tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-148996802024-02-20T20:17:43.779-08:00: : Red Dog's Travels : :Pissing on the wall of BabylonElegba The Red Doghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06474125438913767304noreply@blogger.comBlogger72125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14899680.post-48403893570897989472012-07-21T02:38:00.002-07:002012-07-21T02:38:20.019-07:00LET'S SAVE NOKIA! BECAUSE A NOKIA WILL SAVE YOUR LIFE!<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<a href="http://mynokiablog.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/nokia-logo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hda="true" height="218" src="http://mynokiablog.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/nokia-logo.jpg" width="320" /></a>Slipped off the Apple/Android bandwagon recently and have happily gone back to Nokia. Contrary to media hype, Nokia were one of the pioneers in smartphone technology. Now we're being told by the media (some writers who were too young to own a Nokia) that they were late to the party. More accurately, they were too early to market. Now Nokia stock has been downgraded to junk status. What is incredulous in all this is that so many of us have fallen for the Apple/Samsung/Android hype that we are more than happy to shell out the price of a used car or decent laptop computer, only to receive something that dies after just a days use or even a few hours if you, God forbid use it as a phone!</div>
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My Nokia E6 lasts on average 4 solid days, sometimes a little more. Allowing me to actually use it as a phone and talk freely, take gorgeous HD videos and photos, email, surf the web, and search maps or listen to the radio! Also, I am secure in the knowledge that if I were to be caught in an emergency (not uncommon for a worldly traveller), my Nokia will still have enough juice to call emergency services or send that vital SMS!</div>
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Again, I implore you to ..... SAVE NOKIA! BECAUSE A NOKIA WILL SAVE YOUR LIFE!Elegba The Red Doghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06474125438913767304noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14899680.post-42304169915000645602012-01-28T08:22:00.001-08:002012-01-28T09:21:15.616-08:00SOLVED: iPhone Safari Text Reflow Issue<div>If like me you've been quietly cursing Apple for stubborn and myopic attitudes with regards text reflow support on iPhone Safari browser, then you'll be pleased to hear that an elegant solution is now here.What is text reflow some of you may ask? Well if you read this forum post on your iPhone, you will see that when trying to zoom in and view the text, the text does not wrap allowing you to elegantly speed read, flowing up and down the page with a flick of your thumb. Instead, you have to squint and swipe left and right to view the text. Despite numerous requests from users, Apple's response has been that text reflow is not necessary because of Retina display. But no matter how sharp text on a screen may be, it is not enjoyable having to squint to read and digest content on your device. Moreover, on that note, why do visually impaired users have to connect their iPhones to Itunes in order to enable Accessibility features? Why not have this feature available from either the application menu or iPhone settings.</div><div><br /></div><div>For Android users, this is not an issue. As to my knowledge, all devices support well implemented text reflow by default, but if you're thinking of jumping ship all is not lost. Enter Mercury browser for the iPhone. Must admit I stumbled across this alternative browser because it was mentioned alongside Atomic browser as supporting text reflow. I normally don't search for alternative iPhone browsers as Opera and Dolphin for iOS I found lacking compared to the stock Safari.</div><div><br /></div><div>Well a quick check of both Atomic and Dolphin previously installed and forgotten on my iPhone 3GS showed that whilst Atomic provided text reflow support, it was not smooth, and there were a few text elements overlapping. So I downloaded Mercury browser and was blown away! A really elegant and cool interface, that blows Safari out of the water. with full accessibility features. No gimmicky iOS 5 hit READER button solutions here. Just full and true text reflow at a touch of a button. No need to ditch your iPhone for that Samsung Galaxy S2 you've been eyeing.</div><div><br /></div><div><iframe width="350" height="178" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/3uHpFJAzFnk" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><div><br />Job done! ;-)</div><div><br /></div><div>More experiences:</div><div><br /></div><div><iframe width="350" height="178" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/SAv3GAT5fCc" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><div><br /></div><div><meta equiv="content-type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8"><a href="https://discussions.apple.com/thread/2658710?start=0&tstart=0">https://discussions.apple.com/thread/2658710?start=0&tstart=0</a></div><div><br /></div><div><meta equiv="content-type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8"><a href="http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?t=1312782">http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?t=1312782</a></div>Elegba The Red Doghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06474125438913767304noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14899680.post-38747497542649821402011-12-07T15:35:00.000-08:002011-12-07T15:35:38.319-08:00Flaviola e o Bando do Sol - Flaviola e o Bando do Sol by Mr Bongo on SoundCloud - Create, record and share your sounds for free<a href="http://soundcloud.com/mrbongo/sets/flaviola-e-o-bando-do-sol">Flaviola e o Bando do Sol - Flaviola e o Bando do Sol by Mr Bongo on SoundCloud - Create, record and share your sounds for free</a>Elegba The Red Doghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06474125438913767304noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14899680.post-73394015277744638172011-12-07T09:57:00.000-08:002011-12-07T09:57:13.771-08:00Dave Sanders: Fiber-Optics Exec by Day, Defender of Justice by Night | Magazine<a href="http://www.wired.com/magazine/2011/11/ff_dave_sanders/all/1">Dave Sanders: Fiber-Optics Exec by Day, Defender of Justice by Night | Magazine</a>Elegba The Red Doghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06474125438913767304noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14899680.post-57172572696590006512011-12-07T03:55:00.000-08:002011-12-07T03:55:41.953-08:00Music world puts on 'thank you' gig in solidarity with Occupy London | UK news | The Guardian<a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2011/dec/07/gig-radiohead-massive-attack-occupy-london-free-album">Music world puts on 'thank you' gig in solidarity with Occupy London | UK news | The Guardian</a>Elegba The Red Doghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06474125438913767304noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14899680.post-92110042030492817752011-11-04T05:01:00.000-07:002011-11-04T05:07:21.374-07:00Fix That New Google Reader White Pain with Stylish<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.webdesigncreare.co.uk/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/stylish-reader.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 200px;" src="http://www.webdesigncreare.co.uk/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/stylish-reader.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />Hate the new Google Reader changes? Google not listening to you, then make the fix with these Stylish themes.<br /><br /><a href="http://userstyles.org/styles/16900/google-reader-mac-os-x-snow-leopard">google-reader-mac-os-x-snow-leopard</a><br /><br /><a href="http://userstyles.org/styles/55679/google-reader-kemwer-black">google-reader-kemwer-black</a><br /><br /><a href="http://userstyles.org/styles/55666/compact-google-reader">compact-google-reader</a><br /><br />Enjoy!Elegba The Red Doghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06474125438913767304noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14899680.post-2124437744177110642011-10-09T11:23:00.000-07:002011-10-09T11:28:28.427-07:00iPhone 5 Concept Features - YouTube<iframe width="400" height="233" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/lzsBwnv_dAg" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe> <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lzsBwnv_dAg&feature=player_embedded">iPhone 5 Concept Features - YouTube</a>
Recall a lunch-break conversation way back in 2001/02 with colleagues in Olympia London, with one colleague Rod bemoaning the severe limitations of cell-phone screen real estate. I suggested that the only viable solution I could envisage, apart from foldable materials, would be a screen projector for presentation or increased productivity. Almost everyone at our table laughed apart from Rod, who said no hold-on there may be something in this. As he urged me to elaborate, I described a concept in which the only drawback was the need for adequate lighting or a blank surface for the image. This could be negated however, with hologram technology. The keyboard could be extendible or a laser one. Fast forward 8 or so years and NTT Docomo and Samsung have launched their projector phones, which is an initial step towards my original concept. This video illustrates the full concept and I feel could realistically reach the market in the next 5 or 7 years.Elegba The Red Doghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06474125438913767304noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14899680.post-15326016723436011262011-09-17T12:07:00.000-07:002011-09-17T12:08:54.484-07:00The Search for the Uber Info Management System Pt 2: Or Why we like a good old SYNCThe attraction of Google Docs was irresistable initially, with the ability to have your files available in any location. In hindsight, Google's cloud provision for true portability forced myself and others to change working practices in order to gain that portability. In reality is this really true portability when you do not have the actual physical document? And I've asked myself this question again, when finding myself with flaky or no internet connections, forcing me to download a local copy and then create my own ad-hoc versioning system to overwrite the old document online in Goodle Docs. Enter DropBox.
Actually, I had a DropBox account for a couple of years, but never used it as was blinded by Google's offering. It was initially a need to transfer files to my iPhone that made me revisit the service, then finding myself with an intermittent internet service when travelling that made me look again at my current Google Docs system. Using it for the iPhone again, I realised just how seamless and quick the synchronisation worked, giving me true portability to all my files. I then thought, wouldn't this work great if I had all my Google Docs downloaded into my DropBox folder. No need to to download and create separate archived versions. DropBox would just handle all automagically!
Well today rather than attempt at using DropBox purely for archiving or back-up, will make it my primary file management system. Thus keeping all things centralised and no need for multiple Google Accounts.
What's your solution? Let me know.
<b>Always have your stuff when you need it with @Dropbox. 2GB account is free! <a href="http://db.tt/XdAwKX8">http://db.tt/XdAwKX8</a></b>Elegba The Red Doghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06474125438913767304noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14899680.post-72890666956112670802011-03-30T12:01:00.000-07:002011-03-31T07:10:00.008-07:00Turbo Boost Google Reader for real<code> <!-- Begin BidVertiser code --><br /><SCRIPT LANGUAGE="JavaScript1.1" SRC="http://bdv.bidvertiser.com/BidVertiser.dbm?pid=377956%26bid=936800" type="text/javascript"></SCRIPT><br /><noscript><a href="http://www.bidvertiser.com/bdv/BidVertiser/bdv_advertiser.dbm">internet marketing</a></noscript><br /><!-- End BidVertiser code --> </code>For all info-junkies and online professionals getting your daily fix of news and info, or just trying to stay on top of the plethora of information sources can often be overwhelming if not futile. A slick and fast client or whatever your source, be it email, Twitter, FaceBook or RSS feeds is vital. This is why I've found myself giving up on Google Reader for RSS feeds time and again, due to its sluggishness and tendency to crash Firefox, Chrome or whatever browser's en vogue for me. Have tried countless suggestions but to no avail, leaving to test alternatives such as Good Knows and Fast Ladder. Couldn't get on with their interfaces, so found myself returning to Google Reader and using the limited iPhone interface within the browser. Although the speed is great, the experience felt lacking. So back to its big brother full fat Google Reader one last time.<br /><br />Originally tried online tips such as hiding the navigation bar, but that didn't work. Here's what I did, and with surprising results.<br /><br />1. First use list view. Always used this, but only made a marginal difference in speed.<br />2. For subscriptions use default icons<br />3. Show only updated<br />4. Hide unread counts<br /><br />The last three combined, surprisingly made a hell of a difference. Now full fat Google Reader load's almost as fast as the iPhone thin client. Now you can enjoy your dose of full fat Google RSS Reader everytime, and no need to compromise with lite.Elegba The Red Doghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06474125438913767304noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14899680.post-38956970930364939302010-06-07T18:09:00.000-07:002010-06-07T18:09:44.132-07:00Contest: Create Your Ideal PSP 2 | PSP World<a href="http://www.pspworld.com/sony-psp/news/contest-create-your-ideal-psp-2-012513.php">Contest: Create Your Ideal PSP 2 | PSP World</a>. Cool concept design contest for the Sony PSP 2.Elegba The Red Doghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06474125438913767304noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14899680.post-52160597389388380672010-05-31T18:32:00.000-07:002010-05-31T19:48:08.486-07:00Netvibes: the return of the power start pageWay back in the mists of the dawn of the internet, there was once a young Prince among the new internet pioneers, that Prince was Yahoo and their key technology was what was called a web portal. A central hub of content, news, and services. Yahoo gave you the ability to personalise this portal with your own page, imaginatively called "My Yahoo!", in which you could pull content from the main portal and customise and arrange how you see fit.<br /><br />I recall back in the late 90's and early 2000's that this was my hub of choice and was a fundamental element of my desktop productivity. At some stage however, I stopped using My Yahoo, and later eventually migrated away from all their services (as late as 2007) and sadly said goodbye. This move, you guessed it, was initiated by the arrival of new services that did the job better. Namely, Google. But while GMail, GCal and Google search became an integral part of my online life, iGoogle (Google's answer to My Yahoo), just didn't cut it for me. Specifically the UI was horrid. So my start page days were dead and buried. It was a case of constantly customising my various machine desktops and browser settings specific to that machine. This was a pain, and even with browser tweaks, your customisations were still tethered to specific machines. You couldn't jump on another machine and get all your personalised content to go.<br /><br />So after a number years messing with machine desktop customisations with each change, the need for a centralised personal portal became more pressing. Also, even with all my most needed resources bookmarked and close at hand, I still found myself managing and switching between multiple windows. So I though I'd check into iGoogle and see if anything's been updated. Sadly, no. Cool gadgets, but still the horrendous UI. I knew of Netvibes but never tried it, namely because I didn't want to move outside of Google's metaverse, but this time thought I'd give it a try. A web search of "google inside netvibes" brought of the following useful links:<br /><br />http://www.solo-technology.com/blog/2007/12/11/google-reader-in-netvibes-solved/<br /><br />http://webworkerdaily.com/2007/05/04/web-worker-head-to-head-igoogle-vs-netvibes/<br /><br />http://mashable.com/2007/05/08/netvibes-personal-office/<br /><br />http://www.christine.net/2008/04/goodbye-google.html<br /><br />Initial thoughts. Powerful widget platform. Can add services with a drag and drop, mind you some can be improved upon. Not only can you separate content and services via tabs, but you can also add dashboards which essentially equates to desktop workspaces. This means you can contextualise your work and cut out distractions. So personal items can be easily separated from work items for example. Although very powerful and intuitive there was one thing less intuitive, and that was the ability to copy tabs. You would assume this would be in manage dashboards, but you can achieve this by clicking the share this tab button. Other gripes. Feed content does not update immediately. Hopefully this is a bug with the new Netvibes Wasabi version and will be ironed out at some point.<br /><br />Overall, have found it a powerful aid to desktop productivity. Haven't decided to ditch Google Reader, as would prefer to just integrate that into Netvibes. Haven't been successful with this so far, as Google as place frame restrictions on its content. If anyone, knows any further Netvibes tips, then please let me know.Elegba The Red Doghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06474125438913767304noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14899680.post-20849193153845896612010-05-24T21:48:00.000-07:002010-05-24T21:48:10.302-07:00Would You Like to Live INSIDE a Nintendo DS? | The Red Shell<a href="http://www.theredshell.com/nintendo/ds/would-you-like-to-live-inside-a-nintendo-ds.php">Would You Like to Live INSIDE a Nintendo DS? | The Red Shell</a>Elegba The Red Doghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06474125438913767304noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14899680.post-33692153692963689142010-05-16T19:29:00.000-07:002010-05-16T19:29:34.792-07:00YouTube - ClamCase™ the all-in-one keyboard, case and stand for iPad�<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H4IbgCLzazw&feature=player_embedded">YouTube - ClamCase™ the all-in-one keyboard, case and stand for iPad�</a>Elegba The Red Doghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06474125438913767304noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14899680.post-77912061107109034652010-05-08T19:09:00.000-07:002010-05-08T19:09:18.744-07:00Cranial Soup: Bit.ly is Harmful to Your Reputation<a href="http://cranialsoup.blogspot.com/2010/04/bitly-is-harmful-to-your-reputation.html">Cranial Soup: Bit.ly is Harmful to Your Reputation</a>Elegba The Red Doghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06474125438913767304noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14899680.post-30111522004827536122010-04-30T21:30:00.000-07:002010-04-30T21:48:14.976-07:00The search for the uber info management system...Haven't posted for a while, but thought it worth sharing my thoughts on the above. I'll add more as I get closer to an ideal system. Much of this post is gleaned from my comments on other blogs. So excuse the format.<br /><br />Great post! I've posted some thoughts, included below, on my search for an uber info management system on a couple of other blogs recently. I arrived at this juncture simply by looking for a way to sync with Google Docs, but I've always been refining my current system, and so requirements include all info capture. I.e. email, notes on the go, feeds, bookmarks and docs etc. I am looking to replace WriteRoom with either NotesPro, EverNote or email to Blogger.com. Ideally, would like to have my info in discreet silos, but with one centralised view and search. So Gmail for email, GTD, tasks and notes, Google Reader for feeds and mail lists, Bookmarks for web clippings, and NotesPro + Google Docs or EverNote. I think I've already discounted email to Blogger as this is the same as my email note to self method and adds an external app to the equation. Right now I'm leaning towards NotesPro because of it's Google Docs syncing, and don't will probably halt my EverNote experiment for now. I'll let the centralised view and search idea stew for a while and see what comes up<br /><br /><blockquote>Just wrote a long comment and lost it. Anyway, arrived here looking for an improvement to my current info capture method, which is a very streamlined context based Gmail GTD and WriteRoom. I ditched Superstars and cut some more granular GTD Gmail labels as this was getting unwieldly. Ideally wanted to sync with Google Docs, and believe an iPhone app will shortly be able to do that better than what’s out there right now. But I came across Ruud Heins/Darren Crawford while searching. Whilst I am looking for some justification to use Evernote over my existing system, apart from it’s centralisation, syncing and OCR abilities, the use of it combined with a Gmail GTD system seems like duplication or overkill. People on both threads have talked of emailing to Gmail and then forward to Evernote, and using that Gmail copy as an archive. Doesn’t this make EN superfluous? Would love to hear other thoughts on this.<br /><br />Just realised this search for a simple way to sync with Google Docs has thrown up other needs. So currently.<br />- Use Gmail GTD for notes and tasks<br />- WriteRoom for mobile ideas and text capture<br />- Google Docs for doc management<br />- Google bookmarks, Gmail and Reader for web clippings<br /><br />So I think the requirement is to supplement Gmail GTD and Google Docs, but replace Google bookmarks and Gmail for web clips etc in a more centralised method. Go on convince me!<br /><br />http://ruudhein.com/gmail-to-evernote-information-management-workflow<br /> http://darrencrawford.com/my-simple-gtd-evernote-combo/<br /> http://justanotheriphoneblog.com/wordpress/iphone-software/notes-pro-new-iphone-notes-app-syncs-with-google-docs-has-spotlight-style-search<br />http://www.cloudnotes.net/2009/06/why-google-reader-is-still-hugely.html</blockquote>Elegba The Red Doghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06474125438913767304noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14899680.post-46741823636186982682008-03-09T05:29:00.000-07:002008-03-09T05:50:02.361-07:00Dolce Vita Africana!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.clementebernad.com/wp-content/artwork_images_376_104605_malicksidibe.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px;" src="http://www.clementebernad.com/wp-content/artwork_images_376_104605_malicksidibe.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a>Hope <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/page/item/b00936cb.shtml">BBC iPlayer's film</a> on Malian photographer Malik Sadibe is still available. If not then try the archives. Insightful, humorous and enjoyable, it takes you on a visual and musical journey of Sadibe's work. Covering political and social change, all in the eye of his camera.<br /><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Malick_Sidibe"><br />LINK 1</a><br /><a href="http://www.jackshainman.com/dynamic/exhibit_artist.asp?ExhibitID=6"><br />LINK 2</a><br /><br />If not for you then pass it on or at least just enjoy the music! 4 days left.<br /><br />BAMAKO! BAMAKO!!!!<br /><br />Enjoy!<br /><a href="http://www.cooliris.com/">N.B. View the photos in PicLens for awesome shots!</a>Elegba The Red Doghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06474125438913767304noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14899680.post-89617684907120553612008-03-09T05:23:00.000-07:002008-03-09T05:27:37.171-07:00Sara Tavares - Ideal for a Sunday morning<object width="425" height="355"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/V6DXEurQwdI"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/V6DXEurQwdI" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="355"></embed></object><br />Listening to this soulful lady right now. An unexpected gift from a good friend. Ideal for a Sunday morning.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.saratavares.com"></a><br /><a href="http://www.myspace.com/saratavares"></a> <br /><br />Enjoy!Elegba The Red Doghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06474125438913767304noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14899680.post-88030138278308453342008-02-04T10:21:00.000-08:002008-02-04T10:24:29.023-08:00Future by Design<object width="425" height="355"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/hc7x79kJ1S0&rel=1"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/hc7x79kJ1S0&rel=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="355"></embed></object>Beautiful video illustrating how technology's purpose should be purely to elevate humanity and civilisation rather than dominate. Some lofty but achievable ideals indeed.Elegba The Red Doghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06474125438913767304noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14899680.post-14577625682560641472008-01-24T07:11:00.000-08:002008-01-24T07:54:08.444-08:00Sun is Shining... Life is sweet<object width="425" height="355"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/xxmuONL5EPg&rel=1"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/xxmuONL5EPg&rel=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="355"></embed></object><br />Thought I'd share this one. The sun is beaming down in the Dirty Old Smoke today, and it's noice!!! On top of that, the forecast is sunshine for the next 5 days! I know it's not hot pants and bikinis just yet and definitely not South Beach, but here in London Town we've got to make the most of it.<br /><br />So listen to the music and tell your boss to chill. And if you're watching the football, "Go Ghana!!!" :-)Elegba The Red Doghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06474125438913767304noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14899680.post-6605083538314730672008-01-17T16:57:00.000-08:002008-01-17T17:08:29.289-08:00Fake Copy n Paste on IPhone/iTouch<object type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="400" height="226" data="http://www.vimeo.com/moogaloop.swf?clip_id=266383&server=www.vimeo.com&fullscreen=1&show_title=1&show_byline=1&show_portrait=0&color="> <param name="quality" value="best" /> <param name="allowfullscreen" value="true" /> <param name="scale" value="showAll" /> <param name="movie" value="http://www.vimeo.com/moogaloop.swf?clip_id=266383&server=www.vimeo.com&fullscreen=1&show_title=1&show_byline=1&show_portrait=0&color=" /></object><br /><a href="http://www.vimeo.com/266383/l:embed_266383">iPhone Copy and Paste</a> from <a href="http://www.vimeo.com/lonelysandwich/l:embed_266383">lonelysandwich</a> on <a href="http://vimeo.com/l:embed_266383">Vimeo</a>. In my previous post on the iTouch upgrade, I failed to mention the other glaring ommissions Apple left out. Like a nice little Office suite or viewers for Word, Excel and Powerpoint, and a little PDF viewer for eBook reading. Come on Steve, this thing is OSX so it can run any Open Source Office app! Another crucial little gem which has been bugging me has been the lack of copy and paste on the iPhone. Why not? Some standard mobile phones have this, why not on this device which essentially a mini MacBook. Apple gets it so right and yet they get it sooooo wrong.Elegba The Red Doghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06474125438913767304noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14899680.post-81678662346888955612008-01-17T07:42:00.000-08:002008-01-17T17:06:11.070-08:00Not So iPod Touch Heaven<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://therawfeed.com/pix/steve_jobs_holding_iphone.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px;" src="http://therawfeed.com/pix/steve_jobs_holding_iphone.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a> This guy really needs to take a chill pil and take stock of things. Kill the arrogance and start listening to your customers. Says me, one definitely pissed customer right now.<br /><br />Well there I was last weekend mosing around London town when I decided to pop into the Apple store on Regent street, just to see what the latest was. The guys in the genius bar told me they knew nothing about any upcoming plans for the Touch or iPhone, and they were geniuses! It said so on their t-shirts! They added that even when Lord Steve visits them they are not permitted in his presence, and they have to leave the store. I asked if he was God, they told me it seems so. In any case, they advised me to at least stick with my original plan and don't hack the device just yet, as this would void my warrantly and the new third party apps will require official certificates. I left somewhat a little bemused.<br /><br />Anyway, a couple days later I check Google Reader to discover that <a href="http://www.engadget.com/2008/01/15/iphone-now-with-maps-and-locations/">a new update</a> is available for the Touch. Entitled version 1.1.3, it enables movie and TV programme buying via the iTunes store for later viewing on the Touch. In addition you require this version in order to add the new mail and weather apps etc, but wait for it, at a fee of $20. That's £12.99 to us Brits. Yes I heard you gasp, so did many journalists at Apple's keynote speech when Jobsy announced it. Aparently, he still kept a straight face. It seems the price may have something to do with Apple's accounts reporting. Some complex Sarbanes-Oxley compliancy or whatever.<br /><br />Well like all the other poor sods (sucker for the Yanks) out there I handed over the cash, only to get a few apps, and a customisable home screen that jiggles like jelly. You wonder why, well I still cherish that warranty, the only reason why I haven't hacked the damn thing yet. So I plan to persevere for the next few months until Steve shaft's me proper next time.<br /><br />What you get? A pretty cool mail app that can support IMAP, but no landscape browsing or search. It's a shame as Google's mobile web offering is pretty cool now, with full optimisation for iPod Touch and iPhone screens. In consolation, the beauty of the Touch email client is that you can switch off the WiFi and still read email, which is a must as WiFi eats battery power like a cookie monster. So not that bad, but would have been much happier if it were free Steve!!!Elegba The Red Doghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06474125438913767304noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14899680.post-10227563765559856782008-01-17T07:23:00.000-08:002008-01-17T17:10:31.901-08:00The Future Global Landscape<object width="425" height="355"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/_G12pLEjQ-g&rel=1"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/_G12pLEjQ-g&rel=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="355"></embed></object><br />Caught this one in Tim Ferriss's blog, in a piece curiously entitled as <span style="font-style:italic;"><a href="http://www.fourhourworkweek.com/blog/2007/12/11/how-to-negotiate-like-an-indian-7-rules/">How To Negotiate Like an Indian</a></span>. Well I was intrigued, as despite priding myself on possessing some natural business acumen, I've always had a tough time when it comes to business with my Indian counterparts. There have been some good straight-forward deals, but more often than not we've had to walk away from the deal as we would both be bargaining from a tough position of strength, each one trying to maximise the deal.<br /><br />What was interesting about the piece was the reference to the film <span style="font-style:italic;"><a href="http://www.2mminutes.com/">2 Million Minutes</a></span>. Which considers the economic global landscape to come in terms of what is currently happening to the minds of our young in classrooms around the world. A strong work ethic is an advantage, but those who can innovate and have rich established networks will flourish. It's gonna be interesting indeed.Elegba The Red Doghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06474125438913767304noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14899680.post-2325652293919440772008-01-15T22:17:00.000-08:002008-01-16T07:21:14.116-08:00Tune Out, Switch Off, and Drop Out<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.cs.princeton.edu/~chazelle/pics/smash.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px;" src="http://www.cs.princeton.edu/~chazelle/pics/smash.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a> I know what the original guy meant when he said, "tune in, turn on and drop out", but these days it seems we are tuning in to the wrong points. Yeah those all prevalent devices that dominate our lives like futuristic demons. You can really view this as one man's version of hell where human contact can only be mediated via a device or some artificial interface.<br /><br />Getting the so called 'balance' right is not easy. I've managed to claw back precious time by remembering old work habits before the digital age. That is to always work in batches of tasks or windows as I like to call them. This way you ignore the incessant stream of mail and phone interuptions and return to a more civilized and sedate mode of work a la the ancient answer machine way. Yes remember those days when you got on with your life and actually talked face to face to people and got home to be greeted by those reassuring little LEDs. Then you'd put aside 30 minutes or so to catch up with messages and friends. Great unh? Well here's a <a href="http://www.lifehack.org/articles/communication/save-your-sanity-have-a-communications-blackout-day.html">nice piece</a> from a fellow blogger telling you how to do much the same.Elegba The Red Doghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06474125438913767304noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14899680.post-79496060903523729642008-01-12T18:19:00.000-08:002008-01-12T18:24:04.043-08:00Miami Nice Yeah Twice :-)<a href="http://myspacetv.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&videoid=25820057">Spam AllStars Miami New Year's 07/08</a><br><embed src="http://lads.myspace.com/videos/vplayer.swf" flashvars="m=25820057&v=2&type=video" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="430" height="346"></embed><br><a href="http://myspacetv.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.addToProfileConfirm&videoid=25820057&title=Spam AllStars Miami New Year's 07/08">Add to My Profile</a> | <a href="http://myspacetv.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.home">More Videos</a> Yeah sorry for the poor quality, but only had my poxy phone with me at the time and was enjoying the night not out to do a reportage, but just had to take a memento. Seems like the guys had some heavy new tracks and the bass was off the scale.<br /><br />Goes well with mojitos too..<br /><br />:)Elegba The Red Doghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06474125438913767304noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14899680.post-26382119612323336992007-12-10T02:34:00.000-08:002007-12-10T02:52:10.167-08:00BBC iPlayer: Wonderful Idea. Horrible Implementation<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.newscientist.com/blog/technology/uploaded_images/Iplayer-784219.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px;" src="http://www.newscientist.com/blog/technology/uploaded_images/Iplayer-784219.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a>Have been using the Beeb's iPlayer now for some time, and whilst it fits with my 'on demand' viewing preferences, it is still not totally bereft of issues.<br /><br />I started digging around trying to find where all these huge <a href="http://www.dcs.shef.ac.uk/~mark/blog/2007/08/when-bbc-recently-opened-up-their.html">downloads were saved</a> and came across a mysterious folder I had not seen before called "Kontiki". So the BBC is using some third party malware ridden P2P client! Horror of all horrors! And there I was all snug and cosy wrapped in Aunty Beeb's false sense of security. Apart from Data Protection issues, I suggest to anyone that runs this to check there settings, as this bloatware and seriously damage your bandwidth health in addition to leaving maliscious malware lurking on your little PC. Check this <a href="http://www.siriusit.co.uk/index.php/news/150/96">piece</a>.Elegba The Red Doghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06474125438913767304noreply@blogger.com1