BOSS logic » Fun

Ocean kayaking and whisky!

Zacharias — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 17:54:11 +0000

Ok, this has got to be the perfect tour: Ocean kayaking around the coast of Scotland on a tour that includes stops at some of the finest scotch whisky distilleries on the islands. I really can’t think of a better vacation.

Modern data visualization

Zacharias — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 17:06:47 +0000

Smashing Magazine has catalogued some of the most amazing visualization technique available today. I’m particularly fascinated by the spacial navigation and visualization models. As technology catches up with the processing capabilities of humans, we’ll be seeing more and more technology like this. We don’t think in folders and files–we think in relationships, proximity and “likeness.” When computers can anticipate and respond in these terms we’ll spend less time working with computers, and more time working with information. (And while you’re here, check out Musicovery–hands down one of the best ways to explore music).

Virus

Zacharias — Sun, 01 Jun 2008 19:06:07 +0000

Even though Mac OS/X has been demonstrating more problems of late (40 Mac OS X security patches this month, preceded by 90 security patches last month according to Mitchell Ashley), there have still been no significant breaches of OS/X security. Mitchell’s point is that Apple has remained too obscure a target to garner much attention from the hacker world, but I don’t agree. OS/X is a BSD derivative, just like Linux. In fact, most security vulnerabilities that would worry a Linux administrator also worry an OS/X administrator. While OS/X is a less prominent target, it’s also a less vulnerable one.

Linux (and OS/X) was developed based on the more robust security model of UNIX. Both have been hosting some juicy targets for decades. Just imagine the glee of the first hacker to successfully break into Google.

Mitchell is at least partially correct, though. Obviously, with a market share in the 6% range, Apple is a much smaller target. I’m sure if the tables where reversed, OS/X would have been the target of much more aggressive attention. Even so, I’m confident that OS/X is inherently more secure. As Mac’s start to garner more and more attention, I think we’ll see they’re tougher to crack — but not impossible. At least not as long as human error is involved.

Skitch

Zacharias — Wed, 04 Jul 2007 16:56:53 +0000

This is just… awesome. Skitch reminds me of the fantastically simple and powerful user interface of Bryce. Here’s a 3 minute video clip to illustrate — it’s worth watching just to see some good design work:

As a matter of fact, it’s reminiscent enough that I have to wonder if Skitch’s designer is also a Bryce fan. At any rate, I’m looking forward to using this for everything from boardroom meetings to my Flickr account.

How to win a photography contest

Zacharias — Thu, 24 May 2007 08:19:13 +0000

One of the judges of a major photography contest writes at great length about the things he looks for in a competition winner. A very interesting read if you’re into photography, or just curious how these things are judged. The advice stands alone as well, making good tips on how to take some great photographs.

Tea garden

Zacharias — Mon, 14 May 2007 10:04:40 +0000

While browsing through my iPhoto database I found these beautiful shots from the Japanese Tea Garden in Golden Gate park. Thought I’d upload a few to my Flickr feed (visit Flickr to see the whole set).