I have been reading for months now that the longer you wait, the more you will save for holiday shopping. In my opinion, this is true, but it is making things even worse with the media reporting it. As you see prices go down, the media telling you theres no bottom, youll wait even longer and longer to buy, causing these companies to lose billions. The newspapers are supposed to report the truth, but with thousands of pretty much the same article throwing out random statistics that are meaningless to the average consumer, and them all saying "buy later", its a wonder that people dont wait till the day before Christmas.
No matter what they do, its supposed to be the weakest season since at least 1969, and the only good news is that online sales are up for stores. Hopefully, sales will pick up as with 7 days till christmas, there isnt much longer to buy.
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Sunday, December 7, 2008
IBM goes Microsoft free
IBM is going to make its own computer, without any hardware, or even Microsoft hardware. For $60-$300 you can save 50% according to Jeff Smith (IBM VP). Canonical, Virtual Bridges and IBM make the main components of this system, and if you buy 1000, its $50 per computer. They are releasing it as an alternative when many companies are trying to cut costs, and it likely can work on a large group base, probably also in schools, and could create computers in places where there never were, maybe eventually an adaptation for poorer international communities, in Africa and abroad. The 3 companies are working on technical support together, and this can lead to new competition with Microsoft on a major scale.
Hopefully, we can see this apply to companies who need lower quantities, maybe added to libraries, Starbucks and all sorts of other places. The real questions I have are the cost of the server, cost of maintenance, how long it will take for maintenance, and similar questions, but I assume the answers to all those it will be cheaper and easier as time goes on and they are not sure themselves yet.
Hopefully, we can see this apply to companies who need lower quantities, maybe added to libraries, Starbucks and all sorts of other places. The real questions I have are the cost of the server, cost of maintenance, how long it will take for maintenance, and similar questions, but I assume the answers to all those it will be cheaper and easier as time goes on and they are not sure themselves yet.
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
WINDOWS 7
Many people have hated Vista, and loved XP much more. I agree with many about Vista having troubles, and for me the switch between page features it has is actually a problem, since in some cases it is the only way. Instant messaging will flash at the bottom, yet cannot open unless you minimize all screens on top of it. However, unlike the 1/3 of users who switched to XP from Vista, I feel that it has a better internet speed then XP, and starts faster/more efficiently. It might have minimal changes, but at least the majority of them are positive. And from the looks of it, Windows 7 is going to be even less of an upgrade.
I find it amazing that microsoft will put 2,000 developers and a supposed 500 managers into the task of building windows 7, that they still said it did not have many new features. Currently, it is in an alpha form, although the pirated version of the alpha is available over the internet. One programmer has shown a way to get around the security microsoft has set up around its unfinished parts, and it will be interesting to see how much of it is truly not done, as Vista had many problems with getting things done on time. However, it seems to actually have done nothing positive according to one researcher with the alpha, , barely changing the execution threads, and has negative aspects.
I find it amazing that microsoft will put 2,000 developers and a supposed 500 managers into the task of building windows 7, that they still said it did not have many new features. Currently, it is in an alpha form, although the pirated version of the alpha is available over the internet. One programmer has shown a way to get around the security microsoft has set up around its unfinished parts, and it will be interesting to see how much of it is truly not done, as Vista had many problems with getting things done on time. However, it seems to actually have done nothing positive according to one researcher with the alpha, , barely changing the execution threads, and has negative aspects.
Thursday, October 16, 2008
US - Brief talk on updates to presidential issues
One of the issues both candidates for US president had been campaigning for was about lower gas prices. It has also hurt US and abroad manufacturers of cars, tourism, and the airline industry, as well as a myriad of others.
Recently, gas prices have declined, 35 cents in two weeks. This is after all the layoffs in the auto industry, the closing down of many auto plants, and the stopped production, of hummers, and full size trucks. Now, these companies are wondering if they changed to early, and likely airlines are wondering about if their shifts were correct as well.
Another issue that the presidential candidates will have to deal with is global warming. There are still many people who doubt, it saying that a vast majority of greenhouse gases are water vapor, and the CO2 fluctuates, barely based on people at all, mainly volcanoes. Hardly going to stop doubters, and probably create more is an article also from daily tech stating that Alaskan glaciers have grew for the first time since almost when they have started collecting data on them, although they are still down about 15% since the 1700s.
The third and final issue for today is the recession. This is a major issue, including the trillions of US dollars the G-7 and other countries have poured into major banks, and the securing of loans for the banks. Everywhere is worried about a U.S. recession, including New Zealand which talked about how all sectors of the U.S. economy is down this year, and consumer spending was down 1.2 percent from one year ago.
It will be interesting to see if the two first events affect the candidates at all, and how they will deal with the economy in the future, as we have already seen McCain try to skip a debate to help work out our economy, and Obama's plans to how it can be better.
Recently, gas prices have declined, 35 cents in two weeks. This is after all the layoffs in the auto industry, the closing down of many auto plants, and the stopped production, of hummers, and full size trucks. Now, these companies are wondering if they changed to early, and likely airlines are wondering about if their shifts were correct as well.
Another issue that the presidential candidates will have to deal with is global warming. There are still many people who doubt, it saying that a vast majority of greenhouse gases are water vapor, and the CO2 fluctuates, barely based on people at all, mainly volcanoes. Hardly going to stop doubters, and probably create more is an article also from daily tech stating that Alaskan glaciers have grew for the first time since almost when they have started collecting data on them, although they are still down about 15% since the 1700s.
The third and final issue for today is the recession. This is a major issue, including the trillions of US dollars the G-7 and other countries have poured into major banks, and the securing of loans for the banks. Everywhere is worried about a U.S. recession, including New Zealand which talked about how all sectors of the U.S. economy is down this year, and consumer spending was down 1.2 percent from one year ago.
It will be interesting to see if the two first events affect the candidates at all, and how they will deal with the economy in the future, as we have already seen McCain try to skip a debate to help work out our economy, and Obama's plans to how it can be better.
Monday, October 13, 2008
Palin and decency
A Recent article about Palin today made me think. Although this is probably true, I feel that the author is a little to biased in the editorial against Palin. He talked about how just because something legal doesn't make it right. That is true, as we have seen over the centuries, with slavery and persecution, but the author is not the one to judge if something is right. If it should be made illegal, let legislation in the future be brought up to make it.
Although this was pretty bad, it was at least trying to talk about the issues, whereas the spoof. I realize the article is made to make fun of her, but really is the
"In addition, President Palin also signed an executive order banning abortions and legalizing rape and incest 'So we can populate our country and have our babies the good old fashioned Alaskan way'." really necessary? Even staunch Obama supporters in my opinion would not want this comment posted, its demeaning to anyone, let alone a governor who could be our vice president. The entire article could be more of a joke and less of spite:
President Palin said this of Mr. Putin. "I looked in his eyes and saw a kindred soul. You betcha we had some very useful discussions about how to deal with the liberal elitist press and with annoyin' legislatures. He gave me some great pointers, and now that darned state trooper who we've been out to punish is layin' in a hospital with his hair and teeth fallin' out. And in the next bed is that feller who headed that darned 'troopergate' investigation."
Really? Disagree with her on issues, don't insult the integrity of her and husband with the insinuation that her husband would put people in body bags. I might not support the Republican party in this election, but I feel that the least the media can do is show all 4 of the candidates the basic respect all humans deserve. Much of the criticism directed at their campaign has been their avoidance of the issues, and the fact Palin had offered only one interview into late September, maybe if the media showed them respect then it could be an actual debate of the issues, the promise both parties made at the start.
Although this was pretty bad, it was at least trying to talk about the issues, whereas the spoof. I realize the article is made to make fun of her, but really is the
"In addition, President Palin also signed an executive order banning abortions and legalizing rape and incest 'So we can populate our country and have our babies the good old fashioned Alaskan way'." really necessary? Even staunch Obama supporters in my opinion would not want this comment posted, its demeaning to anyone, let alone a governor who could be our vice president. The entire article could be more of a joke and less of spite:
President Palin said this of Mr. Putin. "I looked in his eyes and saw a kindred soul. You betcha we had some very useful discussions about how to deal with the liberal elitist press and with annoyin' legislatures. He gave me some great pointers, and now that darned state trooper who we've been out to punish is layin' in a hospital with his hair and teeth fallin' out. And in the next bed is that feller who headed that darned 'troopergate' investigation."
Really? Disagree with her on issues, don't insult the integrity of her and husband with the insinuation that her husband would put people in body bags. I might not support the Republican party in this election, but I feel that the least the media can do is show all 4 of the candidates the basic respect all humans deserve. Much of the criticism directed at their campaign has been their avoidance of the issues, and the fact Palin had offered only one interview into late September, maybe if the media showed them respect then it could be an actual debate of the issues, the promise both parties made at the start.
Sunday, October 12, 2008
Week 4
http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/unleashed/2008/10/sharks-actually.html
The article talked about the virgin birth of the new shark, and gave insight into what the author thinks might have occured, an idea that is very unscientific in the concrete, but in the abstract i could agree with. The idea is female sharks gave virgin births due to the fact that sex was very violent, and could kill them. It seems to me it is one of the two most likely reasons why sharks would have the asexual reproduction. The other is in a species with a lack of male specimens, probably long ago due to shark pack wars, or disease, the females needed to kick off the start of their species again.
If we examine the concept though, they are the same principle. The principle being the sharks reproduced to fill a need. The sharks hated the sex for it being to violent, so therefore evolved to not need to have sex. Or, the sharks didn't even have the mates, so evolved to a point where they had minimalistic need for them.
The shark also mentioned interesting facts, like the sharks invented internal insemination, that the species is over 400 million years old, and as far as scientists know, only one pup can be made with virgin births.
The article talked about the virgin birth of the new shark, and gave insight into what the author thinks might have occured, an idea that is very unscientific in the concrete, but in the abstract i could agree with. The idea is female sharks gave virgin births due to the fact that sex was very violent, and could kill them. It seems to me it is one of the two most likely reasons why sharks would have the asexual reproduction. The other is in a species with a lack of male specimens, probably long ago due to shark pack wars, or disease, the females needed to kick off the start of their species again.
If we examine the concept though, they are the same principle. The principle being the sharks reproduced to fill a need. The sharks hated the sex for it being to violent, so therefore evolved to not need to have sex. Or, the sharks didn't even have the mates, so evolved to a point where they had minimalistic need for them.
The shark also mentioned interesting facts, like the sharks invented internal insemination, that the species is over 400 million years old, and as far as scientists know, only one pup can be made with virgin births.
Monday, October 6, 2008
Week 3
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/10/07/health/research/07conv.html?_r=1&ref=health&oref=slogin
Was a very interesting read. It talked about how we can now find out what viruses are very fast, which will cut down on epidemics and pandemics like AIDS and SARS. It could also help with MERSA, and help us find new viruses and what they mutated from. There is much that can be done in the field of biology with AI, including try to model life itself, and starting with viruses is starting with the basics indeed.
Was a very interesting read. It talked about how we can now find out what viruses are very fast, which will cut down on epidemics and pandemics like AIDS and SARS. It could also help with MERSA, and help us find new viruses and what they mutated from. There is much that can be done in the field of biology with AI, including try to model life itself, and starting with viruses is starting with the basics indeed.
Sunday, September 28, 2008
Week 2: China
http://www.reuters.com/article/scienceNews/idUSTRE48R2XX20080928
For over 40 years, the US and the USSR have been the only two nations in space on their own. With the cold war over, the US and Russia started to work together, to build the ISS. Now with the US retiring its space shuttle, the only country that had the capabilities was Russia. There could be possibilities to give our ties to China, maybe in exchange for Tibet's freedom, or one of the myriad of problems the US and China have with each other. We are already losing it, why not get something out of the deal?
The article does not mention any of this, this is all my own opinion, but the article does talk about how China is the third country to do a space walk. I am pretty sure the ESA has made it, and will add an article of proof if i find one.
For over 40 years, the US and the USSR have been the only two nations in space on their own. With the cold war over, the US and Russia started to work together, to build the ISS. Now with the US retiring its space shuttle, the only country that had the capabilities was Russia. There could be possibilities to give our ties to China, maybe in exchange for Tibet's freedom, or one of the myriad of problems the US and China have with each other. We are already losing it, why not get something out of the deal?
The article does not mention any of this, this is all my own opinion, but the article does talk about how China is the third country to do a space walk. I am pretty sure the ESA has made it, and will add an article of proof if i find one.
Saturday, September 20, 2008
Week 1: Olympics
http://www.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,1834117,00.html
I read this article a while ago and really enjoyed it. It throws in a combination of jokes with serious talk about why the olympics need to be overhauled, like how many minor sports with little or no television coverage may have upwards of 10 medals, and ones like soccer, the biggest sport in the world have 1 for each men and women.
Honestly, how many people do you know who watched the speed walking race (seriously, not as a joke), rowing, or shooting?
Therefore, the olympics should feature and spend more time on major world games, and much less on the ones that arent so great. It underscores Michael Phelps 8 medals, never saying he isnt a great athlete, only not the greatest. Just the best swimmer there is.
The final point was all the niceties. Here is where i dont completely agree. Hes right that baseball wouldnt be better with them hugging, but the olympics need some of that to keep our countries tied together. Imagine if during the cold war, our medalist and theirs started fist fighting. That would have been used for some nice propaganda, and could have led to greater tensions with Russia, and if enough brawls happened, maybe an actual war. Sometimes we need to be nice, not for the fans, but for the safety of our world.
I read this article a while ago and really enjoyed it. It throws in a combination of jokes with serious talk about why the olympics need to be overhauled, like how many minor sports with little or no television coverage may have upwards of 10 medals, and ones like soccer, the biggest sport in the world have 1 for each men and women.
Honestly, how many people do you know who watched the speed walking race (seriously, not as a joke), rowing, or shooting?
Therefore, the olympics should feature and spend more time on major world games, and much less on the ones that arent so great. It underscores Michael Phelps 8 medals, never saying he isnt a great athlete, only not the greatest. Just the best swimmer there is.
The final point was all the niceties. Here is where i dont completely agree. Hes right that baseball wouldnt be better with them hugging, but the olympics need some of that to keep our countries tied together. Imagine if during the cold war, our medalist and theirs started fist fighting. That would have been used for some nice propaganda, and could have led to greater tensions with Russia, and if enough brawls happened, maybe an actual war. Sometimes we need to be nice, not for the fans, but for the safety of our world.
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