I started editing Open Source, Close Wallet again, but now it has been expanded to include anything free and useful that I happen to come across, to a point. Plugins, for example, instead of just software. And even websites now, like hulu.com. But since I sort of miss having things to talk about here, since my life is so incredibly boring. (I got a solo part without even auditioning? PSHAW)

And also, none of my friends read that blog, and nor should they. It is even more boring than this one. But anyway...

My most recent favorite website is Pandora Radio. I was also checking out last.fm, but Pandora seems better to me. It is a combination, I think, of the interface, and the fact that it seems to be based partially on one of those famed genetic algorithms I was talking about. It's even called the Music Genome Project... Fitness is based on whether or not you like the songs that are played. You can have multiple stations, too... Cool.

I especially like some of the options under the 'Guide Us...' tab at the bottom. 'Why is this song playing', for example. I'm playing a station right now, based on music by Tin Hat Trio. (Currently playing: Things That Might Have Been, by Tin Hat Trio... Other artists play too, of course) The response I get is: 'Based on what you've told us so far, we're playing this track because it features blues influences, classical music influences, world music influences, an acoustic slide guitar and an accordian solo.' I never knew I had such refined tastes! Later, I'm going to create a station and just add whatever music I think is great, regardless of style. We'll see how it turns out.

Yet again, however, this site has the problem of not allowing people outside of the US to listen to its content, due to licensing issues.. I absolutely despise that. I understand the reason, and I don't blame anyone for it, but I despise it none the less. I just have too many friends from other countries to not care about this...

I haven't honestly checked last.fm out yet, I got too caught up in Pandora. I will check that out a little later, before I review either, and especially before I compare one to the other. I believe last.fm does the same radio station thing, but I haven't found out how it works yet... I'll update you on it later. So far what it has going for it is that it can be used by anyone from any country, as far as I can tell.


Ok, back to boring old me. I won this last chess game. I was winning anyway, but my opponent resigned after 22.c3 ... He could have at least given me hell. I was only up a bishop, but my position was far better.

And... There's nothing else much to talk about, that I can remember... Oh well.

Hope you are all feeling well, whoever you may be.