College Crunch Time Giving You Document Blues?

So it's that time of year where college students like myself come out and have to finish all of the homework we've had at tendency to not work on in the semester. Our procrastination aside, there are some tools that help get all your work together in one place.

I reviewed Dropbox as a way to synchronize between computers, but what if you use public computers and need a better way to edit simple documents on the go?

Introducing Google Docs. Yes, another product from our modern day ACME corporation, Google Docs gives you a way to create and modify word, powerpoint, spreadsheets, and forms through a completely online interface. Emailing yourself your essays is so last century.. use something with more usefulness!

Other good features include sharing edits between collaborators, sharing documents via public link, and a plethora of export functions.

Unfortunately, support for Office 2007 (docx, pptx, etc.) is not really there yet, but we think it'll be around the corner soon!

All you need to start using Google Docs is a Google account, so go check it out!

WiiSpray: Shepard Fairey's Mario Paint

I am one for innovation, and when something comes around that makes me salivate like Pavlov's Dog I can't help but go crazy about it. That is why I am stoked to have discovered a brand-new program called "WiiSpray."


WiiSpray Teaser from Martin Lihs on Vimeo.

Now that I've given you time to change your pants, let's go into some specifics: it's created by students and teachers at Bauhaus University in Germany. You click on the color you want and spray away; or if you want to use a stencil you can do that, as well. In short: your TV or video wall projector becomes your canvas!

Hopefully Shigeru Miyamoto and the rest of the Nintendo geniuses will catch wind of this, as "WiiSpray" has the potential to not just be a hot sell, but also a way to inspire future contemporary artists. For more information on this product, go to www.wiispray.com.

(NOTE: I do not condone illegal graffiti or tagging of any kind, but I do praise those who take this style and transform it into a beautiful art form.)

Google Streetview angers villagers, fears of burgulary

Google Streetview has been a great feature for people using Google mapping services, but some people disagree in its usefulness.

A Google Streetview car was chased out of a village in Buckinghamshire by residents who feared for their community's safety regarding invasion of privacy. Paul Jacobs, a local resident, warned the Google car not to enter the village. He then got fellow community members together who surrounded the vehicle until the driver turned around and left."How dare anyone take a photograph of my home without my consent?" says Jacobs. "We've already had three burglaries locally in the past six weeks."

Google Streetview has been available in the US for some time now, but was just released in the UK last month. Globally, Google is facing controversy about the service.

Google does have sympathy for the problem, announcing that "We know that some people are uncomfortable with images of their houses or cars being included in the product, which is why we provide an easy way to request removal of imagery. Most imagery requests are processed within hours."

Comcast backs out from previous deal, Readers wonder what's real news

In response to student outcries that Salem State remain an internet-neutral campus, Comcast has backed out of all negotiations, calling them "an unnecessary trouble" and "a terrible April Fools Day joke."

Gomer Pyle was still seen questioning students as to why Pem Lyorge has the same spelling as his name.

The US Department of Health has also released a statement explaining "the mercury-like substance used in Comcast networking is formally known as 'speed boost', and does not contain any harmful chemicals, or mercury. It has been known, however, to change the molecular structure of rabbits, often times growing jetpacks and other modes of transportation."

From all of us at the Silver Onion, Happy April Fools everyone!

Comcast claims ownership of Salem State Networking, Data now transferred with mercury

In a recent press release by Comcast CEO Brian Roberts, Comcast Corporation has claimed Salem State College has violated the corporation's terms of service for providing internet access.

"The amount of bandwidth and type of switching used on the Salem State network has concerned us and our corporate growth. As more students join these campuses, internet resources are becoming more scarce. We took the step to inherit the IT networking resources at Salem State; we thought it to be the only logical thing to do."

IT employees, shocked at the news, thought it to be an April Fools joke, until Comcast employees started scoping out the network resources at Central Campus earlier today dressed in white uniforms.

"We believe this is the best move," says Pem Lyorge, student representative from Salem State IT resources. "Comcast has plenty of experience in the IT field, and deal with many issues that we believe can better represent the students and faculty we help on campus." Lyorge is best known for his research on wealthy Nigerian royalty and their ability to use email.

On the topic of internet connectivity, Lyorge had to say that "The days when your average 'Gomer Pyle' type of internet problem happened every day are now a thing of the past! Our new internet system, powered by mercury, is a far safer system for transferring data. Our first plan of action will be to replace the existing cabling in the Library with new 'Comcastic!' cabling."

Gomer Pyle was not available for interview, but was curious as to why Pem Lyorge had the same letters in his name as Pyle.