Randall Stross: At my house, the Internet connection is flaky at times, so I really shouldn’t demand that my favorite Web sites have Five-9s availability. Perceived reliability is determined by the least reliable service in the chain. A home user’s Internet connection, with a laptop using Wi-Fi, would be available about 99.8 percent of the time, estimates Mr. Hölzle at Google, which equates to about 18 hours of cumulative downtime a year. So, he says, “if Google provided Five 9s, you wouldn’t know.” ...

The game, Minecraft, is quite possibly the only graphical multiplayer game that captures the text-based MUD experience of years past. By that, I mean that not only can you login and play on a server with other people, but you can also download the server software and host your own game server allowing others to connect and play. Additionally, with some mods or some coding, you can add your own features and functions to the game. ...

Jason Bell writes a detailed review of the TSA’s X-ray backscatter scanner safety reports. In order to really understand these concerns, I think its important to consider the type of radiation used in these scanners, which the TSA has described as ‘soft’ and ‘safe’. First, we need to clarify the definition of ‘soft’ vs ‘hard’ X-rays. The TSA has been stating that the X-rays used in the back scatter machines use ‘soft’ X-rays, which are defined as radiation between 0.12-12 keV (or kilo electron volts) and are generally stopped, or absorbed, by soft tissue or low density matter. ‘Hard’ X-rays are between 12-128 keV and are absorbed by dense matter like bone. According to the TSA safety documents, AIT uses an 50 keV source that emits a broad spectra (see adjacent graph from here). Essentially, this means that the X-ray source used in the Rapiscan system is the same as those used for mammograms and some dental X-rays, and uses BOTH ‘soft’ and ‘hard’ X-rays. Its very disturbing that the TSA has been misleading on this point. Here is the real catch: the softer the X-ray, the more its absorbed by the body, and the higher the biologically relevant dose! This means, that this radiation is potentially worse than an a higher energy medical chest X-ray. ...

Isaac Z. Schlueter shares his story of opting out of the new TSA millimeter wave scanners and backscatter X-Rays. “Yeah, it’s messed up. Did you know that the UCSF oncology department thinks they pose a serious health risk, especially to children or anyone at risk for breast cancer?” Check out the whole story and addenda. Also, read the UCSF Letter of Concern here and the FDA response letter here. Stay informed and share your knowledge with others. ...

My iPhone recently corrected “Kung Pao Chicken” to “King Pap Chicken”, which is not nearly as appetizing. The “Damn You Auto Correct!” site has far more hilarious examples of one of Apple’s finer, and funnier, technologies in use on the iPhone.

Substitute “damn” every time you’re inclined to write “very”; your editor will delete it and the writing will be just as it should be. ~Mark Twain Honoring Samuel Clemens’ wish, following his death, one hundred years (and several months) were allowed to pass before the first volume of the prolific author’s autobiography was released on Monday, October 18, 2010. It’s available on Kindle, also.

Seth is spot on. Many people in the United States purchase one or fewer books every year. Many of those people have seen every single episode of American Idol. There is clearly a correlation here. Access to knowledge, for the first time in history, is largely unimpeded for the middle class. Without effort or expense, it’s possible to become informed if you choose. For less than your cable TV bill, you can buy and read an important book every week. Share the buying with six friends and it costs far less than coffee. ...

Text adventures on your Kindle? Done.

I’ve known a number of cats in my day, but none quite like you, Glennis. Your attitude and intelligence set you apart, and while I only had the pleasure to know you for a few years, you were a constant companion nonetheless. I’ll miss the afternoon naps on the couch with you curled up on my chest, the sound of your meow when I walked in the room, the times when you’d sneak attack the other cats. And I’ll miss cradling you in my arms and rubbing your belly while you purred and nuzzled my arm. ...

A skilfully written parody of T.S. Eliot’s, The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock. Go read it.