Wednesday, December 7, 2011

iPad Keyboard

Another keyboard innovation for your iPad... (cooler than the one I mentioned over the week-end for your computer).


This is part of a KickStarter project that has already raised $136,000 - a little more than the original goal of $10,000. TechCrunch has the story of how this project came to be.

The History of Android Phones

They've come a long way, baby, in three years.

The First Problem Solved by Computer: Four Color Theorem

From LifeHacker:
"Even during the 1970s, when computers were harder to come by and problems were weightier, computers were routinely brought in to solve things for the people who had access to them. But prior to 1976, they weren't required to prove any math problem. They just made things easier. That is, until Kenneth Appel and Wolfgang Haken used a computer to prove a 124-year-old conjecture. In 1852, Francis Guthrie came up with what's known as the Four-Color Theorem. That theorem stated that no map needed more than four colors to delineate territories. Generally, different countries, states, or provinces, were given different colors on a map. If a mapmaker were armed with four different colors, there was no territory, or set of them, that could be arranged in such a way that two adjoining territories were the same color."
I think the first actual use (not problem solving) of a computer must have been to start a flame war, play solitaire, or look at "adult" content.

Tempted - Garmin Forerunner 610

So I've been running a bit - even completing a half-marathon recently. As with any hobby, you have to get the toys. I'm so tempted by the Garmin Forerunner 610. I've been using RunKeeper on my Android phone. I really like RunKeeper, but the phone isn't the best solution. However, the Android/RunKeeper solution is free. The watch is $350.

The Virtual Racer feature would be a good training tool.

No Silence Silenced

I had a friend that was laid off yesterday, but I didn't know that Michael Silence was in the group, too. I liked his stuff. I hope he pops back on-line soon. After 29 years and 11 months:

A programming note
Michael Silence asked the online staff to post this message on No Silence Here on his behalf.
As you may know, I got laid off yesterday along with 32 others. That sucks, but it is the reality of our business. I will miss my colleagues, a great bunch of people who I got to hang around with for 29 years and 11 months.
This blog, started in August 2004, has been a blast, and thanks for constantly opening my eyes to new perspectives. I'm told it will cease to exist. It has been the most rewarding aspect of my time here. I've been honored to sit on the front porch of the 21st Century.
As I've said for many years of those who have left the online world, "They'll be back. They always come back."
Stay well my friends, and no worries
Michael

Stocking Stuffers - Faraday Bag

Uncle links to ZCOOR, who suggests some anti-corrosion bags as stocking stuffers for the gunnie prepper in your family. That reminded me of the Faraday bags for protecting your electronic equipment from EMP - for your geek prepper.

Tuesday, December 6, 2011

Yahoo Groups: Amateur and Ham Radio

I was poking around the Yahoo Groups and noticed that under the category of "Amateur and Ham Radio" there are about 7,200 groups. There are almost 200 with more than 1000 members.

The Yaesu FT-817 has the largest group with over 12,000 members.

The Wouxun KG-UVD1 group has 2,300 members and averages about 400 messages per month.

The Baofeng UV-3R group has around 1,900 members and averages close to 500 messages per month.