Chocolate's Origins

Here is an article by the BBC on the origin of chocolate. If you're like me and on a diet, but have a terrible weakness for chocolate, seeing the slave child labor that goes into chocolate farming will definitely nip that sweet tooth in the bud.

Fortunately, some places offer high quality chocolate that is fair trade and cruelty free. Another possible alternative is single plantation gourmet chocolate (a la how some teas can be purchased).

BBC's article on chocolate and slavery.

Annoyance with Creative Zen Patent

Ok, I'm taking a break from reviewing tea to point out some silliness on Creative's, Apple's, and Microsoft's part. They have been fighting over displaying audio files in a hierarchical format. Well, I've found something that proceeds all their players. The HanGo PJB-100!!! It uses a meta-data file (as described in the Powerpoint file on their website) called the Table of Contents to store information about the mp3s as well as a rudimentary hierarchical menu to browse mp3s. The original project to make this player was started by Compaq, who have since seemed to have abandoned the project to the public domain. The iPod, the Zen, and any other player all have roots in this primeval player, even if they don't realize it.

If you want to see more on the background for this (now defunct) project, see here:

PJB-100 Prior Art (?)

Also, I've heard that the Rio Receiver has a hierarchical menu similar to the iPod. Haven't confirmed this though.