Archive for the ‘Technology’ Category

An open letter to Microsoft RE: Internet Explorer Heartache

Tuesday, July 20th, 2010

Subject: Compensation for heartache
To: Microsoft
From: Pete Peterson

Hi Microsoft,

My name is Pete, and I have been doing work on the web for about 10 years now. Although I do not blame you (Microsoft) for the active use of Internet Explorer across the inter webs, you did however produce this atrocious piece of software. The versions have been steadily getting better, but, there is this thing called the a “standard” for web delivered information which would be great if you could find time to read them and apply them to how Internet Explorer renders web pages.

Here is a web address (also called a URL) for reference: http://www.w3.org/standards/

As I mentioned before, I don’t blame you (Microsoft) for the hundreds of thousands of people who still use your archaic browser (specifically IE 6), but since it was you that produced it, I feel I should be compensated for the countless hours spent in hacking html, css, javascript to get your browser to display the way it should. Not to mention all the aspirin, ibuprofen, coffee, Valum, whiskey that I have had to consume in order to endure having to work with this shoddy piece of ether that has been the bane of my existence since I decided on this career path.

I believe that $5000.00 is fair. Please enclose a check payable to Peter Peterson. No hard feelings.

Regards,

Pete

————————————–
My customer support id for this message is 1135554260
please feel free to follow along.

[EDIT]

I recieved a response from Microsoft regarding my gripe:

For replacement media or hardware please contact the Microsoft Order Desk by calling (800) 360-7561. Their hours of operation are Monday through Friday, 5:00 A.M. to 7:00 P.M. Pacific Time.

Please note this is an unmonitored alias. If you have further questions for customer service please contact us by Email: https://support.microsoft.com/contactus/emailcontact.aspx?scid=sw;en;1208&ws=orderautoreply

Thank you,
Microsoft Customer Service

I guess they aren’t going to pay me.

Top 5 (free) Android Apps

Thursday, April 8th, 2010

So, I’m not that big into lists. But on occasion, I have been known to organized. So here I present my top 5 favorite *free* Android apps.

Swype (http://swypeinc.com/index.html) Softkeyboard replacement. This is one of those things where it just makes sense. I was not too thrilled with the softkeyboard on my HTC Hero. With this app though, I look forward to having to type on my phone. Its quick, simple and fun.

Timeriffic (http://code.google.com/p/autosettings/) I use my phone as my alarm clock, and I was in the process of writing my own app to control the settings on my phone based on time of day, when I came across this app. It does the job very well, and can have multiple profiles, for say, the weekend, vacation, etc. My phone all but turns off at night, and automatically sets the ring tone volume, and notification volume back to normal at a decent hour.

Cubed (http://abrantix.org/rockon.php) Link is to producer, not the actual app. This player is top notch. Great interface, and impressively well done for a free app. This IMHO puts my phone on par with my iPod. (for the features of music play).Cubed Music Player

Dolphin Browser (http://browser.mgeek.mobi/) The built in browser is good, but Dolphin is better. Gestures, and a slew of other great features make this my browser of choice. I’m interested to test out Fennec (Firefox Mobile) when it comes out, it might be a contender for this spot.Dolphin Browser

Layar (http://layar.com/) Search + Location Aware + Augmented Reality . Points you in the right direction for whatever you are looking for. This thing is awesome! I’ve used it often and is one of the first apps to get showcased when talking to anybody about my phone

Runner ups (Yelp, Wapedia, Google Voice, Replica Island)

Its like clockwork. Its like art.

Friday, February 19th, 2010

Clayton Boyer is a wood worker, or a conductor conducting a symphony comprised entirely of the wood section.

He is also a clock designer and a bit of an engineering marvel in my opinion. His clocks are masterpieces that rival convention and inspire oohs and awes.

Bird of paradise

The designs vary from intricate to simple elegance. His designs are also up for grabs. He believes that most anybody can re-create one of his creations by following his plans which he sells through his website.

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