Elsewhere is a collection of unusual technology stories from around the world.
iPod, you crazy
VNUNet
The iPod has been blamed for a host of
social ills, not the least of which is increasing the crime rate. Now there’s a new finger wagging in its face. According to one psychiatrist, listening to the same song too many times on your iPod (it’s inconceivable, apparently, that there might be other MP3 players out there) can drive you quite literally insane.
Downloading for dollars
BBC News
In Spanish, this study would be called a “hot pepper in the posterior” of the recording industry, which has sought to put an end to the downloading craze by suing low-income teenagers and bewildered grandmothers. The study found downloaders are in fact big spenders when it comes to online music.
All mapped out
Wired News
In real life, Apple’s corporate headquarters are spread across 11 buildings on an enormous campus. If you use Microsoft’s Virtual Earth Web site for viewing satellite photos, however, it’s little more than a warehouse in a deserted parking lot.
Generation IM
SFGate
Poor boomers. Their parents had it easy, raising a generation of sell-outs who happily traded in their bongs for bonds and stocks by the age of 21. But raising kids these days is soooo much more difficult, thanks to instant messaging.
The future’s so bright
News.com
It’s not enough that thousands of people walk around seemingly talking to themselves on tiny hidden microphones connected to their cell phones. Now Motorola will have people talking into their sunglasses. What’s next, Internet-ready underwear?
Do you know where your kids are?
Salon
Don’t even think about lying about where you’ve been, kid. We’ve got your GPS co-ordinates.
Wheels within wheels
New York Times
There are few facets of daily life that haven’t been ruined — or enhanced, depending on your point of view — by technology. Even the simple act of riding a bike.
Comment: [email protected]
