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Blog-Tag: 5ive Things

Drew posted this thing and said I was supposed to do the same… So, eh, why not?

  • I tried to build a robot when I was a kid. I had a controller built out of relays wired to a board which would be controlled by an Apple ][+, and a motor on a platform, and a circular aluminum body to sit on the platform, and I even built a robot hand out of solenoid and pieces of wood. The design was cool, it just didn’t work in the real world. I think I still have some of the parts in the garage.
  • When I was a kid I wrote a letter to NASA offering my services if they were looking for young people to go into space.
  • Back when I was younger, people said I looked like Nicolas Cage, though in more recent years, people said I looked like Ray Romano. I’m still trying to figure out if these were compliments or insults.
  • I have a scar or disfigurement on every finger. I will never be a hand model.
  • I almost blew up my grade school.

Now tagging: Michael Raichelson’s, Mike Rohde, Jordan Arentsen, Justin Kruger, Vinny Carpenter.

(See Also: Jeff Pulver, The Blog Tag Tree…)

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Am I a Laptop Guy?

It’s been over a month now since I got an iBook. I’ve had old PowerBooks before, but they were never that portable (meaning they had almost useless batteries, and no wifi.)

So, having a working laptop is an interesting thing. I know, some people live by their laptops, but I’ve always been a desktop guy. These are my observations so far on carrying around and using an iBook.

  • It’s heavy. Even though it’s a 12″ iBook, and it weights just 4.9 lbs, carrying it around is an effort. I put it in an over-the-shoulder bag I have that also carries the power supply, and other misc. stuff like a webcam, ethernet cable, Moleskin notebook, pens, etc.
  • Wifi is awesome. Mac OS X makes wifi pretty seamless. I remember trying to help a friend set up wifi using Windows, and we couldn’t figure it out.
  • It’s nice to have with you. But should I take it everywhere? Over the holidays I skipped bringing it somewhere and once I was there realized I really should have brought it. So it still requires thought as to whether I should lug the thing along or not. At least I have the option of lugging it and having it available to use instead of one of the Windows machines that seems to be everywhere.
  • I still don’t think of it as a main machine. To me my desktop Mac will always be my “homebase” computing machine – the powerhouse – with tons of RAM and disk space and running as a server, while a laptop is the portable solution to connecting and working.
  • Sitting on the couch reading my aggregator while watching TV is very relaxing.

Those are my notes so far. I’m sure I’ll have more as I go.



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DRM (Done Ripping Music)

I spent much of my time since Xmas attempting to explain how iTunes, iPod, DRM, and freedom all work. Together and against each other…

I used Senuti and CopyPod to move files from different iPods into different iTunes libraries. I did my best to explain DRM and “Protected AAC” files to family members, and I didn’t even get into the doomspeak of “if something goes wrong, you can lose all your music!” I kept it pretty high-level, and just talked about how to manage multiple iPods on multiple computers with one iTunes Music Store account.

I did find it a little sad that things are still more complex than they need to be. I still have vinyl records and cassettes that are over 25 years old which I can play on any compatible device. Now that’s my definition of “Plays For Sure!”

I also bought a bunch of blank CD‘s which will be used to strip the DRM, I mean, make backups, of any songs I’ve gotten from the iTunes Music Store. It’s always good to have a backup.

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Xmas was Swell

If you tuned in last week, you may have noticed that my Xmas Spirit was Not Found, but it’s ok, all went well, and it was a good holiday…

Someone asked me if I got everything I wanted, and I had to think about it. Since I didn’t really want anything, I said “Yes, I got everything I wanted.” Actually, I suppose what I really wanted was to have a good holiday, and enjoy time with the family, and I did that, so it all turned out just fine.

Anyway, I hope your holiday went well. Right now I’m just wrapping up all the loose ends of 2006 and planning for 2007. (Projects on deck are the Web414 group and BarCampMadison…)

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Xmas Spirit Not Found

Ok folks, you know I don’t ask for much, but I need help. See, I’ve not got the Xmas Spirit like I should. Xmas is almost here, and I’m in a bummed out mood. There is no snow, it’s been raining for two days, and besides paying $1200+ to get the vehicle fixed last month the state of Wisconsin decided they paid me too much money during the summer and now wants $410 back before December 31st. (Thanks Wisconsin!) Bummer for me…

Anyway, things are more or less positive (except for the financial situation) so I really shouldn’t be bummed out. I’ve got the love of a great woman, 2 amazing kids, and 3 jobs which usually manage to pay the bills.

So either email me, or leave a comment and attempt to cheer me up. Thanks everyone!

(If I don’t see any comments by later today, I may start drinking heavily…)

Update: In an effort to raise my Xmas Spirit I started eating Xmas cookies, but now my stomach hurts. Damn you Xmas cookies!