Massachussets is mandating Open Document as it’s document format for the simple utility of it’s available, non-changing standard.

ZDNet still doesn’t understand what the differences between open source software and an open standard are… they don’t equate.

Open source is a way to license your software for distribution to others. Generally it preserves the receivers right to get a crack at the source code (open… source, get it?).

Open standards are ways of doing things (standards) that are either free to license or licensed for a standard set fee to all commers. Hence open. They’re generally freely availble to view in either case.

Open Document Format is a specific open standard.

You also might note that there is no specification as to what will work with the ODF files. The article referenced implies that Open Office is the only option, which is far from the truth. Mass spec’d out a standard for their documentation, not an “office suite” to use that standard with.
OpenDocument Ref’d as Open Source

In an effort to show that the term “googling” isn’t ubiquitous for search Google is trying to stifle the press from using it.

They’ve asked very politely that the various wonks and journalist out there not use the term “googling” repeatedly to refer to generic search. Such as “did you google that chick” or “I just googled duck flambey”.

I’m sure you can all come up with many, many more posts just to show them exactly how wide spread the use of the term is. Generecide just sounds so… tasty.

Stop Googling! Says Google <-fixed link

Finally something funny I can post in the “geeky” column. Although it might not be work safe humor… I know how un-humorous those workplaces are getting these days.

Unless you’re in Holland, where I hear the double entendre is still alive and well.

Least I Could Do » Apple vs Mac

In what’s definitely a “News of the Weird” piece the RIAA is going to actually sue the deceased. Couldn’t make that one up if I tried.

RIAA defendant dies, heirs given 60 days to grieve before depositions

I’ve been on vaction for a bit and am pretty mentally absent just now. There’s nothing to post, really.

All of that good stuff I thought of to interest you while riding in the car for 12 bloody hours at a clip is all gone. But I’ll probably remember it after some sleep, food, beer, more sleep, coffee, hacking, sleeping, well.. you get the idea, right?

At any rate I’m absenting myself for a few days to come up with some fresh angles. And pictures. There will definitely be pictures.

So. Until I’ve got some witty reparte to again divert your attention for a few minutes…

Be back later!

I don’t know about you, but a Decepticon emblem embossed on the hood would be a pretty big selling point.

And I didn’t even like the Transformers when I was a kid…

Least I Could Do » Home Page

Couldn’t resist picking on this one.  To say that we should all bow before the ideology layed down by the FSF and that “well, if the FSF doesn’t say it ain’t so, then it ain’t” is a bit far fetched.  Just because the FSF doesn’t say “gmail is a problem, you should all not use it” doesn’t mean that there isn’t a conflict between source code liberated software and the gmail service.  To wit, it’s not open source, software libre, give-all-your-code-to-me-you-proprietary-person in any way shape or form.

So I can see where someone with a “all software code should be “free”" attitude might take issue with it. I’m not of that attitude myself, I think you should be free to license what you program in any way you’d like.  But I can understand the stance, leastways.
Personally, I’ll stick to doing what I think is right and let the FSF worry about how they’re going to get people to adopt the upcoming GPL v3.  Who knows, maybe they’ll have to accept that the ability to sell software/support/services is vital to the creation of said software (I overstate on purpose, but still).

I’ve always found the GPL to be a convenient, widespread license.  But I’ve never thought it to be an *ideal* license, just a good compromise that I can live with.

A non-free web? at Entropy
I’m not responsible for the software installed on someone else’s machine, especially if it’s a server. If it were the opposite case, the Free Software Foundation would advise people to use Netcraft to check every web site they visit to make sure that the server is running a free operating system. A waste of time.

Otakon, if you didn’t know, is a gathering of Anime fans down in Baltimore.

While I wouldn’t say I’m an “anime fan” or fanatic of any sort I’ve been known to appreciate the full length animated feature, usually Japanese, on occasion. On more occasions than a full length non-animated feature, in fact.

Which is what led me to Otakon. That and ttilley calling me up and yelling “Otakon!!! Wooo!” with such enthusiasm that I couldn’t say no.

The convention itself is a blast to wander around, with people dressed in all kinds of costumes. Dealers of both art and goods are present, though not in the quantities that I gather are at Japanese conventions of this type.

Overall the character of the show is an amalgamation of “things to do” and “people to do them with” that works out pretty well.

And I’ve got some pictures for you all, only not right now. And some witty editorial. Once again, not right now.

In the meantime I’m sure they’ll have something for you to peruse on the Otakon website.

It seems that the oil companies will stop at nothing to cover up the whole “world getting warmer” bit.  A public relations firm is astroturfing a anti-”Inconvenient Truth” video on YouTube in an attempt to fight back against accusations of warming the planet.

Ever see one of those goofie kids shows where evil villians with some bizarre motive (or aliens, take your pick) are trying to destroy the planet?

Yea.  I always thought those were a little odd too.

Apparently, though, someone took them on as roll models.  It’s a weird world we live in.

Where did that video spoofing Gore’s film come from?
Instead, the email originated from a computer registered to DCI Group, a Washington, D.C., public relations and lobbying firm whose clients include oil company Exxon Mobil Corp.

I’ve discovered I have a lax entertainment ethic.

That’s right. Entertainment ethic. You’ve seen people with a very strong entertainment ethic. They might be standing in front of you in the line having gotten up early just to see this show. They’re the ones that have to be on time just to be entertained.

This is not for me.

Now, work ethic I have no problem with. I show up relatively on time and put in as much effort as necessary to get the job done. Maybe a little more if it’s an interesting problem.

But entertainment ethic, the idea that I’m going to put real effort into the acquisition and maintenece of a boredom staving lifestyle is a foreign concept to me. Hurrying up to make it to somewhere to be entertained just doesn’t do it for me.

Which is why the potential of getting tickets for Otakon, which ttilley is insisting we go to (hey. what. The goofie costumes people wear are fun), is brought into doubt.

In conclusion I leave these words of wisdom. It’s Friday, relax.