The Defining Gadgets of the Naughts

Engadget's 10 devices that defined the decade.  Now, I only owned 3 of them (Windows XP, the Razr V3 and Xbox 360) unless you count descendents of the original iPod which could make 4.

In the comments much discussion whether the PS2 deserves to be there ahead of the Xbox 360.  I agree with those who say the 360's online portion was the kicker.

My list of important (though not perhaps decade-defining) devices or technologies would add:

• LCD/Plasma HD TV
• DVR technology (embodied in their list by the Tivo)
• GPS navigation systems
• Satellite Radio (which will become more important and profitable after Obama recreates the Fairness doctrine)
• Flash Memory

How about yours?

Russians to save earth from asteroid

Gizmodo reports that the Russians are considering a mission to deflect the asteroid Apophis, when it passes the Earth in 2032.

I didn't know this, but, there was a 2.7% chance of Apophis striking the Earth when it passed in 2004.

2.7%. That seems pretty high to me. Did YOU know about it?

When it passes in 2032, it'll only have a 1 in 250,000 chance, which is still greater than being struck by lightning.

AT&T: The Communications Company That Failed to Communicate in 2009

From Wired Magazine's Gadget Lab blog, AT&T has had some issues this year with network congestion, particularly around the iPhone.

I hope that my employer takes these kinds of criticisms seriously.  The company's response will say alot about whether it's really ready to make the transition from big monopoly phone company to provider of the modern communication infrastructure and services the 21st century demands.

My impression from my very lowly seat is that the former SBC management who runs AT&T now is much more comfortable pushing products out the door before they may be fully ready than certainly BellSouth was.  If BellSouth was deciding whether to deploy the iPhone, we would still be waiting for all the network upgrades to be completed.

So, to those who complain about AT&T's network performance with the iPhone, you should be thankful it is even available, and, I dare say that Verizon and Sprint would likely face the same problem.

AT&T: The Communications Company That Failed to Communicate in 2009:

First Test Post From Matt

Sitting on my couch at 0800 after going to work at 0045 and delaying the mission for 24 hours.  Will be enjoying the rest of the day relaxing in Cambridge possibly seeing Sherlock Holmes or The Wizard of Oz at one of the movie theaters in town.  Watching a friend Shih Tzu named Gizmo, he's doing what dogs do right now, attempting to dominate a pillow. 

New Year's Jib Jab

Try JibJab Sendables® eCards today!

Test of Pictures

This is a test of sending pictures to the blog.  Let's see how this works.

Test From Email

This is a test of a posting to 3 Jacks from email!

First Post

If everyone can figure it out, I have created a blog that allows group posting on blogger.  You will need to register your email with blogger to do it, or, if you just create a gmail account (a google account), you can use that.  If you do that, you need to let me know, so I can change your setting.

Enjoy.