Microsoft, please make up your mind

Microsoft announced this June that it would be merging its Windows Live Mesh service with Windows Live Sync and ditching Windows Live Mesh. Now, Microsoft has reversed that announcement and said that they will be rolling Windows Live Sync into Windows Live Mesh and ditching Windows Live Sync. Seriously, Microsoft, decide on a cloud storage and synchronization strategy, and stick with it. As of today (8/27), The Live Mesh web site still states, "Live Mesh will soon be replaced by the new Windows Live Sync."

UPDATE: The Live Mesh site now states, "Live Mesh beta is being replaced by Windows Live Mesh 2011."

Super Mario Bros. 2 Gypsy Jazz Style

This made me so happy:

Intel to Acquire Security Firm McAfee

Intel will acquire security firm McAfee for $48 per share, or approximately $7.68 billion. McAfee will continue to run as a separate entity, but will roll up to Intel. It is intriguing to see what Intel, traditionally a hardware company, will do with McAfee, which is known for its antivirus and security software. (Source: Business Wire)

The Constant Flow of Information and its Affects on the Brain

Has the constant flow of information in today's world created a false sense of urgency in our lives and reduced our ability to focus? An article in the New York Times tells about some research being done to explore the impact of heavy technology use and multitasking on brain activity. Some scientists theorize that in our hyper connected world, we expend a good portion of our working memory in anticipation of new information (such as e-mail, texts, etc.). Multitasking was also shown to adversely affect the brain's ability to learn. According to some evidence by researchers at the University of Michigan, the brain is better able to learn after walking through the woods than navigating a busy street.

This interesting article tells about a retreat in which top neuroscientists (without their phones or laptops) start to explore how the constant flow of information and digital connectedness affects the way we think and act.

UPDATE (8/24/10): A related article from the New York Times references the fact that our brains aren't able to learn and remember things when bombarded with a constant flow of digital input. Very interesting reading! Time to unplug?

My friend Nick after anesthesia

My friend Nick got his wisdom teeth out about a month ago, and his wife decided to film his incoherent, post-op ramblings. Check it out if you want a good laugh!

Old-School Computers at Hill AFB

This summer, we visited the Hill Aerospace Museum at Hill Air Force Base, UT. Here are some pics of some old-school computers in the museum. As I looked at these old, dusty, gigantic machines, I wondered what it must have been like years ago when people used them in tense, top-secret missions.

Streaming Music Service Rdio Free for 3 Days

Streaming music service Rdio is now available to the public and is offering an unlimited free trial for 3 days when you create an account (no credit card required). It reminds me a lot of LaLa, which was recently acquired by Apple and shutdown (Oh how I miss you, Lala!). Rdio seems to have a decent catalog of music, and the streaming seems to perform wonderfully.  So go crazy and listen to all the music you want free for 3 days!

After the free Rdio 3 day trial, you will have to upgrade to a paid plan. Rdio Web costs $5/month for unlimited web access and $9/month for the Rdio Unlimited plan which allows you to save your favorite music to your mobile device and listen offline. I don't think I'll be upgrading to a paid Rdio subscription any time soon, though. (Source: Lifehacker)