Canadians On Average Spend $308 On Beer Per Year

Who knew that Statistics Canada collect stats on beer? Well it turns out that on average, a Canadian spends $308 on beer every year. That figure is actually pretty low considering it's about $5 a pint so that's only about 60 pints a year, or about one a week for happy hour.

Are Wikis A Viable Software Product?

Apparently some VCs and entrepreneurs think so. They think that Wikis can replace software like Lotus Notes. It's interesting to see if businesses will move towards a more grassroots concept rather than relying on established names.

Less Searches for Porn

It's been a few years since most people have started using the net; so now that they've passed the honeymoon phase, there tends to be fewer searches for porn. Now is that because people know where to find it or they are not looking for it anymore?

What File Extension Are You?

Which File Extension are You?

Comment with your results.

Ashlee Simpson iPod

Hrmm I must have missed reading this on Apple's press release, but there's also a new Ashlee Simpson iPod, with a lot of helpful features to help you in case you get stuck lipsyncing when you said you were going to be showing off your talent.

The Bambino Curse

Looks like Boston can finally get rid of the curse tonight. The curse has had an interesting history, and it is probably the only thing that can bring the Cardinals back from a 0-3 deficiet. Imagine if the Cards did win it.

Secret Service Reads the Internet

The Internet is not entirely about free speech, as a LiveJournal user can attest to. He wrote some inflammatory comments about the current President and was rewarded with Secret Service officers at his door. True or scam? Not sure yet.

Bush Blocks Non-Americans from Website

This goes against the nature of the Internet, but Bush has blocked people from outside American from accessing his election website citing that they see no reason to show election material to people who can't vote. They're pulling a China here by restricting the Internet, which is yet another reason not to vote for Bush.

The next gen PowerPoint

Geeks might want to check this out... same with non-geeks....

http://oxygen.lcs.mit.edu/videos/sketching.mpeg

What's a Lifesaving Waiter Worth?

A blog with a funny story about how a waiter saved a choking man's life, and is rewarded with ... a 10% tip. I wonder if they were Chinese.

Google Branded Firefox?

So we know something's brewing at Google, we just don't know what. One rumor is a Firefox browser that integrates the various Google offerings. Seems possible, but it might also be a lot of loose connections. Something to look back on in a couple of months I think.

Ashlee Simpson Lipsyncs

Ashlee Simpson was caught using a "singing aid" on Saturday Night Live, meaning she actually lip syncs her songs (even though she explicitly said she didn't). Read up on the full story of Ashlee's lip-syncing on SNL here.

Pharmaceuticals Spend Money Marketing Too

The high price of drugs in the States isn't just because of R&D and innovation, some drug companies are making small changes to existing drugs, rebranding them and throwing tons of money to market them like a new drug with the same high price. Surprise, surprise.

The Operation, Live!

I've always loved shows like Trauma: Life in the ER, or the operation, but now, lucky Britons can even ask questions during a Transatlantic Live Brain Surgery performed kilometres away. I wonder if they'll air this on TV...

Halo 2: Canadian Version

Is the Canadian version of Halo 2 different than the American version? I would think not, but here are a list of differences between the Canadian version of Halo 2 and the American one.

Breaking news: Einstein's right!

Well, when is this guy ever wrong? But anyway, found it neat on how they could measure to the millimetre, and neater I guess on how
Warped Satellites Prove Einstein Theory yet again.

Game Developers Shouldn't Hype?

More times than not, game developers that hype up their games end up not delivering on the hype, so it is argued that game developers shouldn't hype up their games and rather be tight lipped about them just as Nintendo, and the Halo folks are. I don't know if game developers should do that, because then only the well known games will have people buying them.

Dundas Square Billboard Crashes

On Flickr, there is a picture of a billboard above the Gap in Toronto's Dundas Square that crashed; that is the Windows software running the Flash animation or whatever b0rked. Or are they just advertising Linux? Who knows!

Perving at Kylie

Kylie Minogue's 2005 calendar. Nothing else to say (aside from NSFW).

Breaking News: Sony Stores?

I'm not too sure why Sony opening store fronts is such a big deal in 2004 since we've had them in Canada in the 90s. Maybe these are actually mini Sony stores and are going to compete against the mini Apple stores.

Restaurant Prices Don't Inflate

So it turns out that the cost of going out to restaurants have increased at a rate slightly less than inflation in NYC. Not really much use since those ultra-expensive restaurants are still expensive. Interesting to note how Walmart and Toyota style inventory systems are helping Mom and Pop restaurants.

Restaurant Prices Don't Inflate

So it turns out that the cost of going out to restaurants have increased at a rate slightly less than inflation in NYC. Not really much use since those ultra-expensive restaurants are still expensive. Interesting to note how Walmart and Toyota style inventory systems are helping Mom and Pop restaurants.

Google Is The Negotiator

An Australian journalist who was captured and held hostage in Iraq was able to convince his captors to release him using Google. He convinced them to use google and proved that he wasn't American and so I guess was just an innocent civilian.

Ideas On Forum Software

I just came across this article from Joel on Software which talks about his decisions when it came to developing forum software. It is definitely an interesting read into why some things on a forum a structured the way they are.

This Is Not Google Bombing

I'd just like to let everyone know that we've cornered the market on the term suberfantacularizzle so we're the #1 hit when searching on Google. Thanks for all your hard work.

Bug me anywhere...

I didn't even know there was a first generation by Microsoft, but now there's a 2nd generation with Swatch as Microsoft, Swatch Offer New Wireless Watches. I suppose they'll never stop figuring out ways of reaching (and annoying) ppl, but I guess getting a msg from my mom that dinner is ready isn't too bad...

Bush & Kerry, cousins.

Yes, Bush & Kerry are long lost cousins. I don't think it's that big of a deal anways, it's not like politicians are true to their party roots anyways. I guess it's just one of those funny coincidences.

TV-B-Gone

I don't know if this device is annoying, useful, or just for jokes; but the TV-B-gone can turn off almost any TV out there. It's not an intelligent device though, it just cycles through all the known off codes.

12 of the Earth's Most Fragile Places

This is a listing of 12 places on Earth which will be most affected by global warming. Some of the stuff they have been crying about for years (i.e. ozone layer), and some places it's difficult to comprehend the impact.

A Democrat in Bush's House

Rolling Stone has a feature from a Democrat that went undercover to see what Bush's Republican campaign was all about. I really tried to read this article without any bias to see if I could understand the Republican campaign, but possibly because of the author's angle, I ended up with an even worse opinion of the Republicans.

Oh Those Crazy Japanese

I guess people who work in front of computers in Japan get hungry a lot, because now they've made USB keys that look like sushi. I suppose this is bad for your digestion and your day job.

Female Counterstrike Gamers

Nvidia's sponsoring a female counterstrike team, no doubt because they're unique so will draw more press and coverage. How does a half-Danish, half-Swedish team have a Asian member?

Ketchup

Have you ever wanted to read about how Heinz ended up dominating the ketchup industry? I know I haven't, but anyways, this New Yorker article about the Ketchup Conundrum is an interesting read even if all you care about ketchup is whether you have some for your fries or not. Also there's some stuff about Grey Poupon Mustard and Prego spaghetti sauce.

President Bush Does Not Need Evidence

Slate's done some reporting into the presidential debates and found the Bush admitted repeatedly that he does not need evidence to do what's right for the country. I can only assume that he doesn't mean to torpedo his campaign but just, repeatedly, not understand what Kerry is saying. I don't know if americans want that in a president.

Star Wars Dolls err Figurines

Star Wars figurines have sure gotten fatter since the 70s, much due to the fact that Lucas' has been feeding them some crazily expensive food at the neverland ranch I bet.

I need Yelp!

Ok, so Yelp is supposed to be the next big thing on the web from a Paypal co-founder. It's basically a social networking system where you can ask your friends for help on stuff like a good restaurant or this or that. It handles the emailing and that sorta stuff for you, but I'm not sure if it's actually useful. How is it better than actually emailing yourself? Maybe I should spend the time to try it.

white headphones == walking ad?

You can instantly tell if someone has an ipod if they're wearing the white headphones, so it's no surprise that there are a lot of people who don't want to wear the white ipod headphones around. Actually, I'm surprised that no other company has started making white headphones for their portable music players, I've seen grey ones around but not white ones. Almost makes it seem like Apple has a patent on it.

Accessories for the ipod ... headphones

Now I'm used to seeing all these crazy ipod accessories like the ipod flashlight/laser pointer, but this is the first time I've seen an accessory for the ipod headphones. These Griffen EarJams snap onto your ipod headphones so that they become in-ear earbuds, which since it goes deep into your ear canal, makes the sound so much more better. or does it?

Counterstrike Motivational Posters

Apparently the cs_office map in Counterstrike has those one word motivational posters that are pretty popular. Except, they do the normal twist on them and target it towards counterstrike players. Still, it's pretty funny to have that stuff in the game.

CD Review: So Much For The City

I'm really digging The Thrills' So Much For The City on my ipod. This is a good review of So Much For The City that covers most of the song on the CD.

Google Desktop

You can now index your own computer and search it with the help of Google Desktop. The only problem is it goes into every corner of your computer, so if you're keeping that porn stash hidden, Google Desktop'll find it.

Walmart wants cheap cds

Walmart's the 1000lb gorilla when it comes to stock negotiations, and now it wants the music industry to sell them CDs at a cheap enough price so they can sell it for under $10. This is great news for the mainstream music buyer and since Walmart sells one in every 5 CDs in America, it'll probably happen.

Interview with Steve Jobs

Business Week has a interview with Steve Jobs that talks a bit about his vision for Apple, and how he sees his company versus other tech companies out there. It's nice to read an article that doesn't talke about the ipod or itunes or imac for once.

Mixtapes

I use the random and shuffle functions a lot so I'm contributing to the Lost Art of Meaningful Mixtapes. That doesn't mean it's right, so take action today and stop using the random and shuffle functions!

Mall of America

The largest mall in america has 520 stores, the largest indoor family theme park, the largest underground aquarium and many other cool things you won't find in normal malls. It sounds a lot like West Edmonton Mall, which if the experience is the same, isn't that great of a mall to goto.

The Cyberathlete Professional League

The Cyberathlete Professional League is a league where gamers can compete against others who are the best in the world at a particular game. This interview with Angel Munoz sheds light into the creation of the league, how the league operates and how it has affected gaming in general.

A World of Genetically Modified Consumables

While genetically modified food has had a bad rap, there are more and more genetically modified products coming out such as: cotton, wool, cigarettes, drugs, and fuel (oil). Those that are against non-organic foods tend to not be aware or against these other genetically modified products, which sad to say is encouraging the companies that they protest against to become bigger and bigger.

Seven Signs of Bogus Science

It's great when governments waste millions of tax dollars funding a scientist's pot habit when they say that they're coming up with some crazy discovery. That's why all those boards and commissions should take a look at this article listing warning signs that your scientist may be full of bull.

Fantastic Four Preview

Coming Soon has a preview of the new Fantastic Four Movie including promo shots of the team. I don't really like how they look and they don't seem like the comic book characters I know. Then again, i didn't think the X-Men costumes were good either.

Torturing Sims

This is a funny story about how one guy tortured some sims in The Sims. You wonder about some of the weird things that the neighbours do and if they're actually bugs or features. Plus, how do you light the clown on fire??

The Return of the (Burger) King

Slate has an ad review of Burger King's new ad featuring an big plastic headed king. I don't really think a big plastic mask is much more different than Ronald McDonald; they're both big and wacky.

Anandtech reviews OS X

Anandtech, one of the biggest PC Hardware review sites on the web has reviewed the Mac OS X experience. As I was reading it, it seems almost like a fluff piece for Apple, but maybe that's because OS X is just so much better ;)

The New Beer Innovation: Caffeinated Beer

From the dumb idea marketing group comes a new press release that Anheuser-Busch (also makes Budweiser) has decided to introduce caffeinated beer. This either sounds like a last ditch attempt to make more people drink beer, or an excuse to drink beer early in the morning.

Mario is now 23

Nintendo graphics have changed a lot since (super) Mario was created in 1981 which you can see in the evolution of Mario. A cartoon character just seems so much more real now that they're in 3D instead of pixelated game & watch style. It's almost like he gets more stylistic with age (kinda like real people).

Good photo blogging script

Folderblog is a seemingly easy to setup php script that lets you start a photo blog in a couple of minutes. I think the only draw back is you can't really write anything about your pictures but at least there are comments.

Think you have a bad job?

Have you ever considered how fortunate it is to have a coop job? Well apparently Liberty Tax Service does, in fact they're hiring coops to wear a chicken suit. At least you get to set your own schedule (but keep your costume in good condition!).

Search google over SMS

Possibly thinking that WAP will never take off properly, google has introduced search services over SMS. This is incredibly useful on the go as you can search for contact information of people and places, definitions, prices, and use it for complex calculations.

Skin gmail to your liking

If you're using a mozilla flavoured browser, you can go through a couple of geeky steps and skin gmail using a custom stylesheet. While this is somewhat cool, I think the effort required to use a custom CSS for only one site is too great to warrant widespread adoption.

Ikea will now reside on Ikea Way

Renton (a suburb of Seattle) has been thinking about renaming the road that Ikea sits on to Ikea Way. This seems like an odd move to celebrate Ikea's 10^th anniversary, but it really is very beneficial for Ikea; now they can advertise their store a mile away on the government highway signs.

The 96oz Challenge

If the 72oz Lone Star challenge isn't hard enough for you, you can try this 96oz Ye Old 96er from Denny's Beer Barrel Pub in Clearfield, Pennsylvania. The ingredients themselves scare me.

Would you buy alcoholic air?

A company in Britain has started to market inhalable alcohol with the promise that you won't get a hangover. It seems to me kinda stupid to see people carrying around bottles of air instead of bottles of drink, but I'm sure the US will adopt it after it gets successful in the UK (just like American Idol, Who Wants To Be A Millionaire? and the Beatles).

Coffee, the new designer drug

As if I needed another reason to not drink coffee, scientists have discovered that coffee is really addictive. I like how this article was printed in the Seattle Times, home of Starbucks and probably the highest density of coffee drinkers in the whole world.

Was Bush "teleprompted" during the debate?

There's a site out there speculating that Bush may have had an earpiece telling him what to say during the presidential debate with John Kerry. I've been surprised at how Bush is able to consistently not make a fool of himself in front of national tv, and this would be a good reason why he hasn't. If this is true, I think this is an unfair advantage for him and I really hope the media does out this (or at least the blogosphere will get on the horse and force mainstream media to out this)

A better way to organize bookmarks.

When I'm browsing the web, I run across all sorts of good links and bookmark them, but when I actually have to go back and look for a particular link, I find it increasingly hard to find. That's why I like this suggestion of moving towards a tag-based bookmark management system. If you can add a whole bunch of keywords to a bookmark then it'll be much easier to find it later.

Soldiers Email Michael Moore

Michael Moore's getting quite famous as an anti-bush propaganda machine, so it comes as no surprise that veterans of the war in Iraq would send him email about how they hate the war. The letters are striking, but really if you were in an anti-bush state of mind, you would just go "A-Ha, told you so".