Apple employees were lucky enough to get a free second generation iPod shuffle; I picked mine up yesterday, and instead of tearing into it as I otherwise would, I decided to do an “unboxing“; I took a few pictures as I took the shuffle out of its case. The iPod is so small, there wasn’t much to unbox. (Also, apologies for the bad lighting. Maybe I’ll do a reshoot.)

The thing is impossibly small. I clipped it to my earlobe and felt no pain (in fact, I almost didn’t feel it at all). As I was writing this entry, I actually lost the shuffle; it slipped under my toss pillow while I was on couch; I did eventually find it.

I figure a bunch of these will get damaged in the wash and lost between couch cushions. Apple is going to make a fortune selling replacements. If there was money to be made selling insurance for these tiny devices, I would.

I’ll report back soon after I’ve used the shuffle for a little while. Stay tuned for my review.

On a recent episode of Says You!, the host, Richard Sher asked the panel to explain the food “muesli”. He’d never heard the word before, and when he came across it, he figured it would be a stumper.

He was wrong.

Turns out everyone on the panel knew that muesli was a Swiss delicacy of rolled oats and fruit, leaving Richard slightly embarrassed at the gap in his knowledge.

I fear I’m about to make the same mistake by pointing you to an artist I’m sure everyone’s heard about but to whom I’ve just been introduced. He goes by Matisyahu, but you may know him better as “that Jewish Reggae guy”.

Even though I’d heard of this Orthodox Jew from Crown Heights, Brooklyn (my own stomping grounds in New York) about six months or a year ago, I’d never heard any of his stuff, and figured he was just a gimmick. That changed tonight thanks to a bit of musical serendipity.

I’d been wandering through CostCo a few weeks ago, and a reggae song was on one of the iPods in the store. It was something by Snow, a Reggae artist who was popular in the early-to-mid 90s. I liked the song well enough to write down the artist and album so I could look it up on iTunes.

I finally got around to doing that tonight, and realized I knew the artist by his most popular song, Informer. I would have purchased the album, but it was one of iTunes’ annoying partial albums (I did add it to my Amazon cart, though). While reading through the iTunes reviews, one mentioned

What are you guys thinking? This man was way ahead of his time! If this were to come out now you’d give him praise, just like were giving Matisyahu praise.

Well! Musical serendipity is often found following another person’s “also liked” list, so I looked up Matisyahu, and listened to a few of his tracks on iTunes. Then I Googled him and listened to a few songs from his website. Then I watched a few of his videos.

I was completely sold: I put his two released albums (Live at Stubbs and Youth) into my iTunes cart.

Listening to his stuff, I’m realizing he reminds me of Skadanks and their lead singer, Rocker-T. I saw them perform half-a-dozen times or so at Wetlands in New York back in the late 80s, early 90s. Unfortunately, they didn’t do more than a single album, and it didn’t capture the energy of their live shows.

Matisyahu is also supposed to be great in concert, and the Live at Stubbs album is supposed to reflect that, while the second, studio album supposedly feels more, well, studio-ish, I guess. I’d like to catch him in concert; unfortunately, he doesn’t seem to be playing outside the East Coast right now. I hope that changes soon.

Where are all these information organizers for the Mac coming from these days? In the last few months or so, we got Yojimbo, EagleFiler and now Keep It Together. Did Apple release some API that makes creating these organizers so dead-simple that all that needs to happen is have a pretty interface wrapped around it? Or does the market really need this many applications that all pretty much do the same thing and look alike?

Seriously… look at these screen shots (all taken from the respective websites):

Yojimbo

EagleFiler

Keep It Together (KIT)

Can they look anymore alike?

Of course, it would be remiss of me not to note that the granddaddy of all these information organizers is probably SOHO Notes, which, unsurprisingly, has a similar interface to all the others.

I’d love to find out if this surge of information managers is market- or technology-driven.

I abhor bad drivers. I’ve often wished I could pull over that guy in the 1988 Acura who made a right turn from a no-turn middle lane, veered into the car-pool lane during rush hour with no one in his car, all without signaling.

OK, so I’ve often wished I could fire a bazooka at him. Not my point.

No, my point is I’ve wished I could take some kind of action against these inconsiderate and dangerous drivers. And now, thanks to the internet, I can. Sort of.

The next time someone blocks the “Keep Clear” exit from work, I can just make note of their license plate, and post it on PlateWire.com. PlateWire lets drivers

… communicate their thoughts and feelings in regards to driving on todays’ roadways. Report and flag bad drivers, award good drivers, and even flirt with cute drivers. PlateWire was born out of frustration from years of driving along side drivers who seem to have no concern with anyone’s safety, including their own.

It’s no substitute for a bazooka, but it’s an interesting idea.

Now excuse me, I have a 1988 Acura to report.

I mean, really. (In Costco parking lot.)

As I mentioned the other day, Y and I went to Pigeon Point Lighthouse, hoping for some pretty photographs. Alas, our position didn’t allow it. We did take a few nice shots, though.

The authors at NodePoint.com claim they “provide Macintosh support services to high-profile clients”. On their website, they write mostly about newly released software, with the occasional instructional material, and even more occasional opinion piece. One of their recent opinion pieces complains about Apple’s “universal binary” applications, where one double-clickable application can run on both PowerPC- and Intel-based Macs

For starters, the Universal binary is larger than a single-architecture binary, so it takes longer to download and takes up more space on a CD or DVD disc, as well as more space on your hard drive. Most of that extra file size is never going to be used, so it makes no sense to include it. Even if it were on a CD or DVD disc, most End User License Agreements limit you to installing it on one system, so you only need the version for your machine.

[…]

It would be easier for users if developers created two separate binaries for Mac OS X: one for PowerPC- and another for Intel-based Macs. Downloads would be smaller, and thus faster, and users would not be forced to use up finite disk space with code that is wholly incompatible with their system.

While it’s true that a universal binary is, by definition, larger than a single-architecture binary, claiming that the longer download, additional space on a DVD or a limitation of a EULA are reasons not make universal binaries, is ridiculous.

First of all, most users don’t care what their processor is. They buy a computer to accomplish a particular task, and whether it contains a PowerPC, an Intel or an AMD chip doesn’t generally enter into the equation. And when those users buy a new computer, they expect their existing software to Just Workâ„¢. This is, of course, especially true of Macintosh users, who have come to expect that things Just Work.â„¢

Moving from a 12″ PowerBook to a 13″ MacBook, both running Mac OS X 10.4.8, should mean a user should be able to copy her files over to the new machine, double-click an application, and have it run, preferably as fast as the system allows.

Universal binaries allow this to happen: when I made just such a move (to a “BlackBook” to be exact), I merely copied the files and applications I needed over to my new machine, and, since the vast majority of them were universal binaries, they ran “natively” on the Intel chip.

This is what users expect. They don’t want to think “which processor am I running?” before downloading or updating to a new application. Forcing that decision onto the user is stupid, and it’s not necessary.

Secondly, the “lost” drive space is relatively minor in comparison to the size of files that are required. Much of an application is in its various resources (like icons, sounds, templates, etc.) and these resources generally don’t change between hardware architectures. Having multiple versions of the application can actually increase the size of an application. The author gives the following example:

Let’s take a look at Final Cut Pro 5.1 for an example: It’s a Universal binary, which takes up 73.7MB when installed. Removing the excess Intel-based code using Trim the Fat, takes out 16.89MB.

Let’s do the math here: a universal binary takes up about 74 MB. A single architecture binary (say, for PowerPC) would then, by the author’s reckoning, be about 57 MB. An Intel-based version would therefore also be about 57 MB. That means the developer would have to put up two files taking up 114 MB instead of one file taking up 74 MB. That’s more than 50% more space being taken up on the developers’ side! And, of course, the user will first have to download 57 MB for use on her PowerPC-based Mac, and then, when she upgrades, download another 57 MB to use on her Intel-based Mac!

Plus, on a CD or DVD, that would also mean wasted space, unless there is an expectation that developers will be selling one box for PowerPC-base Macs and another box for Intel-based Macs. Talk about wasteful!

How in the world does dumping universal binaries make sense?

Thirdly, while an EULA may prevent you from using an application on two computers at the same time, most developers have no problem with you migrating their application from one computer to another, assuming you don’t use it on both computers. No EULA I’ve seen stops you from doing this migration, and some EULAs actually give explicit permission to use the application on multiple machines (e.g. home and work) as long as they aren’t being used simultaneously.

And finally, the topper on this entire thing: Apple specifically encourages developers to release universal binaries! Way back in January 2006, Apple said

Providing support for both architectures in your application is essential, because the Mac OS X platform will support both architectures for years to come. And the time to start making the move to universal binaries is now.

Apple’s reasons for this is clearly stated: “the Mac OS X platform will support both architectures for years to come”. Don’t make users think about processors when buying software, just Make It Work.â„¢

The author’s arguments appear to be based on a complete lack of understanding of the technical, business and marketing issues involved, and the arguments for eliminating universal binaries don’t hold an ounce of water.

Some eight or nine months ago, Y and I found ourselves on one of our many drives along the California coast, cruising down Highway 1. We came upon a lighthouse and decided to stop in. Although we couldn’t get to the top (because they closed it for repair), we did learn that once a year, on the anniversary of the first time the lighthouse went into operation, they fire up the lights for a few hours, giving visitors a taste of what hundreds of ships saw to guide them safely.

It promised to be a photographic opportunity, so we made plans immediately to come back on the anniversary, which was today.

We were terribly excited by the possibilities. The lighthouse, a State Historic Park designated the Pigeon Point Light Station, and located on a cliff off Highway 1, had a “first-order” Fresnel lens (“first order” refers to its size, at 7′ 10″ in height) with 24 reflective panels; each of the resulting 24 beams of light is individually distinguishable from certain angles, and we were hoping to photograph some beautiful shots of a dramatically lit lighthouse.

Unsure how crowded it would get, we decided to get there a few hours before sunset, find a good location to shoot from, and have a small picnic. We drove through Santa Cruz, stopping to grab a couple of sandwiches along the way, and made it (after a few frustrating wrong turns) to Pescadero about 3pm, about two hours before sunset, and three hours before the lighting was to take place.

They were pretty packed, with dozens of cars lining the small road in to the lighthouse. We decided we wanted shots that included the Pacific Ocean as a foreground, so we drove around a bit. We ended up driving down a dirt road with huge holes (in my 2003 Nissan Altima!), only to find five or six other photographers setting up shop, and no easy way to get into a good position without tramping through thigh-high underbrush, but there were no better setups that were easier to get to, so tramp through we did.

We sat around for the couple of hours before the sun started to set, eating dinner and playing cards, and once the sun stared going behind the horizon, were rewarded with a few very pretty moments of colorful clouds behind the lighthouse. We were certain we would be getting some beautiful pictures once the beams came on.

At a few minutes after 6, the lighthouse went completely dark, and a few moments later, multiple beams of light came pouring out in all directions. Unfortunately, the beams were so dim, and we were so far away, that instead of the 24 individual beams we were hoping for, we got about a half-dozen mushy beams, and a far less spectacular view than we’d anticipated.

The other photographers were likewise disappointed, including those who’d shot the lighthouse previously from up close.

While we didn’t end up with a ton of gorgeous photos, we did have something of an adventure. We plan on returning next year, and setting up camp much closer to the station.

I’ll have a few photos up in a little while. Be sure to check back.

There’s some kind of stomach virus floating around Silicon Valley. About a dozen or so people in my department at work have come down with stomach-flu-like symptoms, some lasting about 24 hours, others lasting three or four days. One guy had to go to the emergency room at 4 am after he collapsed and slammed his head onto his sink.

I was originally I was concerned that this was a company-specific issue, since it started with four people in my group, all of whom had eaten the same foods. I even called our Environmental Safety group to see if was something in our cafeteria. When I was investigating, the numbers expanded and it was clear it wasn’t food related.

More likely, it was someone who had the virus and passed it along; over the last two weeks, my department been hosting a programming summit, with 20-30 developers from around the world, all crammed into a pair of relatively small rooms, sharing the air and the keyboards (which are among the dirtiest surfaces we touch every day). Lots of people talking to each other, shaking hands, in close proximity? A virus’s best friend.

I’ve tried to stay out of the summit rooms for most of the last two weeks, although I had reasons to appear on occasion, including today, when I met with a couple of developers to see their applications. And, perhaps coincidentally, I find myself with (minor) stomach issues as I write this entry.

The last thing I wish to experience is another stomach virus. My experience with one last year was enough. So keep yourself safe: wash your hands regularly (one third of people don’t wash their hands after using the bathroom), clean your keyboards and other surfaces, and consider carrying and using some type of liquid sanitizer or hand wipes.

I’m sick of all the cheaters in the carpool lanes.

Every evening after work, I pull out from the infinite loop that is my office campus, and merge onto Highway 280 South. Every evening, I sit in slow-moving traffic, waiting for the metering lights to do their red-green dance.

And every evening, half-a-dozen or more drivers flout the rules and take the easy way out, and use the carpool lanes to leap ahead of those of us (im-) patiently waiting our turn. They’re the only driver in their car in a lane clearly marked for two or more people. There are few things more frustrating than being in a line of cars 15 deep, and watching some asshole skip ahead.

I’m sick of it.

The rest of us want to get home as much as you do. We have plans. We’ve had a long day. We’d rather not be sitting in traffic. Why do you feel you have some special right to break the law and go ahead of people who’ve dutifully lined up? Are you somehow special?

We are a society of laws. There is an agreement in this society that we will each follow the laws, or suffer the punishment. I, and most others, take it as an article of faith that you will likewise follow the law. When you don’t, I start worrying about what other laws you’ll break, laws that might get me killed instead of getting me pissed.

If you’re breaking a basic and easy-to-understand law like “only cars with two or more people can use the carpool lane between 3pm and 7pm”, why should I trust you to obey other laws?

What if everyone just ignored the laws? We would devolve into chaos. You think traffic is bad today, imagine if nobody waited for a green light? If everyone drove 95 miles per hour, even on narrow two-lane roads? If everyone made left turns into oncoming traffic?

The problem, of course, is that there’s no punishment for these assholes. There’s never a cop to monitor the lanes, so people feel they can get away with it. It raises the frustration level, an probably leads to more incidents of road rage.

Say, that gives me an idea! If you’re going to break the law, can I break the law too? I think I should be allowed to chase you down, yank you from your car, smash your windows and slash your tires.

Ahhhh, I feel better already.