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A notable open source project has come to my attention today called coLinux. It is similar to Cygwin (a Linux command-line shell on Windows), except that it allows you to run Linux GUI with Windows. Haven’t got around to playing with it, but it looks very interesting.

In other news, the latest version of the PlayFair program is now at 0.5.0. Numerous bug fixes as well as a OS X GUI client and a Windows release are featured. The PlayFair project is also now available at FreshMeat.

It looks like the controversial PlayFair program that strips the DRM off iTunes songs has been pulled from SourceForge and offshored to http://www.sarovar.org.  I can see how this program can be used illegally.  For one, these unprotected files could now conceivably be traded on the P2P networks.  It will no doubt cut into Apple’s bottom line if the program was used in this scenario.  The only practical application of this program is that it enables you to use the legally downloaded song file with other player applications other than iTunes.  At the moment, the files from iTunes can only be used with iTunes / iPod.  In my experience, the program is still buggy and not all songs worked correctly after the program applied its magic.  We shall see how this all plays out in the upcoming weeks.

The Calgary Flames rebounded yesterday in a big way to defeat the Vancouver Canucks 2-1.  They played their usual suffocating defensive style that has earned them most of their victories during the regular season.  During the game, you can tell how dirty and disrespectful some of the Canucks players were.  Ed Jovanoski is public enemy number one now.  He bodychecked Flames goaltender Mikka Kiprusoff,  clearly in his crease, and as a result, the Canucks scored on a wide open net.  I can’t believe that the refs didn’t see that one.  In the end, it didn’t matter.  If the Flames lost because of that, you can bet that the NHL would have a huge nightmare dealing with that.  

The first playoff game for the Flames yesterday really showed the Flames’ weaknesses and the Canucks’ strengths.  They both got magnified big time which resulted in a Canucks win.  Basically, the Canucks have a ton of offensive talent and their powerplay clicked all night long.  The Flames played a poor first period and couldn’t match the intensity that the Canucks brought.  They matched the Canucks in the second and third, but it was too late.  For the Flames to get a victory in this series, they’ll need quite a few breaks and will need to improve their special teams play.  From what I saw last night, the Canucks just might sweep the series, if the Flames don’t play perfect hockey.  

A very interesting software project at SourceForge came to my attention today called PlayFair. Legal issues aside, this program works as advertised. However, the resulting file seems to go from 128kbps bitrate to 127kbps.

I wouldn’t go crazy and start converting all the songs you bought at the iTunes store. The interface is raw and no GUI wrapper program has been created. If you are interested in reading more about the legal issues that have been raised, I’ve posted the following link.

Reference: http://www.macobserver.com/columns/devilsadvocate/2004/20030405.shtml

A big thanks to Steve Castledine at -->