Check out the trailer for Collapse, a documentary that pinpoints how we're on a precarious precipice and it's up to us whether we fall or stand. There's a few things I love about this video:

1. Amazing disintegrating fonts.
2. It's a a "horror documentary".
3. Michael Ruppert - he's like a film noir superhero journalist.
4. "It's not that Bernie Madoff was a pyramid scheme, the whole economy is a pyramid scheme" [a great quote]

Enjoy!

Here's a cool National Geographic video I found via reddit.

Quite amazing the interaction the seal had with the cameraman.

If you don't already know, I am a huge fan of the superb science-fiction show Battlestar Galactica. I am also a huge fan of the social voting site reddit. While browsing through the latest stories this morning, I came across this comment about Battlestar Galactica in reverse.

Simply put, it adds a whole new level of depth and brilliance to the already amazing show.

20 hours ago, reddit commenter Lurking_Grue wrote:

I think I need to go watch Battlestar Galactica backwards.

1 hour later, reddit commenter Taciturn brilliantly responded:

WARNING: Spoilers lie ahead.

If you watch Battlestar Galactica backwards, it's a story about a ship called "Galactica" coming out of retirement to lead humanity to a new home, where it is retired. The people have to abandon their home planet to spend some time farming mud on "New Caprica," then they find a beautiful new place to live.

Roslin becomes president, then she's a schoolteacher for a while, then she's president again. She has cancer, it goes away, then comes back. Then she doesn't have to worry about it anymore.

The president has an assistant who gets killed by a cylon-hater. She gets a new assistant who gets killed by a cylon-hater.

SURPRISE!, Tigh's wife comes back! Then he kills her. Then SURPRISE!, she comes back!

Adama is very sad because the woman he loved died... but he falls in love again. Then he's very sad, because the woman he loved died.
Baltar works on a farm, but then he becomes a famous scientist before working on a farm again.

Lee and Starbuck try to have an affair, but it's really awkward, because Starbuck's already in a serious relationship. She gets married. Then Starbuck and Lee try to have an affair, but it's really awkward, because she's already in a serious relationship.

In the first episode you'll wonder when they're going to explain ChipSix. In the last episode you'll still be wondering that.

Also, if you watch the series forwards, the same stuff happens.

My jaw is on the floor and my mind is now properly blown.

The prominent line of the series, "All this has happened before, and all this will happen again" suddenly makes a ton of sense and really makes every step of the storyline fall into place and seem pre-ordained.

Well done reddit and well done Battlestar Galatica writers.

Artwork credit: Chris Bis | CC-NC-ND 2.0

War is Peace.
Freedom is Slavery.
Ignorance is Strength.
-from 1984 by George Orwell

While browsing reddit.com this morning, I came across a link to an op-ed piece in the Washington Times by none other than internet expert John McCain. In the article, John makes a legitimate argument that the internet must remain free and open, that internet service providers must not be allowed to shape access to content and restrict bandwidth based on the destination of that bandwidth.

In other words, John McCain supports Net Neutrality. John goes on to state that he does not support Net Neutrality.

Confused?

While it seams confusing, as McCain is in essence contradicting himself, if you apply the concept of doublespeak, it all makes a lot more sense.

What is Doublespeak?

The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines doublespeak as:

language that appears to be earnest and meaningful but in fact is a mixture of sense and nonsense

So if it seams like McCain's article is illogical gibberish, well it is and was intended to be so.

Still confused?

Yeah, well that's what happens when a politician speaks in doublespeak instead of speaking in plain language. McCain is utilizing the argument of Net Neutrality supporters to rail against Net Neutrality.

Let's use an analogy.

You are a supporter of the New York Yankees baseball team. You believe they are the best baseball team of all time and to support that argument state:

The New York Yankees are the best baseball team of all time because they've won twenty-six World Series.

I am not a supporter of the New York Yankees. While I realize your argument is completely valid, accurate, and truthful, I will state the following as evidence that the New York Yankees are not the best baseball team of all-time:

The New York Yankees are the worst baseball team of all time because they've won twenty-six World Series.

Friends, this type of illogical statement is exactly what John McCain is using to scare the American public into killing the internet.

Did you know John McCain does not use a computer?

While, I don't care that he does not use a computer, I find it absurd that he has the gall to speak about the internet, as he literally has no clue.

Another analogy.

I have never used a motorcycle.

John McCain practices Pinocchio Politics

Does that make any sense? Of course not. Does John McCain make any sense in promoting a free and open internet by railing against a rule that would force a free and open internet?

No.

Why does John McCain say these things?

• Because he's the number one politician when ranked by amount of contributions from telecommunications companies.
• Because he has nothing to lose.
• Because he very well may have crossed that threshold of mental competence that old human beings tend to cross.
• Because he wants big business, big corporations to succeed and does not care what happens to individuals and small businesses.
• Because John McCain is corrupt.

In summary:

1. John McCain claims to support a free and open internet.
2. Net Neutrality requires Internet Service Providers maintain a free and open internet.
3. John McCain does not support Net Neutrality.

Still confused? That's OK. The intent of John McCain is to confuse you. Basically, John McCain is lying and you should never trust anything he says involving technology because plainly put, he has no knowledge of it.

Here's what you need to know, if you want the internet to remain free and open, and require that Internet Service Providers be unable to discriminate based on content, support Net Neutrality. Otherwise, if you want the internet to look this way, log off and don't come back.

John McCain Photo credit: Dan "Soggydan" Bennett | CC 2.0
Pinocchio Politics Photo credit: Rachel Kramer Bussel | CC 2.0

In the you can't make this stuff up category, check out what happened right as I clicked to read about how AT&T stated its network is fine in the mobile Google Reader site on my iPhone.

AT&T: Our Network is Fine!

Yeah, umm, AT&T your network is not fine.

Robert Scoble published a post yesterday that raised 85,000 reasons why the iPhone will continue to dominate smart mobile sales. But, there's one giant reason that Scoble skipped.

The network.

Yes, the topic was been raised and covered multiple times before, but the fact remains that AT&T's voice and data networks are struggling to keep up with iPhone users. For a lot of people, especially those whose locations are well covered by AT&T, the number of applications available in the iTunes store will keep them on the iPhone or persuade them onto the platform.

It's the Network, Stupid

But, for a lot of other people who currently don't have an iPhone or are becoming exceedingly frustrated with:

• Dropped calls
• Delayed voicemails/text messages
• Dropped internet
• Slow internet
• Useful app rejection

the new open platform Android 2.0 phones that are being hyped right now seem quite tantalizing. There's really a bare minimum of apps that I use on my iPhone (and a crucial one that isn't available, unless you hack it, yes Terminal please). The network frustrations puts a damper on the excitement of having 85,000 applications in my pocket, especially since many of them rely on a solid network to work properly.

There's No App For That

Out of the 85,000 apps on the iPhone, there's not a single app that will improve AT&T's clogged network. Having Yelp in my pocket is great, but if it doesn't load or takes 5 minutes to return results it becomes relatively useless. Give me something that is 80% as good as the iPhone on a network that is reliable and consistent and I'm there.

Yes, the Motorola Droid is looking mighty tempting. I'm holding off until I can get my grubby hands on it to decide if it's close enough to jump ship, but the 75,000 fewer apps won't have any real impact on my decision. On an open platform, new apps can be written and guaranteed to be allowed. The network, on the other hand, is completely out of our hands. Deliver a strong network with a great mobile phone and the users and apps will come.

Photo credit: Stéfan | cc-nc-sa 2.0

If you're not a subscriber to Josh Gans' Sports Fan 4 site, you're missing out. Head over there and subscribe today. Today's a perfect time for Dot Boston readers to head over as I just posted an article about the top six moments from my sports career. In brief they are:

• My First Time Getting Knocked OUT
• Undefeated Champions
• What a save! Wait...he's not the goalie!
• The Fumberception
• The One Man Tackling Army
• 46 -6

Read the full post at Sports Fan 4 for all the historic details.

Today is ADORE-Chester! day, a celebration of Dorchester, my home neighborhood where I was born, raised, and live in today. There's many great things about Dorchester, but for today's article we'll talk about five of them. For more great points of Dorchester, check out the other blogs participating in ADORE-Chester! Day.

1. Dorchester's History

Dorchester is an old place, founded before the City of Boston, filled with historical nuggets and firsts. For instance, did you know Dorchester once literally sprawled over and beyond Greater Boston, coming within just feet of the Rhode Island border?

As noted in my Dorchester Day article for The Dorchester Reporter, Dorchester has staken a claim as the

home of the first free public school in the USA, the first community health center, the first settlement in Suffolk County, and the first government run by town hall meetings

2. Dorchester's Architecture

Modern and centuries old structures populate Dorchester's landscape. The William Clapp house was built in 1806, the James Blake house is even older built in 1650. And modern buildings are being built as we speak, with the most recent in progress development being the the new Carpenters Center on Dorchester Avenue overlooking I-93. A much needed modern building in a location that makes for a much more inviting welcome into Dorchester coming into the neighborhood from the city.

3. Dorchester's Diversity

Young and old, rich and poor, people of nearly all nationalities fill the streets of Dorchester. Our diversity is one of our strongest strengths, and creates a populace that learns from and leans on each other, rather than viewing people as different.

4. The Polish Triangle

Well, I am a Polish-American (born in the U.S.A., by two Polish-born parents), so how could I not list The Polish Triangle, an officially recognized area of Boston that is filled with Polish culture and history. We've got great restaurants, friendly neighbors, and a giant pear. A win for all.

5. Dot Bike

As a Boston bicyclist, I love that the Dorchester bicycle community is strong and big. Walking, biking, or driving around Dorchester you can spot bicyclists all over the place. The simple bicycle is a great example of how Dorchester is an economical, efficient, and self-powered place where independence is valued and pride in oneself and one's area is strong.

6. Leonard Nimoy

A bonus point! At the behest of my step-brother, I must add the bonus point that Leonard Nimoy was born in Dorchester. The definitive star trekker began his star tripping in the best neighborhood in Boston, Dot.

These Blogs Adore Dorchester too:

• The Dottie Hottie
• The Dot Matrix
• Dot Boston
• The Dorchester Think Tank
• Lower Dot
• Local Spice
• Candeliera Silva
• Social Butterfly Experiment
• dotmass
• Greening of Dorchester

Related Posts:

• Calling all Dorchester Residents (Current & Former)
• A New Name for an Old Blog
• Blighted Edward Everett Square Building Set for Renovation
• City of Dorchester? Nay. City of Boston? Yeah!
• Dot Day 2009

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If you look closely, you'll spot that I've retitled this blog. It's the third title in the history of this site and in my opinion the best one yet. What once was Adam Pieniazek, and then was Prose of a Pol, is now:




Dot Boston

Prose of a Pol was always a bit clunky. Sure I'm Polish and proud of it, but don't write enough about Poland here to warrant the title. Plus, prose has a negative connotation. Apple dictionary defines prose as:

written or spoken language in its ordinary form, without metrical structure : a short story in prose | [as adj. ] a prose passage.
• figurative plain or dull writing, discourse, or expression : medical and scientific prose.

Not quite the brand I'm going for here!

The name is also an ode to my home city and my home neighborhood, Boston and Dorchester, respectively. It was inspired by an upcoming event I'm partaking in called ADORE-chester!, which aims to celebrate the good about Dorchester, rather than the negative that is often portrayed in the mainstream media. Since I also write a good amount about web technologies, the dot is a play on the period used in all web addresses. In my opinion, it's a win all around.

What do you think of the new name?

Related Posts:

• Name Change - Prose of a Pol
• Five Things I Adore about Dorchester
• Calling all Dorchester Residents (Current & Former)
• Find DoFollow, Be DoFollow, Do DoFollow
• My New Server's First Test

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Do you ever have issues with Safari going crazy? As mentioned in my 45 Free Mac Apps list, I love Safari and spend most of my browsing time in its friendly confines. But every now and then, the safari turns ugly as fans blare, beachballs spin and cpu and memory use skyrockets.

And the problem is certainly not confined to my Mac, as OS X Daily recently got Safari to use up 7,909.9 % of its CPU. No, that's not a typo, they caught Safari using up almost 8,000 % of CPU in what they call an "epic freakout". Check out the proof below:



More often than not, the culprit is not actually Apple's Safari browser, but actually Adobe's Flash plug-in. Oh Flash, can't browse with you, can't browse without you. Or can you?

Frack Flash

Sure, many would say just ditch Flash and be done with it, but then you're also shutting off videos, siFR fonts, and web applications that rely on Flash.

The solution?

ClickToFlash.

Like many Apple applications and plug-ins, ClickToFlash is simple, elegant, and damn useful. Since installing it, Safari loads within 1-2 bounces and doesn't crash and doesn't throw up more beach-balls than a rock concert, baseball game and 4th of July party combined.

So, what is ClickToFlash?

Good question. CTF is a plug-in for Safari that prevents any and all Flash from loading. You'd be surprised how often Flash pops up on a site, until you download and install CTF and see that it literally litters the web.

But CTF doesn't stop there. As it's name shows, the beauty of CTF is that it enables Flash by clicking on the graphic it uses to mark Flash zones. One click, and your YouTube video, siFR fonts or what have you load up and play like normal. You can spot Flash areas with this nice, pleasant placeholder image:



More than just a Flash blocker

But, ClickToFlash doesn't stop there. It goes a step further and allows you to load .h264 videos on YouTube instead of Flash, which leads to higher quality. Other features allows you to whitelist sites and load Flash for an entire page, all with one click.

If you don't have ClickToFlash, do yourself and your web browser a favor and install it now. Seriously. It's free and has zero downsides and plenty of up.

Related Posts:

• Quick Apple Safari Tips
• This Blog Now iPhone Friendly!
• Test Your Reaction Time!
• Tweetdeck on the iPhone
• New Design!

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