This entry was published at least two years ago (originally posted on November 7, 2008). Since that time the information may have become outdated or my beliefs may have changed (in general, assume a more open and liberal current viewpoint). A fuller disclaimer is available.
Sometime between November 5th and November 7th, I thought this stuff was interesting. You might think so too!
- HPLHS Prop Fonts: On the endless and insane quest for authenticity, we have created more than 50 custom fonts to use in props. Typographical fashions change, and since the digital age overtook typesetting and graphic design, many of the fonts common in the time of Lovecraft have fallen into disuse. We've revived many of them from vintage sources, including the 1923 American Type Founder's specimen book and the Mergenthaler Linotype catalog from the mid-1930s. Many of these fonts have slightly rough edges or irregular shapes, to capture the feel of old lead type and bygone printing technologies.
- Election maps: Maps and cartograms of the 2008 Election results.
- CNN’s holograms not really holograms: I thought so! Election night, I tweeted, "Checking out CNN's hologram bit via YouTube: http://xrl.us/owbjg I want to know more. Does Wolf actually see her, or is she inserted for TV?" Turns out my hunch was right: Wolf was just speaking to empty space, while the 'hologram' was digitally inserted into the broadcasted video feed. Something said in the interview about "synchronized camera movements" tipped me off (if it was truly a hologram, there'd be no need to synchronize cameras at the two locations). While it's impressive looking technology, it's a long way away from being the "Star Wars"-style holograms that it was hyped up to be. Makes me wonder how silly Wolf felt, pretending that he could see his interview subject in front of him…and I'm a bit disappointed that CNN was less than honest about what they were doing.
- .epub eBooks Tutorial: The .epub is a standard for eBooks created by the International Digital Publishing Forum. It consists of basic XHTML for the book content, XML for descriptions, and a re-named zip file to hold it all in. Anyone can make these eBooks, and since they're essentially just XHTML, anyone can read them.
- D-Link DIR-655 Firmware 1.21 Hijacks Your Internet Connection: I noticed when trying to go to Google that my router was hijacking DNS and sent me to a website trying to sell me a software subscription. After upgrading your D-link DIR-655 router to the latest firmware you'll see that D-link does this, and calls the hijacking a 'feature.'" (Sounds a lot like the Belkin incident five years ago — looks like I can add D-Link to the list of companies I won't be buying from.)