Okay, this one is making the rounds, but I loved it so much I had to share. The interesting thing about this animation/video is that it looks almost like an advertisement for Dell Computers. But at the end of the clip, you will see the famous “Made on a Mac” icon. Anyway, it’s a creative and amusing video.

David Pogue posted on the New York Times blog about a new digital pen from LightScribe called the “Pulse SmartPen”.  It comes in a pen-shaped anodized aluminum barrel and includes a camera (does everything have to have a built-in camera?), microphone and audio. It also has a bright but tiny black-and-white screen that displays messages, menu commands and even little animations. It includes a non-removable, rechargeable battery (6 to 7 hours a charge), a headphone jack and contacts for a U.S.B. charging cradle. Read the rest of David’s post here.

Now, I love gadgets as much as the next techy-nerd guy, but this one doesn’t have much appeal for me. It reminds me of the old story about how the U.S. spent millions of dollars during the space race to develop ink technology that could write at any angle, for use in space. The Soviets response was that they already had one, it was called a pencil.

Now, how do I get on the list to receive cool electronic toys so I can write my own reviews? <grin>

photo credit: AComment

This week Chevron Corporation reported a 1st Quarter profit of $5.17 billion.

Just as a reminder, a quarter is only 3 months. Revenue (money coming in) less Expenses (money, including taxes, going out) = PROFIT. This means that Chevron took in $5.17 billion after all other expenses have been paid.

Yet, when big oil companies like Chevron are asked why gasoline is so expensive, they respond with excuses such as “research & development”, “manufacturing costs”, “taxes”, etc. etc. etc. Folks, these things fall into the category of expenses, which is part of the formula above for determining profits!

It isn’t just Chevron. It is the entire oil industry doing this. In the U.S. we have what are referred to as “anti-trust” laws, which are defined as -

Legislation enacted by the federal and various state governments to regulate trade and commerce by preventing unlawful restraints, price-fixing, and monopolies, to promote competition, and to encourage the production of quality goods and services at the lowest prices, with the primary goal of safeguarding public welfare by ensuring that consumer demands will be met by the manufacture and sale of goods at reasonable prices.

Still, they are getting away with these obscene profits. Why?