mud

Almost every morning I get a coffee on the way to work. I have 2 options:

1. Starbucks
   Not on my direct route; Costs more; Takes ages; Tastes great
   
2. Sutter
   On my direct route; Costs less; Very quick; Tastes like mud
   

While recoiling from my first bitter taste of coffee this morning I tried to comprehend why I suffer with Sutter every time. Not going out of my way, or being hindered with a wait is actually more valuable to me that the product tasting good.

I at least console myself with the fact that about half way through I'm immune to the acrid evil-juice. I'd even stretch to say I'm enjoying the rest of this cup - cheers.

retarded design

In this morning's browsing I came across an interesting observation.

If you don't have any white plastic on your consumer device, apparently you are some kind of retarded

This quote is from Penny-Arcade in reference to nintendo's new video game controller, dubbed by many as the magic wand, which will of course be white.

On reading the article I realised that yes indeed, people are making white devices to be cool. I am of course referring to everyone except for apple. This article on engadget, entitled "Analyst: sales weighted heavily towards black 4GB nano", tells a different story.

We're not about to knock Apple’s white plastic gear-hey, it's now officially entered the realm of generational iconic classic-but it looks like the other model in the other color-that-goes-with-everything is heavily outselling its white counterpart

Perhaps apple have the right idea. They introduce something that's new and cool. By the time the sheep catch up with them they switch to doing something old just to be original

avast

Yesterday was Talk Like A Pirate Day, an internationally recognised event. It might not be that well known at the moment, but I for one celebrated this event last year.

In light of the event this year engadget posted this picture which I found amusing and innovative. I have since been informed that this is an old picture, but it was a first for me so I thought I'd share the experience.

the end

The first time I saw the last page on the internet I tittered. I thought it was beautifully simple, like the best jokes.

This was some time ago. I'm not sure if the page I originally saw is still around, but google reveals that there are a number now. This is a classic example of copying a nice idea and wrecking it. Here are some examples of the end of the internet:

• Simple last page - I like it.
  
• Another simple page.
  
• Too busy for my liking. The joke has stopped being funny now.
  
• You copied the joke and the website. Idiot.
  
• Moron. You didn't even understand the joke.

Instead of trying to be funny by copying (and in most cases ruining) the joke, why not have a second to last page on the internet? That way the joke carries on and would allow people to browse the last chapter of the internet. Or - now get this - come up with your own joke.

slashdot bafta

The other day some friends were talking and one said to the other:

"If you [implement some cool techie idea] then it's bound to be slashdotted"

He was quite right, the idea is the sort of thing that will end up on slashdot someday. The conversation got me thinking about why you'de want to be on slashdot. I concluded that it's for the 5 minutes of tech / geek fame.

It's like an actor winning a bafta. They're proud of it and their friends and family recognise the achievement. Actors however who have won a more prestigious oscar, see it only as a toy award worth nothing to them.

Of course, if this blog entry is slashdotted then I'd like to thank my friends for having the conversation in the first place, Rahel for introducing me to blogging, and my family, without whom none of this would be possible.

target audience

In the UK I've never been approached by a brownie (or girl guide, or whichever national equivalent) and asked if I want to buy a cookie. In truth, I'de never seen them sell cookies so it's hardly surprising.

A couple of days ago I saw, for the first time, brownies selling cookies. It's not a myth! I thought - apparently it doesn't just happen in films. They were walking down the tram selling their wares to the passengers in front of me. Firstly to the old lady a few seats forward, then to the woman with the child in front of me. Just as I was about to pipe up with thanks but no thanks they walked straight past me. Do I look that scary?

I was shocked and felt unwanted, but my mistreatment probably wasn't my sex and age, but more that they were practising their customer service skills for later life. In switzerland it's an unwritten law that you must ignore 1 in 5 people who wish to be served, or 1 in 3 if they're foreign.