Pebble Lays off 25% of staff •→

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Sad.   I've been a big fan of the Pebble Time in my time owning it.   Inexpensive, super long battery life,  and it does everything I want a smartwatch to do (tell the time, show me notifications).   Here's hoping they can work it out.

(This is the first of my Linkblog posts.   Linkblog posts are different than regular posts, and are annotated by the bullet "•" at the end of the title.   These are short commentary pieces on other articles,  you can read the source article of any linkblog post by clicking the post title.)

Onnalee Flood - 1951-2016

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As some of you may be aware; my mother Onnalee Flood left us unexpectedly this afternoon after a short illness brought on by complications from a routine surgery. To say that I’m heartbroken doesn’t even begin to get close.

She left us far too soon. Especially since I know how much she was looking forward to meeting our son in just a short few weeks.

I found this poem that seemed fitting.

For all the times you gently picked me up,
When I fell down,
For all the times you tied my shoes
And tucked me into bed,
Or needed something
But put me first instead.

For everything we shared,
The dreams, the laughter,
And the tears,
I love you with a Special Love
That will deepen every year.

Thank You Mom, for everything. I’ll miss you terribly. I'll never forget what you've taught me.

I love you.

This music video is like REAL-LIFE Marble Madness!

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There are a lot of impressive music videos out there in the world.   There are also a lot of people who's passion for their music knows no bounds.   Rarely though, do those things come together so perfectly as the video Wintergatan's "Marble Machine".   The video and the music are one in the same,  and I wouldn't want to spoil it for you, so please go watch it below.

Impressed now?  I thought you might be.  Wintergatan documented the process of building their insane Marble Machine as well,  please go check some of those videos out as well.   The process is absolutely fascinating!

Part 1    
Part 2
Part 3
Part 4
Part 5
Part 6
Part 7
Part 8

Apple NOT forced to open iPhone in separate New York case

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The decision isn't binding on the case in california,  but it certainly helps to set a bit of legal precedent.   May also help with Apple's case in the court of public opinion.

I have a hard time understanding people who side with the US Government in this case.  Any chink in the iPhone's armor will be mercilessly exploited by every government across the globe.  If they are forced to write software to disable the passcode lock, or to backdoor into the encryption of the phone just once,  you will see requests flow in like a tidal wave from every other country who has to prosecute a "special case".   

Something tells me iOS 10 will see a huge increase in security to make sure that no one, not Apple or Governments alike, will be able to access an iPhone without the owners authorization.  Of course, at that point you will start to see the US Goverment try to legislate against encryption itself.    Things are about to get interesting.

“A federal judge in Brooklyn says the FBI cannot force Apple to open a locked iPhone used by a suspected drug dealer.

The ruling is a boost to Apple in the public opinion war with the federal government over access to locked devices. Though it is not binding on a judge in California who is now considering the separate case of access to a locked iPhone used by one of the San Bernardino attackers, it gives the company a leg up, and Apple will be sure to cite it in that ongoing dispute.”
— NBC News