CRAP on our computers

In Denmark we have a special tax on digital storage media. The tax is justified as a compensation for artists whose woks are illegally copied. However, this justification seems strange, given that many storage media are used strictly for non-music data eg. in digital cameras or for computer software. Many people also find it strange that copying music is illegal - now that they pay for the copying.

Then recently I noticed this analysis of the hidden costs of new Digital Restrictions Management (DRM or CRAP) in the new Windows Vista.

How should we think of these costs? By virtue of the de-facto monopoly of Microsoft - all users of computers and computer hardware will pay for the inefficiencies of these DRM initiatives.

Whereas the danish copyright laws and rules on special taxes on digital storage media are made by politicians, the designs for DRM are made by private companies. And the monopoly of Microsoft is tolerated (almost) by politicians but not exactly made by them. Who can we vote for that will make sure we don't have to pay for CRAP on our computers? And what can they do?

The IBM christmas tree

My friend Frances reminded me of the IBM christmas tree. I felt the same way, that the tree this year was disapointingly small and scrawny. However, the other years I thought that the 8 meter Maersk Data christmas trees were ridiculously large - so I guess that I'm just hard to please...

It is smart being a vegetarian

Of course I've known that for a while :o), and this study, at least, claims that there is some statistical relation between IQ and eating habits.

Joining the Web 2.0 revolution (with music)

Web 2.0 is a somewhat nebulous term that among other things covers collaborative websites. Well I just found one that I really like.

Last.fm is a website that helps you listen to music. It records which songs you listen to, and based on that it can recommend other songs you might like, or other people that you might like to discuss music with. Cool! (More info on wikipedia and here )

Last.fm also offers web-radio in which you can tag the songs with "love" or "ban" to further sharpen your musical profile.

Many music players on linux integrate last.fm directly, but on windows and mac OS X you can download a music player that offers all the functions of the service. My favorite music player the amazing Amarok has great integration, as can be seen here



Rock on!

I didn't know they made these...

From Misc

Normally I'm not very fond of these December count-down (or count-up?) julekalender things, but Lises mother knows my weaknesses and bought me a calendar with Valrhona chockolates. Uhmm - chocolicious...