Universal Rule

Book Reviews

Thursday, July 15, 2004

How opinions spread in a social structure -- Comment()
Opinions: "Fang Wu together with B. Huberman released another interesting paper, this time on networks and opinion formation. Should be interesting for all who are interested in the microphysics of the diffusion of innovation." The paper is available in PDF here. Nice mathematical work.

Michael Moore obeys his partiotic duty -- Comment()
Even the president of the United States sometimes must have to stand naked: "Fahrenheit 9/11 methodically dismantles this president's carefully manicured dignity [...] The filmmaker is deliberately, methodically, overflowingly disrespectful at a moment in our history when there's far too much respect in the land. When the throne holds an ignorant, incompetent, profligate pretender, lese majeste becomes a patriotic duty." [Scott Rosenberg's Links & Comment]

-- Comment()
Review of Hot text - web writing that works: "Verdict: if you write for web, in any capacity, Hot text is worth reading. [...] While not as deep and inspiring like On writing well, it's filled with practical advice. and definitely worth reading for anyone who has to write for the web." [Krzysztof Kowalczyk weblog]

-- Comment()
Software That Lasts 200 Years: "We need to start thinking about software in a way more like how we think about building bridges, dams, and sewers. What we build must last for generations without total rebuilding. This requires new thinking and new ways of organizing development. This is especially important for governments of all sizes as well as for established, ongoing businesses and institutions." [via Dan Gillmor's eJournal]

-- Comment()
New York Times Public RSS Feeds Launched: "If you look at the bottom of just about any New York Times page or story, you'll see the little orange XML icon. They're in the RSS game for real now." [Jeremy Zawodny's blog]

Quantum cryptography is in practical use today -- Comment()
First Six-Node Quantum Cryptography Network Is Unveiled: "Quantum cryptography has reached another big step towards potentially perfect secure communications. BBN Technologies, Harvard University and Boston University researchers have built a six-node quantum cryptography network in Cambridge, Massachusetts. [...] Technology Research News (TRN) reports that this network uses existing Internet protocols including the secure Internet Protocol (IPsec). In other words, this technology is ready for practical applications as soon as today." [Roland Piquepaille's Technology Trends]

Loony stories of iPod -- Comment()
Firms Fear the iPod: "One way to judge a product's success is to observe the number of loony news stories it attracts. By that measure, Apple's iPod and iPod minis are in a league of their own."