The Chicken Came First

The Chicken Came First

Jul 18, 2010

Well, it’s official: the chicken came first. And now there is scientific evidence of this, too. Earlier this week Gizmodo reported that scientists recently discovered that an important protein, ovocledidin-17 (OC-17), is needed in order to speed up the egg shell’s development. As this protein is found in the ovaries of a chicken, it is quite clear...

Is The RIAA Providing Good Value?

Is The RIAA Providing Good Value?

Jul 18, 2010

As you know, the RIAA has been very vocal, and very active, about trying to (so they say) protect the interests of the creative people in the recording industry. I happen to disagree with their approach, and believe that the need to totally change their whole approach, bringing themselves into the 21st Century. This week some figures came to light about just...

Happy Birthday, Etch-A-Sketch

Happy Birthday, Etch-A-Sketch

Jul 18, 2010

Did you wish your Etch-A-Sketch a happy birthday this week? Fifty years ago this week, on July 12, 1960, to be precise, this wonderful device came into our lives. Here at the Gadget Grill we celebrated this occasion with some of our favourite chocolate truffles and a glass or three of champagne. And a special burger, with all of the trimmings, of...

Filesharing Still Illegal, Penalty Reduced

Filesharing Still Illegal, Penalty Reduced

Jul 11, 2010

The Boston Globe reports that in the case of Boston Universtity student convicted of illegally downloading copyright material, the penalty initially handed down was excessive. In July of last year, Joel Tenenbaum was ordered to pay $675000 damages to four record labels for illegally downloading 30 songs and sharing them online. US District Court Judge Nancy...

May The NBN Be With You

May The NBN Be With You

Jul 11, 2010

It’s been a big week for the NBN, with the first customers (in Tassie) coming on line, and now they’ve also announced the first mainland locations that will be getting the benefit of their technology. So, if you are fortunate enough to live in places like Riverstone and Coffs Harbour in New South Wales; Gungahlin in the ACT; Victoria’s Bacchus...

Up Up And Away (II)

Up Up And Away (II)

Jul 11, 2010

Last week we covered the new flying car from Terrifugia. This week we have news of more of what we’ve seen in The Jetson’s possibly becoming a reality, with Logi AeroSpace revealing that they’re developing a rotary winged aircraft called the Tyrannos. This is designed to seat four, and will fly at up to 1000 ft. Apparently, it’s also...