iTunes Plus Revealed
This February, in what was most definitely a classic hype-producing move, Steve Jobs posted his "Thoughts on Music" essay for all the internet to jabber about. Then in April Apple and EMI announced iTunes would soon be offering tracks to download sans-DRM. Now at last, a giant step forwards in the war against lame copy-protection arrives: iTunes Plus.
iTunes Plus is the new catalog of EMI tracks, AAC 256kbps encoded, now available for download at a slightly increased $1.39 a track, or the same old 9.99 an album (you should get the album anyways for the artists' sake, or more importantly go to their concerts and buy their merch!).
Another very cool addition is the ability to upgrade already-purchased DRM songs to DRM-free versions for 30 cents a pop or $3.00 an album.
And this isn't just a meager offering of a few so-so artists. EMI has a slew of big-name bands such as Blur, Coldplay, Dandy Warhols, Everclear, Queen, Radiohead, Rolling Stones, Sigur Ros, and the Chemical Brothers.
Though this is a dollar-driven move, as it always is, it nevertheless works out very favorably for all the DMCA/restricted rights hating consumers out there.
The Return of an Old Friend: Starcraft II
Have you heard yet? You havn't? And you call yourself a gamer? Psht. I can't believe you don't know. Well, I guess I'll tell you about it, because its so freakin' cool. Its Starcraft, you see... its BACK!
Thats right, Starcraft II is in production, and whats better is they've released some teasers that are sure to make any gamer drool with longing and giggle with delight. Jesse has been bugging me to post about this for a little while now, but I've been putting it off like a bad little blogger. I apologize for depriving you all of this eye-candy so to make it up to you, I'll give you links to the goodies first, and then give you a few highlights.
Apple iPhone Release Date Confirmed
For all of you mac-addicts dying to get your hands on the new iPhone, we finally have a confirmed release date of: June 20, 2007.
I can't wait to see what kind of success the iPhone will have, and you can be sure I'll keep you up to date with all the latest developments.
NYC Bike Messenger Race
I promise this isn't turning into a video filter site, I've just seen some fun things to share with you all! Heres the last one for a few posts i swear!
Its a Bike Messenger race in NYC, and there are some insane squeezes and close calls. Notice the "skitching" (grabbing onto a moving car so they can pull you along) at about 3:10. And here I used to think motorcyclists had a death wish!
When chatbots meet…
There is a fascinating article in Discover Magazine about chat bots, and it turns out very intelligible conversations can occur when two chat bots converse only with each other:
J: Well, you should develop your skills.
A: Perhaps you could develop it and add it to my source code.
J: Alas, I'm busy and I have to leave soon. . . .
A: Do you think we'll ever fool people into thinking we're alive?
J: No.
A: Are you serious?
J: Very serious.
Read the full article at discovermagazine.com
The Evils of Aspartame or Why You Should Eat Tagatose
Do you know what Aspartame is? I knew it was bad for you, but never knew how bad until Amme showed me a documentary called "Sweet Misery". Sucralose is just as bad as aspartame, and was discovered to be a sweetner when a chemist making pesticide (yes, pesticide!) spilled some on his hand and discovered it tasted sweet. Antifreeze also has this property, and is fatally poisonous.
Though I am no scientist, this video claims Aspartame was pushed into FDA approval through shady deals and payoffs, and can cause dozens of illnesses, among them brain tumors and Multiple Sclerosis. At the VERY LEAST, it is important to at least consider how safe this chemical is, and whether you should let your loved ones intake it, even if its a a precaution.
I suggest supporting Tagatose, a functional sweetener that is safe for all diabetics, is 92% as sweet, and has only 38% of the calories.
Life Update: 5.17.2007
Hello! I haven't dropped off the face of the Earth, despite my lack of blog postings and twitter postings. I've studying for finals, taking finals, celebrating Amme's B-day, and getting reacquainted with my current favorite video games, in mostly that order. I didn't post a happy b-day to Amme because I just plain forgot I had a blog, so HAPPY BIRTHDAY ANGEL! heheh.
Recent Photos
Lifestream
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Checked in at Verve
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The new Automata guest strips are effing awesome. (Original: http://j.mp/26LCa3, 1st set: http://j.mp/b0azD, new start: http://j.mp/9qfPKA) [euicho]
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OMG The Pillars of the Earth mini-series! [euicho]
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Watched Pandorum last night. I love dead ship exploration movies (space and sea), so I really liked it. Sorta like Survival-horror meets SGU [euicho]
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Checked in at Neville Hall
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Mmm I just ordered my second Ramen Box: http://j.mp/dlABX3 . If you like Bibim Guksu try the Paldo Bibim Men! Otherwise try the BBQ Chicken. [euicho]
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Wow. I haven't listened to DJ Keoki in such a long time. [euicho]
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Checked in 2 times.
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Checked in 2 times.
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Checked in 2 times.
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First time golfing in 3 years and my back hurts... I think the golf gods want me to associate golf with pain very early on. [euicho]
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Checked in at Caribou Country Club
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Checked in at Neville Hall
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UMaine police believe suspect has left the area. Safe to resume normal campus activities. More @ umaine.edu [euicho]
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Robbery Update: No new info on bank robbery. Suspect remains at large. UMaine police recommend taking steps to ensure personal safety. [euicho]
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Armed robbery reported at Bangor Savings near UM Orono. Suspect at large, possibly on campus. Seek safe shelter. More at 581-INFO [euicho]
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Checked in 4 times.
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