November 17, 2003

X-bit Labs reports that a Chinese web site, OCHeaven has access to a 2.80 Ghz 800MHz bus Intel Pentium 4 with SSE3 technology (aka Prescott) chip and tested it against a regular 2.80 bus Intel Pentium 4 chip as well as a 3.2Ghz chip. The results are inconclusive with each 2.80 Ghz chip being faster in certain areas but in some cases the 2.8 Ghz Prescott chip bet the 3.2 Ghz Pentium 4 chip. Maybe the benchmarks need to be recompiled for the Prescott chip for it to win all tests. 10:33:28 PM

The Guardian says that EU policy towards Israel is complicated by the relatively favourable position adopted by the Italian leader, Silvio Berlusconi, who currently holds the union's rotating presidency. Yes – it’s easier when everyone is on the same page in blaming Israel. Also, it’s interesting that the same article can mention both a Jewish school begin set on fire in France but only "alleged anti-semitism in Europe". 10:31:57 PM

The Matrix Revolutions fell a steep 66% in its second week at the box office, taking in $16.3 million in the US market a greater fall then The Matrix Reloaded in a similar timeframe. Meanwhile Elf beat Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World for top spot in the US domestic gross while actually falling 12% from last week’s second place finish as it took in $27.2 million. Brother Bear was fourth at $12 million, two weeks after its odd Saturday opening. 10:30:11 PM