05.12.07

A Neo Toy

Posted in News at 00:24

So I got a new “toy.” It’s an Alphasmart Neo, and I’m using it to type this post.

It’s essentially an electronic typewriter without the paper. Its wordprocessing software saves what you type automatically with each keystroke into the onboard memory. It turns on and off instantly–no “booting” required. It’s lightweight, portable, and battery operated. The screen is small, and can only display six lines at a time. When you are done typing, it plugs into a USB port on your computer. It then becomes a glorified USB keyboard. You open a wordprocessing program, press “send” on the Alphasmart, and it “types” the text from its memory into your computer. A lack of bells and whistles (no games or web browser) ensures greater productivity. Supposedly one can plug the unit into nearly any USB printer and print directly. As mine is in storage, I have yet to try this. I was pleased to find, though, that one can transfer text to a Linux machine. The included software for transferring files to the unit works only on Mac and Windows. Perhaps when I get back home I will be able to find a hack to fix this. Another handy feature is the Alphasmart’s support of the Dvorak keyboard layout. Since I type much faster in Dvorak, this is a huge plus for me.

Enough with the technical crap, though. I bought this new “toy” for a trip I will be taking this summer to India. I will be living with a local family for three months and taking twelve units of self-directed courses. This translates to a lot of typing in a place where access to a computer is dubious. Faced with the option of buying a brand new laptop and taking it where it could get lost, broken, stolen, damaged, etc. or buying an Alphasmart for half the price, I chose the Alphasmart.

While I am in India, I will try to continue to write blog posts on my Neo and upload them as I am able. This way I can keep y’all up to date on my travel experiences.

06.02.06

Second Shift

Posted in News, Work at 12:50

I had a sudden change in the direction of busy this week. I started class on Wednesday, and as of yesterday, I have a full-time job—second shift (15:00-23:30) at a warehouse. I’m very happy to be done with the job search. Looking for work is way harder than working. So far, taking one class and working full time seems decidedly more relaxing than taking a full load of classes and working ten hours. Hopefully this will allow me to start fall classes mentally refreshed and with a little extra money.

05.29.06

Google Wines and Dines Linux Users with Popular Photo App

Posted in News at 13:28

Some whine in response

Google released a binary version of Picasa, their popular photo album software, for Linux on Thursday. The package contains a slightly modified version of the Windows binary, bundled with a specially tweaked version of WINE. Most Linux users rave, but a few are offended, calling the use of WINE sloppy, the term ‘port’ an exaggeration, and the proprietary nature of the code less than open-source friendly. Many from both camps, however, seem to be sticking with native, open-source alternatives like F-Spot or digiKam. According to Linux Today, a less WINE-dependent port of Google Earth is currently under development.
http://linuxfr.org/2006/05/29/20876.html (in French)

http://picasa.google.com/linux/

http://www.winehq.com/

04.24.06

Dead Week

Posted in News at 19:24

Dead week is here. I need to write three papers and prepare for a presentation before 08:05 tomorrow morning. Ideally, I would finish nine chapters of a book and write another two papers too. Ha. When I finish all of this, I will be a very relieved individual. Unfortunately, I am not feeling very motivated…

04.10.06

Another Password to Remember

Posted in News at 19:19

Registration is now required in order to comment on my blog. Apologies for the inconvenience. I will not contact anyone via e-mail for any reason without their explicit permission to do so.

Also, I have moderated three comments from two individuals because I felt the comments were out of place. I esteem both of these individuals and their opinions highly, and think it would be a pity indeed if either were to cease commenting. If this were not so, I would simply block their IP addresses. I hope that they will not take my moderations personally.

Finally, I would like to direct your attention to the “Say Hello” link on the menu bar—a great way to contact me quickly and privately (and anonymously if need be) via e-mail.

04.01.06

My Blog

Posted in News at 11:12

I’m really glad I didn’t try to finish JackalBlog. WordPress is so much nicer. That’s all.

Also, for those interested, it is now possible to receive e-mail notifications of new posts on Ca. Click the ‘subscribe’ link on the sidebar.

10.28.05

Apologies

Posted in News at 18:02

I just discovered that I had some comments awaiting moderation. My anti-spam settings were too high. I’ve approved your comments and corrected the settings.

An Update

Posted in News at 00:03

I normally try to center my posts around what I’m thinking rather than what I’ve been doing. But tonight, I think I’ll go for the good old update.

My calves are a little sore. I’ve run eleven miles in the last four days. (I’m training for a marathon.) On Saturday, I’ll run the homecoming 5k run twice through with my fellow marathoners-to-be.

Also, Ashley’s parents are coming for homecoming, so I’m going with them to the football game to see Ashley march and the Cougars beat Eastern Oregon. On Sunday they’re joining Ashley, Jen, Susan and I for church and lunch afterward.

My morning classes went well today, though I was a bit late to Church History. I randomly ran into Ashley in the cafeteria and we had lunch and talked. After my afternoon class, I got my schedule for next semester OKed, came home and ran, then made some enchiladas for Erik and myself. When we’d finished dinner, we rented a movie and got ice cream from Cold Stone. Finally, I dropped in on Jen for a bit, then came back to finish this post.

10.13.05

Farewell to the Jackals

Posted in News at 09:04

You might have noticed that my site looks a little bit different. I’ve made things easier on myself in the blogging department, so hopefully I will post more often.