I know people like to accuse Microsoft of copying Apple — but the irony is that they are much, much dumber than that.
‘Cos whenever they copy something, they never seem to figure it out and copy the thing that makes Apple successful. Apple has stores? Copy the look of them, but don’t actually have anything there to buy. Apple’s OS has one menubar? Copy it, but put dozens of them on the screen. Phone? ”Well, if Apple has been so successful selling just ONE phone, we can be NINE TIMES more successful by selling nine different phones!”
Even in 1908, Henry Ford had learned that too much choice caused paralysis in consumers. Today, Apple understands that — after all, the iPhone 4 is available in any color, as long as its black.
See also: Mac OS X (one version), Windows (six versions).
Via BoingBoing:
Iran’s ministry of culture has released a catalog of government-approved hair styles, in an effort to eliminate the menace of “decadent Western cuts.” According to the Islamic Republic News Agency, forbidden ‘dos include ponytails, mullets and spiky hair. But styles resembling those of Elvis Presley, Simon Cowell, or eighties-era floppy fringes are totally fine. Also, hair gel in moderation is acceptable. With the exception of goatees, facial hair is frowned upon.
Hey, all you “Tea Party” nutcases with your “give me back my freedom” bullshit: is the government dictating your Supercut? Then shut up.
Also, isn’t it interesting that in a country ruled by hard line Islamists, facial hair is frowned upon? Shows how arbitrary religion is.