Apr 22 2006
NPR recently showed a documentary on Global Dimming.
Keywords: sun light, mirror effect, draughts in Africa, particles, cooling effect, versus greenhouse warming effect, islands in Indian ocean, Sept. 11 2001, air traffic (contrails) pollution, diurnal temperature range spike.
Thoughts: scary …
Apr 22 2006
This is the review I posted on Amazon.com for “eBags Downloader Laptop Backpack“.
This bag is perfect for what I need: I am a graduate student. My typical load consists of: a 6lb laptop with all the accessories. Plus several books, notepads and printouts.
The bag has enough room for all the stuff abovementioned but is tightly constructed so with even 20 lbs on my back, it doesn’t swing left and right when I walk.
It also has the right combination of padding and pockets. The only feature I wished for was the ability to stand on its own under all load conditions (when load is too light or too heavy, you have to lean it against something).
Overall, highly recommended.
Apr 22 2006
I review I posted on Amazon.com for “Griffin Technology RadioShark AM / FM Desktop Radio with Time-Shift Recording”
I bought this gadget in the hope of recording off-hour radio broadcasts and be able to hear them on my mp3 player later.
The problem with the device is its software: it has a significant memory and CPU footprint while running (as a service process, which means all the time!). And it almost always crashes when woken by the scheduler for the 2nd time.
Furthermore, it records in iPod’s format, to convert it to MP3 can literally stop my desktop. Nor does the software allow you to create a separate folder for each recorded program. The reception is meager to say the best. But unlike my tuner, I can’t even attach a UHF antenna to it.
Not recommended.