digital ink billboards on the way (nyt circuits)
"'The last revolution was computer printing, and we believe the next revolution is digital ink on billboards,' Mr. Poliakine [CEO fo Magink] said, comparing his company's advances to the first digital printing of billboard images more than a decade ago. Now, he added, his three-year-old company is also studying ways to expand the application of its core technology to personal electronics, including cellular telephones, cameras, hand-held computers and general video displays for laptops and televisions."

"Electrical current...is required only to change the display's image, not to maintain it." How cool is that? I'm looking forward to digital ink books and wall-sized monitors (Magink's color screens can change at 70fps).
(Friday, August 29, 2003)

suzanne vega gets street legal (nyt)
the story of one woman trying to get her first driver's license at age 43. what a different reality that is from the suburbs where i grew up.
(Sunday, August 24, 2003)

the dotcom refugees return to the corporate world (nyt)
An interesting article with a positive spin, thankfully, on the value of the dotcom experience for people returning to big corporations. The bullet points from the article:

• Being a Luddite is bad, but being a technophile can be worse.
• There is a difference between red tape and necessary procedures.
• [Former dotcommers] are more comfortable dealing with the outside world.
• Speed can connote efficiency as well as recklessness.
• Employee loyalty isn't an outdated concept.
• It is often easy to do more with less.
• The Internet may not be a great business model, but it is a great business tool.
• Managers must value élan and encourage optimism.

Bobby Bonds, age 57 (nyt obit)
"They said I was supposed to be the next Willie Mays," Bobby told The Los Angeles Times in 1990. "When they told me that, it was an honor. You're talking about a guy who I considered the greatest player to ever wear shoes.

"I probably had more success than anyone they ever put that label on. You show me another guy who's going to do 30-30 five times. But all the writers kept talking about was potential. You haven't reached your potential yet, they say. Well, unless you win a Pulitzer Prize, you're not living up to your potential either, are you?"
(Saturday, August 23, 2003)

the designer's life
"If you can point and click with a computer mouse, you can make $100,000 a year or more as a desktop graphic designer.

"My associates and I have figured out how to reduce what used to be a very complicated profession down to something you can learn and do on a computer — even if you have little or no 'artistic' ability.

"Plus, I’m going to show you how to get started in a little-known segment of the graphic arts market that happens to be the easiest and most lucrative."

get rich by designing junk mail! it's easy! it's so american!
(Friday, August 22, 2003)

nerve's pick up line contest
My favorite: "You are the most interesting piece of ass I've talked to all evening."

The best line I've ever used (though unsuccessful) was walking back into the Zodiac Club after having dinner with friends, the server asked me if I'd forgotten anything, and I replied that I'd forgotten to ask her out.

Man, I'm a cheesball.
(Thursday, August 21, 2003)

pro squirrel and i vote
you need one of these mugs. even more than you need one of mine.
(Monday, August 18, 2003)

UBUWEB
an interesting collection of audio art. includes guy debord, lawrence weiner, and both sides of the john cage-sun ra album. recommended!
(Sunday, August 10, 2003)

kitty!
i like the kitty. cute!
(Tuesday, August 5, 2003)

us warns that consumer gadgets could be weapons (cnn)
"Homeland Security officials told CNN Monday they will warn the aviation industry, federal screeners and local authorities to keep an eye on remote key locks, certain brands and models of cell phones, audio devices and cameras."

"'The hijackers may attempt to use common items carried by travelers, such as cameras, modified as weapons,' [the warning] said."

I remember the Israelis killed a Palestinian years ago with a (working) cell phone containing explosives. So this shouldn't have come as a huge surprise to the security people. But really, the emerging profile of Al Qaeda matches business travellers, doesn't it? How much does it suck to be a consultant these days? Oh, and -- the warning hasn't even been issued yet, it's "expected on Thursday." Whatever.
(Tuesday, August 5, 2003)