By Stephen Downes - Stephen's Web. The Future of Music
I had planned to buy set of keyboards (despite the fact that I can't play a lick of music) but I got Garage Band instead, an application that has derailed my exploration into video editing. So I know exactly the significance of the announcement that Nine Inch Nails (NIN) will be releasing their music in Garage Band format. Now of course I wish it were an open format - Apple is so bad in that respect. But still, as Tony Hirst comments, "Well, you won't be downloading MP3. Instead I'm looking forward to a time when we'll be downloading a Garageband-like mix to our Garageband-like stereos - its audio card will generate sounds using onboard synths and samplers and do a real time audio mix for you. More...

By Stephen Downes - Stephen's Web. Get Out Your Snow Shoes-Severe Snowstorms Hitting TV
What tipped the balance for me was the showshoe metaphor, accompanied by Wayne Hodgins's bold declaration that he's Canadian (nice to see - it always irks to see Alex Trebek turn his back on our country). Anyhow, according to Hodgins, the "'Snowflake Effect' (mass personalization) is deeply affecting TV." Yes, and about time. So long as it doesn't take away my morning news, which is really the only TV of any significance I watch. More...