Harry Potter vs. the Nigerian 419 scammers. (Via GMSV.)
posted by Paul Hsieh on 1:20 AM

"Researchers in Mexico have invented a new type of anti-graffiti paint."
posted by Paul Hsieh on 2:31 AM

The huge two volume Complete Far Side is now available. Here's a review.
posted by Paul Hsieh on 2:09 AM

Tech Central Station has a nice review of one of my favorite internet cartoons, Day By Day. Unlike many syndicated cartoonists, Chris Muir is able to create his cartoons 1 hour before press time, rather than several weeks, allowing him to be much more timely. It's now one of my daily "must-reads".
posted by Paul Hsieh on 1:54 AM

Infrared light may help facilitate wound healing, although no one knows exactly why this works.
posted by Paul Hsieh on 12:22 AM

The first ultrafast optical computer processor is now available for commercial sale. Here's the corporate website.
posted by Paul Hsieh on 12:15 AM

Admin note: Blogging will be light today because of the nearby Cherokee Ranch wildfire. The major danger appears to be over for now, but things were a little tense overnight. (We live in Sedalia, which is close to but just outside the mandatory evacuation area, as shown by the map in the article.)
posted by Paul Hsieh on 8:12 AM

Robot rights.
posted by Paul Hsieh on 6:32 AM

Legal ways to skirt the DMCA.
posted by Paul Hsieh on 6:25 AM

Dramatic satellite image of the California wildfires. More images here.
posted by Paul Hsieh on 1:55 AM

Plasma TV screens are the new ultra-expensive art canvases.
posted by Paul Hsieh on 1:23 AM

Nokia is thinking of new products inspired by Harry Potter.
posted by Paul Hsieh on 12:27 AM

Herman Miller and Permobil are now offering an Aeron wheelchair. (Via Boing Boing.)
posted by Paul Hsieh on 12:07 AM

"Hackers Get Novel Defense; the Computer Did It". More details on one of the "Trojan" cases are available here.
posted by Paul Hsieh on 3:20 AM

Physicists have taken the first images of an exciton.
posted by Paul Hsieh on 1:31 AM

"What If Everyone Could Change Traffic Lights?" (Via Techdirt.)
posted by Paul Hsieh on 1:28 AM

Extreme pumpkin carving.
posted by Paul Hsieh on 12:42 AM

Nano-velcro could be 30 times stronger than conventional epoxy adhesives.
posted by Paul Hsieh on 12:35 AM

"Drunk's eye on the Queer Guys": The unofficial drinking game for the Queer Eye show. (Via BBspot.)
posted by Paul Hsieh on 2:44 AM

Cellphone signals can be exploited by new passive radar devices. (Via IPList.)
posted by Paul Hsieh on 1:36 AM

Recursive Polaroids.
posted by Paul Hsieh on 12:24 AM