It's unbelievable how trusting we become of (software-based) products that ship broken. Almost every piece of software in existence is broken (this is why I have a job) in some fashion--a fact that should really be communicated and instilled in people's brains--yet, we depend on these products with our lives. Literally.

You hear how spellcheckers are unlearning people how to spell; but seriously--GPS/SatNav systems destroying cars? It's happening all of the time.

It's mind blowing that people want to absolve themselves of responsibility of their actions after taking advice of dumb computers (read: information stores not intellectual beings). I'm sure I fall victim to this as well, but man... think for yourself! ...or at least admit to it when you failed to do so.

One of the many examples.

Labels: responsibility, technology

A $2.13 million dollar comma... Awesome.

Read me.

Labels: commas, puncuation

I'm tired of using a normal mouse. After sitting at a computer for 8+ hours a day, my entire forearm ends up sore--sometimes even my back & shoulder. I just set out on a mission to find an alternative. Here are some of the things I found:

The "Zero Tension Mouse" Price: $59.95 Connection: USB only Features: Right and Left Mouse Buttons Scroll Wheel Button Compatible with all USB-enabled computers Digital Optical Tracking Pros: Looks comfy Don't have to move hand much Cons: No web browser nav buttons

The "wireless mouse pen vm-203" Price: $59.95 Connection: USB Features: Ergonomic pen-style design with rubberized grip Reliable 2.4 grade Ghz TF transmission up to 10-meter Designer grade 1000 DPI minimizes work work space requirement and perfect for computer artwork and hand-input applications Built-in rechargeable Li-Battery with protection circuit Plug-and-Play Usb requires no driver installation 3-hour Quick Charge circuit Linear-footing design works even on soft and curved surfaces 35 gm light weight with 65,000 device codes per channel eliminates interface USB based charging allows product to operate without down time Proprietary blue light optics provides better comfort and precision Antenna placed above and clear of hand to reduce user EM wave absorption Battery status light Built-in 3-stage power-save feature Light-touch switch with 1,000,000-click rating Designer *Mouse-Pad* Stand keeps product up-right when not in use Super Slim dongle receiver does not block adjacent USB ports Compatible with all major CAD, desktop publishing, photo-editing, and hand-writing input software. Pros: Using a pen is much less strenuous than a mouse. No wires! Cons: No wires means more system resource usage.

The "One Finger Mouse" Price: $16.97 Connection: USB Features: Trackball allows for precise cursor control Designed for right or left hand use Compact and lightweight

The "Evoluent VerticalMouse 3" Price: $80.00 Connection: USB Features: Eliminates arm twisting Handshake grip 5 buttons Programmable buttons 2200 dpi tracking Pros: Looks like it won't hurt your arm after using it all day. I want programmable buttons! Cons: 80 bucks is a tad much for a mouse. Still have to hold fingers slightly up from depressing buttons, which can cause a bit of fatigue.

The "Wireless Dual Mouse" Price: $129.00 Connection: Wireless (req.'s 2 AA batteries, w/USB charger) Features: Can be worn on hand Fits grip of hand Wireless No drivers needed 2200 dpi tracking Pros: Can sit back in chair and use. Can keep in hand while typing and still click away (I like the idea of not having to remove my hands from the keyboard). Cons: 129 bucks is a LOT for a mouse. No extra buttons for easy browsing.

A good review on a couple of the above.

Honorable Mentions:
(both courtesy atout. And what nice finds they are!)

The "Mouse Mouse!" Price: ~$20.00 Connection: Whatever you choose! Features: Totally customizable Pros: Real-life look and feel Very unique Cons: Having to get a usable, dead mouse Potential smell

The "Super Sparkly Computer Mouse" Price: ~$30.00 Connection: USB Features: Totally customizable Pros: Total Glam Cons: No special functionality

Labels: computers, ergonomics, mice, mouse

Why do people say things like:
"No offense, but you look terrible."

Sentence structure = [intro with something to seemingly absolve myself of insulting you], but [I'm going to insult you anyway and here it is].

Accept responsibility for your words. Or don't use them.

NUMEN [something].

Dictionary.com Unabridged (v 1.1) Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2006.

American Heritage Dictionary - Cite This Source

nu·men (nōō'mən, nyōō'-)
n. pl. nu·mi·na (-mə-nə)

1. A presiding divinity or spirit of a place.
2. A spirit believed by animists to inhabit certain natural phenomena or objects.
3. Creative energy; genius.

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UNAVOIDABLE CASUALTY.

unavoidable casualty

noun

a natural and unavoidable catastrophe that interrupts the expected course of events; "he discovered that his house was not insured against acts of God" [syn: act of God]

WordNet® 3.0, © 2006 by Princeton University.

Merriam-Webster's Dictionary of Law - Cite This Source

Main Entry: unavoidable casualty
Function: noun
: UNAVOIDABLE ACCIDENT; also : an unavoidable circumstance that prevents the timely performance of a procedural act (as the filing of an answer) by a party or the party's lawyer —compare EXCUSABLE NEGLECT
NOTE: As with excusable neglect, showing evidence of unavoidable casualty will relieve a party from a default judgment or a time limit.

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VIS MAJOR.
vis ma·jor (vĭs mā'jər)
n. pl. vi·res ma·jo·res (vī'rēz mə-jôr'ēz, -jŏr'-) Law
An overwhelming force of nature having unavoidable consequences that under certain circumstances can exempt one from the obligations of a contract. WordNet - Cite This Source

vis major

noun

a natural and unavoidable catastrophe that interrupts the expected course of events; "he discovered that his house was not insured against acts of God" [syn: act of God]

WordNet® 3.0, © 2006 by Princeton University.

Merriam-Webster's Dictionary of Law - Cite This Source

Main Entry: vis major
Pronunciation: 'vis-'mA-j&r
Function: noun
Etymology: Latin, literally, greater force
: an overwhelming force; also : ACT OF GOD

And sometimes we even play music... http://www.myspace.com/thenancysband

Labels: fresno bands, music, the nancies