Universal Rule

Book Reviews

Monday, February 2, 2004

-- Comment()
Apple, Microsoft in talks to cooperate on music DRM: "Hardware makers and digital format developers, including many traditional adversaries, are engaged in private talks aimed at meeting the music industry's goal of compatibility among competing digital music devices by 2005. [However], at a minimum, the companies behind the leading format standards would have to cut licensing deals to allow for the conversion of content and transfer of DRM rules -- something the companies have been loath to do so far." [The Macintosh News Network]

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Mydoom author hunt intensifies: "The hunt for those behind the record-breaking Mydoom virus has intensified with Microsoft's reward offer." [BBC News | World | UK Edition]

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Apple, Pepsi promo spark other alliances: "Coca-Cola said on Wednesday it has teamed up with MusicMatch, the online music company, to promote its Sprite brand, marking the latest alliance between a major beverage maker and an online music service, while RealNetworks and Heineken NV have also teamed up to giveaway millions of song downloads to consumers who buy Heineken 12-packs this summer and BuyMusic.com and South Beach Beverage Co. (SoBe) have said they will co-sponsor a music tour this summer." [The Macintosh News Network]

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Danah's rant on Orkut: "danah has finally posted her long awaited rant on Orkut. Orkut, in case you don't know, is the social networking site developed by a guy at Google. Orkut also means 'orgasm' in Finnish." [Joi Ito's Web]

Yes, it does, although the Finnish word 'orkut' is spoken language and seldom seen in printed pages. Usually orgasm is written as 'orgasmi' in Finnish.

Thanks for the attention -- Comment()
FB commented on gaining attention: "Would you continue to write even if nobody read it? Sure, why not? If talking to yourself is one way to clarify your thoughts, writing to yourself is another. And if other people bookmark your ramblings, well then, isn't it nice how things sometimes work nicely and smoothly? Good writing is a pleasure, on both sides."

And The Cartoonist wrote: "Well, all *I* can say is: this is a great weblog. I've just added you to my Radio Newsfeeds. Fab."

Thanks for taking the time to comment. Perhaps I should add: I don't mind this weblog being read by few (or nobody), as I'm doing my professional writing elsewhere, mainly in printed magazines and books.

To return an compliment: I added The Cartoonist to my blogroll, this is a great weblog too.

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My iBook was up and running for almost 40 days (until I rebooted it after the security update from Apple):

% uptime
22:29  up 39 days, 23:39, 2 users, load averages: 3.81 3.49 3.33
% date
Fri Jan 30 22:29:52 EET 2004
% uname -mps
Darwin Power Macintosh powerpc

This is not too bad, especially as the iBook is being used by the whole family. I think the previous record was about 59 days or so. And I tend to update my system as soon as an update becomes available.

When Windows leaks... -- Comment()
My column on Windows security is available on the net (in Finnish, Windowsin riivaajat näykkivät Gatesin kantapäitä). Have to see if this text generates comments. This column was written based on the feedback on another column published on the net. I don't expect much feedback this time, as the topic of Windows insecurity has become a topic almost beaten to death. Of course, for the users of virus-compatible PCs this is not a light topic.