Imagine buying a computer where you were forced to only install software approved by the computer manufacturer. Furthermore, imagine if you could only buy that software from the computer manufacturer. Not many would be happy with that situation. However, that is exactly the situation when consumers brought an Apple iPhone (yes, the name is stupid, but there is no creativity at Apple). User's of Apple's iPhone could only install applications approved by Apple, and had to purchase those approved applications through Apple's Apps shop. Many users did not like these restrictions at all. After all, it was their hardware and they should be able to install whatever application they wished. Many of these dissatisfied users used a technique known as "jailbreaking" to get around the checks that Apple used on the iPhone to prevent installing applications they did not approve. Apple in turn voided any warranty of a jailbreaked iPhone and claimed such phones were in violation of the DMCA (Digital Millennium Copyright Act). Thanks to a new ruling by Federal reuglators, that is not the case; users of Apple's iPhone, and it also applies to any "smartphone" on the market, are not in violation of the DMCA if they jailbreak their phone. Apple can still void the warranty, but unless it is a new phone, who cares?

On Monday (7-26-2010) Federal regulators stated there is "no basis for copyright law to assist Apple in protecting its restrictive business model." Finally some common sense is prevailing. I am sure it was only a matter of time before Apple started suing over jailbreaked iPhones as the movement has been growing. There is no real basis for Apple to prevent users from installing non-approved applications except to control the marketplace. I hope to see many iPhone apps shops opening up reaching out both to the apps programmers that get denied by Apple and to users of jailbreaked iPones.

To assist users of Apple's iPhone to jailbreak I have included a couple of videos. Personally, the only way I would use an iPhone was if it was given to me; I certainly would not pay for one of crappy devices.

I needed a new side table for my barbecue, so I decided I would make one with a tile top. The old side table was constructed of three slats of wood and they had warped over the years. Also, the old side table was a bit on the narrow side and needed to be a little larger.

The Old Side Table

I used a piece of plywood I had on hand for the base and purchased two small strips of popular that would border the base and hold the tile in place at a cost of $1.88; the tile was on offer for $1.32. I attached the small strips to the edge of the base using some small finishing nails. To attach the base to the side rails, I drilled four holes and countersinked the bolt heads below the surface so the tile would set flat to the base. I had to enlarge the holes in the side rails of the barbecue to accommodate the bolts. I wanted through bolts instead of the screws used by the old table to ensure the new side table would be securely attached. I would hate for the side table to fall while holding a plate of ribeyes. I drilled two holes in the base to make lifting the tile out easier. I coated all bare wood with a waterproof stain. Once the base was bolted to the side rails, I set the tile in place.

Base Cut to Size

The Strip Will Hold the Tile in Place

Base Finished and Attached to Side Rails

The Finished Side Table with Tile in Place

Far View of the New Side Table in Place

The new side table is approximately 46 cm² (18 in²). The tile does add some extra mass to the side table, but it is counterbalanced by the mass of the side burner and fuel tank. I tested the balance and the barbecue was quite stable. If needed, some more mass could be added to bring the centre of gravity of the barbecue lower, although in my case I don't think that will be necessary. Now all I need to do is to finish installing the new burner and igniter and I will be all set for summer cooking outdoors.

Hot Day

Above is a shot of the temperature for late afternoon today. It shows just after noon but my thermometer is stuck on the Pacific time zone and I can not remember how to change it. While there are hotter parts of the country, this is unusual weather for Hickville. The problem with such high temperatures for Hickville is the accompanying high humidity levels; it is like being inside of a sauna. When the weather is this hot in Hickville, it is almost impossible to do anything outdoors in the gardens.

My friend Ron posted a link on his blog to an off site article about portable foods.  I left a comment on his page but thought I should share my comment with my readers as they may want to volunteer to be test subjects.

I am working on a new portable food myself, it is soup on a stick. Yes, I know you can get those little containers of soup you pop in a microwave, but you still have to have a spoon and it is hard to drive and eat the soup at the same time; those of you that have the knee driving down to an art are probably smirking, but the rest of us need at least one hand on the wheel. Therefore, soup on a stick. You would only need one hand to hold the stick and the other hand can be use to control the steering wheel. I am nearing a pre-alpha test phase and will be seeking test subjects.

I had a simple July 4 attending my sister's barbecue where there was plenty of good food and good times with the family. My offering to the feast was a chocolate chip and pecan pie baked by me. Afterwards I travelled to a nearby city to watch the fireworks. I would share some photos and videos of the fireworks, but I could not find a proper advantage point. Most of the fireworks would barely clear the trees, and harsh lamps were in the way. The show lasted for no more than 20 minutes and the amount of fireworks were less than last year. The economy has hurt municipalities and several of the nearby cities did not have any July 4 celebrations at all.

Below are a few photographs of me taken at my sister's barbecue. It would not be a holiday without new photos of Kimberly.

Kimberly in back garden

Kimberly in swing

Kimberly by pool