http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/Homotronnet/~3/369357975/iphone_os_202_not_fixing_3g_is.html

The sudden release of iPhone OS 2.0.2 had many of us hoping Apple had fixed the 3G woes that have been systemic to iPhone 3G. Never mind that the proposed solution hadn't been rumored to arrive until September, and never mind that Apple's release notes mentioned only "bug fixes."

Whether the scramble to fix the 3G connection problems got ahead of itself or 2.0.2 was merely a separate update intended to address something else entirely, one thing is for sure: it didn't help stabilize 3G connections.

And for many, the update has brought about incompatibility with third-party apps that worked just fine before.

Other users report that typing and scrolling, previously slow and sticky, are now working better. I'm a little apprehensive, so I won't be installing the update until I know a little more.

iPhone OS 2.0.2 fails to fix 3G reception issues, apps problems [Crave]

http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/boingboing/iBag/~3/369385940/your-favorite-little.html

From Derrick's show notes:

I also love it when the wrong people visit this site by mistake, venting their disorientation and discomfort in the comments. I especially love it when they use terms like “elevator music” as if this was incisive criticism. After all, some folks still obsess over “authenticity,” preferring “immediacy” and “spontaneity” above all other concerns. Somehow, the soundtrack to a long-defunct Saturday morning kids show or a 30-year-old vanity pressing from an unknown lounge singer just doesn’t work for them

But for those of you who just want a little mundane background music for your misanthropic existence, a little something to listen to while you put your pants on one leg at a time (just like the next guy), I hope this podcast fits the bill.

http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/boingboing/iBag/~3/369367035/gogo-girls-of-the-ap.html

I haven't read Go-Go Girls of the Apocalypse by Victor Gischler, but this description, sent to me by the publisher, makes it sound good. If you've read it, please post your review in the comments.

Mortimer Tate was an insurance salesman on the verge of a nasty divorce when he holed up in a mountain cave in Tennessee and rode out the end of the world. Go-Go Girls of the Apocalypse begins nine years later, when he emerges into a bizarre landscape filled with hollow reminders of an America that no longer exists. Since “The Fall,” highways are lined with abandoned automobiles, for which there is no fuel. Houses stand empty and what little civilization remains revolves around a string of strip clubs called Joey Armageddon’s Sassy-a-Go-Go, where the beer is cold, the lap dancers are hot, the bouncers are armed with M-16s—and electricity is generated by indentured servants pedaling stationary bicycles. Accompanied by his cowboy sidekick Buffalo Bill and two gorgeous and lethal women named Sheila and Tyler, Mortimer journeys to the Lost City of Atlanta—and an explosive final showdown that just might determine the fate of humanity.

http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/boingboing/iBag/~3/369334288/space-art-from-the-1.html

http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/boingboing/iBag/~3/369334290/proobama-dd-tee.html

It may be typical of the pro-Obama Dungeons & Dragons crowd to disparage a fellow countryman's memory of war from the comfort of mom's basement, but most Americans have the humility and gratitude to respect and learn from the memories of men who suffered on behalf of others.

See also: McCain staffer slams Dungeons and Dragons players

http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/boingboing/iBag/~3/369334294/katamari-damacy-king.html

http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/boingboing/iBag/~3/369334295/eff-clobbers-boston.html

Today, a federal judge lifted an unconstitutional gag order that had prevented three Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) students from disclosing academic research regarding vulnerabilities in Boston's transit fare payment system. The court found that the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Agency (MBTA) had no likelihood of success on the merits of its claim under the federal computer intrusion law and denied the transit agency's request for a five-month injunction. In papers filed yesterday, the MBTA acknowledged for the first time that their Charlie Ticket system had vulnerabilities and estimated that it would take five months to fix.

Tuesday's ruling lifts the restriction preventing the student researchers from talking about their findings regarding the security vulnerabilities of Boston's Charlie Card and Charlie Ticket -- a project that earned them an "A" from renowned computer scientist and MIT professor Dr. Ron Rivest. The Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) represents the students as part of its Coders' Rights Project.

http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/boingboing/iBag/~3/369302101/beijing-activists-de.html

An update on the pro-Tibet tech-art protests happening in Beijing: Students for a Free Tibet (SFT) tells Boing Boing that a group of five pro-Tibet activists displayed an LED Throwie Banner near the Olympics site in Beijing. The protesters, all of whom are US nationals, were promptly detained by Chinese authorities.

From SFT, via email to BB:

This was inspired by GRL's "Throwies" project, and the building and implementation of this was done by a complete separate group of Tibet activitists. They combined a traditional protest banner with over five hundred throwie lights and batteries sewn and taped onto the banner.

Here's a snip from the SFT press release about today's action:

Five pro-Tibet activists unfurled a banner spelling out “Free Tibet” in English and Chinese in bright blue LED “throwie” lights in Beijing’s Olympic Park tonight. The five were detained by security personnel after displaying the banner for about 20 seconds at 11:48 pm August 19th. Their whereabouts are unknown. The detained activists are Americans Amy Johnson, 33, Sam Corbin, 24, Liza Smith, 31, Jacob Blumenfeld, 26, and Lauren Valle, 21.

"The Chinese government is desperate to turn the world's attention away from its abuses in Tibet as the Olympics take place, but the creativity and determination of Tibetans and their supporters has once again ensured that Tibetan voices are heard and seen in Beijing despite the massive security clampdown," said Tenzin Dorjee, Deputy Director of Students for a Free Tibet. "The Chinese leadership must realize that the only way it can make the issue of Tibet disappear is to acknowledge the demands of the Tibetan people and work with them to bring an end to China's occupation of Tibet."

The lights used on the banner are blue 10 mm light-emitting diodes (LEDs) powered by small batteries, commonly known as “throwies.” Throwies are open-source technology attributed to OpenLab and Graffiti Research Lab, developed as a means of creating non-destructive graffiti and light displays. This is the first time ever that they have been used on a banner. James Powderly, free speech activist and co-founder of the Graffiti Research Lab (GRL), was detained in Beijing early this morning (see http://freetibet2008.org/globalactions/jamespowderly).

Previously: GRL's James Powderly detained in Beijing for planning pro-Tibet "L.A.S.E.R. Stencil" art protest

http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/gaygamernet/~3/369325431/bioshock_ps3_release_date_conf.html

http://gaygamer.net/2008/08/bioshock_ps3_release_date_conf.html

http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/Homotronnet/~3/369275943/shoes_made_of_grass_brought_to.html

I'm really not sure where to go with this one. First, we have probably the finest example of failed Marketing Research I've seen in a very long time. These sandals were born out of the idea that people in England have said they would like to feel more connected with the earth. Out of that idea, some designer made the "logical" leap to create a sandal that is covered in for reals living grass. Nice job analyzing data and offering relative solutions, douche bags. Somebody at that marketing firm really needs to take the weed out of the employee break room.

Second, this is shoe that you need to water and provide the appropriate amount of sunlight for. Shoes + water + sun bathing = really bad idea? Maybe.

Finally, it's from Krispy Kreme?! Now I know for sure that someone needs to get shot over this idea. Actually, a lot of someones. The idiot marketing manager at Krispy Kreme that thought that understanding people's connections to the world would sell more donuts. The pot-head project lead that allowed the research to lead them down this horribly misguided path and actually let the product recommendation leave the office. The bumbling executive team at Krispy Kreme that signed off on the final implementation. AND the manufacturer, for good measure.

I would link to the product page, but I just can't bring myself to do it. Besides, more traffic at the site would mean they might not be able to process my order in time.

Yummy!: Krispy Kreme Makes Grass Sandals [Geekologie]

http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/ICanHasCheezburger/~3/azSusA20Xio/

http://icanhascheezburger.com/?p=88311

I play well with others… Others, not You.

nd i iz nawt sry either.

picture: dunno source, via our lolcat builder. lol caption: Sadie

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nedroidcomics

In hopes of preventing the indignant comments that I fear, yes I know it’s spelled “ridiculous” and yes I know that this comic doesn’t make any sense if you think about it. Please don’t think about it!

Also, 83% of this comic contains backgrounds! I am trying!

Originally published at Nedroid Picture Diary. You can comment here or there.