of things. Mostly because I'm lazy! For those keeping score, primarily me, this is the 2nd revision to my personal webspace. But, it's also the umpteenth attempt at making something useful out of this space.

We'll see how long this lasts...

I would like to give many thanks to the BLOGGER people for this wonderful software.

Rock. On.

End transmission...