From Google Reader: Hack breaks Hulu Plus free from supported device chains, embraces Androids of every shape and color

It’s not TV, it’s Hulu Plus and it’s coming to the Android device of your choosing — somewhat, unofficially. While the main ad-supported, streaming video site may have failed to seek refuge in the arms of a new owner last year, its subscription mobile offshoot is now finding a home in all Googlefied phones and tablets via a modified .apk created by XDA Developers member Vgeezy. But before you get all hot and bothered, keep in mind this jailbroken app stillrequires a subscription to work, although you won’t need root to install it. So, any users looking for a quick and illicit content fix will have to look elsewhere. For everyone else, there’s the source link below.

 

from Engadget

From Google Reader: China wants microbloggers to register with the government, hand over real identity

My thoughts?! Boo, I say, boo!!!
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Weibo

Thought that Facebook’s and Google+’s requirements that you use your real name were draconian? Just be thankful you’re not a weibo addict in China. The government is planning to expand a program that demands users register their real names and disclose their identity. Wang Chen, China’s top internet regulation official, said the eventual goal would be to get all 250 million microbloggers registered, starting first with any new users signing up. The obvious privacy and free speech issues that could arise from such a move shouldn’t need to be explained — especially considering the country’s track record of censorship and politically motivated arrests. Sadly, unlike SOPA, putting an end to this troubling law isn’t as simple as putting up a black banner or emailing your congressman.

 

from Engadget

Silicon Valley Nerd Tour

So while I was in the Silicon Valley area, I decided to do the ultra nerd tour!  I already missed a few like Twitter and Yelp but here are those that I managed to see… in the order of places visited…

Apple (even though I may not like it!)

Seagate!

Google!!

Intuit

Facebook!

Facebook II!

Skype

HP

Nokia

Microsoft

Yahoo!

eBay

Netflix

Motorola

nVidia

Tesla

They had a Tesla showroom at San Jose mall area that Jim & MJ took me to!  It was awesome looking car!  Just… bit out of my range at $100k…

Old Car Needs Parts? Internetz has got the answer

My ’96 Honda Accord, with over 195,000 miles on it is now in need of new suspension.  Rear shocks & springs are gone.  Not only do they squeak badly all the time, they are making the wheel alignment go off. Well, I took it to Firestone and got a quote that went to about $1000.  The car’s value is maybe about $2000 at most.  It still has lots of life left in it. After all, I put in a rebuilt tranny in it and take good care of it.

So I took upon the challenge to look on the ‘net to see if I can find a set for cheaper.  My awesome mechanic, Ash Auto, quoted about $200 for the labor so I needed just the parts. Well, there were lots of aftermarket suspensions that lowered the car by an inch or two. I thought that’d be awesome since the car tends to roll.  A lot.  I don’t care so much about the speed, but the handling is a must.

However, my suspension-ful story took a sharp turn when I spoke with Ash and he mentioned that when you lower a car, the camber angle (angle between the suspension to the wheel) changes and can mess up the tires.

So I went back to the drawing board, ok, eBay. I searched for camber kits on eBay and guess what?! They were more expensive than the shocks and the springs! WTH?!

After vainly trying to find both camber kit AND suspension for about $400 and failed. Failed miserably! So I had to give that idea of lowering the car up, and decided to just stick to OEM parts. So I looked and looked… and the best I came up with was Monroe parts: 171989, 171286L/R.

However, here’s the final kicker. eBay is not necessarily the best place to find the best price. Guess where I found them? Amazon.com  Yup. In the end, just keep looking. The set of 4, which should be here by Wednesday, cost me about $420.

Still… I wish I could’ve gotten the lowering suspension AND the camber kit for the same price… Oh well, c’est la vie.