August 2004

August 03, 2004

Statue of Liberty Reopens

Even after the recent warnings about threats to NY, DC, and Newark financial institutions, the Statue of Liberty reopened today. I think that, as some have pointed out, opening this national monument is important to show that we are not afraid and that we treasure our freedom. This article explains the reopening, including the following excerpt about security:

Tightened security measures at the 118-year-old national monument include a new anti-bomb detection device that blows a blast of air into clothing and then checks for particles of explosive residue. Bomb-sniffing dogs also were present during the preview.

The anti-bomb detection device must be what they had at the CN Tower in Toronto. I remember the blast of air that you had to walk through at a security checkpoint; I always wondered what that was for. Now I know.

Posted by Phil at 01:07 PM | Comments (0)

August 04, 2004

Gas Prices

I was just wondering the other day if there were any websites that had a directory of gas prices. Well, of course I forgot to look it up, but today I ran across one. It didn't have many up-to-date listings for my area, so I did a search for others. This is what I found:

  • Gas Buddy - Pretty up to date for my area; sorts stations by cheapest price when doing a search by zip code
  • Gas Price Watch - not very up to date for my area

The problem with these sites is that they rely on users like you and me to report prices on these sites--one site calls such people "spotters." And how many people really want to bother? It's not that difficult to join in, though. I might try to help the effort.

Posted by Phil at 04:57 PM | Comments (0)

August 10, 2004

Make Your Own Stamps

Stamps.com has a new service that allows you to make your own stamps! You can upload photos or other images and have standard postage stamps of different values printed and delivered to you. This seems pretty cool, however expensive. A book of 20 regular 37 cent stamps is $7.40; with this service it'll cost you $16.99 +$2.99 S+H = $19.98. (via BoingBoing)

Posted by Phil at 05:42 PM | Comments (0)

August 11, 2004

On and Off the Bookshelf

Yesterday I finished Michael J. Fox's Lucky Man. It was a very good read; well-written for Michael writing it himself. I've always been a fan of his and it was interesting to read about his childhood and experience as a rising star. His writing on his battle with alcohol and Parkinsin's was candid and honest. He's really a down to earth guy and very grounded for being an actor. A real family guy and now strong activist for his disease.

The next thing I pulled from my bookshelf and dusted off is 'Tis by Frank McCourt. It's been a while since I read Angela's Ashes, his first book, which I loved. I recommend both! The Angela's Ashes movie, however, wasn't as good as the book.

I'm slowly tackling all the unread books on my new Billy bookshelf from IKEA.

Posted by Phil at 11:41 AM | Comments (0)

August 17, 2004

Harry Potter News

Here's an AP story about J.K. Rowling's recent reading of Order of the Phoenix and some teasing on her part. It's always nice to hear from her and get some inside info:

She said readers should be asking themselves "not, 'Why did Harry live?' but, 'Why didn't Voldemort die?'"

The second question they should think about is, "Why didn't Dumbledore kill, or try to kill, Voldemort?" she added, referring to the headmaster of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.

Any bit of info is welcome, so thanks Jo! But these are interesting questions. I think the reason He Who Must Not Be Named hasn't died because he and Harry have a very deeply rooted connection with regards to their wizardly powers. If V dies, must Harry also? I think that Dumbledore knows that Harry must kill V himself or knows that doing so would have an effect on Harry. I guess we'll have to wait and see.

Posted by Phil at 12:46 PM | Comments (0)

August 19, 2004

Yahoo SearchBlog

Yesterday, Yahoo launched their own search blog that they say is:

A look inside the world of search from the people of Yahoo!

This is pretty cool and something Google bet them to, of course. I do enjoy keeping up with the new technology offerings of these companies, and I hope the Yahoo people blog more than Google does. Yahoo actually lists Google's blog first under their list of "Industry Sources" links, which I think shows their respect for their rival. The Yahoo blog also uses MovableType as do I.

Posted by Phil at 10:22 AM | Comments (0)

Programming Font

This is mostly for my own reference, but check out ProFont, a small, readable font ideal for use in programming. (via allinthehead.com)

Posted by Phil at 05:21 PM | Comments (0)

August 23, 2004

North Korea on Bush

Wow, a Reuters story, North Korea Says Talks with U.S. Are Pointless, says

North Korea described President Bush Monday as a tyrannical political imbecile who put Adolf Hitler in the shade and said Pyongyang could see no justification for talks with his administration.

I guess some of us Americans aren't the only one who think along these lines. But wow, that's harsh.

Posted by Phil at 11:15 AM | Comments (2)

August 26, 2004

Google Store

Apparently Google has a store. Why didn't anybody tell me this? *orders stuff*

Posted by Phil at 10:24 AM | Comments (0)

August 31, 2004

iMac G5

OMG. This apple is hawt! *drools* 2" thick display and that's it. It's all in the display. Only a power cord required. This is a big improvement over the last iMac. I'm amazed.

Posted by Phil at 02:03 PM | Comments (0)