Inside Google’s new open-source browser Chrome. Sao Paulo as an eco-friendly role model. Plus, why Stephenie Meyer is delaying her next book and what Michael Phelps is doing with $1 million. These are the top stories from around the world.
Tech & Internet
Do you get antsy when you can’t log on to the Net? Do you start twitching when you receive Error 404 messages? Then you might be suffering from discomgoogolation, a term introduced to us by Kesavan Unnikrishnan. He wrote about a British study that found 44 per cent of Net users get anxious when they can’t surf the Web. Debra Myers exclaimed: DJ addicts unite! We now have a word that tells us what is wrong with us!
What other tech and Net stories made headlines? Sony released a new version of its PlayStation Portable, complete with an advanced LCD screen and built-in microphone, Chris V. reported; Sony is also in the negative news category, having recalled 73,000 defective Vaio TZ laptops, according to KJ; Google added facial recognition software to its Picasa program, Michael Squires informed us; and Google also unveiled its new web browser Chrome, which got KJ talking about the fine print you should read before you download the open-source program.
And in a related note, Digital Journal TV took a close look at everything Chrome offers, adding an analysis of Chrome’s chances in taking a bite out of the competitive browser market:
Politics
The major news out of the U.S. election centred on Sarah Palin’s surprise VP nomination. But how was she vetted? Susan Duclos went inside the vetting process in a thorough article investigating how Palin was interviewed and where Republicans probed to find out more about McCain’s number two.
As expected, there were many solid stories on politics this week: Sarah Palin’s daughter is reportedly pregnant, KJ wrote (and now the paparazzi will start angling for baby bumps); Dave G. said Troopergate could undermine Palin’s political impact; the Republican convention suffered from empty seats and political fatigue, opined Jamie M. Kisner; in Canada, a federal election is set for Oct. 14, Bob Ewing wrote; and Kourosh Ziabari wondered what the political fallout would be if Israel attacked Iran. Vidkun Quisling appreciated the op-ed from the Iranian writer, saying, “We need to know what your people are thinking if we are to form valid opinions.”
Arts & Entertainment
Several other arts and entertainment stories caught our attention: Marilyn Monroe memorabilia is available to be auctioned, 46 years after the actor’s death, Michelle D. discovered; best-selling author Stephenie Meyer won’t be releasing her new book yet because someone leaked portions of the book on the Web, Kesavan Unnikrishnan told us; the voice-over king Don Lafontaine passed away due to a collapsed lung, Sadiq Green wrote (and for a nice tribute to the “Voice of God”, check out this YouTube video); Irish singer Chris de Burgh made a surprise visit to Iran, Kourosh Ziabari reported; and our interview expert Bob Andelman sat down with two TV critics to talk about the boob tube’s influence on our lives.
TopFinds Awards
When John McCain chose Sarah Palin as his running mate, he was appealing to conservatives, shaking up the ticket and making the history. That’s the theory posited by Susan Duclos in her comprehensive review of Palin as veep, a piece taking home the TopOpinion Award. She dissected every aspect of Palin’s appeal, using clear sub-heads to divide her argument. Susan even went beyond her circle to discuss the Democratic women defending the Palin choice, writing, “For many women, the issues of sexism, women moving forward, misogynist attitudes and making history are more of a priority than abortion.”
The headline said it all: Google’s Chrome may just be the beginning of a revolution in browser wars. Paul Wallis wins the TopInternet Award for expertly explaining the impact Chrome may have on the browser market. He covered the many factors users may consider when installing Chrome: on one hand, “the idea of being able to run things when you want to run them, without having to jump through hoops, has a lot going for it.” But, there are some concerns: “Online storage is a great idea but the security thing, rational or otherwise, is a real worry for users.” Have your say on Chrome’s pros and cons by commenting in Paul’s article.
And now back to your regularly scheduled programming. Sarah Palin’s speech at the RNC was on the mind of Sadiq Green, who offered a poignant analysis on her many statements. This TopPolitics Award-winning article gave any reader who missed the speech a thorough look into what she said and the importance of each phrase. Sadiq believed the Dems should be concerned: “What is clear is that the Democrats will have to find an answer to Palin who has emerged as the real messenger for the GOP ticket.” Now we’ll just have to sit and wait for the Democratic counter-attack.
Hospital errors can cause up to 100,000 deaths a year in the U.S. That is one of the startling facts found in Nikki W‘s article on botched surgeries and infected incisions, among other mistakes risking patients’ lives. The post won the TopHealth Award for alerting readers to an under-reported problem afflicting many hospitals. She highlighted the many “sins” doctors and nurses may unknowingly commit, at the same giving us good reason to make sure our next hospital visit won’t be our last.
Sao Paulo is emerging as one of the most eco-friendly cities in South America. Saikat Basu brought us that story in a TopEnvironment Award-winning article digging deep into the Brazilian city’s commitment to reduce urban emissions of greenhouse gases by 30 per cent by 2012. He broke down the specifics in the city’s plan to go carbon neutral, while also extending a question that could headline any article on environmental activism: “Can these initiatives cure the ills before it’s too late?”
If you’ve never been to Persepolis in Iran, then Kourosh Ziabari‘s travel article will give you instant wanderlust. Winning the TopTravel Award, his informative profile of the ancient palace takes us through its history and architectural magnificence. He not only explained the site’s appeal; he complemented the article with various photos showing off the glory of Persepolis, from its cracked columns to its artistic statues. Good job, Kourosh, and we appreciate how you show us a different side of Iran.
If you were a millionaire athlete, would you donate $1 million to charity? That’s exactly what swimming superstar Michael Phelps did recently in order “to encourage youth swimming and promote water safety,” as Chris V. penned in his TopSports Award-winning coverage. Rarely reported in many media outlets, this story of Phelps’ generosity proves that big-name athletes aren’t only looking out for their own interests. Cynthia said it best when she commented: “It is always good to see when some of these athletes help others and not just squander their money on a high living lifestyle.”
