Great infographic. Print this out and keep it handy!

via Fast Company.

Facebook recently changed their privacy policy to allow third-party websites to access every Facebook user's information (friend lists, likes/dislikes, etc. ) to give a more "personalized experience" across the Web. And I can see why. Imagine if every website was linked through Facebook - keywords, conversations, likes/dislikes, and links can all be used to build an algorithm to capture your information to be shared across the web. Facebook would be a vital part of every user experience on the web.

And whether you know this or not, you've already joined this new personalization program. Facebook has already signed you up! By default, everyone's privacy setting is set to "Opt-In" to this new feature. That means that if you're not aware of it, your Facebook information is being shared with other websites who've been given access to this new program.

And what alot of people are complaining about (including Senators), is that Facebook should have these settings turned off by default and allow users to "Opt-In" instead. Facebook on the other hand would argue that convenience to create a more personalized "Web" would be beneficial to all users. It's your call.

If you're curious on how to Opt Out,  click on Account > Privacy Settings > Applications & Websites > Instant Personalization Pilot Program and uncheck the checkbox.

An incredible feat of engineering. With music from cut from an epic movie battle along with stunning visuals , this ad for the Pagani Zonda R really delivers on the tag line: "passion, ingenuity, knowledge, and craftsmanship..." Horacio Pagani makes an appearance at the end of the ad. Watching in full-screen is highly recommended.

It's just that easy.

via http://www.theformgroup.com/

So I dusted off my Web Designer's Idea Book and went looking for design ideas/inspirations to help me to jump-start my Beltway traffic project. I want to make it very simple to use, and presentation is key. I'm still working with the Google Maps API and loving every bit of it. For now, I have the maps and traffic layers up and running - that was the easy part. My next steps are to create the registration forms, and design the database back end. I'm still debating the whole "emailing pictures" idea for traffic where users can snap pics and email traffic info. Then again, that might not work so well - might have to tap into an existing XML feed (need to see how viable that is). But my whole idea still revolves around text messaging traffic info to a person's phone based on your set route and time.

Soon, I'm going to get around to building the iPhone app that goes along with this website...[very excited about that!] but that's an entire project altogether.

The use of robotics, augmented reality, and interactive media is astounding.

Had some free time last night, so I decided to work on a snowboard design. Just a rough design, nothing too involved yet. I will eventually need to incorporate my brand and add some themed elements. Hope I get my designs done before next year's snowboarding season - would really like to see one of my creations on a board. Let me know what you think.

Just got this in the mail. A huge poster of BMW's Vision Efficient Dynamic's Concept car. Advertising the full plug-in hybrid sports car and their direction in which the company is going in. Gotta love the design and potential of such a magnificent car. I'm going to have to find a place to hang this poster somewhere. Love the Helvetica typeface.

http://www.bmw.com/com/en/insights/technology/efficient_dynamics/phase_2/bmwvision/introduction.html