The creator of ASCII, Bob Bemer, has died at the age of 78.

Key computer coding creator dies

The man who invented the Esperanto of the technology world enabling computers to swap information freely has died.

Bob Bemer developed the Ascii coding system to standardise the way computers represent letters, numbers, punctuation marks and some control codes.

He also introduced the backslash and escape key to the world of computers and was one of the first to warn about the dangers of the millennium bug.

Mr Bemer died on 22 June at his home in Texas following a battle with cancer. [BBC News]

If you are using IE on Windows, you might want to think about looking at an alternate browser for today (or heck, forever). Microsoft released a warning about IE and IIS yesterday, indicating that they have a security hole which could enable hackers to get at your personal information when visiting compromised web sites. I personally recommend Firefox (the latest Mozilla browser), it’s pretty slick. There’s also Opera, which I used to use a lot when I was using Windows more.

I know a few friends of mine who still use Windows have said this feels like the last straw for them. Firefox works well and with this they’re about to give up on IE for good.

The Trunk Monkey, from Suburban Auto Group. Having a problem on the road? Get pulled over by a cop? Get egged by kids? No need to fear, The Trunk Monkey is here to save the day. I think I need the theft retrieval system the most.

Update: From the comments on this post, it appears that Trunk Monkey is originally from Trunkmonkey Racing, a race team that came up with the concept over two years prior to Suburban Auto Group’s ad campaign. Supposedly they are slightly annoyed, but “basking in the publicity.” Sounds like a plan to me, they’ve even got an Orkut community.

Charles M. Schulz
“I know the answer! The answer lies within the heart of all mankind! The answer is twelve? I think I’m in the wrong building.”
[Quotes of the Day]

via Boing Boing, photos from the Superman Festival in Metropolis, IL. None of the Supermen look that happy to be there though.

From MacNN:

Alpine Interface Adapter for iPod to ship this fall
Alpine today announced it would ship its Alpine Interface Adapter for iPod (model KCA-420i) this fall…
[MacNN]

I really really want this. I don’t mind using the cassette adaptor, but it just isn’t as good as having a direct line in.

I really can’t think of anything to say about this except maybe “DEAR GOD WHY!?”

An all-star CD starring William Shatner?

Ben Folds puts own album on hold for actor’s work

CLEVELAND, Ohio (Billboard) — Ben Folds is pushing back the release date of his next solo album to early 2005 in order to give “Star Trek” veteran William Shatner’s upcoming collection, “Has Been,” his full attention. The set is being targeted for a September release by Shout! Factory.

“It is a great record and it is really worth going out and doing some shows in major cities,” Folds told Billboard.com. “(Shatner) is not a musician at all — he’s not rapping or singing — but he is still part of the music. I’ve never heard a record quite like it.” [CNN.com]

I just discovered today that Hartford, CT is now one of the cities listed on craigslist.com. I didn’t think we were a big enough place to even rate our own section of craiglist.

My mom’s been wanting to try out Comcast’s On Demand for a while. This afternoon she decided to watch Love Actually on it. I’ve been watching too and in my opinion On Demand isn’t worth the price of it. First, lots of small streaming issues. Little audio glitches or small bits of pixilation. My parents say they didn’t notice, but it’s just enough to drive me nuts. Second, pan & scan. Boo Hiss. I didn’t notice any choice to order a widescreen version either. So given that it isn’t much cheaper than a DVD I think I’ll stick to renting DVDs.

Oh, and the movie wasn’t too bad.

Solomon Short
“Any great truth can — and eventually will — be expressed as a cliche — a cliche is a sure and certain way to dilute an idea. For instance, my grandmother used to say, ‘The black cat is always the last one off the fence.’ I have no idea what she meant, but at one time, it was undoubtedly true.”
[Quotes of the Day]