Jason Thibeault's Blog: From My Pen, page 77

When a Duck Isn’t Just a Duck

Although at first glance, being able to solve a Rubix Cube of any size may not seem like a big deal, there may be more to it than meets the eye:

http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/01/scientists-develop-algorithm-to-solve-rubiks-cubes-of-any-size/

In today’s business world, data has become the sword that companies wield in their markets. Those with the ability to slice, dice, split, and cube data successfully faster than competitors have a much better chance of making quicker decisions, reacting to...

Is Google Bad For Us?

In a recent study/analysis on search engines, research has shown a profound impact on our ability to remember as our first instinct, instead of trying to recall facts, is to head for Google:

http://arstechnica.com/science/news/2011/07/study-why-bother-to-remember-when-you-can-just-use-google.ars

I can’t say that this is surprising…or actually bad. Let me elaborate.

The ability of our memory to recall facts, and the methods we use to memorize things, is directly proportional to our survival. So,...

Quote: On Hugh Heffner Marrying a 25-year Old

I didn’t get why Hugh Hefner marrying a 25 yr old was weird until Dave said it’s like docking an iPhone to an Apple II.

–Paul Alfieri, via Twitter

Are You a Tool?

In an interesting article publishing by Science, a photographer caught some pictures of a fish using a rock to smash open a clam. That’s right, a fish.

http://news.sciencemag.org/sciencenow/2011/07/diver-snaps-first-photo-of-fish-.html?ref=hp

Now there is some argument about whether or not the rock constitutes a tool. There are some comments on the article post about this not being a tool, that in order for this to be a demonstration of tool use, the fish would have had to use the rock to smash...

Photo: Road Trips are Over-rated!

Who needs to travel to the national parks when you can see them from space? GeoEye (a company providing satellite- and aerial-based imagery services) has published a stunning set of pictures of America’s most notable national parks all taken from space. Wired has collected them:

http://www.wired.com/wiredscience/2011/08/national-parks-from-space/

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Software to Mimic Human Behavior?

This has long been the purview of science fiction (and science fantasy). And although the AI (artificial intelligence) movement has attempted to accomplish this, they have consistently failed to intrinsically embody human behavior through software.

Perhaps that has largely been a problem with the approach. We have, to date, tried to create the human experience from software rather than looking at specific human behaviors to mimic. It’s almost like we’ve glommed onto the old adage, “go big, or...

Just the Tip of the Data Iceberg

Microsoft recently announced some data mining technology that truly illustrates the power held in all of this data produced everyday:

http://www.newscientist.com/blogs/one...

In short, it’s predictive modeling based upon analysis of past retail data to provide you a better sense of when something you want to buy might go on sale. This is a perfect example of the fundamental impact the Internet has had on us. Prior to e-commerce and the global netw...

How To: Creating Strong Passwords

Creating secure passwords can be a real pain. But remembering them is even worse! Of course, there are lots of password generators out there and software to help you manage a “master” password (that grants you access to all your other passwords) but ultimately you are in the same boat: creating a single password that is strong enough to foil would-be attackers yet easy enough to remember.

This how-to tutorial is designed to give you some ideas about how to make a memorable, secure password.

Whe...

Sneak Peek at iTunes in the Cloud (iCloud)

With the imminent release of iOS5 comes iCloud as well: Apple’s second (or third) foray into consumer-focused cloud services. Built as a competitor to Amazon’s and Google’s cloud-based music products, iCloud does so much more. Not only does it “match” files on your hard drive to those in the cloud (so you don’t have to “upload” all your files) and allow you to stream music and TV shows you’ve purchased through iTunes (which was not announced as an original feature), it also provides cross-dev...

Photo: Let’s Face It, Lightning is Cool

NatGeo has posted a great photo of lightning captured off Bermuda. Apparently, these kinds of thunderheads are common during this time of year on the island paradise.

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http://travel.nationalgeographic.com/travel/countries/your-caribbean-photos/#/thunderstorm-montserrat_34071_600x450.jpg