Steve Jobs's jet-setting an indicator of Apple dealmaking? [Journalist Math]
Analysts say the craziest things when trying to guess what the supersecretive Steve Jobs is up to at Apple. Last quarter, Jobs has only billed the company for $30,000 in business-related travel reimbursements. That's down from the $550,000 peak in the previous quarter, which was the high-altitude mark for the year. Meanwhile, the stock price has gone up around 30 points in the same year. That has lead Silicon Alley Insider's Dan Frommer to speculate on what the sudden drop in private-jet expenses means. One scenario? Jobs is busy micromanaging employees on the latest batch of new products ahead of the Apple Worldwide Developers Conference in June.
May 9th, 2008
California dreamin' [Valleywag Calendar]
JavaOne wraps up at the Norovirus-ridden Moscone Center. SocialText is hosting another wiki-que, RecentChangesCamp, at their Palo Alto office starting today and running all weekend. Saturday is fairly quiet, so get some sun and rest up for Sunday, when Where 2.0 will help you find your bearings at the Burlingame Marriot; get a handle on your issues at the Internet Identity Workshop at the Computer History Museum in Mountain View and the Open Source Grid and Cluster Conference brings cloud computing concepts to the proprietary-software haters at the Oakland Marriott. [Ed. note: Full calendar after the jump because Google Calendar is busted — check Upcoming for full listings.]
Got something to add to the calendar? Send it to calendar@valleywag.com.
May 9th, 2008
AT&T waffles on free Wi-Fi for iPhone subscribers [Great Moments In Pr]
Yesterday AT&T added language to its website that promised iPhone subscribers free Wi-Fi hotspot access to the company's listing of features for customers. A few hours later, the offer was removed from the site. The rollout for free Wi-Fi for iPhone subscribers on AT&T's network isn't going so smoothly — after the unannounced program was discovered, hackers shortly discovered they could log any device onto the network quite easily. (Photo from Jajah)
May 9th, 2008
Michael Arrington doesn't appreciate Wired's abuse of his ethics [We Read Twitter So You Don't Have To]
Wired on TechCrunch's syndication deal with the Washington Post:
We've got nothing against TechCrunch, but it seems crazy-crazy to us that the Washington Post, a paper known for the sort of reporting that can take down U.S. presidents, is publishing content written by a dude who invests in the companies he writes about.Which naturally prompted the characteristically vulgar response from Michael Arrington, TechCrunch editor and bastion of indecorous surliness. Portfolio.com quotes Arrington: "Journalism is evolving."
May 9th, 2008
Google wants you to show plug-in hybrids some YouTube love [Cleantech]
RechargeIT, the plug-in hybrid publicity program sponsored by Google.org, the search giant's relatively poorly funded do-gooder initiative run by Larry Brilliant, is running a YouTube contest. The company wants anyone who has a plug-in electric hybrid, or wishes they did, to upload a video describing their obsession. The contest isn't official yet, but Earth2Tech found a submission page which doesn't list exactly what you might win by entering. A new car would be nice, but I'm guessing it'll be more along the lines of sitting through a press conference, a free meal at the cafeteria and maybe a test drive.
May 9th, 2008
Microsoft dashes hostile Yahoo takeover hopes [Acquisitions]
In a letter from software giant Microsoft's lawyers at Sullivan & Cromwell to proxy board members, the company rescinded the agreements it had struck in case of a hostile take-over bid for Web search pioneer Yahoo. But hey, with Yahoo CEO Jerry Yang now begging for deal with tail tucked and head down, the companies may still agree to a friendly take-over bid. [WSJ]
May 9th, 2008
Berkeley scientists suggest a supercomputer made from iPod processors [Hardware]
A team of researchers from the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory working on climate-change prediction have suggested that a supercomputer made from thousands of inexpensive, low-power processors like those found in iPods and cellphones would be cheaper to build and require less electricity to operate than one built with more powerful chips. [AP] (Via Spidey Senses, photo by AP)
May 9th, 2008
Social network popularity just like high school [Quotable]
"Like the popular kids, Facebook will end up living in a trailer — just down the gravel road from Friendster." [Details] (Photo by AP/Jack Plunkett)
May 9th, 2008
I went to San Francisco for JavaOne, and all I got was this Norovirus [Conferences]
Giving every junketeer who might have over-imbibed a good excuse to blow off chores and work once they get home, conference organizers at Sun's JavaOne developer fest at the Moscone Center are now warning attendees that the City has released a public health warning about a virus on the loose.
Testing is still underway to identify the specific virus in question, but they believe it to be the Norovirus, a common cause of the "stomach flu", which can cause temporary flu-like symptoms for up to 48 hours.Full alert after the jump so you can study up on symptoms if called on to fake them for getting a spouse or boss off your back.
The San Francisco Department of Public Health (SFDPH) was notified on Wednesday May 7, 2008, of several persons that became ill after attending or working at conferences at the Moscone Center in San Francisco from April 30, 2008 through May 8, 2008. The SFDPH is working with the organizers of the meeting facilities to make cleaning recommendations and to confirm the cause of the illnesses. The ill attendees/workers are suspected to have a viral illness called Norovirus. Noroviruses are a common cause of the "stomach flu," or gastroenteritis (GAS-tro-en-ter-I-tis).(Image from SFCDCP)What are the symptoms of illness caused by Noroviruses?
The symptoms of norovirus illness include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and some stomach cramping. Sometimes people also have a low-grade fever, chills, headache, muscle aches, and a general sense of tiredness. The illness often begins suddenly and the infected person may feel very sick. The illness is usually brief, with symptoms lasting only about 1 or 2 days.Are Noroviruses contagious?
Noroviruses are very contagious and can spread easily from person to person. Noroviruses are found in the stool or vomit of infected people. People can become infected with the virus in several ways, including:
- Eating food or drinking liquids that are contaminated with Norovirus;
- Touching surfaces or objects contaminated with Norovirus, and then placing their hand in their mouth;
- Having direct contact with another person who is infected and showing symptoms (for example, when caring for someone with illness, or sharing foods or eating utensils with someone who is ill).
- Persons suspected of being ill with Norovirus should abstain from attending or working at any Moscone Center conferences until 48 hours after symptoms have resolved.
How can Norovirus infections be prevented?
- Frequently wash your hands, especially after using the toilet and before eating or preparing food.
- Carefully wash fruits and vegetables, and steam oysters before eating them.
- Thoroughly clean and disinfect contaminated surfaces immediately after an episode of illness by using a bleach-based household cleaner.
- Immediately remove and wash clothing or linens that may be contaminated with virus after an episode of illness (use hot water and soap).
- Flush or discard any vomit and/or stool in the toilet and make sure that the surrounding area is kept clean.
- Persons who are infected with Norovirus should not prepare food while they have symptoms and for 3 days after they recover from their illness.
Information on more Frequently Asked Questions on Norovirus can be viewed on the San Francisco Department of Public Health (SFDPH) website at http://www.sfcdcp.org/norovirus.cfm
May 8th, 2008
Dragged to Le Club by the fabulous Beth. Good consolation prize instead of Vanity Fair's 'VIP' party. Catching up with Art Bruzzone.
May 8th, 2008
Jackson Cell017.jpg
Jackson West posted a photo:
Alex gibney, director
May 8th, 2008
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Jackson West posted a photo:
T-Mobile
May 8th, 2008
Jackson Cell015.jpg
Jackson West posted a photo:
graydon carter at the castro theater
May 8th, 2008
Did my part to get a local sewage treatment plant renamed in 'honor' oe George W. Bush by signing a petition to put it on the ballot.
May 8th, 2008
Handvertising is the new banner ad [Caption Contest]
An impromptu "Tweetup" at Medjool from the online shoe salesfolk at Zappos lured reporter Sarah Lacy out to Medjool. The promise: free booze if you promoted the website with a backhanded mention. Can you suggest a better caption? Do so in the comments. Yesterday's winner: "This picture brought to you by Seagate" by Duncan. (Photo by Scott Beale)
May 8th, 2008
Janitors picket Cisco in hopes of raises and healthcare [Labor]
SEIU Local 1877, which represents area janitors, was out in force at Cisco today. The union's contract expired at the end of April, and it looks like the threatened strike has materialized here, as well as in Los Angeles. While the perception is that even service employees can become millionaires in the Valley, that's only if you get equity and happen to work for a company that succeeds. The reality?
These janitors are employed by contractors, make from $8 to $11 an hour with no health benefits, let alone stock options. They often live in cramped conditions thanks to the cost of local real estate. All so you don't have to get your hands dirty cleaning up after the catered lunch in the conference room. (Photo from a Valleywag tipster)
May 8th, 2008
Nothing like that feeling of paying off all your bills on pay day and still having money in the bank. Maybe I'll upgrade my cellphone...
May 8th, 2008
Internet Archive refuses to secretly hand over user info to FBI [Your Privacy Is An Illusion]
With the help of the Electronic Frontier Foundation and the American Civil Liberties Union, Internet Archive founder Brewster Kahle successfully challenged an FBI request to secretly hand over information about the site's users. The FBI had sent Kahle a "national security letter" which requested personal information about a particular user and put Kahle under a gag order. Approximately 200,000 of the secret requests, which need no judicial approval, were issued between 2003 and 2006 after the NSL program was expanded by the Patriot Act. Kahle's case is one of only three the ACLU is aware of where NSL requests were successfully overturned in court. (Photo by David Silver)
May 8th, 2008
Bad iPod batteries could cost Apple $3.6 million loonies [Lawsuits]
Apple has settled a class-action suit in Canadian courts over first, second and third-generation iPod batteries that fell well short of claimed battery life. Up to 80,000 Canadians are eligible for CA$45 credits. I'd make a joke about worthless Canadian currency, except that it's now trading near parity with our own worthless currency. [Canada.com]
May 7th, 2008
Shadow and Cut Chemist
Not since the Invisibl Skratch Picklz has a local head dominated like DJ Shadow. I'm currently listening to the 45-inspired Brainfreeze, co-produced with Cut Chemist. That shit is hot, like Amanda Shaw, but I worry about the turntablists and selectors of tomorrow. Will cats survive the Traktor and Ableton revolution? Because it's all as roots as far as augmented chords and syncopated beats go, I swear.
May 7th, 2008
Mike Gravel Sings for Obama Girl's Vote.
May 6th, 2008
Worlds collide: I wrote "Jeff Zuckerberg" in a post, attempting to refer to NBC CEO Jeff Zucker. Fixed moments before being published. Phew.
May 5th, 2008
TSA Gangstaz
May 5th, 2008
Romantico Trailer
May 4th, 2008
My weekend film fest: The Counterfeiter ****, Columbus Day **, The Bucket List *, Lagerfeld Confidential ***, Harold and Kumar 2 *.
May 3rd, 2008
Me, Kai and Grandma
Jackson West posted a photo:
At Stehekin on Lake Chelan, Washington State, in 1988.
May 3rd, 2008
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Jackson West posted a photo:
brunch at mama's with jason and felicia
May 3rd, 2008
I’m a Byline Whore Slut
I will do pretty much anything to add a new byline to the ol’ writing bio. I normally joke that I’m a byline whore, but whores get paid — whereas I’m willing to give it up for free, which I think makes me just a slut. Plus, I’m definitely motivated by compulsion and [...]
May 3rd, 2008
Quiet night. Finished Frank Norris' McTeague and The Weekly while waiting for Counterfeiter, BSG to download. Time for Harpers in the tub.
May 2nd, 2008
For those of you who rock it ON (original nerd) style, might I recommend Paranoia? http://tinyurl.com/pgsgp The Computer is your friend!