The future is here, or why Google’s video chat is amazing
We may not having flying cars or robotic maids, but we do have simple, usable video conversations! The Jetsons promised about the future that hasn't (yet) come true, but Google has delivered on at least one technology innovation: video conversations on our computers. For now, they're limited to the web browser, but Apple's introduction of the iPhone 4's FaceTime technology also promises to make seeing one another while we talk on the phone a reality, too.
Read MoreCelebrate your democracy: vote! (Especially for Vince DeMiero)
Sec. of State Sam Reed expects just a 38% voter turnout in August 17's primary election in Washington State. That's right: well under half of eligible voters will bother to vote. Don't be one of them! Drop your ballot in the mail by the end of the day tomorrow. And while you're at it, mark the circle next to Vince DeMiero if you live in the first legislative district.
Read MorePowerPoint is dead, and Prezi’s what killed it
Prezi. Sounds weird, doesn't it? But I'm sure "PowerPoint" sounded weird when people first heard about it, too (back in 1987!). I had a chance to use this online presentation tool for a guest lecture I gave on PHP and Web Services and was very impressed with it. So, PowerPoint: pack up your slides and move over... Prezi is here with its zoomable, rotatable canvas. It's just way more fun and more engaging to the audience.
Read MoreBlue fireballs and crossbow bolts: visualization in karate
Those who've played Street Fighter II are surely familiar with the blue fireballs hurled by characters in that popular fighting game. But can it really be done? Well, not exactly, but by thinking about them (or other visualizations such as your chambered arm becoming a crossbow bolt retracted and ready to fire) you can improved the speed and power of your karate. And it doesn't cost you fifty cents to play!
Read MoreNow Reading
Planned books:
None
Current books:
The Player of Games (Culture) by Iain M. Banks
Recent books:
- The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
- The Dragonriders of Pern by Anne McCaffrey
- House of Suns by Alastair Reynolds
- The Santaroga Barrier by Frank Herbert
- Stardust by Neil Gaiman