May 2009
31 posts
Panda Cloud Antivirus →
This one is interesting … it’s a new, free antivirus protection for Windows computers that uses the power of cloud computing to do the heavy lifting.
It takes up fewer system resources, virus definition updates are automatic, and there’s zero configuration once it’s installed. According to Panda Security, the well-respected company that’s providing this service,...
April 2009
30 posts
WatchYes!
New (not-quite) Belle and Sebastian… This is a snippet from the first single on a lush and beautiful Stuart Murdoch side project called God Help The Girl.
Watch the introductory video, too — the story about the project and how he picked the women who sing on each track is fascinating.
Unavailable in album form until June 23d, we lucky “in-the-know” Internet users...
Free World Music Sampler →
Amazon.com is featuring several Rough Guide world music tracks by offering them as a free download.
I enjoyed tracks 1, 2, 3, and 7 the most.
Be sure to check out their MP3 Deals page, which has frequent discounts and freebies in all styles and types of music.
Fizy →
If you have a song in your head that you’d like to play for a friend, but don’t have it handy, try Fizy. Just type in the artist or song name, check out the results, and click to play the song (with or without video).
A quick test found everything I thew at it, from Ringo Starr to Amon Tobin.
[via Lifehacker]
The Wind PC →
MSI is now producing inexpensive barebones desktop PC versions of their wonderful Wind Netbooks. I built one this week, and have fallen in love with it.
If you don’t mind a little DIY computer building (or know someone who enjoys such things), you can get an impressive, basic computer for around $300.
The system itself is currently selling for just $125 (after $10 rebate) on Newegg...
Twitter Advice for Oprah →
One of my favorite tech writers (and twitterers), Andy Ihnatko, gives Twitter newbie advice to Oprah now that she’s hopped on the bandwagon.
If you’re wondering what Twitter is all about and how to use it, this is a useful and very entertaining start.
Oh, and you’ll find that I’m on there, too…
Hungry Girl →
OK, so I’m not a girl. But I’m pretty much always hungry, and have struggled with weight all of my life.
Although I made tremendous progress on that front back in my 20’s, as I approach my 40’s I’ve put too way much poundage back on and am rather scared at this point because the health effects and ease of losing are likely to change drastically as I age.
It’s...
Free 60-Day BJ's Warehouse Trial Membership →
Although I really wish we had a Costco around here, we still use and enjoy BJ’s Warehouse regularly for gas, groceries, and other items.
It saves us money, and if you don’t mind buying in bulk, you can get some real bargains.
They also have deals on a bunch of other non-food-stuff, so it’s definitely worth checking out for free if there’s a location nearby.
Just be sure...
How to Raise Our I.Q. →
Nicholas Kristof writes in the NY Times about the impact of environment on I.Q. scores — it seems that the educational activities rich parents provide their children increase their scores, while poorer students are left farther and farther behind.
This concept is masterfully discussed in great depth by Malcom Gladwell in Outliers, his fascinating look at the factors behind success. ...
Readability →
Find something great online that you really want to read, but it’s either formatted in some crazy style, or has too much distracting crap surrounding it?
Enter Readability, a bookmarklet that will take the page and make it blessedly readable. Ahh. That’s much better.
[via VSL:Web]
How to Find Your Amazing Work →
The guru of Guam, Leo Babauta, shares some advice on finding and following your bliss on Zen Habits.
I’ve tried my best to do exactly this for quite a while now, and have never looked back.
I think my hero Joseph Campbell would be proud.
A "Real" Phantom Arm →
This is the freakiest and coolest thing I’ve read all week.
A 64-year old Swiss woman who suffered a stroke found that she now has a third, “ghost” arm — and it acts upon her brain exactly as if it was real.
She can even scratch her nose with it… I wonder if she can stop a sneeze.
[via Digg]
Conficker Awakens →
Darknet clues us in to the recent end of Conficker’s dormancy.
Looks like it’s going to try to scam people into purchasing bogus “anti-virus” software in addition to stealing passwords and adding to the zombie hordes.
Sheesh.
Simpsons Postage Stamps [ ! ] →
Coming May 7th. Almost worth the 2 cent increase.
Almost.
Unusual Houses →
Abduzeedo shares some incredible houses that put my boxy little suburban condo to shame.
I love how creative, dramatic, and whimsical these homes are. Truly inspired.
