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Torque game engine for the iPhone. Licensing seems to be design

Torque for the iPhone is licensed on a per-title basis, raising concerns about its pricing structure. This model may lead to an increase in low-quality games flooding the iPhone marketplace, sparking discussions about the potential impact on the overall quality of mobile gaming experiences.

Fascinating quote by Linus Torvalds.

Linus Torvalds critiques a subset of security professionals, labeling them as extreme and dismissive of other important aspects. He uses a provocative analogy to express his disdain for the OpenBSD community, suggesting their intense focus on security overshadows other priorities. The quote highlights differing perspectives within the tech world regarding security practices.

I don't even want to imagine, how an i911 would turn out for th

In a discussion about the aftermath of 9/11, Lessig questioned Clarke on the potential existence of an 'i-Patriot Act,' designed for a hypothetical 'cyber-9/11.' Clarke confirmed such a proposal does exist, hinting it may not sit well with internet pioneers like Vint Cerf, raising concerns about implications for the web.

I love this story

During the Great Depression, Ernest Gallo offered a New York buyer two identical red wines at different prices: five cents and ten cents. The buyer chose the ten-cent option, highlighting the desire for identity over tangible differences. This story underscores how consumer behavior often revolves around image rather than substance, reflecting deeper psychological motivations.

Star Wars - The Clone Wars

Orson Welles reportedly urged his loved ones to prevent Ted Turner from altering “Citizen Kane” with colorization. This raises concerns about the future of George Lucas's legacy with each new Star Wars sequel. The implications of altering classic cinema provoke questions about artistic integrity and preservation in media history.

oh so true

Programmers often engage in procrastination, filling time with distractions like coffee breaks, checking emails, and browsing tech news. This pattern can consume the workday, yet many still manage to produce valuable software. The reflection raises questions about productivity and effectiveness in programming routines.

Dan Gilbert (Stumbling on Happiness) on the task of social psyc

Dan Gilbert discusses the challenge in mobilizing public outrage over climate change compared to other issues. He suggests the lack of a clear target to blame, such as individuals’ own behaviors, diminishes the urgency to protest. This highlights the complexities of addressing climate change as a collective responsibility rather than pinpointing specific culprits.

Insightfull comment from Wil Shipley which just about fits me i

Wil Shipley shares his perspective on being single, citing two main reasons: being very selective and expressing admiration for women directly by calling them 'goddess' instead of being indifferent. This candid observation resonates with those who find themselves navigating similar dating challenges.

From a Get-a-Mac Add

The blog discusses the concept that fear of switching platforms is a key driver of customer loyalty for PC users, referencing a line from a Get-a-Mac advertisement. This fear complicates the decision-making process for potential switchers, highlighting the marketing strategies employed by tech companies to maintain their user base.

Ubiquity, a new Firefox extension from Mozilla Labs

Ubiquity, a new Firefox extension from Mozilla Labs, offers an innovative command interface for web content manipulation and services. It functions similarly to desktop launcher tools but emphasizes web interactions, allowing users to alter webpage content, manipulate the browser interface, load pages in new tabs, and receive notifications. This development could sway users toward Firefox.

Most users are idiots

A study reveals that users often disregard warnings in Windows dialogs due to over-familiarity, leading to increased susceptibility to security threats such as viruses and phishing. This tendency highlights a significant gap in user awareness and understanding, particularly among those lacking technical knowledge.

New Sascha Cohen Movie

Patrons flocked to a Convention Center event advertised as cage fighting, drawn by promotions of 'hot girls' and affordable drinks. However, they were met with signs about being filmed, as the event turned unexpectedly homosexual. Attendees reacted by throwing chairs and beer at the performers, highlighting the stark contrast between expectations and reality.

An American moving to Hamburg

Upon arriving in Hamburg, I was struck by the city's divergence from my expectations of traditional European history. Instead of gothic architecture and artistic struggles, I encountered a stark reality that felt dissonant with my vision of the city. This experience sparked deep reflections on life as an expatriate in this vibrant yet complex urban landscape.

Mark Shuttleworth puts it spot-on

Mark Shuttleworth emphasizes the challenges of monetizing the desktop market, advocating for a business model that avoids licensing fees. He believes this approach is essential for success in a competitive landscape.

Very nice essay on the differences between operating a startup

Operating a startup starkly contrasts a traditional job. The intense scrutiny in selecting co-founders and the effort required to nurture those relationships are often surprising. Additionally, the extreme highs and lows of startup life offer unparalleled freedom, differing greatly from the more stable environment of regular employment. Discover more about these fundamental differences.

As mentioned earlier, I fear the same

Palm's WebOS, running on the Palm Pre, currently holds 0 percent market share and is projected to reach only 1.4 percent in the next three years. Analysts predict that Palm may not survive in the competitive smartphone market, particularly as Google’s free Android reduces its appeal as an acquisition target. Concerns grow around Palm’s longevity in the industry.

Is Apple after the newspapers?

Steve Jobs revolutionized the music industry by introducing iTunes, which provided a legal way to purchase music online, effectively resuscitating it during a time when piracy dominated. This innovation parallels my belief that Apple might similarly transform the declining newspaper industry with the launch of their upcoming tablet.

Liberalism, Atheism, and IQ

Current research indicates a statistically significant correlation between liberalism, atheism, and intelligence. This relationship highlights how new and different ideas can challenge established religious beliefs, which often prioritize permanence. The findings contribute to ongoing discussions about the intersections of belief systems and cognitive abilities.

Addendum to my last post

Mr. Tevanian, the lead architect of Mac OS X, reflects on whether Microsoft could revamp Windows as Apple did. He expresses skepticism about Microsoft's capability, suggesting that the change was essential for Apple's survival. This insight highlights the challenges companies face when considering major overhauls of their operating systems.

On Literary Criticism

Literary criticism has become increasingly complex, leading to confusion within the field itself. This convoluted landscape raises questions about clarity and understanding in literary analysis. An exploration of this intricate idea space invites deeper reflection on the challenges faced by critics today.

ars technica on why Apple won't buy AMD

Apple's approach to acquisitions focuses on fostering growth in emerging markets rather than maintaining revenue in established ones. This strategy suggests that a purchase of AMD is unlikely, as it does not align with Apple's vision for future development. The implications of this stance highlight the contrasting priorities between the two tech giants.

Paul Graham on Addiction

The increasing addictiveness of technology continues to shape our lives, leading to a struggle against distractions. As individuals strive for productivity, they will find themselves increasingly defined by their ability to say no to these temptations. Paul Graham explores the implications of this trend in detailing the challenges of maintaining focus in an addiction-prone environment.

Simon Funk's online novel After Life depicts (among other plot

Simon Funk's novel After Life explores the extinction of humanity, not through traditional means, but via the rise of artificial children that outshine biological ones in appeal and desirability. The story suggests a chilling scenario where humans are effectively 'marketed out of existence' as society gravitates towards these more charming alternatives.

Twitter is projected to reach a valuation exceeding $1 billion, indicating significant potential for growth in the social media landscape. The company plans to reveal its business model in early next year, hinting at a strategic direction that could further enhance its market position.