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The UK paper The Independent on Sunday has been thinking of the children recently with a headline article today proclaiming that children are at risk from WiFi signals, or what it sensationally calls "electronic smog." Their motivation for putting WiFi into an almost satanic light are calls by the UK Health Protection Agency to hold an investigation into the safety of WiFi signals. That's fair enough: even if most of the mania surrounding the safety (or lack thereof) of wireless networks is unjustified, an inquiry should put the record straight, right? Still, when another of the bodies that is calling for the inquiry -- the Department of Education and Skills -- calls wireless area networks "magical," it gives the increasing panic over WiFi a rather depressing perspective. Why exactly children are being used to justify an inquiry is a question that needs to be answered too, since the number of homes and workplaces equipped with WiFi must surely outnumber primary and secondary schools. That's before you factor in the prevalence of cordless phones and an array of other wireless kit in the home, which operate on the same 2.4GHz frequency that the majority of routers do. Unfortunately, our expectation is that an inquiry will lead to the same kind of back and forth arguments about the safety of mobile phones and their masts, and not any kind of clarity over this almost manufactured controversy. It certainly doesn't help for WiFi to be branded a "radiation threat" before an inquiry has even been agreed upon.

Last time we checked, the true challenge in speedy texting was overcoming the numeric keypad. Just ask Ben Cook or Ang Chuang Yang -- two of the world's quickest -- about what it's like to belt out a meaningless sequence of 160 characters without even the benefit of predictive text entry to ease the task. Alas, for LG, it's hard to pimp your QWERTY-equipped VX9900 enV in a contest that requires the use of the digit keys alone -- so it bent the rules for its $25,000 texting championship held in New York City this weekend, requiring that entrants do their thing on the enV's generous (relatively speaking) full keyboard. Morgan Pozgar, a 13 year old Pennsylvanian, bested 21 year old Eli Tirosh in the final round to walk away with the crown and the $25,000 booty by accurately texting "Supercalifragilisticexpialidoucious! Even though the sound of it is something quite atrocious. If you say it loud enough you'll always sound precocious," something Tirosh failed to do. How does it feel to have an asterisk permanently affixed next to your "World's Fastest Texter" title, Ms. Pozgar? Shall we give sprinters roller skates in the Olympics next year, too?

Seriously, we Americans could learn a thing or two from the Russians, Chinese, and Japanese, as they all know exactly how to ugly up a mouse better than anyone. As expected, the "hand painted" tilt-a-mouse proves no different, as its vivid color scheme and less-than-ergonomic grip make for a critter that only a mother (or indebted manufacturer) could love. Of course, you could make a case that the tilting interface that intelligently moves your cursor about the screen is worth a few marks, but considering the entirely more sexy innovations we've seen in mice of late, there's just no excuse for not looking good while being unique. But hey, who are we to judge the beauty of your next spherical mouse? It's all yours for a steep ¥9,700 ($82).

For those of you enjoying the free-flowing high-occupancy vehicle lane on the Capitol Expressway (in your HOV-exempt hybrid, no less), stay sharp, as it looks like those oh-so-valuable stickers that reside on your ride appear as gold to thieves. Apparently, "two to three dozen" victims per month are surfacing in California, where the now-extinct stickers are presumably fetching a pretty penny on the underground markets. The labels -- which were handed out to some 85,000 hybrid owners in years past to give them the same speedy privileges are carpoolers -- are no longer being administered by the DMV, which means that those that were able to take advantage are now targets. Interestingly, hybrid vehicles that are up for sale in the area are fetching "nearly $4,000 more" than comparative models so long as they come with the coveted sticker pre-installed. Notably, the DMV claims that the "carpool stickers are treated chemically so they crumble apart if tampered with," but that wee tidbit isn't likely to slow down a desperate bandit.

Brought to you by the same minds that created Skype, Joost touts itself as “a new way of watching TV on the Internet […] including a high-quality full-screen picture, hundreds of full-length shows and easy channel-flipping.” It also includes a lot of social features like chat, instant messaging, and customizable widgets. The web community has been buzzing with talk of Joost since it was announced and it seems like everyone and their mother is clamoring for an invite. This thing is huge — people have even been running it on the recently-released Apple TV.

I’ve been a part of the Joost beta test for a month now and have really enjoyed using the program. As a result I have, in my possession, five invites to give away to five lucky Ekonoline readers. Want to know more? Read on.
How to Get a Joost Beta Invite

Leave a comment on this entry, with a valid e-mail address, in which you:

1. Provide a link to your favourite post on Ekonoline and briefly explain why you chose it.
2. Give one or two suggestions on how Ekonoline can improve in the future.

That’s it! It’s that easy. But, just like any good contest, there is a deadline. All comments must be made by 12:00pm EST on Friday, April 6th. I’ll read each and every comment and, on Friday, choose the best five to receive Joost invites.

41 Responses to “Want a Joost Invite?”
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1. Gravatar Icon 1 Jerod Apr 3rd, 2007 at 10:39 pm

http://ekonoline.com/2007/03/07/working-under-the-full-moon/

That would be my favorite post due to the fact I can relate so much to it. I too used to work at a golf course. I didn’t work so much at night as I was a cart boy but sometimes ended up working ’til around midnight after a tournament or busy day. It seems trouble always happened after dark when we started to act stupid. I can’t tell you how many of those carts we broke in some way or another…popping all four tires riding in the woods…riding them off an embankment and getting it stuck in the ground…o those were the days. I always had more fun on that course when everyone left because it pretty much opened us up to do what we wanted…skunk hunting(yeah I said skunk…they tore up the course so we had to hunt them), fishing, frog gigging (google that up if you are not from the sticks like I am). We tore up more than we fixed but we had fun doing it. This post brought me back to a better time when we had no cares in the world…except free golf.

As far as improving the site I would recommend more techonogy posts. I know this is not nesecarily a blog about technologly, but being in the professing I’m in I really enjoy reading about stuff like that. Thats about all I suggest.

Thanks in advance if you pick me!!

Jerod
2. Gravatar Icon 2 Brian Gilham Apr 3rd, 2007 at 11:09 pm

Thanks for your comment, Jerod! It’s great to see someone who enjoyed working at a golf course as much as I did.
3. Gravatar Icon 3 Dave Apr 4th, 2007 at 12:03 am

Well, I am going to be honest, this is my first visit to the site. I found the site by searching for Joost invitations. Although, I find the site interesting and plan to put it on my favorites list.

I have been trying to get a Joost invite for about a month, and have had no luck. So PLEASE consider me. It will be greatly appreciated and I will promise to give my invitations to people who comment on this site.

Thanks
Dave
4. Gravatar Icon 4 Marco Gramaglia Apr 4th, 2007 at 5:25 am

Hi,
my favourite post is
http://ekonoline.com/2006/11/07/how-to-conduct-better-phone-interviews/

i’m a journalist on a small weekly newspaper in italy (and sorry for my very poor english).

I conduce a lot of phone interviews and this post would be very useful

thanks in advance

Marco
5. Gravatar Icon 5 Ian Halliday Apr 4th, 2007 at 6:44 am

Hey Brian, I’ve gotta admit I’ve been doing some catch-up with Ekonoline recently as I’ve been offline for about 3 months with serious ISP problems. I’m loving the direction the site has taken, and the design you have at the moment.

As for favourite post, I’d have to say “Good Magazine” as that post reminded me of just how much I loved reading books and magazines - something I had let slide at the time. Your article inspired me to pick up some reading, in the good old fashioned print-on-paper style.

That’s the thing I love most about blogs, blogging and bloggers; Unlike traditional media there is a much more of an instant human connection with the world of blogging. Most people write from their own viewpoint and share aspects of their personality and life with the world, and it’s that fact which has made blogging a revolution on the ‘net.

Incidentally I could do with some Joost invites to hand out, its seems like the way to get people on your site via Google at the moment, a subject Kory wrote about just recently. Don’t worry Brian, I like Ekonoline for more than your Joost invites ;)
6. Gravatar Icon 6 Luke Apr 4th, 2007 at 8:44 am

Responding to questions such as the one you proposed, i.e. selecting a favourite post, is always challenging. Especially when you have around 100 posts or so to choose from.

Well, I chose this one. It may seem like somewhat of a miscellaneous choice but, although it was created months prior to my reading of it, it provided some timely direction when I was considering doing that which you advised against: removing old content. Your particular personal experience with deletion gave it a bit more foundation than some other people who implore one way or another without actually having this sort of dilemma on their hands. The reminder that regardless of the quality someone might come in search of post that is not just missing, but rather completely gone was a helpful one indeed.

In reference to suggestions, I think you should maintain the current design and layout - the minimalist approach is a welcome change to some of the clutter-heavy blogs in the blogosphere midst. With one exception, I think you should probably implement another way on the homepage to view content. Sure, posts can be found within the Archives but that is a click away from the front page and is so standard of an element that it does not necessarily capture the eye as well as it needs to.

I have no advise for content or types of things should include, you cover such a broad spectrum at the moment that nothing really needs to be said. Journalism, design, politics and all things ‘net as well as your personal doings are pretty much the perfect mix in my opinion.

Whether I receive this invite or not, keep up the quality posts as they are appreciated and remember, resist the urge to delete!
7. Gravatar Icon 7 Dave Apr 4th, 2007 at 12:43 pm

I got a Joost invitation this morning.

-Dave
8. Gravatar Icon 8 Brian Gilham Apr 4th, 2007 at 10:47 pm

I got a Joost invitation this morning.

-Dave

Thanks for letting me know, Dave!

The responses have been great so far guys! Thanks for taking the time to give me some feedback on the site, it’s greatly appreciated.
9. Gravatar Icon 9 Breanne Apr 5th, 2007 at 3:06 pm

My favorite post is I’m a photographer now - Nils.

I related to this article, I am not a photographer but my partner is. And when you are partners with a photography student you get to hear all of the complaints about the art scene. He hated digital for a long time, but then took a class and doesnt mind it anymore. However he complained that alot of students dont even know how to use a camera, they dont know the internal workings. Kind of like Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance. And all of the cool kids just want to be famous and don’t really have a deep passion for the art. I think there is always the battle in any art form……….what is art? Who defines that? Anyways I will leave that up to the artists. For me if it makes me feel, I love it. And I did send the link to my partner and maybe he will submit some photos!

As for improvments to this site, it is my first time here and so far I love it just the way it is. But as I visit the site more I will let you know what improvements I think would give a boost to the site.
10. Gravatar Icon 10 Brian Gilham Apr 6th, 2007 at 12:29 pm

The mini-contest is now officially closed. Thank you so much to everyone who participated! In a few short moments I will be sending Joost invites to Jerod, Ian, Luke, Breanne, and Marco.

Congratulations, everybody! Enjoy the invites.
11. Gravatar Icon 11 Jamaipanese Apr 6th, 2007 at 2:28 pm

I need an invite please, if anyone has any extra they can spare

thank you

wakatta{at}gmail{dot}com
12. Gravatar Icon 12 Dave Apr 6th, 2007 at 4:00 pm

How long does it take to get Joost tokens to give away?
13. Gravatar Icon 13 Brian Gilham Apr 6th, 2007 at 4:13 pm

How long does it take to get Joost tokens to give away?

I’ve been a beta tester for about a month and only recently received the invites.
14. Gravatar Icon 14 Jamaipanese Apr 6th, 2007 at 4:59 pm

got my invite wooohooo i am happy!
15. Gravatar Icon 15 Noddux Apr 6th, 2007 at 9:39 pm

Hi all… somebody can invite me to joost please?
I really want one, I hope someone can send me one…

Good look to all!
16. Gravatar Icon 16 Kaylof Apr 7th, 2007 at 7:02 am

Gotta say, my favourite post is this same post.

It certainly shows how we are all interested in Joost!

I would love it if I could get an invite…

Thanks!

icjose(at)gmail(dot)com
17. Gravatar Icon 17 Ian Halliday Apr 7th, 2007 at 8:08 am

Thanks for the invite Brian, I got it through this morning, and have had a little play with Joost. It seemed to struggle a little bit with my connection, but my overall impression was that they have done an excellent job with the interface.

I’m going to look forward to checking some of that content out!
18. Gravatar Icon 18 Brian Gilham Apr 7th, 2007 at 1:09 pm

Thanks for the invite Brian, I got it through this morning, and have had a little play with Joost. It seemed to struggle a little bit with my connection, but my overall impression was that they have done an excellent job with the interface.

I’m going to look forward to checking some of that content out!

You’re welcome, Ian. As long as your connection is a reasonably fast one, I wouldn’t worry about any slowdowns too much just yet. With a beta service such as this, lag could just as easily be a server-side issue. It’s definitely an interesting service, though, and they seem to have a few big media companies behind them.

It will be interesting to see how Joost evolves.
19. Gravatar Icon 19 Trof Apr 9th, 2007 at 7:24 am

I need an invite please, if anyone has any extra they can spare

thank you

trofim@starlink.ru
20. Gravatar Icon 20 ejpi Apr 9th, 2007 at 5:58 pm

Could someone please send me a joost invite?

ejpixo@gmail.com

thnx
21. Gravatar Icon 21 ramulis Apr 10th, 2007 at 8:04 am

Hi there. I’ve signed up for a tester few months ago but no invite still…

If anyone have left any please send one to ramulis @ gmail.com

Thanks u!
22. Gravatar Icon 22 Kohaku Apr 10th, 2007 at 10:27 pm

Joost me please kohaku[dot]demonslayers[at]gmail[dot]com

Will be very greatful for one and will be more than happy to hand out my invites to others here.
23. Gravatar Icon 23 Dom Kane Apr 12th, 2007 at 11:10 am

An improvement to the site in my opinion, would be coverage of the politics of both the music and TV industry.

Particularly dance music… Being who I am, and running my own label, means this is very important to me.

For example, how the major labels processes are now changed due to internet music sales. Where they once signed artists direct and risked an investment, they can now sit back and let the smaller labels (and even the artists themselves) do the ground work online, until a buz is created. then the major can step in and sign them with little to no risk. How does this affect the way artists and labels should be promoting themselves?

Would love to be watching Joost, as this is the next phase of TV. We had it in the music industry where iTunes changed the industry forever, and now YouTube are doing the same to TV.

Dom Kane - DJ / Producer / Label Manager
24. Gravatar Icon 24 Cody Johnson Apr 14th, 2007 at 4:51 am

I would really like a joost invite hit me up plz

acdclive@cox.net
25. Gravatar Icon 25 Max Thrane Apr 15th, 2007 at 3:56 pm

http://maxt.dk/archives/2007/04/15/why-i-hate-joost/

Enough said…
26. Gravatar Icon 26 Matt Robell Apr 15th, 2007 at 5:58 pm

Could I please get a joost invite from someone??

Thank you!!!!
27. Gravatar Icon 27 Matt Robell Apr 15th, 2007 at 5:59 pm

Woops forgot to leave my email
MattRobell@gmail.com

Thanks again
28. Gravatar Icon 28 Brian Gilham Apr 15th, 2007 at 8:56 pm

Joost has now closed the beta invite program. Please stop posting comments asking for invites.
29. Gravatar Icon 29 joey k Apr 17th, 2007 at 3:21 pm

I got mine on Ebay for under 10 bucks and its been the best thing ever. Just search for joost invite
30. Gravatar Icon 30 Simtec Apr 17th, 2007 at 7:31 pm

I want a joost invite please, I want to test it

this is my email trepsim@hotmail.com

thanks you
31. Gravatar Icon 31 r00t4rd3d Apr 17th, 2007 at 10:36 pm

Joost has now closed the beta invite program. Please stop posting comments asking for invites.

Thats not true , Im in beta and I just got more invites today.
32. Gravatar Icon 32 Brian Gilham Apr 18th, 2007 at 9:41 am

Thats not true , Im in beta and I just got more invites today.

Well, in that case I have been misinformed. Either way, asking for invites here on Ekonoline is rather pointless as I don’t have any left. Once I do, I will gladly give them away again.

So, the message remains the same. Stop asking for invites.
33. Gravatar Icon 33 Edgar Apr 18th, 2007 at 11:17 pm

I need joost
ebbispo@hotmail.com
34. Gravatar Icon 34 Alex Apr 19th, 2007 at 7:07 pm

My fav article is the 300 one: http://ekonoline.com/2007/03/10/review-300/
You could improve this site by having more articles and maybe a digg style type of website.

Need a joost invite: born-in-ussr@hotmail.com

THANKS
35. Gravatar Icon 35 Kory Apr 19th, 2007 at 7:34 pm

I’m a poor college kid without cable right now. Please help me out with a Joost invite.

Thanks

K.G.Klossner@tcu.edu
36. Gravatar Icon 36 freestmind Apr 19th, 2007 at 7:59 pm

come on over to joostswap.com, you’ll find invites there^^
37. Gravatar Icon 37 Brian Gilham Apr 19th, 2007 at 9:13 pm

come on over to joostswap.com, you’ll find invites there^^

Thanks for the link, freestmind. Everyone head over there!
38. Gravatar Icon 38 Wes Apr 19th, 2007 at 9:27 pm

Religon is always a contriversal topic, I applaude you for posting the blog. It’s also nice to see the honest comments that people are will to share when they are anonomus.

I realy like the cosmetics of your blog site i just thing content could be displayed more intuitivly. The search is fast but something more like a time sensitive hot topic list would be nice. Sometimes I’m just look for something interesting not realy search for specifics. Thanks for the site, I’ve already got it as a fav.

Thanks,
Wes
39. Gravatar Icon 39 Jason Apr 20th, 2007 at 4:02 pm

Please send me an invite pagantaoist@gmail.com
40. Gravatar Icon 40 alec Apr 20th, 2007 at 10:26 pm

 

Posted Apr 22nd 2007 6:00PM by Dave Caolo
Filed under: Retail, Apple TV
First it was Best Buy, now AppleInsider is reporting that US retailer Target will become the next third party chain to sell the Apple TV. You can expect to see units in stores by the end of the month (you can currently get one online at Target's website), and a few locations will even feature full-blown demo setups.

It has been reported that Apple TV sales have been a bit slow at Best Buy, so who knows what will happen at Target. Let us know if you see any, especially a demo model.

 

Use Xbox 360 Guitar Hero Controller with Frets on Fire

Posted Apr 22nd 2007 3:00PM by Mat Lu
Filed under: Gaming, Freeware
A while back we posted on the cool open source Guitar Hero clone, Frets on Fire. Well I'm a pretty big Xbox 360 fan, and one of my favorite games on the 360 is the recently released Guitar Hero II, which ships with a USB X-plorer guitar-shaped controller. So of course the first thing I did when I got it was plug it into my Mac to see if it would work with the Pref360 controller driver, but alas it did not. Disappointed, I contacted the author of that driver, Colin Munro, to see if he could help me get it working. And sure enough, with a little bit of editing of the driver plist, we got it going (that is to say, I followed his directions exactly and it worked).

I asked Colin if he would go ahead and add native support for the X-plorer for the next release of Pref360, and he has now done exactly that in the just released version 0.05. Furthermore, it works great with Frets on Fire (look here for the Mac version); just install Pref360 and then go into the Frets on Fire button setup and you should be able to assign the fret and strum buttons (the whammy bar is not yet supported in Frets on Fire). Now you have access access to all the fan created songs for Frets on Fire on your Mac.

Coincidentally, MacRecon recently reported that you could use the X-plorer with USB Overdrive ($20). However, Pref360 is donationware, and it works with Frets on Fire. So unless you have some other need for USB Overdrive I'd suggest going with Pref360, which is a free download from Tattiebogle.