Concert: Robert Randolph

As part of the Eric Clapton tour (more on that in another post), Robert Randolph & the Family Band played the first set, and Robert came out and played two songs as part of an encore. I caught them once on television a few weeks ago and had been reading about them for a while, and was looking forward to the performance. Everyone MUST see this group perform live when they get a chance. Not only was this an original sound and a great group of players, they have a great show and it was a tremendous amount of fun to see them play. And, they really looked like they were having fun up on stage. A refreshing change, very exciting, and a great group to see if you like guitars.

Slashdot | Hotmail Blocks Gmail Emails (and Invites)

While it certainly is not an unexpected competitive reaction from major web-email services, the discussion on Slashdot about Hotmail and Yahoo blocking Email invites from Google Mail (see Slashdot | Hotmail Blocks Gmail Emails (and Invites)) is a little disturbing. If you are of the opinion that these types of services act as a common carrier, like a telephone service, this seems to be analogous to Verizon blocking phone calls from AT&T for you to change you long distance carrier. There is an assumption on the part of the person using the service that all messages get through. At least in the case of Google mail, the message is actually from someone you know that thinks you might like the invite.

I suppose a lot of this is inevitable since spammers have ruined the nature of Email, letting us treat this differently than other communication. But, a Gmail invite from a friend is hardly in the same category of someone in another country trying to turn you on to a new mortgage.

For the record, I've been trying the new Gmail service, and I'm very pleased. Much like the reason Google conquered all things searching, the interface is clean, responsive, and blissfully free of advertising and annoyances.

Space Solar Power Unappreciated

Solar power collection in outer space has been a science fiction concept as long as I have been reading. Wired is reporting that NASA is ignoring development of this now for policy reasons, even though they have been promoting the concept for some time. Some of this seems to be falling through the cracks of government agencies, since NASA isn't about energy generation and Dept. of Energy isn't about space.

5 famous robots land spots in hall

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports in 5 famous robots land spots in hall that C-3PO, Robby the Robot, Astroboy, ASIMO, and Shakey will be inducted into the robot hall of fame this year. Nice recognition for these trail blazers.

E-Week Article on SCO Origins

David Coursey writes an opinion for E-Week on how unfair it is for the memory of SCO to be trashed by those currently chasing a success-through-lawsuit business plan. Thanks David for this reminder. SCO Unix on Intel was a pretty cool thing to have once upon a time.

Ronald Reagan

"I know in my heart that man is good. That what is right will always eventually triumph. And there is purpose and worth to each and every life."

-Ronald Reagan

Spam Costs

E-week says almost $2000 per employee in this article. Another article says new laws have done nothing to help.

Robot News: NASA Says Robots May Repair Telescope

Sending robots to space to pull maintenance on the Hubble telescope. A good use for robots, although placing them on an orbital platform has risks (Skynet) :) Yahoo! News - NASA Says Robots May Repair Telescope

Sony Exits U.S. Handheld Market

While understandable from a business perspective, it's disappointing to see Sony leave the US market for PDAs. I thought their products had some nice style, and great features, and some of their newer models were very innovative. Brighthand � Sony Exits U.S. Handheld Market