Sony finally does something that I like, I don't think Amazon's going to be too fond of it

They opened up their ebook software so that anyone can create content for it.

http://www.wired.com/epicenter/2009/09/sony-opens-up-ebook-platform-to-self-publishers/

Basically, they're in partner with a site where you can upload your book, specify how much to charge for it, and specify what platforms it is available for: Stanza (iPhone and more), Google Android, and Barnes & Noble.

I like the Sony ebook readers in terms of their physical form factor and ergonomics. I like the Kindle. I don't like the cost of either, they're just too expensive for a single-purpose device for me. I've read a lot of ebooks on my PDAs over the years as it is a multi-function device that I use daily. I'm also not at all a fan of some of the things regarding DRM on a Kindle, nor do I like their pricing structure, though I understand the cost of ebooks through Amazon has come down. I read a story of someone whose Kindle was stolen, and though he could disable his account so the thief couldn't buy books on it and charge the owner's account, Amazon couldn't/wouldn't remotely brick it, which should be easily possible considering the persistent cellular connection that it maintains.

Speaking of books, it's National Banned Book Week!

Go out and read something that someone thinks you ought not.

I should go through and see how many I've read. Locally, there's a preacher who railed against Harry Potter and had a bona fide book burning. He was then caught coming out of the movie theater having taken his niece and nephew to see said Harry Potter movie. Gotta love ideological consistency!

http://www.bannedbooksweek.org/

Pictures of crash testing a 1959 Bel Air and a 2009 Malibu

Wow. I haven't watched the video yet, but definitely a good argument for buying newer cars when you can.

http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/26/pics-aplenty-iihs-reveals-before-and-after-of-malibu-bel-air-cr/