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Mr and Mrs XML (nee SQL) July 31, 2003

Posted by jbwan in Technology.
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The master of storage concepts and organisation is at it again. In this recent article, Jon Udell cites the marriage of XML and SQL and the desire of many developers to store their data structures in XML. Although the points discussed are valid, the article fails to reflect upon the poor quality/efficiency of existing XML document stores and how else this relational mapping can be achieved. I can see Jon’s main theme is the SQL to XML path of data manipulation but I can’t help but think that the more problematic issue was skipped over here. Well worth reading though. source: InfoWorld: The future of XML documents and relational databases

The Fall of Off-the-Wall Street July 30, 2003

Posted by jbwan in General.
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For those of you not tuned into the news over the past couple of days, a plot by the US security department to launch a website where people could buy and sell shares on the likelihood of terrorist activities has been quashed. The idea planned to analyse the “terror market” and use the information to predict what event was most likely to happen next, such as the assassination of state heads, etc. Quite frankly the idea was appauling and stupid not to mention completely distasteful. The concept of allowing people to bet on death is sickening. Plus, one has to wonder that if some individual made a small fortune by trading on the site, would they then become a suspect of inside information? source: CNN.com

Ur Dvorcd July 30, 2003

Posted by jbwan in Humour.
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Seemingly it is now possible to divorce your spouse in Malaysia by SMS and no this is not a joke. Read the story… source: CNN.com

There’s Plenty More Fish in the Sea July 29, 2003

Posted by jbwan in General.
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Seems as though genetic modification has stemmed into a glowing tribute to the world’s ecosystem. The latest in controversial releases is the production of a flourescent green jellyfish. Engineered by a Taiwanese “developer” hoping to make big profits from a decorative pet this genetic alteration has reopened the debates on the danger of releasing genetically modified life into the world. source: CNN.com

Unlikely attractions July 28, 2003

Posted by jbwan in General.
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When does a polar bear become interesting? When it’s purple of course! Seemingly humans aren’t the only lifeforms that suffer embarrassing side effects of medical treatment as this story of a 23-year-old polar bear in Argentina illustrates. source: CNN.com

Music industry gets tough July 28, 2003

Posted by jbwan in General.
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It seems as though the move by the music industry to crack down on illegal swapping of music has stepped up a level and the number of court orders are increasing by the day. Linked below is a personal account of one student who witnessed anothers plight at the hands of the courts. source: CNN.com

G that’s cheap July 25, 2003

Posted by jbwan in Technology.
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Just picked the reference for this article off Omar Javaid’s weblog before I got around to reading the register. Anyway it seems as though a Taiwanese company is entering into the market for the production of 802.11g chipsets and as such the prices could start tumbling down. Here’s to competition in an open market!
original source: The Register
referring source: Omar Javaid’s weblog

Wow! July 23, 2003

Posted by jbwan in Technology.
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In the 18 months or so that I have been following the development of Lindows OS I have always been amazed by the incredible advances made by the development team. Everything from the original idea to America’s cheapest pc. Today they have just announced another fantastic idea for low-tech users who just want basic web, e-mail and editing application and to put the icing on the cake they’re selling it for $169. Check out the new Lindows WebStation

Nanotechnology, pants!! July 22, 2003

Posted by jbwan in Humour.
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Just read this article entitled “Little robots in your pants” and only for it comes from a reliable source I would liken it to the AOL/Gateway call centre transcripts that are e-mailed around every now and then as jokes. As people become more technically savvy this kind of marketing (preying on the technically ignorant and overawed) will thankfully disappear but it doesn’t stop it from putting up a fight on the way out. source: CNN.com

WiFi Phones July 21, 2003

Posted by jbwan in Technology.
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At last an article about what effect WiFi will have on the mobile phone market. It’s been a while since the last bout of banter regarding the benefits of WiFi in urban areas but with technology under pressure to appear in a dwindling market, this could be a precursor to a new release. source: CNN.com