OMG! Did Google Earth find Atlantis?

Google is officially denying widespread Internet rumors that its Google Earth software located the mythical sunken city of Atlantis off the coast of Africa. Either that, or Google is totally trying to hide something. Since I always appreciate a nice juicy conspiracy theory, I'm going to go with the latter.From what it sounds like, a British aeronautical engineer was playing around with the new Google Earth 5.0, which includes undersea data, and noticed something funny off the coast of Africa, about 600 miles west of the Canary Islands, that resembled a pattern of a street grid. According to the United Kingdom's Press Association, the pattern of streets equated to an area the size of Wales. (McCarthy, 2009)

The images you think Google took, are in fact computer generated topographic maps based on the sonar data received from ships and aircraft. If these were true images, then you would not see the bottom of the ocean, rather the surface and maybe 10m down.

McCarthy, Caroline (2009,2,18). OMG! Did Google Earth find Atlantis?. Retrieved February 20, 2009, from wired.com Web site: http://news.cnet.com/8301-13577_3-10168269-36.html?tag=newsEditorsPicksArea.0

Oh, Hubble, Can This Really Be the End?

The spectacular collision between two satellites on Feb. 10 could make the shuttle mission to fix the Hubble Space Telescope too risky to attempt.Before the collision, space junk problems had already upped the Hubble mission's risk of a "catastrophic impact" beyond NASA's usual limits, Nature's Geoff Brumfiel reported today, and now the problem will be worse.Mark Matney, an orbital debris specialist at the Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas told the publication that even before the collision, the risk of an impact was 1 in 185, which was "uncomfortably close to unacceptable levels" and the satellite collision "is only going to add on to that." (Madrigal, 2009)

There was a project to put an automated satelite in orbit that would use a kevlar net to collect space junk, then basically tie wrap it shut, and a small rocket would drop it to a very rapidly failing orbit, so that the junk would burn up, but no one would fund the project.

Madrigal, Alexis (2009,2,18). Oh, Hubble, Can This Really Be the End?. Retrieved February 20, 2009, from wired.com Web site: http://blog.wired.com/wiredscience/2009/02/gonehubblegone.html

Nokia to Sell Phones With Skype Software

Internet calling company Skype has secured a deal with Nokia under which the world's biggest phone maker will preload Skype software into some of its new smartphones starting from the third quarter of this year.Skype, whose technology has allowed legions of consumers to make practically free long-distance calls over the Internet on fixed lines, has been moving into the mobile arena with deals with operators such as Hutchison Whampoa's 3. (BARCELONA (Reuters), 2009)

Will Skype Mobile finally allow Skypeout and Skypein over Wifi rather than a cellphone data plan?
That is where the user can really save money and so far Skype has deliberately crippled that feature.

BARCELONA (Reuters), BARCELONA (Reuters) (2009,2,19). Nokia to Sell Phones With Skype Software. Retrieved February 20, 2009, from wired.com Web site: http://www.wired.com/techbiz/media/news/2009/02/reuters_us_mobile_fair_skype_interview

Feds Propose Storing Internet User Data for 2 Years

Among other things, it demands: "A provider of an electronic communication service or remote computing service shall retain for a period of at least two years all records or other information pertaining to the identity of a user of a temporarily assigned network address the service assigns to that user." (Kravetz, 2009)

And I suppose they should hire proctors to sit in our homes with us, to check out what stories we read in the newspaper, and how we like to spend our time.This is a ridiculous invasion of privacy. I seriously hope the US does not pass it, and that it doesn't make its way to surrounding nations.

David , Kravetz (2009,2,20). Feds Propose Storing Internet User Data for 2 Years. Retrieved February 20, 2009, from wired.co Web site: http://blog.wired.com/27bstroke6/2009/02/feds-propose-st.html

With Landmark Trial Half Over, Pirate Bay Crew Celebrates Early Victories

STOCKHOLM -- As the landmark trial of The Pirate Bay wrapped up its first week Friday, the prosecutor fought to tie the last two defendants to the daily operation of the world's most notorious filesharing site.Four defendants in all are accused of contributory copyright infringement for allegedly deliberately facilitating the making available of copyrighted works to the public. Establishing intent is crucial for a crime to have been committed under Swedish law, and the prosecutor and civil plaintiffs have tried to show that the overriding purpose of The Pirate Bay is to encourage unlawful sharing of copyrighted material. (Wired Staff, 2009)

Saying a file sharing site is at fault for people sharing stuff they shouldn't is like saying a government is guilty of murder whenever someone is killed on their soil.It's not the fault of a service provider when someone finds a way to use their service illegally. Nor is it their responsibility to do other industries police work for them.

Wired Staff, Wired Staff (2009,2,20). With Landmark Trial Half Over, Pirate Bay Crew Celebrates Early Victories. Retrieved February 20, 2009, from wired.com Web site: http://blog.wired.com/27bstroke6/2009/02/pirate-bay-pros.html

Samsung's Blue Earth solar phone is ultra-green

I have a few friends (who shall remain nameless) who are often unreachable because they don't charge their phones when they should. These same friends should look into the new Samsung Blue Earth, which is to be unveiled in a couple days at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona.The phone is green, despite its blue color, and it's not just the integrated solar panels that make it so. The Blue Earth is made of recycled plastic, features a pedometer, and even software that reaffirms just how much you're helping the planet by using it. If Al Gore had one of these mobile devices in hand, it would likely explode. (Hickey, 2009)

I wonder whether the solar panels are really functional solar panels or if they are just a marketing gimmick. I don?t see that little solar panel powering a color touch screen phone for any useable amount of time or charging a lithium polymer battery without baking the phone in the sun for 2 weeks.

Hickey, Matt (2009,2,13). Samsung's Blue Earth solar phone is ultra-green. Retrieved February 14, 2009, from wired.com Web site: http://news.cnet.com/8301-17938_105-10164232-1.html?tag=newsEditorsPicksArea.0

Gmail's New 'Add Location' Feature Is Too Honest

Most of Google's web-based tools are all about empowering users, but the latest release from Gmail Labs is actually a step backward in that regard: Turn it on, and you give up your ability to easily lie about where you are.The various enhancements to Google's free e-mail service have been arriving at a furious rate -- we've seen Sync for mobiles, Multiple Inboxes and Tasks in recent weeks, and we love just about all of them. But we're dubious of this latest feature, which adds a text string announcing your physical location to your signature in Gmail. (Calore, 2009)

I'm wondering about something here. When the idea for this application was introduced, surely the "business oriented" people at Google had to put their heads together and evaluate whether or not this would be a truly desired application. Was it worth it to spend the energy on developing this? Would enough people truly want to use this application? Did they decide to create and release this application to see the response?So far the responses here seem to indicate that it's not desired, you can turn it off and problems of trust are going to arise if you do turn it off.I for one wouldn't want a device that could let ANYONE track my every move. It's no one's business 'where' I'm at.

Calore, Michael (2009,2,13). Gmail's New 'Add Location' Feature Is Too Honest. Retrieved February 14, 2009, from wired.com Web site: http://blog.wired.com/business/2009/02/gmails-new-add.html

Twitter Could 'Go for Years' Without Earning a Dime, Investor Says

Apparently, Twitter doesn't need a business plan. At least not for years to come."We've got a ton of cash. We have far more cash then we need, so I'm not in any hurry," said Todd Chaffee, General Partner at Institutional Venture Partners, or IVP.Chaffee, in an interview with Wired.com, says the microblogging service that is the darling of the social media set — and the object of a persistent drumbeat of questions about how and when it will actually earn any money — is well north of $50 million on the balance sheet. And that, he said, can last them for years. (Snyder, 2009)

I would have taken the $50 million and retired. The Youtube guys are sitting on an island somewhere, drinking cocktails and talking about how awesome they are, the Twitter folk are fools not to do the same.

Snyder, Chris (2009,2,13). Twitter Could 'Go for Years' Without Earning a Dime, Investor Says. Retrieved February 14, 2009, from wired.com Web site: http://blog.wired.com/business/2009/02/twitter-still-l.html

Heath Ledger Fans Call for Joker's Retirement From Film

Heath Ledger's flawless acting, and tragic passing, immortalized his portrayal of the Joker in Christopher Nolan's Batman blockbuster The Dark Knight. But should Ledger's killer clown be the last Joker to grace the big screen?That's what the fanboys over at a new site called The Ultimate Joker are arguing. They've launched a petition calling for studios to withdraw the character for good from any future Batman movies, a somewhat strange request given all the actors who have stepped into the Joker's murderous shoes on screens large and small. (Thill , 2009)

All the other Jokers seemed clownish compared to Heath Ledger's spot on Joker that was so convincing that I doubt anyone would be able to do justice in protraying the dastardly villian.
My vote is to move on and find another arch villian for the Cape Crusader to trounce.
But knowing the idiots in Hollywood, they'll try and fail.

Thill , Scott (2009,2,9). Heath Ledger Fans Call for Joker's Retirement From Film. Retrieved February 14, 2009, from wired.com Web site: http://blog.wired.com/underwire/2009/02/heath-ledger-nu.html

Why Google's Software Update Tool Is Evil

The recently released desktop app Google Earth 5 contained a little surprise for many Mac OS X users — it installed Google's automated Update Engine without clearly asking.Worse, the latest version of Google Earth won't work without the Update Engine running in the background. (Gilbertson, 2009)

I find it awfully ironic that an Apple user is complaining about this considering that it is the same crap Apple has been doing for years with their Windows-based iTunes client.You don't want QuickTime in order to buy music?! That's just insane. You have to have it and it must preload every time you boot your computer. You heard the new version of our client is buggy? Too bad. If you want to listen to your downloads you must download our update.

Gilbertson, Scott (2009,2,13). Why Google's Software Update Tool Is Evil. Retrieved February 14, 2009, from wired.com Web site: http://blog.wired.com/business/2009/02/why-googles-sof.html

Police use Wii to create wanted poster

How closely does your Mii resemble the real you?
I ask only because it seems that police in Japan decided to dispense with the services of a sketch artist--who knows, perhaps he was too temperamental--and used a Wii to create their own impression of a man they wanted to question.The Mii feature on Wii allows you to create your own avatarish persona on games such as Wii Sports. So the wise policemen in the Kanegawa prefecture apparently decided they could swiftly create a Mii of a man who may have been involved in a hit-and-run road accident. (Chris , 2009)

You can create remarkably accurate looking Mii's, so it is no surprise that police have started using it.A drawing from a sketch artist is likely to be a little more accurate, but that of course requires a skilled sketch artist whereas this can be done by pretty much anyone.Plus, a Mii on a poster would be more likely to catch my eye versus a police sketch that I would most likely ignore.

Matyszczyk, Chris (2009,2,5). Police use Wii to create wanted poster. Retrieved February 7, 2009, from wired.com Web site: http://news.cnet.com/8301-17852_3-10159129-71.html?tag=mncol

Italian soccer star to sue Facebook

One of the world's most famous soccer players, Alessandro del Piero of the Juventus club in Italy, is said to be suing Facebook.He is distressed because of a Facebook profile that purports to be his (it features his name and image) and carries links to Nazi propaganda sites.Fascist symbolism has a long history in Italian soccer. If you've ever been to a home game of the Lazio club in Rome, you might believe that, for certain fans, Mussolini is alive and well and living on the Mediterranean Coast. (Matyszczyk, 2009)

Impersonating someone on Facebook is a violation if its terms of service. Wiping out the account will be as simple as pushing a button. Incidentally, a recent court case in the U.S. about a mother who created a bogus account which indirectly led to a teenager's suicide, has determined that violating a website's TOS = the Federal crime of hacking. The bogus account holder better hope he isn't in the U.S.

Matyszczyk, Chris (2009,2,5). Italian soccer star to sue Facebook. Retrieved February 7, 2009, from wired.com Web site: http://news.cnet.com/8301-17852_3-10159147-71.html?tag=newsLatestHeadlinesArea.0

Microsoft to tweak Windows 7 settings

n a reversal, Microsoft said on Thursday that it will make changes to the way a controversial security feature works in Windows 7.After getting lots of feedback that Windows Vista too often prompted users to approve changes, Microsoft had decided in Windows 7 to prompt users less frequently. However, in recent days, some enthusiasts and security experts warned that the specific changes Microsoft planned to make with Windows 7 could put users at risk.Microsoft initially downplayed the risks and defended its choices around the User Account Control feature. On Thursday, though, the company's two top Windows engineers said the company will make some modifications in response to the outcry. (Fried, 2009)

*applause applause*
I'm glad the outcry over this situation got Microsoft to change their mind. After all, it's a fundamental staple of security for users to know when malicious software is trying to alter their basic security settings.

Fried, Ina (200,2,5). Microsoft to tweak Windows 7 settings. Retrieved February 7, 2009, from wired.com Web site: http://news.cnet.com/beyond-binary/?authorId=118&tag=mncol;txt

14-Year-Old Breaks Guitar Hero III Record

Danny Johnson, a 14-year-old from Texas, is the latest gamer to break a world record in Activision's Guitar Hero III, earning himself an endorsement deal in the process.Johnson managed to pull down 973,954 points on Dragonforce's "Through The Fire And Flames" during a "media-sponsored" event at a Best Buy in New York City, topping the previous record of 899,703 set by Minnesota's Chris Chike, reports The New York Times. (Earnest , 2009)

Show me a 14 year old playing the ACTUAL song on and ACTUAL guitar and I'd pay to see that. Beyond that, it's another videogame junkie, good at his videogame.

Cavalli, Earnest (2009,2,5). 14-Year-Old Breaks Guitar Hero III Record. Retrieved February 7, 2009, from wired.com Web site: http://blog.wired.com/games/2009/02/video-14-year-o.html

Digital Overload Is Frying Our Brains

Paying attention isn't a simple act of self-discipline, but a cognitive ability with deep neurobiological roots — and this complex faculty, says Maggie Jackson, is being woefully undermined by how we're living.In Distracted: The Erosion of Attention and the Coming Dark Age, Jackson explores the effects of "our high-speed, overloaded, split-focus and even cybercentric society" on attention. It's not a pretty picture: a never-ending stream of phone calls, e-mails, instant messages, text messages and tweets is part of an institutionalized culture of interruption, and makes it hard to concentrate and think creatively.Of course, every modern age is troubled by its new technologies. "The telegraph might have done just as much to the psyche [of] Victorians as the Blackberry does to us," said Jackson. "But at the same time, that doesn't mean that nothing has changed. The question is, how do we confront our own challenges?" (Keim, 2009)

I would be worried but for the fact that most of the brilliant minds I know have trouble focusing on the outside world. Getting lost in code, lab work or theory is easy for them. I have observed distraction to be a problem for people who do not involved in vital infrastructure.

Keim, Brandon (2009,2,6). Digital Overload Is Frying Our Brains. Retrieved February 7, 2009, from wired.com Web site: http://blog.wired.com/wiredscience/2009/02/attentionlost.html

Guilty Plea: Blind Hacker Admits Harassment, Eavesdropping, Fraud

A legally blind Massachusetts phone hacker admitted this week to federal computer intrusion and witness intimidation charges that could put him away for as long as 13 years.Matthew Weigman, 18, pleaded guilty to two felonies before U.S. Magistrate Judge Paul D. Stickney in Dallas on Tuesday. Known in the telephone party-line scene as "Li'l Hacker," Weigman is widely considered one of the best phone hackers alive. (Poulsen, 2009)

As much as I admire this guy,using your hacking abilities to harass people is just sick.Now the only reason I admire this guy,is that he was able to hack phone networks(phonephreaking as its called in the scene) while being "legally" blind.The only thing i want to do is find out how blind he was,you know do a test(wave my finger across his face or something),'cause nowadays it's mad easy to be "legally" disabled(having a broken toe).

Poulsen, Kevin (200,,30). Guilty Plea: Blind Hacker Admits Harassment, Eavesdropping, Fraud. Retrieved January 31, 2009, from wired.com Web site: http://blog.wired.com/27bstroke6/2009/01/guilty-plea-bli.html

House Kills Digital TV Delay; Still Set for Feb. 17

The House, led by minority Republicans, killed a bill Tuesday that would have delayed the nation's switchover to digital television by four months. The legislative sideshow threatened to push back the rollout until June 12 (not really, but read on) which is now still on track to occur Feb. 17 -- ready or not.And while the bill would not have exactly solved the readiness issue it is a virtual certainty now that something in the neighborhood of 6 million U.S. homes will be seeing snow instead of their favorite programs on the family set in less than three weeks -- unless this inaction by Congress somehow spurs tremendous behavior modification by analog stragglers to do the things they haven't bothered to do for the past three years. (C Abell, 2009)

I told you(read my blog,you'll what im talking about),congress wouldn't let this bill pass,it was just too ridiculous.Those hillbilles aren't gonna stall what i've been for so long(2 years).Seriously,how much time do you need?How hard is it to get up and go to your local CircuitCity(broke now) I mean best buy and get one of those converter boxes?You can't say you forgot cause those digital commercials are annoyingly on all day.Anyways,I win you lose.

C Abell, John (2009,1,28). House Kills Digital TV Delay; Still Set for Feb. 17. Retrieved January 31, 2009, from wired.com Web site: http://blog.wired.com/business/2009/01/house-kills-dig.html

Google warns entire Internet is malware

TechCrunch and CNET reported around 7 a.m. PST that every site found via Google search was flagged with this message: "This site may harm your computer." As part of Google's malware protection, clicking on a flagged site's link would pull up an additional warning. Although a link could simply be cut and paste, Google's warning was unnerving enough to keep some people from pushing their luck. (Weinstein, 2009)

Of course the only thing that could possibly bring down Google are humans(useless.just kidding,chill).It's normal for searchengines to have a little hiccup once in a while even if it is google,so what im saying now is,Goggle im still cool with you..The only thing im bummed about is that I wasn't online to see a giant fall, at least for a second.

Weinstein, Natalie (2009,1,31). Google warns entire Internet is malware. Retrieved January 31, 2009, from wired.com Web site: http://news.cnet.com/8301-1001_3-10153942-92.html?tag=newsLatestHeadlinesArea.0

Windows 7 less annoying, but also less secure?

Microsoft's efforts to make Windows 7 less annoying than Vista may also be making it less secure than its predecessor.With Windows Vista, the operating system popped up a warning any time a major change was being made to the system, whether by the OS or by a third-party application. With Windows 7, users can choose how often to be notified, with the current default set to notify only when a third-party application is making a change. (Fried, 2009)

Those notifications on vista are really annoying and I will never(ever) stop complaining about them,but as much as I hate to admit it, they are necessary. You would be suprised how many people are gunning for your pc.If there were no notifications,your pc would be doing things that would eventually fry your computer.These things could come out off nowhere(stop limewiring,you, yeah you) and you wouldn't even know it.Mac of course doesn't have this problem,simply because it doesn't have the numbers to attract hackers as much.

Fried, Ina (2009/1/30). Windows 7 less annoying, but also less secure?. Retrieved January 31, 2009, from cnte.com Web site: http://news.cnet.com/8301-13860_3-10153817-56.html?tag=newsEditorsPicksArea.0

No Wifi? No Problem. Gmail Releases New Offline E-mail Tools

Google has gone a long way toward solving the biggest drawback of web-based e-mail — what do you do when there is no internet connection? Google aims to solve that problem with new offering that will enable Gmail users access from their browsers even when they aren't online.Of course, using an e-mail client with an IMAP connection, many people have long enjoyed offline access to their Gmail accounts. But for those of you that want offline access, and the web-based interface, the new Offline mode is what you've been dreaming about. (Gilbertson, 2009)

Breaking news,Google has successfully cloned the first human child and they named him(you guessed it) googles.Im just kidding of course,but if anybody is gonna do it,its gonna be google.Maybe im exaggerating a bit,but you gotta admit, google always does things first and right.This offline version Gmail works exactly like it would work normally(online),you can read your mail,archive,label and even compose emails which are saved as a draft so you could easily send them later.

Gilbertson, Scott (2009/1/28). No Wifi? No Problem. Gmail Releases New Offline E-mail Tools. Retrieved January 31, 2009, from wired.com Web site: http://blog.wired.com/business/2009/01/no-wifi-no-prob.html

Air Travel Won't Suck in 2093

Flying sucks. Between the lousy service, lost luggage and inevitable delays, nothing about it can be called fun. But the folks at Finnair have looked into their crystal ball and seen a future where flying is green, serene and — dare we say it — enjoyable.The Finnish carrier is celebrating its 85th anniversary and, curious to see how air travel might look that far in the future, invited academics, business types and journalists to tell us what we might see in 2093. Their vision is laid out on the website Departure 2093: Five Visions on Future Flying, and it includes sleek planes that run on algae and venture into space, airlines that offer everything from personal flight attendants to pre-flight yoga and an industry that — gasp! — runs efficiently. (Demerjian, 2009)

Airtravel will always suck because no matter how large they build airplanes, the airlines will just fill them with more and more tiny seats.The only difference will be that instead of waiting for 200 idiots to put their bags away and sit down, we can wait for 800 or 1000.

Demerjian, Dave (2009,1,23). Air Travel Won't Suck in 2093. Retrieved January 24, 2009, from wired.com Web site: http://blog.wired.com/cars/2009/01/in-85-years-air.html

Microsoft resorts to first layoffs, cutting 5,000

SEATTLE (AP) -- Microsoft Corp. will make the first mass layoffs in its 34-year history, cutting 5,000 jobs as demand for personal computers falls and even one of the world's richest companies gets burned by the recession.The company announced the cuts Thursday as it reported an 11 percent drop in second-quarter profit, which fell short of Wall Street's expectations. Microsoft shares plunged more than 11 percent."We're certainly in the midst of a once-in-a-lifetime set of economic conditions," Chief Executive Steve Ballmer said during a conference call. With less access to credit, businesses and consumers are spending less and stretching the life span of their existing computers. (Mintz, 2009)

Well there is a first time for everything,including a massive cut in the workforce.Making matters worse, the one type of PC consumers have warmed to in tight times - the low-cost, low-power "netbook" - actually cut further into Microsoft's earnings. The tiny portable computers run on Windows XP, which is older and less profitable for Microsoft than Windows Vista.

MINTZ , JESSICA (2009,1,22). Microsoft resorts to first layoffs, cutting 5,000. Retrieved January 24, 2009, from wired.com Web site: http://news.wired.com/dynamic/stories/E/EARNS_MICROSOFT?SITE=WIRE&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT&CTIME=2009-01-22-09-21-37

FDA OKs First Human Trials of Embryonic Stem Cells

The Federal Drug Administration has approved the first human trials of embryonic stem cells — a sign of a new, liberal attitude toward stem cell research, which was hamstrung by the Bush administration.Starting this summer, the biotech firm Geron will treat a small group of spinal-cord injury patients using neurons derived from stem cells, marking the first time embryonic stem cells will be tested in humans.The trial is designed to test the safety of the treatment, not how well it works. Nonetheless, it's a huge first step for the field.(madrigal ,2009)

this is really messed up since they have to get embryos(baby babies) for this experiment,even though they claim that they are using embryos that would have never been born because of miscarriage.But according to my further reading this research prove useless since the embryos are already dead, something is fishy here,and im gonna(not) find out.

Madrigal, Alexis (2009,1,23). FDA OKs First Human Trials of Embryonic Stem Cells. Retrieved January 24, 2009, from wired.com Web site: http://blog.wired.com/wiredscience/2009/01/fda-approves-em.html

White House Tech More Tired Than Wired

Prior to his inauguration, Barack Obama was, without a doubt, eagerly anticipating taking his seat in the Oval Office. What he likely wasn't looking forward to was time-traveling backward into a workplace riddled with obsolete technology.

Any tech geek recognizes that modern technology is far more than a means to an end: Whether we own iPods, Zunes, MacBooks, iPhones or BlackBerry smartphones, our gadgets have become intimately integrated into our lifestyles. So you have to feel the pain of Obama and his team, who drove the most tech-savvy presidential campaign in history, for having to cope with the White House's bureaucratic IT swamp.

"It is kind of like going from an Xbox to an Atari," Obama spokesman Bill Burton said of the White House's outdated tech.(Chen, 2009)

Every one of these seem very sensible to me. Especially sticking with a stable and relatively safe XP over Vista (Although you could make an argument to a switch to Macs).
Their job is to run the country, not spend pointless hours playing on MySpace or Facebook or watching YouTube Videos.
And why do they need WiFi? They're not going to be taking their laptops around with them so everyone can see how cool and hip they are because they can get on the internet anywhere. A wired network makes much, much more sense for a dozen reasons.Get over it already, Wired.

Chen, Brian (2009,1,23). White House Tech More Tired Than Wired. Retrieved January 24, 2009, from wired.com Web site: http://blog.wired.com/gadgets/2009/01/wired-or-tired.html

Steve Jobs Probably Won't Come Back to Apple

Steve Jobs' medical leave from Apple is likely to be permanent, analysts say.In a letter to Apple staff on Wednesday, Jobs said he was taking a five-month medical leave because his health issues are "more complex than I originally thought."Jobs' letter contradicts a statement the CEO published just last week, in which he said he was "undergoing a simple and straightforward treatment" for a hormone imbalance. The earlier statement gave the impression that Jobs merely needed to gain weight, and would continue as normal as Apple's CEO.

Seriously Jobs should chill out,he's such a workaholic.How much pressure can his ill-body take before he goes Kaput,apparently not much ,because the main reason he didn't give his keynote speech at Macworld was his declining health.He should take a 2-3 year brake,in contrast to the 1 month he took after undergoing surgery for pancreatic cancer in 2004.

iTunes Music Store Finally Ditches DRM, Adds New Prices

After years of fits, starts, threats and ultimatums, Steve Jobs and three major labels have come to terms on a deal: Music will be available immediately on iTunes without DRM restrictions. Free of the limitations that currently restrict music playback to Apple products, the new plan will let consumers choose from three price levels instead of the 99-cent song model the store implemented on day one.The announcement, made Tuesday at the last MacWorld Expo Apple will attend, ends an increasingly ridiculous war between two stubborn players. They may have thought they couldn't live together, but they certainly couldn't thrive apart. (Van Buskirk, 2009)

Finally,this DRM thing was such a big headache.Not being able to play music you just downloaded on your own computer,ridiculous.I once had a 10$ itunes card,so I started to use it and I bought like 5 songs and tried to play them on windows media player but it couldn't recognize them,so I had to download them on limewire(illegal) to hear it without being plugged into an ipod all the time.The only drag is that songs will not be 99cents if you want full rights to it.

Van Buskirk, Eliot (2009/1/6). iTunes Music Store Finally Ditches DRM, Adds New Prices. Retrieved January 17, 2009, from Wired.com Web site: http://blog.wired.com/business/2009/01/apple-promises.html

Obama Urges DTV Delay as Time, Money Runs Out

Billed as perhaps the greatest leap in television since "living color," the transition to digital TV is a mere 39 days away, and in serious trouble: millions of households still aren't ready for the conversion and a government program created to subsidize the hardware needed by many has run out of money.Broadcasters want to stick to D(igital)-Day: Feb. 17, as decreed by Congress in back 2005. But some in Washington say we should take more time to ensure that so many of the nation's TV screens don't go snowy at the flick of that switch. (Snyder, 2009)

People have had about 3 years to get ready for this,and still millions haven't gotten ready?The goverment should not delay this event,people(me) have been waiting for this for years.Sure some channels have already upgraded and I should be satisfied,but this fact has made more eager for all channels to be "digitalized".

Snyder, Chris (2009/1/9). Obama Urges DTV Delay as Time, Money Runs Out. Retrieved January 17, 2009, from wired.com Web site: http://blog.wired.com/business/2009/01/obama-urges-dtv.html

Circuit City to close 567 remaining US stores

Circuit City became the largest retailer to fall victim to the expanding financial crisis Friday, announcing it will shut down its remaining 567 U.S. stores at the cost of 34,000 more jobs after failing to sell the business.The closure of the nation's second-biggest consumer electronics retailer spells more trouble for the nations malls, and is the latest casualty of an unprecedented pullback in consumer spending that has claimed KB Toys, Mervyns LLC and Linens 'N Things. (FELBERBAUM, 2009)

This is sad.One of the largest consumer-electronic stores in the nation is down,in my mind I had a list of stores that were going down(kmart,target)and circuit city was not one of them.This is especially bad for the people that were employed by the company,which was about 3,500.


FELBERBAUM, MICHAEL (2009/1/16). Circuit City to close 567 remaining US stores. Retrieved January 17, 2009, from wired.com Web site: http://news.wired.com/dynamic/stories/C/CIRCUIT_CITY_BANKRUPTCY?SITE=WIRE&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT&CTIME=2008-11-10-07-50-06

(Some) YouTube videos get download option

While users have long been able to grab YouTube clips both with Flash rippers and H.264 stream downloaders, this would be the first time such an option has appeared on the site as an official offering. The new option gives users a full-quality H.264 file--the very same copy that's sent out to YouTube-capable set top boxes and iPhones. (Lowensohn, 2009)

Youtube is finally bringing a feature that I was hoping for,downloading videos.But as the tittle says only some videos will be available,which I suppose will be the ones that were allowed to be downloaded.That means no music videos and all the good stuff,but it's a start.

Lowensohn, Josh (2009/1/16). (Some) YouTube videos get download option. Retrieved January 16, 2009, from cnet.com Web site: http://news.cnet.com/8301-17939_109-10144823-2.html?tag=mncol