So easy to win, and not one taker… Sigh…
Technology
Christmas Break?
Servers not working. Installation attempt number 17 in progress. School resuming soon. Not a SINGLE computer in the district working.
Uh… when is spring break coming?
Did You Get a Geeky Gift? Win a T-Shirt!
Following my review of the Penguin Pooper, Carlie Fairchild, the publisher over at Linux Journal, started a review contest. The first 20 people submitting video reviews of their geeky gifts get free T-Shirts. But even more than that, the bragging rights that go along with such a contest.
Go quickly!
Public Service Announcement
For future reference:

These types of cups are not designed for mug warmers. Also, fingernail polish remover does remove melted Styrofoam. You’re welcome.
Today’s Funny IM
I was speaking to a programmer friend over IM today:
Him: Hey, I’ve been learning Python
Me: Cool, the hisses are the hard part. Pythons are pretty forgiving with grammar, but Rattlers get TICKED if you mess up their tonal dialect…
Yep, I’m still a geek. I gotta love that he played right along though.
The Problem With NASA
See:
Astronauts to Inspect Space Station Joints in Spacewalk
I don’t think they should be smoking marijuana on the space station at all. Call me a prude if you will, but I have to draw the line somewhere.
That said, are the laws the same once you leave the planet? If an astronaut kills another in space, is it illegal? How far do our laws extend? Yes, these are the things I think about…
The Whole World Doesn’t Love Me
It’s rather weird to be in the public eye. Granted, the “public” eyes I’m in are rather small, but when a few thousand people intake something you’ve created, there’s bound to be someone that doesn’t like you. It’s a little weird to be disliked by someone you’ve never met, or talked to, or talked about, etc.
Don’t get me wrong, lots of people dislike me. I’ve been called names that would make sailors blush (and there are a couple Navy folks that read my blog, yes, you’d blush). Those people, however, have reasons to hate me. I may not agree with their reasoning, but at least they have something to claim I’ve done to them.
It gets wacky when people randomly email you, or comment on youtube, or attempt to make you look dumb in public somewhere. Even that I can handle to an extent. The thing that I find interesting is when people assume that if someone has managed to get published somewhere, that those people must be arrogant, rich, self-absorbed ignoramuses. Because in order to get someone to pay you for your creation, you must have cut corners somewhere. All geniuses are undiscovered, and must die poor and alone, right? How dare I risk embarrassment and ask a publisher to accept my creation as professional quality. I must be really arrogant to think my stuff is better than those that aren’t published.
Guess what? I DON’T! Crimeny, I’m more insecure about the things I do than anyone I know. (My suspicion is that everyone feels that way, whether they admit it or not) If you don’t like what I do, then don’t read/watch/listen to it. If you’re a publisher, just don’t buy it. (Unsurprisingly, I’ve never gotten a, “You suck” response from a publisher, they generally have better things to do)
Oh, and if you don’t like this blog post, feel free to email me about how much I suck. I have a special place for those emails, snuggled up next to the male enhancement offers I get. :o)
Now, on REAL TV
In some more “pretty cool” stuff in my life, I just got confirmation that I’ll be a guest caller on, The Lab with Leo LaPorte, which I think is on G4 Tech TV. I have a question regarding the things to look for in a wireless microphone (for shooting my Linux Journal videos), and apparently it’s an interesting enough question that they want me to ask it on the show.

Here’s the problem: I’ve never seen the show, and I don’t have satellite TV, so I probably won’t be able to watch it before next week when I’m supposed to call in. So, cross your fingers for me that I won’t look like a moron. I’m going to try to find a way to watch an episode or two before next week, but I’m not sure I’ll be able to swing it. I might just have to wing it. 🙂
More Linux (Eee PC Review)
I’ve been pretty scarce around here lately, and it’s been because I’ve had both writing and video deadlines. 2 more videos just went live on the Linux Journal website, so please go there and let me know what you think. 🙂 Check the comments on their site for the second video.

And here’s the direct links for those who can’t see the embedded videos on the Linux Journal site. Watch this first, and then this.
Enjoy!
The Glorious Reveal!
Maybe not glorious, but hey, you get what you pay for. And this is free. (Click the image below to watch it online)

I’m Linux Journal‘s new, “Gadget Guy” — and I do video reviews of products for them. The first video is up, and depending on the feedback they get, I will be a continuous feature on the Linux Journal website. So like, go watch it and stuff. And tell your friends. And neighbors. And people you meet at the grocery store. And tell the Santa at the mall. Email your congressman a link.
Well, at least go watch it. It’s not a dry product review, I promise. Just click on the picture above.