New Blood in the Search Arena

Good news: I managed to get most of the most important number off of my cell phones last night over about 30 or 40 minutes of continually turning on and off my phone once it was fully charged. I'm almost entirely convinced that the problem is a defect in the phone and so I'll have my brother's old phone (which is color) by this week's end. Anyway, the title of this report doesn't exactly refer to a direct competitor of Google, who are still incommunicado with CNet, Yahoo, or MSN. So what's the deal? IBM has been working on WebSphere OmniFind to search the unrestricted data on a computer. They're not alone in this endeavor so I wonder if it will ultimately stay open source or what. It's an interesting concept based on what they call an Unstructured Information Management Architecture and they could go potentially go pretty far with it.

I think I'm going to start out the nerd news with a robot. Researchers in Tokyo, Japan have created a robotic arm that can catch high-speed projectiles. They even have a video there and it's amazing how quickly and precisely it can move. Going back to CNet, they're continuing their top 10 series with the top 10 technologies we miss. The list includes the old Napster and the loud keyboards, which I have to agree with as well since they improve accuracy. I stand opposed to the proposal to extend Daylight Savings and this article about electronic devices not being able to adapt just bolsters it. Now to conclude with some video game stuff. The cartoonist over at VG Cats had a really interesting e-mail banter with Jack Thompson, who is one of the more outspoken attackers of violent video games. I love Scott's sensible reponses and the whole think just shows what a jerk Jacko is. The New York Times has a pretty good article on repetitive game sequels, such as Madden and GTA, and I actually haven't gotten the latest version of either though I have liked previous iterations. In all fairness though, it can't be totally awesome every year.

Today's movie news is exciting because one of my dreams is coming true: Phillip Pullman's His Dark Materials trilogy is getting closer to being made. I only got through the first book but it was amazing and relatively unknown director Anand Tucker is supposedly in talks for directorial rights. Meanwhile, the more popular Harry Potter series has gotten a PG-13 rating for its fourth movie, which is just continuing the clear trend of the movies getting darker and better. Stay psyched until we get more information. There's a pretty weak rumor out there about another trilogy for Resident Evil, but I can't see that being true unless Resident Evil: Afterlife does really well. Lastly, JoBlo has some pictures and clips for the upcoming Disney movie Valiant in case you're looking for a fun family flick.

Now get ready for some Monday Madness:

What would you do in the following situations?

1. The store clerk undercharges you for an item you purchase?
Unless it's a significant amount, I wouldn't really care. I doubt they'd lose much money off of it or care. It'd probably be more trouble than it's worth to go back and fix it, and it could be a result of some sale I'm unaware of (as is frequently the case at Best Buy).

2. The cashier gives you change for a fifty dollar bill when you only gave her a twenty, and you don't realize it until you're out the door?
Now that's a significant amount and I wouldn't feel right about leaving with that money. I'd definitely turn back and try to give back $30.

3. You see your best friend's husband/wife with another woman/man at a neighborhood restaurant?
I'd definitely tell him about it. Even if it's just a family member or married friend of hers, I still think it's better safe than sorry.

4. Your 15 year old asks you if you ever tried an alcoholic beverage before you were of legal drinking age (and you have)?
Assuming I get to that point, I would. I drink right now but always responsibly. The fact that my parents have allowed us to drink in family setting has reduced my desire significantly to get piss drunk and so I know my limits much better.

5. You find a one hundred dollar bill laying on the floor of a department store?
That's tricky. I honestly don't know what I'd do. I'd like to think I'd give it to the store, but then what would they do with it? I'd probably look around first though for sure and see if it could belong to someone nearby.