03. December 2004 · Comments Off on I Don’t Get This · Categories: Technology

The Bose SoundDock for the Apple iPod seems like a cool idea at first. But it has no internet connection. Since you still need the computer to download the music for the iPod, why not just buy some REALLY bitchin speakers, and likely still save some money over the $299 they get for the SoundDock?

28. November 2004 · Comments Off on Shake-Up On The Internet · Categories: Technology

LA based journalist Marc Strassman reports on “34 days that shook the (Internet) world:”

On October 14th (adopted)/October 18th (released), the FCC authorized the “unbundling” of FTTC (fiber-to-the-curb, also known at FTTN, or fiber-to-the-node), making it economically desirable for incumbent telcos (Baby Bells, RBOCs) to deploy fiber optic networks directly into neighborhoods.

On Oct. 26, 2004, the day it received final approval of the deal from the FCC, Cingular Wireless (which is 60% owned by SBC) “completed its previously announced merger with AT&T Wireless Services Inc., creating the nation’s biggest wireless carrier with the largest digital voice and data network in the country.”

On November 11th, SBC announced that, taking advantage of the new regulatory climate adopted by the FCC on October 14th and announced by it on October 28th, it would spend $4 billion “to deploy fiber optics closer to customers and build an advanced, IP-based (Internet Protocol) network capable of delivering a rich array of integrated next-generation television, data and voice services substantially beyond what is available from today’s telephone, cable or satellite TV providers.”

Besides ultra-broadband access for the home, I see the next big development as city-wide WiFi: As if they don’t already have enough problems, this will be the death knell for those investing in those wife terminal kiosks. It will also be devastating to satellite radio providers XM and Sirius.

07. November 2004 · Comments Off on New Thunderbird Is Out/FIREFOX IS COMING!!!! · Categories: Technology

For those of you using Mozilla instead of Microsoft, the latest and greatest version of Thunderbird is out. The Tagline is “Reclaim Your Inbox.” Version 0.9 gives lots of ways to configure how you want to view your email.

Remember to uninstall the previous version before installing the new one. Yes, you can uninstall the directory completely…your files aren’t stored there. Just another reason I like this e-mailer.

And…Firefox 1.0 (Not the Preview) is set to be released on 9 Nov 04. Oh boy oh boy oh boy…I love stuff that works.

03. October 2004 · Comments Off on Michael W. Melvill; American Hero · Categories: General, Technology

During the recent coverage of Burt Rutan’s history-making SpaceShipOne, I took note of the coverage of both the Rutans, who have been frequent aviation newsmakers, and especially, 62 year-old pilot Mike Melvill. He has been aptly called the next Chuck Yeager.

So, today I am watching TNT’s rerun of the epic HBO miniseries From The Earth To The Moon. And it occurs to me, NASA has done itself a great dis-service by not playing up the personalities of our current space program, as they had for Mercury through Apollo. Indeed, our current batch of Space Shuttle crewmembers are little more than bus drivers. And the people behind the scenes are, well, people behind the scenes.

Rest assured that, on the world’s new privately funded ventures into space, those who travel, as well as those who make it happen, will be hailed as the pioneering heroes they are.

27. September 2004 · Comments Off on Anti-Obesity Nasal Spray On Horizon · Categories: General, Technology

Source: Nastech Pharmaceutical Company, Inc:

Nastech Pharmaceutical Company Inc. and Merck & Co., Inc. Announce Co-Development and Co-Promotion Alliance for Investigational PYY3-36 Nasal Spray for Treatment of Obesity

As you might guess, Nastech stock has skyrocketed.