Open Source on the OSX

by

First off, a disclaimer: I am a Linux enthusiast. This is no secret. What may not be evident, however, is that I’m not a purist. I believe in the best tool for the job, and if you want to use Windows or OSX, more power to you. I’d rather you choose to try it, rather than have me shove it down your throat. That said, I’m always available for help. I’m like that. 🙂

Jeri asked a question about word processing programs on OSX. As it happens, I have a little story about Office on my work computer…

When Office 2008 came out for the Macintosh, with Intel native code, I bought it. I installed it. I liked it just fine. Then one day, it quit working. I couldn’t figure out how to fix it, short of deleting my Library folder or something. It made me angry, because I had to open a Microsoft Word file. OpenOffice for OSX is not great. It requires X11, and is messy to use.

BUT, NeoOffice is a re-compile of OpenOffice designed to run natively in OSX. And it’s the shiz. The quick list of programs I use on OSX for word processing is:

  • NeoOffice – OpenOffice, but for OSX. It even includes the database program now. Awesome
  • Abiword – Word processor only. Unfortunately, kinda crashy in OSX. Lacks the one thing I love about it in Linux, because the OSX version won’t go full screen.
  • Bean – Cool, fast, awesome word processor. It also has a sweet logo and dock icon. I use this a LOT.

Ok, that’s it for now. 🙂

My Man Cave

by

So instead of jacking up our house and putting a basement underneath ($25,000 for an empty shell of a basement), we’re going to just build a shed for me to use as an office. The question, is whether or not to build said shed, or to get a “pre-cut” kit. The former might be cheaper, and easier to customize. The latter, however, I might be able to actually construct.

We’re thinking of buying this. It should make an awesome office space. I’m not sure exactly how to go about making a foundation, or if that is even required. I’m also not sure if a pre-cut shed requires a building permit or not. I have to find such things out pretty soon though. 🙂

Wish me luck, and send any advice my way. Please!

When Do You Have a Community?

by

I watched a great video today, and it reminded me of the UCF. If you don’t know what the UCF is, well, don’t worry, we’re just a group of people that are online friends. We’re a community if you will. In fact, the idea that online friends care enough to remind me about taking my blood pressure medicine is amazing. Thank you, you’re all awesome. Check out Gary Vaynerchuk’s take on online communities. (The video isn’t embeddable, so you have to click through to his site)

Green Jelly

by

This song was released the year I graduated from high school. What crazy kids we were. 🙂

I was so not cool back in high school. I’m OK with that. Donna, however, was pretty cool. We didn’t go to the same school, and that’s probably a good thing, or I’d have never had the guts to talk to her. And homegirl can dance. 🙂 This afternoon her and the girls were dancing in the living room. I’m so thankful our girls have Donna to show them how to be cool. I’m glad they have me too, but there is so much they’d miss out on if it were for my awesome wife.

How are you?

Tux Drying His Face

by

Whenever Tux gets a bath, he rubs his face on the carpet. The video really doesn’t do it justice, but it’s hilarious to watch. 🙂

(Plus, Michelle is under the weather, and wanted to be entertained. Here ya go.)

Are You the Gatekeeper?

by

Inspired by Michelle’s post about her hubby, I thought I’d share a dialog that happened this morning:

[Shawn and Donna are walking into the school for work, Shawn has a key to the front door]

Donna: You know, I’m just using you for your key…
Shawn: That makes sense, I am the keymaster. Are you the gatekeeper?
Donna: No, I’m the Lemon Merchant (see below).
Shawn: (in maniacal Ren voice) Don’t worry… I’LL SAVE YOU!

I love that the conversation would make no sense to anyone, and even with the aid of the links above, you may be more than a little confused. But it reminded me how lucky I am to have such a cool wife and best friend. 🙂

[flv:https://www.brainofshawn.com/uploads/lm.flv 320 240]