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Various things that are good…
…but which don’t justify blog posts in their own right: * Cormac McCarthy’s Blood Meridian. Possibly the most violent book I’ve ever read, and as cheerful as The Road. By “cheerful” I mean “thoroughly depressing”. * Newsgator’s online RSS reader. Syncs with NetNewsWire (and I think FeedDemon on the PC), has an iPhone version, enables…
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RIAA makes last-minute bid for “dumbass of 2007” award
Sometimes the RIAA reminds me of an unpopular child who grows up to become a minor official in something bureaucratic: now he’s got a little bit of power to abuse, he can wreak his terrible revenge by being really annoying and petty. The Washington Post reports: In legal documents in its federal case against Jeffrey…
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Netscape RIP
It’s the end of an era. AOL’s focus on transitioning to an ad-supported web business leaves little room for the size of investment needed to get the Netscape browser to a point many of its fans expect it to be. Given AOL’s current business focus and the success the Mozilla Foundation has had in developing…
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The easy way to stop smoking – permanently
Want to stop smoking permanently? Then why not kill yourself? According to the Daily Mail, the stop-smoking wonder drug Champix can make some users suicidal. It’s not a big surprise if true – I tried the previous wonder drug, Zyban, and stopped taking it after a few weeks because its side-effects terrified me – but…
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Merry Christmas, everybody
Thanks to everyone who’s read, commented or sent large sums of cash in unmarked envelopes over the last year. Here’s hoping you all have a very merry Xmas.
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Anyone want to see Sugababes in Glasgow?
I’ve seen Sugababes live twice and I was looking forward to seeing them again in March when they play Glasgow. Unfortunately due to a calendar cock-up I won’t be in Scotland that day. Arse! So I’ve got two tickets for the gig on the 26th March 2008 (in the stalls, really close to the stage).…
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Mac owners more likely to buy music, wear polo-necks
Interesting press release from the NPD Group: 50% of Mac users pay for downloads compared to just 16% of PC users. They’re also more likely to buy CDs. While there are demographic differences between Mac and PC owners (anybody got a link to reliable stats on that? I think it’d be fascinating), the most obvious…
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Thunk Secret
Apple rumour blog Think Secret is no more: Apple and Think Secret have settled their lawsuit, reaching an agreement that results in a positive solution for both sides. As part of the confidential settlement, no sources were revealed and Think Secret will no longer be published. Nick Ciarelli, Think Secret’s publisher, said “I’m pleased to…
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What it’s like to work for a holiday club sales firm
A wee while back I ranted and ranted about firms flogging holiday clubs. John – not his real name – has been in touch to describe what it’s like to be the person doing the phoning. He’s a 21-year-old student who, like many students, decided to get a part-time job to help make ends meet.…
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New audio technology brings internet pop-ups to the real world
Just when you thought advertising couldn’t get any more intrusive: New Yorker Alison Wilson was walking down Prince Street in SoHo last week when she heard a woman’s voice right in her ear asking, “Who’s there? Who’s there?” She looked around to find no one in her immediate surroundings. Then the voice said, “It’s not…