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Random Stuff
Secret Of Michael Jackson’s “Smooth Criminal” Forward Leaning Move
1:30PM Dan Nosowitz | The late King of Pop pioneered dance moves that looked mechanical and weren’t, like the moonwalk, and at least one that looked mechanical and was: The forward-leaning manoeuvre from his “Smooth Criminal” video. The secret is all in the shoes. More »
Gadgets
So Long, Stupid Media Streaming Boxes, You Sucked
11:00AM Matt Buchanan | They were basically obsolete from the beginning: Massive plastic coffins that beamed media from your PC to your TV. That’s it. For $US400. And now they’re returning to the abyss, where they belong.
Business
Blockbuster Is On Its Deathbed
11:40PM Matt Buchanan | Blockbuster just disclosed to the SEC there is “substantial doubt” about its ability to continue breathing, since there are no assurances it can meet the conditions of a $US250 million loan that’s its current lifeline. More »
Software
RIP Microsoft Encarta, 1993-2009
1:30AM John Mahoney | Woe: Microsoft has officially pulled the plug on Encarta, a reference work that, for many of us, was probably more formative than anyone would like to admit. More »
Random Stuff
Majel Barret: The Voice of Enterprise Dies
1:40AM Jesus Diaz | Glad Joel posted this, because I almost missed it: Majel Barret joined her husband Gene Roddenberry Where Many People Have Gone Before. Maybe you think you don’t know her, but you do. More »
Business
Rumour: Circuit City On Death’s Door, Closing 155 Stores This Monday
2:52AM Jack Loftus | Today we can bring you early word that Circuit City is apparently on the verge of closing 155 stores and withdrawing from the consumer electronics business for good. Sister site the Consumerist broke the unverified news thanks to an insider tip, which has since been corroborated by a forum post over at Google Finance. Consumerist also reports that employees in certain departments, like car installation, will be unemployed within 48 hours (warranties will still be honoured). Most closings are expected to be wrapped up by December 31, 2008. It’s a sad day for everyone at Circuit City, but also an inevitable one, given the coverage we’ve seen over the past year. The Sony truck turnaround story from earlier this week was especially damning. [The Consumerist] More »
Random Stuff
Flying Priest Found Deceased in the Atlantic, God Positioning System Still Missing
2:30AM Jesus Diaz | Father de Carli, the flying priest who got lost last April, has been found deceased in the middle of the Atlantic. In an effort to raise funds for a local charity organisation, De Carli planned to stay for more than 19 hours up in the air using a thousand party balloons, taking a GPS with him to communicate his position in case emergency. Unfortunately for the generous man, the trip ended in disaster. More »
Random Stuff
Pringles Can Inventor Buried in a—wait for it—Pringles Can
6:00AM Gizmodo US Edition | The inventor of the Pringles can, Dr. Fredric J. Baur, had an odd request regarding the treatment of his final remains. Well, odd for anyone but the inventor of the Pringles can, that is. More »
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Video To JesusPhone Conversion Software Showdown
1:11PM Seamus Byrne | Shiny new toys beget hordes of software utilities to make them easier to use, and the iPhone is no exception. Today’s battle: video conversion software. The first offering is the aptly-named DVD to iPhone software from underdog Innovative Solutions. Four mouse clicks will have you transferring Entourage reruns with blazing-fast “Cyberspeed” technology. What software Goliath emerges to challenge this brave David? That behemoth is none other than Roxio, hardened veteran of the utility software realm. Its latest offering is Roxio Crunch, a simple-to-use conversion program with output settings for Apple TV, iPod and iPhone. A few clicks will handle all the grunt work here, too, and the added functionality of batch conversion and automatic iTunes integration puts it a step above the competition. Can David conquer Goliath? Not this time. If you’re dying for a cheap(er) solution to your video problem, check out DVD to iPhone’s free trial, or shell out the $30 if you’re on a small business kick. Mac users be warned: DVD to iPhone is, ironically, PC only. If you’re on a Mac or just want something that looks, feels and acts like a more polished product, you’ll need to drop $40 for Roxio’s Crunch. [DVD to iPhone Product Page] [Roxio Crunch Product Page] More »
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