Apple heeds my advice…

Just kidding, but check out this MacNN article about an interesting patent application from March 2006 for a multifunction device that does everything you could want from a handheld by switching virtual UIs.

Early this year I wrote a piece that talked about the iPod as a total entertainment convergence device that operates even as a remote control for larger, stationary media system.

This patent shows Apple is clearly headed in that direction.

This powerful patent covers the following topics: Touch Screen, Touch Sensitive Housing, Display Actuator, Multi-Functionality, Form Factor, One-Handed vs. Two-Handed Operation, Footprint/Size, Full Screen Display, Limited Number of Mechanical Actuators, Adaptability, GUI Based on Functionality, Switching Between Devices (GUI), Operating at Least Two Functionalities Simultaneously, Configurable GUI (User Preferences), Input Devices, Pressure or Force Sensing Devices, Force Sensitive Housing, Motion Actuated Input Device, Mechanical Actuators, Microphone, Image Sensor, Touch Gestures, 3-D Spatial Gestures, Perform Action Based on Multiple Inputs, Differentiating Between Light and Hard Touches, Example of a New Touch Vocabulary, Speaker, Audio/Tactile Feedback Devices, Communication Devices (wired & wireless) and Change UI Based on Received Communication Signals.

I don’t see remote control explicitly defined there, but it is definitely covered.

Who Profits from War?

Here’s an interesting read about who’s making money from death and destruction.

The history of American war profiteering is rife with egregious examples of incompetence, fraud, tax evasion, embezzlement, bribery and misconduct. As war historian Stuart Brandes has suggested, each new war is infected with new forms of war profiteering. Iraq is no exception. From criminal mismanagement of Iraq’s oil revenues to armed private security contractors operating with virtual impunity, this war has created opportunities for an appalling amount of corruption. What follows is a list of some of the worst Iraq war profiteers who have bilked American taxpayers and undermined the military’s mission.

Eye preservation with white on black text

I can’t stand web pages with white text on black. It leaves me with brutal afterimages and tired eyes after just a minute or so. yesterday I was complaining about this to my wife, Lisa, and she said matter-of-factly, “just select the text”. This will likely reverse the polarity to dark on light.

Good idea. It works in a lot of cases.

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