The Uncanny Valley is a hypothesis about why humans can so easily distinguish between other humans and robots

Also applies to photorealistic computer animation

You tell me, what’s the most creepy thing about this. The “hair added” enhancement? That someone felt the need to add makeup and earrings to a toddler? That someone would actually pay $60 to do this to their own child?

The Microformats guys are working on social network portability

Of course, places like MySpace and Facebook have built multi-million dolllar business models on making sure that your profiles are *not* portable so, uh, good luck with this one.

The Netflix Prize: 300 Days Later

Some really, really smart thoughts on the Netflix Prize and recommender systems in general.

Anymails visualizes email as organisms

Fremont Chamber of Commerce convinces Seattle to get rid of bike lanes on Stone Way

So this is what all the old folks mean when they say Fremont sucks now. Well, at least we’ve got a bunch of crappy luxury condos!

Google maps adds microformats

Places now tagged with hCard

N.C. A&T food scientist develops process for allergen-free peanuts

Maybe we can finally end those crazy peanut butter pans

Biologists helping bookstores

Help reshelve books about philosophy and religion (specifically, intelligent design) from the science section to the religion section

Led Zeppelin ready to sell on iTunes

But it will be a special compilation of songs you already own, DRMed all to hell. Blech.