How fast is Google Chrome?

Programmers for browsers like Internet Explorer, Safari, Opera, Firefox and Google Chrome compete with one another in speed, intuition and stability creating what many tech-savvy blogger refer to as the "browser wars."

Slate, Technology Gear, and Infoworld rank Google Chrome on top.

But to spite all of the critical acclaim, Internet Explorer is the most-used browser on the market at 58%, but it's popularity is rapidly declining. Firefox is IE's closest competitor at 22% and Google Chrome is approaching 10% of the market share.

Bizarre gifts of 2010

So, you have that person in your life that is just plain odd. (That's probably why you like them.) Or perhaps your goal when buying gifts is for the recipient to open it and say "WTF?"

Well, here are the strangest gifts I've found on the internet that you can still get shipped in time for Christmas:

For the handlebar hipster: CARSTACHE



We might all be guilty of having a little hipster trapped inside of all of us. There are some people who push the boundaries though. You know the type, maxed out their credit card at Urban Outfitters, won't stop playing the new Deerhunter album on vinyl, wears stupid ill-fitting sweaters because they're "vintage"....
The carstache is the perfect subtle clue that they're taking this fad just a little too far. And if they don't get the hint they'll probably enjoy the hell out of it. (They even come in different colors)

For the creepy cook: FETUS COOKIE CUTTER



What's the one thing you want to think about when you're eating? That's right, fetuses. Maybe you have a disturbed cousin that listens to death metal, or an aunt that is an avid pro-life supporter... Either way, this cookie cutter is sure to be a hit. And I bet Santa would still gobble down the cookies no matter what they were shaped like. (He is a fattie after all.)

For the lazy college student: GUN ALARM CLOCK



Brilliant. This hands-on alarm clock won't shut up until you shoot the target in the center. No more excuses for missing that 8 am class, or sleeping all day after an alcohol binge. Even better gift if they're into violence or Sarah Palin. BANG!

For the ex-girlfriend: THE GIFT OF NOTHING



You know that there's no one that gets under your skin more than an ex. Well, 'tis the season my friend. Instead of the passive anger this year be extra spiteful and go out of your way to get that not-so-special person absolutely nothing. Extra point if there's an "I'm Sorry" card attached.

For Grandma: THE KNITTED FROG DISSECTION



Do you have that annoying Grandmother who is always trying to teach you how to knit? Well, give her this lovely craft and she's sure to be off your case for a while. Also an option for a science geek. (And only 8 bucks!)

Some other favorites:
THE SNUGGIE-SUTRA
THE DICK TOWEL (As seen on Always Sunny in Philadelphia)
THE BACON WALLET
THE BREATHALYZER KEYCHAIN

Merry Christmas Weirdo!

How to conquer Cyber Monday

While getting up at absurd hours in the morning and fighting hoards of shoppers on Black Friday may your cup of tea, many prefer to stay in their pajamas and take advantage of deals online.

Today is Cyber Monday, and major retailers are offering killer deals.

Here are a few hot gifts that are on sale today only:


Hoodiebuddie is a brand new product that fuses fashion with function. Built-in headphones are a crucial asset for any iPod owner or workout fiend. What better gift for that young, hip person on your list? If you missed the 50% off Cyber Monday deal, you can still get 10% off by "liking" Hoodiebuddie on Facebook.


This year's hot item, the iPad, is 10% off on eBay today.


Urban Outfitters has unique gifts like vintage-styled roller skates and Budweiser Christmas sweaters. Many items are marked down today and shipping is free!


Get your designer shoe and clothing fix! Great site-wide Cyber Monday deals:
Piperlime: 20% off with code LUCKY20
New York & Co.: 50% off and free shipping with code 2757
Eddie Bauer: 30% off and free shipping with code CYBERDAY
Reebok: 40% off entire order and free shipping with code CYBER40
Ross-Simons: 30% off + free shipping with code 30FREESHIP through 12/01/2010
Tommy Hilfiger: 40% off and free shipping.
ZAGG: 50% off sitewide
7 For All Mankind: 50% off sweaters & outerwear w/code WS2010


Giving the gift of an experience is a nice alternative to a material gift. You can give a delicious night on the town to anyone on your list with dining certificates from Restaurant.com, 80% off on Cyber Monday with the code DEAL.

Sites like Groupon offer daily, localized deals on experiences (like hot air baloon rides or salsa lessons) at a discounted rate with the option of giving it as a gift or using it for yourself. You usually have about a deal to use the Groupon. Livingsocial is a similar site offering 1-day deals on restaurants, spas and events.

Jaywalking could get expensive at UNC

A jaywalking fine of $166 goes into effect at UNC, where previously violations were treated with verbal warnings.

The initiative is an effort to improve pedestrian safety.

The UNC Department of Public Safety said that this is not a project to increase revenues, as $141 dollars of the fine will go to court costs.

Be careful when walking around campus as that short-cut to class may cost you.

Change of beats

My apologies about the update lapse.

The blog will switch modes a bit in the coming months. I will no longer be strictly reporting on the Hillsborough area.

However, keep your out for upcoming events coverage and political commentary for the Triangle community right here!

Political pundits speak at UNC

Mark Shields and William Kristol came to Memorial Hall in Chapel Hill on Tuesday, October 5th to Discuss the State of the Union before the mid-term elections.



Though their views are polar opposite, the discussion was educational, not argumentative.

William Kristol is the founder of a D.C.-based political magazine, The Weekly Standard and is a political contributor for FOX News Channel.

Mark Shields is a columnist and commentator. He began writing his now syndicated column as an editorial writer at The Washington Post in 1979. Shields has provided weekly political analysis and commentary on national campaigns for PBS.

After an analytic debate and questions from the audience, the crowd headed to Gerrard Hall for a reception with free food and conversation with the speakers.

Hodding Carter III, University Professor of Leadership and Public Policy, moderated the event.

Hillsborough police request the public's help to investigate car break-ins

Contact: Detective Chip White, Criminal Investigations Division of the Hillsborough Police Department, 732-9381 Ext. 37

The Hillsborough Police Department is investigating 10 motor vehicle break-ins at apartment complexes in Southern Hillsborough.

The incidents occurred between March 19 and April 21 at Ashford Lakes Apartment Homes on Churton Street and Coachwood Apartments on Cheshire Drive. The property theft exceeds $4,000, with damages of more than $8,000. The incidents also have resulted in credit card fraud in Hillsborough, Durham and Raleigh.

The Police Department has obtained surveillance footage of two suspects and their vehicle and is requesting the public’s assistance in identifying the suspects. Snapshots of the footage may be viewed on the Town of Hillsborough’s Web site, www.ci.hillsborough.nc.us, and on its government access channel, available on Time Warner Cable Channel 18.

One suspect is a white man about 5 feet 6 inches to 5 feet 10 inches tall and weighing 155 to 180 pounds. He has a tattoo on the right side of his neck. The second suspect is a white woman about 5 feet 4 inches to 5 feet 8 inches tall and weighing 140 to 160 pounds. She has light/medium color hair. The suspects’ vehicle is a gold minivan, possibly a Plymouth or Chrysler.

If you have any information, please contact Detective Chip White by phone at 732-9381 Ext. 37 or by e-mail at police.reports@hpdnc.org. For an immediate police response, call 911.