Linked List: October 10, 2009

Saturday, 10 October 2009

T-Mobile:

Regrettably, based on Microsoft/Danger’s latest recovery assessment of their systems, we must now inform you that personal information stored on your device — such as contacts, calendar entries, to-do lists or photos — that is no longer on your Sidekick almost certainly has been lost as a result of a server failure at Microsoft/Danger. That said, our teams continue to work around-the-clock in hopes of discovering some way to recover this information. However, the likelihood of a successful outcome is extremely low.

Can’t wait to find out whose fault this is.

The Maven, Nevermore ★

Ben Zimmer on William Safire in his role as the NYT’s “On Language” columnist:

For more than 30 years, in more than 1,300 crisp installments, Safire used this space to create a singular voice, that of the “Language Maven,” as he styled himself. We lost that voice last month, but we are left with a rich and varied legacy that shaped how Americans talk about talk.

When Safire died and I wrote that he was one of my favorite writers and columnists, I got a slew of complaints from left-leaning DF readers. How could I say such good things about a man who, among other things, so strongly supported George W. Bush’s disastrous invasion of Iraq?

Here’s the thing. I didn’t read his op-ed column because I agreed with him; I read it because I didn’t agree with him. Though I seldom agreed with his politics (and when I did, it was in favor of individual privacy and liberty), Safire was always thoughtful and his writing always playful. I feel it’s important to read the opinions of those with whom you tend to disagree, politically or otherwise.

But even if your politics and constitution are such that you could not abide his op-ed column, I don’t see how anyone who loves U.S. English didn’t cherish his Sunday “On Language” column as the national treasure that it was. 30 years! And he kicked ass until the very end.

Good Piece by the Macalope ★

Includes a link to this delightful piece by Mitchell Ashley from January 2008 declaring that Windows Mobile 7 would spell doom for the iPhone.

FIFA 10 for iPhone and iPod Touch by EA Sports ★

My thanks to EA Mobile for sponsoring this week’s DF RSS feed to promote FIFA 10, their new game for iPhone and iPod Touch.

Look no further than EA to see just how seriously the big game developers are taking the iPhone OS as a gaming platform. FIFA 10 features great gameplay, 3D graphics, 30 real leagues, 570 real teams, and 12,620 real players from around the world. Available now in the App Store for just $10.