Joost for Mac

I have been trying to get an invitation for Joost for a while and finally got one recently. I got the latest beta version for the mac. But sadly I can't install and check out as yet because it only runs on the intel macs. And that's not the mac that I use right now.

I planned on getting my MacBook Pro, but not for a couple more months because I am waiting for Apple to release their new OS first. So now I am a bit torn.

For those of you who have not heard about Joost. It started off as The Venice Project by the guys behind Skype and Paypal. It's the latest technology that merges tv and the internet. It allows people to view television right on their computers and it looks really good with transparencies making the whole interface look really good. I've lately started hearing more about Joost in the media so expect it to be a big thing. It allows the viewers to rate the shows that they are watching and also to send messages back and forth to other users. These are just two of the many features that Joost has. The new mac version, comes with functionality that allows users to use the Apple Remote to control the player. That's a great thing.

I recently heard about a hack for the new Apple Tv that allows users to watch streaming tv through the Apple TV. This is great because Joost can be streamed from the computer onto the television screen. There's lots of potential with this software.

But I may get my mac sooner rather than later so I could test this out.

Apple Tv Ad

Check out the new Apple Tv Ad. This ad has not been posted to their website as yet, but was captured and is available on Youtube.

Apple Delivers BIG!!!

Apple Delivers BIG!!!

"From this day forward we're going to be known as Apple, Inc. We've dropped the computer from our name."


Today, Tuesday January 9 2007, is a day to remember. A revolution witnessed by few but to be experienced by all. A revolution on the front of cell phones. Something that’s sure to change our ideas, perceptions and wants in a cell phone – from this day on. Mark it down. Remember it. Today Apple again revolutionized our technological lives and the world.

Another milestone set!

What am I talking about really? Today, Steve Jobs introduced the world to the new age cell phone – the iPhone – or the Apple Phone. I followed the expo – even while at work (but don’t tell my boss) from beginning to end on engadget. Thank you engadget for that. I was just all over the place when the iPhone was announced. For those of you who have read my previous posts, you know how long I’ve been waiting for this device. One phrase comes to mind” We’re not worthy…we’re not worthy!.”


Here are some initial specifications on the iPhone - an iPod, iPhone and internet mobile communicator. I will give you a guys more detailed one soon.

The unit comes in two sizes a 40GB model costing $499 and an 80GB costing $599 on a two year contract with AT&T Cingular, whom Apple has partnered with.



Specifications
Hardware features:
• Built in Camera: 2 megapixels
• A headset jack, 3.5MM
• Sim tray, sleep-wake switch
• 3.5-inch screen with the highest resolution ever shipped by Apple 160ppi
• 11.6MM thin (thinner than the Motorola Q and Blackberry)
• WiFi and Bluetooth 2.0
• Quad Band: GSM + EDGE
At the bottom:
• Speaker
• Mic Input
• iPod Connector

Software features:
• iPhone runs OS X
• Uses Safari browser
• iChat like interface with multiple SMS session support
• has everything we need: multi tasking, networking, Power management, , graphics, security, video, audio core animation
• all media including Music, Video, Contacts, Calenders, Photos, Notes, Bookmarks, Email Accounts
• Absolutely no buttons: uses a new multi-touch technology patented by Apple which is supposed to be “far more accurate than any other interface ever shipped”
• “We've also got some stuff you can't see -- 3 advanced sensors. It's got a proximity sensor, bring the iPhone to your ear and your display shuts off and toushccreen shuts down. Ambient light sensor -- adjusts brightness, saves power. Third thing is an accellerometer, it can tell whether you're in landscape and portraid. Let's turn it on."
• "It connects to any POP3 or IMAP email -- Yahoo Mail, MS Exchange, Mac Mail... POP3: Gmail, AOL mail, and most ISPs... let's highlight one, Yahoo mail. Today we are announcing Yahoo will offer free push-IMAP email to iPhone customers. This isn't just IMAP, this is push-email, same as a BlackBerry."








Also announced today was the Apple TV which is going to cost $299. Not much emphasis was placed on this device, however, but it is a remarkable one.

For a more detailed review of today’s Expo visit engadget’s link Live from MacWorld 2007

Apple Phone?

So the rumors are continuing – what should we expect at tomorrow’s MacWorld in San Franciso.

In a BusinesWeek article titled Apple’s Wireless Effect” [dated January 8 2007] the author mentions the “music-playing phone”. It seems that tomorrow’s Mac Expo is set to reveal a few new products, some rumoured about for years, that’s sure to set the financial flow of Apple and Apple stock holders alike.

I’ve watched the share price jump from a little over $84.00 to a little over $86.00 in a short space of time. All this in anticipation of what’s to come.

So what is to come? The rumors go that we should expect an Apple phone with iPod capabilities built in. This Apple phone will be unlocked and so can be independently purchased and used with any carrier. That’s a sure good thing.

Another device is what Apple Insider calls the vPod – the true video iPod with wifi capabilities among others.

The final version or an update of the ‘iTV’ – this time with its true name, because the title iTV was just a placeholder – will also be revealed and offered tomorrow.

And on of the final things, the “but wait, there’s more” thing to be unleashed on us Apple fans would be a major update to the son to be released Apple OX Leopard

Here are a few links to news and rumors of what’s to come.

http://www.appleinsider.com/article.php?id=2360

http://www.businessweek.com/technology/special_reports/20070108theappleec.htm?chan=top+news_top+news+index_top+story

http://www.macrumors.com/

Security Project Focuses on Apple

I read this article from my trusty BBCNews titled Security project focuses on Apple where two hackers planned to publicize bugs found in Mac OS X.

The hackers, Kevin Finisterre (founder of security startup Digital Munition) and (handle) LHM, will no doubt get mixed reactions from Apple users and supporters alike. But I believe this is a worthy project, however one that Apple insiders themselves should have undertaken and not external groups. There are obvious benefits of these external groups who are more objectionable in their approach and more likely to find more bugs than an insider would. So I look forward to seeing the bugs that they find.

One of the bugs found, is a said flaw in the QuickTime software – and QuickTime is one of the constants of all reported Mac OS bugs – allows for users to potentially install malicious code on their machine. But be noted that the user must give permission for the program to be installed. Nothing is installed automatically on the machine. (see paragraph 9 of the article)

The results of this project will be posted on their blog. I’m not sure if we’re going to get a continuous update of their findings or be giving just a final report. But I will be checking it out every day and posting any reported findings. Let’s see what this project turns up.

Intel Quad Core Processors

Intel has announced that their quad core processors are set to be released later this year.

Click Here for The Article

Does that mean that we may soon see the new Apple line of computers - Mac Pro, Mac Book Pro, Mac Book and the iMac - go from the Core 2 Duo to quad core processors?

Zune Problems

In a BBC News article "Zune problems for MSN customers" the Zune-to-be-released MP3 player by Microsoft already seems to be meeting with problems. The problem explained here is with music purchased from the Microsoft MSN Music store which is supposed to rival Apple's Music Store.



The Zune player does not support music bought from MSN Music store because of Microsoft's Plays For Sure initiative (as compared to Apple's Digital Rights Management) which is not compatible. Music bought from sites like Napster and AOL will also not work on the Zune. Keeping in line with true Microsoft we're seeing compatibility issues already. This could be a big problem as the MSN Music Store is supposed to function for the Zune in much the same way that Apple's Music Store does for the iPod. However, Microsoft will redirect customers from the MSN Music Store to a Zune store to purchase compatible tunes.

"Zune owners can buy individual tracks using a points system - 79 Zune points equals 99 cents which buys a single - or subscribe to the service monthly, giving users access to two million tracks." [see article - Zune goes head to head..."]

But in spite of this, already we see problems arising and the product has not even been released. The Zune player is supposed to be a portable MP3 player and an issue like this could mean a big downside for it.

The Zune is capable of playing music in AAC format, so it would be rather interesting if users could buy and download tunes from Apple Music Store and play it back on their Zune player.



The article also shows the possible colours that the Zune will be appearing in which includes Pink, White and Green. Pink?

In question to the Zune's success as a serious competitor to the iPod in the MP3 player arena, the article ended by stating "it could take a long time for that success to become apparent."

Apple Home Movie

This is a funny Apple Mac Ad: Better Results

Microsoft Making Moves: Zune, Vista & Linux

Recently I read two articles that mentioned some of the latest initiatives by Microsoft. One of those initiatives, which I have previously commented on here, is the so-called iPod killer - the Zune player - which is scheduled for release on 11.14.06 at a retail price $249.99. So it is here zuner than we thought.



I went to a talk by author Steven Levy at the Apple Store in SOHO on his new book "The Perfect Thing." (Sorry I have no stills or video of this event - wish I did.) However, he had a Zune player with him - a brown coloured unit. Brown? And this is the cool factor that's supposed to compete with the iPod?! Yeah right! Steven briefly, well it was way shorter than a brief, more like a sentence or two - talked about it. And one of the features which is supposed to give the Zune an edge was the WiFi capability. Users could use this feature to transfer files and songs between devices. There is a limit to this transfer of files in that they can only be played 3 times or can be stored on the unit transferred to for up to 3 days, which ever comes first. This is not to cancel the Zune out altogether. On the contrary, it still however has very good potential and will surely be an area that "mister softee" (thanks Ken Ray) is going to pursue aggressively.

The date for the release of the way overlong delayed Microsoft Windows Vista, microsoft's new O.S., was announced earlier this week. The date is set for 11.30.06. Wow-wee!! So we're seeing the release of two new products by microsoft both in the same month. This version promises, much like the Zune player, to be an imitated version of an Apple product - Apple OS X Tiger. Definitely no B.A.S.F. here. But Vista does look impressive and promising. Why wouldn't it being a surfaced xerox'ed version of Tiger. For those of us who are not developers,magazine writers or techno-critics and so never got a pre-released version, we wait to see exactly how Vista performs and how it fares against Apple's Tiger.





Another initiative and sort of a first for Microsoft is its deal with Novell (makes of Suse Linux). In a New York Times article titled "2 Giants In a Deal Over Linux" (Friday November 3, 2006), it was suggested that this was a strategic move by microsoft in response to the recent Oracle-RedHat deal. This also comes in part, as analysts suggest, by customer demand and consideration.

What Does This All Mean?

With these 3 latest moves by Microsoft we can see them positioning themselves to compete more aggressively on increasing fronts. Should they be a force to fear on those levels? Not for another few years as those initiatives take time to have effect.

We end-users welcome Microsoft into the race. With this increased competition means more variety and increased choices, greater innovation and price wars leading to cheaper/better priced products. Maybe we may finally see the release of that long awaited true iPod Video and iPhone. Company's now cannot wholly rely on brand loyalty by customers, especially if the next guy has a better product. The whole reason we love the iPod so much is because it is a much better product than the others out there, not because it was made by Apple. They now have to better the next guy to retain loyal customers and to avoid defectors. And for Apple that means enough little twerks and querks of the iPod Nano already - how many Nano's can we have? - and give us something new already! We, I certainly, look forward to iTv, the iPhone, true Video iPod and the many other new products that you took out patents and are diligently working on.

Microsoft is expanding, continuing to grow and is a legitimate threat to any arena it enters. Just look at the game consoles. They are becoming even more formidable as they forge alliances, add products and services to their arsenal. We no doubt should expect and brace ourselves for greater products and developments from "mister softee". Shareholders are the ones to benefit as well as share-prices are positively affected, and in the process attract even more funding to their projects.

Journalists help spread propaganda

I was alerted to an article from a post on one of my favourite and regularly read blogs Citizen Against Lies, hosted by Shelly. I recommend you check it out - it's really good, unless you're a hard core Republican. The blog post is about journalist from Miami who were paid by the US government to spread lies and propaganda about Fidel Castro and Cuba. For Shame. For shame I say.

Those journalists worked as regulars and freelancers for Radio and TV Martí - two "U.S. government programs created to promote democracy and freedom in Cuba." Their programs are not broadcasted in the US but in Cuba because of U.S. anti-propaganda laws. How could they allow them to sordid the good name of Marti by spreading their slanderous, propaganderous filth?

There are several things wrong with this. Firstly, it's against US law to spread propaganda in the U.S., yet still they would fund and finance activities which they find clearly illegal and unconstitutional. Ask yourself why. Then this brings to question if they can infiltrate and manipulate these journalists, who else have they gotten to? Have all those reports that we have seen and heard on those other media also sawyed by some blind or rather hidden hand? Has what we heard all along true and accurate?

Among those mentioned are Alfonso, Connor, Cancio, Cossio, Montaner, Cao, Remos, Claro, Ferre and Crespo. For shame - how could you sell out that way?



You can read the article here 10 Miami journalists take U.S. pay

Only two of these journalists have been fired. They should all be fired. We trust that the news and reports these guys and gals deliver and fair, true and unbiased, but this brings this to question.

What else has gone on? Who else has been paid to feed us mis and wrong information?

Attack on iTunes

I have read a couple articles online where different services are all being launched and launching an attack on Apple's iTunes, all in an effort to gain some of their market share. Apple currently has about 70% to 80% of the musical digital download market and all these new start-ups are trying to steal some of this away.

Among those products are MySpace teaming up with Snocap, AOL who teams up with SpiralFrog.com, Microsoft with their Zune (the 'iPod killa) - I don't even know why the Zune is nicked the iPod killler when it doesn't come near to threatening the iPod, not in hype or functionality. What does remain true and could merit the use of the word iPod in any reference to the Zune is that once again microsoft has copied on the innovative design and look and attempted the feel of the iPod. The other products which will compete with iTMS is Samsung, Nokia which will utilize the serivces of loudeye which it bought on Aug. 8; Yahoo and realnetworks.

Some of these competitors are using different models other than Apple's tried and proven pay-per-click model and some are using a dual models of pay-per-click plus subscriptions, all in an effort to gain customers.

The most impressive of those is MySpace, by far. In a BusinessWeek article, MySpace's Musical End Run, announced today that it will let bands sell music on the site straight to fans. Through their connection with digital music company Snocap which was founded by the creator of Napster, one of the first peer-to-peer file sharing programs Sean Fanning, muscians and bands can sell their music directly to fans.

One of the things I like most about MySpace's offer, and which is different from the other new competitors is that this service comes without the digital rights management (DRM) enabling playback on any device, including Apple's iPod, MP3 phones (set them as your ring-tone), the to-be-released Microsoft Zune (bump that iPod killa name - just ain't gonna happen); and also Helio devices. This I believe is the edge that'll make this model and make MySpace's launch a successful one. Already MySpace has Helio, which seems to be an amazing device which can do it all. I am in the market for a Helio device, by the way. As soon as I get one, I will let you guys know how it works. This integration would give MySpace a great advantage and put it in the most favourable position to compete with iTunes. However, from all reports as from what I've read, those new services won't be making any considerable cuts into Apple's market share anytime soon.

To go off on a tangent just a bit: While the option to have your songs play back on multiple devices is what drives customers to a particular service, how many customers actually do use more than two devices to play back downloaded songs? Most people use just their MP3 player and their computer and occasionally a friend comes over and borrowers some files.

To combat, or rather in keeping with their true self - the reason why they are number one and have the greatest market share, Apple is rumoured to release some new products and services on Tuesday, September 12th. That's next Tuesday. Among those new services would be the iTune's movie download along with a true video iPod. This will only propel Apple further away from the competition and earn them even a more greater percentage share of the digital download market. So while the competition is just coming up with ways to compete with audio, Apple is taking it to the next level - video. Truely they remain the innovators while the others are mere immitators.

Another rumoured device and one that I am kinda looking forward to is the Apple iPhone. An article from the Apple Insider seems to confirm this rumour. I am kinda sceptical about all these rumours because for those of you who very well know, these are rumours that have been around for a while. And everytime the announcement is supposed to be made, we are disappointed. But the iPhone is supposed to be great. One feature I would like to see in this unit, and I hope mr. Jobs is reading, is a feature much like that found in Helio, where we can have access to our social networking site. Direct, instant contact it what I'm looking for in this device in addition to making and receiving calls and listening to music. That would be an ideal device for me. I would give up my current crapy phone immediately.

If I'm disappointed once again by the annoucements this Tuesday, I'm gonna mad, I might even spit and curse once or twice. But I'll still be an Apple fan. So Steve, once again I told me friends about the new stuff - 'don't make a fool out of me, man!...don't make a fool out of me."

I will be updating this post periodically, so please keep checking.

Materazzi talks...

The world cup has been done for about 2 months now and just as long since we talked about "The headbutt felt around the world"

There were lots of questions and little to no answers as to why Zinedine Zidane headbutted Marco Materazzi of Italy in what turned out to be the final game of his (zidane's) career.

In a BBC article today - Materazzi breaks Zidane silnce - Marco Materazzi finally gives a little insight into what was said. He said: "I was tugging his shirt, he said to me 'if you want my shirt so much I'll give it to you afterwards,' I answered that I'd prefer his sister." [quote from BBC article]. With a name like Marco, what else could we expect.

Zidane today has still not said exactly what was said to him which forced this action from him. But we still wait for his word...maybe another two months...maybe.

"Cubans are the last hope for many..."

I want to direct your attention to an article once again from the BBCNews website, as you know that's where I get my most widespread news from one. This article "Cuba doctors popular in quake-stricken Java" is about Cuban doctors staying on in Java long after other humanitarian and relief aid persons from other countries have left.




But this is only part of it. Cuban doctors are providing free medical aid to many countries all over the world and we hear nothing of it. The article states that "Cuba currently has about 20,000 doctors working in 68 countries across three continents..." There's hardly any print of it in the newspapers and definitely none of it on television - especially definitely not in American media - the medium through which millions depend on their news and necessary information. But whenever they drop off a case of medicine or a box of bandaids we hear about it for weeks on end. Don't get me wrong - their help, aid and support is still in great measure, goes a very long way and is very much appreciated. But I'm not talking about that. I'm talking about the media's lack of coverage of such amaible and humantarian works by Cuban doctors.

I think it's really wonderful the work that the Cuban doctors are doing in providing FREE medical treatment to victims who otherwise would simply die off without such assistance. While American and other foreign drug companies, like Merck and others, charge to provide their drugs which would ease the sufferings of many and drastically cut down on the loss of lives, Fidel Castro has made it a point to provide the sick, poor and dying with the best medical treatment and to provide it at a cost they can all afford - free. It seems almost that they (Cuban doctors) are on stand-by, ready to be deployed to hurting areas - from hurricane victims to earthquake-shattered regions. When the rest of the world has pulled out and gone back home the Cubans are indeed "the last hope for many..."

They even offered and were prepared to help Katrina victims in New Orleans....but their help was turned down. [read the article from MSNBC - Katrina aid from Cuba? No thanks, says U.S.] Why? Why would you turn down free medical treatment for your people?

In a future posting I will present the findings of some research as to the extent of the Cuban medical aid provided to countries around the world and will post it here. I invite you to read and if you are a member of one of those medical teams please forward me some information as to your operations - it would be greatly appreciated.

How I got Screwed by PayPal

I recently heard on Diggnation how this Russian guy lost around $1200 or $2100 on the sale of a MacBook with the 'aid' of Paypal. I say 'aid' because it was the action of Paypal that caused the loss.





I had a horrible experience with Paypal myself some time ago. I was auctioning off this software which I listed on eBay. When the auction ended and the sale done, having been a Paypal member for a while, I offcourse continued to use and rely on their services in fully realizing this transaction.

The money was received - around $83.00 I think it was - and I packaged and shipped off the software. The buyer was a guy in the U.S. and I will not mention his eBay name only because I do not remember it, but no doubt he has a ton of negative ratings by now. But I will refer to him as "mr. cheap-software-buyer" because he did get the software for very, very cheap.

Anyways, at the time I was in the C'bbean and so I mailed off the package through the local post-office: regular mail. Now anyone who has ever mailed off anything via regular mail knows there is no tracking number. We all know the only time you get a tracking number is when you ship via an express courier like DHL or FedEx - definitely not regular mail. The package was not big enough for that - and besides it would cost me too much to ship it that way. Hey I was trying to make a profit here!

I made a near full withdrawal from my a/c a few days after I shipped off the item to recoup for the packaging and shipping cost and also because I already had other stuff to get. Soon afterwards I get an email from Paypay saying that a dispute has been filed against me by "mr. cheap-software-buyer" and I need to confirm shipment of the package. Now I understood his concern when a day or two went by and he did not see the package. I emailed him and told him it would take at least 5 days to get to him - it takes a bit longer when it's shipped from outside of the America.

Paypal sent me a page/link to resolve/rectify this dispute but the stupid page only has 3 options and I had to check one - one of which was proving a tracking number. That was it! There was no area or place where I could insert a comment or explanation where I could tell them 'look, the item was shipped regular mail and I did not get a tracking number because no post office provides a tracking number for items shipped via regular mail.' How dumb is this dispute resolve page !!! No area to insert an explanation! Anyways, I sent them several emails spanning months explaining this very thing to them. I never received any responses other than the same stupid email notification thing asking me to rectify and provide confirmation.

After a while Paypal debited my Paypal account and refunded mr. cheap-software-buyer. By the time they did I am almost sure that the asshole got the software and never bothered to cancel the dispute. Why would he? He got some very expensive software and he got all his money back.

Now remember I told you earlier that I had taken nearly all my money out of my Paypal account to do some other stuff. With Paypal's debit to the account meant that account now had a negative balance because there was not enough in there to cover their debit/refund to the customer. So now it meant that I owed Paypal and also was out of my software. Now I'm on the losing end. I kept of sending them emails explaining the situation to them - none of which were ever responded to...and then bump trying to call them - wasn't happening. They eventually suspended my account and kept sending me emails and letters now saying that I owe them. I refused to pay because I did mail the item off to the S.O.B. who no doubt is enjoying it right now - I hope it brings a plague on your PC and causes it a horrible crash, even though it will not happen because it's Linux software.

To You Paypal I say...

[This was not fair at all. Where's my restitution? I should be able to file a complaint for non-payment of a shipped and received good. Shouldn't I? Not with Paypal, baby.]

Could this get any worse?

The bastards at Paypal then submitted this information to a collection agency. I refused to pay. This then showed up on my credit report and offcourse you know that messes up the credit score and all sorts of woes accompany this. It's gonna stay there for 5 years because I'm not paying this crap. Hopefully within that time they would crash and go out of business. I'm going to see a "going-out-of-business-sale' in their windows - you know, like the ones you see in Chicago, Boston and some New York City stores.

I can't tell you how upset I was that they submitted the info. to some collection agency and then the shit showed up on my credit report. Especially after I tried so hard to explain and rectify the situation. Their system was just not set up to fully rosolve disputes and as a result I got screwd. This now seems to be a legal issue as it filtered over and ruined my credit. They never provided adequate dispute resolution.

So now there's only direct payments for me. And I won't even get started on eBay. I'm looking forward to Google's payment service - that's what I'll be using. Let's hope it's easier on dispute and resolution claims as no doubt there will be guys trying to get 'free software.' Looking forward to their working out better than paypal.

Post Post:
Since I've written this I got an email or two from people who have also had bad experiences with Paypal and some with eBay. If you have some stories of your own please post it here as a comment or email it to me and I will put it on for you.

Mac OS X - Leopard: Initial Thoughts

This is just a short - somethings that I noticed with Leopard.

First thing is my concern with the iChat feature that allows someone to browse your computer and where they can copy and alter files. This is potentially a security problem.

Another thing is with Spaces. This is not a problem, but more so an observation. I've been using Linux for a while and one feature that's native there and which I love is the desktops feature. This feature allows you to set up multiple desktops in a single session where you can have programs running in each but sectioned off from the others. You can group your applications in each window according to what you are working with.

The Spaces feature in Leopard seems to resemble this somewhat. Apple makes it look better because of their smoother, nicer looking GUI...but the functionality remains the same as Desktops for Linux.

Time Machine:
First off, this name is not entirely accurate as a Time Machine is one that can take you back to the past and also send you into the future. Time Machine on the Mac only sends you back into the past and back to the present. Wouldn't it be cool if they could send us to the furutre to retrieve those files we are going to download later and bring it to the present!

But anyway, I'm not sure if this feature is activated by default, but this functionality saves every bit of history on your computer. That includes those files you deleted and maybe don't want anyone to know you had. You know the ones that I'm talking about - that porn flick you downloaded, and those photos you got off the internet from that chat with sexylucious, bianca123 or georgewellhung. As was said "we back up Everything...we can restore Everything..."

One cool thing would be for Apple to have this feature customizable where you can select specific folders you want to have backed up...and not the entire system.

Where's My iPod Video?!

No one seems to be mentioning the fact that Steve Jobs failed to introduce the new Video iPod. I've been waiting for months now for the release of this model and was kinda expecting Apple to make the announcement at the WWDC 2006. But it never came. We were also expecting an upgrade to the iPod Nano. That too didn't happen. In fact I don't think any mention was made of the iPod. Where's my iPod Video?

There were other disappointments also. There was no Apple iPhone which was highly rumoured to be released. How good are those rumoured websites anyways? Lately nothing they forsee or rumour to come true does.

We all heard of talks with Apple's Steve Jobs and motion picture execs on possible deals for Apple to sell movies on I.T.M. So the rumours about the true video iPod was very credible. So I am disappointed that it was not released and now wonder how long will I have to wait. Where's my iPod Video? How long will I have to wait Steve? I told lots of people that we would be getting a true video iPod. "Don't make a fool out of me man...don't make a fool out of me!"

I still wait...

WWDC 2006 - Not Fully Satisfying

Still a little giddy and googly-eyed (not to be confused or connected with google at all) from the keynote presentation at WWDC 2006 I thought I'd try to write.

I checked out Steve Jobs' keynote presentation at WWDC 2006 and I was left both happy and saddened at the same time. Even though this was the largest conference thus far, with 4200 in attendance, I can't help feel that many of those left not wholey satisfied. For one thing there was the absense of that trademark 'one more thing' surprise from Steve. Everything was great, but I could have used a little more cow-bell.

But what left me disappointed from a consumer stand point was the fact that there was no upgrade or release of a new iPod. I was fully expecting to see Steve pull out a true video iPod and stun us all - but that didn't happen. Many of the rumours which were surfacing before WWDC fell through. These include the Apple Phone or t he ability to call telephones using iChat.

Here are some of the most exciting things to come out of the conference: "Let The Photocopiers Begin":
Prince drops no Apple Cinema Displays. The 20" (now $699 down from $799, 23" (now $999 down from $1299) and 30" (now $1999 down from $2499) prices have been slashed by $100, $300 and $500 respectively - that's great.

The preview of the new OS X Leopard was wonderful with some amazing features as Time Machine, Spaces and cool new features to Spotlight, iChat and Mail. This is friggin' amazing. One concern that I have is the feature that allows someone you're chatting to peruse your desktop and negotiate files. This could be a potential security problem as it is prove a hole for some malicious activity. However, I'm defintely looking forward to Leopard.
Steve said that some of the novel and most amazing features of Leopard will not be revealed yet because as we know the photocopiers are running...and with due reason.

New Pro line replacing the Power macs with quad core processors. I'm not going to get into the technical details (you can view them here), but it's friggin' hott.

You can check out reviews of the keynote presentation from anywhere on the web, just do a google search. But you can check out the video stream at Apple's website

So what does this mean for Apple's stock price: I say 'not much'. The price is not going to shoot up because there was no amazing product released or one more surprise to make investors rush to the buy; neither was the news disappointing to make them sell. There will be moderate and consistent trading of the shares till we are Wowed or disastified....until then, for those of you who do have shares, I say trade on, for those of you who don't - what are you waiting for?

Fidel Temporarily Hands Over Power

I just found out that Fidel Castro has undergone intestinal surgery because of "an acute intestinal crisis with persistent bleeding." This was suffered due to a hectic schedule during an Argentine visit just weeks before he celebrates his 80th birthday.

In a statement made and read by his personal secretary, fidel has temporarily transferred power over to his brother Raul Castro. Read the statement here: Statement


Raul Castro

Read the BBCNews article here: Castro Steps Aside After Surgery

I saw a news clip where they show Cubans in Miami dancing and being merry in the streets. As I would normally feel support for the ousting of any tyrrant I cannot share in this celebration one bit. I feel that the media has and is only showing just one aspect of life in Cuba and mediates/tells the story of just one set of Cubans - those are unhappy with the government. By so doing we who watch the news get just one idea and image developed of the country. In their vile attempt to show and nuture the mentality of a weakened Castro, even the photos they choose to use to show the leader, are ones where his prowess and strength are not showing. Media manipulation that's what it is; in their attempt, however succesfully with many people, to brainwash us.



Miami Celebration.



However, Fidel is in a hospital in Cuba recovering from this operation. Already there are speculations about his death. But that has not been confirmed; and as there is little reason to suspect such we should dispell with this thought altogether.

This is the very first time that Fidel has ever handed over power since he came into power in 1959. As it seems the government system will continue under the temporary leadership of Raul. I know that the US is already planning something inspite of the played down remarks which have come out of Washington. For now we wait and see what happens.

Fidel Castro: A Revolutionary Hero

I've been wanting to say something about Fidel Castro for ever now it seems but was never sure where or how to start. So to get the ball rolling.

This is one leader that I admire greatly. His resolve, determination and charisma are all traits to be worthy and admirable of.

Born in the caribbean island of Cuba he fought against imperialism and brutality of a terrorist dictator Fulgencio Batista, eventually ousting him in 1959. A revolutionary war known as the 26th of July Movement is what started his march to the top.

The entire history up to this point is very interesting. And if you have not yet, I suggest to read a bio of Fidel or the revolution in Cuba. I'll be posting up some short and interesting facts here myself in due time.

What's alarming and concerns me now is the $80M that George Bush has pledged to a Cuban Democracy Plan. He has outrightly said that he will fund this plan. If you don't believe me then visit this article from the BBCNews - US in $80m 'Cuba democracy' plan - 'they have a whole set of other intelligence.' And they're doing this in light of the fact that he's going to celebrate the 80th anniversary of his birthday in about 3 weeks. They're already planning his demise.

How blatant is that? If some other world leader made a pledge like that how do you think the Americans would react to that? To-date I have not heard of anyone condemning this action.

26th of July

Today is the 26th of July - the 47th anniversary of the overthrow of the Batista regime in Cuba by the revolutionary leader Fidel Castro, and named the 26th of July Movement.

I thought I would take some time to give you some highlights, courtesy of wikipedia.com, of the history of this movement. Fidel Castro, the revolutionary leader and hero, is someone that I admire, and so I try to read up and know as much about the mindset of this persona as I can.

The 26th of July Movement (Spanish: Movimiento 26 de Julio) was the revolutionary organization led by Fidel Castro that in 1959 overthrew the Fulgencio Batista regime in Cuba. Its name originated from the attack on the Moncada Barracks, an army facility in Santiago, on July 26, 1953. The movement was re-organized in Mexico in 1955 by a group of exiled revolutionaries (including the brothers Fidel and Raúl Castro, and the Argentinian Che Guevara, numbering a mere 82 people). Their task was to form a disciplined guerrilla force ready to overthrow Batista. Some members of the movement remaining in Cuba carried out acts of sabotage and tried to stir up political discontent there.

On December 2, 1956, 82 men landed in Cuba, having sailed in the boat Granma from Tuxpan, Veracruz, ready to organize and lead a revolution. The early signs were not good for the movement. They landed in broad daylight and were attacked by the Cuban Air Force. Most of those who landed died after being fired upon by the Cuban Air Force. The landing party was split into two and wandered lost for two days, most of their supplies abandoned where they landed. Of the 82 who sailed aboard the Granma, only 12 eventually regrouped in the Sierra Maestra mountain range. There they encountered the Cuban Army. Guevara was shot in the neck and chest during the fighting, but was not severely injured, and continued to give first aid to other wounded guerillas. This was the opening phase of the war of the Cuban Revolution, which continued for the next two years. It ended in January 1959 after Batista fled Cuba on New Year's Eve. The movement's forces marched into Havana.

That's the short of it.