Bill Gates

Old, abandoned websites that still work

Here is a nice collection of old websites that were abandoned, but still work. Most of these were last updated in mid-90’s. And, though I haven’t seen most of them back in the day, the overall atmosphere and common elements of those time bring a nostalgic tear to my eye.

Off the whole selection, my obvious favorite one is Internet Explorer is EVIL! of course. Back in 1998, 15 years ago, way before any of the modern Web 2.0 or whatever version we are running now, some people knew the truth and were not afraid to say it. In the most expressing matter – including satanic stars, fires of Hell, and a face image of Bill Gates.

Some things never change …

Bill Gates, Warren Buffett : Give away half your money!

This is one of those things where nothing that I might say will make it anymore believable. Heck, even the quote from The Wall Street Journal seems like a hoax:

Bill Gates and Warren Buffett announced today that 40 signers, including at least 30 billionaires and other wealthy families, had officially made the Giving Pledge–a promise to give away more than half their fortunes.

I think they are just trying to prove Chris Rock wrong (from 1:28 and further):

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4m37JkkGjAY]

Pen-based computing? Really?

Here is a quote form Bill Gates that made me go “Huh? Are you for real?”:

Microsoft has a lot of different tablet projects that we’re pursuing. We think that work with the pen that Microsoft pioneered will become a mainstream for students. It can give you a device that you can not only read, but also create documents at the same time.

What? Pen-based? Really? In 21st century? For students? Even me, who dropped out of college a decade ago considers pen to be nothing but a pain and an absolute last resort for input and notes. I can barely write anything longer than my own signature, and even that comes out different every time I try it. Stylus? Do you mean that thing which is constantly lost or broken or stuck in the pocket? I can’t believe it…

I could understand it as a familiar interface for older people. Yes, why not. But for students? Have you seen any students recently? Most of them have mobile phones growing out of their thumbs. They can type with a single thumb faster than I can do do with ten fingers.

A pen? Nope. I think we tried the combination of pens with computing devices, and we are done with that. It’s been confirmed a painful experience and I don’t think anyone should be betting anything on pen’s future in the technology world.

Pirates of Silicon Valley

There aren’t that many films about the world of information technologies, so the title of “Pirates of Silicon Valley” caught my attention.

Directed by: Martyn Burke
Genres: Drama
Cast: Anthony Michael Hall, Noah Wyle, Joey Slotnick, John Di Maggio, Josh Hopkins, Gema Zamprogna, Bodhi Elfman, Allan Royal, J.G. Hertzler, Wayne Pére, Sheila Shaw, Gailard Sartain, Allan Kolman, Richard Waltzer, Harris Mann
IMDB raintg: 6.7
My rating: 7.0 [rate 7.0]

Continue reading Pirates of Silicon Valley

Is Bill Gates for real?

There is a nice bit about Bill Gates at College Humor today. These guys are really funny sometimes – check them out more often. They also have a regular update of their movies and pictures collection. Good stuff. :)

Note the link to “Bush is our lord” website on the top of the Hot Links. It’s worth laughing out loud as well. :)