U.S. Military Used Fake Chinese Networking - FBI

A two-year FBI probe called Operation Cisco Raider discovered the use by various branches of the U.S. military of some 3,500 counterfeit Cisco Systems network components made in China. The FBI says it doesn't know whether or not the fake goods were part of a "state-sponsored intelligence effort" (i.e. CHINESE SPY PROGRAM). The potential threat with fake network equipment would be the potential ability of China to jam U.S. network equipment or make it easier to hack, according to the FBI. Despite the threat, the FBI worked with the Chinese government on the investigation, which resulted in arrests within China.

Why Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer Should Resign

Steve Ballmer's got no vision, no charisma, no engineering cred and no outside experience running a company. Ballmer himself admits to not being good at negotiating. And now his deal-making and decision-making skills are being questioned. Remind me again: WHY IS STEVE BALLMER CEO OF MICROSOFT?

Worst Bluetooth Gadget Yet: PDA Stylus Handset

Brando is now selling a $30 PDA stylus that doubles as a Bluetooth headset. When a call comes in, you HOLD THE STYLUS UP TO YOUR EAR to talk on the phone. You can also plug earbuds into it and take the call the old-fashioned way.

Cadillac CEO to Show Off Ethanol-Electric Chopper

Not content with leading a company that makes gas-guzzling monster cars and SUVs during an oil crisis, Cadillac boss Jim Taylor plans to show off a chopper at the Detroit Auto Show this year that runs on ethanol -- a HOG THAT RUNS ON FOOD-BASED FUEL during a global food crisis! The motorcycle is being built by Great American Chopper of Clawson, Michigan, for Taylor. It's a hybrid chopper that also runs on electricity. Alright. I'll admit it. I want one.

Google Backs Spinning Power Plant In the Sky

Search giant Google is funding Magenn Power, a Canadian company building GIANT POWER PLANT KITES BLIMPS. The tethered balloons have "riverboat blades," which make the whole contraption spin in the sky from the force of the fast-moving, high-altitude wind, which generates electricity with power-generating turbines. I want one.

Adventures In Extreme Telecommuting

Thanks to advances in mobile computing, telecommunications and the Internet, it's possible for some lucky professionals to enjoy what has become known as the "extreme telecommuting" lifestyle. "Extreme telecommuting" is just like "working from home," except you're not at home -- you're living abroad without taking any time off. I've been in Greece now for nearly a month, and I'm happy to tell you that "extreme telecommuting" is possible and rewarding -- but it isn't easy. HERE'S WHAT I'VE LEARNED SO FAR.

When Is International "Shut Up Day"?

Saturday was International Shutdown Day, a worldwide event put together by a Canadian organization of the same name (Shutdown Day) to get as many people as possible to ignore their computers for 24 hours. Are you tired of these International Days that try to get you to do something? When is "INTERNATIONAL SHUT UP DAY"?

Scientists Invent Eyeball- Controlled Game Input

Researchers at the UK's De Montfort University are creating software that would enable GAMERS TO PLAY USING ONLY THEIR EYES. The software would control LED lights mounted at the bottom of a PC display and sensors that used the reflected light to figure out where the player was looking. "Gestures," such as quickly glancing to one side of the screen, could switch modes. Although the technology is aimed at handicapped people, the technology could also be used by super-gamers who might play faster using eye-control.

UK Crossing Guard Signs to Get Cameras

The British apparently never met a problem that couldn't be solved with surveillance cameras. Now the most surveilled nation on Earth plans to INSTALL $2,000 CAMERAS (front and back) on those handheld stop signs carried by volunteer crossing guards who help kids cross streets near schools. Local councils hope the cameras will deter growing abuse heaped on "lollipop ladies" by drivers who would prefer to plow through groups of school children rather than having to wait.

Oh, No! It's the Return of the Keyboard Shortcut!

The conventional wisdom is that icons are pretty and shiny and that keyboard shortcuts are ugly and scary. But for applications or Web sites used every day, keyboard shortcuts are far more appealing in actual practice. The reason is that keyboard shortcuts become habits that you can do without even thinking. Muscle memory takes over, and they become second nature. But icons always require mental processing and time-consuming, spastic lurching from mouse to keyboard and back. This is a nugget of geek wisdom lost to the sands of time.

Fast forward to 2008 and the era of online productivity applications, which are on balance even more icon-happy and less keystroke-friendly than the world of Windows, Mac and Linux desktop applications.

I have, however, been gravitating lately to two sites that I use all day, every day, which are by far the most powerful and fastest sites I’ve found. One is an online to-do list called Todoist, and the other is a search site called Quick.as.

Besides being super fast to use and ultra minimalist in design, these two sites have something else in common: their power comes from the use of KEYBOARD SHORTCUTS.

New Jeans With Built-In Keyboard Repel Women

Designer Erik De Nijs has invented pants with a fully-functional BUILT-IN-KEYBOARD, which is great for fast-typing and repelling women.