Field Notes.

2008

About the Debt Clock

New York's national debt clock recently ran out of digits, reflecting the growing national debt. This situation has sparked discussions about whether addressing the underlying issue is more crucial than merely updating the clock to display higher figures.

Mark Shuttleworth on the financial crisis

Mark Shuttleworth discusses the precarious economic climate and the implications of holding depreciating dollars, likening the situation to the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe. He emphasizes the seriousness of current circumstances, highlighting the potential risks involved.

Walmart maintains DRM servers.

Walmart has decided not to shut down its DRM servers, a reversal from its initial plan, following unexpected customer feedback. This decision highlights the impact of consumer opinions on corporate policies.

An American moving to Hamburg

Upon arriving in Hamburg, I was struck by the city's divergence from my expectations of traditional European history. Instead of gothic architecture and artistic struggles, I encountered a stark reality that felt dissonant with my vision of the city. This experience sparked deep reflections on life as an expatriate in this vibrant yet complex urban landscape.

The financial crisis, as explained to a 14year old

Economist Kevin Nguyen uses a Pokémon parable to explain the complexities of the financial crisis to his 14-year-old sister. By employing a relatable metaphor, he simplifies intricate concepts, making them accessible and comprehensible. This engaging approach sheds light on the underlying issues of the crisis in a way that resonates with younger audiences.

The insincere Mobile Market

The mobile market reflects a certain hypocrisy towards the iPhone. Despite initial denials of its uniqueness, competitors rushed to create similar devices, all lacking in functionality. Even as other brands replicate Apple's innovations, many still downplay the iPhone's significance, creating cognitive dissonance among users who have long dismissed it while inadvertently following its lead.

Google 2001

Google has reintroduced its oldest index from 2001 as part of its 10th birthday celebration, accessible for one month. This archive allows users to explore the state of the internet before significant events like 9/11, offering a glimpse into societal perspectives during that era, including views on terrorism and global issues.

New Sascha Cohen Movie

Patrons flocked to a Convention Center event advertised as cage fighting, drawn by promotions of 'hot girls' and affordable drinks. However, they were met with signs about being filmed, as the event turned unexpectedly homosexual. Attendees reacted by throwing chairs and beer at the performers, highlighting the stark contrast between expectations and reality.

The Sarah Palin Quote Generator

Decisions are being challenged as the nation grapples with its current desires. It's essential to reflect on these choices and their implications. Explore how public sentiment influences decision-making and the broader context surrounding these discussions.

Most users are idiots

A study reveals that users often disregard warnings in Windows dialogs due to over-familiarity, leading to increased susceptibility to security threats such as viruses and phishing. This tendency highlights a significant gap in user awareness and understanding, particularly among those lacking technical knowledge.

Microsofts new anti-Get-A-Mac campaign was made on Macs.

A recent campaign has raised concerns over metadata errors potentially due to rushed production timelines. The inadequacies highlight a need for greater diligence in quality checks, particularly in significant campaigns following high-profile events. The situation calls for improved oversight to ensure accuracy before public release.

Windows 7

Windows 7 screenshots reveal updated versions of Paint and Wordpad, featuring the Ribbon Style from the new Office. Despite this enhancement, Paint appears dated, retaining features from Windows 95. This raises questions about Microsoft's innovation, as the operating system seems to be a repetitive cycle rather than a significant evolution.

Google Chrome As An OS

Chromium is repositioning itself as a tabbed window manager for the web rather than merely a browser application. This approach reflects a desire to maintain a clean user interface, similar to the design philosophy expected from operating systems like those from Apple and Microsoft.

Auszeichnung. Digital Signage made in Germany

Die VIDERO AG wird morgen vom europäischen Wirtschaftsverlag als innovatives Unternehmen für den Wirtschaftsstandort Deutschland ausgezeichnet, neben anderen renommierten Firmen wie SAP und Bionade. In den kommenden Tagen wird auf dem VIDERO Blog ausführlicher über dieses Ereignis informiert.