2002

For those who missed the fun. UPDATE: I hope to also get my celebrity interviews digitized. It'll be a lot less painful than an on-air enema.

Beaming: my face as I walked up the stairs to my apartment last night at 1:30AM. I've never been more proud of my friends, family, and fans. Darn near everyone came out to support our Help-a-thon, which will assuredly go down as one of the (if not THE) most successful programs ever aired on TechTV. Cast and crew were giving 110% throughout the day – from six in the morning all the way to an hour past midnight. It was so fulfilling to look around the set, only minutes after the broadcast concluded. We were there to have fun, to help, and to try something that had only been talked about in years prior. Even in the late hours, the chat room was teeming with hundreds of viewers and the phone bank was full. I could only witness support vicariously, having limited access to anything other than the task at hand – in front of the camera for (pretty much) eighteen hours straight. I want to thank everybody for doing their part – in an official or unofficial capacity. You kept our spirits high, even when our tanks were running on empty. I sit here with so many happy memories dancing in my mind, knowing they'll stay with me for the rest of my life.

Read more on The Longest Day of My Life…

There was much merriment in the Gnomestead last night. My only hope is to do Hoopty's camerawork justice in the editing process. Perhaps I should pass the DV tape on to him, and let the Boobiemeister have at it? Nobody saw the cookies that Gretchen baked. She had to use a special 'ugly' formula to get 'em to turn out that geeky. My head tastes good – I had it twice. Nobody was able to capture these acts on film. The best part of the evening was when we Malkovich Malkovich Malkovich Malkovich Malkovich Malkovich Malkovich Malkovich Malkovich Malkovich Malkovich Malkovich Malkovich Malkovich Malkovich Malkovich. Oh, and when we played Atari. UPDATE: I've finished encoding and uploading the video. It's the Pirillo Christmas Party 2002.

Read more on Rockin' Around…

Sprocket's getting shaved, Gretchen's running around town picking up last-minute comestibles, and I'm stuck here in my cubicle waiting for TSS this evening. We'll be promoting the Help-a-thon in “Lightning Round” fashion. Marty and Patrick will be grilling me with twenty tech questions, preparing me for the 18 hours of live hell that will be the day after Christmas. I was planning on getting a blood test this afternoon, but they apparently had us scheduled for 4PM on Saturday (tomorrow). So, right before our party, I'll be pekid and passed out on the sofa. I guess that's kinda normal. I could definitely do without the needles. Regardless, I'll be sure to have my Webcam turned on and pointed to the action once the festivities begin. I suppose that would include the visit from our assigned RN. He's a pro, I hear.

Read more on White Out…

I just met Wil a few hours ago. I know that some people believe he's a nut, but I think he's alright. And yes, let there be no doubt – he's a true geek. I'd like to work with him at some point in the future; you don't find many technophiles who can complete a sentence in front of a camera. Online or off, I appreciate social geekitude. I also appreciate a good cup of coffee. Yes, I know – I tried to quit, but I'm back on the caffwagon. I'll need it on the 26th!

Read more on No Waffles…

If you'd like to see the Call for Help-a-thon promo running on TechTV, tune in to the beginning of each show. It appears that it's the first commercial run on the first commercial break. We filmed it in my real bedroom on Wednesday and it started airing this morning. Those are not my real pajamas, I do not wear a nightcap, and we do not keep a clock or a phone on the nightstand. That is my lamp, however. If someone can capture the commercial and digitize it for me, I would be forever in your debt. Well, at least for the next day or so.

Read more on Patterns!…

Our stockings were hung by the chimney with care in the hopes that a laundry day soon would be there. With me using Windows and G on the Mac, the household was open to plenty a hack. When what to my wondering eyes should appear than one scary lookin' fat dude in a red jumper suit that was three sizes too small for his body. Yep. Another friggin' system administrator who got lost on his way home from a LAN party. Anyway… where was I? And then, in a twinkling, I heard on the roof the prancing and pawing of each little goof. As I drew in my hand to dial 9-1-1, down the chimney this lardass came with a bound. His lights – how they twinkled! His drive bay – how merry! His case was exquisite, much like Halle Berry. The stump of a pipe he held tight in his teeth would get him kicked out of the state of California because we don't tolerate that kind of crap around here. So chubby and plump, a right jolly old elf, and I laughed when I looked – damn near wetting myself. His sack was exploding with presents inside as he readied to drop them sans seasonal pride. With a wink of his eye and a twist of his head he did the Lambada with Sprocket instead. He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work, and filled all our stockings – the real ones, you jerk. And laying his finger aside of his nose, he slipped and went up his left nostril, yo-ho. But I heard him belt out, ere he drove out of sight: 'Gnomie Christmas to all, and to all a good-night.'

Read more on The Gnome Before Christmas…

Is it unhealthy to really, really, really want a Segway?

G has a wish list on Amazon, but… there's nothing on it that jumps out at me. I'd much rather rely on guided inspiration, but that can only take me so far. I've learned one thing from holidays past – a smattering of stuff gains nothing but dust with her. Two Christmases ago, I purchased a handful of “acting” video tapes for her to review. To this day, most of 'em are still in the wrapper. What I should do is rewrap her yet-used presents. I asked her for a list last week, but she hasn't shown me anything yet. Candy is out; she's got too much of it as is. Jewlery is out. Gift certificates are out. Clothes are out. Books are out. I'm spinning my wheels here.

Read more on Paper or Plastic?…

In an hour or so, I'll hop into a taxi and jet across town to Blowfish. Normally, I wouldn't bother with it – but I'm going with a new-found friend. He knows people over there. Good atmosphere, good music, decent sushi. Tonight's journey shouldn't break the bank, if I understood Eric correctly. I'm chilling in front of channel 44 right now (the local UPN affiliate). Disney's Alice in Wonderland is gracing the screen – with slithy toves. Jesus loves the little children – and Wi-Fi, too. All dead access points go to heaven, ya know.

Read more on Wireless Wabe…

Oh my god… the dancing bushes have been pushed off of my page! I guess I could stand to share more thoughts with you when I find the time? Like, why won't this rash go away? And who moved my cheese?

Read more on No More Bush…

My voice is going out, but I don't know why – or where it's headed. Perhaps it's going to kick the tall guy's ass. He sat directly in front of me at the Cirque du Soleil performance of Varekai. From what I could see, I was extremely impressed. Perhaps I should run away and join the cirque? It feels like the right thing to do. Wait, no… it's just gas. Oh crap – I just dropped cream cheese all over my pants. And no, that's not a euphemism for something else. Or maybe it is and I just don't know it? No, another lunch of ham and egg salad. There are so few restaurants over here. I know I should probably pack something like Gretchen does, but I'm not that motivated. Those Lunchables would be great, if only they were fit for human consumption. Or maybe they are and I just don't know it?

Read more on Spilling Cream Cheese…

Gretchen and I are headed out to catch a local Cirque du Soleil show, but I wanted to share this earlier B&B post with you: “After months of being on hiatus, we're ressurecting our forums. This time, however, the system is Web-based and FREE registration will be required for those who post messages. Mike has been ironing out the wrinkles, but for the most part, we're ready to roll with a basic set of subjects. In time, it will become more finely tuned, but remember: this is your community, so YOUR involvement will ultimately dictate its direction. Up front, we're looking for feedback, participation, and possibly even a UI overhaul. And I know that we plan on sharing some of the more fruitful threads in the newsletters, so there's a stronger possibility for name and resource recognition if you're an active member. With user profiles, e-mail notification of answered posts, and (eventually) Forum Leaders, this solution should take care of us for a long while. Plus, we can add and remove categories and sub-categories at will – which will make it quite a dynamic destination, depending (again) on how you choose to drive it forward. Help is the name of the game, and our rules are pretty loose. Sit on the sidelines or dive into the action – the stadium is open for business.”

Read more on You Sure Talk Purdy…

The incredible frogb0y is on the loose again. I really oughta add Brad to my blogroll, eh? He's been writing some pretty good stuff. My kind of blogger – tech bent, eye level, and generally realistic. For someone who owns an interface customization company, his design isn't quite what I would have expected. We crashed his ObjectDock server with over 40 gigabits of traffic today. That was fun (albeit effortless). Man, if only there was a way to make window skins render quicker in Windows. The UI could be even more gooey. Sticky sweet.

Read more on The OS X Dock in Windows…

While most Americans will be gathered 'round the dinner table at some point tomorrow, I'll be sitting in front of the television with a hot laptop on my… lap (with a heavy cloth or two sheilding the family jewels). Staying home was my choice to make, as I've got some tasks to start and finish before I head back to the studio on Monday. Gretchen's back in Iowa, which would explain her sudden blognapping. She has time to write random crap at work, but I do not have that luxury. No, instead I spend my time doing things like television shows, magazine articles, books, e-mail newsletters, business deals, and peeing. So, I had three extra minutes to share my thoughts with you tonight. That was nice. Now, I need to remember to tell you that I still read everybody's blog (believe it or not). No time for that now, though – I've got some important Frasiers to view. Oh wait, it's almost 11PM. I may have to settle for The Simpsons – which is quite a consolation. Where's a PVR when I need one?! Maybe post-CES my options will be more plentiful. More plenty? Good and plenty? Plenty good?

Read more on The Third Degree…