Explore early experiments by Dr. Sanjiv Talwar on remote-controlled rats. By using brain implants and electrodes, scientists successfully guided rats through complex obstacle courses, raising significant ethical questions about the nature of direct neural control.

Now we can control rat brains. Dr. Talwar's comment is apt. "Nonetheless, the idea is sort of creepy."

Control rat brains


I discovered that funeral homes offer a service to convert cremated human ashes into synthetic diamonds. It is a bizarre way to memorialize the deceased by transforming carbon remains into unique, lab-grown gemstones.

Bizarre. Funeral homes offer to convert cremated ashes into a diamond.

Convert cremated ashes into a diamond


I found an impressive tool that converts digital images into colored ASCII art using HTML. It transforms pictures into text representations while maintaining original color schemes, providing a unique way to stylize graphics for the web.

Convert pictures to ASCII. In colour. Quite impressive.

Convert pictures to ASCII


I question whether copyright duration could finally be reduced from seventy years, looking for signs of hope in legal discussions about rolling back the lengthy terms that currently govern intellectual property.

Is there hope? Could the copyright duration be brought down from 70 years?

Copyright duration


I highlight how copyright disputes and DMCA takedown notices created significant legal friction for Google in its early years. This resource from Chilling Effects documents the volume of copyright-related challenges the search engine was forced to navigate.

Get an idea of how much trouble copyright is generating for Google. via LinuxJournal

Copyright generating trouble for Google


I examine the copyright controversy surrounding John Cage’s 4'33", a work consisting of 273 seconds of absolute silence meant as a tribute to absolute zero. I'm looking into whether silence itself can be legally protected.

The 4'33" is a work by John Cage, comprising of 4 minutes and 33 seconds of absolute silence. (A tribute to absolute zero: 273 seconds of silence). Is there a copyright issue here?

Copyright issue


I shared a collection of cringeworthy corporate anthems from IT companies like Microsoft and IBM. It is hard to imagine being forced to listen to or sing along with these bizarre motivational songs during the workday.

Corporate anthems in IT companies. Imagine having to listen to these for motivation. (Or singing along!)

Corporate anthems


I found a great visual diagram mapping early 2000s corporate scandals. It clearly illustrates the connections between Martha Stewart, her daughter, and Sam Waksal, making the complex web of financial controversy easier to follow.

Corporate scandals at a glance. Nice, the way they've linked Martha Stewart and her daughter to Sam Waksal. (Wax-all?) via Metafilter

Corporate scandals at a glance


This legal conundrum explores whether corporate PR responses to public criticism, specifically Nike's response to sweatshop allegations, should be classified as commercial advertising or protected free speech under the First Amendment.

An interesting legal conundrum. When Nike was accused of running sweatshops in Asia, it responded with press releases and ads claiming that it did not. Marc Kasky filed a case saying that Nike was advertising unfairly, and won. Now corporates are raising the question of whether corporate statements are free speech, and can be similarly protected.

Corporate statements and free speech


I looked into counter magnet cities across India like Navi Mumbai and Gurgaon. These planned hubs aim to draw people and investment away from overcrowded metropolises, serving as strategic alternatives for urban expansion.

NCR Gwalior is a counter magnet city to Gwalior. Like Navi Mumbai (Mumbai), NIKIDA (Lucknow), Anandgarh (Chandigarh), Wadapally (Hyderabad), New Bangalore (Bangalore), Gurgaon (New Delhi), ... via Nilesh Comments ramya 5 Dec 2011 1:19 pm: can u plz mail me related information of counter magnets in India..

Counter magnet cities


I shared a report about the arrival of crustless bread, highlighting the debut of pre-trimmed loaves. The news piece humorously positions this convenience-focused baking innovation as the most significant development in the industry since sliced bread.

Crustless bread. The greatest thing since sliced bread.

Crustless bread


I found a project where a designer, after calling CSS boring, committed to creating one unique stylesheet every single day to explore the creative potential and limits of early web styling.

The author of CSS is boring is now making one CSS sheet a day.

CSS is boring


I recommend Matt's clear summary of the Standard Model, which explains our current understanding of fundamental particles like quarks. It provides an accessible overview of high-energy physics for those interested in the building blocks of matter.

Matt's excellent summary of the current state of the Standard Model at kuro5hin. (The Standard Model what we know of fundamental particles today. Quarks and stuff.)

Current state of the Standard Model


I examine AllTheWeb's Alchemist tool, which allows users to customize search result interfaces using CSS. While it is a notable innovation in search engines, I question if CSS constraints make Google's API a more flexible solution.

AllTheWeb's Alchemist: customizable CSS interface. Possibly the first non-Google search-engine innovation I've seen in a few years. AllTheWeb lets you customise the look and feel of your search results. It looks quite flexible, but I wonder how much the interface will be constrained by the bounds of Cascading Style Sheets itself. Google's API may end up being the truly customizable interface. via andersja

Customizable CSS interface


I highlight a story about a weblogger whose date read their blog before they met. It serves as a practical reminder to curate a positive online presence, since your public archives function as a permanent background check.

Interesting read. A weblogger's date read his weblog. Lesson to all webloggers: say nice thing about yourself.

Date reads weblog


I noted a googlebomb attempt targeting David Gallagher, documenting early web culture and SEO tactics where users manipulated search rankings by coordinating anchor text to link specific names to unrelated or humorous content.

Yet another "googlebomb" on the name David Gallagher.

David Gallagher googlebomb


I observed Daypop running out of disk space and proposed using distributed architectures to help. I wondered if web services or technology like space drives could create a more resilient, decentralized infrastructure for search engines.

Daypop is out of disk space. Poor thing! Could we lend it some? I mean, could sites like Daypop work out a distributed architecture, using web services? Or using things like space drives? via Scripting News

Daypop is out of disk space


I reflected on a horrific sentence of death by stoning imposed on a woman for childbirth after divorce. The cruelty is compounded by the detail that the execution was delayed only until the child was weaned.

The most cruel sentence I've heard. Death by stoning. Crime: childbirth over 9 months after divorce. Redeeming feature: stoning to take place after weaning.

Death by stoning


I found an inspired collection of haikus describing the DeCSS algorithm. They offer a creative way to express the DVD decryption code, highlighting the intersection of technical functionality, free speech, and early digital rights management legalities.

A truly inspired way of describing DeCSS: DeCSS haikus. (I hope linking to it is not illegal.)

DeCSS haikus


I looked into Deepti, a Hindi chatterbot featured by the BBC. Although the download link proved elusive, it is an interesting early example of localized natural language processing and chatbot development from the early 2000s.

Deepti: a Hindi chatterbot (sic). Apparantly, it's downloadable, but I couldn't find it.

Deepti a Hindi chatterbot


I share an intriguing experiment that uses evolutionary computing to design an optimized keyboard layout. The project leverages software to discover more efficient arrangements than QWERTY, focusing on ergonomics and typing speed.

An intruiging experiment on designing a better keyboard using a computer.

Designing a better keyboard


I empathize with research findings that people tend to delay their death to avoid higher inheritance taxes. This study highlights how significant financial incentives can influence end-of-life timing to preserve wealth for heirs.

Kopczuk and Slemrod demostrate that people will die later if it saves inheritance tax. I fully empathise.

Die later if it saves inheritance tax


I explore a clever yet questionable method for fighting spam by Habeas, which embeds haikus into emails to transform unsolicited messages into copyright violations, making them legally actionable in ways traditional anti-spam measures aren't.

A different approach to spam. Habeas is using haikus to morph spam into copyright violation -- making it more prosecutable. Clever, but practical?

Different approach to spam


I'm following Chandrababu Naidu's interest in IT-enabled movie distribution in India. This early 2000s initiative explores digitizing cinema delivery to replace traditional physical film prints, marking a significant shift in the media distribution landscape.

Babu is looking to IT-enabled movie distribution too. Long live Babu.

Digital movie distribution


I observed IBM’s move into on-demand computing under Sam Palmisano, validating my prediction that tech giants would soon aggregate retail computing power for massive distributed projects, similar to early efforts by Google and Intel.

Oh, so Sam Palmisano made CEO of IBM. Guess that was expected. He wants to focus on on-demand computing (his word for corporatising distributed computing projects). Shortly, there will be companies creating this [distributed computing] market -- focusing on aggregating the retail computing power, and using them across several projects. (Google is already trying to do that through its toolbar, and so is Intel.) S Anand, 29 Sep 2002 And now, IBM. I was prophetic :-)

Distributed computing grows


I examine the rise of commercial distributed computing markets where companies buy idle retail processor time. This model dis-aggregates computing power, enabling resource-intensive initiatives like the Internet Movie Project to be crowdsourced using spare capacity.

Bottomquark's review of distributed computing projects. What's striking is that there are commercial distributed projects -- where companies pay for the use of your idle time. That's a powerful concept. Instead of buying computers from a vendor, or even computing time from a vendor, these projects are buying computing time retail. The reason I guess this works is the dis-aggregation of computing time. When I buy a computer, I need its use for about 12 hours a day. But I'm paying for its availability 24 hours a day. Since I have that spare power, I can sell it as long as there's a liquid market for such power. Shortly, there will be companies creating this market -- focusing on aggregating the retail computing power, and using them across several projects. (Google is already trying to do that through its toolbar, and so is Intel.) Further, projects that earler could not be executed for lack of computing resources, but generating sufficient interest across the world, can now be undertaken. Like Internet Movie Project, for instance. Because people who are interested in the project will pay for it through their spare computing time.

Distributed computing projects


Distributed.net cracked the RC5-64 encryption algorithm after four years, proving it's unsuitable for long-term security. The project demonstrates the massive potential of distributed computing for solving computationally expensive cryptographic challenges.

distributed.net cracked RC5-64. RC5-64 is an encryption algorithm developed by RSA. It took 4 years. It looks long. But the big deal is, the algorithm therefore can't be used for long-term security. More importantly, it's becoming practical to use distributed computing on a massive scale.

Distributed.net cracked RC5-64


Distributed Proofreaders uses a web-based crowdsourcing model to digitize books for Project Gutenberg. By leveraging volunteer labor, the project proofreads over 1,000 pages daily to preserve and distribute public domain texts more efficiently.

Distributed Proofreaders. As the name suggests, it's a distributed web-based tool for proof-reading books for Project Gutenberg. References from Slashdot and kuro5hin have spiked the number of pages proofread. But even that apart, they're targetting over 1,000 pages a day. That's over a book a day! via kuro5hin

Distributed proofreaders


I share reports on Microsoft accidentally distributing the Nimda virus through its developer sites and potential infection vectors via Windows Media Player, documenting a major security oversight in their early 2000s distribution channels.

Microsoft ended up distributing the Nimda virus. Gee! (Update: They may well do it through Media Player.)

Distributing the Nimda virus


I noted the launch of DivX 5, which looks like a promising update for video compression. It continues to be a major player for high-quality digital video playback and encoding using the MPEG-4 standard.

DivX 5 is out. Sounds good.

DivX 5


I'm reconsidering the severity of the DMCA based on legal analysis suggesting it may not be as draconian as initial fears implied. This perspective offers a more nuanced look at digital copyright enforcement and its actual impact.

Maybe the DMCA is not as Draconian as we thought.

DMCA not as Draconian


I shared a link to an early DNA computer that successfully performed computations, highlighting significant progress in using biological molecules for data processing and problem-solving beyond traditional silicon-based architectures.

This DNA computer seems to have done some good work.

DNA computer


I found scientific backing for my belief that looking away during an injection reduces pain. Avoiding visual contact with the needle can lessen the perceived intensity of the sting by decoupling visual and sensory experiences.

I always knew it. If you're taking an injection, don't look at the needle.

Do not look at the needle


I'm looking at a Forbes piece arguing that education correlates with high pay rather than causing it. It suggests labor markets actually value intelligence, and smart people simply tend to seek out higher education as a signal.

Does education really pay? An interesting article on Forbes arguing that education does not cause higher salaries, but is merely correlated with it. The logic sequence is broadly: Labour markets want smart people. Smart people tend to want education. Hence labour markets appear to want educated people.

Does education really pay


I found that dogs, much like myself, prefer classical music like Bach over pop artists like Britney Spears. Research shows classical music helps calm kenneled dogs, while heavy metal and pop can increase their stress levels.

Dogs prefer Bach to Britney. So do I.

Dogs prefer Bach to Britney


Explore this archival link to Anita’s 2002 article about domain registration and web hosting. It covers the basics of securing a web identity and choosing a server provider, reflecting early 2000s internet infrastructure trends.

Anita's article on domains and hosting.

Domains and hosting


I discovered DomainsNext provides cheaper domain registration at $18 versus Namezero's $25 fee. I'm weighing the cost savings against the effort required to switch providers for a one-year registration period.

DomainsNext works out cheaper ($18) than Namezero ($25) for a 1-year registration. But is it worth the effort? Comments peytonman 3 Feb 2007 6:33 am: Actually domainsnext.com is only $11.95 for registration theyre the best peytonman 3 Feb 2007 6:33 am: And the hosting is good too on domainsnext peytonman 6 Feb 2007 12:43 am: http://www.domainsnext.com/ They also offer hosting and website creators

DomainsNext


I argue that Domino's new delivery fee is just a price hike. While I’m impressed by their ten-minute delivery speed, I found numerous spelling errors for Indian cities on their international store locator tool.

Domino's Pizza is trying to charge for delivery. But I thought the whole point of Domino's was to deliver pizza, as opposed to eating it "there". They may as well hike the price -- which is what this effectively translates to. Speaking of which, I ordered a Deep Dish with jalapenos, tomato and onion a couple of weeks ago. I really liked it. When I called Domino's yesterday, they remembered the order and delivered it within 10 minutes. Impressive. Oh, and their spelling of Indian locations sucks. Spot Adheri (W), Ahmadabad, Banglore, Hyderbad and Maylapore at their locator.

Dominos to charge for delivery


I found Dontlink.com, a site that catalogs websites with absurd policies against being linked to. It highlights the silly and futile attempts by some organizations to control how others navigate the open web.

Dontlink.com talks about sites that don't want to be linked to. Pretty silly, as some of their linking policies reveal.

Dontlink.com


I'm tracking the Doomsday Clock's move to seven minutes before midnight, reflecting a heightening of global risk. This two-minute advancement brings the world back to the level of tension seen during the Cold War.

The Doomsday clock has been advanced by 2 minutes. It now reads 7 minutes from midnight. That's the level is was during the cold war.

Doomsday clock advanced by 2 minutes


I highlight pressplay.com's new feature allowing users to download and burn songs to CD for a fee. This marks a shift away from restrictive streaming-only models that previously dominated the digital music industry.

The music industry has taken a step away from the ridiculous. Now, on pressplay.com, you can download and burn songs on a CD for a fee. (The big deal is that, earlier, you could only stream and listen. For a fee.)

Download and burn songs on a CD


I found a nostalgic link via RobotWisdom to a Usenet post by Kibo discussing the cultural phenomenon of bug juice, the ubiquitous, brightly colored beverage served at summer camps and scouting events.

Drinking bug juice. via RobotWisdom

Drinking bug juice


I recommend Peter Drucker's Economist article on the near future, which explores megatrends shaping our world. It offers his signature insightful perspective on long-term demographic and economic shifts that remain a worthwhile read.

Interesting Economist article by Drucker about The Near Future. The usual stuff about megatrends, which is, as always, a good read.

Drucker on The Near Future


Explore the chaotic results of dropping dry ice into an aircraft lavatory. This aviation anecdote explains how sublimation interacts with vacuum toilets, causing pressure surges, loud noises, and potential damage to the plane's pressurized plumbing system.

What happens when you drop dry ice in an aircraft lavatory? via andersja

Dry ice in an aircraft lavatory


I was saddened to learn about the death of Richard Harris, the actor who played Albus Dumbledore. I'm curious whether he finished filming his role for the upcoming Harry Potter sequel before he passed away.

I didn't know that Richard Harris was Dumbledore. Pity. He's no more. "He did threaten to kill me if I recast (Professor Dumbledore). I cannot even repeat what he said. He still has got that fight inside of him," Columbus said. Now, does that mean that he's already finished his role in the sequel?

Dumbledore dead


I drew a digital sketch of Dumbo the elephant. This post features the artwork I created in early 2002, showcasing my personal illustration style and interest in classic character design and animation subjects.

I drew Dumbo. Dumbo

Dumbo


Explore India Post’s eBillPost service for online bill payments. This utility allows users to settle accounts electronically through the postal network, bridging traditional mail services with digital financial transactions in India.

The post office offers eBillPost. Comments Yuvaraj S 18 Dec 2006 9:28 am: I would like to know more details about e-billpost to implement the same features in our comapny. pls help

eBillPost


I encountered a novel server error on the Economic Times website, a platform I've found to have frequent technical issues. This particular HTTP failure was a new sighting for me, although the problem didn't last very long.

I've seen the Economic Times server have lots of problems. But this is a new one on me. (Didn't last long, though...)\ Economic Times HTTP error

Economic Times


I explored the Economist Style Guide and found its advice on inverted commas and brackets particularly insightful. It’s a great resource for anyone looking to refine their punctuation and maintain editorial clarity in professional writing.

The Economist Style Guide. The part on inverted commas is insightful, especially in contrast with brackets.

Economist Style Guide


I recommend checking out the Economist Technology Quarterly for its high-quality tech news. While the publication schedule is infrequent, the depth and quality of the analysis make it a valuable resource for tracking important technological developments.

The Economist Technology Quarterly. Great tech news, a little infrequent though. (Thanks, Markose!)

Economist Technology Quarterly


I recommend this visual framework from XPLANE for understanding effective networking. It provides a strategic approach to building professional relationships and communication channels, moving beyond superficial interactions to create long-term value through deliberate and visual planning.

Effective networking.

Effective networking


I recently bought some Eicher Maps and think they’re fantastic. I’m especially interested in their website’s GIS data, which has sparked several ideas for new projects if I can ever gain full access to it.

Bought one of these Eicher Maps. They're fantastic. I sure wish I had access to the GIS on their website! Have a whole bunch of cool ideas.

Eicher Maps


I found the On-Line Encyclopedia of Integer Sequences, a massive database for looking up number patterns. Surprisingly, it couldn't find the simplest sequence imaginable: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.

Encyclopaedia of integer sequences. Funny, it couldn't find "1,2,3,4,5,6..." though.

Encyclopaedia of integer sequences


I share a collection of scientific and religious end-of-the-world scenarios, covering everything from cosmic events to theological apocalypses. It is a fascinating look at the many ways we imagine the final destruction of our planet.

How do I kill thee? Let me count the ways. Several end-of-world scenarios -- scientific and religious. via MetaFilter

End of world scenarios


I recommended Orson Scott Card’s Ender's Game, which I found to be a pretty good book. This classic military science fiction novel explores child soldiers, strategic command, and interstellar conflict through intense zero-gravity tactical training.

Ender's Game is a pretty good book.

Enders Game


UNESCO reports that the era of English-language dominance on the internet is coming to an end. This shift reflects the rapid growth of non-English digital content and the increasing global accessibility of the web.

UNESCO says the domination of English over the Internet is ending.

English domination on Internet ending


I'm documenting the wave of massive accounting scandals from 2002, tracking the financial collapses and corporate fraud cases involving Enron, WorldCom, Xerox, and Tyco as they unfolded across the global business sector.

Accounting scandals: Enron, Worldcom, Xerox, Tyco, Elan, ... there's more. (4 July update: Vivendi)

Enron


I highlighted a satirical parody of Enron's voicemail system, which mocks the company's corporate culture during its infamous collapse. It compares a humorous recording to the actual corporate hotline active at the time.

Enron's voice mail. No, that's not true, but it's pretty similar to Enron's real voice mail at 1-703-853-6161. (And funnier, too).

Enrons voice mail


I found Eric Weisstein’s extensive encyclopedia on Conway's Game of Life. It’s a deep resource featuring pattern animations, historical details on their creators, and mathematical references for exploring cellular automata.

Eric's treasure trove of life. It's about Conway's Game of Life. It's got animations, details about the authors of these patterns, and references.

Erics treasure trove of life


I found these impressive LEGO recreations of M.C. Escher's famous perspective-defying paintings, including "Ascending and Descending", "Belvedere", and "Balcony". They use clever building techniques to replicate the impossible geometry of the original woodcuts.

Escher's Ascending and Descending in LEGO. Also Belvedere and Balcony. via Metafilter

Eschers paintings


I decided to learn Esperanto after finding a guide that teaches the basics in just ten minutes. Despite its lack of widespread use, its simplicity makes it an appealing and accessible language for quick study.

Esperanto is quite an easy language to learn. This article from kuro5hin teaches you the basics in 10 minutes. If only it were a widely spoken language... Still, I'm going to learn it.

Esperanto is easy to learn


I reviewed the book Essential Blogging and noted my growing interest in RSS technology, specifically looking at how to utilize Daypop's new RSS output for my own weblogging workflow as the format gains more adoption.

Essential Blogging: a book on weblogging. Quite good. Technie note: This RSS thing looks interesting. Daypop has started offering RSS output. Need to see how I can use it.

Essential Blogging


India's first eunuch mayor, Kamla Jaan, was dismissed from office after a court ruled she was ineligible to hold a seat reserved for women, highlighting legal challenges regarding gender identity in Indian politics.

India's first eunuch mayor has been dismissed because he/she was occupying a seat reserved for women.

Eunuch dismissed for occupying a seat reserved for women


I explore the evolutionary links between bipedalism, meat-eating, and human brain size through a Scientific American article, while contrasting it with a humorous take on the trade-offs required for walking upright with a large cranium.

An article in the Scientific American linking two-leggedness, non-vegetarianism and our brain size. Contrast that with this (funny) talk.origins post on the trade-off between a large brain and two-leggedness. via Ravikiran, via RobotWisdom

Evolution


Following Lawrence Lessig's Supreme Court hearing, the US Copyright Office is seeking public opinion on potential exceptions to the Digital Millennium Copyright Act, marking a significant step toward more rational digital copyright policy.

After Lessig's hearing at the Supreme Court, here's the next step towards rationality on copyrights. The US Copyright Office is asking for public opinion on what could be considered an exception to the Digital Millenium Copyright Act. via Scripting News

Exceptions to the DMCA


I discuss a thought-piece from The Economist arguing that US bankruptcy laws perpetuate excess capacity. By helping companies shed debt and stay in business instead of exiting, these laws create a cycle of repeated financial failure.

Excess capacity, bankruptcy, restructuring, excess capacity Interesting thought-piece by The Economist on how bankruptcy laws may be hurting America. The logic is, industries with excess capacity have bankruptcies. The bankruptcy restores a balance. If courts help bankrupt companies shed debt and re-enter business, excess capacity again results. Leading to bankruptcies again.

Excess capacity creates bankruptcy creates restructuring creates excess capacity


I highlight a logically confusing headline regarding Infosys, Wipro, and TCS. The article claimed these Indian IT firms were 'expected to see a higher than expected rise' in revenues, creating a circular expectation paradox.

Infosys, Wipro and TCS are "expected to see a higher than expected rise" in their revenues. Hmm... I didn't know that was logically possible.

Expectations higher than expected


I explored a collection of false mathematical proofs and found that I misidentified almost all of them. These examples highlight common logical traps in algebra and calculus, such as hidden divisions by zero.

False mathematical proofs. I ended to get all except the first wrong! (BTW, Math Mistakes is a good read. Thanks, Sriram!)

False mathematical proofs


I shared a collection of famous software glitches, ranging from Patriot missile failures to the wobbling Millennium Bridge. These resources document high-stakes computer errors and provide historical context for system verification and software quality.

Speaking of bugs, here are some famous software glitches -- right from the Patriot missiles misfiring to the London Millenium bridge wobbling. Some links are broken, though. (More glitches and links)

Famous software glitches


The FBI spent decades hounding chess grandmaster Bobby Fischer, conducting extensive surveillance and harassment. This investigative report reveals the scale of the cold war paranoia that led federal agents to monitor his personal life and family.

How the FBI hounded Bobby Fischer via Pathologically Polymathic

FBI hounded Bobby Fischer


I shared links to the 2002 FIFA World Cup summaries for Stage 1 and Stage 2 after finding them helpful for tracking the tournament progress, especially given my own initial lack of knowledge about the event.

For those as ignorant about the World Cup as I am, the FIFA website has a summary of Stage 1 and Stage 2.

FIFA Stage 1


I found a project where eleven filmmakers created short films about September 11, each exactly 11 minutes, 9 seconds, and one frame long. This anthology captures diverse global reactions through unique cinematic perspectives and strict structural constraints.

11 film-makers make films on 11/9/01. The films will be 11 min, 9 seconds and 1 frame long. via Plastic

Films on Sep 11


I’m tracking Mahesh’s experimental new blog format at Filtercoffee. I have been contemplating a similar shift for my own site, so I’ll be observing his progress to see how these design changes affect the reading experience.

Mahesh is experimenting with a new blog format. Something like this has been on my mind for a while too. Will be watching it with great interest.

Filtercoffee new blog format


I've highlighted FindArticles as a specialized tool for searching magazine archives. It offers a targeted way to find periodical content, serving as a useful alternative to general search engines for deep-diving into published articles.

FindArticles: A good search for magazine articles (review)

FindArticles


I found a collaborative digital art project where a small Flash file was sent to artists and designers to modify. Each participant contributed their unique changes, resulting in a collective visual experiment hosted at Blankimage.

A small Flash file was sent to a group of artists and designers with the instruction: change what you want; send back the results.

Flash mail


I discovered pdf995, a free tool for creating PDFs, and found myself questioning their business model and how they manage Adobe's licensing requirements for the file format.

Free PDF creator. Wonder how they manage to make money. More importantly, how did they get permission from Adobe? via andersja

Free PDF creator


I react to the launch of Froogle and wonder if Google's evolution will eventually make custom website design obsolete as the search engine begins to present product information directly to consumers in its own interface.

Froogle. A product search from Google. The way Google is going, I don't think there's any point in most sites bothering about design. Google will just offer it to customers the way they want to see it. via Kiruba

Froogle


I just bought a Fuji Finepix 2600 and expect to receive it in about a month. This compact digital camera is known for its sliding lens cover and simple interface, typical of early 2000s consumer photography gear.

I just bought a Fuji Finepix 2600. Should be getting it in a month.

Fuji Finepix 2600


I found the full text of the Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy online. You'll need to manually tweak some URLs to navigate the site, but it's a great resource alongside other Douglas Adams literary links.

Incidentally, the full-text of the Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy is available. (Note: you can't click the links on the site. You'll have to modify the URLs a bit.) More hitchhiking to keep you busy.

Full-text of the Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy


I found a collection of linguistic curiosities at Fun with Words, which features a variety of wordplay like anagrams, palindromes, and oxymora. It’s a great resource for anyone interested in the creative quirks of English.

Fun with words: anagrams, palindromes, oxymora, etc.

Fun with words


I explore Select Parks, a site showcasing how game engines are repurposed to create digital art and interactive installations, demonstrating the creative potential of gaming technology beyond traditional entertainment purposes.

Select Parks uses game engines to create art. Funky.

Game engines to create art


I found Ian McKellen’s online journal, 'The Grey Book,' where he shares behind-the-scenes stories and his personal experiences playing Gandalf while filming the Lord of the Rings trilogy on location in New Zealand.

Ian McKellan (Gandalf) shares his views in "The Grey Book". via LoTR channel

Gandalf shares his views


I'm following the news that Bill Gates seems to be winning the influence battle against Richard Stallman in India, as Microsoft secures major deals and government partnerships over free software alternatives during this period of expansion.

Gates beats Stallman in India. via RobotWisdom

Gates beats Stallman in India


I highlighted gatt.org, a clever spoof of the World Trade Organization website that the WTO openly dislikes. The project is an example of political satire and culture jamming, often associated with the activist group The Yes Men.

While on the subject of spoofs, gatt.org is a pretty good one on wto.org. WTO doesn't like it, though. Links: 1 2

GATT and TWO


I'm sharing saysgod.com, a site where God has apparently become quite talkative. It serves as a brief pointer to a humorous piece of early 2000s internet satire that was making the rounds in the blogging community.

God has been talkative lately. via andersja

God has been talkative lately


I'm feeling inspired to revamp my boring website after exploring great early 2000s designs at yugop.com, kottke.org, and shift.com. These examples of Flash and magazine-style layouts highlight the need for a more creative approach.

yugop.com: great flash design. kottke.org: good blog. shift.com: interesting magazine. After seeing these, I should revamp my site completely. It's boring.

Good designs


Explore essential dining etiquette with this guide to restaurant manners. The post provides tips for better social experiences when eating out, while commenters discuss whether requesting condiments like tomato sauce insults the chef's expertise.

The ABC's of good restaurant manners. Comments ROSH 25 Aug 2008 11:01 pm: We had a debate at the office canteen, and i happened to mention that it was not right to ask the steward tomato sauce while having your meal.....as this may be an insult to the Chef......my question is "how right am i"...can u kindly explain in detail.....thanks mate

Good restaurant manners


I found this summary explaining how superconductivity allows materials to conduct electricity without energy loss while expelling magnetic fields. It covers the core physics and history of the phenomenon, making condensed matter concepts accessible to everyone.

Good summary of superconductivity at kuro5hin.

Good summary of superconductivity


I look at the symbiotic link between Google and blogs, including tactics like Googlebombing. I found my own archives ranking for "imdbpro password" purely because I was one of the only people to mention those specific terms together.

The strong linkage between Google and blogs can lead to subversions like Googlebombing (more). The Church of Scientology is already using it. Speaking of which, my weblog archive got a fair number of hits from the Google search for imdbpro password. I wondered why. Turns out that my archive joins IMDBPro and Metafilter as the only page that mentions the words IMDBPro and password!

Google and blogs


I'm highlighting the launch of Google Answers, a paid service where users can post questions and have them answered by expert researchers, marking an early step in human-mediated information retrieval and knowledge markets.

Google answers questions.

Google answers questions


I'm highlighting the release of the Google Beta API and encouraging developers to build new tools with it. I wish I had the time to experiment with these search services myself right now.

Google has released a Beta API. Programmers, please do something with it. I honestly wish I had the time to use it, too!

Google API


I found the Google labs glossary and various API-based applications particularly useful. While I tried to secure a Google API key, their servers were overloaded, so I'm waiting to explore those development tools further.

A Google blog. And while we're on the subject, I've found Google labs' glossary very useful. So are some Google applications based on their API. (Incidentally, their server is overloaded. I tried getting a key yesterday, put it politely declined.)

Google blog


Google began removing anti-Semitic search results on French and German domains to comply with local laws. I doubt this split-system will last and speculate on whether we'll see international internet law or improved geo-tracking to resolve conflicts.

Now Google is complying with local laws by eliminating anti-Semetic sites from their French (google.fr) and German (google.de) sites. These sites still remain accessible through google.com, though. In the long run, I don't think this state of affairs will continue. I hope we have one law across the world, at least where the Net is concerned. But more likely is an agreement on law guidelines, something like the WTO. Less likely and desirable is where tracking surfers' country of origin becomes reliable. Besides, Google has lots of other complaints to take care of. via Plastic

Google complies with local laws


I explore early reports on how Google handles googlebombing, where coordinated link campaigns manipulate search rankings. These articles debate whether the search engine is actively fighting these pranks or allowing community-driven results to stand.

Google fights googlebombing... or does it?

Google fights googlebombing


I curated a link to a Metafilter discussion featuring creative Google-based games. These early 2000s search experiments highlight how communities played with the search engine's quirks, indexing, and ranking algorithms for fun and discovery.

Google games on Metafilter.

Google games on Metafilter


I found a new search engine manipulation tactic called Google glossary bombing. Similar to standard Googlebombing, this method targets Google Labs' glossary tool to associate specific definitions with terms via community-driven search results.

After Googlebombing, now we have Google glossary bombing. via Metafilter

Google glossary bombing


I argue that Google's quality may decline after its IPO due to the conflict between user needs and shareholder demands for revenue. Moving from one master to two risks prioritizing ads over search integrity.

Very interesting article on Google on Wired. One interesting point the article raises towards the end is this: "As a private company, Google has one master: users. As a public company, there are shareholders to worry about." And the interests of these may not be aligned. Shareholders may want more ad revenues. Users do not want ads. Shareholders may want paid placements. Users do not. Once Google IPOs, I suspect its quality will fall.

Google IPO governance


I couldn't access Google and found myself redirected to the Three Rivers Internet website instead. It appears to be a major DNS or routing error affecting the search engine's domain during this September 2002 outage.

Today, I couldn't access Google. When I tried, I got this site instead. www.Google.com leads to Three Rivers Internet site instead

Google is down


I reached a surprising milestone where my name finally appears as the top result for 'S Anand' on Google. While I doubt this ranking will last forever, it is a significant moment for my personal online presence.

Never thought the day would come when the Google query S Anand would throw up my name first. Probably won't last...

Google my name


I'm excited to see that Google News has been completely revamped. This 2002 update reflects a significant evolution in automated news aggregation and how the search giant presents real-time headlines to its users.

Wow! Google News is completely revamped! via CNet

Google News revamped


I evaluated the beta version of Google News and found it currently unimpressive, though I predict it will follow Google’s typical trajectory to become a de facto search standard for news content.

news.google.com. Still in Beta, and a little unimpressive, but as with most things at Google, likely to become a de facto search engine.

Google news still in beta


I found Google News to be a significant improvement for tracking daily headlines. It's an exciting development in how I consume information online, making the process of staying informed much more streamlined and efficient.

Google news. Life just gets better by the day.

Google news


I explored how Google calculates PageRank and found it interesting that Google's own site reportedly achieved a rank of 11 out of 10, highlighting a unique exception in their famous search algorithm's scoring system.

On figuring Google's pagerank. It's interesting to note that Google, and only Google, ranks 11 out of 10 in its pagerank.

Google PageRank


Read the original paper by Sergey Brin and Lawrence Page describing the anatomy of the Google search engine. It covers the architectural design, the PageRank algorithm, and the foundations of large-scale web crawling.

The original Google paper.

Google paper


I highlighted Daniel Egnor's winning solution for the 2002 Google programming contest. The entry focused on creating a high-performance indexing and search system to efficiently process and query a large corpus of text documents.

The winner of the Google programming contest.

Google programming contest winner


I’m curious why my site ranks so highly for specific search queries like "arabic food's pictures" and "wedding pictures in chennai." I've noticed I'm the second result on Google for several niche, unexpected phrases.

Why am I the second hit on Google for queries like "arabic food's pictures", "wedding pictures in chennai in geocities", and "iim grads future"?

Google queries that lead to my site


I'm highlighting how Google's effective search results make exact-match domain names less essential for discovery. As users shift toward searching instead of typing URLs, the premium on descriptive web addresses is rapidly declining.

Google reduces need for domain names.

Google reduces need for domain names


I am tracking the fallout from the latest Google search algorithm update. While many report dramatic shifts in their keyword rankings, my own search results remain stable so far as I observe the community response.

Reactions to Google's revised search algorithm. People's rankings on certain keywords appear to have changed. Mine hasn't. So far.

Google search algorithm change


I discovered Google added Klingon, Hacker, Hindi, and Tamil to its interface. Watch out for the 'Save preferences' button—selecting a language you don't understand makes it very hard to navigate back to your original settings.

Google speaks Klingon, Hacker, Hindi, Tamil, and several other new languages. (Be careful about the "Save preferences" button, if you picked a language you don't understand.)

Google speaks Klingon


I shared a link to the experimental features page for the Google Toolbar, highlighting early versions of browser integration tools that Google tested before their wider release to the general public.

Google toolbar: experimental features.

Google toolbar experimental features


I noticed the Google toolbar recently had security vulnerabilities, but they were patched quickly. I found that the software automatically updated itself on my machine, demonstrating an efficient mechanism for deploying critical security fixes.

The Google toolbar has security holes. But they fixed it, and the toolbar's automatically been updated! (At least, it's been for me.) Pretty quick.

Google toolbar has security holes


I tracked the legal battle between Google and the Church of Scientology regarding DMCA takedown notices. The conflict involved removing search results for anti-Scientology sites like Operation Clambake, highlighting early challenges for internet freedom and copyright law.

Here's the current status on Google vs Church of Scientology.

Google vs Church of Scientology


I share my thoughts on Google-watch, a site criticizing Google's privacy and search fairness. While I value good results, I agree that PageRank often hides relevant recent updates or smaller sites I'd like to see.

Google-watch is against Google, because they're unfair, and don't respect privacy (via Salon). I still don't mind, as long as I get good search results. But this "unfair" part I kind-of agree with. Wish Google would search recently updated sites better. And they've also got a point about the ordering. Sometimes, I would like to see the "less important" (low pagerank) sites on top.

Google-watch


I find Google Webquotes incredibly useful because it shows what other sites say about specific search results. It adds significant value to my search experience with no extra effort, making it my preferred way to use Google.

Google webquotes lets you see what other sites say about each of Google's search results. This is such a useful feature to me (at no incremental pain) that I see no reason to ever Google without webquotes! (Google also has Google viewer, which to me is far less useful. And while you're at it, may as well check Google's extensive resource for webmasters) via Kiruba

Google webquotes


I know I've been sharing a lot of Google news, but I found these specific dates for the GoogleDance. They provide a timeline for when the search engine updates its index and refreshes global search rankings.

I know -- I've been talking too much about Google. Still, here're the dates on which Google updates itself.

GoogleDance dates


I found this article on Googlewhacking, a game where you search for two-word queries that return exactly one result. It's a fun artifact of early search engine culture and the quest for digital uniqueness.

Googlewhacking.

Googlewhacking


I look at new problems with the online GRE format, specifically question leaks, which exacerbate existing issues like high costs and difficult test-writing as highlighted in these early 2000s Wired reports.

Here's a new problem with the online format of GRE tests: leaks! Bad enough that they're expensive, tough to write, ...

GRE leaks


I examine Greenspan’s argument that identifying bubbles in real-time is impossible, justifying why the Fed didn't raise rates earlier to prevent the late-nineties market surge and subsequent crash.

Greenspan's defence. On why he couldn't have raised interest rates earlier and prevented the bubble.

Greenspans defence


I examine how scale-free networks evolve naturally to include central hubs, providing robustness against random failures but creating targeted vulnerabilities. These articles from the Santa Fe Institute detail how evolution differs from intentional design.

Growth, Form, Function, and Crashes: an article from the Santa Fe institute. It explains scale-free fairly well. The point is, scale-free networks have a few hubs. If you knock a hub out, the network is fragmented. But your chance of knocking a hub out by random is small, since there are so few of them. That makes scale-free networks reliable as well as vulnerable. Slightly more technical details at PhysicsWeb by the creators of scale-free networks. It also says that if you design a network, it may not be scale-free. But if you let it evolve, it probably will be.

Growth Form Function and Crashes


I'm sharing The Guardian's 2002 list of favorite blogs, which features Satish’s Random Thoughts. It provides a unique snapshot of the early blogosphere and the personal sites that first caught the attention of mainstream media outlets.

Guardian's favourite blogs. Satish's Random Thoughts is on it.

Guardians favourite blogs


I highlight the first hacking case registered under India's IT Act in 2002. The case involved an out-of-jurisdiction suspect, illustrating the immediate complexities of enforcing cyber law across international or regional borders.

The first case of hacking under the IT Act has been registered. Had to be someone out of jurisdiction, didn't it!

Hacking arrest


I discovered that Herman Miller invented the cubicle in the 1950s. While often blamed for office misery, Robert Propst’s original design was modified after early prototypes caused psychological startle reflexes in workers. I secretly kind of like them.

Who invented cubicles? Herman Miller, 1950s. Now we know whom to blame! (However, I must admit to a secret liking for cubicles.) via MetaFilter Comments L K Tucker 21 Feb 2007 5:23 pm: Robert Propst is credited with the invention according to a bio on the Herman Miller Inc. site. He denied it. His open plan system was modified when workers using the first prototypes began having mental breaks. The human vision startle reflex had worked in the "special circumstances" those first close-spaced workstations created.

Herman Miller invented cubicles


I found a hilarious review of the movie 'Baba' starring Rajnikanth. It provides a comedic critique of the film's themes and performance, originally shared via the Potti blog during the peak of the movie's release.

Hilarious review of 'Baba'. Baba is the latest film by Rajnikanth. via Potti

Hilarious review of Baba


I shared an analysis of the legal complexities behind Hindi film song copyrights. The piece examines how ownership and licensing work when these songs are repackaged for different music albums and commercial compilations.

The flip side of copyright: Hindi songs featured in albums.

Hindi songs copyright


I examine a worrying Hindutva organizational chart, suggesting its implications are best understood by reading it in the context of contemporary reports on global terrorism and extremist movements.

The Hindutva org-chart. Worrying. Think about it after reading about terrorism.

Hindutva org-chart


I examine Sony Ericsson’s clever marketing tactic of hiring young couples to ask strangers in bars to take their photo. It's a smart way to get people to physically interact with and test their new camera phones.

This is a smart one. Sony Ericsson makes these mobile phones with cameras. To promote them, they've hired young couples, who'll go to bars, etc and ask people to take a snap of them. If I were asked, I'd fiddle with the camera/phone a bit.

Hiring young couples


I’m sharing Reckoners, an e-book detailing the evolution of early electronic computers. It traces the development from mechanical systems to pioneering electronic machines, offering a technical history of the first digital processors and their creators.

Reckoners: an e-book on the history of early electronic computers. via RobotWisdom

History of early electronic computers


I revisit the classic Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy text adventure game, which I've remembered fondly since playing it on an Atari in 1984. It remains a definitive piece of interactive fiction by Douglas Adams and Infocom.

The game of Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy. I played a bit of it at Suki's house on his Atari. A game I remember fondly since 1984. Thanks, Prachi!

Hitchhikers Guide game


I look at Kamato Hongo's 115th birthday and her unique sleep-wake cycle, where she sleeps for two days and stays awake for two days. This unusual rhythm highlights the mysterious habits of extreme longevity in Japan.

Hongo-san turned 115 yesterday. But she slept through it. She sleeps two days, and stays awake for two days. The secret of longevity?

Hongo-san turned 115 yesterday


I share an overview of how Google Answers functions, referencing a report by a librarian who was fired from the service. I also note Google's $100 million revenue milestone and address my own gender-based assumptions.

Good article on how Google Answers works. Unfortunately, the guy who wrote it was fired from Google Answers. (Incidentally, this Fortune article mentions that Google makes over $100 mn a year. That's incredible!) via GoogleBlog 'A frequent visitor' wrote in asking if I meant 'guy' as in 'guy or girl', because the person who wrote it is a girl. I didn't know that. Thanks! (Wonder if that re-inforces the stereotype of the female librarian...)

How Google answers works


I explore Staci Kramer's analysis of how news about Turner Broadcasting's controversial stance on ad-skipping spread across the early internet, tracing its path through legal sites and personal blogs to illustrate digital information flow.

Staci Kramer interviewed the CEO of Turner Broadcasting (who, among other things, said stuff like not watching ads is theft). Staci traces how news of this spread through the Internet into sites like top 10 copyright crimes and "But Daddy I need to go".

How news spreads through the Internet


I found a Wired guide detailing methods for disappearing both online and offline. It covers strategies for erasing your digital footprint and maintaining physical anonymity to escape tracking in an increasingly connected world.

Wired tells you how to disappear. Online and offline.

How to disappear


I used the W3C HTML validator service to audit my site's markup. It was instrumental in identifying several structural flaws, particularly incorrect tag nesting, allowing me to fix errors and ensure my code follows web standards.

W3C runs a HTML validator service. Quite useful. I managed to find several flaws on my site's HTML (particularly wrong nesting.)

HTML validator service


I recommend checking out Huh? Corp, a site featuring a hilariously sound business model. If you have the money and they have the shares, follow this link to explore their unique approach to corporate structure and investment.

Huh? Corp. If you have money, and they have shares, buy! They've got the soundest business model you'll see around. via Vijay

Huh Corp


I shared a quick note about being featured on Rediff after a mention from Anita. It captures a moment of early blogosphere fame and the excitement of receiving external recognition in the 2002 internet landscape.

I'm famous. Thanks, Anita!

I am famous


I am taking a vacation and won't be updating the site until June 20, 2002. I am setting aside my regular writing schedule for a few weeks to enjoy some time off before resuming my typical posting frequency.

I am on vacation. Please don't expect updates till 20th June 2002. (Sorry!)

I am on vacation


I experienced a moment of SEO irony when my site ranked first on Google for 'movie ticket delivery in Bandra.' Despite the search results, I’m a consultant, not a distributor, so please don't ask me for tickets.

Fame has its ironical twists. I was searching in google for someone who could deliver movie tickets on the phone at Bandra. The irony is that my site landed up on top. P.S: The title is sarcastic. I DO NOT deliver tickets. I'm a consultant, not a ticket distributor. So please don't try to book your tickets in the comments section below!

I deliver movie tickets on the phone at Bandra


While waiting at Mumbai's Andheri station, I witnessed both cruelty and kindness toward a sleeping dog. I found a lost notebook filled with poetry and a workman's pass, but ultimately failed to return it, remaining a passive observer.

I was waiting for Vandana and Prashasti at ticket counter of the Andheri (E) station. Mumbai is extremely warm these days, so I went in search of a fan to stand under. I found one, but the place under it was occupied. By a dog. Now, I have to describe this dog. It looked like on of the normal mongrels. Not too discoloured or anything. Looked pretty young. And it was lying on its back. Yeah, sure, dogs aren't supposed to do that, but this one did it pretty well. In the middle of its sleep, it woke up, and tried scratching itself. Poor thing must've felt itchy all over, so it ended up trying to bite its paw several times over, and not always succeeding. I didn't budge. I just watched. While I was watching all this, this fairly well-dressed guy of about 25 had just bought his ticket, and was walking towards me. He noticed me, and noticed me looking at the dog. He walked pretty close to the dog, and I thought he wanted to pet the dog. What he did, instead, this well-dressed guy, was to kick the dog instead. For no reason at all. And walked away. I didn't budge. I just watched. Then this little girl of about 4 came along. Clothes in tatters, and probably hadn't eaten in many hours. She stood near the dog. The dog tried scratching itself on her skirt and leg (still on its back, mind you.) She moved a bit back. The dog followed. Soon they were playing. I didn't budge. I just watched. After a while, the little girl went over and joined her mother and (equally tiny) sisters. Someone else had just bought a ticket, and was rushing to catch the train. In his haste, he dropped a little red booklet. The little girl was closest to it, so she picked it up and opened it. If it had any money, I'd have been quite happy to see her take it. There wasn't. It was just a red booklet. She took it to her mother, who looked at it, looked around for help, saw me looking, and asked the little girl to give it to me, and asked me if I could return it. I don't think that well-dressed guy would've asked me to return it. The booklet seemed like a phone book of sorts, though it had some Hindi poetry too in it (romantic poetry, too!) and a workman's pass. A phone number was listed. I called the number, explained to the person that I had this pass, and said that I'd leave it with the station master at Andheri, and that the owner could pick it up. It didn't work out that way. I couldn't find the station master. I don't know if these stations even have one. So I just left, figuring I'd return it the next day. Didn't happen. That week, I had to leave for Delhi. Now that I'm back, I still haven't returned it. As far as I'm concerned, I didn't budge. I just watched.

I just watched


I opted out of various popup advertisements by using a collection of specific links to test the underlying code. I wanted to see how well these opt-out mechanisms worked across different digital advertising platforms and networks.

I opted out of many popup ads. Not that I particularly mind them... I just wanted to test out the code.

I opted out of many popup ads


I noted IBM's $3.5 billion acquisition of PwC Consulting, comparing it to HP's previous $18 billion offer. I observed that IBM's stock price stayed steady, suggesting they may have secured a bargain on the deal.

IBM acquires PwC Consulting. Or what would've been Monday. For $3.5 bn. I heard somewhere that the stock price of acquiring companies typically fall after such announcements. IBM's didn't. Does that mean they got PwC at a low price? Given that HP once refused them at $18 bn, maybe...

IBM acquires PwC Consulting


I discovered that IGPC produces 65% of the world's postage stamps. Their site offers a comprehensive look at recent releases from various countries, including India, showcasing the scale of their global philatelic manufacturing.

IGPC makes 65% of the world's stamps. Their site has pictures of some recent stamps issued by India. via Metafilter

IGPC makes most of the worlds stamps


I met up with a dozen IIMB alumni at Hotel Pritam in Mumbai. We shared photos from the gathering on our Yahoo Group, documenting this local get-together of the class of 2001.

A dozen IIMB junta got together at Hotel Pritam, Mumbai.

IIMB junta get together


I noted that the Indian Institute of Management Bangalore (IIMB) has updated its official website. This post records the change in the school's digital presence, reflecting on how institutional portals evolved during the early 2000s.

The IIM-B website has changed.

IIMB website changed


I respond to T N Ninan’s critique of IIT/IIM graduates. While he argues their value lies solely in the rigorous selection process, I believe the years of intense competition provide significant value, regardless of the curriculum's quality.

Tomorrow's leaders: opinion on IIT/IIM grads by T N Ninan at Business Standard. From his interviews for the Aditya Birla scholarships, and observes that there is a lack of awareness about India among them, and that the real value of the IITs/IIMs is in the selection process, not the education. I disagree on the latter. I think the 4+2 years of intense competition also adds value. The curriculum, however, may or may not.

IIT and IIM grads


I highlighted that Lord of the Rings has reached the top position on the IMDb Top 250 list, capturing a moment in cinematic history when the franchise first dominated global film fan rankings and critical acclaim.

Lord of the Rings now tops the IMDb Top 250.

IMDb Top 250


I explore a method for improving your page rank that avoids manipulative Google-bombing. Use these legitimate strategies to increase your site's search engine visibility and discoverability through better linking practices.

A non-Google-bomb way of improving your page rank.

Improving your page rank


I examine Don Norman’s argument for reforming education to prioritize cooperation over individual testing. By redefining cheating as collaborative problem-solving, schools can better prepare students for the teamwork-heavy realities of the modern professional world.

In defense of cheating. About how the school system should be changed to encourage co-operation.

In defense of cheating


Explore India in 1000 AD through the eyes of Arabic historian Al Beruni. These writings highlight fascinating cultural observations, such as the practice of Hindu men seeking advice from women in all major consultations and emergencies.

India in the eyes of Al Beruni, an Arabic historian around 1000AD. It is interesting to note the reversal of several customs among Hindus and Muslims. Particularly that "In all consultations and emergencies they [Hindus] take advice of the women." via Narayana Murthy's comment

India in 1000 AD


India’s Department of IT is establishing Linux as the de facto standard for academic institutions. This policy shift aims to promote open-source software in education, with plans for potential expansion into other government sectors.

India to go the Linux way. Department of IT will support Linux as the de facto standard in academic institutions. Possibly elsewhere in the future.

India to go the Linux way


I shared an early 2002 India Today feature on the growing Indian blogosphere, highlighting several pioneering bloggers. I even found a simple way to bypass the site's subscription paywall by brute-forcing random four-digit IDs.

India Today on blogging. Very nice article, Nidhi. (You need to have a subscription ID. But if you just keep typing random 4-digit numbers, it eventually lets you in.) Featuring Rohini, Prachi, Prabhakar Venkataraman, Radhika, Aditi, Rajesh, Anand, Mahesh, Anita, Arun, Jaykrishnan Nair, Rushi, Kiruba, Madhuri and Sylvia. Comments golu 25 May 2007 6:44 pm: thanx a lot yaar """" 4181 """"" worked for me nkt 29 May 2007 6:33 am: 4181 still works, thanx man!! Sai 17 Sep 2002 12:00 pm: 4181 works!!! Thanks a lot rejin 17 Sep 2002 12:00 pm: thanks mohit 17 Sep 2002 12:00 pm: thanks worked for me gbaja biamila 17 Sep 2002 12:00 pm: this works for me too, thanks man, appreciate it Krishna 17 Sep 2002 12:00 pm: It still works, dude! 29th Aug 2007 hksubbu 17 Sep 2002 12:00 pm: works...... 10/10/07 Amit 17 Sep 2002 12:00 pm: thanks a lot....it still works 01/11/07 :-) g 17 Sep 2002 12:00 pm: still works .. nov 10 2007

India Today on blogging


I compiled a round-up of early Indian blogging communities, highlighting resources like Anita's comprehensive list and ring, Eatonweb, and Kamat's moderated directory to help navigate the emerging Indian blogosphere in 2002.

A quick round-up on the Indian bloggers' lists: Anita's list: 103 blogs. Comprehensive (static) Anita's ring: 47 blogs. Big, collaborative Eatonweb: 41 blogs. Collaborative, growing Kamat's list: 34 blogs. Flexible (moderated) Other methods like Blogchalk India yield too few hits. If you want to go beyond these lists, Google searches like indian blogger are probably your best bet.

Indian bloggers lists


I found a collection of Indian TV commercial storyboards that detail ad plots through both pictures and words, providing a visual glimpse into the advertising industry in India during the early 2000s.

Indian TV commercial storyboards. The plots of several TV ads, in pictures and words. via Someplace Simple

Indian TV commercial storyboards


I question the narrative of India’s peaceful history by looking at its poor treatment of Buddhism. I argue that without Gandhi or the British government, we might have been just as prone to war as others.

We keep hearing about India's and Hindu's peaceful history. But if India's poor treatment of Buddhism is anything to go by, we're no better than any others. Guess we were lucky to have Gandhi and a non-overthrowable British Government. Otherwise, we'd have gone to war as well.

Indias poor treatment of Buddhism


I'm sharing a classic satirical piece from The Onion regarding the geopolitical friction between India and Pakistan. It captures the absurdity of their nuclear standoff and regional brinkmanship with sharp, characteristic wit.

The Onion on Indo-Pakistan tensions.

Indo-Pakistan tensions


Examine the Intel vs. Hamidi legal case regarding whether sending mass emails to a corporation’s employees constitutes a 'trespass to chattels' and how digital communications interact with traditional property and tort law.

Intel vs Hamidi raises the issue of whether sending an e-mail could constitute "trespassing".

Intel vs Hamidi


I discovered that airlines restrict laptop use during takeoff and landing primarily because they become dangerous projectiles during turbulence, rather than due to electrical interference. This safety explanation is much more logical than the common interference myth.

Insight from a NY Times article on how the Internet can be accessed from flights: the reason you shouldn't use a laptop on a flight during take-off and landing is not because of electrical interference; it is that the laptop could be a dangerous loose flying object in case of turbulence. Now, that makes more sense.

Internet on flights


I frequently revisit Tim O'Reilly’s article on the future of the internet. It offers essential insights into how network-based applications and decentralized platforms were evolving at the turn of the millennium.

Inventing the future by Tim O'Reilly is an article I have read and reread many times. If you want a quick idea of what the Internet will look like in a year, read it.

Inventing the future


I found the Invisible Library, a catalog of books that exist only within other books. It features imaginary titles from authors like Arthur Conan Doyle and Douglas Adams, though it could use more entries from Lewis Carroll.

The Invisible Library. Has books that exist only inside other books. Neat stuff. Talks of various books by Holmes & Watson (Doyle) as well as Oolon Colluphid (Douglas Adams), though I was disappointed that too little of Lewis Caroll is mentioned.

Invisible Library


I’m sharing the news that IP telephony has finally arrived in India. This long-awaited regulatory shift opens the door for voice over internet services, fundamentally changing how communication infrastructure and costs are managed across the region.

IP Telephony in India. At last.

IP Telephony


I revisit James McKenzie's 1998 perspective on whether using the internet for schoolwork constitutes plagiarism, examining how the rise of online research challenged traditional definitions of academic integrity and original student work.

Is using the Net for schoolwork plagiarism? James McKenzie had some thoughts right in 1998.


I applaud Information Wave for banning the RIAA from its network. By implementing their own copyright enforcement measures instead of allowing external surveillance, the ISP took a solid stance on privacy and network control.

I like this. Information Wave, an ISP, has banned RIAA from accessing their network. But, they will take their own measures to ensure copyright violation doesn't happen. That's solid.

ISP bans RIAA


I’m excited to see ISPs finally preparing to launch internet telephony services. This move to integrate voice over data networks signals a major shift in how we’ll handle communication and digital connectivity.

All ISPs are going to start offering Internet Telephony pretty soon. Good.

ISPs to start offering Internet Telephony


I discovered Conway and Doyle’s proof showing that division by three is possible in cardinal arithmetic without invoking the axiom of choice. The authors notably distributed their mathematical paper under the GNU General Public License.

Conway and Doyle prove that it is possible to divide by 3. The paper, which is distributed under the GPL, unfortunately comes without a warranty. (via Gimbo)

It is possible to divide by 3


I discovered a collection of high-quality James Bond artwork and was particularly impressed by the crispness of the images. It is a visually striking archive of the iconic film franchise's promotional and concept art.

James Bond artwork. I was fairly impressed by the crisp images.

James Bond artwork


I shared the story of John Keogh, who patented the wheel as a "circular transportation facilitation device" to highlight loopholes in Australia's patent system, a feat that earned him an Ig Nobel Prize.

More nostalgia. John Keogh patented the wheel. via Ig Nobel Prizes

John Keogh patented the wheel


I explain that the W32.Perrun virus isn't actually hidden in JPEG files themselves. You can continue sending images safely, as this specific malware requires a pre-existing infected executable to extract and execute any malicious payload.

A "JPEG virus". (Note: The JPEG file itself isn't the virus. You don't have to stop sending JPEGs.)

JPEG virus


I'm exploring Kartoo's impressive Flash-based search interface. Although its utility isn't immediately clear to me, the visual mapping of search results is a unique concept that could be refined into something truly useful for navigation.

Kartoo has an amazing Flash interface for a search engine. I'm not sure how to use it effectively, but I'm sure someone'll take this idea up and make something really useful out of it.

Kartoo


Kazaa is up for sale following copyright battles, highlighting the legal risks for early peer-to-peer networks. Despite the sale, file swapping remains resilient as users migrate to other decentralized platforms.

Kazaa is up for sale. Thanks to copyright. But file swapping continues.

Kazaa


I’m skeptical of clean desk mandates. Research suggests that 'pilers' often find information more efficiently than 'filers,' who tend to accumulate extraneous data and access their records less frequently than those with cluttered workspaces.

Interesting article on The Economist on the value of a cluttered desk. ... the assumption that filers can find stuff more quickly is wrong. Filers, they say, "are less likely to access a given piece of data, and more likely to acquire extraneous data..." (There's a "Clean your desk" initiative at BCG Mumbai going on right now.)

Keep your desk cluttered


I highlight a policy change allowing dollar earners in India to retain their foreign currency, noting the strategic timing of this move as the US dollar depreciates against the rupee according to current exchange trends.

Now, if you earn dollars, you can keep the dollars. Interesting that this move comes at just the time when the dollar is falling.

Keep your dollars


I shared the itemized breakdown of the $323,000 monthly child support payment requested by Kirk Kerkorian's wife. It details the astronomical lifestyle expenses claimed for the daughter of one of the world's wealthiest men.

Kirk Kerkorian's wife is asking for $323,000 a month for child support. Here's the breakup of that figure. But then, Kerkorian's the 29th richest man.

Kerkorian child support breakup


I shared Kiruba Shankar’s early interview with Google, noting the insightful questions regarding the search engine's operations. The post also highlights the active community discussion surrounding the interview on MetaFilter during late 2002.

Kiruba's interview with Google. Nice questions! And good to see the post on MetaFilter. via MetaFilter

Kiruba Shankar interviews Google


Vladimir Kramnik's 2002 match against the Deep Fritz engine ended in a 4-4 draw, marking a milestone where top-tier chess programs achieved parity with human world champions in high-stakes competitive play.

Kramnik ties with Fritz. The chess game between the world champion and the computer ends with 2 games each. via RobotWisdom It is now clear that the top program and the world champion are approximately equal." -- Vladimir Kramnik

Kramnik ties with Fritz


I share kuro5hin, a community-driven news and discussion site similar to Slashdot that covers a wider range of topics including culture and technology through user-submitted articles and a collaborative moderation system.

kuro5hin: like slashdot, but not just techie.

kuro5hin


I reflect on the extravagance of lavish weddings, noting that while they seem like a waste, I would personally spend $40,000 on a Disneyland ceremony featuring Cinderella’s Crystal Coach if I had the budget.

Lavish weddings. Sounds a bit of a waste... but if I were offered a wedding in Disneyland, with "Cinderella's Crystal Coach", I'd probably pay the $40,000. If I had it, that is.

Lavish weddings


I shared a link to the Law of the Playground, a site documenting the nostalgic and often brutal folklore of schoolyard games, slang, and social rules that defined our collective childhood experiences.

The Law of the Playground. Interesting, yes. Nostalgic? Maybe.

Law of the Playground


I wish I had realized sooner that programmers must write documentation laymen can actually understand. It is a vital lesson for developers to prioritize clarity and accessibility over technical jargon for non-expert users.

Programmers: learn from this. Laymen want documentation they understand. (Wish someone told me 5 years ago.)


I am learning how to use Macromedia Flash to create web animations. I'm currently working through the tutorials on Webmonkey to master the basics of multimedia design and interactive web content.

I'm learning Flash.

Learning Flash


Explore how the Leidenfrost effect allows for firewalking by creating a thin layer of insulating vapor between your feet and hot coals. This physics phenomenon explains why water beads on a hot pan or liquid nitrogen skims surfaces.

The Leidenfrost effect is what lets you walk over hot coal.

Leidenfrost effect


Lawrence Lessig challenges excessive internet copyright legislation before the Supreme Court. The Stanford Law professor argues against restrictive laws to protect digital innovation and the public domain from overreaching legal frameworks.

Lessig argues copyright to the Supreme Court. Lawrence Lessig is a Professor of Law at Stanford, and argues against excessive legislation of the Internet and related technologies. Good guy.

Lessig at the Supreme Court on copyrights


I shared a witty exchange between Albert Einstein and a young girl who mistakenly thought he lived in the 18th century. Einstein’s response offers a charming glimpse into his humor regarding his own mortality.

Cute letters to Einstein from kids. Dear Sir, I probably would have written ages ago, only I was not aware that you were still alive. I am not interested in history, and I thought that you had lived in the 18th c., or somewhere around that time... Tyfanny Dear Tyfanny, ... I have to apologize to you that I am still among the living. There will be a remedy for this, however. ... Einstein via MetaFilter

Letter from Einstein


I highlight an early 2002 profile of Google's workplace culture, noting that the search engine's legendary perks and unconventional office atmosphere still sound like an exceptionally fun environment for tech workers during its formative years.

Life at Google still sounds like fun.

Life at Google


I checked out Looplabs, a Flash-powered online synthesizer for creating custom music tracks. While the platform offers interesting possibilities for digital audio, I still haven't mastered the interface or figured out how the controls work.

Looplabs. Make your own music with a Flash synthesizer. I still have no clue how to work the controls. Comments ujubhai 2 Apr 2007 5:12 pm: yeah.er..how do you play it then?

Looplabs


I found a collection of literary parodies imagining how The Lord of the Rings would read if written by famous authors like Ernest Hemingway, James Joyce, or Raymond Chandler. It's a clever exploration of distinct writing styles.

The Lord of the Rings, by various other authors.

Lord of the Rings by other authors


I'm looking at a Wired piece on the media portrayal of Mac and PC users. It critiques how television coverage framed the 'good and bad' aspects of both platforms during the early 2000s tech rivalry.

Good and Bad. Mac and PCs. On TV.

Mac and PCs


I explore Apple's resource debunking common Mac myths for Windows users and highlight my discovery of their extensive open source efforts, covering projects like the Darwin kernel.

Mac Myths for Windows users. Incidentally, I didn't know about Apple's open source efforts.

Mac Myths


I found details on the magnetic levitation train pilot project in Virginia. These maglev systems utilize magnetic forces to travel much faster than conventional rail, representing a significant advancement in high-speed transportation technology.

They're piloting a magnetic levitation train at Virginia. These trains can run much faster than conventional trains.

Magnetic levitation train


I am reaching out to Rajnish Kanojia to schedule a chat or a meeting. I am asking him to email me directly so we can connect and discuss things further.

To: Rajnish Kanojia\ Subject: Would love to talk/meet up. Mail me.

Mail me


I found the Man Project by Aaron Clinger, a notable example of early 2000s Flash experimentation. It features unique interactive design and motion graphics that defined the era of creative, non-standard web interfaces.

The Man Project. Cool Flash.

Man Project


I explore reports of a potential cinematic collaboration between director Mani Ratnam and actor Kamal Haasan on a project titled Dragon Fire, highlighting a possible reunion for the duo behind the classic film Nayakan.

Lazy Geek on the possibility of Mani Rathnam and Kamal Hassan working together on Dragon Fire.

Mani Rathnam and Kamal Hassan may work together again


I’m being blocked from McKinsey’s website as a competitor, a practice dubbed "knowledge unsharing." Although I’m on the receiving end of their access restrictions, the move has surprisingly had zero impact on my life or productivity so far.

An interesting thread on Andersja's about how McKinsey is blocking competitors from its site. I'm at the receiving end of it. And so far, it hasn't affected my life in any way.

McKinsey blocks competitors


I found a clever SEC hoax site called McWhortle, designed to educate investors about online scams. The fake company uses high-pressure tactics and unrealistic promises to demonstrate how easily people are tricked by fraudulent get-rich-quick schemes.

McWhortle is an SEC hoax.

McWhortle


I agree with Meg Hourihan's call for professional blogging, arguing that blogging must eventually commercialize to grow. I also clarify a misattributed Michael Faraday quote regarding the inevitability of taxing new technologies like the telegraph.

Meg calls for professional blogging. I agree. Like all good things, blogging will have to go commercial, and like Faraday said, "... someday you can tax it." (Note: Actually, Faraday didn't say it.)

Meg


I shared a study on how domestic cats use meows to communicate with humans. The research suggests that cats have evolved these specific vocalizations to manipulate human behavior, whereas they rarely meow at other adult cats.

A study on the meows of cats.

Meows of cats


I've started following Microcontent News, a site focused on the personal publishing sector. It provides interesting updates on blogs, zines, and other forms of microcontent that are shaping how people share information online.

Microcontent news has news about blogs, zines, and the all the "personal publishing" sector. Pretty interesting news, from what I've seen so far.

Microcontent news


I highlight the 'MS Linux' satire site and contemporary news reports questioning whether Microsoft would ever release its own Linux distribution or simply adapt its business model to counter the open-source movement's growth.

If Microsoft released Linux... but then, they may not need to.

Microsoft released Linux


I explore whether Microsoft possesses a sense of humor by examining a specific Knowledge Base article. Spoiler alert: they don't. It's a quick look at how corporate documentation often misses the mark on intentional wit.

So, does Microsoft really have a sense of humour? (Hint: no.)

Microsoft sense of humour


I'm critiquing Microsoft's 2002 tactics of forcing upgrades through security pivots and suing open-source rivals. They're spending heavily to beat Linux because users aren't voluntarily moving to newer, paid versions of their software.

Nice strategy, Microsoft. Users aren't upgrading to your new products. So you decide to focus on security and force upgrades. And, in the meantime, sue open-source competitors and spend lots of money to beat Linux.

Microsoft strategy


I express relief as Microsoft finally prioritizes security following Bill Gates' 'Trustworthy Computing' memo. This 2002 shift marks a crucial turning point for the company's software development culture and long-term product reliability.

Microsoft will now focus on security. Thank heavens.

Microsoft to focus on security


I've highlighted how Microsoft’s Mac-to-PC 'switcher' ad was a fraud. The featured person actually worked for a PR firm hired by Microsoft, showing the testimonial was a staged corporate response to Apple's campaign.

Microsoft's 'true story' of a Mac-to-PC convert isn't true. The "convert" works in a Public relations firm hired by Microsoft. And probably didn't switch in the first place. (The original ad)

Microsoft true story is false


I explore an Economist article comparing Microsoft’s 2002 challenges to IBM’s 1982 decline. It highlights that Microsoft's ability to adapt and prosper hinges on its capacity to build trust and navigate long-term antitrust pressures.

Microsoft (2002) vs IBM (1982). An article on whether Microsoft will go the IBM Way. Microsoft's ability to adapt and prosper hinges on meeting a third main challenge: creating trust.

Microsoft vs IBM


I shared the news that Microsoft finally agreed to reveal parts of the Windows source code, a significant shift in their intellectual property strategy following regulatory pressure and demands for transparency.

At last, Microsoft will be revealing its Windows source. Parts of it.

Microsoft will reveal Windows source


I examine how military history provides valuable lessons for network security. By studying historical warfare, we gain insights into defense-in-depth, strategic planning, and the psychological aspects of securing modern digital infrastructure.

What can military history teach us about network security?

Military history and network security


I learned mind mapping and compiled resources to explore this visual note-taking technique. It is a powerful method for organizing thoughts, brainstorming ideas, and improving information retention through structured, hierarchical diagrams.

I learnt mind mapping. Ref: 1 2

Mind mapping


I noted the dethroning of Miss Universe over rumors regarding her pregnancy or marital status. While the organization moved to strip her title, she denies the allegations and refuses to return her valuable crown.

Miss Universe dethroned for either being pregnant, or married. She says she's neither, and prefers to keep the (rather valuable) tiara.

Miss Universe dethroned


I explore reports suggesting mobile phones might not actually interfere with aircraft systems after all, while noting the physical impact of heavy phone use on our thumbs, a body part I typically use for pointing.

Mobile phones may not affect planes after all. But they sure affect thumbs. (Note: I always used my thumb for pointing.)

Mobile phones may not affect planes


I found a parody of PwC's controversial rebranding of its consulting arm to 'Monday.' This spoof mocks the 2002 marketing campaign and the bizarre corporate name change that was later abandoned after IBM's acquisition.

Spoof on Monday (PwC) at introducingmonday.co.uk.

Monday


I'm tracking how the RIAA is using emails as evidence against file-sharing services like Morpheus and Kazaa. It's a reminder that digital trails can become permanent records used against you in court.

More e-mail being used as evidence. This time, by the evil RIAA against Morpheus and Kazaa. I wonder if this goes against some legal principle? Aren't you supposed to say, "Anything you say can be used against you?" Reminds me of 'American Beauty', in which Ricky agrees to kills Jane's parents on video.

More e-mail being used as evidence


I explore the law of iterated expectation after a friend corrected my interpretation of a confusing financial headline. It clarifies that a higher than expected expectation is essentially just a revised, higher forecast.

After reading my post on the ET article mentioning "expected to see a higher than expected rise", a certain CA gold-medallist friend of mine wrote back this obscure note that I refuse to understand: ... if you take it literally it is not possible. To put it more technically, something called a law of iterated expectation comes to play. Today's expectation of tomorrow's expectation about what will happen day after is just today's expectation of what will happen day after. I think what they mean by "..." is that the revised expectation is higher than the earlier expectation. She is in the habit of being right, so I had better accede.

More on expectations higher than expected


While searching for the text-based game Moria, I discovered an experimental poetry site. I found the verses comparable to Vogon poetry and realized that Lewis Carroll’s 'The Mouse's Tail' is still the only poem I actually enjoy.

The first link I found on Google when searching for "Moria" was Moria poetry. Now, Moria is this text-based game that I used to play until day-before. I like it. I don't like poetry. Still, I gave it a shot, and before long, I read stuff like "Buffa in the seria\ of my sights split infinitive sunrise\ cicadas and more cicadas." Sounds Vogon. No offence meant. But the only poetry I've enjoyed till date is Alice's The Mouse's Tail.

Moria poetry


I found this news on Morpheus switching to the Gnutella network after being blocked from the FastTrack protocol. It marks a significant moment in P2P history as major clients pivoted toward more open, decentralized sharing architectures.

The news on Morpheus and Gnutella.

Morpheus and Gnutella


I argue that since most people find websites through Google searches, paid advertising is likely a waste of money for general traffic. It only makes sense if you have a specific product or service to sell.

Kamat observes that most people find out about the site via a search in Google. I'd say advertising is probably pointless for just traffic generation. If one has something to sell, fine. Not otherwise.

Most people find out about the site via a search in Google


I used MouthShut to find helpful travel reviews while planning a trip to Matheran. The platform serves as a valuable resource for consumer-driven feedback on local destinations and products in India.

I was planning to go to Matheran, and found some good reviews at MouthShut.

MouthShut


I highlight the significant news that AOL might transition its 30 million subscribers from Internet Explorer to Mozilla, a major potential shift that could disrupt Microsoft's browser dominance during the early 2000s browser wars.

AOL, and hence its 30 million subscribers, could move away from IE towards Mozilla. That's big.

Move away from IE


I found Mozilla 1.2 beta impressively fast and stable. I particularly enjoy the tabbed browsing and Type Ahead Find features, though the current inability to customize keyboard shortcuts is my only significant complaint.

I downloaded Mozilla 1.2 beta. It loads fast. It runs fast. It hasn't crashed. It's tab feature is great. It's Type Ahead Find feature is fabulous. It's add-ons are great. I think I'm going to switch browsers again! (My only crib, though, is that I can't customize keyboard shortcuts. Or I don't know how yet.) Mozilla screenshot

Mozilla 1.2 beta


I'm keeping an eye on Mozilla's open-source development, which continues to yield useful innovations like the new Bayesian spam filter and type-ahead find feature. It's a great example of how community projects evolve quickly.

But then, I should also keep in mind that Mozilla is open source. So they'll keep coming out with cool stuff like Mozilla's Bayesian spam filter and type ahead find. via Boing Boing

Mozilla has extensions


I'm trying Mozilla because its native SOAP support lets me build pages with dynamic Google and Amazon content. By using JavaScript to make API calls directly, I can create these features without needing a back-end web server.

I'm trying Mozilla. It has native SOAP support. So I can make a web page that has dynamic Google searches (and Amazon booklists, etc) without a web-server.

Mozilla


I've shared a link to a collection of MSN Messenger emoticons hosted on Geocities. This resource showcases the classic icons used in the early 2000s instant messaging era for personalizing digital conversations and chats.

MSN messenger emoticons.

MSN messenger emoticons


I'm excited about Multimedia Messaging Service (MMS), which lets me send photos via SMS or post videos to my blog directly from my cell phone. It's a glimpse into the future of mobile content sharing.

MMS: Multimedia Messaging Service. I take a photo, and send it by SMS. I take a video, and post it on my weblog through my cell phone. Nice.

Multimedia Messaging Service


I found IBM's Multimodal browser extension, which uses the XHTML+Voice standard to enable speech input for web forms. I’d love to add voice-controlled textboxes to my site, but my busy schedule as a consultant keeps me from experimenting.

IBM has this cool tool: Multimodal browser extension. With this, I can create a textbox on my site, which you can fill in by speaking to the web page. The underlying standard is W3C's XHTML+Voice. Two years ago, I'd have downloaded it and had it on my site in a few hours. Today, I'm a married consultant. I don't have a few hours. :-(

Multimodal browser


I've temporarily taken down the Mumbai Bloggers' Meet photos because my 50MB daily bandwidth quota was exceeded after only 33 hits. I expect the images to be back online later today once the limit resets.

The Mumbai Bloggers' Meet photos are out of action. The site should be back some time today. The page is about 1.5MB (including pictures), and my quota is 50MB per day. So about 33 hits is enough to kill the page. Quota exceeded error at sanand.netfirms.com

Mumbai bloggers meet photos unavailable


Mumbai Police hired a hacker to combat cybercrime, notably recovering IDBI and HDFC banking sites from attacks and investigating Chhota Shakeel's money laundering activities. It highlights early efforts in Indian cyber law enforcement.

The Mumbai police are using a hacker to resolve some cybercrimes. It's interesting to note some of his efforts: freeing the IDBI, HDFC sites from hackers, and tracking Chhota Shakeel's money laundering. via FilterCoffee

Mumbai Police use a hacker


I highlight how mapping software execution to music can help developers spot bugs. I believe sonification techniques are broadly applicable to complex datasets like DNA sequences and time series, turning abstract data into audible patterns.

Music helps identify software bugs. I'm sure it can be extended to many other forms of ordered data. DNA sequences, time series, etc.

Music helps identify software bugs


I examine how music swapping persisted in 2002 despite Napster's shutdown. The RIAA's legal actions against KaZaa highlight the industry's struggle against shifting consumer habits and the rise of decentralized file-sharing networks.

Music-swapping continues. An RIAA spokesman says, The problem would have been far worse if we had not stopped Napster. We would have seen far more venture capital companies taking a shot (at P2P sites) if Napster had succeeded. However, consumers are continually becoming more accustomed to downloading music for free KaZaa's the most popular right now, but not for long, perhaps. KaZaa also faces a possible Napster-esque end. The recording industry has sued the service and court date looms in December

Music swapping continues


I recorded my blogger code, a condensed string of characters representing my personality and blogging habits, which was a popular way for early webloggers to identify themselves and their site's technical characteristics.

My blogger code is B6 d t++ k++ s u- f+ i o- x-- e+ l c. So?

My blogger code


I registered my domain name s-anand.net through NameZero and am looking for advice on transferring it to a new registrar once it expires. I need to know if I can switch providers on the expiration date.

I registered my domain name through NameZero. It expires on 23 Oct 2002. Can I get it registered from someone other registrar on that day?

My domain name


I shared the results of furnishing my kitchen, contrasting my high design aspirations with the modest reality shown in a photo that arguably looks better than the actual space.

I just furnished my kitchen. While my aspiration levels were high, I ended up with this. Mind you, the photo makes the kitchen look a lot better than it really is.

My kitchen


I found my Geocities site archived on the Wayback Machine from August 2001. It’s a snapshot of how my page looked back then, and honestly, the site hasn't changed much in the time since that archive was made.

The Internet Archive has archived my page as of Aug 2001. The site hasn't changed much since then.

My page on the Internet Archive


I linked to a sleep posture guide claiming my habits suggest I’m narrow-minded and self-centered. I don't believe these interpretations are accurate, highlighting the questionable connection between physical sleeping positions and deep personality traits.

My sleeping posture "suggests" that I'm narrow-minded, self-centered, etc. Not true. (?)

My sleeping posture


I missed my weblog's second birthday on June 19th, but I’m now reflecting on its growth alongside my main website, which is turning six. These milestones highlight my long-term journey in personal digital publishing.

My weblog's second birthday passed unnoticed. On 19th June, it turned two. (My website itself is nearing its 6th birthday.)

My weblog is two years old


I found an extensive resource listing names for everything imaginable, from everyday objects to astronomical bodies. It serves as a comprehensive taxonomy and reference for specific terminology and nomenclature across many different domains and categories.

Names of everything under the sun, and beyond.

Names of everything


National Geographic has located Sharbat Gula, the green-eyed Afghan refugee from their iconic 1985 cover. Seventeen years later, photographer Steve McCurry used iris recognition and local leads to verify her identity in a remote region of Pakistan.

The green eyed girl on the cover of National Geographic has been found.

National Geographic girl found


I found that average web surfers rarely understand or value digital privacy. Even when the risks are explained, most users remain unconcerned about their personal data, a sentiment echoed by findings in a Forbes report.

Forbes: netizens don't value privacy all that much. The average surfer that I meet does not know about privacy, and does not worry too much when explained either.

Netizens do not value privacy all that much


I’m tracking the release of the Netscape 7.01 preview. I haven't tested it myself, but early feedback suggests there is no compelling reason to switch, as noted in reviews from sources like ZDNet.

Netscape 7.01 is out. Preview release, mind. No, I haven't tested it yet. Awaiting reviews. (24 May: No reason to switch)

Netscape 7.01


I’m disappointed that Netsurfer’s Digest is switching to a $20 annual subscription model. While I’ve enjoyed their content, I'll likely stick to free alternatives like Metafilter instead of paying for the service.

Pity... Netsurfer's Digest now costs $20 a year. They'd been hinting about it for a while. I'd probably pay for it, if there weren't alternatives. I find myself using them less, and substitutes like Metafilter are pretty good too.

Netsurfer Digest no longer free


I discovered NetXCell, a neat service that allows me to send SMS messages directly from my web browser. It is a convenient way to manage mobile messaging without needing a physical handset for every text.

I can send SMS via the Web through NetXCell. Neat.

NetXCell


I found a neuroscience resource for kids with interactive brain games and learned how neuroscientific research is being used to decode the visual design and calming effects of Zen gardens.

I found this site on neuroscience (for kids). Nice. Has lots of brain games (no -- not smart ones -- more like testing your reaction time, etc.) Actually I was reading up on neuroscience because of this article on how neuroscience helped figure out the meaning behind a Zen garden. via missing matter

Neuroscience for kids