Soap Box

Motorola SLVR L7 -- with iTunes

2005-11-01T23:06:00.000-07:00

Motorola SLVR L7 -- with iTunes: " We have no idea when Motorola will be actually introducing this, but we managed to get our sweaty paws on a SLVR L7 with iTunes on it (and all we had to do was pretend we were dead). Nothing too unexpected — it has just about the same user interface as the ROKR E1 (though the menus are slightly less sluggish) and it has Bluetooth, a VGA digital camera, and a TransFlash memory card slot for storing up to 100 iTunes tracks, but there is one real surprise: the phone doesn’t have a headphone jack. Seems a bit odd for a phone with iTunes, but we’re hearing that Motorola will offer Bluetooth stereo headphones.

Bush Outlines $7.1 Billion in Flu Preparations

2005-11-01T22:59:00.000-07:00

Bush Outlines $7.1 Billion in Flu Preparations: "President Bush yesterday asked Congress for $7.1 billion to help prepare the country for a global epidemic of influenza, telling a high-powered gathering of scientists and public officials at the National Institutes of Health that 'our country has been given fair warning of this danger to our..."

Change the way you watch TV BRAVIA™ XBR®

2005-11-01T22:55:00.000-07:00

Striving forward in the digital and flat panel television age, Sony Corporation releases its next-generation LCD display devices, and with them comes the unveiling of a fresh global identity for the range.
It has been over 50 years since the television was invented and since then, the market has experienced great change moving from analog to digital, CRT to Flat Panel. This year for the first time, Japan will ship more LCD TVs than CRT TVs, and in the years to come this will become a phenomenon worldwide.
Sony has the heritage to be at the forefront of this changing market and drive the technology. For the past 36 years Sony® high-resolution technology has been incorporated into televisions, leading to the exponential growth of the Trinitron® business. Now a new LCD TV incorporating Sony technological expertise has been developed and will be sold all over the world.
With this dynamic market, Sony is committed not only to conveying the message to consumers, but also evolving the company's mindset. This has resulted in the launch of a new brand: "BRAVIA", which stands for "Best Resolution Audio Visual Integrated Architecture".

Ford Releases Shot of New Lincoln Aviator

2005-11-01T22:49:00.000-07:00

Ford Releases Shot of New Lincoln Aviator: " Tucked neatly into a new press shot of the Lincoln Zephyr is a rear-view of Lincoln's new Aviator crossover, a 2007 model that will likely premiere at the upcoming Detroit auto show. Set to compete with the Acura MDX and Lexus RX, it's based on Ford's Mazda-derived CD3 global midsize-car platform, which it will share with the upcoming Ford Edge and Mazda CX-7 crossovers. Man, we are so over these crossovers and the party hasn't even started yet. Come on, 2007, get it over with already. Related:Spy Photos: 2007 Lincoln Aviator [internal]"

Hyundai Introduces Rear-Drive Azera,

2005-11-01T22:45:00.000-07:00

Hyundai Introduces Rear-Drive Azera,: " Replacing the XG350 -- a puppet-dictator's parade car if ever we've seen one -- Hyundai officially introduced its Azera (the Era from A to Z -- we kid you not). It's the latest issue of the company's We're Going Upmarket scheme, with a more powerful V6 and a sweep-the-leg attitude toward pricing that could put competitors like the Toyota Avalon in jeopardy. It rides on a stretched version of the Sonata platform, whose double-wishbone / multilink suspension setup recently garnered two stars in the ride category by the Farago Report. It goes on sale next month. Hyundai's new Azera apes Avalon looks, not price, as automaker turns to big sedan market

Spy Photos: Mercedes 2007 S63 AMG

2005-11-01T22:42:00.000-07:00

Spy Photos: Mercedes 2007 S63 AMG: " Twin dual exhausts belie the handwritten (in dirt) badging on this 'S600 AMG,' which is likely the upcoming M156 E63 in the flesh. The $130,000 super sedan, which will be out in mid-2006, will get MB's new, high-revving 6.3-liter V8 producing 510hp unaided by either compressors or turbos. Spy Photos Of S-Class AMG [eMercedesBenz] Related:Spy Photos: New Mercedes AMG Models Get New 6.3-liter V8 [internal]"

Nintendo Revolution Launch Date Hinted

2005-11-01T22:29:00.000-07:00

Nintendo Revolution Launch Date Hinted: " Last week we got a tidbit from the Nintendo Revolution crew announcing that the console will be launched simultaneously around the world (as opposed to the Xbox 360 which will launch Nov 22 in the US, Dec 2 in Europe and Dec 10 in Japan). Now, from an interview with Nintendo Europe Director of Marketing Jim Merrick, on Spanish website MeriStation (thanks Gamespot for the translation), we're also getting an idea of when the Revolution will actually ship. It was first pointed out that when they say 'simultaneously,' they really mean 'stretched out over a maximum of 14 weeks.' 'What we can guarantee is that the Revolution will be sent in the same four-month period anywhere in the world,' said Merrick. He did not discuss which region would be Revolutionized first, but history leans toward Japan, where Nintendo's popularity remains high and previous console launches began. So in terms of dates, it's already been said that the new console won't go on sale until the end of Nintendo's fiscal year in 2006 (ending March 31), so using logic, the US may (earliest) have it by tax day, but could possibly be waiting until early 2007. And don't expect any screen shots to be released early. Looks like we won't see hide nor hair of games until next year. Nintendo exec talks Revolution [Gamespot]"

Wait, It's a What?: Audi Spy Shot an RS6?

2005-10-31T11:02:00.000-07:00

Wait, It's a What?: Audi Spy Shot an RS6?: " So what exactly is this test Audi test mule? A5? Le Mans? New VW coupeish four-door? If you'd believe all the reports, it could be any of those upcoming models in the vaguely disturbing guise of an A6 whose wheels have slipped the bonds of its wells. But German Car Fans now say sources indicate its none of the three above -- it's the new RS6, which will someday have proper telltale fender flares. Those 'foaming' arches? Plaster band-aids. Seriously. New Audi RS 6 Spy Photos [German Car Fans] Related:Spy Photos: Audi A5 Test Mule [internal]"

JackPC, the in-wall thin-client

2005-10-31T10:52:00.000-07:00

JackPC, the in-wall thin-client: " It’s probably not going to do you a whole load of good around the house, but a company by the name of Chip PC’s apparently working on a very small AMD Alchemy-based in-wall thin-client PC device that runs Windows CE called the JackPC. The specs aren’t too terribly important since all the real computing is done on the server end (ok, fine, it’s got a 333 or 500MHz CPU, 64 or 128MB of RAM, DVI out, 4 USB 2.0 ports, and power over Ethernet support), but we’re definitely curious to see if they’ll actually get these out the door for $300 a pop within three weeks like they’re claiming.[Via WindowsForDevices]

Recovery CD to working Windows install CD

2005-10-31T10:44:00.000-07:00

Recovery CD to working Windows install CD: "Many pcs just come with a recovery cd and won’t let you – if needed – do a custom windows reinstall. This is a great guide that walks you through the process."

How Los Angeles Keeps the Traffic Kind of Moving

2005-10-29T10:53:00.000-07:00

How Los Angeles Keeps the Traffic Kind of Moving: " Architecture screed Bldg Blog profiles Los Angeles's traffic control system, which uses an intensely complex system of cameras, embedded roadway sensors and control rooms straight off the set of 'War Games.' One of the coolest features are the loop-like sensors -- literally, inductive loops -- that detect the presence of cars (or other large metallic objects) and relay the information to the processing center in real time. All the data is captured, measured, examined and saved for tracking purposes -- all in the name of keeping traffic moving even the slightest bit more smoothly.

How to Hack RSS and Atom Feeds

2005-10-29T10:42:00.000-07:00

How to Hack RSS and Atom Feeds: "From the ExtremeTech book Hacking RSS and Atom, learn about the basics of RSS and Atom Feeds, how to build an aggregator, route feeds to your inbox, subsribe to multimedia content, and more."

Look Up Saturday! The Red Planet Is Near.

2005-10-28T10:46:00.000-07:00

Look Up Saturday! The Red Planet Is Near.: "For the second time in nearly 60,000 years, the Red Planet will swing unusually close to Earth this weekend. More skygazers this time around can glimpse the fourth rock from the sun because it will glow above the horizon"

Judges block government cellphone tracking

2005-10-27T18:26:00.000-07:00

Judges block government cellphone tracking: "A New York judge has upheld an earlier decision declaring that the government can’t track people by cellphone without a warrant. The judge, James Orenstein, said that government agencies would need to show probable cause that a crime was being committed before getting approval to geotrack someone. The decision is consistent with an earlier one by Orenstein, and with one by a judge in Texas, who rejected a government request for a cellphone tracking order. Of course, the judicial decisions only affect law enforcement agencies. Your boss is still free to track you via that new Sprint phone he just gave you (and you’re free to track your kids as well). And don’t expect the Department of Justice to take this lying down. Both rulings are expected to be appealed. Read | Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments© 2005 Weblogs, Inc. SPONSORED BY: Fable: The Lost Chapters. Now On PC. Enter a world where every choice changes your fate. Enhanced graphics, new journeys, good or evil-how will you choose to play? "

Nintendo Revolution due for world launch in June '06?

2005-10-27T11:11:00.000-07:00

Nintendo Revolution due for world launch in June '06?: " Well, since we just hit you with the totally and completely unconfirmed rumor of a Spring ‘06 launch for the PS3, we might as well go full out and throw in another completely unconfirmed date: Nintendo Revolution in June of 2006. SPOnG News is reporting this one, and they seem rather confident, claming multiple sources have confirmed the date. Supposedly, Nintendo is shooting for launching the console in Japan, the United States, and Europe all in June, with Europe possibly spilling over into July. SPOnG is also pretty confident on $200 for the US launch price, but, just like pretty much everything in this report, nothing is official.[Thanks, Alex] Read Permalink Email this Linking Blogs Comments© 2005 Weblogs, Inc. SPONSORED BY: Fable: The Lost Chapters. Now On PC.

PS3 Going to be under $400

2005-10-27T10:56:00.000-07:00

Playstation 3 reportedly going to be under 4000 yen(400 dollars). The playstations two was the same price in Japan but came out in the US at $299. It seems very likely that the playstation 3 will take the same pricing scheme.

via:http://blog.livedoor.jp/coolgamer/

Presidential Weedend Update

2005-10-26T13:48:00.000-07:00

So Ive decided to start a new weekly update on the President and his planned activities:

This week President Bush signed a bill that supports our ongoing efforts to defend our homeland. This bill makes it harder for illegal immigrants to cross the border and returns them to where they came from. It adds more man power to the border and upgrades technology used. Since 2001 4.8 million illegal immigrants have been removed from the US. Including more than 300k with criminal records. The bill includes 7.5 billion that helps address the problem. 2.3 billion goes to the border patrol. Letting them hire more agents and get new technology to stop people illegaly entering the US. 3.7 billion goes to immigration and customs enforcement. Expanding holding facilities whose lack of space have caused a catch and release problem. One of the presidents new plans is called Interior Re-patriation. So instead of just dropping mexicans back off at the border, it takes them back to the center of mexico. Not allowing them to meet up with another coyote willing them to take accross the border.

MAP CHAT

2005-10-26T13:37:00.000-07:00

This is a great invention that uses google maps as a chat client. Through the combination of API, and AJAX it allows you to chat with people all around the world and shows you exactly where they are located at. This would be a very cool chat client for the future.

via:http://burm.net/

Dance Dance Revolution for Your Calculator

2005-10-22T19:39:00.000-07:00

Ok we all know during math no one pays attention. We pretend to be working out problems on our calculator, but were really playing snake or drug wars. Well this is for those people. Someone has taken the time to write the DDR code into basic so you can have the joy of playing it during math. Heres the link for the download. Enjoy.

How Rich Are You?

2005-10-22T13:40:00.000-07:00

I'm loaded.
It's official.
I'm the 769,831,825 richest person on earth!

How rich are you? >>

This cool website shows where you rank on the money making list. Also shows you how many people are poorer than you.

Fuel Injected Paintball Gun

2005-10-22T12:52:00.000-07:00

CO2 is a thing of the past in paintball history. With Tipmans new C-3 P.E.P( propane enhanced performance) you can now get 50,000 on a 16-ounce tank. Propane has the same range as CO2 but with the same consistency as Nitrogen or compressed air. Now I got worried cause all I know propane to do is explode. Whos gonna be having fun paintballing when thier gun starts to ignite into a flaming ball of propane. It turns out propane is used in many tons of house hold items I never realized used propane.

Here's a rad video of two guys using the new gun. I enjoy the Radicool guitar.

"The new C3 is a Pump Action marker that will appeal to players wanting to focus on strategy and marksmanship as well as new players looking for a fun and easy way to play paintball. The C3 is an aluminum and composite construction and features a 13” mandrel wrapped composite barrel for added accuracy and reduced weight. MSRP $229."

Via:Tipman

Thinking of Buying the IPod Video?

2005-10-21T10:16:00.000-07:00

Here's an extremely handy review that was done on the recently released video Ipod. This comes to us from Clint Ecker. He goes over many major aspects and specifications of the new ipod. Talking about the size of the new ipod and the larger lcd screen, and hits on the format of videos going onto the ipod. This review would be extremely helpful to anyone planning on purchasing the new ipod or to anyone interested in the technology of it.

Prince of Persia Original

2005-10-16T19:53:00.000-07:00

This brings back some memories. Just something to waste some time on. I love these original games put on flash for everyone to enjoy.
Not exactly like the first one but pretty close.

Can't Afford One of the New Ipods?

2005-10-13T19:34:00.000-07:00

well dont get your hopes down, Ive got you covered. Here a 360 degree look at the ipod. Its just like holding a real one in your hands. All you have to do is look at this ipod and run some music in the background. Pretty much the same thing. http://www.apple.com/hardware/gallery/ipod/

Apple Releases HD Trailers

2005-10-13T19:24:00.000-07:00

Apple's had the pleasure of releasing 24 High Definition trailers for upcoming movies. Some of the movies on the list include The Da Vinci Code, The New World, and my favorite a new trailer for Harry Potter and the goblet of fire.

A word to the wise if you dont know much about computer and your computer is not very fast dont watch the HD trailers just watch the regular ones.

Need Some Help on Your Calculus Homework?

2005-10-13T19:18:00.000-07:00

Here's a nifty little page that can help you solve some of those tuff problems.

Microsoft Stealing Some Ideas From HP(Harry Potter

2005-10-13T19:08:00.000-07:00

Microsoft is researching ways to create a clock that shows exactly where members of your family at at. They owe credit to Harry Potter for this invention. Where in the book one of Harry's friends family uses the clock to track thier family members. The clock would work tracking the GPS located in some phones.

A very clever and cute idea, but not very realistic to those who value thier privacy.

TV On Your Computer

2005-10-10T16:17:00.000-07:00

Got a favorite tv show but dont have a tv? Tune into some tv shows via http://www.beelinetv.com/ . Given there are not very many channels to choose from never the less a very cool idea.

If you're about to buy an ipod I'd wait

2005-10-10T13:13:00.000-07:00

If you can hold off for just a few more days Apple is about to release a whole new generation of ipods. They are said to be revealing two new ipods in Wednesdays conference. One of the rumored ipods will be an 80 gb at $399 and a 40 for $299. Far fetched rumors claim that there will be a Madonna Nano and the, aurora Borealis, of ipods the ipod video.

Does your resume say Google?

2005-10-10T13:02:00.000-07:00

Ever wonder how your resume compares to that of an owner of a multimillion dollar corporation. Sergey Bin's, developer of Google, resume is still posted on the Stanford website. Here you can compare and CONTRAST your resume to his.

Does this kid look like he knows what he's about to get into?

The Future of News

2005-10-10T12:49:00.000-07:00

Matt Thompson and Robin Sloan have created a documentry on the history of information in this flash clip here showing what could be and what will become of the information and tech leaders of today. They show the developments of Ipods and the roll they will have in the days of tomorrow. It covers the rule and dominent reign Google will have over technology, news, and
information. It depicts the downfall and struggle of companies such
as Microsoft and New York Times.

Peter Jackson to Produce Halo Movie

2005-10-10T12:36:00.000-07:00

For all of you not in the "know" Bungie is set to create the Halo movie. Producing this much anticipated movie will be the one and only Peter Jackson also director of the Lord of the Rings (LOTR) Trilogy movies. This means that they will have access to the software and resources used in the making of LOTR. The software program used to create the ginormous battle scenes famous in the LOTR is convieniently named "MASSIVE".

Here is the clip of Peter Jackson announcing his involvment in the movie. http://www.gametrailers.com/player.php?id=8012&type=wmv

Origin is Revealed

2005-09-28T22:48:00.000-07:00

If you don't know what the Origin is, its a website created to stir up hype about the new xbox 360.

"origin is? The debut of next generation gaming. A real place dedicated to
gaming pleasures. A place to play Xbox 360 before anyone else. A place to play
all the Xbox 360 launch titles. A place to take on other gamers."

Recently its only features were a tree and some bunny rabbits with a timer counting down to zero. Well it struck zero and everything changed, sort of.
Now instead of bunnies that are motionless you get bunnies that have meaningless conversations.
Go on wild psychedelic trips
And watch videos of people prancing around on some islands.
But the cool new feature on the website is the chance to be a part of origin. Where you are given a test of wits and asked to finish the sentence,"Xbox 360 is the best thing to happen since..."

“Two prizes will be awarded across entrants from all of the participating
countries. The two prizes consist of a one person trip to an event
celebrating the launch of Xbox 360 in the United States for three nights
in November 2005 (valued at approximately £3,000/€4,500). Exact dates to be confirmed by 1 November 2005.”

Sony Feeds Off of Bubble Wrap Obsession

2005-09-23T09:51:00.000-07:00

How do you draw the attention of hundreds of consumers? Simple cover your logos in bubble wrap. Now we all know how much fun bubble wrap can be. Waking up early the day your packages arrive, ripping open the box, and squeezing every last bubble till your hearts content. And now sony is feeding off of that lust. They've created this, Bubble Wrap Advertising.

But sorry to all you bubble wrap fans that thought you could get some of this action this advertisements only located in Malaysia. Fear not though Ive got you covered.

Good News CounterStrike Fans

2005-09-22T12:50:00.000-07:00

A company called VirtuSphere has invented a large hollow sphere that allows users to move about in virtual space. Now you can actually feel like youre in combat as you run up hills and feel the active feed back. Maybe not good news for us out of shape gamers.

Only bad news is the cost of one of these babies cost $50k-$10k to buy. So you probably wont be seeing them at your next lan party for a while. The only people currently using them are law inforcement and militarty training facilities.

China Takes Steps Towards Robot Domination

2005-09-22T10:11:00.000-07:00

Not Exactly, but it seems that way when you give a 5-foot, 139 pound Robot a sword. This robots name is Huitong and he's able to see, hear and imitate human movements. Now it seems to me that if I were creating a robot to enter the robot market, if there is such a thing, I would create a robot that would do useful helpful things. Like get groceries, take out the garbage, wash the car, or my dream do my homework. But It's hard to see the need for a robot to attack me with a sword.

Given it would make playing playing pirates alot funner having an oppenent that you could really hit. But what happens when that oppenent starts hitting back, but lacks the human emotion to stop. Hello, did we not learn anything from the matrix 1,2, and 3?

Just something I found amusing.

Don't Forget the Evil We're Fighting

2005-09-20T14:33:00.000-07:00

MOSUL, IRAQ - Major Mark Bieger found this little girl after the car bomb that attacked our guys while kids were crowding around. The soldiers here have been angry and sad for two days. They are angry because the terrorists could just as easily have waited a block or two and attacked the patrol away from the kids. Instead, the suicide bomber drove his car and hit the Stryker when about twenty children were jumping up and down and waving at the soldiers.

Taken from Michael Yon's Journalistic Writings - May 14th 2005

Music to Your Ears

2005-09-20T13:58:00.000-07:00

So what happends when you combine itunes and a cell phone? You get a Motorola ROKR with rediculous copyright protection and a 100 song cap. What happends when you combine a Windows smartphone and a internal 3GB hard drive? You meet the new Samsung i300. A while back Samsung had been promising great innovations with its new micro-drive and now its come to bat with a winner. This little toy runs Windows Smartphone 2003 and can old over 1000 of your smooth jazz favorites (and other songs if you prefer). Not only that, it comes with a 1.3 megapixel camera, video capture support and USB connectivity to your laptop or computer. So whether you want to listen to your favorite techno mix, watch video clips or just pretend like your talking to your girlfriend on the other line, the Samsung i300 has just what you need.

New Nintendo Revolution Controller

2005-09-16T01:13:00.000-07:00

Ive always been a nintendo fan but they've certainly let me down on this one. This looks more like something you would change the channel with rather than move mario and luigi through the sewers. Where is the functionality and freedom in this.

The attatchment they have with this makes it seem like something you would control a back massager with. Notice if you turn the controller horizontal it becomes almost the original nintendo controller! No nintendo, this just will not do.
It talked a little about pin pointing 3d technology and tilting control but who wants to be moving all around the room? I want to just sit lazily in my chair and blow faces away with ease.

Last note: Whats with with clean white ipod look? Don't get me wrong I love the look. But lets try and be a little original.

Welcome

2005-09-16T00:30:00.000-07:00

This is the first post on our new blog. This blog will be mainly about the information we are able to extract from the many resources we are given. If surfing the internet for new impressive news and information was a profession we would be millionaires. Our job to our audience is to have the most useful,most interesting topics and opinions. Always feel free to respond and share your opinions on the subjects we cover. We encourage free minds and strong opinions.