Who's Copying Who?

I've missed posting the past couple of days because of Kodak moments like that. Thursday was Casino Night and hanging out while Friday was a going away pool party for one of the guys who left today, but I really hope to see everyone else before they leave (I'm going on Friday myself). Oh, and my presentation went really well; I was especially glad that the CIO shook my hand and referred to a joke I made in the presentation when thanking me. Paul Thurrott decided that it was time for him to offer his rant about Apple's potshots towards Microsoft, which I was expecting from the Microsoft community at large since they were rather blatant and even I thought that they went too far at times. I think he makes a lot of very balanced claims as to what Windows has stolen from the newer iterations of OS X and what Leopard is now stealing from Windows. I think the biggest thing to take away from his thoughts are that there are these neat things here and there, but nothing that warrants a new software release rather than a little upgrade. The biggest features have already been done before (Time Machine and Spaces), though I'll admit that it seems deeper and more user-friendly when Apple does them, and that's what gains them customer loyalty. Another blogger decided to take on Thurrott's ramblings in a drawn out rebuttal on behalf of Apple, and he makes some great points, but I think he lets his bias get the best of him at times. In any case, the best thing he brought up was that it doesn't matter so much who came up with what, but rather who did the best job of implementing it. The mp3 player wasn't a new idea before the iPod hit the scene just like system restores and backup isn't a new idea but Apple is trying to put a spin on it to spread awareness of the value of holding on to important information before you lose it. You can think what you want after reviewing these two editorials, but I think that Leopard will be a very nice enhancement, not a home run.

Just a few days ago, there was a big ruckus about AOL releasing personal search queries, originally intended for research purposes, that were anonymous though surprisingly detailed. Google is now claiming that they have secret systems that wouldn't allow such a thing to happen with their users' information. It sounds hoakie, I know, but I don't think a couple of PhDs would get very far with a startup that they have everything to lose with without thinking carefully about such eventualities, so they're probably being honest. One more thing about Google: Google Video is now going to start allowing adult content to be published, and I'm wondering if they're trying to strike deals with the porn industry? No clue yet how they plan on filtering this for public viewing or if it'll even be available for free viewing (which would then be a layer of protection since credit cards have become an accepted standards to verify being an adult), but it certainly is an interesting discovery. Dvorak made a pretty good discovery himself: YouTube is already a success because of how easy and convenient it is, which I definitely thing is a big sticking point for it. I've tried out other video sharing sites myself, but none of them have the combination of community and ease-of-use that YouTube does on all sides, and I think that should buy them a lot of good faith with the VCs. The rumblings have been ongoing regarding and iPod Phone, and some are saying that Apple may catch everyone off guard with an earlier-than-expected announcement of the device. Jobs has reportedly been very excited and loquacious about the project, and I just wonder how he's going to pull it off without hurting the demand or pricing on his other iPod products. Ars Technica has finally reviewed the Mac Pro, and the verdict is pretty good on it. If it gets a 9 from them, then you know it's a solid product despite its shortcomings (like a cheap video card and a bulky exterior). Maybe we'll see Merom in their notebooks sooner than later though, who knows. Lastly, if you're still not satisfied with personal map creation sites I've shown you thus far (all based on Google Maps, of course), then try Show Me Where on for size. It's a little simpler and more pulled back in terms of features, but it's probably perfect for many of you.

The Notting Hill director (Roger Michell) who was supposed to be directing the 22nd Bond flick has backed out due to "creative differences," which means that Sony has alienated yet another person in their zeal for making the same Bond movie over and over again. I don't see why they're trying to push for a May 2008 release date on this one rather than the fall or late summer. AICN has a review of Marie Antoinette that more of a long synopsis than anything else, but it looks like it should be a really good movie. I've heard great things about her vision for movies and I think she has a lot to work with for the life of such an interesting queen. If you want to be appalled by a movie clip, check out this one from Dead or Alive. I like seeing a hot chick jumping around in an action movie just as much as the next guy, but a whole movie like this really devalues women in our society. I hate to sound like a chick about it, but to have a game with bouncing breasts is one thing, and an entire movie focused on it is another.

Since I'm posting on a Saturday, I might as well participate in Patrick's Saturday Six:

1. Has your blog received more comments, less comments, or about the same number of comments this summer?
I think about the same. I've gotten comments more from other people though rather than my regulars.

2. What do you think best explains your answer from the last question?
My regulars must be having as good a summer as I am!

3. With the latest terror alert about liquid bombs on airplanes, are you any less likely to schedule a flight somewhere?
No, but I think it's idiotic. Do they really think that if they continue to restrict what we take on a plane that it'll eliminate all terrorism on airplanes? Security is a priority, but we can't just react to things that happen. If we want to save lives, we need to be more proactive and smarter about these things, not just blacklist them as people figure out ways to make ordinary things terrible.

4. Take the quiz: What color flower are you?
I can't believe I took that quiz...

You Are a Red Flower

A red flower tends to represent power, seduction, and desire. At times, you are loving like a red tulip. And at other times, you're very enthusiastic, like a bouvardia. And more than you wish, your passion is a bit overwhelming, like a red rose.

What Color Flower Are You?

5. What was the last occasion in which you sent someone flowers?
I can't even remember. I don't have a whole lot of special women in my life I'm willing to send flowers to, but I'm definitely willing to change that. When you're a college student though your life can be so upside so much that you lose touch of everything, and I think everyone knows how dire my dating situation has been, unfortunately.

6. A hypothetical science question: A couple has a young child that they love very much. He has a rare genetic disorder that will be fatal unless doctors can use embryonic stem cells, and the only way to get them is for his parents to donate eggs and sperm so that a lab can create another embryo. Should the parents and the doctors be allowed to create an embryo to save the child's life?
As I understand it, stem cells are taken before life is actually created, and so I think it's alright. This is a totally uneducated opinion though and should not be taken with strong conviction. I do not have strong opinions on this hot-button issue.