World's First Tax for using an Old Browser?

So when people do something so outrageous it makes me wonder why I didn't think of it, it makes me want to write about it. There is a website that is charging a 6.8% tax on users that use IE7. The website says that one of the things that the design team has to spend a ton of time and money on is making their website look right on the old web browser.

As Internet citizens, we all have a responsibility to make the Internet a better place. By taking these measures, we are doing our bit.

It makes me wonder if this is going to catch on, I do understand that a lot of companies (and colleges) don't allow the typical user to upgrade anything on their computer for fear of things breaking and causing more trouble than it's worth.

While the tax is kinda high, and it's more tongue in cheek than anything else, (all you have to do to get around the tax is use a modern browser) it does highlight problems that web designers have in keeping their websites looking good on legacy software.

Source: Kogan.com

Verizon Has Some Strange @&#^$ for Sale

In the never ending search for news, it isn't uncommon to find myself scouring the internet and well, ending up in the strangest of places. One thing that I do all the time is go into Verizon's website and look for deals, and I found something really odd today. Did you know that Verizon has a fitness section?

Among the interesting things that I found today are a Sony Smart Watch for $150. While this is similar to the Pebble Kickstarter that I was too late to get into, it really doesn't seem all that bad. From the Verizon website:

Sony SmartWatch connects to your Android smartphone via Bluetooth™ giving you the ability to receive information and control key functions without removing your smartphone from your pocket or bag. With just a tap, touch, and swipe, SmartWatch turns from a watch displaying the time to a multi-touch remote information center for your Android smartphone. Vibration and screen alerts notify you of key events, such as incoming calls and appointments. It also lets you read information such as your Gmail, text messages, Facebook™ and Twitter™ updates, and the weather forecast - all from your wrists. Lots of applications are available for download through Google Play - including those for social updates, workouts and music - and the list keeps growing. SmartWatch works with most Android (2.1 and above) smartphones.

Not to be outdone, there is a Fitbit and Withings wifi scale there too. The Fitbit is an awesome little device and I am going to feature it soon. There is also a helicopter and a Crayola coloring app for the iPad?!?

Source: Verizon Wireless

Galaxy Nexus for sale

Hey everyone, a little shameless pimping here. Got a Samsung Galaxy Nexus for sale. It's a great phone, dual core 1.2 Ghz processor, pure Google and only has a minor ding on the paint. Comes with an Otterbox defender case, XO Skin protector, factory extended battery, extended battery cover, and three standard batteries and standard battery cover. I bought all the batteries because I knew I was going to be using the phone non-stop at CTIA and competing with everyone else for network coverage. Slight wear around the paint on the bottom of the phone around the charging port.

It's unlocked, but I can lock it/root it whatever.

It's a great phone and I am asking a fair price for it over on Swappa. It is of course a clean ESN and the phone is on Verizon.

http://swappa.com/listing/CXX190/view

http://s32.photobucket.com/albums/d14/broadwayblues/web%20hosting/Galaxy%20Nexus%20Case%20Review/

I'll post some photos tomorrow.