Those Scary Gun Emojis

With so many liberals today exhibiting irrational fears of inanimate objects, it's not surprising that even cartoon drawings of guns would invoke trepidation in these tender snowflakes. Emojipedia has a revealing synopsis of the gun emoji on various platforms.

This graphic is interesting.

The switch to a more realistic depiction by Microsoft in 2016 caught my eye. A cynic might suspect it had something to do with trying to differentiate from Apple's shift in the opposite direction at the same time. However, Microsoft will be following the trend in the future.

Even cartoon drawings can trigger the hoplophobia it seems. For a group of people so immersed in a fantasy world, one would think those ray guns would illicit even more anxiety.

See Google Updates Gun Emoji for more.

When Support is Offshore

I've been dealing with a major software company which has apparently moved their support services offshore. I received the following email response...

Hi David,

Apologies for the incontinence caused, allow me a couple of hours & let me revert with answer.

Thanks
Shray

And it was downhill from there...

Overheard: Weapons Discussion

Passing by a room full of developers this morning, I overhear what sounds like a weapons discussion going on. I slow down and hear "... but the aiming point will change." Coming to a full stop outside the door, I soon pick up more of the conversation.

"But sometimes I get packet loss and it seems like I'm walking in mud. And when I die I don't even know it."

Gamers. Sheesh.

Tasting Beer: New Title On Inkling

Tasting Beer: An Insider's Guide to the World's Greatest Drink by Randy Mosher is a popular guide to everything beer. Author Randy Mosher is a Chicago-based Cicerone who's written extensively on the subject. Now, Inkling, a publisher of interactive books has joined with with the author and the publisher of Tasting Beer to provide an electronic version for iPads, iPhones, and your computer. The guide is available as a standalone app in the iTunes App Store, from within the Inkling website, or via the Inkling iOS app.

I've been enjoying reading Tasting Beer on my iPad. The book content itself is very interesting. It's easy to digest and is suitable for both the beer novice and expert alike. There are chapters on the history of beer, beer styles, brewing, tasting beer, food pairings, among others. The electronic version of the guide has all the content of the printed book, plus some extra features:

• Integrated 'Tasting Records' allow readers to record their favorite brews
• Tappable glossary definitions for names, labels, and terms (see an example) 
• Interactive images and infographics like slideshows, slidelines, and guided tours (see an example)
• Social tools that allow you to follow friends’ notes and interact directly within the title

For a limited time you can get Tasting Beer: An Insider's Guide to the World's Greatest Drink in the iTunes App Store at a great price. This title is available for only $1.99 (regularly $12.99) from Friday, 12/14/2012, to Sunday, 12/16/2012. The sale price is good for the iOS stand alone version of the book. You can download and use the iOS app book without needing an Inkling account. However, if you sign up for an Inkling account when you open the book app, you will also be able to access the book, and other Inkling titles, both online via your web browser and within the Inkling app on iPhone or iPad.

Note: I was provided a free copy of the book in my Inkling account for possible review. This review was written of my own free will and without compensation.

The Popinator

This looks like fun.

 But then again, who eats popcorn one kernel at a time?

AK-47 USB Drive

Last month we looked at a razor blade shaped bottle opener. Now here's something that is sure to get the hoplophobes worked up. The folks at Brando.com have a USB flash drive shaped like a AK-47 "assault rifle!"

Of course, to anyone with a modicum of common sense would realize this is not a weapon. In other words kids, don't take it to school with you.

Beer Geeks

Put a bunch of tech-savvy inventors and a beer fridge in the same room and something interesting is bound to happen. The guys at Milwaukee Makerspace take their beer, or at least their beer security, seriously. They've rigged their beer refrigerator with an RFID reader and use their key fobs to control access. They also track who's drinking, and how much. A display screen even welcomes the visitor.

Look like a fun project for a bunch of hackers and inventors. But rest assured, visitors to the Musings abode simply need to grasp the fridge door handle and pull to open.

More details an pictures at "Beer Automated Dispensing And Security System".

Just Because You're Paranoid....

Doesn't mean they aren't watching you.

Click to embiggen

I hope they're learning a few things. :-)

Actually the most disconcerting part of that is noting that the Department of Homeland Security is still using Windows XP.