2004 December 01

Packing, unpacking, going, leaving, growing…

There just aren't enough geeks in LA. We're moving to Seattle, where the tech community is a lot more tight-knit (and the weather is a lot more to my liking). The stress hasn't even begun! As Ponzi just noted, we're ready for the moving boxes and packing tape. Oh, and tons of bubble wrap! When we move, we move all the way.

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These general safety tips come from the folks at DriveSavers. I met John Christopher (the guy who put these a few years ago at MacWorld:

1. Always back-up! Don't overlook your duty to backup critical data when you are working on a big project or a tight deadline.
2. Keep current copies of important data offsite. Store copies of your data in a fireproof safe or in a bank safety deposit box.
3. If you must disconnect USB or FireWire peripheral devices while the computer is on, use extreme care. Be sure external drives have stopped spinning before picking up or moving them.
4. Never reformat a hard drive without checking your backup. If you use tapes, be sure you are familiar with the backup software before archiving important data.
5. Never move or jar a drive or computer while it is operating. Doing so could cause media damage.
6. Allow adequate space around external drives' cooling vents; remove books, papers, etc., which might block airflow. Do not put the drive on carpeting.
7. Avoid rapid temperature changes. If the drive was previously in a very cold environment, allow your drive to warm-up to room temperature before operating. Generally, if you are comfortable, the climate is appropriate for the drive.
8. All computer equipment should be protected with high-quality surge protectors or line conditioners.

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Convert VHS Movies to DVD! We've relaunched our Tutorials (finally, thanks to Jake). One of the hottest sellers is his tutorial on VHS to DVD conversion. “Video tapes wear out in 10-15 years – if you never watch them. Many Hollywood movies aren't available on DVD. Your wedding video and baby's first steps won't last forever, unless you convert to a digital format. Extend the life of your movie collection – upgrade from VHS and camcorder tapes to DVD. Get the comprehensive resource on movie upgrades. Convert VHS tapes to DVD in a few, simple steps. Download the tutorial!”

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O Lockergnome, Dear Lockergnome – How lovely are your Channels. O Lockergnome, True Lockergnome – I like you more than flannels. With every day that passes by you give me stuff to read and try. O Lockergnome, My Lockergnome… You're vital – much like vowels!

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After seeing that I could download MSN Messenger Beta 7.0, I spent an hour or so updating all my MSN preferences – wondering why I couldn't turn off the “Dating” tab or advertisements. Taken, thanks – you stupid, stupid piece of software (read: unintuitive service). I've skipped AIM, too – as well as ICQ. It's Trillian all the way for me. I find it completely inexcusable for these companies to go out of their way to NOT get along with one another. [More]

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What's the big deal about emoticons? I love 'em as much as the next email or messenger addict, but… not to the point where I'm going to pay for a set! Are there really people who buy smilies? Most IM clients come with a good default set, and I've never felt the need to express my emotion with micropayments. Yeah, I can see how they liven up email messages, forum postings, IM programs, et al – for free. Is there an emoticon for “likes to insert free smilies”? [More]

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As much as I love looking at 'em, I don't wear timepieces. Either there's a clock on the wall, or someone nearby who can tell me in fuzzy fashion. “Time to get a watch?” No, it's time to visit the Nerd Watch Museum.

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I saw Mommy reading Lockergnome
through a wreath of RSS last night.
She didn't want to sleep,
the links were oh-so-deep.
Her screen was overcome with Chris Pirillo's freakin' [BLEEP].

Then, I saw mommy clicking Lockergnome.
Everybody's goin' to the site!
What a laugh it would have been
if Daddy had only seen
Mommy renting Chris's chest last night!

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