Blog = random thoughts

So, on the phone with my man Justin the other night and we were discussing the state of our various blogs. Justin raised a great point, when does it cease being a blog. You know, at what point do you just wipe the slate clean and start a new one. I realize I'm not the best at this, I do try to at least post something weekly (which this semester looks like it will be fridays). But what about the people that are like, "I know I haven't posted in two years. Here's what's new in my life." Is that really practical? What if a newspaper or magazine did that. There should be a law (I'd settle for a gentlemen's (or women) agreement) about expiration dates on blogs. Neglect it for too long and it gets wiped.

On an amusing side note, I borrowed a camera from the school, so I present you with my first ever caption contest... feel free to use my comments section and CAPTION THIS!

Screw this serious crap.

Okay, I know my blog isn't going to change the world anytime soon. (Or is it?)

Regardless, in my quest to bring you amusing links, I present:

The Society of Gaming

For the record, this article refers to video gaming, but if I felt so inclined, I'm sure the concepts could translate to RPGs. And, I strongly recommend it to everyone. It will give you greater understanding of the world.

And to answer everyone's questions in advance, I'm definitely a "devoted" gamer. Some might argue that I'm a hard core (based solely on the "kick the crap out of you in any five games"), but I am humble enough to know that there are better people out there, and since getting married have had to settle to a more casual relationship with my games. It averages out.

What's this a gun? In the dark?

All right, I know most of you don't actually care that Apple is switching to Intel chips. But, since Apple currently delivers the best (and cost-effective) non-linear editing solutions, I've got my ear to the ground on this one. If you weren't aware, they announced on Tuesday that they were updating their venerable iMac line to Intels, as of... now. They also upgraded their laptop selection to the Intel based MacBook Pro, replacing the aging PowerBook.

Here's where things get interesting: As is not terribly surprising, the rumor mill starts buzzing immediately after the keynote where these things were announced. First, there was an expectation that the Mac Mini (see Apple's website if you're unfamiliar with it) would be the first Intel machine, with the intention of becoming your new digital hub in your living room. Didn't happen. Second, and this is what really stoked the rumor fire, there is an anonymous source claiming that Steve didn't announce "really cool" products because of supply issues.

Well, let's assimilate some facts as we analyze this information. Steve said at the aforementioned keynote that Apple will transition its ENTIRE line to Intel in 2006, and that over the coming months we will hear announcements as each product line is transitioned. So, product lines that are to be transitioned include the Mac Mini, iBook (cheap laptop), PowerBook (pro laptop), and the true workhorse PowerMac (linked over there to the left).

The theory, fairly safe theory, holds that the PowerBook line is dead and the MacBook line will take its place. Again, the almighty Steve: "...we're kinda done with 'Power,' and because we want 'Mac' in the name of our products." But does that mean the PowerMac is the next victim of name change? Probably. Also worth noting is the theory on the web that the MacBook will assimilate the iBook as well (MacBook Cheap, anyone?)

So what about these "really, cool" products alluded to earlier. Allow me to posit a theory. Intel is pushing their "Core Duo" chips as laptop chips - they're part of the new Centrino system and effectively replace the Pentium M. What makes me say that? On Intel's website, where clicking on desktop processors leads to the Core Duo, on the right option is to "compare laptop processors." Huh? Didn't I click on desktop processors? So, what does this suggest to me? I'm going to hypothesize that Intel is sitting on another new processor. Now, either its an evolution of the Pentium D (their dual-core desktop processor), or a brand new dual-core processor. Or, in an effort to confuse us all everything is going to be called "Core," and Intel will simply roll out the desktop version.

But in all truth, I think the real announcement won't be processor related. See, a few months ago Apple jumped on board with Blu-ray (a high definition successor for DVD). I think they're holding back because the next generation of (Intel) PowerMacs will have new Blu-ray drives, which are in short supply because production has just started on them.

Remember you heard it here first, and I'm never wrong.

Free your mind

So... we all know that my favorite news website is MSNBC (and by extension Newsweek, since MSNBC runs a lot of their articles). Regardless a thought-provoking article was posted recently about the state of education in this country. (In case you're wondering, the state of education is between georgia and houston, in case you didn't feel like checking a map... or didn't learn how in school). Basically, what I get out of it is that while we are creating free-thinking independent, um, activists. We're neglecting to, I don't know, actually teach them something in the process. Now, I admit to firmly believing that people should be given the tools to think for themselves. But, the US still sucks it up hardcore in the math and science departments. When China comes to kick our economic ass, at least we'll be free-thinking enough about it to know.

As always, read it for yourself and be a free thinker.
Don't you hate people that don't tell you what the actual link address is?


(P.S. Happy 28th to Barbara, in 2009)