Green Zone (2009)
A thriller about a pair of CIA agents on the trail of certain Weapons of Mass Destruction and a foreign correspondent following their mission. Inspired by Imperial Life in the Emerald City.
- Directed by Paul Greengrass (The Bourne Supremacy, The Bourne Ultimatum)
- Matt Damon and Jason Isaacs
Hail Caesar (2009)
- Directed by the Coen Brothers
The Informant! (2009)
- Directed by Steven Soderbergh (Traffic, Ocean's Eleven)
- Matt Damon
Sherlock Holmes, Christmas Day 2009
The Men Who Stare at Goats (2009)
- Ewan McGregor
- George Clooney
Friday, July 31, 2009
Learning PHP
Ending lines
Each code line in PHP must end with a semicolon. The semicolon is a separator and is used to distinguish one set of instructions from another.
Comments
In PHP, we use // to make a single-line comment or /* and */ to make a large comment block.
Variables
When a variable is declared, it can be used over and over again in your script.
Rules for creating variables
A variable name must start with a letter or an underscore "_"
A variable name should not contain spaces. If a variable name is more than one word, it should be separated with an underscore ($my_string), or with capitalization ($myString)
Learning on W3Schools' PHP Tutorial
Each code line in PHP must end with a semicolon. The semicolon is a separator and is used to distinguish one set of instructions from another.
Comments
In PHP, we use // to make a single-line comment or /* and */ to make a large comment block.
Variables
When a variable is declared, it can be used over and over again in your script.
Rules for creating variables
A variable name must start with a letter or an underscore "_"
A variable name should not contain spaces. If a variable name is more than one word, it should be separated with an underscore ($my_string), or with capitalization ($myString)
Learning on W3Schools' PHP Tutorial
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Roundup: Macs are 4th largest PC maker,
Apple is the fourth-largest U.S. PC maker and continues to take market share. It held 9 percent of the U.S. market in the second quarter, according to Gartner.
source: ExtremeTech
They said the Mac's operating system will be an easier nut to crack once hackers start to focus on it. That is because it has a lot more code in it than Windows, leaving room for more vulnerabilities and bugs that hackers can exploit.
source: ExtremeTech
They said the Mac's operating system will be an easier nut to crack once hackers start to focus on it. That is because it has a lot more code in it than Windows, leaving room for more vulnerabilities and bugs that hackers can exploit.
Disable Unecessary Services on Windows XP
Hacking Windows XP: Speed Up Your Boot - Disabling Unneeded Services - ExtremeTech
- HTML table of services and a description of each
Making Windows XP Start Faster - Stopping Unneeded Services - PC World
Because these services do not start automatically when you boot Windows XP, you do not need to do anything with manual services.
However, before you change a service to manual, look at the Dependencies tab (see Figure 4-4). This tab shows you which other services depend upon the service you are considering changing.
Services to consider disabling:
Computer Browser
Keeps track of the other computers on your network running the Microsoft Client for networking. This is what provides the list of computers when you are browsing your workgroup computer in My Network Places. This service is not system critical and can be disabled if you do not need the network browsing function.
Distributed Link Tracking Client
Keeps track of links to files on a NTFS volume on your computer or across a network. This service is not system critical and can be disabled.
Error Reporting Service
Allows users to report failures of applications directly to Microsoft so that Microsoft may fix bugs in its software if it is the culprit. This service is not system critical and can be safely disabled.
Fast User Switching Compatibility
Allows users to switch to other users on the same system without logging off. This service is not system critical and can be safely disabled.
Help and Support
Used for the help and support center. This service is not system critical and can be safely disabled.
HTTP SSL
Allows the personal web server built into Windows XP (IIS 6.0) to provide secure data transfers over HTTP. This service is rarely used since most people never even setup the personal web server on Windows XP. This service is not system critical and can be safely disabled.
Indexing Service
Creates a searchable database of the items on your hard drive. This service is not system critical and can be disabled if you do not search your drive often or can wait a few extra minutes to find a file.
Machine Debug Manager
Provides support for program and script debugging. This service is not system critical and can be safely disabled for most users.
Messenger
Allows users to send text popup messages to computers on the network. This service is abused by spammers to send you advertisements. It is highly recommended that you disable this service.
Remote Registry (Not included in XP Home)
Allows the system registry to be connected to remotely. This service is not system critical and is recommended that it is disabled.
Task Scheduler
Allows users to schedule and configure tasks. This service is not system critical and can be disabled if you do not need to schedule any tasks to run.
TCP/IP NetBIOS Helper (Update)
Allows the NetBIOS network protocol to run over the TCP/IP Protocol. This service is not system critical and can be disabled if you have no use for the NetBIOS protocol.
Terminal Services
Allows users to connect to the computer with remote desktop. This service is not system critical but is used by the remote assistance help feature. It can be safely disabled if you do not need the remote assistance feature.
WebClient
This service adds support for web-based file management for technologies such as WebDav. Most users will never need to use this service. It is not system critical and can be safely disabled.
Windows Time
This service is in charge of synchronizing the Windows time. If you do not need to have your time synchronized, this service can be safely disabled.
More
Fax
If you don't use your computer for fax services, you can disable this one.
Themes
If you do not use themes, you can disable this service.
Other services to disable for a power-user:
Security Center
Monitors your system security settings to notify you if your settings are insecure. You should keep this service running unless you are confident about your computer's security. No other services depend on this service and it can be safely disabled given you have a good handle on your security.
System Restore
Could probably be disabled on a virtual machine, especially if using a "snapshot" feature in the virtual machine software.
More suggestions
Clipbook
Comment: So, you want to copy stuff to your clipbook and allow remote computers to access it? I don't. There may be a software vendor that requires this service to run. I've yet to find it useful. I suggest you disable it.
Cryptographic Services
Comment: It is very necessary if you are passing certificates for networking. Unless you are in a large corporate network where connections are managed through authentication, this is unnecessary; disable it.
This service is not system critical but it is required to install many Microsoft programs that want to check system file signatures. It is not recommended to disable this service because doing so would not allow Windows Update to run and install new updates.
Distributed Transaction Coordinator
Comment: Extremely few personal computers will require this service. If you use it, you may want to review the reasons it is being used. Unless you are accessing network filesystems and databases, disable it.
Net Logon
Comment: Unless you need this to operate inside a domain, it's likely not necessary or useful. If you are using a home or SOHO PC and don't have a local domain based network, disable it.
NetMeeting Remote Desktop Sharing
Comment: Do you really want a built in tool to share control of your desktop over your network connection? There are better tools for doing this kind of work, if needed. If someone you buy software from insists you let them use this tool to help you install it one time, then enable it and disable it immediately afterward. For typical use, you should disable it.
Telnet
Comment: There's just not a circumstance where I can imagine that turning this service on is a good idea. Unless you need to let people telnet into your computer and have a really good reason for doing so, disable it.
Uninterruptible Power Supply
Comment: Unless you are using a UPS on your computer and it has the capability of managing the system, disable it.
Upload Manager
Comment: If you are not in a local network sharing data (files and/or services), disable it.
- HTML table of services and a description of each
Making Windows XP Start Faster - Stopping Unneeded Services - PC World
Because these services do not start automatically when you boot Windows XP, you do not need to do anything with manual services.
However, before you change a service to manual, look at the Dependencies tab (see Figure 4-4). This tab shows you which other services depend upon the service you are considering changing.
Services to consider disabling:
Computer Browser
Keeps track of the other computers on your network running the Microsoft Client for networking. This is what provides the list of computers when you are browsing your workgroup computer in My Network Places. This service is not system critical and can be disabled if you do not need the network browsing function.
Distributed Link Tracking Client
Keeps track of links to files on a NTFS volume on your computer or across a network. This service is not system critical and can be disabled.
Error Reporting Service
Allows users to report failures of applications directly to Microsoft so that Microsoft may fix bugs in its software if it is the culprit. This service is not system critical and can be safely disabled.
Fast User Switching Compatibility
Allows users to switch to other users on the same system without logging off. This service is not system critical and can be safely disabled.
Help and Support
Used for the help and support center. This service is not system critical and can be safely disabled.
HTTP SSL
Allows the personal web server built into Windows XP (IIS 6.0) to provide secure data transfers over HTTP. This service is rarely used since most people never even setup the personal web server on Windows XP. This service is not system critical and can be safely disabled.
Indexing Service
Creates a searchable database of the items on your hard drive. This service is not system critical and can be disabled if you do not search your drive often or can wait a few extra minutes to find a file.
Machine Debug Manager
Provides support for program and script debugging. This service is not system critical and can be safely disabled for most users.
Messenger
Allows users to send text popup messages to computers on the network. This service is abused by spammers to send you advertisements. It is highly recommended that you disable this service.
Remote Registry (Not included in XP Home)
Allows the system registry to be connected to remotely. This service is not system critical and is recommended that it is disabled.
Task Scheduler
Allows users to schedule and configure tasks. This service is not system critical and can be disabled if you do not need to schedule any tasks to run.
TCP/IP NetBIOS Helper (Update)
Allows the NetBIOS network protocol to run over the TCP/IP Protocol. This service is not system critical and can be disabled if you have no use for the NetBIOS protocol.
Terminal Services
Allows users to connect to the computer with remote desktop. This service is not system critical but is used by the remote assistance help feature. It can be safely disabled if you do not need the remote assistance feature.
WebClient
This service adds support for web-based file management for technologies such as WebDav. Most users will never need to use this service. It is not system critical and can be safely disabled.
Windows Time
This service is in charge of synchronizing the Windows time. If you do not need to have your time synchronized, this service can be safely disabled.
The Services utility is included in all versions of Windows XP and but is hidden away. Do the following to disable a service using the Services utility:
- Click on the Start menu and select Run. In the text box type services.msc and click OK. This will start the Services utility as shown in Figure 8-6.
- Now that you are in the Services utility, you will see a list of a lot of services on your computer. First you will need to stop the service that you want to disable. Right click on the service name and select Stop on the pop-up menu.
- When the service is stopped, right click on the service again and select Properties. Located on the General tab, look for the Startup Type drop-down box. Click on the arrow on the drop-down box and select Disabled.
- Click on the OK button and from now on, the system will not start the service any more during boot speeding up your system start.
More
Fax
If you don't use your computer for fax services, you can disable this one.
Themes
If you do not use themes, you can disable this service.
Other services to disable for a power-user:
Security Center
Monitors your system security settings to notify you if your settings are insecure. You should keep this service running unless you are confident about your computer's security. No other services depend on this service and it can be safely disabled given you have a good handle on your security.
System Restore
Could probably be disabled on a virtual machine, especially if using a "snapshot" feature in the virtual machine software.
More suggestions
Clipbook
Comment: So, you want to copy stuff to your clipbook and allow remote computers to access it? I don't. There may be a software vendor that requires this service to run. I've yet to find it useful. I suggest you disable it.
Cryptographic Services
Comment: It is very necessary if you are passing certificates for networking. Unless you are in a large corporate network where connections are managed through authentication, this is unnecessary; disable it.
This service is not system critical but it is required to install many Microsoft programs that want to check system file signatures. It is not recommended to disable this service because doing so would not allow Windows Update to run and install new updates.
Distributed Transaction Coordinator
Comment: Extremely few personal computers will require this service. If you use it, you may want to review the reasons it is being used. Unless you are accessing network filesystems and databases, disable it.
Net Logon
Comment: Unless you need this to operate inside a domain, it's likely not necessary or useful. If you are using a home or SOHO PC and don't have a local domain based network, disable it.
NetMeeting Remote Desktop Sharing
Comment: Do you really want a built in tool to share control of your desktop over your network connection? There are better tools for doing this kind of work, if needed. If someone you buy software from insists you let them use this tool to help you install it one time, then enable it and disable it immediately afterward. For typical use, you should disable it.
Telnet
Comment: There's just not a circumstance where I can imagine that turning this service on is a good idea. Unless you need to let people telnet into your computer and have a really good reason for doing so, disable it.
Uninterruptible Power Supply
Comment: Unless you are using a UPS on your computer and it has the capability of managing the system, disable it.
Upload Manager
Comment: If you are not in a local network sharing data (files and/or services), disable it.
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Slipstreaming Windows XP
Windows Update Downloader allows updates to be downloaded as executable packages, "easily
plugged into a slipstreaming tool."
From Lifehacker Slipstream Service Pack 3 into Your Windows
Installation CD describes how slipstreaming allows power-user settings to be pre-configured.
Tools for slipstreaming:
- Windows install disc
- nLite
- Copy of Service Pack 3 from Microsoft
- a Windows system with at least 1 GB of free hard drive space
- WinUpdatesList is recommended
Service Pack 3 incorporates the fixes made in SP1 and SP2, so it makes them unnecessary
Internet Explorer 7 and 8 can be pre-installed with an executable.
"Unattended options" allow:
- The product key can be entered in advance
- the Windows XP tour can be skipped
The bundling process (to make the ISO file) takes 7-10 minutes on a faster computer.
plugged into a slipstreaming tool."
From Lifehacker Slipstream Service Pack 3 into Your Windows
Installation CD describes how slipstreaming allows power-user settings to be pre-configured.
Tools for slipstreaming:
- Windows install disc
- nLite
- Copy of Service Pack 3 from Microsoft
- a Windows system with at least 1 GB of free hard drive space
- WinUpdatesList is recommended
Service Pack 3 incorporates the fixes made in SP1 and SP2, so it makes them unnecessary
Internet Explorer 7 and 8 can be pre-installed with an executable.
"Unattended options" allow:
- The product key can be entered in advance
- the Windows XP tour can be skipped
The bundling process (to make the ISO file) takes 7-10 minutes on a faster computer.
Roundup: O'Relliy on Healthcare, MIP penalties
Bill O'Reilly had some smart and insightful things to say about Obama's Healthcare plan. A lot of people ignore or overlook the fact that allowing the government to enter health care means that they have everyone's private medical records.
In Montana, the standard Minor in Possession penalties for the first offense are:
- $290 fine
- MIP program
- 20 hours of community service
If was a judge and the charged teen was only guilty by association, I would cut the fine in half, but still require them to take the MIP program.
Yellowstone National Park is receiving $14 million in stimulus money.
Big Sky Youth Empowerment program is focusing on outdoor programs for young disadvantages girls.
Police Unions Ask Obama for Apology. Obama made a bad decision to condemn a police officer who was performing his duty and happens to be the least likely person to arrest based on racism.
A federal panel recommended today that pregnant women get priority for the swine flu vaccine. They are probably in the pockets of the WHO/CDC, who is in the pockets of the drugs companies, who stand to make millions of dollars if they can convince people to get a vaccine for swine flu. Swine flu happens to be very similar to the regular flu.
An officer from the Boston Police Department was suspended for using the racial slur "jungle monkey" in an email sent to friends in the National Guard.
In Montana, the standard Minor in Possession penalties for the first offense are:
- $290 fine
- MIP program
- 20 hours of community service
If was a judge and the charged teen was only guilty by association, I would cut the fine in half, but still require them to take the MIP program.
Yellowstone National Park is receiving $14 million in stimulus money.
Big Sky Youth Empowerment program is focusing on outdoor programs for young disadvantages girls.
Police Unions Ask Obama for Apology. Obama made a bad decision to condemn a police officer who was performing his duty and happens to be the least likely person to arrest based on racism.
A federal panel recommended today that pregnant women get priority for the swine flu vaccine. They are probably in the pockets of the WHO/CDC, who is in the pockets of the drugs companies, who stand to make millions of dollars if they can convince people to get a vaccine for swine flu. Swine flu happens to be very similar to the regular flu.
An officer from the Boston Police Department was suspended for using the racial slur "jungle monkey" in an email sent to friends in the National Guard.
Monday, July 27, 2009
Quote: Life can only be found
Life can be found only in the present moment. The past is gone, the future is not yet here, and if we do not go back to ourselves in the present moment, we cannot be in touch with life.
- Thich Nhat Hanh
- Thich Nhat Hanh
Quote: The present moment
The present moment
contains past and future.
The secret of transformation,
is in the way we handle this very moment.
- Thich Nhat Hanh
contains past and future.
The secret of transformation,
is in the way we handle this very moment.
- Thich Nhat Hanh
Roundup: becoming a police officer, light meter value
After going through several menus on KEH.com, I received this quote:
Minolta Flash Meter VI (with case) $278
- without dents or dings
How to become a police officer (eHow)
NSA = no strings attached
It helps to check a person's name on Google if they have a more gender-neutral name.
I almost sent a resume in an email and addressed a man as Ms.
Life Changing Movies (Ask MetaFilter)
Games of Wit and Imagination
Get Better at Scrabble
I need a badass skill
Best dating services to find a real relationship?
I tried the various services, and found that the people on the free ones, like CL, were more normal. There's a lower barrier to entry at a free site, so many more relatively normal people are willing to try it on a whim or a dare. The people on the pay sites were just much less desireable overall, and often deeper in fantasy about what the internet could do for them.
Anglo-American playing card games Category page on Wikipedia
Baccarat (Wikipedia)
- seems like an easy explanation
Compensation: 1099
1099 is the code used by the IRS for wages earned by an independent contractor.
davenport: 1. A large sofa, often convertible into a bed.
Minolta Flash Meter VI (with case) $278
- without dents or dings
How to become a police officer (eHow)
NSA = no strings attached
It helps to check a person's name on Google if they have a more gender-neutral name.
I almost sent a resume in an email and addressed a man as Ms.
Life Changing Movies (Ask MetaFilter)
Games of Wit and Imagination
Get Better at Scrabble
I need a badass skill
Best dating services to find a real relationship?
I tried the various services, and found that the people on the free ones, like CL, were more normal. There's a lower barrier to entry at a free site, so many more relatively normal people are willing to try it on a whim or a dare. The people on the pay sites were just much less desireable overall, and often deeper in fantasy about what the internet could do for them.
Anglo-American playing card games Category page on Wikipedia
Baccarat (Wikipedia)
- seems like an easy explanation
Compensation: 1099
1099 is the code used by the IRS for wages earned by an independent contractor.
davenport: 1. A large sofa, often convertible into a bed.
Saturday, July 25, 2009
Roundup: Canon SD1200 price, VHS history
Noticed that on B&H the Canon Powershot SD1200 went down in price $5 to $180 to match
Amazon's $180 price.
The SD1200 can hold about 374 high-res JPEGs per GB.
Apple has commented previously that Blu-ray was expensive and complicated to license on their equipment and they would wait and see what happened in the market before going any further. This was last year and as Blu-ray has continued to grow, could this mean Apple are set to introduce Blu-ray to certain new machines? via: [blurayfreak]
For the first time, burn a Blu-ray directly within Final Cut Pro 7
Even though Apple has not released any blu-ray drives for their computers, Final Cut Pro 7 can now burn to blu-ray.
This company sells blu-ray drives for mac. TUAW reported their
release of second generation blu-ray drives for mac
Amazon's $180 price.
The SD1200 can hold about 374 high-res JPEGs per GB.
Apple has commented previously that Blu-ray was expensive and complicated to license on their equipment and they would wait and see what happened in the market before going any further. This was last year and as Blu-ray has continued to grow, could this mean Apple are set to introduce Blu-ray to certain new machines? via: [blurayfreak]
For the first time, burn a Blu-ray directly within Final Cut Pro 7
Even though Apple has not released any blu-ray drives for their computers, Final Cut Pro 7 can now burn to blu-ray.
This company sells blu-ray drives for mac. TUAW reported their
release of second generation blu-ray drives for mac
Friday, July 24, 2009
Future Technology
Cheap Blu-ray discs and drives
Cheap Solid State drives
Holographic discs
- current max capacity is a whopping 500 GB, but could theoretically hold up to 6 TB of data.
Sony Philips, TDK, Panasonic, Optware, and planned to release a 1 TB discs in late 2016, and Maxell planned one for early 2017 with a capacity of 500 GB.
OLED displays and TVs.
Ulra HD
- 2k is 2048 x 1920 and 4k is 4096 x 2160 via After 1080p - all you need to know about Ultra HD
Ultra HD has the biggest benefits right now for digital cinemas and other commercial applications where massive screen sizes are essential.
Cheap Solid State drives
Holographic discs
- current max capacity is a whopping 500 GB, but could theoretically hold up to 6 TB of data.
Sony Philips, TDK, Panasonic, Optware, and planned to release a 1 TB discs in late 2016, and Maxell planned one for early 2017 with a capacity of 500 GB.
OLED displays and TVs.
Ulra HD
- 2k is 2048 x 1920 and 4k is 4096 x 2160 via After 1080p - all you need to know about Ultra HD
Ultra HD has the biggest benefits right now for digital cinemas and other commercial applications where massive screen sizes are essential.
Growing Up with Technology
Blu-ray
Solid State Drives
Second displays
PDA's
external hard drives
cell phones
iPods
DVDs
VHS tapes
What's next in future technology
* Purchased my first DVDs in 2002.
* Bought a 60GB Creative Zen MP3 player from Amazon in 2006 and then sold it and bought a 30GB Gen 5.5 ipod in 2006.
* By 2005, during my senior year in high school, most of the people in my class had cell phones. Everyone at work had cell phones.
* Purchased my first Blu-ray movies in November 2008 in anticipation of getting a blu-ray player soon. (The movies were less than $10).
Solid State Drives
Second displays
PDA's
external hard drives
cell phones
iPods
DVDs
VHS tapes
What's next in future technology
* Purchased my first DVDs in 2002.
* Bought a 60GB Creative Zen MP3 player from Amazon in 2006 and then sold it and bought a 30GB Gen 5.5 ipod in 2006.
* By 2005, during my senior year in high school, most of the people in my class had cell phones. Everyone at work had cell phones.
* Purchased my first Blu-ray movies in November 2008 in anticipation of getting a blu-ray player soon. (The movies were less than $10).
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Current Mac Apps Used
Dock
Thunderbird (no longer used, but a nice app)
Firefox 3.0
Omnifocus (EBC license)
Transmit (EBC license)
TextWrangler
Soundslides (Plus 898)
1Password (my license)
Parallels (Build 5582)
Mplayer
Backdrop
Prism Twitter App
Dock Stack 1
Delicious Library 2
Finale 2009
Frostwire
iBackup
JAlbum
MacTheRipper
Prism
Transmission
TweetDeck
Dock Stack 2
Alarm Clock 2
BookSmart
Disk Inventory X
Google Earth
Handbrake
Microsoft Messenger
Onyx (unused as of today)
PrintFinder (outputs a list of files)
Renamer4mac
VLC (only used once or twice)
* Perian adds QuickTime support for most major video formats.
* TweetDeck requires Adobe AIR
* Growl used by Firefox, Transmission, and others.
Thunderbird (no longer used, but a nice app)
Firefox 3.0
Omnifocus (EBC license)
Transmit (EBC license)
TextWrangler
Soundslides (Plus 898)
1Password (my license)
Parallels (Build 5582)
Mplayer
Backdrop
Prism Twitter App
Dock Stack 1
Delicious Library 2
Finale 2009
Frostwire
iBackup
JAlbum
MacTheRipper
Prism
Transmission
TweetDeck
Dock Stack 2
Alarm Clock 2
BookSmart
Disk Inventory X
Google Earth
Handbrake
Microsoft Messenger
Onyx (unused as of today)
PrintFinder (outputs a list of files)
Renamer4mac
VLC (only used once or twice)
* Perian adds QuickTime support for most major video formats.
* TweetDeck requires Adobe AIR
* Growl used by Firefox, Transmission, and others.
Mac Games and Apps to get
Games
Hoyle Card Games 2008 (PC/Mac)
Worms 3D
Lego Star Wars II
Applications
Final Cut Pro
Serial Box
For the bro'
World of Goo (for Mac)
Hoyle Card Games 2008 (PC/Mac)
Worms 3D
Lego Star Wars II
Applications
Final Cut Pro
Serial Box
For the bro'
World of Goo (for Mac)
Daily Roundup: Match similar words in google,
Use the tilde symbol (~) in a Google search to include similar words.
example from today, search: how to ~improve router reliability
A lot of the search results included pages that used the word 'increase' instead of improve.
Firmware Updates and Home Theater
example from today, search: how to ~improve router reliability
A lot of the search results included pages that used the word 'increase' instead of improve.
Firmware Updates and Home Theater
Wireless : KisMAC wi-fi stumbler, securing a network
KisMAC is an open-source and free stumbler/scanner application for Mac OS X. It has an advantage over MacStumbler / iStumbler / NetStumbler in that it uses monitor mode and passive scanning.
Creating an Uber-secure wireless network
* Disable broadcasting of the SSID (network name).
* Enable Mac address filtering, so that only authorized devices can access the network.
----
Tips for Maintaining Wireless Home Networks
Change the WiFi Channel Number to Avoid Interference
Most devices do not allow the administrative username to be changed, but if yours does, seriously consider changing this name as well.
via: About.com
Creating an Uber-secure wireless network
* Disable broadcasting of the SSID (network name).
* Enable Mac address filtering, so that only authorized devices can access the network.
----
Tips for Maintaining Wireless Home Networks
Change the WiFi Channel Number to Avoid Interference
Most devices do not allow the administrative username to be changed, but if yours does, seriously consider changing this name as well.
via: About.com
Wireless: Client lease time, Linksys WRT54G2
Client Lease Time setting on Routers
When you have a large amount of computers then you increase the amount of load on the DHCP server if it has to be working all the time renewing leases and it adds traffic to the network.
To change the client lease time on the Linksys WRT54G2 router, login to the router's administration area by typing 192.168.1.1 into your browser.
From the main settings page (which should display right after logging in), scroll down a bit to see the Network setup section.
Change the client lease time here to whatever you like. Probably best to leave it at the default of (0) for 1 day. If it's less than one day, your connected machines/devices may get disconnected.
After making changes, click on the Save Settings button at the bottom of the page.
1 day = 1440 minutes
2 days = 2880 min.
5 days = 7220 min.
How client lease time affected your network and connected devices
...on a large network the chances of a conflict occurring [between connected devices] are greater if you use a long lease time
via: Comment on Ubuntu Forums
If you have a large network with machines being removed and connected to the network a lot.. you may run out of available IP addresses even though some are not being used..
for example say you have a dhcp range of 192.168.1.1 -- 192.168.1.20 and a lease time of 1 week.. now say you connect 20 computers to your network and they all lease IP addresses.. if you remove one computer and connect a different machine that machine will not be able to obtain an IP address until the week is up as all 20 available IP addresses have been leased out..
from another comment on the Unbuntu Forums
For a home router it doesn't matter too much, but less than a day could cause issues if gaming with others online. My buddy has DSL and they release like every hour or two and it's a pain in the butt. Set it for a couple days or so and you're fine.
Comment on Ubuntu Forums
On networks of less than 10 machines (my arbitrary choice) long DHCP lease times make more sense because the community of machines is unlikely to change, especially on home networks. Setting DHCP to a week wouldn't hurt for three machines and an average subnet on these routers is a class C (254 usable addresses) so you're unlikely to run out of IPs.
Comment with a few links to wireless network info
About the Linksys WRT42G2
I have noticed quite a few comments about poor range and/or reliability of this router. Range can be affected by a number of factors, including interference in your environment. Most Linksys routers default to channel 6, as the WRT54G2 does, so if you move to a new location, or this is your first Linksys wireless router, you may encounter poor performance if you are near other wireless Linksys routers. One simple way to solve this problem is to just change the router's channel.
via comment on Amazon discussion
in a later post writes:
Many of these routers have the same (or very similar chipsets); the only real difference between most of them is the firmware. Improve the firmware and you improve the router. For what it is worth, i read many accounts of how the dd-wrt solved similar problems for others, on a variety of different routers.
And his review of the product says:
After installing the Linux-based dd-wrt firmware on this router, i noticed two things: Firstly, the device became more stable and robust. For example, resetting the router no longer required power-cycling the cable modem, etc. Secondly, even though this router only supports the "micro" version of the dd-wrt firmware (due to its small flash RAM footprint), this firmware still offers *many* more features (and more polish) than the stock VxWorks-based Linksys firmware.
About Updating Firmware for Routers
About.com describes: an administrator can launch the actual upgrade from the wireless router's administrative console. The router will stop functioning if the upgrade fails to complete. For this reason, manufacturers generally recommend an Ethernet cable be run from the router to the PC to ensure maximum stability during the update. Consult the router's product documentation for details.
Read more
When you have a large amount of computers then you increase the amount of load on the DHCP server if it has to be working all the time renewing leases and it adds traffic to the network.
To change the client lease time on the Linksys WRT54G2 router, login to the router's administration area by typing 192.168.1.1 into your browser.
From the main settings page (which should display right after logging in), scroll down a bit to see the Network setup section.
Change the client lease time here to whatever you like. Probably best to leave it at the default of (0) for 1 day. If it's less than one day, your connected machines/devices may get disconnected.
After making changes, click on the Save Settings button at the bottom of the page.
1 day = 1440 minutes
2 days = 2880 min.
5 days = 7220 min.
How client lease time affected your network and connected devices
...on a large network the chances of a conflict occurring [between connected devices] are greater if you use a long lease time
via: Comment on Ubuntu Forums
If you have a large network with machines being removed and connected to the network a lot.. you may run out of available IP addresses even though some are not being used..
for example say you have a dhcp range of 192.168.1.1 -- 192.168.1.20 and a lease time of 1 week.. now say you connect 20 computers to your network and they all lease IP addresses.. if you remove one computer and connect a different machine that machine will not be able to obtain an IP address until the week is up as all 20 available IP addresses have been leased out..
from another comment on the Unbuntu Forums
For a home router it doesn't matter too much, but less than a day could cause issues if gaming with others online. My buddy has DSL and they release like every hour or two and it's a pain in the butt. Set it for a couple days or so and you're fine.
Comment on Ubuntu Forums
On networks of less than 10 machines (my arbitrary choice) long DHCP lease times make more sense because the community of machines is unlikely to change, especially on home networks. Setting DHCP to a week wouldn't hurt for three machines and an average subnet on these routers is a class C (254 usable addresses) so you're unlikely to run out of IPs.
Comment with a few links to wireless network info
About the Linksys WRT42G2
I have noticed quite a few comments about poor range and/or reliability of this router. Range can be affected by a number of factors, including interference in your environment. Most Linksys routers default to channel 6, as the WRT54G2 does, so if you move to a new location, or this is your first Linksys wireless router, you may encounter poor performance if you are near other wireless Linksys routers. One simple way to solve this problem is to just change the router's channel.
via comment on Amazon discussion
in a later post writes:
Many of these routers have the same (or very similar chipsets); the only real difference between most of them is the firmware. Improve the firmware and you improve the router. For what it is worth, i read many accounts of how the dd-wrt solved similar problems for others, on a variety of different routers.
And his review of the product says:
After installing the Linux-based dd-wrt firmware on this router, i noticed two things: Firstly, the device became more stable and robust. For example, resetting the router no longer required power-cycling the cable modem, etc. Secondly, even though this router only supports the "micro" version of the dd-wrt firmware (due to its small flash RAM footprint), this firmware still offers *many* more features (and more polish) than the stock VxWorks-based Linksys firmware.
About Updating Firmware for Routers
About.com describes: an administrator can launch the actual upgrade from the wireless router's administrative console. The router will stop functioning if the upgrade fails to complete. For this reason, manufacturers generally recommend an Ethernet cable be run from the router to the PC to ensure maximum stability during the update. Consult the router's product documentation for details.
Read more
Monday, July 20, 2009
Mobile lookup by text message
Amazon product lookup (with purchase option)
262966
Google SMS, interactive demo
466453
(weather, define, movies, translate hello in french, stock AAPL, 1 us pint in liters)
262966
Google SMS, interactive demo
466453
(weather, define, movies, translate hello in french, stock AAPL, 1 us pint in liters)
Sunday, July 19, 2009
Orthodox Christianity
"The majority of Orthodox scholars would accept inclusivism.... This view holds firmly to the centrality of Christ... yet acknowledges that salvation can be found outside Christianity."
Humanity was created in the image and likeness of God. "'Image' is... intellect, emotion, ethical judgment, and self-determination. ... The 'likeness' is the human potential to become like God."
"Man is truly free only when he is in communion with God; otherwise he is only a slave to his body or to the world." (Encyc. Britannica) At the Fall, "man's will became blurred, but did not disappear."
- Icons are emphasized by the Orthodox church.
- Orthodox priests may be married
Culturally, the Greek East has always tended to be more philosophical, abstract and mystical in its thinking, whereas the Latin West tends toward a more pragmatic and legal-minded approach. (According to an old saying, "the Greeks built metaphysical systems; the Romans built roads.")
via Religionfacts.com
For Orthodox theologians, humans were created in the image of God and made to participate fully in the divine life. The full communion with God that Adam and Eve enjoyed meant complete freedom and true humanity, for humans are most human when they are completely united with God.
The teaching of St. Paul about sexuality is analogous to his teaching about eating and drinking and all bodily functions. They are given by God for spiritual reasons to be used for His glory. In themselves they are holy and pure. When misused or adored as an end in themselves, they become the instruments of sin and death. The apostle specifically says that all sexual perversions have as their direct cause man's rebellion against God. via Orthodox Church in America
In the Orthodox tradition the eating of the "tree of the knowledge of good and evil" is generally interpreted as man's actual taste of evil, his literal experience of evil as such. Sometimes, this eating is also interpreted (as by St. Gregory the Theologian) as man's attempt to go beyond what was possible for him; his attempt to do that which was not yet within his power to realize. via Orthodox Church in America
"Missionary activity is an essential part of the life of the Church." "Orthodox do not... actively seek to cause the disaffection of others from their non-Orthodox Christian faiths."
Found while comparing the beliefs and practices of different denominations.
Humanity was created in the image and likeness of God. "'Image' is... intellect, emotion, ethical judgment, and self-determination. ... The 'likeness' is the human potential to become like God."
"Man is truly free only when he is in communion with God; otherwise he is only a slave to his body or to the world." (Encyc. Britannica) At the Fall, "man's will became blurred, but did not disappear."
- Icons are emphasized by the Orthodox church.
- Orthodox priests may be married
Culturally, the Greek East has always tended to be more philosophical, abstract and mystical in its thinking, whereas the Latin West tends toward a more pragmatic and legal-minded approach. (According to an old saying, "the Greeks built metaphysical systems; the Romans built roads.")
via Religionfacts.com
For Orthodox theologians, humans were created in the image of God and made to participate fully in the divine life. The full communion with God that Adam and Eve enjoyed meant complete freedom and true humanity, for humans are most human when they are completely united with God.
The teaching of St. Paul about sexuality is analogous to his teaching about eating and drinking and all bodily functions. They are given by God for spiritual reasons to be used for His glory. In themselves they are holy and pure. When misused or adored as an end in themselves, they become the instruments of sin and death. The apostle specifically says that all sexual perversions have as their direct cause man's rebellion against God. via Orthodox Church in America
In the Orthodox tradition the eating of the "tree of the knowledge of good and evil" is generally interpreted as man's actual taste of evil, his literal experience of evil as such. Sometimes, this eating is also interpreted (as by St. Gregory the Theologian) as man's attempt to go beyond what was possible for him; his attempt to do that which was not yet within his power to realize. via Orthodox Church in America
"Missionary activity is an essential part of the life of the Church." "Orthodox do not... actively seek to cause the disaffection of others from their non-Orthodox Christian faiths."
Found while comparing the beliefs and practices of different denominations.
Wordpress Research
Wordpress University
Wordpress for Dummmies book
-- It looks to be out of print, however.
Using a Static Homepage for Your Wordpress Blog
tutorial on creating a copy of a theme and making it into a static page (with screenshots)
How To: Using WordPress as a Static Site
basic instructions on what tags and php files to remove from a Wordpress theme.
Add a favicon to your Wordpress Blog
http://wphackr.com/add-favicon-to-wordpress-blog
Turn Off Wordpress Comments
If using pages, comment out the code that displays/enables comments
WP-CMS Plugin for Wordpress
WP-CMS is a plugin for Wordpress that changes the functionality of the Wordpress admin backend to act more like a CMS. The blog functionality becomes optional and the focus is on writing pages to make Wordpress as user friendly for you and your clients as possible.
WordPress versions 2.1+ now have the static homepage feature built into the software. Go to “options” –> “reading” and you’ll see where to set your static front page.
Wordpress for Dummmies book
-- It looks to be out of print, however.
Using a Static Homepage for Your Wordpress Blog
tutorial on creating a copy of a theme and making it into a static page (with screenshots)
How To: Using WordPress as a Static Site
basic instructions on what tags and php files to remove from a Wordpress theme.
Add a favicon to your Wordpress Blog
http://wphackr.com/add-favicon-to-wordpress-blog
Turn Off Wordpress Comments
If using pages, comment out the code that displays/enables comments
WP-CMS Plugin for Wordpress
WP-CMS is a plugin for Wordpress that changes the functionality of the Wordpress admin backend to act more like a CMS. The blog functionality becomes optional and the focus is on writing pages to make Wordpress as user friendly for you and your clients as possible.
WordPress versions 2.1+ now have the static homepage feature built into the software. Go to “options” –> “reading” and you’ll see where to set your static front page.
Saturday, July 18, 2009
DR: Rich Addicks' site, Pirate Bay will be a pay site, hide torrents
Rich Addicks
- A nice LiveBooks site that I don't remember seeing before.
New Pirate Bay Site Wil Become a Pay Site
Hides Torrent Files in PNG images
- A nice LiveBooks site that I don't remember seeing before.
New Pirate Bay Site Wil Become a Pay Site
Hides Torrent Files in PNG images
Friday, July 17, 2009
DR: Card Games, Egyptian Ratscrew
Card Games - wikiHow
How to Play Egyptian Ratscrew - wikiHow
How to Connect a Mac Mini to a TV - TUAW
-- being able to use a keyboard and having a web access is a big advantage over using the Apple TV, assuming you already have a Mac Mini.
Apple’s App Store Downloads Top 1.5 Billion in First Year (and 60,000 apps)
via MacRumor's news bite also showing a graph of downloads.
New MacBook Pro Models released in June - MacRumors update
* The base model is $1,700 (down from $2,000) and includes:
- 2.53 GHz
- 4 GB of RAM (8 GB max.)
- 250 GB Hard drive
Installing Boxee on an Apple TV - LifeHacker
How to Play Egyptian Ratscrew - wikiHow
How to Connect a Mac Mini to a TV - TUAW
-- being able to use a keyboard and having a web access is a big advantage over using the Apple TV, assuming you already have a Mac Mini.
Apple’s App Store Downloads Top 1.5 Billion in First Year (and 60,000 apps)
via MacRumor's news bite also showing a graph of downloads.
New MacBook Pro Models released in June - MacRumors update
* The base model is $1,700 (down from $2,000) and includes:
- 2.53 GHz
- 4 GB of RAM (8 GB max.)
- 250 GB Hard drive
Installing Boxee on an Apple TV - LifeHacker
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
DR: MetaFilter Podcast, Resume Follow-up
MetaFilter Podcast
These can be hilarious and they don't care about throwing around the F-bomb.
Resume follow-up should be done in about a week according to Yahoo Hotjobs.
These can be hilarious and they don't care about throwing around the F-bomb.
Resume follow-up should be done in about a week according to Yahoo Hotjobs.
Monday, July 13, 2009
Common Luxuries
Items condensed from "Random act of kindness" on Ask MetaFilter.
Transitions lenses
Sonicare toothbrush
TiVo
Roomba
Noise-canceling headphones
Memory foam mattress
Powerful blender
Fantastic sheets/pillows
down comforter
iPod transmitter/charger
CD Alarm clock
Moleskin journal
iPod touch / iPhone
Fisher space pen
Single Speed Bike
A really good chair
LED Headlamp
Transitions lenses
Sonicare toothbrush
TiVo
Roomba
Noise-canceling headphones
Memory foam mattress
Powerful blender
Fantastic sheets/pillows
down comforter
iPod transmitter/charger
CD Alarm clock
Moleskin journal
iPod touch / iPhone
Fisher space pen
Single Speed Bike
A really good chair
LED Headlamp
Sunday, July 12, 2009
Added the drop-down menu for updated posts
A few days ago I started looking at some HTML/JS snippets to try and get a drop down menu for updated posts, to conserve space.
I found a drop down menu tutorial with code but for some reason it wasn't working, so I used the source code from this blog, which used the same thing, but was working.
I found a drop down menu tutorial with code but for some reason it wasn't working, so I used the source code from this blog, which used the same thing, but was working.
DR: Worst Parents Ever, Question Boxes,
Question Boxes
"bring information to people who cannot or do not access the Internet directly. Question Boxes leap over illiteracy, computer illiteracy, lack of networks, and language barriers...."
Worst Parents Ever (Youtube video)
"bring information to people who cannot or do not access the Internet directly. Question Boxes leap over illiteracy, computer illiteracy, lack of networks, and language barriers...."
Worst Parents Ever (Youtube video)
Saturday, July 11, 2009
High School Comp CD: Vandals and Everclear
Comp CD from Freshman year of High School
Everclear - Songs from an American Movie
In Bloom
Something in the way
Strung Out - In Harm's Way
Tilt - Weave and Unravel
Rancid - Just a feeling
NOFX - Kill all the white men
Everclear - Songs from an American Movie
- Song from An American Movie
- Here we go again
- AM Radio
- Unemployed Boyfriend
- Wonderful
- When it all goes wrong again
- Baby Talk
- Misery Whip
- All Fucked Up
- Let the bad times roll
- Take it back
- And now we dance
- I have a date
- Power mustache
- Happy birthday to me
- Get in Line
In Bloom
Something in the way
Strung Out - In Harm's Way
Tilt - Weave and Unravel
Rancid - Just a feeling
NOFX - Kill all the white men
DR: CSS Sprites, Page optimizer
- CSS Sprites (tutorial, background, and example of usage on AOL)
- Web Page Analyzer (gives tips on improving page load times and goes in depth)
- Utah Photojournalism blog
- Jay Maisel Interview (when he first went digital with the Nikon D1)
Added the search box to the blog (helps to rediscover forgotten posts).
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Automator: Converting image file format
Tutorial: Convert PNG images in a folder to JPEG (and keep the originals after the conversion) another tutorial describes a conversion that overwrites the original images.
Learning Skills
- How to jump start a car and another video
- How to change a tire
- How to drive a stick shift
- How to wash your car
- How to replace your windshield wiper blades
- How to do an oil change
- How to change a car battery
- How to change an air filter
- How to change a headlight
- How to lube a bike chain
- How to Grill a Burger
- How to tie a Windsor knot
- How to iron shirts and pants
- How to shut off gas and electricity in an emergency?
9/16/09 | Update
- Basic bike maintenance
365 Day Challenge: Shed One Thing Per Day
Started today, July 8th.
7/12: A bunch of TIME magazines from 2005. (recycle)
7/9: State of Fear by Michael Crichton (donate to local library)
7/8: The Blackbook photography ad book (donate to local library)
7/12: A bunch of TIME magazines from 2005. (recycle)
7/9: State of Fear by Michael Crichton (donate to local library)
7/8: The Blackbook photography ad book (donate to local library)
Quote: Mark Twain on imagination
You can't depend on your eyes when your imagination is out of focus
- Mark Twain
- Mark Twain
Kids Say the Darnedest Things
Valerie: You don't want to sit on a pillow that has tears on it.
Benard: They need my weight and "heighdth".
Me: Who said Give me liberty or give me death.
Benard: St. Joseph.
Benard: They need my weight and "heighdth".
Me: Who said Give me liberty or give me death.
Benard: St. Joseph.
Monday, July 6, 2009
Consumer Reports: Best Digital Cameras
Consumer Reports, July 2009
Subcompact
#3 Nikon Coolpix S610 $220 Recommended
- very good image quality
- optical stabilizer
- wide angle
#8 Canon Powershot SD1100 IS Elph $150 Recommended
- very short next shot delay (excellent)
- very good image quality
>> Also available: the 10MP Canon Powershot SD1200 IS Elph, $230, with
face detection self timer.
Compact
#2 Canon Powershot A1000 IS $140 Recommended
- very good image quality
- one of the highest battery life ratings (450 shots)
#3 Canon PowerShot A590 IS $110 Best Buy
- Good image quality
- 450 shot battery rating
- excellent next-shot delay
Consumer Reports rated the Nikon D300 and D90 to have "max ISO with best quality" at 3200.
Subcompact
#3 Nikon Coolpix S610 $220 Recommended
- very good image quality
- optical stabilizer
- wide angle
#8 Canon Powershot SD1100 IS Elph $150 Recommended
- very short next shot delay (excellent)
- very good image quality
>> Also available: the 10MP Canon Powershot SD1200 IS Elph, $230, with
face detection self timer.
Compact
#2 Canon Powershot A1000 IS $140 Recommended
- very good image quality
- one of the highest battery life ratings (450 shots)
#3 Canon PowerShot A590 IS $110 Best Buy
- Good image quality
- 450 shot battery rating
- excellent next-shot delay
Consumer Reports rated the Nikon D300 and D90 to have "max ISO with best quality" at 3200.
Money Well Spent: What was worth buying
Looking back on products and purchases that were worth the money
- 8B CompactFlash card I photographed an entire wedding in RAW with one of these cards. I took only about 600 images, however.
- Soundslides For $70 I can now make professional looking flash galleries for my website, show images portfolio and tell stories on my blog.
- Mead Five Star Folders These folders are incredibly tough and come in several colors.
- MetaFilter (registration) Good answers to questions about anything
- Mead Five Star: 3/5 Subject Notebooks An entire semester's worth of college notes was stored in one of these notebooks, which made notes easier to access
- MacHeist Bundle (1Password) 1Password has made this entire package worth the purchase. Using Snapz Pro X or CSSEdit would really make this a valuable purchase.
Consumer Reports: Best TV's
Consumer Reports March 2009
Movie Lover
. . .To do justice to your favorite flicks, choose a TV with a least a 40-inch screen, and think bigger for a greater dramatic impact.
Plasma sets generally display richer, more movie-like images that LCD TV's, with better blacks, truer colors, and better detail in the shadows. . .Our tests have shown that LCDs using LED backlights with local dimming give plasmas a run for their money in producing deep blacks, great contrast, and accurate colors.
Plasma TV's
50-Inch sets
Samsung PN50A550 $1,600 Best Buy
- Rated 'excellent' rating for HD picture, DVD, and SD picture quality.
- 3 HDMI, 2 Component
Vizio VP504FHDTV10a $1,100 Recommended
- Only other model listed as a great value with excellent HD picture quality
- 4 HDMI, 1 Component
None of the 42" plasma TV's are 1080p.
_______________________________________________
LCD TVs
Viewing angle is still a limiting factor for LCDs; most sets got middling scores because image quality declines as you move off to the sides or up and down.
40 and 42 inch sets
#1 Samsung LN40A630 $1,400 Recommended ($870 on 10/1/09)
- Excellent picture quality across the board
#5 Sharp Aquos LC-42D65U $1,100 Best Buy ($900 on 10/1/09)
- excellent picture quality and an unusual five HDMI inputs
#14 Vizio V042L FHDTV10A $900 Recommended
- Excellent HD picture quality and a wide viewing angle
Movie Lover
. . .To do justice to your favorite flicks, choose a TV with a least a 40-inch screen, and think bigger for a greater dramatic impact.
Plasma sets generally display richer, more movie-like images that LCD TV's, with better blacks, truer colors, and better detail in the shadows. . .Our tests have shown that LCDs using LED backlights with local dimming give plasmas a run for their money in producing deep blacks, great contrast, and accurate colors.
Plasma TV's
50-Inch sets
Samsung PN50A550 $1,600 Best Buy
- Rated 'excellent' rating for HD picture, DVD, and SD picture quality.
- 3 HDMI, 2 Component
Vizio VP504FHDTV10a $1,100 Recommended
- Only other model listed as a great value with excellent HD picture quality
- 4 HDMI, 1 Component
None of the 42" plasma TV's are 1080p.
_______________________________________________
LCD TVs
Viewing angle is still a limiting factor for LCDs; most sets got middling scores because image quality declines as you move off to the sides or up and down.
40 and 42 inch sets
#1 Samsung LN40A630 $1,400 Recommended ($870 on 10/1/09)
- Excellent picture quality across the board
#5 Sharp Aquos LC-42D65U $1,100 Best Buy ($900 on 10/1/09)
- excellent picture quality and an unusual five HDMI inputs
#14 Vizio V042L FHDTV10A $900 Recommended
- Excellent HD picture quality and a wide viewing angle
Sunday, July 5, 2009
Saturday, July 4, 2009
How to Spend Less Money
- Ride a bike whenever possible. (You'll be less inclined to buy things because you can't carry them, making impulse purchases less likely.)
- Consider if what you're buying is a necessity. Could you wait a week, a month, or a few months for this ite?. Will you use this item six month from now?
- Buy everything with cash or a debit card. Paying with real money means that you'll probably be more careful about what you buy.
Thursday, July 2, 2009
Memorable movies seen recently
Memorable Movies. . . .some old, some new
Saw in 2008
- Annie Hall 4/4
- A Fistful of Dollars 3.5/4
- A Scanner Darkly 3.75/4
- Doubt 4/4
- Vicky Christina Barcelona 3.75/4
- Goodfellas 4/4
- Burn After Reading 3/4
- Adaptation
- Flash of Genius
- Assassination of Jesse James 4/4
- Gran Torino 3.75/4
- Slumdog Millionaire 4/4
- The Counterfeiters 3.75/4
- Religulous 4/4
Saw in 2008
- Borat 4/4
- Forgetting Sarah Marshall 3.5/4
- The Science of Sleep 3.5/4
- Pulp Fiction 4/4
- The Talented Mr. Ripley 4/4
- A Few Good Men 3.5/4
- The Fountain 3.5/4
- Michael Clayton 4/4
- Lost in Translation 4/4
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Rigpa Glimpse: Ego plays on our fear of loosing control
Ego plays brilliantly on our fundamental fear of losing control, and of the unknown. We might say to ourselves: “I should really let go of ego, I’m in such pain; but if I do, what’s going to happen to me?”
Ego will chime in sweetly: “I know I’m sometimes a nuisance, and believe me, I quite understand if you want me to leave. But is that really what you want? Think: If I do go, what’s going to happen to you? Who’ll look after you? Who will protect and care for you like I’ve done all these years?”
Even if we see through the lies of the ego, we are just too scared to abandon it; for without any true knowledge of the nature of our mind, or true identity, we simply have no other alternative. Again and again we cave in to ego’s demands with the same sad self-hatred as the alcoholic feels reaching for the drink that he knows is destroying him, or the drug addict feels groping for the drug that she knows after a brief high will only leave her flat and desperate.
Rigpa Glimpse of the Day, April 21
Ego will chime in sweetly: “I know I’m sometimes a nuisance, and believe me, I quite understand if you want me to leave. But is that really what you want? Think: If I do go, what’s going to happen to you? Who’ll look after you? Who will protect and care for you like I’ve done all these years?”
Even if we see through the lies of the ego, we are just too scared to abandon it; for without any true knowledge of the nature of our mind, or true identity, we simply have no other alternative. Again and again we cave in to ego’s demands with the same sad self-hatred as the alcoholic feels reaching for the drink that he knows is destroying him, or the drug addict feels groping for the drug that she knows after a brief high will only leave her flat and desperate.
Rigpa Glimpse of the Day, April 21
Job Hunting
- Being organized is key to getting a job these days. It also helps keep your spirits up to see that you've been working at it. Good post. [lifehacker comment]
- Five Ways to Streamline Your Job Search
- Create a log to keep track of your job search
- Call (or email) after submitting a resume to follow-up. Advise for both sides of the issue and a follow-up call wins (gets) the interview.
- Liz Ryan,
Tips for Applying to a job from Craigslist
The cover letter should stand out from the 90% of everything else.
- I don't even get to most resume's because the cover letter is so drab. If you want to stand a chance at getting a response, you ABSOLUTLY MUST spend some time on this.
- If you just regurgitate a form cover letter from some book you read, or the email you sent to the last company, I'm going to yawn and hit the delete key before I ever get to your resume.
- You're writing me an email.... imagine me sitting at my desk with my inbox dinging every minute. Do you think I really want to fire up Word to see a formatted cover letter.
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