BON ECHO!

This subject has probably been blogged to death already, but anyway, here's my update on installing the new beta for Firefox 2, Bon Echo (apparently continuing the tradition of naming Firefox betas after public parks). First of all here's the link.

I was a little hesitant as I usually am with Beta releases but so far is working quite well, and handy on several levels for my Google work. There are some small new default settings, that I had already changed in the original, such as opening new links to tabs and stuff: but on to the bigger stuff---

SPELL CHECK!- quite handy, highlights in red just like Word in any text boxes

Improved search engine ordering, and auto complete Google/Yahoo search with suggestions. (ironically seen complaints, that it's hard to setup for MSN... big surprise!)

Restoration of Browser Sessions after crash- biggest benefit for me so far, being a huge multitasker, who keeps crashing browsers (currently have 5 windows, 3 tabs, itunes, email, AIM open among other things as I type this) is that automatic restore of browsing session after crashes.

Other than that, check out the other features on the link. only problem I had so far was that prefbar isn't compatible, and had minor issues getting Flash reinstalled.
Other than that I'd give it a 8/10 so far, good for being a beta.

One other major difference I noticed, is I don't have the problem with it "hanging up"/freezing for a few secs very frequently as I had with the original Firefox. That was a pain streaming music, while I had too much open, and it would freeze/repeat in midstream... haven't had that yet with Bon Echo. Oh and one more thing, nicely compatible with bookmarks/passwords from Firefox, as to be expected I guess.

What were they thinking Awards...

Can't say I found these via google (yet), and don't have the URL as I found this via email going around, but here are some pretty interesting domain names:

"All of these are legitimate companies dealing in regular products and services, but they didn't think their domain names through!
Take note, as clearly some (most actually) are prime candidates for the "What were we Thinking? Award"!

1). A site called 'Who represents' where you can find the name of an agent that represents a specific celebrity. Their domain name is: www.whorepresents.com


2). 'Experts Exchange', a knowledge base where programmers can Exchange advice and views at: www.expertsexchange.com


3). Looking for a pen ???? Look no further than 'Pen Island' at: www.penisland.net


4). Need a 'therapist' ???? Try 'Therapist Finder' at: www.therapistfinder.com


5). Then of course, there's the 'Italian Power Generator Company' - www.powergenitalia.com


6). And now, we have the Mole Station Native Nursery, based in New South Wales: www.molestationnursery.com


7). If you're looking for computer software, there's always www.ipanywhere.com


8). Welcome to the First Cumming Methodist Church Their website is www.cummingfirst.com


9). Then, of course, there's these brainless art designers, and their wacky website: www.speedofart.com


10). Want to holiday in Lake Tahoe ?????? Try their brochure website at: www.gotahoe.com "

I have to post this

Being a Nascar fan, found it very amusing to learn that Microsoft for the first time is sponsoring a Nascar Nextel Cup Car. The irony, they are sponsoring Jeff Green, a driver with no career wins who frequently crashes. I'll stop there, and you can make your own jokes...

Rare political blog

trying to avoid politics too much, but can't resist posting this, watch the fence behind President Bush, during a speech on illegal immigration. Oh the irony!

Like Playing Pool? Check this out

really awesome video of some pool table tricks on YouTube. That takes some serious skill!

Now That I work for Google

I should be careful that this doesn't happen.

Reality TV Phase moves to Video Games

If you haven't heard of EA's Spore yet check out this review on cnn.com of the 06 E3 in LA. Hmm, a game that allows you

"hunt for food, mate with a partner and evolve into a more sophisticated being."

hmm. are they sure about that last part????

Getting Desparate??

Continuing on my Microsoft theme of the last few days apparently they're not as close to crushing google as they think based on this excerpt (article here)

"Microsoft said it would supply free towels in company showers, better food in staff canteens and on-site laundry service in an effort to boost employee morale as it battles for talent with Google and other recent start-ups."

Story Time

two rather funny stories circulating via email I thought I'd share

The Lone Ranger

The Lone Ranger and Tonto went camping in the desert. After they got
their tent all set up, both men fell sound asleep.



Some hours later, Tonto wakes the Lone Ranger, and says, "Kemo Sabe,
look towards sky; what you see?"



The Lone Ranger replies, "I see millions of stars."



"What that tell you?" asked Tonto.



The Lone Ranger ponders for a minute, then says, "Astronomically
speaking, it tells me there are millions of galaxies and potentially
billions of planets. Astrologically, it tells me that Saturn is in Leo.
Time wise, it appears to be approximately a quarter past three in the
morning. Theologically, the Lord is all-powerful, and we are small and
insignificant. Meteorologically, it seems we will have a beautiful day
tomorrow.



What does it tell you Tonto?"

"You dumber than buffalo shit, Kemo Sabe. Someone stole our tent."

***********

Don't mess with the Blonde

Last year I replaced all the windows in my house with those expensive
double-pane energy-efficient kind. Yesterday, I got a call from the
contractor who installed them. He was complaining that the windows had
been installed a whole year ago and I hadn't paid for them yet.

Hellloooo? Now just because I'm blonde doesn't mean that I am
automatically stupid. So I told him just exactly what his fast-talking
sales guy had told ME last year... namely, that in just ONE YEAR these
windows would pay for themselves!

Helllooooo"? (I told him). "It's been a year"!

There was only silence at the other end of the line, so I finally just
hung up....

He hasn't called back, probably too embarrassed about forgetting the
guarantee they made me. Bet he won't underestimate a blonde anymore.

Spam, anybody?

Here is the perfect spam site.

And Speaking of MS

who do they think they are a monopoly? Now they're threatening to crush Google! How dare they? Personally not really sure they crushed Netscape as they claimed. Netscape simply evolved into Mozilla/Firefox, which is increasingly popular in light of IE security holes.
update: to explain why this bothers me so much, i just got a temp position online to essentially grade google (can't say too much due to that whole confidentiality thing)

Big Surprise

Well, big surprise, Microsoft delays Vista AGAIN