2003 March ~ Chris Pirillo

Switching to Mozilla

25 Comments (Add) | Monday, March 31st, 2003 at 7:10pm

After getting a false bounce from my Brother (via MailWasher), I thought it was time I learned how to use the junk mail features in Mozilla's mail client. After a little fussing, I was able to get it to work – quite admirably, might I add. I don't know how they do it, but this is pretty darn slick. I think I'm ready to start recommending this over Outlook Express. And who knows? If Microsoft screws up the next version of Outlook (proper), I may just move mail management to Mozilla myself.

WWWD?

29 Comments (Add) | Monday, March 31st, 2003 at 8:29am

Wil Wheaton… will not be at Gnomedex 3.0.

A Day in the Life

19 Comments (Add) | Sunday, March 30th, 2003 at 8:50am

(1) Update on Mandrake 9.1 installation: smooth as silk, and the OS is supremely impressive. Finally, a usable Linux desktop! (2) I spent most of the day trying to figure out how to get this to work with our entertainment system; ultimately, I installed a WinTV PCI card in G's computer and things are running smooth as silk. It's something that'll completely destroy Microsoft's Media Center PC in no time flat. (3) We've decided to drop digital cable; the only reason we have it is for TechTV, which I never watch anyway. I think I killed the decoder with my tinkering, anyway. (4) We spied the Sony DVP NS315 DVD Player at a local electronics store today; it supports DVD-Video, DVD-R, DVD+RW, DVD-RW (video mode), CD-R, CD-RW, and MP3 CDs – for around $99. Although, if they have a SLV-D100, I may just go that route and eliminate yet another component from our shelf. Wait, maybe I'll just get the NS755V? Dangit. Too many choices. (5) pt hasn't returned my e-mails; I'm afraid I'm not going to see him until… I see him again.

Blue… No Yellow!

22 Comments (Add) | Saturday, March 29th, 2003 at 6:23am

The built-in Ethernet jack on that Lindows machine seems to have shuffled off its mortal coil, so I'm using this alleged suicide as an excuse to throw Mandrake 9.1 on that baby. We'll see if I can bring the port back to life. Hey, if they can sell subscriptions to borrowing unlimited paperback novels (library, anyone?!), then certainly I (a lowly mortal) can perform such miracles. I gave up on trying to ressurect the built-in WiFi adapter on my test Toshiba. It loved Windows XP Home, but hated Pro. Don't ask me why – and also don't ask me why my handwriting font is now showing up darker than it had been. It's one of those mysteries of the universe – like… what color underwear do I have on right now?

Genius Blogs

11 Comments (Add) | Friday, March 28th, 2003 at 7:01pm

I just started a new blogroll, and I'll add to it whenever I stumble upon a blog that's totally out-of-the-box. Today, my buddy David sent me a link to his latest creation: Legal MP3 Downloads. Totally, TOTALLY cool. I've got the 'roll' at the bottom of my sidebar – take a look and let me know what links are missing. My criteria: (1) Must run on blogging software; (2) Must have an RSS feed; (3) Must provide oustanding, original links or content; (4) Must be updated at least once every week, if not once a day.

In Need of Beta Clickers

13 Comments (Add) | Friday, March 28th, 2003 at 3:04am

Taking a cue from one of my snozberries (Marie), Jake and I decided to give Voidstar a whirl. After seeing semi-decent results, we decided to install the code on our Web server. The result: a Lockergnome Windows Daily RSS feed. It's pretty sloppy, but that's to be expected with such a reverse-engineered “hack.” Still, it works – and I'd love to hear your feedback on it (sans title syntax comments).

Read more on In Need of Beta Clickers…

Syndication Sensation

7 Comments (Add) | Thursday, March 27th, 2003 at 8:37am

You're sitting there thinking to yourself: “Yeah, RSS is great and all – but why doesn't Courtney wear a thong in her Webcam? And would she really spank my IP? That, and how do I set up an RSS feed for my site – or for a site that doesn't have one available?” Looks like myRSS may be your answer. I ran a few general news URLs through it and the service came through with usable results. The problem? The primary site is as confusing as hell. Even with this description: “myRSS requires no programming experience, is completely automated and all channels are available for free,” other parts of the site left me reaching for the Tylenol. Methinks an editor needs to lend his/her services. Still, this doesn't cost us a thing to use – and it's a killer idea (long overdue). I applaud its creator, but would encourage him/her for more straightforward information organization at some point in the future. The “sponsorship” section should have clear-cut bulletpoints of benefits; the “creation” page should have a numbered list of simple directions; the front page should not be a blog of other products; et cetera. I could also do without the redirect page, but understand why it's there. I offer this unsolicited feedback not because I'm a mean person – but because I wanna see this thing grow.

RSSing the Bar

5 Comments (Add) | Thursday, March 27th, 2003 at 2:18am

Jodie says I look like the Uniblogger with this jersey on. I've just been feedin' my need for news. Somebody linked to Feedstering Mozilla, but I'm still using IE 90% of the time. Never fear! TweakUI for XP is here! Within its 'Internet Explorer' entry, open the Search branch. Create a new search prefix, enter “rss” (or whatever) into the first field, then this URL (courtesy of Surfmind). If you have any other version of Windows, I believe that X-Setup has a plugin that should do the same thing.

Handheld Hell

7 Comments (Add) | Thursday, March 27th, 2003 at 12:53am

Why doesn't someone create a reverse eBay of sorts? I'm looking for a way to… “backup” my Game Boy cartridges via USB. I found a few scattered online retailers that carry the Gameboy Advance XG-Flash 256MB, but each one of the sites has lousier than lousy ratings. Even Craig's list didn't help me (and where's their RSS feed?!). Perhaps I should offer them some of my blog stock?

Ben and Mena MP3

4 Comments (Add) | Wednesday, March 26th, 2003 at 5:00pm

The blog song via Solonor. If this doesn't launch someone into the A list, I don't know what will. A box of Krispy Kremes?

Too Much Information

8 Comments (Add) | Wednesday, March 26th, 2003 at 4:41am

Gretchen returned a foam pillow to Brookstone this evening. I stood outside the store, peering over the balcony to the floors below. From behind, I hear: “Hey, it's Chris Pirillo!” My normal reaction would be to turn and run, but somehow the mall had rendered my instincts moot. Turns out to be pt (master of the Segway). He's down here for a conference; we had talked about hooking up at some point this week. What a nice surprise, to see him earlier than expected. He was getting a coat at J. Crew… not like you care. I let him caress my GBA SP. Was that too much information?

Gnomedex 3.0 Updates

9 Comments (Add) | Tuesday, March 25th, 2003 at 5:39pm

Hey folks! The site (as you can see) is still coming together – including the speakers page. We're working on a handful of BIG names for you. So, who's already confirmed? You're not going to believe it – but I'll tell you, anyway. How'd you like to shake hands with Jim Louderback? Ya know, the geek who's written for every other computer publication on the planet? Oh, and if you had the chance to talk to John C. Dvorak, what would you say? Think about it for a while, because he's speaking at this conference, too. And have you ever heard of this Web site called Slashdot? Yeah, well CmdrTaco is gonna be presenting at Gnomedex 3.0, too. And that's just for starters. Stay tuned!

Shocking News

13 Comments (Add) | Tuesday, March 25th, 2003 at 4:27am

We needed an extension cord, so I picked one up from Radio Shack this afternoon. It came with a tag attached, but I tore it off so that I could transcribe the warning for you. Danger! [That's how it starts] Electrical cords can be hazardous. Misuse can result in FIRE or DEATH by ELECTRICAL SHOCK. Please read both sides carefully and follow all directions. During use: keep away from water; do not use when wet; keep children and pets away from cord; do not plug one extension cord into another; avoid overheating; uncoil cord and do not cover it with any material; do not drive, drag, or place objects over cord; do not walk on cord. After use: grasp plug to remove from outlet; always store cord indoors; always unplug when not in use; do not unplug by pulling on cord; do not remove this tag. Oops. I'm gonna die! And just in case some of you still don't understand how to operate one of these bastards, they also offer this word of advice: do not connect a three-prong plug into a two-hole cord. Lesson learned: do not taunt happy fun cord.

RSS Feed Jackpot

11 Comments (Add) | Tuesday, March 25th, 2003 at 3:03am

I was checking out a link that someone sent me earlier, and stumbled upon this jackpot of RSS feeds. Insane! They've even got one set up for Robert Blake, for chrissake. Now, if only they'd add Charlie, I'd be set. I'm telling ya – if you don't have a RSS file, I ain't likely to return to your site. M'kay? Even if you have cool tools like this one or this one.