These days, it’s seems a rarity that I comment on software and, as most people are aware, even less common that I criticise Apple. This time, I couldn’t resist.

In the last couple of weeks, both Microsoft and Apple have simultaneously released upgrades to their music players supporting music profiling, allowing users to generate playlists of similar music on-the-fly.

While this technology has been in play in services such as Last.fm for some time now, it seems Apple still have some way to go — recommending your users try listening to a different song seems to be missing the point somewhat:

In but a couple of weeks, I’m planning to move to Chicago for a few months. For part of my US visa application, it has been necessary to retrace my travels over the past 10 years to pull together a complete travel history. Since this proved a far more challenging task than anticipated, it seemed sensible to record it for future reference:

As we’re only two thirds of the way through 2008, I’m looking forward to adding a couple more to the list before the year’s out.

Just in case there was any doubt as to whether I was a follower of football:

(10:09:59 AM) Jason Morley: morning
(10:10:14 AM) George Norton: hi
(10:10:19 AM) George Norton: good result last night
(10:10:23 AM) Jason Morley: Yeah?
(10:10:28 AM) George Norton: 4-1
(10:10:36 AM) Jason Morley: awesome
(10:10:38 AM) Jason Morley: to whom?
(10:10:49 AM) George Norton: croatia (ranked 5th best team in the world)
(10:10:59 AM) Jason Morley: ah - awesome
(10:11:06 AM) Jason Morley: and what is this football competition again?
(10:11:12 AM) George Norton: World cup
(10:11:16 AM) Jason Morley: ah

During my recent visit to Japan, Junko and I came across a number of oddities of the nature which may only ever be found in Asia. Not quite the sort of photos one would be encouraged to put into an album, but certainly worthy of mention:

F*ing Ladies’ Fashion

The Last Supper

Cannibalism

Murderous Pooh

While it may seem a little inappropriate to quote directly, I could not resist the opportunity to republish this fantastic poem. Written by Kenji Miyazawa, it is extremely well known within Japan and puts me in mind of the oft-quoted ‘If’ by Rudyard Kipling.

It seems that poets the world around are encouraging us to better ourselves:

Be not defeated by the rain, Nor let the wind prove your better.
Succumb not to the snows of winter. Nor be bested by the heat of summer.

Be strong in body. Unfettered by desire. Not enticed to anger. Cultivate a quiet joy.
Count yourself last in everything. Put others before you.
Watch well and listen closely. Hold the learned lessons dear.

A thatch-roof house, in a meadow, nestled in a pine grove’s shade.

A handful of rice, some miso, and a few vegetables to suffice for the day.

If, to the East, a child lies sick: Go forth and nurse him to health.
If, to the West, an old lady stands exhausted: Go forth, and relieve her of burden.
If, to the South, a man lies dying: Go forth with words of courage to dispel his fear.
If, to the North, an argument or fight ensues:
Go forth and beg them stop such a waste of effort and of spirit.

In times of drought, shed tears of sympathy.
In summers cold, walk in concern and empathy.

Stand aloof of the unknowing masses:
Better dismissed as useless than flattered as a “Great Man”.

This is my goal, the person I strive to become.