technology

Patently Absurd

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The patent office is a fascinating resource, I have discovered, after readying an interesting post on Waxy.org.

Andy Baio points out a patent application by Apple Computer for the backend software used to publish music to the iTunes Music Store. Cool stuff.

Even more interestingly, he points out that you can keep up with your favorite companies approved and pending patents, like so.

So, here are all approved patents and pending applications for Apple Computer. Some other interesting company searches: Google’s pending and approved, TiVo’s pending and approved, and Yahoo’s pending and approved.

And this blog, FreshPatents.com, has RSS feeds by industry on new patent requests/grants. Cool!

technology

Tsunami Strikes Aceh

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BBC footage from a second-story balcony in Aceh, Indonesia. This is one of the most compelling videos I’ve seen to date of the wave striking, in a blink of the eye obliterating everything in it’s path. Single story dwellings are swept away, and only two-story buildings seem to be spared. Via Waxy.org.

asides

Sir Peter

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British games maker Peter Molyneux (who I discussed regarding his game Fable a few weeks back) will become the first games developer to be named to the Order of the British Empire by Queen Elizabeth. Here here, Sir Peter! You’ll have to write yourself into the Fable sequel, I guess, as lord of one of the manors. More here from the BBC.

Sports

Swimsuit Cover Model Survives Tsunami

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tx_nemcovacover.jpg
Petra Nemcova, the 2005 SI Swimsuit Issue cover model, survived the tidal wave while vacationing in Phuket, Thailand with her boyfriend (who remains missing). She is suffering from a broken pelvis and internal injuries, but is expected to return to her home in the Czech Republic soon. She has been in every annual Swimsuit issue since she first appeared in 2002

Photos, musings and miscellany – New and Improved!