Testing out MarsEdit

Hi, just posting to try out MarsEdit, part of the ongoing tweaking ("again with the tweaking!"). Carry on.

This is a weblink: Over on Whatever, Scalzi asks what was your first CD.

Let's put in an inline picture:
no dice.
Now?


Success! But barely. It seems that Blogger won't allow MarsEdit to upload pics. This shouldn't be a problem when/if I migrate to MovableType, so I can live with it for now.

Oh, and xkcd rocks.

A visual trip through the 21st Century

Via Sentient Developments, here's a speculative montage of how the 21st century could play out. Personally, I think this is all very viable, given the way technology and society is developing. The possible caveat is, of course, that as humans we may screw it up through infighting, luddism, reactionary attitudes, and good old fashioned greed.

That being said, I really do hope we get there. I can't wait until 'most conscious entities do not have a permanent physical presence'. Hopefully I'll still be around to shed my skin (or what's left of it at that point) and join the singularity.

One Step Closer. . .

. . . to the singularity. From NewScientist.com, Neural 'extension cord' developed for brain implants:

A "data cable" made from stretched nerve cells could someday help connect computers to the human nervous system. The modified cells should form better connections with human tissue than the metal electrodes currently used for purposes such as remotely controlling prosthetics. . . Connecting the chord to electrodes outside of the brain means the reaction of neurons to non-organic material can be controlled. In future, the cord could connect an amputee's nerves to a sophisticated prosthetic, he says, and might even offer a way to connect artificial eyes or ears to the brain.

Bring it on. I've said it before and I'll say it again: I'll be the first in line to get a brain implant.

Must-know terms for the 21st Century

Via Warren Ellis' blog, a list of must-know terms for the 21st century, from the Sentient Developments blog, by George P. Dvorsky. A fascinating list, covering terms and concepts from Bayesian Rationality to the Technological Singularity (my favourite). Definitely worth a read, and makes for a good half hour of link surfing. If anyone is curious as to some of the most important concepts in modern futurology,* this is a good place to start.

* Ben, I'm thinking of Natty here, so send her this way.

The Pirate Bay Strikes Again! or: I'm moving to Sealand.

After successfully fighting off the RIAA, and coming to the defense of Allofmp3.com, the Pirate Bay is now trying to raise money to buy the microcountry of Sealand, off the British coast. Ostensibly, this would place the Pirate Bay in a sovereign country where no intellectual property laws are recognized, therefore allowing the 'Bay to keep doing what it does best without the constant shadow of another raid or whatnot looming over their horizons.

The Pirate Bay is accepting donations, in exchange for citizenship if the deal goes through. If they can't raise enough money, they say they'll buy some other island, and declare it a sovereign nation.

If ever there was a nation I would want to defend, this would be it. Yarr, mateys.

iPhone FTW!!!

It's here. Sort of. Apple announced their iPhone today, a full-service phone, internet, and music playing device. Although it won't be available until June, and then only through Cingular (or AT&T, rather), I'm still stoked. This device is gonna kick so many people's asses, it's not even funny.

EDIT: I'll write a longer, more concise review of the announcement later, after I've stopped drooling all over my keyboard. I have to wait till June, really? Frakkin' FCC approval...