If you run Windows, it’s a good idea to run Windows Update now, there are at least 13 updates available, some of which fix critical security flaws in IE and Windows itself. windowsupdate.microsoft.com Even if you use Firefox, IE is built into Windows so any application that uses IE libraries can cause potential security woes. (like MS Office for example.) Keep your Windows system patched at all times lest you become just another spam bot.

Microsoft did the usual fanfare thing to announce a new science initiative in the EU the other day. They called the initiative “Euroscience” and told the world all about it. Unfortunately Mr Bill apparently doesn’t use his own new search engine, because this search on MSN shows Euroscience.org as the second result. That’s right folks, Bill nicked the intellectual property of a bunch of co-operating European scientists who’ve been using that name since 1997. You can imagine their surprise at Microsoft using their name to get into the pockets of EU politicians. The president of the real Euroscience has this to say. Read it, it’s a good laugh.
Apparently “Microsoft is now in talks with the body to try to reach an understanding.” but I ask you, what is to understand? Microsoft stole their name, or used it without checking first, something they have sued others over in the past. Give it back, apologize, perhaps pay them some money to help the pain of being associated with Microsoft and let them go about their business.

http://maps.google.com/. Check it out, it has some cool features like drag and drop to move around and pop-up magnification, it’s very cool. It is amazing how much new stuff we are seeing now that the big search engines are all competing for the public’s hits.

The chips being used in digital cameras are about to undergo an Intel vs AMD type of battle, and that is good news for the consumer! The average price has dropped significantly and they will continue to be more powerful and less expensive for the near future. Because of that, a mid-range model is a good bet as you can buy the better one later for less. If you need a digital camera, happen over to Amazon and see what they have to offer. It is a great time to get into the world of Digital Photography and no web designer should be without a digital camera.

The USA Today newspaper did a survey to rank the best to worst of the Super Bowl ads, and Napster’s ad came dead last at 54th. Read the full survey results here. I was unable to find a link to download the Napster ad, no doubt because nobody found it interesting enough to save. Aspiring web designers should pay attention to main stream advertising because many trends carry over to the web and having that extra “something” is what keeps people coming back to your site.

Much has been made of the GoDaddy SuperBowl Commercial, but to be honest now that I see it again The McIlhenny Tabasco Bikini Chick Commercial was probably raunchier than the GoDaddy Ad spot. They just weren’t smart enough to also make a banned version in order to get the buzz going. They’ll learn from Bob Parsons ad team and do better, or is it worse, next time. Well with that I think I’ll hit erase on the old DVD Ram and move on to something more productive.

The recent GoDaddy commercial that is available for download features a pretend censure ship hearing. The supposed network airing it is G Spin, I wonder if GoDaddy is foretelling acquisition by Google? Everything that starts with G is rapidly belonging to Google, like everything that starts with Mc belongs to McDonalds. Just remember you heard it here first – even if it isn’t true.

In addition to the lovely lady, Nikki Cappelli, the Chairman is Bob Parsons (not really him), the lady commission member is Eleanor Flatow, another male commission member is Tom Rossano (there is actually a guy in advertising by this name-wonder if he was involved?) and funniest of all the proceedings are “live from Salem, Massachusetts,” home of the infamous witch trials. The irony is undoubtedly intended.

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